bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of shade on the spatial distribution of Sahlbergella singularis in traditional cocoa agroforests
Authors: Babin Régis , Ten Hoopen Gerben M. , Cilas Christian , Enjalric Frank , Yede  , Gendre Pierre , Lumaret Jean‐Pierre 
Published: November 2009

Shade management is commonly considered to be an effective pest management strategy for cocoa mirids, yet shade management recommendations are not based on extensive knowledge of the mirid ecology in traditional cocoa agroforests.
The main objectives of the present study were an assessment of the impact of shade on the spatial distribution of mirid populations and thus the evaluation of shade management strategies.
Mirid densities were measured and shade was characterized for three plots located in three different agroecological zones in the Centre region of Cameroon. Mirid densities generally followed a negative binomial law. Geostatistical procedures were used to characterize spatial distribution of mirid density. Light conditions were assessed using hemispherical photography.
Populations of Sahlbergella singularis were highly aggregated in the plots. Semivariance analysis and kriging visualized the spatial dependence of mirid densities. Clearly distinguishable mirid pockets of 20–30 adjacent infested cocoa trees were identified in two of the three plots.
The high diversity of shade tree species and the large variability in density and size of shade trees resulted in a considerable heterogeneity of plot light conditions. Percentage transmitted light varied in the range 9.4–80.1% in the most heterogeneous plot.
For two of the three plots, mirid pockets were aggregated in those areas where light transmission was highest. In the third plot, relatively high mirid densities and the presence of an alternative host resulted in a more homogeneous distribution. The importance of these findings for improved mirid control is discussed.
Radical prostatectomy findings in patients predicted to have low‐volume/low‐grade prostate cancer diagnosed by extended‐core biopsies: an analysis of volume and zonal distribution of tumour foci
Authors: Davis John W. , Kim Jeri , Ward John F. , Wang Xuemai , Nakanishi Hiro , Babaian R. Joseph , Troncoso Patricia 
Published: November 2009

Study Type – Diagnosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo measure total tumour volume (TTV) and dominant TV (DTV) in radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens from patients predicted to have low‐volume, low‐grade (LV/LG) prostate cancer, as this entity can be predicted from biopsy findings and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level, but tumour under‐sampling remains a challenge in active surveillance programmes.PATIENTS AND METHODSThis was a retrospective study from an academic centre, of men with prostate cancer treated from 2000 to 2007, with a PSA level of <10 ng/mL and one core of cancer from an extended scheme showing either Gleason score (GS) 3 + 3 of <3.0 mm or 3 + 4 of <2.0 mm. All men had RP, and the TTV, DTV, tumour location, pathological GS and stage were measured.RESULTSOf 3055 RPs, 66 (2.1%) met the inclusion criteria. The core with cancer was from a sextant and alternative site in 26 (39%) and 40 (61%) patients, respectively. A pathological GS 3 + 3 or 3 + 4 was assigned to 94%, while 6% were GS ≥ 4 + 3; all 66 tumours were organ‐confined. The median (range) TTV and DTV were 0.15 (0.0008–5.06) and 0.14 (0.0008–5.04) mL, respectively. The median number of tumour foci was 3 (1–7), being unifocal in 17/66 (26%) and multifocal in 49/66 (74%). The transition zone was involved in 29% of unifocal and 71% of multifocal tumours. Of all 66 patients, the TTV was <0.5 mL in 47 (71%), and of 59 patients with biopsy GS 3 + 3, 33 (56%) had a TTV of <0.5 mL and pathological GS 3 + 3. Of 19 patients with a TTV of ≥0.5 mL, the median TTV was 1.06 (0.51–5.05) mL, with tumour foci of transition zone origin in 16 (84%). The study was limited by its retrospective design and small sample size.CONCLUSIONSUsing conservative selection criteria for predicting LV/LG cancer, RP specimens showed organ‐confined disease in all cases, upgrading to GS ≥ 4 + 3 in 6%, and TTV <0.5 mL in 71% of cases. The transition zone is a common location of under‐sampled disease.
Novel in vitro model for studying ureteric stent‐induced cell injury
Authors: Elwood Chelsea N. , Lange Dirk , Nadeau Richard , Seney Shannon , Summers Kelly , Chew Ben H. , Denstedt John D. , Cadieux Peter A. 
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVETo develop a novel in vitro model for the study of bladder and kidney epithelial cell injury akin to stent movement, as ureteric stents are associated with urinary tract complications that can significantly add to patient morbidity. These sequelae may be linked to inflammation triggered by stent‐mediated mechanical injury to the urinary tract.MATERIALS AND METHODST24 bladder and A498 kidney cell line monolayers were damaged mechanically by segments of either Percuflex Plus® (PP) or Triumph® (triclosan‐eluting) stents (both from Boston Scientific Corporation Inc. Natick, MA, USA) and the resulting expression profiles of several pro‐inflammatory cytokines and growth factors were analysed.RESULTSAfter control injury using the PP stent, supernatants of both cell lines had significantly increased levels of interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, basic fibroblast growth factor and platelet‐derived growth factor BB, and A498 cells also had increased tumour necrosis factor α. In almost all cases, the presence of triclosan within the media abrogated the pro‐inflammatory cytokine increases, while its effects on growth factors varied.CONCLUSIONThis study suggests that stent‐related symptoms in the bladder and kidney may be partially due to a local inflammatory response to epithelial damage caused by the presence and movement of the stent. Future stent design should take these inflammatory responses, with respect to physical injury, into consideration, using either more biocompatible materials or anti‐inflammatory compounds such as triclosan.
Is statin use associated with prostate cancer aggressiveness?
Authors: Loeb Stacy , Kan Donghui , Helfand Brian T. , Nadler Robert B. , Catalona William J. 
Published: November 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo further examine the association between statins (3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) and pathological features in a large group of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP), as epidemiological studies have suggested that statins, in addition to their beneficial cardiovascular effects, might reduce the risk of aggressive prostate cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSFrom 2003 to 2009, 1351 men with data on preoperative statin use had RP by one surgeon. The clinical and pathological tumour features were compared between 504 users of statins and 847 who were not users.RESULTSStatin users were significantly older and had a higher mean body mass index than non‐users. The preoperative serum prostate‐specific antigen levels, tumour volume and percentage of cancer in the RP specimen were significantly lower in patients taking statins. Overall, statin users had a proportionately lower rate of adverse tumour pathology features, including a significantly lower risk of positive (cancerous) surgical margins.CONCLUSIONOur results suggest that the use of statins might be associated with more favourable pathological features at RP. The long‐term disease‐specific outcomes and the underlying link between statins and prostate cancer require further investigation.
Anorectal malformations: what happens in adulthood?
Authors: Davies Melissa C. , Liao Lih‐Mei , Wilcox Duncan T. , Woodhouse Christopher R.J. , Creighton Sarah M. 
Published: November 2009

Study Type – Prognosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo comprehensively evaluate the outcomes in adults who were born with anorectal malformations (ARMs), to assess the relationships between the major types of ARM and outcomes, and to examine the relationships between bowel and urinary function and sexual well‐being, as advances in surgical treatment for ARMs have led to more patients surviving into adult life, and adult data on urinary and bowel function are scant, with even less known about the effect of diagnosis and treatment on sexual and reproductive function.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 74 adult patients with a diagnosis of ARM confirmed by review of paediatric medical records completed a series of validated questionnaires on urinary and bowel function, body esteem, sexual well being, fertility and overall quality of life.RESULTSThere were high levels of urinary and bowel incontinence for both men and women. A high ARM was associated with a greater degree of incontinence. Both men and women scored more poorly than controls on the body esteem, sexual well‐being and quality‐of‐life assessments. Urinary and bowel incontinence was associated with poorer sexual well‐being.CONCLUSIONSBowel and urinary outcomes in adults appear to be worse than suggested in paediatric reports, with high levels of both urinary and fecal incontinence. Poorer outcomes appeared to affect sexual well‐being adversely. To date, attention to issues during transition from childhood to adulthood, particularly concerns about sexual function and well‐being, has been conspicuous by its absence. Patient‐focused multidisciplinary care during this transition must address these issues, which are central to an acceptable quality of life.
Reducing blood loss in open radical retropubic prostatectomy with prophylactic periprostatic sutures
Authors: Carvalhal Gustavo F. , Griffin Christopher R. , Kan Donghui , Loeb Stacy , Catalona William J. 
Published: November 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo determine whether the placement of small‐calibre, rapidly absorbed prophylactic periprostatic sutures before the mobilization of the prostate could reduce blood loss during open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP).PATIENTS AND METHODSIn 2007, during open RRP, we began placing prophylactic haemostatic sutures of 4‐0 and 3‐0 plain catgut in the anterior portions of the distal neurovascular bundles (NVBs) and lateral to the proximal NVBs and prostate pedicles before initiating the nerve‐sparing dissection and mobilizing the prostate gland. To evaluate whether this reduced intraoperative blood loss, we compared estimated blood loss (EBL), non‐autologous transfusion rates, and postoperative haemoglobin (Hb) levels between 100 consecutive patients treated immediately before and 100 consecutive patients treated immediately after the adoption of the prophylactic periprostatic suture technique.RESULTSBefore the use of prophylactic haemostatic sutures, the mean intraoperative blood loss was 1285 mL, and one patient (1%) received an intraoperative non‐autologous transfusion. After the adoption of prophylactic sutures, the mean EBL was 700 mL (P < 0.001), and there were no transfusions. The mean Hb concentration the morning after RRP was 10.9 g/dL before and 11.8 g/dL after the initiation of prophylactic haemostatic sutures (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONProphylactic periprostatic haemostatic sutures significantly reduce intraoperative blood loss during open RRP.
A STUDY OF SPACE IN MUMBAI'S SLUMS
Authors: NIJMAN JAN 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTThe urban slum in the less developed world has an overwhelming significance of place for its dwellers: it determines who they are, what they do, where they go, and whom they know. Unlike most Western cities where the different realms of life (residential, work, religious, public, etc.) are spatially segregated, here they are all functionally and spatially integrated. A close examination of slum spaces in Dharavi, Mumbai, reveals such overlapping spatial patterns and raises some fundamental questions. Is there a proper definition of the slum? How should we conceive of the slum community and its spatial features? How useful or problematic are Western concepts of residential segregation, ghettos and enclaves? It is argued that the historical persistence of urban slums points to their indispensability, with the tacit (if inconsistent) approval of the state. Slums not only provide shelter to a large urban labour force but also a milieu that is conducive to intense social organisation and economic production.
Drying stress and damage processes in human stratum corneum
Authors: Levi K. , Weber R. J. , Do J. Q. , Dauskardt R. H. 
Published: November 2009

SynopsisThe drying stresses that develop in stratum corneum (SC) are crucial for its mechanical and biophysical function, its cosmetic feel and appearance, and play a central role in processes of dry skin damage. However, quantitative methods to characterize these stresses are lacking and little understanding exists regarding the effects of drying environment, chemical exposures and moisturizing treatments. We describe the application of a substrate curvature technique adapted for biological tissue to accurately characterize SC drying stresses as a function of time following environmental pre‐conditioning and chemical treatment in a range of drying environments. SC stresses were observed to increase to stress levels of up to ∼ 3 MPa over periods of 8 h depending on pretreatment and drying environment. A unique relationship between the SC stress and water in the drying environment was established. The effect of glycerol on lowering SC stresses and damaging surfactants on elevating SC stresses were quantified. Extensions of the method to continuous monitoring of SC stresses in response to changes in environmental moisture content and temperature are reported. Finally, a biomechanics framework to account for the SC drying stress as a mechanical driving force for dry skin damage is presented.
Employment Experiences, Perspectives, and Wishes of Mothers of Children with Autism in the People’s Republic of China
Authors: McCabe Helen 
Published: November 2009

Background  The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences with and meaning of employment in the lives of mothers of children with autism in China.Materials and Methods  This research used qualitative methods including open‐ended questionnaires and semi‐structured interviews with mothers of children with autism participating in an intervention program in Beijing.Results  Mothers find employment outside the home appealing, but they also see their role of mother as requiring being responsible and often making sacrifices.Conclusions  Mothers in this study make sacrifices in their own lives, including employment, in order to promote and provide intervention for their children with autism. These families had fewer services available to them than in many developed Western countries, and most services are at a cost to the parents. Considerations that Chinese mothers of children with autism make regarding their own employment situation are unique.
Rehabilitation of Low Vision in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: The Influence of Staff
Authors: Sjoukes Liesbeth , Kooijman Aart , Koot Hans , Evenhuis Heleen 
Published: November 2009

Background  We explored to what extent carers act on treatment and rehabilitation advice for low vision in intellectual disability (ID) services and how this relates to their familiarity with and appreciation of the advice.Methods  We followed prospectively 60 adults with a recent diagnosis of low vision during 12 months after their individual intervention advice. Questionnaire scores of carers’ familiarity with and appreciation of the advice and the quality of implementation were analysed using Spearman’s correlation.Results  Familiarity with the advice was reasonable or good in 41/60, appreciation was positive in 34/60, and implementation was reasonable to complete in 20/60 cases. Familiarity, appreciation and implementation were not significantly related to severity of ID or severity of visual impairment. Implementation was positively correlated with familiarity (Spearman’s ρ = 0.602, P < 0.001) but not with appreciation (Spearman’s ρ = 0.224; P = 0.086).Conclusion  It is important to keep professional carers knowledgeable and informed to improve the quality of low vision rehabilitation.
Training Staff to Manage Challenging Behaviour
Authors: Van Oorsouw Wietske M. W. J. , Embregts Petri J. C. M. , Bosman Anna M. T. , Jahoda Andrew 
Published: November 2009

Background  A training package for staff working with clients presenting challenging behaviour was developed to (1) increase their knowledge regarding challenging behaviour, and (2) to improve the quality of physical intervention techniques. The latter aim was intended to reduce staff anxiety about dealing with incidents and limit physical risk of injury to both clients and themselves.Materials and Methods  Sessions concerning theories of challenging behaviour were combined with physical intervention training. Effectiveness was assessed using knowledge questionnaires and observation of staff skills. Training effectiveness was tested in a pre–post‐test control group design.Results and Conclusions  The training program proved to be effective. Staff knowledge of challenging behaviour and the quality of physical intervention techniques increased significantly. Scores remained above pre‐test levels at follow‐up. Staff members evaluated the training positively.
Toxicological evaluation of azumolene after repeated intraperitoneal administration in rats
Authors: Do Carmo Paula Lima , Zapata‐Sudo Gisele , Trachez Margarete Manhães , Das Graças Fernandes Sales Maria , Sudo Roberto Takashi 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWe investigated the toxicity of azumolene (Az), a more water‐soluble compound than dantrolene, after 14 days of intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration in rats at doses of 1, 2.5 or 10 mg/kg/day. No animals died or presented signs of toxicity. No significant differences in water and food consumption or weight gain were noted among the groups. Blood analysis revealed no significant alteration by Az treatment in the number of blood cells. However, Az treatment induced a perivascular inflammatory reaction in the liver and non‐diffuse necrosis of skeletal muscle, both of which occurred only at the highest dose of Az and were completely reversed 14 days after cessation of treatment. Congestion and inflammation in the kidneys were only partially reversed. Caffeine‐induced contracture of skeletal muscle was not altered during 7 days of i.p. injection of Az (2.5 mg/kg/day). In conclusion, Az is a safe compound for long‐term administration, but does cause a mild, reversible reaction in skeletal muscle and kidney.
Pharmacological doses of vitamin A increase caspase‐3 activity selectively in cerebral cortex
Authors: De Oliveira Marcos Roberto , Oliveira Max William Soares , Moreira José Cláudio Fonseca 
Published: November 2009

AbstractVitamin A exerts a wide range of physiological roles from embryonic to adulthood stages of the mammalian life. However, there is a great concern regarding the deleterious effects of vitamin A use even therapeutically. It was shown that vitamin A induces behavioral impairments, for instance, anxiety‐like behavior and depression, in experimental animals and humans. Caspases are enzymes associated with cell death; however, there is a role for such enzymes also in synaptic plasticity. Then, based on previously published data, we have investigated the effects of vitamin A supplementation at clinical doses (1000–9000 IU/kg/day) for 28 days on caspase‐3 and caspase‐8 activities in adult rat cerebral cortex, cerebellum, striatum, and hippocampus. Furthermore, we have quantified TNF‐α levels, a pro‐inflammatory cytokine that, besides other biological roles, trigger the extrinsic apoptotic pathway in several cellular types, in those rat brain regions. Interestingly, we found increased caspase‐3 activity only in rat cerebral cortex. In all the other regions caspase‐3 and caspase‐8 activities did not change, as well as the levels of TNF‐α. The presented results, herein, indicate that more caution is needed regarding vitamin A clinical use and, also importantly, the consumption of vitamin A‐fortified foods, which are not exclusively distributed among vitamin A‐deficient subjects.
Levetiracetam inhibits glutamate transmission through presynaptic P/Q‐type calcium channels on the granule cells of the dentate gyrus
Authors: Lee Chun‐Yao , Chen Chih‐Chuan , Liou Horng‐Huei 
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose: Levetiracetam is an effective anti‐epileptic drug in the treatment of partial and generalized seizure. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether levetiracetam regulates AMPA and NMDA receptor‐mediated excitatory synaptic transmission and to determine its site of action in the dentate gyrus (DG), the area of the hippocampus that regulates seizure activities.Experimental approach: Whole‐cell patch‐clamp method was used to record the AMPA and NMDA receptor‐mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCAMPAand EPSCNMDA) in the presence of specific antagonists, from the granule cells in the DG in brain slice preparations from young Wistar rats (60–120 g).Key results: Levetiracetam (100 µM) inhibited both evoked EPSCAMPAand EPSCNMDAto an equal extent (80%), altered the paired‐pulse ratio (from 1.39 to 1.25), decreased the frequency of asynchronous EPSC and prolonged the inter‐event interval of miniature EPSCAMPA(from 2.7 to 4.6 s) without changing the amplitude, suggesting a presynaptic action of levetiracetam. The inhibitory effect of levetiracetam on evoked EPSCAMPAwas blocked by ω‐agatoxin TK (100 nM), a selective P/Q‐type voltage‐dependent calcium channel blocker, but not by nimodipine (10 µM) or ω‐conotoxin (400 nM).Conclusions and implications: These results suggest that levetiracetam modulated the presynaptic P/Q‐type voltage‐dependent calcium channel to reduce glutamate release and inhibited the amplitude of EPSC in DG. This effect is most likely to contribute to the anti‐epileptic action of levetiracetam in patients.
Geranylgeraniol prevents the cytotoxic effects of mevastatin in THP‐1 cells, without decreasing the beneficial effects on cholesterol synthesis
Authors: Campia I , Lussiana C , Pescarmona G , Ghigo D , Bosia A , Riganti C 
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose:  Statins, inhibitors of hydroxymethylglutaryl‐CoA reductase, reduce the intracellular synthesis of cholesterol and prevent the onset of atherosclerosis. They also decrease the synthesis of isoprenoid molecules, such as the side chain of ubiquinone and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate. As a consequence, statins impair mitochondrial metabolism and the activation of small monomeric GTPases (such as Rho and Ras), causing toxic effects. To date, a successful strategy to prevent statin toxicity is lacking.Experimental approach:  In human monocytic THP‐1 cells, we measured the synthesis of cholesterol and isoprenoids, mitochondrial electron flow, the activity of RhoA and Rac, cell death and proliferation.Key results:  Mevastatin reduced the synthesis of cholesterol, geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate and ubiquinone, mitochondrial electron transport, activity of RhoA and Rac, and cell proliferation, accompanied by increased cell death. Geranylgeraniol, a cell‐permeable analogue of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, reversed all these effects of mevastatin, without affecting its ability to reduce cholesterol synthesis. Notably, geranylgeraniol was more effective than the addition of exogenous ubiquinone, which rescued mitochondrial respiratory activity and reversed mevastatin cytotoxicity, but did not alter the decrease in cell proliferation. The same results were obtained in human liver HepG2 cells.Conclusions and implications:  Geranylgeraniol had a broader protective effect against the cytotoxicity of statins than exogenous ubiquinone. Therefore, geranylgeraniol may be a more useful and practical means of limiting the toxicities of statins, without reducing their efficacy as cholesterol lowering agents.