bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sperm competition and the evolution of the sperm hook in house mice
Authors: FIRMAN R. C. , SIMMONS L. W. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractSperm morphology varies considerably both between and within species. The sperm of many muroid rodents bear an apical hook at the proximal end of the head. The curvature of the sperm hook varies greatly across species, however the adaptive significance of the sperm hook is currently not known. In wood mice the apical hooks intertwine to form sperm ‘trains’, which exhibit faster swimming velocities than single cells. Thus, it has been suggested that if sperm ‘trains’ were advantageous in a competitive situation, then the apical sperm hook might be an evolutionary product of selection via sperm competition. A comparative study of rodent species provided support for the hypothesis, and showed that species with higher levels of sperm competition had more reflected sperm hooks. Here, we tested this hypothesis at the intraspecific level. We quantified sperm hook morphology from seven house mouse populations, and found that interpopulation variation in hook curvature was not explained by variation in sperm competition risk. Furthermore, observations of ejaculated sperm revealed that sperm groups are not a common characteristic of mouse ejaculates. We suggest that selection for sperm attachment to the oviduct epithelium, and thus better retainment of sperm fertilizing potential, may provide a more general explanation of the evolutionary relationship between sperm competition risk and the curvature of the sperm hook among rodents, and provide a phylogenetic comparison among rodent species that supports our hypothesis.
Phylogenetic determinants of potential host shifts in fungal pathogens
Authors: De VIENNE D. M. , HOOD M. E. , GIRAUD T. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractUnderstanding what determines the host range of pathogens and the potential for host shifts is of critical importance to controlling their introductions into new environments. The phylogeny of the hosts has been shown to be important: pathogens are more likely to be infectious on hosts closely related to their host‐of‐origin because of the similar host environments that is shared by descent. The importance of pathogen phylogenies for predicting host range has never been investigated, although a pathogen should also be able to exploit a new host that its close relative can infect. We performed cross‐inoculations using a plant–fungal association and showed that both host and pathogen phylogenies were significant predictors of host range, with at least partly independent effects. Furthermore, we showed that some pathogens were better at infecting novel hosts. Our results should have implications in the context of biological invasions and emergences of new diseases due to globalization.
Immunohistolocalization and Gene Expression of the Carbonic Anhydrase Isoenzymes (CA‐II and CA‐VI) in Glands Associated with the Canine Lacrimal Apparatus
Authors: Sugiura Y. , Soeta S. , Ichihara N. , Nishita T. , Murakami M. , Amasaki H. , Amasaki T. , Asari M. 
Published: October 2009

SummaryCytosolic and secretory carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes (CA‐II and CA‐VI, respectively) were detected by immunohistolocalization using specific canine CA‐II and CA‐VI antisera. CA‐II and CA‐VI were identified in glands associated with the canine lacrimal apparatus, such as lacrimal gland, superficial gland of the third eyelid (third eyelid gland) and tarsal gland. CA‐II and CA‐VI mRNA signals were also detected by reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in the same tissues. Some serous acinar cells and duct segments in the lacrimal gland and serous acinar cells in the third eyelid gland were immunopositive for anti‐CA‐II and CA‐VI antisera. In particular, some immunopositive acini to CA‐II and CA‐VI on the edge of the third eyelid gland are histologically similar to sebaceous gland cells. Sebaceous gland cells in the tarsal and ciliary glands also showed immunopositivity to both CA antisera. CA‐II and CA‐VI gene transcripts were detected in the same regions. These results suggest that secreted CA‐VI may form together with cytosolic CA‐II, a high‐activity isozyme mostly considered as a bicarbonate producer, in a mutually complementary system for the maintenance of bicarbonate levels to regulate pH in tear fluid and protect the corneal epithelia against injuries. In sebaceous gland cells in the lacrimal apparatus, CA‐VI may be related to lipogenesis in an unknown function.
Development and validation of a simple and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for quantifying trimetazidine in human plasma
Authors: Zhou Gan , Tan Zhi‐Rong , Ouyang Dong‐Sheng , Chen Yao , Guo Dong , Xie Hai‐Tang , Liu Ying‐Zi , Fan Lan , Deng Han‐Wu 
Published: October 2009

Summary1. A simple and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS‐MS) method for quantifying trimetazidine in human plasma was developed and validated. Sample preparation was based on deproteinating with acetonitrile.2. Chromatography was performed on a C18 analytical column (5 μm; 150 × 2.1 mm i.d.) and the retention times for trimetazidine and cetirizine (used as the internal standard) were 1.8 and 3.0 min, respectively. The ionization was optimized using an electrospray ionization source and enhanced selectivity was achieved using tandem mass spectrometry. The calibration curve ranged from 0.1 to 200 ng/mL. The inter‐day precision, accuracy and the relative standard deviation (RSD) were all < 15%. The analyte was shown to be stable over the time‐scale of the entire procedure.3. The robustness of the method was demonstrated by the good reproducibility of the results obtained during the analysis of clinical samples.
4‐Phenyl butyric acid does not generally reduce glucose levels in rodent models of diabetes
Authors: Xu Tian‐Ying , Chen Ruo‐Hua , Wang Pei , Zhang Ruo‐Yu , Ke Sen‐Fang , Miao Chao‐Yu 
Published: October 2009

Summary1. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 4‐phenyl butyric acid (PBA), a novel chemical chaperone reducing ER stress, on serum glucose level in different strains of normal and diabetic rodents.2. 4‐Phenyl butyric acid (1 g/kg per day, i.g.) was administered to ob/ob Type 2 diabetic mice, alloxan‐induced Type 1 diabetic mice and hydrocortisone (HC)‐induced Type 2 diabetic mice as well as normal C57BL/6J mice and Kumming mice for 14 days to evaluate its effect on serum glucose levels. In addition, mice were treated simultaneously with PBA (1 g/kg per day) and HC for 9 days to determine its preventive effect against the development of insulin resistance. PBA (0.7 and 1.4 g/kg per day) was administered to non‐obese Type 2 diabetic Goto‐Kakizaki (GK) and normal Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats for 14 and 7 days, respectively, to determine its effects on serum glucose levels.3. 4‐Phenyl butyric acid significantly reduced serum glucose levels in obese Type 2 diabetic ob/ob mice. Normoglycaemia was obtained in ob/ob mice after 4 days of PBA treatment and was maintained for up to 14 days treatment.4. 4‐Phenyl butyric acid had no glucose‐lowering effect in alloxan‐induced Type 1 diabetic mice, HC‐induced Type 2 diabetic mice and non‐obese Type 2 diabetic GK rats. In addition, it had no beneficial effects on insulin resistance in HC‐treated mice.5. 4‐Phenyl butyric acid did not affect normal serum glucose levels in C57BL/6 J mice, Kunming mice or WKY rats.6. In conclusion, PBA does not generally reduce glucose levels in rodent models of diabetes, although it can normalize glucose levels in ob/ob diabetic mice, indicating that restoration of ER function as diabetes therapy is limited to conditions under which ER stress is involved in the high glucose levels.
Hepatitis B immunoglobulins and/or lamivudine for preventing hepatitis B recurrence after liver transplantation: A systematic review
Authors: Chen Jie , Yi Liping , Jia Ji Dong , Ma Hong , You Hong 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground: Currently, hepatitis B immunoglobulins (HBIg) and/or lamivudine have become the main options for prevention of hepatitis B recurrence after liver transplantation.Aim: To assess the benefits of HBIg and/or lamivudine for prevention of hepatitis B recurrence after liver transplantation.Methods: We conducted a search of electronic databases and a manual search of bibliographical lists of relevant articles. All randomized clinical trials and non‐randomized studies that meet the pre‐specified criteria were included. However, results of non‐randomized studies were reported under ‘exploratory analyses’ in the result section. The outcome measure was hepatitis B recurrence.Results: Two randomized and 44 non‐randomized studies were included. Meta‐analysis of two randomized studies shows one week HBIg combined with lamivudine regimen had equivalent effect compared with long‐term high‐dose HBIg regimen for preventing hepatitis B recurrence (RR 1.23; 95% CI 0.38–4.03;P = 0.73). For 44 non‐randomized studies, only qualitative systematic review was performed. With long‐term HBIg prophylaxis, hepatitis B recurrence rate ranged from 3.7% to 65%; with lamivudine prophylaxis, hepatitis B recurrence rate varied from 3.8% to 40.4%; Long‐term high‐dose HBIg plus lamivudine prophylaxis can reduce the risk of HBV recurrence to less than 10%.Conclusions: Long‐term HBIg prophylaxis or lamivudine prophylaxis can reduce the risk for hepatitis B virus recurrence. Long‐term high‐dose HBIg combined with lamivudine can further reduce HBV recurrence to less than 10%.
Gastrointestinal and biliary stents
Authors: Chun Hoon Jai , Kim Eun Sun , Hyun Jong Jin , Kwon Yong Dae , Keum Bora , Kim Chang Duck 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAdvances in stent design have led to a substantial increase in the use of stents for a variety of malignant and benign strictures in the gastrointestinal tract and biliary system. Whereas early stents were mostly composed of plastic, the majority of contemporary stents are self‐expanding metal stents that are composed of either nitinol or stainless steel. These stents are able to exert an adequate expansile force and, at the same time, are highly flexible and biocompatible. Covered stents have been introduced to minimize tumor ingrowth through the metal mesh but are associated with higher rates for spontaneous migration. This has led to the development of covered stents with uncovered ends and stents with both covered and uncovered layers. Drug‐eluting and biodegradable stents are also likely to become available in the near future. Although stents appear to be the preferred form of palliation for some patients with advanced cancer, many patients will benefit from a multidisciplinary approach that usually includes surgeons and oncologists.
Support for infertility treatment in Japan: Differences in perceptions between female clients and staff
Authors: Takabayashi Chikako , Shimada Keiko 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe aim of this study was to clarify the perceptions of both infertile women accessing support services from local governments related to infertility treatment and the public servants providing that assistance. This cross‐sectional descriptive study surveyed 62 local government staff members who managed medical expense subsidy programs for infertility treatment in the Hokuriku region of Japan and 84 infertile women attending the clinics. We measured the levels of satisfaction regarding the support services from local governments and the perceptions of the importance of each type of support. The data were analyzed descriptively and included factor analysis and multiple regression analysis. Local governments' support services were analyzed by using four factors: providing information, education and consultation, improving existing services, and improving access. Both the women and the staff endorsed the importance of information provision, the easing of restrictions on subsidies for infertility treatment, reconsideration of the application procedures, and improvement of the publicizing of the available subsidies.
A qualitative evaluation of the Care of the Critically Ill Surgical Patient course
Authors: Zotti Mario Giuseppe , Waxman Bruce Philip 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground:  The Care of the Critically Ill Surgical Patient (CCrISP) course was adapted by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, being made compulsory for all Basic Surgical Trainees in 2001. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the course objectives were achieved and identify strengths and weaknesses.Methods:  A retrospective cohort study was completed, after CCrISP Committee support of the proposed conduct, by distribution of questionnaires to instructors and trainees who had completed CCrISP in 2006 or earlier. The questionnaires were qualitative and designed to evaluate the success of CCrISP objectives.Results:  Fourteen instructors and 40 Victorian trainees completed the questionnaires. The major weaknesses identified by the instructors were the trainees' management of complications, nutrition, multiple injuries and sedation, procedural skills and mentoring. Trainees identified weaknesses in procedural skills and mentoring. Both groups identified the strongest areas being the emphasis on communication skills, utilization of clinical knowledge and acumen, management of shock and haemorrhage and management of the acute abdomen. The trainees further identified the systematic approach to the critically ill surgical patient as a major strength.Conclusion:  The primary objectives of the CCrISP course have been met. This study has identified teaching of communication skills, shock and haemorrhage and the systematic approach being the strengths of the course, whereas further refining of the mentoring process and reconsidering the importance of procedural skills is needed, both of which are secondary objectives.
Is sentinel lymph node biopsy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy feasible in Chinese patients with invasive breast cancers?
Authors: Cheung Tanfo T. , Suen Dacita T. K. , Kwong Ava 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground:  A wide variation in the accuracy of performance of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer has been reported despite its increased use. This study aimed to be the first to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of SLNB after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in Chinese patients with breast cancer.Methods:  A review of prospectively collected data from breast cancer patients who had SLNB after prior neoadjuvant chemotherapy was performed. A combination of radiopharmaceutical 99mTc‐albumin colloid (Pharmalucence, MA, USA) and Patent Blue V dye (Guerbet, France) was used to identify the SLN. SLNB was followed by standard axillary dissection in all patients.Results:  A total of 365 patients received SLNB from May 1999 to April 2006. A total of 78 patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by SLNB were recruited. The SLN identification rate, false‐negative rate and accuracy rate were 83.3, 10.3 and 73.1%, respectively. Analysis was stratified into clinical and pathological response group.Location of the tumour was also found to be an important factor in affecting the false‐negative rate (P= 0.019). For upper, outer quadrant tumour, five (32.3%, out of 16) patients presented with false‐negative. Patients with more sentinel lymph node harvest had higher accuracy. A total of 22 patients had three or more lymph nodes harvested, and the false‐negative rate was 21.7% (5 out of 23 patients) (P= 0.00).Conclusions:  The results of our study show that SLNB is feasible and applicable in Chinese patients with breast cancer with operable disease who have received neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Use of inferior vena cava filters in a tertiary referral centre in Australia
Authors: Tiwari Alok , Saw Chong , Li Michelle , Mohan Irwin , Daly Tom , Swinnen John , Richardson Arthur , So Simon , Young Noel , Vicaretti Mauro , Fletcher John 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIntroduction:  To investigate the use of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters in a tertiary referral centre, looking at indication, types of filters and, with temporary/optional filters, removal rates.Methods:  Data was collected from a prospective database of all IVC filters inserted from January 2003 to January 2007. Patients' records and radiological imaging were all reviewed.Results:  66 patients (40 males) had IVC filters inserted during the study period. The median age of the male patients was 57.5 (21–79) years, and females 56 (24–81). There were 49 (74.2%) temporary/optional filters and 17 (25.8%) permanent filters. The most common indication for filter was a contraindication to anticoagulation for both permanent (64.7%) and temporary/optional filters (77.6%). In the temporary/optional filter group, 38 of 49 (77.6%) patients had documented venous thromboembolism, while in the permanent filter group, this was 14 of 17 (82.4%). Of the optional filters, 22 of 49 (45.8%) have been removed.Conclusion:  More than half (54.2%) of temporary/optional filters were not removed and with potential for long‐term complications. A protocol has now being instituted for vascular surgeons to authorize the insertion of filters and to then be responsible for ensuring their removal.
Protective role of Coenzyme Q10 in two models of rat lung injury
Authors: Lim Hou‐Kiat , Jayaweera Suren , Calderone Alicia , Pepe Salvatore , Rosenfeldt Franklin L. , Marasco Silvana F. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground:  Ischaemia‐reperfusion injury is a life‐threatening complication of lung transplantation. Attempts to ameliorate this injury have included optimization of donor management and improving techniques of lung preservation. However, few investigators have sought to pretreat potential recipients. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a potent antioxidant and cellular energizer that has been shown to protect the heart against injury. However, its protective effect in the lung is unknown. We therefore set out to study the impact of Coenzyme Q10 pretreatment in a model of mild and severe lung injury.Methods:  We evaluated the impact of CoQ10 in a two‐stage laboratory study. In the first stage, in order to measure the magnitude of increase in tissue and plasma CoQ10 following oral therapy we administered high‐dose oral CoQ10 to rats (n = 6). In the second stage we evaluated the impact of CoQ10 in the rat lung (n = 10) that was subjected to 230 min of normoxic lung injury or 90 min of warm ischaemia and 120 min of reperfusion in a model of lung transplantation.Results:  High‐dose oral CoQ10 for 7 days produced a 15‐fold increase in plasma and a 3‐fold increase in lung CoQ10. In the normoxic lung, the injury‐induced rise in peak airway pressure was reduced by CoQ10 treatment at 90 min (P = 0.037) and at 120 min (P = 0.005) without any change in arterial oxygen. In the lung subjected to severe ischaemia‐reperfusion injury, CoQ10 did not reduce the injury‐induced increase in peak airway pressure (P = 0.599) nor the decrease in arterial oxygen (P = 0.844). However, CoQ10 markedly reduced the increase in tumour necrosis factor‐alpha in ischaemic compared with normoxic lung (P = 0.027).Conclusions:  The effect of CoQ10 pretreatment is insufficient to protect the lung against severe ischaemia‐reperfusion as may occur in lung transplantation. However, in the setting of less severe pulmonary injury as in anaesthesia and non‐transplant surgery, CoQ10 may have a protective role.
Enterocutaneous fistula: a single‐centre experience
Authors: Gyorki D. E. , Brooks C. E. , Gett R. , Woods R. J. , Johnston M. , Keck J. O. , Mackay J. R. , Heriot A. G. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground:  Enterocutaneous fistulae (ECFs) present a difficult management problem and can cause significant morbidity. The aim of the study was to assess the outcome of these patients.Methods:  A retrospective chart review of all patients with ECF managed at a tertiary centre between 1996 and 2006 was performed. Demographic, management and outcome data including ECF closure, morbidity and mortality were recorded.Results:  A total of 33 patients (17 male) were identified with ECF (median age: 63 years, range: 27–84). The primary aetiology was Crohn's (30%), anastomotic leak (24%), iatrogenic (18%), mesh (6%), neoplasia (6%) and other (16%). Definitive surgery was undertaken in 21 (64%) at a median of 6.4 months (0.4–72 range) following presentation. Twenty percent of patients required emergency surgical intervention and 5 patients required preoperative total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Surgical management was formal resection and reanastomosis in all patients, with a mean operative time of 4.75 h (standard deviation = 1.8). The median hospital stay for the operative group was 19 days (7–85). Four patients required post‐operative TPN with one patient requiring home TPN. Fistula closure rate was 97% (operative group: 21 out of 21; non‐operative group: 11 out of 12). Mean follow‐up was 37.3 months (0.5–217). Six (19%) operative patients developed fistula recurrence. There were two deaths at 2 and 5 months (fistula aetiology malignant colonic fistula and radiation enteritis, respectively).Conclusion:  Patients with ECF can be treated with low morbidity and low recurrence rate in a multidisciplinary setting. We believe that patients with ECF should be referred to specialist units for management.
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: an analysis of outcomes
Authors: Kurmis Timothy P. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground:  Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) are utilized for the management of complications of portal hypertension, particularly diuretic‐resistant ascites and recurrent variceal bleeding. It has also been applied in Budd–Chiari syndrome and hepatorenal syndrome. We report the results in a small series, over 9 years, from a single centre, and compare these to those published in the literature.Methods:  A retrospective case note review of 20 consecutive TIPS procedures performed at Flinders Medical Centre from January 1997 to December 2005 was completed. All indications were included in the analysis. Underlying liver disease, peri‐procedure complications, relief of symptoms and patient survival were recorded. Data on type of TIPS, shunt patency and method of follow‐up were recorded.Results:  Thirty‐six TIPS were performed in 20 subjects. All initial TIPS attempts were successful. Indications were: refractory ascites (18), acute variceal bleeding (12) and hepatorenal syndrome (2). There were no peri‐procedure deaths, however. Ninety‐day mortality was 20%. Outcomes in model of end‐stage liver disease score and biochemical characteristics post‐TIPS were comparable to those reported. Overall, TIPS dysfunction rate was 35% at 1 year. TIPS follow‐up and patency surveillance was an ad hoc combination of Doppler ultrasound and venography.Conclusion:  TIPS procedure outcomes in our centre are similar to those reported in the literature from large centres. TIPS patency rates may be improved with regular monitoring and early intervention when stenosis occurs.
Feeding signals and brain circuitry
Authors: Dietrich Marcelo O. , Horvath Tamas L. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractFood intake is a major physiological function in animals and must be entrained to the circadian oscillations in food availability. In the last two decades a growing number of reports have shed light on the hormonal, cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of food intake. Brain areas located in the hypothalamus have been shown to play a pivotal role in the regulation of energy metabolism, controlling energy balance. In these areas, neuronal plasticity has been reported that is dependent upon key hormones, such as leptin and ghrelin, that are produced by peripheral organs. This review will provide an overview of recent discoveries relevant to understanding these issues.