bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overuse of mammography during the first round of an organized breast cancer screening programme
Authors: Chamot Eric , Charvet Agathe , Perneger Thomas V. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractObjectives  We examined the frequency of mammography screening among women who had had a screening mammogram recently and therefore generally did not need to repeat the examination.Methods  A population‐based sample of 50‐ to 69‐year‐old women were surveyed immediately before and 8 months after they received an invitation to participate in the first round of screening of the newly organized mammography screening programme in Geneva, Switzerland. These women also received a booklet that included the recommendation to have screening mammograms at 2‐year intervals.Results  The baseline survey identified 660 women who had had a mammogram within the previous 12 months. Of these, 23.2% [95% confidence interval (CI), 20.0–26.6] had an opportunistic mammogram and 4.1% (95% CI, 2.7–5.9) had an organized mammogram during follow‐up. Women who had had their last mammogram 6–12 months prior to baseline (vs. more recently), intended to have a mammogram within the next 6 months, wished to receive more information on mammography screening, and had a history of surgical breast biopsy were more likely to have an unnecessary screening mammogram (either organized or opportunistic) during follow‐up. Compared with women who had an opportunistic mammogram, women who had an organized mammogram were more likely to be of lower socioeconomic status, to have made their own screening decision and to have anticipated the date of their next mammogram by no more than a few months.Conclusions  Opportunistic mammography screening in excess of recommendation is common, and persists despite explicit advice about recommended screening frequency.
Development and analysis of a nationwide cost database of acute‐care hospitals in Japan
Authors: Hayashida Kenshi , Imanaka Yuichi , Otsubo Tetsuya , Kuwabara Kazuaki , Ishikawa Kohicih B , Fushimi Kiyohide , Hashimoto Hideki , Yasunaga Hideo , Horiguchi Hiromasa , Anan Makoto , Fujimori Kenji , Ikeda Shunya , Matsuda Shinya 
Published: June 2009

AbstractObjectives  Understanding of hospital cost is crucial to achieve an ideal balance between the assurance and improvement of patient safety and quality, and efficient use of finite resources. However, neither a standardized calculation methodology nor a large‐scale database of costs in acute‐care hospitals exists in Japan. This study aims to develop a standardized methodology, construct a nationwide cost database in Japan, analyse the characteristics of the database and examine the relationship between the cost and the charge from the viewpoint of an appropriate reflection of the cost to the price.Method  We designed the costing framework, gathered the data for patients discharged from 139 acute‐care hospitals in Japan between July 2004 and October 2004 and constructed a database containing information on 284 730 patients. The characteristics of the database and the relationship between the cost and the charge were investigated.Results  In the nationwide database we constructed, a wide range in the average cost per hospitalization and average cost per diem was observed. A wide variation of cost components was seen across major diagnostic categories. Moreover, there was a high correlation between the cost and the charge (Correlation coefficient = 0.94).Conclusions  After designing a costing framework, a nationwide database comprised of individual case‐level costs with components for acute‐care hospitals in Japan was successfully developed. We hope this study contributes to appropriate decision making and helps motivate further research geared towards efficient hospital management and a rational payment system in Japan.
Coping mechanisms used by women in an attempt to avoid symptoms of chronic radiation enteritis
Authors: Abayomi J. C. , Kirwan J. , Hackett A. F. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground:  Approximately 12 000 individuals undergo pelvic radiotherapy in the UK every year and up to 50% may develop symptoms of chronic radiation enteritis (CRE). Health professionals often give inappropriate dietary advice to patients in an attempt to avoid CRE symptoms, such as avoiding fibre, despite a lack of evidence to support this.Methods:  The present study aimed to explore dietary advice and changes made to the diet by women treated with pelvic radiotherapy. A questionnaire was distributed to 117 women attending Liverpool Women’s Hospital, exploring symptoms of CRE and asking questions about diet and medication advice received, as well as changes made to the diet.Results:  Ninety‐five (87.2%) women completed the questionnaire and 47% had changed their diet. No significant relationship was observed between receiving dietary advice and making changes to the diet (P > 0.05), although those advised by a dietitian were more likely to be taking regular anti‐diarrhoeal medication (P < 0.05) and those taking regular medication found that it helped most/all of the time (P < 0.001).Conclusions:  CRE sufferers should be dissuaded from unnecessarily restricting their diet, which may result in malnutrition. Regular follow‐up screening should lead to the identification of sufferers and the offer of individual advice if necessary.
Death comes early: apoptosis observed in ENS precursors
Authors: Enomoto H. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract  Cell death is a physiological and fundamental process in normal organogenesis. During the development of the nervous system, cell death or apoptosis occurs in early and late developmental time periods, affecting neural precursors and neurons respectively. In the development of the enteric nervous system (ENS), however, apoptosis of neurons has not been detected, a feature unique to enteric neurons. In this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Wallace et al. focused on an early phase of ENS development and identified apoptotic cell death in vagal neural crest cells, the primary cellular source for the ENS. Introduction of an antiapoptotic molecule in the vagal neural crest and its derivatives resulted in the overproduction of neurons in the foregut. Thus, unlike the neurons themselves, ENS precursors do undergo apoptosis, which may, by regulating the size of the ENS precursor pool, be a crucial factor in determining the final cell number in the ENS.
Transfer of nitrogen from a tropical legume tree to an associated fodder grass via root exudation and common mycelial networks
Authors: JALONEN RIINA , NYGREN PEKKA , SIERRA JORGE 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTSymbiotic dinitrogen fixation by legume trees represents a substantial N input in agroforestry systems, which may benefit the associated crops. Applying 15N labelling, we studied N transfer via common mycelial networks (CMN) and root exudation from the legume tree Gliricidia sepium to the associated fodder grass Dichantium aristatum. The plants were grown in greenhouse in shared pots in full interaction (treatment FI) or with their root systems separated with a fine mesh that allowed N transfer via CMN only (treatment MY). Tree root exudation was measured separately with hydroponics. Nitrogen transfer estimates were based on the isotopic signature of N (δ15N) transferred from the donor. We obtained a range for estimates by calculating transfer with δ15N of tree roots and exudates. Nitrogen transfer was 3.7–14.0 and 0.7–2.5% of grass total N in treatments FI and MY, respectively. Root δ15N gave the lower and exudate δ15N the higher estimates. Transfer in FI probably occurred mainly via root exudation. Transfer in MY correlated negatively with grass root N concentration, implying that it was driven by source‐sink relationships between the plants. The range of transfer estimates, depending on source δ15N applied, indicates the need of understanding the transfer mechanisms as a basis for reliable estimates.
Molecular identification of weedy glyphosate‐resistant Lolium (Poaceae) in California
Authors: SHERWOOD A M , JASIENIUK M 
Published: June 2009

SummaryThe origins of invasive weed populations can involve multiple species, introductions and genotypes. In California, USA, self‐incompatible (SI) Lolium species are highly successful agricultural weeds. During the last decade, resistance to glyphosate has evolved in California populations of Lolium. However, the species identity of glyphosate‐resistant populations is unclear. Occurrence of three SI species, L. multiflorum, L. rigidum and L. perenne, and the lack of reproductive barriers between them, suggests that any or all species may be contributing to resistant populations. To elucidate the identity and evolutionary history of resistant Lolium, we assessed genetic variation of known species and unknown California individuals using five simple sequence repeat loci, a nuclear DNA sequence and a chloroplast DNA sequence. Employing two analytical approaches, we identified three major genetic groups within the accessions of SI species that were similar, but not identical, to the taxonomic species identities. California glyphosate‐resistant and susceptible plants were most closely related to the L. multiflorum group. However, a few glyphosate‐resistant plants and a third of the glyphosate‐susceptible plants also identified with L. rigidum and L. perenne. While L. rigidum and L. perenne contribute to invasive populations within California, the majority of glyphosate‐resistant individuals tested were L. multiflorum.
PRECLINICAL STUDY: Amphetamine‐ and nicotine‐induced cross‐sensitization in adolescent rats persists until adulthood
Authors: Santos Gabriela C. , Marin Marcelo T. , Cruz Fábio C. , DeLucia Roberto , Planeta Cleopatra S. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTNicotine and psychostimulants are often abused in combination and drug abuse often begins during adolescence and can have long‐term consequences. Behavioral sensitization has been suggested as an animal model of neuroplasticity implicated in the development of drug addiction. We evaluated whether the pretreatment with nicotine (0.4 mg/kg; s.c.) or amphetamine (5.0 mg/kg; i.p.) in adolescent rats [from postnatal day (P) 28 to P34] could induce cross‐sensitization to nicotine and amphetamine when animals were challenged during both adolescence (P37) and adulthood (P70), in separate groups of animals. Adolescent animals pretreated with amphetamine displayed behavioral sensitization to nicotine, which persisted until adulthood. Moreover, adolescent animals pretreated with nicotine showed sensitized locomotor response to amphetamine in the adulthood. These data suggest that adolescents who abuse nicotine may be particularly susceptible to the effects of amphetamine and vice versa. Moreover, this increased vulnerability may persist through their development until adulthood.
PRECLINICAL STUDY: Modulation of MDMA‐induced behavioral and transcriptional effects by the delta opioid antagonist naltrindole in mice
Authors: Belkaï Emilie , Scherrmann Jean‐Michel , Noble Florence , Marie‐Claire Cynthia 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTThe delta opioid system is involved in the behavioral effects of various drugs of abuse. However, only a few studies have focused on the possible interactions between the opioid system and the effects of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). In order to examine the possible role of the delta opioid system in MDMA‐induced behaviors in mice, locomotor activity and conditioned place preference (CPP) were investigated in the presence of naltrindole (NTI), a selective delta opioid antagonist. Moreover, the consequences of acute and chronic MDMA administration on pro‐enkephalin (Penk) and pro‐opiomelanocortin (Pomc) gene expression were assessed by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR). The results showed that, after acute MDMA administration (9 mg/kg; i.p.), NTI (5 mg/kg, s.c.) was able to totally block MDMA‐induced hyperlocomotion.Penkgene expression was not modulated by acute MDMA, but a decrease ofPomcgene expression was observed, which was not antagonized by NTI. Administration of the antagonist prevented the acquisition of MDMA‐induced CPP, suggesting an implication of the delta opioid receptors in this behavior. Following chronic MDMA treatment, only the level ofPomcwas modulated. The observed increase was totally blocked by NTI pre‐treatment. All these results confirm the interactions between the delta opioid system (receptors and peptides) and the effects of MDMA.
‘Liberal’ vs. ‘restrictive’ perioperative fluid therapy – a critical assessment of the evidence
Authors: BUNDGAARD‐NIELSEN M. , SECHER N. H. , KEHLET H. 
Published: June 2009

Background: Several studies have assessed the effect of a ‘liberal’ vs. a ‘restrictive’ perioperative fluid regimen on post‐operative outcome. The literature was reviewed in order to provide recommendations regarding perioperative fluid regimens.Methods: A PubMed search identified randomized clinical trials and cited studies, comparing two different fixed fluid volumes on post‐operative clinical outcome in major surgery. Studies were assessed for the type of surgery, primary and secondary outcome endpoints, the type and volume of administered fluid and the definition of the perioperative period. Also, information regarding perioperative care and type of anaesthesia was assessed.Results: In the seven randomized studies identified, the range of the liberal intraoperative fluid regimen was from 2750 to 5388 ml compared with 998 to 2740 ml for the restrictive fluid regimen. The period for fluid therapy and outcome endpoints were inconsistently defined and only two studies reported perioperative care principles and discharge criteria. Three studies found an improved outcome (morbidity/hospital stay) with a restrictive fluid regimen whereas two studies found no difference and two studies found differences in the selected outcome parameters.Conclusion: Liberal vs. restrictive fixed‐volume regimens are not well defined in the literature regarding the definition, methodology and results, and lack the use of or information on evidence‐based standardized perioperative care‐principles (fast‐track surgery), thereby precluding evidence‐based guidelines for procedure‐specific perioperative fixed‐volume regimens. Optimization of perioperative fluid management may include a combination of fixed crystalloid administration to replace extra‐vascular losses and avoiding fluid excess, together with individualized goal‐directed colloid administration to maintain a maximal stroke volume.
A simple floral fragrance and unusual osmophore structure in Cyclopogon elatus (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Wiemer A. P. , Moré M. , Benitez‐Vieyra S. , Cocucci A. A. , Raguso R. A. , Sérsic A. N. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe studied gland morphology, anatomy and the chemical composition of the floral fragrance in the sweat bee‐pollinated orchid Cyclopogon elatus. This is apparently the first such analysis for any Cyclopogon species, and one of very few studies in which both odour and osmophore are characterised in a nectar‐rewarding orchid. Structures responsible for floral scent production were localised with neutral red staining and histochemical assays for lipids and starch. Their morphology and anatomy were studied with scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy thin sections, respectively. Fragrance samples were collected using SPME fibres and analysed with GC‐MS. Anatomical evidence suggests that two parallel oval‐shaped patches of unicellular trichomes on the abaxial surface of the labellum are osmophores. These are rich in stored lipids, while the parenchyma surrounding the vascular bundles contains starch. Only freshly opened flowers produced odours, while buds and withered flowers lacked scent. The chemical composition of the odour was dominated (>99.8%) by a single compound, trans‐4,8‐dimethyl‐nona‐1,3,7‐triene (DMNT). Gland anatomy and position on the outside of the perianth are unusual for scent glands in general. The presence of DMNT, a nearly ubiquitous compound in herbivore‐induced vegetative emissions and one of the major floral volatiles of Yucca, is not surprising in view of hypotheses on the evolutionary origin of flower scents, suggesting that wound volatiles are utilised as kairomonal attractants by florivores whose activities result in pollination.
Reissner’s Fibre Proteins and p73 Variations in the Cerebrospinal Fluid and Subcommissural Organ of Hydrocephalic Rat
Authors: Carmona‐Calero E. M. , González‐Marrero I. , González‐Toledo J. M. , Castañeyra‐Ruiz A. , De Paz‐Carmona H. , Castañeyra‐Ruiz L. , Fernández‐Rodriguez P. , Ruiz‐Mayor M. L. , Castañeyra‐Perdomo A. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryReissner’s fibre (RF) is formed by the polymerization of the glycoprotein secreted by the subcommissural organ (SCO). The SCO also secretes soluble glycoprotein into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); variations in RF and SCO have been reported in hydrocephalus. On the other hand, hydrocephalus and other brain alterations have been described in p73 mutant mice. The p73 belongs to the tumour suppressor p53 protein family and has two isoforms: the TAp73 with apoptotic activity and ΔNp73 with anti‐apoptotic function. Moreover, the TAp73 isoform is glycosylated and secreted into the CSF. In the present work, we analysed the variations in RF and p73 proteins in the CSF and SCO of spontaneously hydrocephalic rats. Brains from control rats and spontaneously hydrocephalic rats of 12 months of age were used. The SCO sections were immunohistochemically processed with anti‐TAp73 and anti‐Reissner fibre (AFRU). The spontaneous hydrocephalus presents a decrease in the AFRU immunoreactive material in the SCO and an absence of RF. The anti‐TAp73 was also present, slightly decreased, in the hydrocephalic SCO. AFRU and p73 bands were also detected in the CSF by western blot and six AFRU and p73 protein bands of a similar molecular weight were found in the CSF of the control rats. The number of AFRU and p73 bands was lower in the hydrocephalic rats than in the control rats. In conclusion, hydrocephalus produces a decrease in the secretions of the SCO and an absence of RF and a decrease in p73 and RF proteins in the CSF.
MHC Class II+ (HLA‐DP‐like) Cells in the Cow Reproductive Tract: II. Immunolocalization of MHC Class II+ Cells in Oviduct and Vagina
Authors: Eren U. , Kum S. , Sandıkçı M. , Eren V. , Ilhan F. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine and examine the distribution of major frequency MHC II+ cells in the oviduct and vagina of cows during the oestrous and dioestrus phases. Right oviduct (ampulla, isthmus) and vaginal samples taken from a total of twenty seven multiparous cows were used. Tissue samples were processed to obtain both cryostat and paraffin sections. Sections were stained immunocytochemically using StreptABC method using a specific monoclonal antibody to MHC II+ cell population. Intra‐epithelial and subepithelial areas along with lamina propria, muscularis mucosae and serosa of both ampulla and isthmus and intra‐epithelial/subepithelial areas and mucosae of vagina were examined for the presence of MHC II+ cells. The density of immune positive cells was determined using a subjective scoring system. MHC II+ cells were demonstrated in all areas examined in both oestrus and dioestrus. In oestrus, the density of MHC II+ cells decreased in subepithelial areas (in between the epithelial cells and the basal membrane) of isthmus, whereas the density of immune positive cells was increased in muscularis mucosae of isthmus (P < 0.05), lamina propria and muscularis mucosae of ampulla (P < 0.05) as well as in the mucosae of vagina (P ≤ 0.005). This study indicates that the density of MHC II+ cells observed in the oviduct and vagina increases in the majority of areas examined due to the effect of oestrogen.
Three‐Dimensional Anatomy of the Temporal Bone in Normal Mice
Authors: Lee J. H. , Park K. , Kang T. C. , Choung Y. H. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryThis study was performed to determine the three‐dimensional (3D) structure of the murine temporal bone and to provide a survey atlas of the temporal bone structures in mice. The temporal bones of adult BALB/c mice were examined and 3D high‐resolution reconstructions of the temporal bone were obtained using a micro‐CT system. Using the system described here, the bony labyrinth and membranous labyrinth could be investigated in a non‐destructive manner. The turning rate of the cochlea was two (human rate: two and a half). The shapes of the superior and posterior semicircular canals were more flexed than those in humans. The malleus manubrium was directed anteriorly and was thin and fan‐shaped like a Persian sword. The size of the incus relative to the malleus was smaller than that in the human ossicles. The 3D reconstruction of murine temporal bone described in this study provides anatomical information that will be useful in future studies using mouse model.
Alterations in Photochemical and Physiological Activities of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Cultivars under Drought Stress
Authors: Kalefetoğlu Macar T. , Ekmekçi Y. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIn this study, some morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters of two chickpea cultivars, cv. Gökçe and Canıtez, were analysed to understand their tolerance to drought stress. Twenty‐day‐old plants were subjected to three different regimes of drought stress by withholding water for 3, 5 or 7 days, and then rewatering for 2 days after the initial 7 days of drought stress. Drought treatments only reduced shoot elongation in the Canıtez cultivar. Leaf production and fresh biomass decreased in both cultivars under all drought treatments, however to a greater extent in Canıtez. In both cultivars, malondialdehyde, proline and anthocyanin accumulation increased significantly, whereas relative water content declined under drought stress. The total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents of Gökçe were not affected by drought stress, whereas the chlorophyll content of Canıtez increased greatly at the end of the treatments. Using chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements, we found that extended drought treatment caused photoinhibition of PSII activity in both cultivars. However, this was greater in Canıtez, especially under severe drought stress. Although Canıtez recovered quickly from drought stress and exhibited a good ability to overcome drought stress, via activation of many protection mechanisms such as increasing antioxidant enzymes and proline and anthocyanin accumulation during vegetative stage, our results show that Canıtez is less drought tolerant than Gökçe.
Effects of Elevated Ultraviolet‐B Radiation on Productive Tillers, Spikelet Sterility and Grain Characteristics of Southern US Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivars
Authors: Mohammed A. R. , Tarpley L. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractDepletion of the stratospheric ozone layer is leading to an increase in ultraviolet‐B (UVB) radiation (280–320 nm) reaching the Earth’s surface, which can alter crop productivity. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of elevated UVB radiation on rice production with special emphasis on grain characteristics in southern US rice cultivars (six inbred cultivars and three hybrids). Due to the spectral characteristics of the greenhouse glass, plants received no natural UVB radiation; hence, plants were provided with supplemental UVB lighting. Plants were exposed to UVB radiation of 0, 8 (ambient) or 16 (twice ambient) kJ m−2 day−1. There was no significant effect of elevated UVB radiation on the number of productive tillers in any cultivar except ‘Sierra’. All the cultivars except ‘Sierra’ showed increased spikelet sterility with an increase in UVB radiation. There were decreases in main‐stem panicle length, number of primary branches per panicle, and grain width with an increase in UVB radiation in most of the inbred cultivars. Elevated UVB radiation decreased plant grain yield in all the cultivars, however the per cent decrease in plant grain yield varied among the cultivars (31–79 %). The hybrid ‘Clearfield XL729’ performed best among the selected southern US rice cultivars under an elevated UVB environment.