bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of atypical features on the quality of prophylactic effectiveness of long‐term lithium treatment in bipolar disorders
Authors: Pfennig Andrea , Schlattmann Peter , Alda Martin , Grof Paul , Glenn Tasha , Müller‐Oerlinghausen Bruno , Suwalska Aleksandra , Rybakowski Janusz , Willich Stefan N , Bauer Michael , Berghöfer Anne 
Published: June 2010

Pfennig A, Schlattmann P, Alda M, Grof P, Glenn T, Müller‐Oerlinghausen B, Suwalska A, Rybakowski J, Willich SN, Bauer M, Berghöfer A. Influence of atypical features on the quality of prophylactic effectiveness of long‐term lithium treatment in bipolar disorders. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 390–396. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Objectives:  There is still debate about whether the quality of long‐term efficacy of lithium in patients with bipolar disorders is influenced by atypical features. Extended Cox regression models allow for the use of all follow‐up data on diseases with multiple episodes. The aim of the present analysis was to apply the best suited of these models to analyze the influence of atypical features on the widely used outcome measure of time to recurrence in a large multicenter cohort of lithium responders established by the International Group for the Study of Lithium Treated Patients.Methods:  A conditional extended Cox model with a random frailty term was applied to the data of 336 bipolar I and II disorder patients, all of whom were responders to lithium with treatment for up to 30 years.Results:  Differences were found in the long‐term outcome, even in patients who have demonstrated a relatively good response to lithium treatment. The hazard for recurrence was negatively influenced by the presence of atypical features, mainly mood‐incongruent psychotic symptoms, interepisodic residual symptomatology, and rapid cycling.Conclusions:  As a result of the findings, physicians should regularly reassess the quality of response in bipolar disorder patients with atypical features and, if necessary, modify treatment. Extended Cox regression models are well suited for evaluating long‐term outcome and should be used more extensively to analyze treatment outcome in psychiatric and somatic disorders.
Folic acid administration prevents ouabain‐induced hyperlocomotion and alterations in oxidative stress markers in the rat brain
Authors: Brocardo Patrícia S , Budni Josiane , Pavesi Eloísa , Franco Jeferson L , Uliano‐Silva Marcela , Trevisan Rafael , Terenzi Mariana G , Dafre Alcir L , Rodrigues Ana Lúcia S 
Published: June 2010

Brocardo PS, Budni J, Pavesi E, Franco JL, Uliano‐Silva M, Trevisan R, Terenzi MG, Dafre AL, Rodrigues ALS. Folic acid administration prevents ouabain‐induced hyperlocomotion and alterations in oxidative stress markers in the rat brain. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 414–424. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Objective:  Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic, prevalent, and highly debilitating psychiatric illness. Folic acid has been shown to have antidepressant‐like effects in preclinical and clinical studies and has also been suggested to play a role in BD. The present work investigates the therapeutic value of folic acid supplementation in a preclinical animal model of mania induced by ouabain.Methods:  Male Wistar rats were treated twice daily for seven days with folic acid (10, 50, and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) or the mood stabilizer lithium chloride (LiCl) (45 mg/kg, p.o.). One day after the last dose was given, the animals received an i.c.v. injection of ouabain (10 μM), a Na+,K+‐ATPase‐inhibiting compound. Locomotor activity was assessed in the open‐field test. Thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substance (TBARS) levels, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities were measured in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus.Results:  Ouabain (10 μM, i.c.v.) significantly increased motor activity in the open‐field test, and seven days of pretreatment with folic acid (50 mg/kg, p.o.) or LiCl (45 mg/kg, p.o.) completely prevented this effect. Ouabain treatment elicited lipid peroxidation (increased TBARS levels) and reduced GPx activity in the hippocampus. GR activity was decreased in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. These effects were prevented by pretreatment with folic acid and LiCl.Conclusions:  Our results show that folic acid, similarly to LiCl, produces a clear antimanic action and prevents the neurochemical alterations indicative of oxidative stress in an animal model of mania.
A rapid detection of the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in stored Monochamus alternatus by rDNA amplification
Authors: Wang X. R. , Zhu X. W. , Kong X. C. , Mota M. M. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractPine wilt disease (PWD) caused by pinewood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus has originated serious loss to pine forestry around the world. Monochamus alternatus is the most important vector of B. xylophilus in Japan and China. It is necessary to develop an efficient method to store M. alternatus for subsequent PCR detection of B. xylophilus. In the present study, beetle samples carrying nematodes were stored in 75% alcohol. A simple procedure was firstly developed for isolating B. xylophilus DNA in 2 mg stored beetle tissue carrying nematodes for subsequent nematode detection by PCR amplification. The B. xylophilus– specific amplicon of 403 bp (DQ855275) was generated by PCR assay from the stored beetle tissue. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a rapid detection of the pine wood nematode –B. xylophilus in stored M. alternatus by rDNA amplification established without a separate nematode extraction. This result will provide a useful method to detect B. xylophilus in stored M. alternatus.
The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model: application in prediction of TSWV‐vectors populations
Authors: Olatinwo R. O. , Prabha T. , Paz J. O. , Riley D. G. , Hoogenboom G. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractIn the southeastern United States, millions of dollars worth of crop damage associated with tobacco thrips (Frankliniella fusca Hinds) and western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande) are reported annually for economically important crops such as cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Tobacco thrips and western flower thrips are also important vectors of Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). The populations and spread of both thrips species relies on favourable weather conditions, especially prolonged temperatures above a minimum developmental threshold. Accurate local weather information is, therefore, crucial for early prediction of thrips’ population dynamics during the spring when thrips’ population information could assist farmers in mitigating damage to crops. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the application of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model predictions for developing high resolution spatial and temporal forecast maps of favourable conditions for thrips’ development even for locations where weather stations are not available. Tobacco thrips and western flower thrips were evaluated based on degree‐day models. The results showed that southwestern Georgia is more favourable for thrips development during the early part of the growing season, although the rate of development varied according to the thrips species. The maps that were produced using WRF output provided high‐resolution forecasts for favourable conditions and scouting guidance in places where weather information was limited. An accurate prediction of pest development based on forecasts of favourable conditions may assist growers in pest management decisions and in timely application of insecticides.
Efficient Transgene Expression in IVF and Parthenogenetic Bovine Embryos by Intracytoplasmic Injection of DNA–Liposome Complexes
Authors: Vichera G , Moro L , Salamone D 
Published: June 2010

ContentsTransgenic animals constitute an important tool with many biotechnological applications. Although there have been advances in this field, we propose a novel method that may greatly increase the efficiency of transgenic animal production and thereby its application. This new technique consists of intracytoplasmic injection of liposomes, in bovine oocytes and zygotes, to introduce exogenous DNA. In the first experiment, we evaluated embryo development and EGFP expression in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) embryos injected with different concentrations of exogenous DNA–liposome complexes (0.5, 5, 50, 500 ng pCX‐EGFP/μl). The highest EGFP‐embryos rates were obtained using 500 ng pCX‐EGFP/μl. In the second experiment, we evaluated embryo development and EGFP expression following the injection of DNA–liposome complexes into pre‐fertilized oocytes and presumptive zygotes, 16 and 24 h post‐fertilization. Approximately 70% of the cleaved embryos and 50% of the blastocysts expressed EGFP, when egfp–liposome was injected 16 h post‐fertilization. The percentages of positive embryos for the 24‐h post‐fertilization and pre‐fertilization groups were 30.1 and 6.3, respectively. Blastocysts that developed from injected zygotes were analysed by PCR, confirming the presence of transgene in all embryos. Finally, we examined the embryo development and EGFP expression of parthenogenetic embryos that resulted from the injection of egfp–liposome complexes into pre‐activated oocytes, and 3 and 11 h post‐activated oocytes. The group with the highest expression rate (48.4%) was the one injected 3 h post‐activation. In summary, this study reports the efficient, reproducible and fast production of IVF and parthenogenetic embryos expressing EGFP, by the intracytoplasmic injection of liposomes to introduce the foreign DNA.
Influence of the Preservation Temperature (37, 20, 4, −196°C) and the Mixing of Semen over Sperm Quality of Majorera Bucks
Authors: Batista M , Niño T , Santana M , Alamo D , Castro N , Reyes R , González F , Cabrera F , Gracia A 
Published: June 2010

ContentsThis study assessed the effect of different semen storage temperatures and the influence of semen pooling in semen viability. In experiment 1, semen samples (n = 30) of five Majorera bucks were individually processed [Individual semen (IS)] and after the first dilution (Tris‐yolk extender), semen‐diluted aliquots from each male were pooled semen (PS). Thereafter, semen samples (IS and PS) were preserved as fresh semen (37 and 20°C), chilled semen (4°C) and frozen semen. Sperm motility and the percentage of abnormal sperm cells and intact membrane acrosomes were defined. Semen preservation at 20 and 4°C did not modify the quality of spermatozoa for the first 24 h, but the conservation at 37°C caused a dramatic fall in the semen motility from 12 h onwards. Furthermore, the longevity of frozen‐thawed semen was limited to 4–6 h. No differences were observed in semen parameters when PS was compared with semen from individual males in any of the preservation protocols assessed. In experiment 2, 120 goats were distributed in four experimental groups: in group fresh individual semen (FIS, n = 30) and group frozen‐thawed individual semen (FTIS, n = 30), does were transcervically inseminated with fresh semen and frozen‐thawed semen from each individual male, respectively, and in group fresh pooled semen (FPS, n = 30) and group frozen‐thawed pooled semen (FTPS, n = 30), goats were transcervically inseminated with FPS and FTPS, respectively. The kidding rate was very close in the FIS and FPS groups (70.0% and 73.7%, respectively), and no significant differences were observed in the fertility rate between FTIS and FTPS. The results of this study confirmed that semen samples may be preserved satisfactorily for 24 h both at 20 and 4°C. In addition, the mixture of semen of different bucks did not significantly modify the semen parameters when compared with semen from individual males.
Effect of Pregnancy and Foetal Number on Diameter of Corpus Luteum, Maternal Progesterone Concentration and Oxidant/Antioxidant Balance in Ewes
Authors: Gür S , Türk G , Demirci E , Yüce A , Sönmez M , Özer Ş , Aksu EH 
Published: June 2010

ContentsThe aim of this study was to determine the changes in diameter of corpus luteum (CL), maternal progesterone (P) concentration, lipid peroxidation and non‐enzymatic antioxidant levels along with enzymatic antioxidant activities in pregnant ewes bearing single and twin foetuses. The ewes were selected from healthy animals that were brought to the abattoir for slaughtering. The ewes were divided into three groups: Group 1 (non‐pregnant, non‐oestrous, n = 30), Group 2 (pregnant bearing a single foetus, n = 30) and Group 3 (pregnant bearing twin foetuses, n = 12) after they were slaughtered. Pregnant ewes were in the first half of the pregnancy. The diameter of CL and P concentration of pregnant ewes bearing a single foetus or twin foetuses were found higher than that found in non‐pregnant ewes. Similarly, the P concentration of pregnant ewes bearing twin foetuses was higher than that found in pregnant ewes bearing a single foetus. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level in pregnant ewes bearing twin foetuses was higher than that found in both non‐pregnant and pregnant ewes bearing a single foetus. The serum glutathione (GSH) level and glutathione‐peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity of pregnant ewes bearing twin foetuses were found lower than that found in non‐pregnant ewes. Additionally, the GSH‐Px activity of pregnant ewes bearing twin foetuses was found lower than that found in pregnant ewes bearing a single foetus. No significant difference was found between pregnant ewes bearing female and male foetus with respect to diameter of CL, P concentration and oxidative stress parameters. There were significant positive correlations between foetal number (0, 1, 2) and diameter of CL, P concentration, MDA level, and between P concentration and diameter of CL, MDA level. However, significant negative correlations were found between foetal number (0, 1, 2) and GSH level, GSH‐Px activity, and between P concentration and GSH‐Px activity. In conclusion, the diameter of CL enlarges, P production increases and oxidant/antioxidant balance impairs because of the gestation stress in ewes during pregnancy.
Systematic review of effective retention incentives for health workers in rural and remote areas: Towards evidence‐based policy
Authors: Buykx Penny , Humphreys John , Wakerman John , Pashen Dennis 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground:  Poor retention of health workers is a significant problem in rural and remote areas, with negative consequences for both health services and patient care. Objective:  This review aimed to synthesise the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of retention strategies for health workers in rural and remote areas, with a focus on those studies relevant to Australia. Design:  A systematic review method was adopted. Six program evaluation articles, eight review articles and one grey literature report were identified that met study inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results:  While a wide range of retention strategies have been introduced in various settings to reduce unnecessary staff turnover and increase length of stay, few have been rigorously evaluated. Little evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of any specific strategy is currently available, with the possible exception of health worker obligation. Multiple factors influence length of employment, indicating that a flexible, multifaceted response to improving workforce retention is required. Conclusions:  This paper proposes a comprehensive rural and remote health workforce retention framework to address factors known to contribute to avoidable turnover. The six components of the framework relate to staffing, infrastructure, remuneration, workplace organisation, professional environment, and social, family and community support. In order to ensure their effectiveness, retention strategies should be rigorously evaluated using appropriate pre‐ and post‐intervention comparisons.
Women living in a remote Australian mining community: Exploring their psychological well‐being
Authors: Lovell Jane , Critchley Jennifer 
Published: June 2010

AbstractObjective:  To explore the factors believed to influence the psychological well‐being of women living in a modern remote Australian mining community. Design:  A qualitative phenomenological study conducted through focus group discussions. Setting:  Remote Australian mining town. Participants:  Sixteen women living in a remote Australian mining town with a partner undertaking shiftwork at one of the local mines. Main outcome measures:  Women in a remote Australian mining community revealed, through focus group discussion, the factors influencing their psychological well‐being. Results:  Four themes were identified to be of importance for the women. These were the impacts of mining work, isolation, culture and the social environment on their happiness and well‐being, and that of their families and the broader community. Conclusions:  Psychological well‐being of women in a remote mining community might be improved through better local medical services, increased efforts at social inclusion and community connectedness, greater access to child care and better community infrastructure and pleasant surrounds. The findings also question the stereotypes of strong masculinist cultures and limited activities and services in such communities. Further research is highly recommended.
Perceptions towards rural and remote practice: A study of final year occupational therapy students studying in a regional university in Australia
Authors: McAuliffe Tomomi , Barnett Fiona 
Published: June 2010

Background/aim:  Rural and remote health education during undergraduate training is a strategy to alleviate the shortage of rural health professionals. Undergraduate rural exposure can be beneficial in improving students’ perceptions towards rural and remote practice as well as their decision to work rurally. This study examined James Cook University (JCU) final year occupational therapy students’ perceptions towards rural and remote practice and if their perceptions had changed over the course of their study.Methods:  Questionnaires were administered to 58 final year occupational therapy students at JCU during a block class. Quantitative data analysis was performed on responses.Results:  The change in the students’ career intentions from not considering to considering rural and remote practice over the duration of their study was found to be significant (exact P = 0.003). The influential factors identified in students considering rural employment included the rural location of their close family and friends (exact P = 0.006), the overall occupational therapy programme (U = 171.5, P = 0.045), good fieldwork experience (U = 144, P = 0.039) and inspiring fieldwork supervisors (U = 135.5, P = 0.01). The course curriculum was not found to influence the students’ perceptual change.Conclusion:  This study has found that students’ perceptions towards rural and remote practice changed over the course of their university programme. A greater focus on the academic staff and fieldwork supervisors’ perceptions towards rural and remote practice may be required in the development of rural undergraduate programmes. Identification of students who have family/close friends living in rural and remote areas may encourage occupational therapists to work in rural areas.
Benign and malignant tumors in Down syndrome: Analysis of the 1514 autopsied cases in Japan
Authors: Ehara Hiroaki , Ohno Kousaku , Ito Hisao 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground:  Down syndrome is known for its association with neoplasms. The aim of this study was to examine this association.Methods:  We surveyed the association with benign and malignant neoplasms in Down syndrome patients registered in the Annual of Pathological Autopsy Cases of Japan (1974–2000), a database of autopsied cases operated by the Japanese Society of Pathology.Results:  In a total of 1514 cases with Down syndrome, there were eight cases with 10 benign tumors (four male and four female) and 104 cases with malignant disorders (61 male, 42 female and one case with unrecorded sex), in which 87 cases with hematopoietic malignancies (83.7%) and 17 cases with solid tumors (16.3%), were identified. The association of gallbladder adenocarcinoma with a benign tumor of the colon was noted in one case, while a further two cases with double benign tumors were confirmed as well. No case with a double malignancy was found. Hematopoietic malignancies (87 cases) included 31 cases (35.6%) with acute myelocytic leukemia, 10 (11.4%) with acute lymphocytic leukemia and two (2.3%) with chronic myelocytic leukemia. The ratio of acute myelocytic leukemia to acute lymphocytic leukemia was 3.1 in the present study. A peak in the age distribution was at 0 years in our data in contrast to the previous data (at 1 year) for myelocytic leukemia. The 17 solid tumors identified included three hepatocellular carcinomas, three extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas, two gallbladder adenocarcinomas, three brain tumors, and three seminomas.Conclusion:  We present new associations of benign and malignant tumors with Down syndrome.
Molecular pathology of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma: A review
Authors: Yusenko Maria V 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe recognition of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (RCC) among other distinct types of renal cell tumors (RCT) based on light‐microscopic features, such as cytoplasmic and nuclear characteristics, might pose a dilemma in some cases because of morphological pattern overlapping with renal oncocytoma or conventional RCC. The present article reviews chromophobe RCC with focus on aspects of its molecular pathology, which was shown using ancillary modern microarray‐based technology that can distinguish it from its mimics and therefore be helpful for its correct diagnosis. Although the high resolution DNA‐microarray analyses excluded with all certainty the occurrence of small specific alterations, the loss of entire chromosomes 2, 10, 13, 17 and 21 occurs exclusively in chromophobe RCC and therefore probes localized at these chromosomes might be used to establish the diagnosis of chromophobe RCC in cases with uncertain histology. The usefulness of proposed candidate genes selected by the global gene expression analyses in the diagnostic pathology is far below expectations. The conflicting staining patterns, together with the poor specificity of used antibodies, leads us to believe that these candidate immunomarkers might not help in the separation of chromophobe RCC, with the exception of CD82, which has recently been suggested to be used for routine histological diagnosis.
Correcting post‐keratoplasty anisometropia with the implantable collamer phakic intraocular lens
Authors: Mehta Jodhbir S , Yuen Leonard H , Mengher Lakhbir S , Papathanassiou Miltos , Allan Bruce DS 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground:  We evaluate the Visian Implantable Collamer Lens (Staar, Monrovia, CA, USA) phakic intraocular lens for treating post‐keratoplasty anisometropia.Methods:  Case series of three eyes (2 phakic and 1 pseudophakic).Results:  The mean age was 47.3 years (range 30–73 years), with a minimum of 3‐month follow up. The mean preoperative spherical equivalent was −8.75 ± 5.17 D (−4.00 to −14.25 D) improving to −0.29 ± 1.21 D postoperatively (range 0.75 to −1.625 D). Mean logMAR uncorrected visual acuity improved from 1.66 ± 0.60 (6/240) preoperatively to 0.41 ± 0.52 (6/152). Mean logMAR best spectacle‐corrected visual acuity improved from 0.32 ± 0.15 (6/12) preoperatively to 0.10 ± 0.11 (6/7.5). Anisometropia improved from a difference of 6.37 ± 2.59 D preoperatively to 2.09 ± 1.37 D postoperatively, and there were no complications.Conclusion:  Our technique for this clinical indication shows that the Visian Implantable Collamer Lens is a safe and effective alternative for treating post‐keratoplasty anisometropia.