bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cryopreservation of Cat Testicular Tissues: Effects of Storage Temperature, Freezing Protocols and Cryoprotective Agents
Authors: Thuwanut P , Chatdarong K 
Published: December 2011

ContentsCryopreservation of testicular tissue has become a part of gamete preservation in wild animal post‐mortem. Using domestic cats as a model for wild felids, this study aimed to (i) investigate the effect of temperature for testicular tissue storage on sperm quality; (ii) compare efficiency of freezing protocols; and (iii) evaluate properties of cryoprotective agents to protect testicular sperm quality. A pair of testes from each cat (n = 9) was cut into four pieces. Three randomly selected pieces were allocated to be (i) fresh controls; (ii) stored at 4°C for 24 h; and (iii) stored at room temperature (28°C) for 24 h. After storage, the testicular tissue from each group was cut into 10 small pieces. One piece was assigned to be a control while the others were assigned to three freezing protocols; −80°C (n = 3), vitrification (n = 3) or two‐step freezing (kept above liquid nitrogen vapour for 10 min and submerged in liquid nitrogen) (n = 3). Each of three pieces was frozen using dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), ethylene glycol (EG) or DMSO combined with EG. Sperm membrane (SYBR‐14/EthD‐1) and DNA (acridine orange) integrity were evaluated before and after cryopreservation. The storage of testicular tissue at room temperature decreased the percentage of sperm with intact membrane in fresh tissue (59.5 ± 30.5 vs 87.9 ± 7.0%, p < 0.05). DNA integrity was decreased after 24‐h storage either at 4°C or room temperature (p < 0.05). The two‐step freezing resulted in a higher percentage of sperm with intact plasma membrane than the other techniques. Dimethyl sulphoxide, EG and DMSO combined with EG provided similar protection for the sperm membrane and DNA from cryodamages. In conclusion, storage of testicular tissue at 4°C is necessary to maintain sperm membrane integrity during transportation of tissue for cryopreservation in the freezing laboratory. The results provide information for male gamete rescue in felid particularly when they die unexpectedly in the field where freezing facilities are not well equipped.
Getting BETTER: Breaking the ice and warming to the inclusion of sexuality in mental health nursing care
Authors: Quinn Chris , Happell Brenda 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTDiscussing sexual issues with consumers is considered a nursing role, yet it is commonly avoided. Research suggests that sexual issues and difficulties are particularly evident in mental health settings, and failure to address these issues represents a significant gap in care and treatment. Specific models for raising sexual issues have been used in oncology and cardiac care settings to assist clinicians. A descriptive, exploratory study was conducted with mental health nurses from Queensland, Australia. The aim of this research was to explore whether a specific model, the BETTER model (bring up, explain, tell, time, educate, record) was useful in assisting mental health nurses in raising the topic of sexuality with consumers. In‐depth interviews explored participants' attitudes and experiences of discussing sexuality. Participants were introduced to the BETTER model, and were asked to trial the approach with consumers. They were then interviewed a second time. Two main themes emerged: greater awareness and becoming part of practice. Participants described a transformation of their practice from one of avoiding issues of sexuality with consumers, to a position of inclusion, which became embedded within practice. Participants did not tend to use the model in a structured way, and it appears that knowledge and awareness were more useful than the model itself.
Prognostic factors in a large multi‐institutional series of papillary renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zucchi Alessandro , Novara Giacomo , Costantini Elisabetta , Antonelli Alessandro , Carini Marco , Carmignani Giorgio , Cosciani Cunico Sergio , Fontana Dario , Longo Nicola , Martignoni Guido , Minervini Andrea , Mirone Vincenzo , Porena Massimo , Roscigno Marco , Schiavina Riccardo , Simeone Claudio , Simonato Alchiede , Siracusano Salvatore , Terrone Carlo , Ficarra Vincenzo 
Published: December 2011

Study Type – Prognosis cohort series (multi‐centre)Level of Evidence 2bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?The relatively low prevalence of papillary RCC and the limited number of patients enrolled in most of the surgical series limit meaningful conclusions with respect to cancer‐related outcome and independent prognostic information.Patients with papillary RCC have relatively a low risk of tumour recurrence and cancer‐related death after surgery. Pathological lymph node stage, presence of metastases and Fuhrman nuclear grade were the main independent predictors of cancer‐related outcomes, whereas only a non‐statistically significant trend was found for the 2009 pathological T stage.OBJECTIVES
To investigate cancer‐related outcomes and prognostic factors of papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) in a large multicentre data set.
Oncological outcome and prognostic factors of pRCC have been limitedly evaluated in comparison with the most common RCC subtype, clear cell RCC.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
From a multicentre retrospective database, including 5463 patients who were surgically treated for RCC at 16 Italian academic centres between 1995 and 2007, 577 patients with pRCC were identified.
Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were performed to identify prognostic factors predictive of recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) after surgery.
RESULTS
At a median (interquartile range) follow‐up of 39.2 (21.7–72) months, 81 (14%) patients had experienced disease progression and 63 (11%) patients had died from disease; the 5‐year RFS estimate was 85.5%.
In multivariable analysis, pathological N stage (pooled P < 0.001), M stage (hazard ratio, 2.9; P= 0.007) and Fuhrman nuclear grade (pooled P= 0.039) were all independent predictors of RFS; the 5‐year CSS estimate was 87.9%.
In Cox multivariable analysis, an independent predictive role was reconfirmed for mode of presentation (pooled P= 0.038), pathological N stage (pooled P < 0.001), M stage (hazard ratio, 2.4; P= 0.049) and Fuhrman nuclear grade (pooled P= 0.037).
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with pRCC have a low risk of tumour recurrence and cancer‐related death after surgery.
Fuhrman nuclear grade was found to be a stronger predictor of both RFS and CSS, whereas only a non‐statistically significant trend was found for the 2009 pathological T stage.
Effect of silodosin on detrusor overactivity in the male spontaneously hypertensive rat
Authors: Inoue Seiya , Saito Motoaki , Tsounapi Panagiota , Dimitriadis Fotios , Ohmasa Fumiya , Kinoshita Yukako , Satoh Keisuke , Takenaka Atsushi 
Published: December 2011

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Recently, several studies have suggested that detrusor overactivity (DO) is the result of bladder ischaemia. Hypertension could affect pelvic arterial blood flow, resulting in loss of smooth muscle in the bladder with resultant loss of bladder compliance. Spontaneously hypertensive rats are considered a valuable tool for exploring the pathogenesis of DO. Some reports indicate that α1 adrenoceptor antagonists improve chronic ischaemia of the lower urinary tract in patients with LUTS, with concomitant improvement of their symptoms as well as improvement of DO through an increased bladder blood flow (BBF) in the rat with bladder outlet obstruction. However, the mechanism of improvement of silodosin on storage or irritative symptoms is not well investigated and is still unclear.Silodosin prevents hypertension‐related DO in the SHR via several possible mechanisms. One possible mechanism of the efficacy of silodosin to the DO includes the improvement of the BBF.OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of the α1A selective adrenoceptor antagonist, silodosin, on hypertension‐related detrusor overactivity (DO) and its possible mechanism in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twelve‐week‐old male SHRs received treatment with silodosin (100 µg/kg perorally) once daily for 6 weeks; vehicle‐treated Wistar rats and vehicle‐treated SHRs were used for our study.
Six weeks after silodosin treatment, voiding functions were estimated by voiding behaviour and cystometric studies in all groups.
The bladder blood flow was measured by the hydrogen clearance method, and tissue levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Furthermore, the expressions of α1 adrenoceptor subtype mRNAs in the bladder were investigated by real‐time PCR method.
RESULTS
The SHRs showed significant increases in blood pressure, micturition frequency and tissue levels of NGF and CGRP in the bladder.
Moreover, the SHRs showed significant decreases in bladder blood flow and single voided volume estimated by both voiding behaviour and cystometric studies compared with those in the Wistar rats.
Six weeks of treatment with silodosin significantly ameliorated hypertension‐related alterations of these variables with concomitant small changes of blood pressure.
The expression levels of α1 adrenoceptor subtype mRNAs in the bladder were similar in all the groups and the rank order was α1A =α1D > α1B in all groups.
However, there were no significant differences in the expressions of α1A adrenoceptor mRNAs between any groups.
CONCLUSION
The data in the present study suggest that silodosin normalizes hypertension‐related DO in SHRs, which could be related to its effect on the increased blood flow in the bladder.
Implementing a smoking cessation program in social and community service organisations: A feasibility and acceptability trial
Authors: BRYANT JAMIE , BONEVSKI BILLIE , PAUL CHRISTINE , HULL PHILIP , O'BRIEN JON 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIntroduction and Aims. Novel ways of accessing and engaging smokers who are socially and economically disadvantaged may help reduce socioeconomic disparities in smoking rates. This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of integrating smoking cessation support into usual care at a social and community service organisation (SCSO).Design and Methods. One SCSO providing a Personal Helpers and Mentors program participated. Support workers were provided with training in 5A's, brief motivational interviewing and use of nicotine replacement therapy, and then recruited clients into a 6 month smoking program. Acceptability and feasibility was assessed prior to receiving training and at 3 and 6 month follow up for support workers, and at enrolment into the program and at 4 and 6 month follow up for clients.Results. Six support workers (67%) and 20 of their clients (65%) took part. Overall acceptability of the program was high, particularly among clients. The amount of time spent talking about smoking increased from 3.8 min per visit at baseline to 15.5 min at 6 month follow up. There was a significant reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked from 20.5 cigarettes per day at baseline to 15 cigarettes per day at 6 month follow up (P = 0.04).Discussion and Conclusions. SCSOs are both interested in and capable of providing smoking care and the majority of clients found the smoking cessation intervention acceptable and helpful. Given the demonstrated acceptability and feasibility of this approach, further research to determine the effectiveness of this approach is warranted.[Bryant J, Bonevski B, Paul C, Hull P, O'Brien J. Implementing a smoking cessation program in social and community service organisations: A feasibility and acceptability trial. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:678–684]
Extensive gaps and biases in our knowledge of a well‐known fauna: implications for integrating biological traits into macroecology
Authors: Tyler Elizabeth H. M. , Somerfield Paul J. , Berghe Edward Vanden , Bremner Julie , Jackson Emma , Langmead Olivia , Palomares Maria Lourdes D. , Webb Thomas J. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTAim  Ecologists seeking to describe patterns at ever larger scales require compilations of data on the global abundance and distribution of species. Comparable compilations of biological data are needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind these patterns, but have received far less attention. We assess the availability of biological data across an entire assemblage: the well‐documented demersal marine fauna of the United Kingdom. We also test whether data availability for a species depends on its taxonomic group, maximum body size, the number of times it has been recorded in a global biogeographic database, or its commercial and conservation importance.Location  Seas of the United Kingdom.Methods  We defined a demersal marine fauna of 973 species from 15 phyla and 40 classes using five extensive surveys around the British Isles. We then quantified the availability of data on eight key biological traits (termed biological knowledge) for each species from online databases. Relationships between biological knowledge and our predictors were tested with generalized linear models.Results  Full data on eight fundamental biological traits exist for only 9% (n= 88) of the UK demersal marine fauna, and 20% of species completely lack data. Clear trends in our knowledge exist: fish (median biological knowledge score = six traits) are much better known than invertebrates (one trait). Biological knowledge increases with biogeographic knowledge and (to a lesser extent) with body size, and is greater in species that are commercially exploited or of conservation concern.Main conclusions  Our analysis reveals deep ignorance of the basic biology of a well‐studied fauna, highlighting the need for far greater efforts to compile biological trait data. Clear biases in our knowledge, relating to how well sampled or ‘important’ species are suggests that caution is required in extrapolating small subsets of biologically well‐known species to ecosystem‐level studies.
Contribution of marine fisheries to worldwide employment
Authors: Teh Lydia C L , Sumaila U R 
Published: December 2011

AbstractMarine fisheries contribute to the global economy, from the catching of fish through to the provision of support services for the fishing industry. General lack of data and uncertainty about the level of employment in marine fisheries can lead to underestimation of fishing effort and hence over‐exploited fisheries, or result in inaccurate projections of economic and societal costs and benefits. To address this gap, a database of marine fisheries employment for 144 coastal nations was compiled. Gaps in employment data that emerged were filled using a Monte Carlo approach to estimate the number of direct and indirect fisheries jobs. We focused on estimating jobs in the small‐scale fishing sector. We characterized small‐scale fishing as (i) primarily geared towards household consumption or sale at the local level; (ii) conducted at a low level of economic activity; (iii) minimally mechanized; (iv) conducted within inshore areas; (v) minimally managed; and/or (vi) undertaken for cultural or ceremonial purposes. In total, we estimated that 260 ± 6 million people are involved in global marine fisheries, encompassing full‐time and part‐time jobs in the direct and indirect sectors, with 22 ± 0.45 million of those being small‐scale fishers. This is equivalent to 203 ± 34 million full‐time equivalent jobs. Study results can be used to improve management decision making and highlight the need to improve monitoring and reporting of the number of people employed in marine fisheries globally.
High‐amylose rice improves indices of animal health in normal and diabetic rats
Authors: Zhu Lijia , Gu Minghong , Meng Xianglun , Cheung Stanley C.K. , Yu Hengxiu , Huang Jian , Sun Yun , Shi Yongcheng , Liu Qiaoquan 
Published: December 2011

SummaryA high‐amylose rice with 64.8% amylose content (AC) was developed by transgenic inhibition of two isoforms of starch branching enzyme (SBE), SBEI and SBEIIb, in an indica rice cultivar. The expression of SBEI and SBEIIb was completely inhibited in the transgenic line, whereas the expression of granule‐bound starch synthase was normal. Compared with wild‐type rice, drastic reductions in both SBEs in the transgenic rice increased apparent AC in flour from 27.2% to 64.8%, resistant starch (RS) content from 0% to 14.6% and total dietary fibre (TDF) from 6.8% to 15.2%. Elevated AC increased the proportion of long unit chains in amylopectin and increased onset gelatinization temperature and resistance to alkaline digestion; however, kernel weight was decreased. A rat feeding trial indicated that consumption of high‐amylose rice decreased body weight gain significantly (P < 0.01); increased faecal mass, faecal moisture and short‐chain fatty acids; and lowered the faecal pH. An acute oral rice tolerance test revealed that the high‐amylose rice had a positive effect on lowering the blood glucose response in diabetic Zucker fatty rats. This novel rice with its high AC, RS and TDF offers potential benefits for its use in foods and in industrial applications.
JOB MARKET SIGNALLING WITH TWO DIMENSIONS OF PRIVATE INFORMATION
Authors: Zhang Wei 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTWe study an extension of job market signalling by introducing another dimension of private information. When two dimensions of attribute are intertwined in parameterizing preferences, the single crossing property no longer holds globally. In seeking the equilibrium prediction, the intuitive criterion and then the more stringent perfect sequentiality refinement are applied. The result depends on the extent to which the second characteristic affects the ability of education to signal. If the effect is mild, the equilibrium acquired is comparable to the separating outcome of the unidimensional benchmark. Otherwise, pooling must occur. This demonstrates that the problem of information transmission is more acute in a multidimensional environment.
HOW DOES FOREIGN BANK OWNERSHIP IN THE BANKING SECTOR AFFECT DOMESTIC BANK BEHAVIOUR? A DYNAMIC PANEL DATA ANALYSIS
Authors: Lee Chien‐Chiang , Hsieh Meng‐Fen , Dai Hua‐Wei 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how foreign bank ownership in the banking sector affects domestic bank behaviour and whether this relationship depends on the economic and financial conditions of the host country. This paper contains 795 individual banks in 39 countries covering the period 1999–2006. Foreign ownership is calculated using bank level data as a proxy for the degree of foreign bank ownership in the banking sector. First, we find that foreign bank ownership is associated with a decrease in both the profitability and overhead expenses of the domestic bank after applying the system panel Generalized Method of Moments model. Second, a lower level of economic development of the host country enhances the positive effects of foreign bank ownership on the income, profit and cost of domestic banks. Third, financial development plays an important role in determining the effect of foreign bank ownership. Fourth, while the use of aggregate foreign ownership data may provide us with a big picture, it may not explain why individual banks in the same country perform differently, which this study will answer.
Ghosts, Murderers, and the Semantics of Descriptions
Authors: Schoubye Anders J. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIt is widely agreed that sentences containing a non‐denoting description embedded in the scope of a propositional attitude verb have true de dicto interpretations, and Russell's (1905) analysis of definite descriptions is often praised for its simple analysis of such cases, cf. e.g. Neale (1990). However, several people, incl. Elbourne (2005, 2009), Heim (1991), and Kripke (2005), have contested this by arguing that Russell's analysis yields incorrect predictions in non‐doxastic attitude contexts. Heim and Elbourne have subsequently argued that once certain facts about presupposition projection are fully appreciated, the Frege/Strawson analysis of definite descriptions has an explanatory advantage. In this paper, I argue that both Russell's analysis and the Frege/Strawson analysis face a serious problem when it comes to the interaction of attitude verbs and definite descriptions. I argue that the problem observed by Elbourne, Heim, and Kripke is much more general than standardly assumed and that a solution requires a revision of the semantics of definite and indefinite descriptions. I outline the conditions that are required to solve the problem and present an analysis couched in dynamic semantics which can provide a solution. I conclude by discussing some further issues related to propositional attitude verbs that complicate a fully general solution to the problem.
SHIFT WORKING AND TRADE IN LABOUR SERVICES WITH TIME ZONE DIFFERENCES
Authors: KIKUCHI TORU , VAN LONG NGO 
Published: December 2011

AbstractUsing a two‐factor (labour and capital), two‐good (shift‐working and non‐shift‐working commodities) model with two countries (Home and Foreign), which are located in different time zones, we highlight the impact of trade in labour services (via communications networks) on the comparative advantage of countries capable of such trade. It is shown that a comparative advantage in a shift‐working commodity is held by pairs of countries in different time zones and connected through a good communication network. Concerning factor prices, if the shift‐working commodity is capital (respectively, labour) intensive, the wage rate for day‐shift labour will decrease (respectively, increase) as a result of trade in labour services. It is also demonstrated that this labour service utilization is mutual: some of Home's day‐shift labour will be utilized for the Foreign night shift, and vice versa. Thus, periodic trade in labour services occurs across countries.
A Pricing Framework for Real Estate Derivatives
Authors: Fabozzi Frank J. , Shiller Robert J. , Tunaru Radu S. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractNew methods are developed here for pricing the main real estate derivatives — futures and forward contracts, total return swaps, and options. Accounting for the incompleteness of this market, a suitable modelling framework is outlined that can produce exact formulae, assuming that the market price of risk is known. This framework can accommodate econometric properties of real estate indices such as predictability due to autocorrelations. The term structure of the market price of risk is calibrated from futures market prices on the Investment Property Databank index. The evolution of the market price of risk associated with all five futures curves during 2009 is discussed.