bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Silicon drain with channels along the sides for internal biliary stenting of hepaticojejunostomy in hepatic hilar malignancies
Authors: Yoshida Hiroshi , Mamada Yasuhiro , Taniai Nobuhiko , Mizuguchi Yoshiaki , Kakinuma Daisuke , Ishikawa Yoshinori , Kanda Tomohiro , Bando Koichi , Akimaru Koho , Tajiri Takashi 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground:  We compared two types of stents in patients who underwent surgery for hepatic hilar malignancies.Methods:  Twenty‐one patients with hepatic hilar malignancies who underwent hepatectomy were randomly assigned to one of two groups. A 5‐Fr silicon drain with an internal lumen and side holes was used for the hepaticojejunostomy in one group (intraluminal stent group), and a 10‐Fr silicon drain with channels along the sides was used in the other (channel stent group).Results:  Leakage developed in four patients (36.4%) in the intraluminal stent group versus two (20.0%) in the channel stent group. Cholangitis developed in three patients with leakage (27.3%) in the intraluminal stent group versus no patient in the channel stent group. After operation, the times required for the serum alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin levels to return to the normal range were significantly shorter in the channel stent group (5.3 ± 2.9, 3.8 ± 2.2 days) than in the intraluminal stent group (17.0 ± 5.8, 9.4 ± 5.7 days) (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0093).Conclusion:  A 10‐Fr silicon drain with channels is superior to a 5‐Fr silicon drain with an internal lumen for internal biliary stenting of hepaticojejunostomy in patients with hepatic hilar malignancies.
Evaluating the efficacy of insecticides to control Sceliodes cordalis (Doubleday) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in eggplant
Authors: Kay Iain R , Brown John D 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe efficacy of insecticides in controlling Sceliodes cordalis, eggfruit caterpillar, in eggplant was tested in four small plot trials because there has been a very limited range of insecticides available to manage this pest. Weekly applications of bifenthrin, flubendiamide, methoxyfenozide, chlorantraniliprole and spinosad and twice weekly applications of methomyl provided control as measured by a percentage of damaged fruit significantly lower than that in an untreated control. Twice weekly applications of methoxyfenozide, chlorantraniliprole or spinosad were not significantly more effective than weekly applications. Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki, emamectin benzoate, indoxacarb, methomyl and pyridalyl applied weekly were ineffective, with percentages of damaged fruit not significantly different from the untreated control. These trials have identified a number of insecticides that could be used to manage S. cordalis, including several that would be compatible with integrated pest management programs in eggplant.
An evaluation of two biochemical methods of age determination in insects (pteridines and lipofuscins) using the ant Polyrhachis sexpinosa Latrielle (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Robson Simon K A , Crozier Ross H 
Published: May 2009

AbstractAccurate information on the age of wild‐caught animals is valuable for a variety of areas, but can be particularly difficult to obtain for small holometabolous insects, whose body size is fixed at the time of pupal eclosion. A variety of chemical groups, such as lipofuscins and pteridines accumulate in body tissues through time and can be used to predict age in a variety of arthropod taxa. Here we use spectrofluorometry to confirm the presence of extractable levels of lipofuscins and pteridines in individual social insects (using the ant Polyrhachis sexpinosa Latrielle, average body size 25 mg, as an example) and evaluate their ability to predict age. Pteridine levels were independent of age but lipofuscin levels increased with age in a predictable manner (r2 = 72.8%). Lipofuscin levels therefore represent a new method of age determination for social insects that should be applicable to both individual laboratory and wild‐caught animals.
Description of Crypsiphona tasmanica sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Geometrinae), with notes on limitations in using DNA barcodes for delimiting species
Authors: Õunap Erki , Viidalepp Jaan 
Published: May 2009

AbstractExternal morphological differences were found between Tasmanian and mainland Australian specimens of what was previously considered a single species, the Redlined Geometrid, Crypsiphona ocultaria (Donovan). Examination of genitalia showed constant differences, suggesting that Tasmanian and mainland Australian populations represent distinct species. This hypothesis was tested using DNA sequences from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and nuclear elongation factor 1‐alpha (EF‐1α) gene. Tasmanian Crypsiphona Meyrick populations were found to represent a distinct species, described here as C. tasmanica sp. nov. The results show that a phylogeny‐based approach allows the delimitation of C. ocultaria (Donovan) and C. tasmanica sp. nov., but distance‐based delimitation is problematic due to substantial overlap in intra‐ and interspecific genetic distances. Using nucleotide data in character‐based species delimitations might be possible for discriminating between C. ocultaria and C. tasmanica, but our current knowledge does not allow the assignment of characters required for this purpose.
Occurrence of Macrosiphum hellebori Theobald & Walton (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Australia
Authors: Valenzuela Isabel , Carver Mary , Malipatil Mallik B , Ridland Peter M 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe European aphid species, Macrosiphum hellebori, the hellebore aphid, is recorded from Australia, having been found in Melbourne, Victoria and in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, colonising ornamental hellebores, Helleborus species (Ranunculaceae). Insect associates of M. hellebori are recorded, including the hymenopterous primary parasite Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson) (Braconidae: Aphidiinae). Keys are provided for the identification of the three species of Macrosiphum Passerini known from Australia.
Expression of minichromosome maintenance proteins in Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Gambichler T , Breininger A , Rotterdam S , Altmeyer P , Stücker M , Kreuter A 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjective  Minichromosome maintenance (MCM) nuclear proteins have barely been employed in the diagnosis of skin malignancies. We aimed to assess whether MCM immunohistochemistry can be utilized to examine tumour proliferation in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).Methods  In this pilot study, we studied skin specimens of eight patients with MCC. As a control, eight patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma (MM) were included. Immunohistochemistry was performed for MCM4, MCM6, MCM7, Ki‐67, p53, and p21.Results  Protein expression of MCM4 (66.0 ± 26.5% vs. 33.9 ± 22.4%; P = 0.017), MCM6 (70.9 ± 11.9 vs. 31.7 ± 22.7; P = 0.0031), and MCM7 (76.5 ± 16.4% vs. 34.9 ± 25.5%; P = 0.0013) was significantly increased in tumour cells of MCC when compared to tumour cells of MM. Ki‐67 immunoreactivity was also significantly higher in MCC than in MM (28.7 ± 7.9 vs. 11.0 ± 9.2; P = 0.0012). Immunolabelling of p53 (68.6 ± 26.2 vs. 58.4 ± 28.8; P = 0.46) and p21 (40.1 ± 38.8 vs. 25.8 ± 16.1; P = 0.35) was relatively high but not significantly increased in MCC when compared to MM.Conclusion  Our preliminary data indicate that MCM immunohistochemistry may be a useful tool for the determination of tumour cell proliferation in MCC.
Cellular prion protein coupling to TACE‐dependent TNF‐α shedding controls neurotransmitter catabolism in neuronal cells
Authors: Pradines Elodie , Loubet Damien , Mouillet‐Richard Sophie , Manivet Philippe , Launay Jean‐Marie , Kellermann Odile , Schneider Benoît 
Published: May 2009

AbstractDespite considerable efforts to unravel the role of cellular prion protein (PrPC) in neuronal functions, the mechanisms by which PrPC takes part in the homeostasis of a defined neuronal phenotype remain poorly characterized. By taking advantage of a neuroectodermal cell line (1C11) endowed with the capacity to differentiate into serotonergic (1C115‐HT) or noradrenergic (1C11NE) neurons, we assessed the contribution of PrPC to bioaminergic cell functions. We established that in 1C11‐derived neuronal cells antibody‐mediated PrPC ligation triggered tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α release, through recruitement of the metalloproteinase TNF‐α converting enzyme (TACE). TNF‐α shed in response to PrPC acts as a second message signal, eliciting serotonin (5‐HT) or norepinephrine (NE) degradation in 1C115‐HT or 1C11NE cells, respectively. Our data thus introduced TNF‐α as a PrPC‐dependent modulator of neuronal metabolism. Of note, we previously reported on a control of neurotransmitter catabolism by 5‐HT2B or α1D autoreceptors in 1C11 bioaminergic neurons, via the same TACE/TNF‐α pathway (Ann. N Y Acad. Sci. 1091, 123). Here, we show that combined stimulation of PrPC and these two bioaminergic receptors add their effects on neurotransmitter degradation. Overall, these observations unveil a novel contribution of PrPC to the control of neuronal functions and may have implications regarding dysfunction of the bioaminergic systems in prion diseases.
Cancer nurses narrating after conversations with cancer outpatients: how do nurses’ roles and patients’ perspectives appear in the nurses’ narratives?
Authors: Brataas Hildfrid V. , Thorsnes Sigrid L. , Hargie Owen 
Published: May 2009

Aim: The aim of this study was to contribute to knowledge of nursing practice in the cancer care field by exploring cancer nurses’ perceptions of conversations with cancer outpatients.Background: Current practice at cancer outpatient clinics in Norway is that nurses have planned conversations with patients and relatives as a follow‐up after patient–physician conversations about assessment and medical treatment. Little is known about nurses’ experiences of conversations in the ambulatory context. This study reports the experiences of initial patient–nurse consultations. Data were collected in 2006–2007.Design: A qualitative phenomenological hermeneutic study was performed. A purposive sample of 12 cancer nurses was selected for qualitative interviews where nurses were narrating about conversation experiences. Significance and meaning of conversation experiences were analysed within a hermeneutic perspective, inspired by Ricoeur. Anonymity and voluntary participation procedures were followed. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Regional Committee for Medical Research Ethics of the region.Findings: There were plots of nurses experiencing conversations as hard work, routine work or artistry. The nurses’ conceptualizations of their roles as an information provider, or patient‐centred caring role were rooted in rules of the nursing community or in humanistic caring ethics. Differences of nurses’ perceptions and experiences of conversations are explained by different attitudes and role appreciations.Conclusion: Cancer nurses’ role appreciation and meaning horizons are guiding their perceptions of patient–nurse communication. Feeling free to act in interplay with patients’ voices, the patients’ perspectives become foreground. There is an educational challenge here in terms of developing methods to help nurses to discover how their mental work and meaning horizons guide conversational practice.
Distinct molecular requirements for activation or stabilization of soluble guanylyl cyclase upon haem oxidation‐induced degradation
Authors: Hoffmann LS , Schmidt PM , Keim Y , Schaefer S , Schmidt HHHW , Stasch JP 
Published: May 2009

Background and purpose: In endothelial dysfunction, signalling by nitric oxide (NO) is impaired because of the oxidation and subsequent loss of the soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) haem. The sGC activator 4‐[((4‐carboxybutyl){2‐[(4‐phenethylbenzyl)oxy]phenethyl}amino)methyl[benzoic]acid (BAY 58‐2667) is a haem‐mimetic able to bind with high affinity to sGC when the native haem (the NO binding site) is removed and it also protects sGC from ubiquitin‐triggered degradation. Here we investigate whether this protection is a unique feature of BAY 58‐2667 or a general characteristic of haem‐site ligands such as the haem‐independent sGC activator 5‐chloro‐2‐(5‐chloro‐thiophene‐2‐sulphonylamino‐N‐(4‐(morpholine‐4‐sulphonyl)‐phenyl)‐benzamide sodium salt (HMR 1766), the haem‐mimetic Zn‐protoporphyrin IX (Zn‐PPIX) or the haem‐dependent sGC stimulator 5‐cyclopropyl‐2‐[1‐(2‐fluoro‐benzyl)‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridin‐3‐yl]‐pyrimidin‐4‐ylamine (BAY 41‐2272).Experimental approach: The sGC inhibitor 1H‐(1,2,4)‐oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ) was used to induce oxidation‐induced degradation of sGC. Activity and protein levels of sGC were measured in a Chinese hamster ovary cell line as well as in primary porcine endothelial cells. Cells expressing mutant sGC were used to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the effects observed.Key results: Oxidation‐induced sGC degradation was prevented by BAY 58‐2667 and Zn‐PPIX in both cell types. In contrast, the structurally unrelated sGC activator, HMR 1766, and the sGC stimulator, BAY 41‐2272, did not protect. Similarly, the constitutively haem‐free sGC mutant β1H105F was stabilized by BAY 58‐2667 and Zn‐PPIX.Conclusions: The ability of BAY 58‐2667 not only to activate but also to stabilize oxidized/haem‐free sGC represents a unique example of bimodal target interaction and distinguishes this structural class from non‐stabilizing sGC activators and sGC stimulators such as HMR 1766 and BAY 41‐2272, respectively.
Relationship between phenotypic traits and selected fitness components ofDiabrotica virgifera virgifera
Authors: Li Hongmei , Toepfer Stefan , Kuhlmann Ulrich 
Published: May 2009

AbstractDiabrotica virgifera virgiferaLeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is one of the most important and best‐studied maize pests, yet little information is available regarding the basic relationships among its phenotypic traits, particularly those that reflect the overall fitness of this successful invader in Europe and North America. Such information is critical for studies on the invasiveness, behavioural ecology, and management of this pest. Phenotypic traits that change over the lifetime of the beetle were investigated (e.g., fresh body weight) as they can indicate changes in adult physiology or fitness ofD. v. virgifera.Phenotypic traits that remain stable over the beetle’s lifetime were also investigated (e.g., pronotum width, head capsule width, hind tibia length), as they most likely allow detection of genetic differences between populations. Furthermore, phenotypic traits were investigated that may best predict fecundity (e.g., fresh body weight, elytra width) and life span (e.g., elytra length), as these two factors influence the population growth of this highly invasive species. Finally, regression equations are provided for the age‐specific oviposition and survival of the long‐livingD. v. virgiferaadults, which may allow researchers to reduce the duration of their bioassays without losing information.
How to read and understand and use systematic reviews and meta‐analyses
Authors: Leucht S. , Kissling W. , Davis J. M. 
Published: May 2009

Objective : Systematic reviews and meta‐analyses are increasingly frequently used in the evaluation of medical treatments. This review explains the principles of the methodology, significance and limitations of systematic reviews.Method:  Short review article.Results:  In contrast to conventional reviews, systematic reviews use a structured approach in retrieving, analyzing and interpreting the evidence. A comprehensive search strategy is applied to identify all relevant trials. Study selection and data extraction is performed independently by at least two reviewers. The data are usually synthesized in a meta‐analysis applying statistical methods to examine homogeneity. Funnel plots and other statistical methods are applied to detect publication bias.Conclusion:  Due to the enormous amount of scientific information published every year, systematic reviews and meta‐analyses have become indispensable methods for the evaluation of medical treatments.
A systematic review of definitions of periodontitis and methods that have been used to identify this disease
Authors: Savage Amir , Eaton Kenneth A. , Moles David R. , Needleman Ian 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjective:To perform a systematic review and critical analysis of the definitions of periodontitis and the methods which have been used to identify and measure this disease.Material and Methods:Relevant publications were identified after searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCISEARCH and LILACS electronic databases. Screening of titles and abstracts and data extraction was conducted independently by two reviewers. To be included in the review, studies were required to define periodontitis and to indicate how it was measured. Studies that related purely to gingivitis, and/or intervention studies, and/or studies where prevalence or severity of periodontitis was not a principal outcome were excluded.Results:From a total of 3472 titles and abstracts, 104 potentially relevant full text papers were identified. Of these, 15 met the criteria for inclusion in the final stage of the review. The survey revealed heterogeneity between the studies in the measurement tools used, particularly the types of probes and the sites and areas of the mouth that were assessed. There was also heterogeneity in the use of clinical attachment loss (CAL) and pocket probing depth (PPD) as criteria for periodontitis. In the 15 studies, the threshold for a diagnosis of periodontitis when CAL was the criterion ranged from 2 to 6 mm and when PPD was used, from 3 to 6 mm.Conclusions:This review has confirmed previous work which has suggested that epidemiological studies of periodontal diseases are complicated by the diversity of methodologies and definitions used. The studies that were reviewed utilized a minimum diagnostic threshold defining periodontitis, at a given site in terms of CAL of 2 mm and PPD of 3 mm.
Comparative analysis of the expression of cytokeratins (1, 10, 14, 16, 4), involucrin, filaggrin and e‐cadherin in plane warts and epidermodysplasia verruciformis plane wart‐type lesions
Authors: Barcelos Andrezza C. N. , Sotto Mirian N. 
Published: May 2009

Background: Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is a rare genodermatosis with susceptibility to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and high risk of skin cancer considered a model of viral oncogenesis.Methods: Fifteen cases of EV plane wart (PW)‐type lesions (EV) and 14 cases of PW in healthy individuals were subjected to immunohistochemical technique for cytokeratins (K) 1, 10, 14, 16, 4, involucrin, filaggrin and e‐cadherin.Results: K1/10 showed retarded or negative expression in EV, being substituted by K14. Expression of K14 occurred in the basal and suprabasal layers in both groups, but in EV, its expression was observed up to the more superficial layers. Both groups showed positivity for K16 and K4, involucrin expression in lower levels of the spinous layer and unaltered filaggrin expression. E‐cadherin expression was diminished at the koilocytotic foci of both lesions, more superficially in EV.Conclusion: Infection by HPV may alter the differentiation status of the epidermis, leading to a major expression of K14, delayed or absent expression of K1/10 and earlier involucrin expression, especially in EV. It also stimulates the expression of K16 and K4. Filaggrin expression is not altered, and e‐cadherin is diminished in superficial koilocytotic cells’ foci in EV.
C4d immunohistochemical stain is a sensitive method to confirm immunoreactant deposition in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue in bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Chandler Wells , Zone John , Florell Scott 
Published: May 2009

Background:  Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is characterized clinically by the onset of pruritic urticarial plaques, vesicles and bullae in a predominantly elderly population. While the diagnosis may be suspected on routine hematoxylin and eosin histology of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue, fresh‐frozen tissue must be used to show the immunologic nature of the bullous process by direct immunofluorescence (DIF). The diagnosis is further confirmed and separated from epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) by subsequent serologic studies to detect antibodies directed against BP180 and BP230 antigens and characteristic antibody deposition on salt‐split skin.Methods:  Using a polyclonal complement fragment 4d (C4d) antibody, we stained formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded skin biopsy specimens from cases of BP and controls.Results:  We showed characteristic linear basement membrane deposition of C4d in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue in seven of nine cases diagnosed as BP vs. EBA by DIF on fresh‐frozen tissue. None of the four controls for which we had adequate tissue were positive.Conclusion:  These results indicate that formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue can be stained for the immunoreactant C4d to show characteristic immunoreactant deposition, potentially obviating the need for repeat biopsy for DIF and allowing clinicians to proceed to serologic confirmation of BP.
Histopathologic characteristics of neonatal cutaneous lupus erythematosus: description of five cases and literature review
Authors: Peñate Y. , Guillermo N. , Rodríguez J. , Hernández‐Machín B. , Montenegro T. , Afonso J. L. , Borrego L. 
Published: May 2009

Background:  Neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) is a disease associated with the transplacental transfer of maternal anti‐Ro/SSA. The histopathologic characteristics of neonatal lupus have been described as compatible with cutaneous lupus based on isolated cases.Methods:  We retrospectively review the available literature and compare them with findings obtained in seven biopsies of five cases.Results:  Erythematous‐desquamative lesions and urticaria‐like lesions were observed in our series. Two cases showed both type of lesions. Vacuolar alterations at the dermoepidermal interface and adnexal structures were the histopathologic findings on erythematous‐desquamative lesions, and a superficial and deep perivascular and periadnexal lymphocytic infiltrate was the major pattern in urticaria‐like lesions. One case showed prevalence of eosinophils in the inflammatory infiltrate. Sixty cases have been reported previously. Sixty‐five percent presented erythematous‐desquamative and 29% urticaria‐like lesions. Pathologic findings of erythematous‐desquamative lesions were similar to those found in our series, but epidermal vacuolar changes were the predominant histopathologic finding in urticaria‐like lesions of cases reported in the literature.Conclusions:  The majority of cases of NLE show vacuolar alteration at the dermoepidermal interface and adnexal structures. Some cases exhibit a superficial and deep perivascular and periadnexal lymphocytic infiltrate without epidermal alteration, and rare cases may have eosinophils in the infiltrate.