bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soya‐lecithin in Extender Improves the Freezability and Fertility of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Bull Spermatozoa
Authors: Akhter S , Ansari MS , Andrabi SMH , Rakha BA , Ullah N , Khalid M 
Published: December 2011

ContentsEgg yolk is routinely used as a cryoprotectant in semen extenders. However, it may contain cryoprotective antagonists, and there are hygienic risks associated with its use. Proteins of plant origin, like soya‐lecithin, lack these hazards. The aim of this study was to use soya‐lecithin as a cryoprotectant in extender and to investigate its effects on in vitro quality and in vivo fertility of buffalo semen. Semen from three buffalo bulls was frozen in tris‐citric extender containing 5.0%, 10% or 15% soya‐lecithin or 20% egg yolk. Sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity and viability were assessed post‐dilution, pre‐freezing and post‐thaw. In Post‐dilution and pre‐freezing, the values for motility, plasma membrane integrity and viability remained higher (p ≤ 0.05) in extenders containing 10% soya‐lecithin and control compared with extender containing 5% and 15% soya‐lecithin. However, motility, plasma membrane integrity and viability were higher (p < 0.05) in extender containing 10% soya‐lecithin compared with control and extenders containing 5% and 15% soya‐lecithin. Semen from two buffalo bulls was frozen in tris‐citric extender containing either 10% soya‐lecithin or 20% egg yolk. Higher (p < 0.05) fertility rate was recorded in buffaloes inseminated with semen containing 10% soya‐lecithin (56%) compared with 20% egg yolk (41.5%). The results suggest that 10% soya‐lecithin in extender improves the freezability and fertility of buffalo bull spermatozoa and can be used as an alternate to egg yolk in cryopreservation of buffalo semen.
Ovarian Response to Oestrous Synchronization Protocol Based on Use of Reduced Doses of Cloprostenol in Cyclic Goats
Authors: Duque‐Bonisoli C , Salvador A , Díaz T , Contreras‐Solis I 
Published: December 2011

ContentsThe objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of two reduced doses vs a high/luteolytic dose of cloprostenol on luteolytic activity and synchronization of oestrus in cyclic goats. Experiment 1, included 24 goats randomly allocated to three groups: control group (group H) received a single high dose of cloprostenol (87.5 μg; 1.0 ml; i.m.) and M and L groups, which received half (43.75 μg; 0.5 ml) and a third (26.25 μg; 0.3 ml) of the highest dose, respectively. Experiment 2, included 24 goats randomly assigned to the same experimental groups. Each group was treated using two injections of cloprostenol administered 10 days apart to synchronize oestrus. Transrectal ultrasonographic scanning (US) was performed to detect the presence, size and development of corpora lutea and ovarian follicles. Furthermore, detection of oestrus was performed every 12 h between 24 and 72 h after the second injection of cloprostenol, and the luteolytic effect was verified by US. In Experiment 1, all goats that had corpora lutea at timing of treatment regressed their corpora lutea. In Experiment 2, the occurrence of oestrus and the interval between treatment to onset of oestrus were: 100%, 49.5 ± 3.0 h; 100%, 51.0 ± 3.0 h; and 75%, 56.0 ± 3.5 h for H, M and L groups, respectively. The development of preovulatory follicles and occurrence of subsequent corpora lutea were similar among groups. In summary, the use of 26.25 μg of cloprostenol is effective for the synchronization of oestrus in cyclic goats.
Better, sooner, more convenient: A successful teledermoscopy service
Authors: Lim David , Oakley Amanda MM , Rademaker Marius 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTBackground/Objectives:  A virtual lesion clinic (VLC) using store‐and‐forward teledermoscopy was introduced to reduce waiting times and improve access for skin lesion assessment by dermatologists.We aimed to review the efficiency and patient acceptance of a new community‐based teledermoscopy service by comparing it to hospital‐based face‐to‐face (FTF) skin lesion clinics.Methods:  A prospective study compared patient flow through a community‐based VLC and a tertiary hospital FTF dermatology clinic. Surveys were sent to patients and their referring doctors after attendance. Waiting times, diagnosis, outcomes, financial costs, patient acceptability and convenience were compared.Results:  A total of 300 patients were assessed; 200 were seen in the VLC and 100 in the conventional FTF clinic. Of the 200 patients seen in the VLC, 88% did not require a subsequent FTF clinic assessment to establish the diagnosis. Mean waiting times for first assessment were reduced by two thirds (from 114 days to 39 days) in those seen by the VLC compared to FTF. Financial analysis demonstrated cost savings of 14%. Surveyed patients were highly satisfied and confident in the VLC service.Conclusions:  A community‐based teledermoscopy service may allow improved management of outpatient referrals while providing a better, quicker and more convenient service. It may also provide cost savings, as teledermoscopy assessment can be cheaper than traditional assessment.
Ectodermal dysplasia‐skin fragility syndrome due to a new homozygous internal deletion mutation in the PKP1 gene
Authors: Boyce Aaron E , McGrath John A , Techanukul Tanasit , Murrell Dédée F , Chow Chung Wo , McGregor Lesley , Warren Lachlan J 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTEctodermal dysplasia‐skin fragility syndrome (ED‐SFS) is a rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis resulting from mutations in the PKP1 gene, encoding the desmosomal plaque protein plakophilin‐1 (PKP1). Mutations in PKP1 may manifest with skin fragility and erosions, patches of scale crust on the trunk and limbs, peri‐oral cracking and inflammation, hypotrichosis, palmoplantar keratoderma with painful fissuring and other somewhat variable ectodermal anomalies. Ten cases of the syndrome have been reported. We report a further case of this desmosomal genodermatosis. A 14‐month old child, born to consanguineous parents, presented with a history of neonatal bullae and subsequent development of dystrophic nails, sparse eyelashes and eyebrows, woolly scalp hair, abnormal dental development and a desquamating erythematous rash at sites of trauma. A clinical diagnosis of ED‐SFS was supported by skin biopsy findings of suprabasal intraepidermal clefting and a loss of immunoreactivity for PKP1. Sequencing of genomic DNA revealed a homozygous 5 base pair deletion in exon 5 of the PKP1 gene, designated c.897del5 (CAACC). This new mutation creates a frameshift, leading to a downstream premature termination codon, p.Pro299fsX61. This case highlights the clinicopathological consequences of inherited mutations in the PKP1 gene and illustrates the key role of desmosomes in skin biology.
Determinants of the direction of hair follicle growth after reconstruction with dissociated cells
Authors: Hu Zhiqi , Sun Xijin , Miao Yong , Liu Xin 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTBackground/objectives:  Several hair follicle reconstruction models based on the implantation of dissociated cells have been established. However, little has been said about the direction of growth, which is a very important issue for clinical applications. The aim of this study was to reveal the factors that determine the direction of hair follicle growth after reconstruction with dissociated cells.Methods:  We designed an enclosed chamber assay in which a chamber was buried under nude mouse skin that was not exposed to the air, as in a traditional chamber assay. Inductive dermal cells and epithelial cells dissociated from neonatal C57 BL/6 mice were injected into the chamber and dermis for patch assays. The direction of newly formed hair follicles was analysed.Results:  Newly formed hair follicles in the enclosed chamber were arranged randomly parallel to the skin on the surface of the panniculus carnosus.Conclusions:  These results indicate that developmental space provides the possibility for growth of reconstructed hair follicles and that the air–liquid interface determines the final direction of growth.
Exploring the relationship between self‐awareness of driving efficacy and that of a proxy when determining fitness to drive after stroke
Authors: Stapleton Tadhg , Connolly Deirdre , O’Neill Desmond 
Published: December 2011

Background/aim:  The inclusion of a driving specific self‐awareness measure may assist the clinical screening process to determine fitness to drive after stroke. This article reports on the use of the Adelaide Driving Self‐Efficacy Scale (ADSES) and a proxy ADSES for completion by a significant other in assessment of fitness to drive post‐stroke.
Method:  A prospective study among a clinical sample of stroke patients was conducted incorporating an off‐road occupational therapy assessment, an on‐road assessment and a six‐month follow‐up. Self and proxy driver efficacy ratings were compared with each other at off‐road assessment and at six‐month follow‐up, both ratings were compared with structured on‐road ratings of driving performance.
Results:  Forty‐six stroke patients (37 men), mean age 63.5 years, were recruited to the study. Thirty‐five participants successfully completed the on‐road test. ADSES and proxy ratings were high and a ceiling effect was noted. Self and proxy ratings were significantly correlated with each other and both correlated with the on‐road assessment ratings. The ADSES ratings were sensitive to the final driving outcome with scores of the restricted driving group significantly lower than the unrestricted group. Proxy ratings showed a decrease at six‐month follow‐up.
Conclusions:  The ADSES is an easy to administer tool that warrants further use in stroke rehabilitation. Scores on the ADSES differentiated between restricted and unrestricted driving recommendations post‐stroke. These preliminary findings indicate its potential use as a proxy measure to assist in identifying patient who are not ready for formal driving assessment.
The impact of ‘Generation Y’ occupational therapy students on practice education
Authors: Hills Caroline , Ryan Susan , Smith Derek R. , Warren‐Forward Helen 
Published: December 2011

Background/aim:  Many occupational therapy students can be classified as ‘Generation Y’, a group whose characteristics are perceived as being confident, optimistic and ‘techno‐savvy’. This study aimed to explore practice educator perceptions of ‘Generation Y’ students.
Methods:  A questionnaire survey was sent to all practice educators affiliated with the university. The survey contained fixed choice questions on demographics and educators’ knowledge of the term ‘Generation Y’, followed by open‐ended questions on practice educator perceptions of occupational therapy ‘Generation Y’ students and the educational strategies used in practice education.
Results:  Anonymous responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, attribute coding and content analysis. Most educators considered that there was, in fact, a ‘Generation Y student’, describing them as confident with technology, over confident in their skill level and easily bored. Practice educators raised concerns regarding students’ casual communication, poor professional behaviour, shallow professional reasoning and difficulty when receiving negative feedback.
Conclusions:  Overall, the results of this study suggest that ‘Generation Y’ students are having both a negative and a positive impact on practice education in occupational therapy. For educators, management of the overconfident student and professional reasoning development should be addressed in university practice education workshops. For students, the need for clarification of placement expectations on professional behaviour and communication was indicated. Students may also require ‘listening to feedback’ skill development prior to practice education. Universities and practice educators should consider the development of technological resources for practice education, including simulation, to meet the needs of the, now recognised ‘Generation Y’ student.
Occupational therapy students’ perceptions of occupational therapy
Authors: Turpin Merrill June , Rodger Sylvia , Hall Anna R. 
Published: December 2011

Background/aims:  An understanding of students’ perceptions of occupational therapy on entry is required to recognise how professional socialisation occurs through curriculum. Findings pertain to a qualitative study investigating students’ perceptions of occupational therapy upon entry to two occupational therapy programmes in Australia.Methods:  Students commencing Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and Masters of Occupational Therapy Studies programmes participated in the study (n = 462). A purpose‐designed questionnaire was distributed to students in the first lecture of each programme. Preliminary analysis comprised identification of keywords/phrases and coding categories were generated from patterns of keywords. Frequency counts and percentages of keywords/phrases within categories were completed.Results:  Students’ responses were categorised as ‘what’ occupational therapists do; ‘how’ they do it; ‘why’ they do it; and ‘who’ they work with. In ‘what’ occupational therapists do students frequently described ‘helping’ people. Both undergraduate and graduate entry masters students used the term ‘rehabilitation’ to describe how occupational therapy is done, with graduate entry students occasionally responding with ‘through occupation’ and ‘modifying the environment’. Students perceived the ‘why’ of occupational therapy as getting back to ‘everyday activities’, with some students emphasising returning to ‘normal’ activities or life. Regarding the ‘who’ category, students also thought occupational therapists worked with people with an ‘injury’ or ‘disability’.Conclusions:  Students entered their occupational therapy programmes with perceptions consistent with the general public’s views of occupational therapy. However, graduate entry students exposed to a pre‐reading package prior to entry had more advanced occupational therapy concepts than undergraduate students.
Contribution of off‐road tests to predicting on‐road performance: A critical review of tests
Authors: Kay Lynnette G. , Bundy Anita C. , Clemson Lindy , Cheal Beth , Glendenning Trinity 
Published: December 2011

Background/aim:  Driving is an essential activity of daily living. Because it is easily disrupted by illness or injury, it is a common subject of occupational therapy assessment. Assessments of driving are critically important and carry legal implications for therapists. A full occupational therapy assessment comprising both off‐ and on‐road testing is time and labour intensive and therefore expensive. Off‐road tests are used to inform on‐road assessments, and, if they have sufficient sensitivity and specificity they may replace an on‐road assessment for some clients. The twofold purpose of this article is to compare and critique off‐road tests to predict driving performance and to determine if any is sufficiently accurate to identify drivers who do not require an on‐road assessment.
Methods:  We reviewed tests commonly used by researchers to predict driving capacity (i) that have been used in research since 2000 and (ii) for which sensitivity and specificity had been (or could be) calculated. We compared the tests on five characteristics: diagnostic makeup of samples, sample sizes, outcome measures, sensitivity and specificity and potential for use as a supplement to on‐road assessment or to identify drivers for whom an on‐road assessment is not necessary.
Results and Conclusions:  No gold standard off‐road test exists for predicting on road performance. DriveSafe/DriveAware and SMC Tests had the highest reported sensitivity and specificity. Thus, with further research, one or both may be found to predict on‐road performance accurately and to minimise the need for on road assessment. Several other tests are a useful supplement to on‐road testing.
Systematics of Australian Agenioideus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) with the first record of a spider wasp parasitizing Latrodectus hasselti Thorell (redback spider)
Authors: Krogmann Lars , Austin Andrew D 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe Australian members of the spider wasp genus Agenioideus are revised, and its two constituent species, Agenioideus expulsus Turner and A. nigricornis (Fabricius), are redescribed. A third species, Agenioideus ultimus (Turner), is transferred to Spuridiophorus Arnold, a genus that is newly recorded here from the Australian continent. Diagnoses and criteria to facilitate the identification of the two genera are provided, along with information on the distribution and host biology of Agenioideus species. The first records of a pompilid utilising Latrodectus hasselti Thorell (redback spider) as a host at multiple locations across southern Australia are presented, along with a brief synopsis of insect parasitoids and predators of L. hasselti in Australia.
Efficacy and safety of the insecticidal small hive beetle refuge trap APITHOR™ in bee hives
Authors: Levot Garry W , Somerville Doug 
Published: December 2011

AbstractResearch into the insecticidal control of adult small hive beetle culminated in the development of an insecticidal refuge trap for deployment inside commercial bee colonies. The device (APITHOR™) is comprised of a two‐piece rigid plastic shell encasing a fipronil‐treated corrugated cardboard insert. Comparison of key hive health parameters (frames of bees, area of brood and weight of honey produced) between ‘control’ and APITHOR™‐treated hives demonstrated no significant differences over a 6‐week trial conducted during a spring honey flow. Mean fiprole (fipronil plus its toxic metabolites) residues in honey ripened while the devices were in place did not exceed the limit of quantification (1 µg/kg). In a 36‐day field trial conducted in a beetle‐infested apiary, all live adult beetles were eliminated from hives containing APITHOR™, while beetle numbers increased by approximately 20% in co‐located control hives.
Genome‐wide transcriptome analysis of fluoroquinolone resistance in clinical isolates of Escherichia coli
Authors: Yamane Takashi , Enokida Hideki , Hayami Hiroshi , Kawahara Motoshi , Nakagawa Masayuki 
Published: December 2011

Objectives:  Coincident with their worldwide use, resistance to fluoroquinolones in Escherichia coli has increased. To identify the gene expression profiles underlying fluoroquinolone resistance, we carried out genome‐wide transcriptome analysis of fluoroquinolone‐sensitive E. coli.Methods:  Four fluoroquinolone‐sensitive E. coli and five fluoroquinolone‐resistant E. coli clinical isolates were subjected to complementary deoxyribonucleic acid microarray analysis. Some upregulated genes’ expression was verified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction using 104 E. coli clinical isolates, and minimum inhibitory concentration tests were carried out by using their transformants.Results:  A total of 40 genes were significantly upregulated in fluoroquinolone‐resistant E. coli isolates (P < 0.05). The expression of phage shock protein operons, which are involved in biofilm formation, was markedly upregulated in our profile of fluoroquinolone‐resistant E. coli. One of the phage shock protein operons, pspC, was significantly upregulated in 50 fluoroquinolone‐resistant E. coli isolates (P < 0.0001). The expression of type I fimbriae genes, which are pilus operons involved in biofilm formation, were markedly downregulated in fluoroquinolone‐resistant E. coli. Deoxyribonucleic acid adenine methyltransferase (dam), which represses type I fimbriae genes, was significantly upregulated in the clinical fluoroquinolone‐resistant E. coli isolates (P = 0.007). We established pspC‐ and dam‐expressing E. coli transformants from fluoroquinolone‐sensitive E. coli, and the minimum inhibitory concentration tests showed that the transformants acquired fluoroquinolone resistance, suggesting that upregulation of these genes contributes to acquiring fluoroquinolone resistance.Conclusions:  Upregulation of psp operones and dam underlying pilus operons downregulation might be associated with fluoroquinolone resistance in E. coli.
Safety and curative ability of endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial esophageal cancers at least 50 mm in diameter
Authors: Yamashina Takeshi , Ishihara Ryu , Uedo Noriya , Nagai Kengo , Matsui Fumi , Kawada Natsuko , Oota Takashi , Kanzaki Hiromitsu , Hanafusa Masao , Yamamoto Sachiko , Hanaoka Noboru , Takeuchi Yoji , Higashino Koji , Iishi Hiroyasu 
Published: December 2011

Background and Aim:  Limited data are available regarding the use of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for superficial esophageal cancers ≥50 mm in diameter. The aim of the present study was to investigate the safety and success of ESD for superficial esophageal cancers ≥50 mm.Methods:  A total of 39 patients with superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma ≥50 mm were treated with ESD at Osaka Medical Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases between January 2004 and April 2011, and were analyzed in a retrospective study.Results:  En bloc resection was achieved in all patients. One mediastinal emphysema without perforation occurred during the procedure. Stricture developed in 11 of 39 patients, requiring a median of five endoscopic balloon dilatation procedures. Thirty‐three clinical epithelial or lamina propria mucosal cancers were treated by ESD with curative intent, of which invasion into the muscularis mucosa or deeper was detected in seven and lymphovascular involvement in three. The en bloc resection rate was 100% with a tumor‐free margin achieved in 92% of lesions. The curative resection and complication rates during ESD were 70% and 2.5%, respectively.Conclusion:  ESD achieved a high en bloc resection rate of 92% with a tumor‐free margin. Curative resection rate of ESD in patients with clinical epithelial or lamina propria mucosal cancers was not low at 70%. However, the risk of stricture must be taken into account when considering the use of ESD in lesions ≥50 mm.
Stop questionnaire to screen for hypoxemia in deep sedation for young and middle‐aged colonoscopy
Authors: Deng Li , Li Cheng‐Long , Ge Sheng‐Jin , Fang Yan , Ji Fu‐Hai , Yang Jian‐Ping 
Published: December 2011

Background and Aim:  Hypoxemia is the most common unexpected cardiopulmonary complication that is used as a surrogate for severe complications in colonoscopy. The aim of the present study was to access the STOP Questionnaire to screen for hypoxemia in deep sedation for colonoscopy in young and middle‐aged outpatients.Methods:  Outpatients aged 18–65 with ASA class I or II who were to undergo elective colonoscopy with deep sedation were offered participation. Before sedation, the patients were given the STOP Questionnaire, a brief survey that stratifies patients into high or low risk of hypoxemia. Data on pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) were collected during sedation. Hypoxemia was defined as SpO2 < 95% anytime during the procedure, regardless of episode duration. We estimated the score of the STOP Questionnaire and the incidence of hypoxemia.Results:  A total of 210 consecutive outpatients were offered enrollment. Thirteen (6.2%) patients had hypoxemia. Thirty‐two (15.2%) patients were scored to be at high risk of hypoxemia, of whom 10 had hypoxemia. Results of analyzing the STOP Questionnaire for the incidence of hypoxemia were sensitivity 76.9%, specificity 88.8%, Youden's index 0.658, consistency rate 88%, kappa value 0.39, positive predictive value 31.3%, negative predictive value 98.3%, and area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve 0.935 (P < 0.001, 95% CI 0.879–0.991).Conclusions:  STOP Questionnaire is a validated and easy‐to‐use screening tool for hypoxemia in outpatient colonoscopy. It has high sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value.