bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MORPHOMETRY FOR MICROVESSELS IN EARLY GASTRIC CANCER BY NARROW BAND IMAGING‐EQUIPPED MAGNIFYING ENDOSCOPY
Authors: ARAKI YASUMITU , SASAKI YOSHIHIRO , HANABATA NORIHIRO , YOSHIMURA TETSURO , SAWAYA MANABU , HADA RYUKICHI , FUKUDA SHINSAKU 
Published: January 2011

Background and Aim:  Microvascular architecture is a variable characterizing early gastric cancer (EGC) against the background. The aims of the present study were to measure morphological variables of the microvessels and to compare the variables between EGC and the background.Methods:  Narrow band imaging (NBI)‐equipped magnifying endoscopic pictures from 32 patients with EGC were used. The endoscopic pictures were taken under maximal magnification and processed for the microvessels in an in‐focus area after correction of image distortion. The segmented microvessels were numbered for microvessel density (counts/mm2) and vascular bed area (% ratio of vascular bed against the region of interest). The microvessels were further processed for a set of skeletonized pixels to count the characteristic points, including end‐points, crossing points, branching points and connecting points.Results:  Microvessels in cancer were found to have a significantly larger connected point number (20.5 ± 6.1, P = 0.0002) than those in the background (17.4 ± 3.9). Numbers of the end‐points and branching points were found to be significantly larger in cancer than in the background (end‐points 3.6 ± 0.7 for cancer vs 3.3 ± 0.4 for background, P = 0.0005; branching points 0.8 ± 0.4 for cancer vs 0.7 ± 0.2 for background, P = 0.0014). However, microvessel density, vascular bed area and mean diameter did not significantly differ between cancer and the background.Conclusion:  This finding can be considered to reflect the reported observation of an irregular vascular pattern in gastric cancer. This method may provide a means for microvessel morphometry, regardless of the organ studied.
Vaginal reconstruction using no grafts with evidence of squamous epithelialization in neovaginal vault: A simple approach
Authors: Marzieh Ghafarnejad , Soodabeh Darvish , Narges Izadi‐mood , Saghar Samimi‐sade , Sara Esmaeili 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAim:  To present a simple approach for vaginal reconstruction, without lining of the neovagina by means of any grafts.Methods:  This was an observational prospective cohort study. Twenty‐five patients with a known diagnosis of vaginal agenesis were enrolled in this study between 2003 and 2009. All patients underwent vaginoplasty in which the McIndoe procedure was used with no grafts. Then we assessed vaginal depth, quality of life, sexual function, self‐image and surgical complications with an interview, examination and by filling in the standard questionnaires in regards to the outcome of the surgery. Moreover, punch biopsy was taken from the neovagina at 3–12 months after surgery and the histology of samples was evaluated to determine squamous epithelialization of the neovagina.Results:  Most of the patients in our study were satisfied with the outcome of surgery due to few complications. Moreover, punch biopsy after vaginal reconstruction determined complete epithelialization of the neovagina in six out of seven patients.Conclusions:  The procedure described here offers patients a near‐normal vagina with a simple, less invasive, low‐cost procedure that provides squamous epithelialization of the neovaginal vault.
Ovarian carcinoma complicated by sigmoid colon fistula formation: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Yahagi Namiko , Kobayashi Yoichi , Ohara Tatsuru , Suzuki Nao , Kiguchi Kazushige , Ishizuka Bunpei 
Published: January 2011

AbstractFormation of a fistula to a digestive organ is an extremely rare phenomenon in cases of ovarian carcinoma. We report a case of ovarian clear‐cell carcinoma complicated by formation of a sigmoid colon fistula, and review the related literature.A 61‐year‐old woman, who had undergone hysterectomy and right salpingo‐oophorectomy due to myoma and an ovarian tumor, developed bloody bowel discharge and abdominal distention. Computed tomography revealed a huge pelvic tumor with a thickened wall and internal gas. As the patient also had severe anemia and peritonitis, emergency laparotomy was performed, and intraoperatively it was noted that the tumor was tightly attached to the sigmoid colon, and contained bloody pus. Left salpingo‐oophorectomy was performed and pathological examination of the specimen revealed fistula formation between the ovarian tumor and the sigmoid colon. The tumor was diagnosed as left ovarian clear‐cell carcinoma, but no diverticulum or direct tumor invasion was evident around the fistula. The patient was given chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin, and she is now doing well after 9 months with no evidence of tumor recurrence. Although fistulation to the digestive tract is very rare in cases of ovarian cancer, it must be diagnosed and treated promptly because severe inflammation can make it potentially life‐threatening.
Minilaparotomy hysterectomy: A worthwhile alternative
Authors: Mahendru Rajiv , Malik Savita , Mittal Amit , Sekhon Parneet K. , Malik Nishita , Anand Mahendru Tina 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAim:  To report the clinical merits and usefulness of minilaparotomy hysterectomy in comparison to the traditional abdominal approach.Material and Methods:  A comparative study to review perioperative and postoperative outcomes and complications was conducted in 98 patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy through Pfannenstiel incision for benign gynecological disease or pre‐invasive pathology. Fifty of these patients (Group I) underwent hysterectomy by minilaparotomy approach (≤5 cm incision) and 48 patients (Group II) had standard/conventional methodology (>6 cm incision).Results:  Though there were no statistically significant differences between the patients' profile as well as the size and weight of the removed uterus in the two groups, the mean operating time was 41.3 min in Group I and 77.5 min in Group II (P < 0.01) and the mean postoperative hospital stay of 3.1 days in Group I was significantly lower than in Group II patients (5.4 days), P < 0.01. There was no major complication or mortality in either of the groups and the composite morbidity encountered was 4% versus 33.33% in Groups I and II, respectively. Two of the patients in Group II required blood transfusion whereas none of the patients in Group I had estimated blood loss over 500 mL.Conclusion:  Minilaparotomy hysterectomy through ≤5 cm Pfannenstiel incision provides an appealing, effective, expeditious, minimal access and less invasive cost‐effective option/alternative to the traditional abdominal approach obviating the need for any additional expensive equipment and, above all, improves upon the perioperative outcome, notwithstanding, whatsoever, on the quality of surgery.
Spontaneous uterine rupture in the 33rd week of IVF pregnancy after laparoscopically assisted enucleation of uterine adenomatoid tumor
Authors: Yazawa Hiroyuki , Endo Sumiko , Hayashi Syoutaro , Suzuki Satoshi , Ito Akiko , Fujimori Keiya 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAlthough a uterine leiomyomectomy or adenomyomectomy is an accepted procedure to treat symptoms such as dysmenorrhea or hypermenorrhea to enhance fertility, the risk of future uterine rupture is a major concern for patients who become pregnant following these surgery. Although uterine rupture very rarely occurs, this is the most feared complication in pregnancy and is associated with a high rate of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.A 37‐year‐old nulliparous woman had a 2‐year history of infertility. A transvaginal ultrasound revealed multiple uterine tumors that resembled leiomyomas on the posterior and fundal walls of the uterine body. After the patient had three failed in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer treatments, the uterine tumor was enucleated, and pathologically diagnosed as an adenomatoid tumor. Five months after the operation, the patient became pregnant as a result of a fourth in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. At the 33rd week of gestation, she complained of a sudden onset of abdominal pain. The patient was diagnosed with a ruptured uterus based on an ultrasound, and an emergency cesarean section was performed. The rupture occurred at the site of the operation scar on the posterior wall of the uterine body. The fetal legs extruded into the abdominal cavity from the uterine cavity but were enclosed within the unruptured chorioamniotic membrane. A male neonate (1956 g) was delivered without asphyxia and had Apgar scores of 8 and 9. The ruptured uterine wall could be repaired by suturing. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of uterine rupture during pregnancy after resection of an adenomatoid tumor in the uterine body.
Rare case of hemolytic death of the newborn due to anti‐hr0 and anti‐e
Authors: Gong Yunhui , Ai Ying , Zhou Rong 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAnti‐hr0 antibody is a rare Rh blood‐type antibody. Anti‐hr0 antibody can cause serious neonatal hemolysis. Herein we report a RhEe(‐) gravida with anti‐hr0 and anti‐e antibodies. Such a blood group has not been reported in China.
The yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus (Pichia anomala) inhabits the midgut and reproductive system of the Asian malaria vector Anopheles stephensi
Authors: Ricci Irene , Damiani Claudia , Scuppa Patrizia , Mosca Michela , Crotti Elena , Rossi Paolo , Rizzi Aurora , Capone Aida , Gonella Elena , Ballarini Patrizia , Chouaia Bessem , Sagnon N' fale , Esposito Fulvio , Alma Alberto , Mandrioli Mauro , Sacchi Luciano , Bandi Claudio , Daffonchio Daniele , Favia Guido 
Published: January 2011

SummaryWhile symbiosis between bacteria and insects has been thoroughly investigated in the last two decades, investments on the study of yeasts associated with insects have been limited. Insect‐associated yeasts are placed on different branches of the phylogenetic tree of fungi, indicating that these associations evolved independently on several occasions. Isolation of yeasts is frequently reported from insect habitats, and in some cases yeasts have been detected in the insect gut and in other organs/tissues. Here we show that the yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus, previously known as Pichia anomala, is stably associated with the mosquito Anopheles stephensi, a main vector of malaria in Asia. Wickerhamomyces anomalus colonized pre‐adult stages (larvae L1–L4 and pupae) and adults of different sex and age and could be isolated in pure culture. By a combination of transmission electron microscopy and fluorescent in situ hybridization techniques, W. anomalus was shown to localize in the midgut and in both the male and female reproductive systems, suggesting multiple transmission patterns.
Ubiquity of Polynucleobacter necessarius subspecies asymbioticus results from ecological diversification
Authors: Jezbera Jan , Jezberová Jitka , Brandt Ulrike , Hahn Martin W. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryThe subspecies Polynucleobacter necessarius asymbioticus (> 99% 16S rRNA similarity) has a cosmopolitan distribution and a ubiquitous occurrence in lentic freshwater habitats. We tested if the observed ubiquity of these free‐living planktonic freshwater bacteria results from a euryoecious (generalist) adaptation of P. n. asymbioticus strains, or from ecological diversification within the subspecies. We developed a reverse line blot hybridization assay enabling the cultivation‐independent detection of 13 groups within the subspecies in environmental samples. A set of 121 lentic freshwater habitats, spanning a broad variety of habitat types (e.g. pH levels ranging from 3.8 to 8.5) was investigated for the presence of these 13 P. n. asymbioticus groups. Statistical analyses of the reverse line blot hybridization detections revealed pronounced differences in habitat preferences of several of the groups. Their preferences differed regarding pH, conductivity, dissolved organic carbon and oxygen concentration of habitats. For some groups, differences in environmental preferences resulted even in complete niche separation between them. The revealed differences in habitat preferences suggest that the previously reported ubiquity of P. n. asymbioticus results from ecological diversification within the taxon and not from generalist adaptation of strains.
Quantifying environmental reservoirs of fecal indicator bacteria associated with sediment and submerged aquatic vegetation
Authors: Badgley Brian D. , Thomas Florence I. M. , Harwood Valerie J. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryElevated concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) in aquatic sediments and vegetation have prompted concern that environmental reservoirs of FIB disrupt the correlation between indicator organisms, pathogens and human health risks. FIB numbers, however, are typically normalized to volume of water or mass of substrate. Because these reservoirs tend to differ greatly in magnitude within and between water bodies, direct comparison between water column and benthic population sizes can be problematic. Normalization to a set volume of water or mass of substrate, e.g. cfu (100 ml)−1 or cfu (100 g)−1, can give a false picture of the relative contributions of various reservoirs to FIB numbers across the ecosystem, and of the potential for FIBs to trigger health advisories as they pass from one reservoir to another. Here, we normalized enterococci concentrations from water, sediment and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) to land surface area (m2) to compare their relative importance in the entire system. SAV‐associated enterococci comprised only 0–18% of the entire population, even though they displayed the highest concentrations of enterococci per unit mass. The largest proportion of the enterococci population was in the water column (4–77%) or sediments (20–95%), depending on the volume of each substrate available at a site and FIB concentrations within them. Models indicated that large shifts in the relative size of FIB populations in each substrate can result from changes in per cent SAV cover, water depth and depth of sediment colonization. It follows that high concentrations of FIB in sediments or SAV do not necessarily signify large environmental reservoirs of FIB that can affect the water column. Comprehensive analyses that include FIB measurements from water, SAV and sediment normalized to land surface area offer a more balanced perspective on total FIB numbers contained in various matrices of an aquatic system.
Initial step in the catabolism of cholesterol by Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2155
Authors: Uhía I. , Galán B. , Morales V. , García J. L. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryThe first step in the catabolism of cholesterol, i.e. the transformation of cholesterol into cholestenone, has been investigated in Mycobacterium smegmatis. In silico analysis identified the MSMEG_1604 gene encoding a putative protein similar to the ChoD cholesterol oxidase of M. tuberculosis H37Rv (Rv3409c) and the MSMEG_5228 gene coding for a protein similar to the NAD(P)‐dependent cholesterol dehydrogenase/isomerase of Nocardia sp. The expression of the MSMEG_5228 gene was inducible by cholesterol whereas the expression of MSMEG_1604 gene was constitutive. When both genes were expressed in Escherichia coli only the MSMEG_5228 protein was active on cholesterol. The function of ChoD‐like MSMEG_1604 protein remains to be elucidated, but it does not appear to play a critical role in the mineralization of cholesterol as a MSMEG_1604‐ mutant was not affected in the production of cholestenone. However, a MSMEG_5228‐ mutant showed a drastic reduction in the synthesis of cholestenone. The finding that this mutant was still able to grow in cholesterol, allowed us to demonstrate that the cholesterol‐inducible MSMEG_5233 gene encodes an additional cholesterol dehydrogenase/isomerase similar to the AcmA dehydrogenase of Sterolibacterium denitrificans. The observation that the double MSMEG_5228‐5233‐ mutant was able to grow in cholesterol suggests that in addition to these enzymes other dehydrogenase/isomerases can also catalyse the first reaction of the cholesterol degradation pathway in M. smegmatis, which is not the limiting step of the process.
Alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and hallucinogen use in Samoan adolescents
Authors: ODDEN HAROLD L. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractIntroduction and Aims.Adolescent substance use has increased with globalisation, and yet few data exist from lower‐ and middle‐income countries and the Pacific Islands. This study examines the prevalence of three aspects of substance use over the past 30 days in Samoan adolescents: (i) use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs; (ii) polysubstance use; and (iii) possible substance use problems.Design and Methods.A survey was administered to secondary school children (n = 879) between 12 and 19 years of age at a single school in Apia, the capital of Samoa, in August 2008.Results.There were important gender differences in substance use with boys reporting significantly higher rates of any use of each substance and polysubstance use. Boys were also three times more likely to report behaviours indicative of substance use problems. There were no significant differences in regular use of any substance with the exception of marijuana. Although the use of hallucinogens is prominent for boys and girls in the younger age group (12–15), consumption decreases with age. Boys showed substantial increases in any use of alcohol and marijuana and daily use of tobacco by age. There was also a significant increase in the number of boys reporting behaviours indicative of disordered use by age to 21% of 16‐ to 19‐year‐old boys.Discussion and Conclusions.One of few studies on substance use in Samoa, the data provide a basis for setting priorities to address health risks posed by adolescent use and understanding the influence of rapid change.[Odden HL. Alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and hallucinogen use in Samoan adolescents.Drug Alcohol Rev2012;31:47–55]
Mahatma Gandhi and Character Education in Non‐Violence: Its Relevance in Religious Studies Today
Authors: Damm Alex 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThis essay presents educational principles of Mahatma Gandhi, specifically principles of character education, as a model for strengthening non‐violence in students. Its major concern is to show that Gandhi's ideal of non‐violent character education is important for university teaching in disciplines including religious studies, and that Gandhi offers methods for fostering non‐violent character, namely the teaching of world religions, service learning, and setting an example. The effectiveness of Gandhi's views, moreover, finds some support in contemporary teaching practices, including my own experiences in the classroom.
Bringing Back Bamiyan's Buddhas
Authors: JANOWSKI JAMES 
Published: January 2011

abstractBamiyan's Buddhas, long the treasured centrepiece of Afghanistan's material culture, were blown up by the Taliban in 2001. Since then controversy has arisen regarding whether — and, if so, how — the sculptures might be resurrected. One option — possible in principle because of careful 20th century survey work — would be to reconstruct exact replicas. I argue this would be a mistake. Reconstructing the sculptures, though it might serve useful ends, is inappropriate on aesthetic, moral, and metaphysical grounds. I then consider restoration, arguing that it is appropriate on these same grounds. Unlike reconstruction, restoration stands to (partly) resuscitate the artistic, cultural, and historical value that now lies, inaccessible, in piles of rubble. And while restoration stands to achieve this worthy end, it would contribute as well to the economic and political well‐being of Afghani citizens. In short, I argue that restoring — and thereby resurrecting — Bamiyan's Buddhas, both metaphysically possible and morally appropriate, is a win‐win proposition. Afghanistan deserves our support to make this happen.
Pre‐ and perinatal predictors of startle eye blink reaction and prepulse inhibition in healthy neonates
Authors: Huggenberger Harriet J. , Suter Susanne E. , Blumenthal Terry D. , Schachinger Hartmut 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe present study examined the startle eye blink reflex and prepulse inhibition (PPI) in 65 healthy term‐born neonates. Although the startle eye blink is already present at birth, some relevant neuronal structures are not fully mature. We therefore investigated the relationship between prenatal maturation and perinatal stress experience on startle eye blink and PPI. Eye blinks were evoked by unilaterally presented acoustic broadband white noise (50 ms, 95 dB, prepulse 75 dB). Startle response magnitude and percent PPI were calculated for ipsilateral and contralateral side of stimulation. Neonates exhibited stronger startle responses ipsilaterally than contralaterally, and a significant PPI. Neonates with more prenatal growth and less perinatal stress had greater startle magnitudes. Neonates with more stress had more PPI contralaterally. Results suggest that startle eye blinks may be useful as indicators of prenatal maturation and perinatal stress.
Extracellular ATP differentially modulates Toll‐like receptor 4‐mediated cell survival and death of microglia
Authors: Harada Kana , Hide Izumi , Seki Takahiro , Tanaka Shigeru , Nakata Yoshihiro , Sakai Norio 
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 1138–1147.AbstractThe survival and death rates of inflammatory cells directly control their number and are substantially associated with the degree of inflammation. Microglia, key players in neuroinflammation, often cause excessive reactions implicated in neurological diseases. However, the mechanisms that determine microglial fate under pathological conditions remain to be elucidated. Here, we report that activation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS, a Toll‐like receptor 4 ligand), an inflammation inducer, primarily promotes survival of microglia, but as its concentration is increased it induces cell death, resulting in decreased cell number. Moreover, extracellular ATP, which is released upon tissue damage, further enhanced the survival induced by a low LPS concentration and the death induced by a high LPS concentration. The survival‐promoting effect of ATP was mimicked by non‐hydrolyzable ATP analog, adenosine 5′‐O‐(3‐thiotriphosphate), and also by the P2X7 receptor agonist, 2′(3′)‐O‐(4‐benzoylbenzoyl)adenosine 5′‐triphosphate, and was suppressed by the P2X7 antagonists, Brilliant Blue G and A 438079. On the contrary, the death of LPS‐activated microglia was not affected by adenosine 5′‐O‐(3‐thiotriphosphate), but enhanced by adenosine, ATP breakdown product. Thus, extracellular ATP modulates microglial survival and death in different ways involving P2X7 receptor activation and ATP degradation to adenosine, respectively. Such Toll‐like receptor 4/purinergic signaling may provide a fine regulatory system of neuroinflammation through modulating the microglial cell number.