bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transfused stored platelets have the same haemostatic function as circulating native platelets
Authors: Roeloffzen W. W. H. , Kluin‐Nelemans H. C. , Veeger N. J. G. M. , Bosman L. , De Wolf J. Th. M. 
Published: April 2010

Background and objectives  As thrombelastography® (TEG) measures haemostasis in whole blood, we used this instrument to study whether transfused platelets (PLTs) have the same haemostatic function compared to native circulating PLTs. Further, we studied the effect of storage time on the haemostatic potential of platelet concentrates (PCs).Materials and methods  During the decrease in PLT count after chemotherapy, TEG parameters were measured serially until the transfusion trigger was reached in 92 patients. TEG parameters for different ranges of native circulating PLTs could be assessed, which were compared to ranges obtained in the thrombocytopenic period in which the patient received PLT transfusions. Finally, we compared the haemostatic potential of fresh PCs (1–3 days) with PCs with longer storage time (4–5 days).Results  No differences could be found in haemostatic potential between native PLTs and transfused stored PLTs (all P‐values ≥ 0·1). The transfusion of fresh PLTs demonstrated better haemostatic effects than longer stored PLTs, measured 1 h after transfusion. Both the time until a fixed level of clot firmness was reached (K‐time) and the rate of clot growth (alpha angle) were superior for fresh PCs.Conclusion  TEG is able to monitor the haemostatic effects of PLT transfusion, with comparable haemostatic properties of native circulating and transfused stored‐PLTs. Further, our data suggest that limited storage time is associated with a better haemostatic capacity. However, before TEG can be applied as a qualitative test in PLT transfusion, further research is needed with focus on clinical outcomes like bleeding episodes.
Application of Laser‐Assisted Microdissection for Gene Expression Analysis of Mammalian Germ Cells
Authors: Kenngott R. , AL‐Banaw A. , Vermehren M. , Wendl J. , Sinowatz F. 
Published: April 2010

With 1 figure and 2 tablesSummaryLaser‐assisted microdissection (LAM) is an important method to provide new significant insights into many embryological processes. To understand these processes, it is important to obtain specific populations of cells from complex tissue in an efficient and precise manner and to combine with many different molecular biological methods. During the last few years, the sophistication of the techniques of LAM has increased significantly and made the procedure easy to use. New micro‐extraction protocols for DNA, RNA and proteins now allow broad downstream applications in the fields of genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics. In this review, we give a short overview of the application of LAM in combination with quantitative qPCR for the analysis of gene expression in mammalian germ cells.
Tail Autotomy Plays No Important Role in Influencing Locomotor Performance and Anti‐Predator Behavior in a Cursorial Gecko
Authors: Lu Hong‐Liang , Ding Guo‐Hua , Ding Ping , Ji Xiang 
Published: April 2010

AbstractWe used the frog‐eyed sand gecko (Teratoscincus scincus) as a model system to evaluate the locomotor costs of tail loss, and to examine whether tailless geckos use alternative anti‐predator behavior to compensate for the costs of tail loss. Of the 16 field‐captured geckos, eight were used as experimental animals and the remaining ones as controls. Locomotor performance, activity level and anti‐predator behavior were measured for experimental geckos before and after the tail‐removing treatment. Control geckos never undergoing the tail‐removing manipulation were measured to serve as controls for the measurements taken at the same time for experimental geckos. Experimental geckos did not differ from controls in activity level before they underwent the tail‐removing manipulation, but became less active thereafter. The mean locomotor stamina of tailless geckos was reduced by about 30% of the mean value for tailed ones. However, as the maximum stamina predicted from the laboratory trials is seldom required in nature, we expect that the costs associated with the reduced locomotor stamina may be relatively minor in T. scincus. All other examined locomotor (overall speed, maximal speed and stride length) and behavioral (distance to refuge, approach distance and flight distance) traits were not affected by the tail‐removing manipulation. Overall, our results suggest that tail autotomy plays no important role in influencing locomotor performance and anti‐predator behavior in lizards where the tail has no direct role in locomotion but is used to direct predatory strikes away from the torso.
Development of pyramided lines with two resistance genes, Pish and Pib, for blast disease (Magnaporthe oryzae B. Couch) in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Koide Y. , Kawasaki A. , Telebanco‐Yanoria M. J. , Hairmansis A. , Nguyet N. T. M. , Bigirimana J. , Fujita D. , Kobayashi N. , Fukuta Y. 
Published: April 2010

With 2 figures and 4 tables AbstractGene pyramiding is considered one of the most effective strategies for achieving durable resistance against blast disease (Magnaporthe oryzae B. Couch) in rice (Oryza sativa L.), although few studies have evaluated the combining effect of the resistance genes. We report the development of pyramided lines with two major blast resistance genes, Pish and Pib, and the evaluation of the combining effect of them. The two genes pyramided lines were selected from the progenies of a cross between one near isogenic line (NIL), which harbours Pish, and another NIL, which harbours Pib, in the genetic background of blast susceptible variety, CO 39. The presence of the resistance genes was confirmed by DNA markers linked to them. To obtain DNA markers for Pish, we genetically mapped the Pish locus. We confirmed the additive effect of Pish and Pib in the pyramided lines by their reaction patterns to blast isolates, suggesting the potential availabilities of the combinations of these genes. In addition, we provide DNA markers linked to Pish for marker aided selection in rice blast resistance breeding.
Analysis of the microflora in the stomach of Mongolian gerbils infected with Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Zaman Cynthia , Osaki Takako , Hanawa Tomoko , Yonezawa Hideo , Kurata Satoshi , Kamiya Shigeru 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Mongolian gerbils are frequently used to study Helicobacter pylori‐induced gastritis and its consequences. The presence of some gastric flora with a suppressive effect on H. pylori suggests inhibitory microflora against H. pylori infection. The aim of the present study was to analyze the microflora in the stomach of Mongolian gerbils with H. pylori infection.Methods:  H. pylori ureA was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the fecal samples of infected Mongolian gerbils. H. pylori was isolated from the gastric mucosa of the gerbils by microaerophilic cultivation. Gastric microflora were isolated by aerobic and anaerobic culture, and the identification of gastric bacterial species was performed by API20E and API20A.Results:  Oral administration of H. pylori TK1402 induced colonization and gastric inflammation of the stomach of the Mongolian gerbils. According to the frequency of detection of H. pylori ureA in fecal samples, the gerbils were divided into three groups (frequently detected, moderately detected and infrequently detected). According to the analysis of the gastric microflora in the frequently and infrequently detected groups, Lactobacillus spp. and Eubacterium limosum were isolated from the former and latter group, respectively.Conclusion:  Some gastric flora, such as Lactobacillus spp., may inhibit colonization by H. pylori.
Colorectal cancer screening in evolution: Japan and the USA
Authors: Ross William A 
Published: April 2010

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in both Japan and the USA. Age‐adjusted incidence of CRC has been in decline in the USA since 1985, while rates in Japan have been increasing. The decline in the USA is commonly attributed to CRC screening programs but there is little direct evidence to support this assertion. The current screening recommendations in the USA cover several options including colonoscopy and computerized tomographic colonography (CTC). The Japanese CRC screening program is centered on fecal immunochemistry testing (FIT). The US government Medicare program's approval of colonoscopy as a primary screening test has lead to a large increase in the number of patients undergoing the procedure. However, the benefit achieved from this change in screening program emphasis is not clear. Simulation models demonstrate that a screening program centered on FIT achieves 94% of the benefit that an all‐colonoscopy program is able to accomplish but at a lower cost per life year gained. Clinical studies of colonoscopy have failed to demonstrate the 76–90% declines in CRC incidence predicted by the National Polyp Study published in 1993. A potential reason for this failure is the quality of colonoscopy performance. Until more compelling data becomes available demonstrating the utility of colonoscopy as a primary screening modality, there is little incentive to alter the proven cost‐effective approach to CRC screening currently in practice in Japan.
Protective effect of lafutidine, a histamine H2 receptor antagonist, against loxoprofen‐induced small intestinal lesions in rats
Authors: Amagase Kikuko , Ochi Akimu , Sugihara Tetsuya , Kato Shinichi , Takeuchi Koji 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground and Aims:  We examined the effect of lafutidine, a histamine H2 receptor antagonist with a mucosal protective action mediated by capsaicin‐sensitive sensory neurons (CSN), on intestinal lesions produced by loxoprofen administration in rats.Methods:  Animals were given loxoprofen (10–100 mg/kg p.o.) and killed 24 h later. Lafutidine (10 and 30 mg/kg), cimetidine (100 mg/kg) or famotidine (30 mg/kg) was given twice p.o. at 0.5 h before and 6 h after loxoprofen. Omeprazole (100 mg/kg) was given p.o. once 0.5 h before. Ampicillin (800 mg/kg) was given p.o. twice at 24 h and 0.5 h before loxoprofen, while 16,16‐dimethyl prostaglandin E2 (dmPGE2; 0.01 mg/kg) was given i.v. twice at 5 min before and 6 h after.Results:  Loxoprofen dose‐dependently produced hemorrhagic lesions in the small intestine, accompanied by invasion of enterobacteria and increased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression as well as myeloperoxidase activity in the mucosa. The ulcerogenic response to loxoprofen (60 mg/kg) was significantly prevented by lafutidine (30 mg/kg), similar to dmPGE2 and ampicillin, and the effect of lafutidine was totally attenuated by ablation of CSN. Neither cimetidine, famotidine nor omeprazole had a significant effect against these lesions. Lafutidine alone increased mucus secretion and reverted the decreased mucus response to loxoprofen, resulting in suppression of bacterial invasion and iNOS expression. In addition, loxoprofen downregulated Muc2 expression, and this response was totally reversed by lafutidine mediated by CSN.Conclusion:  Lafutidine protects the small intestine against loxoprofen‐induced lesions, essentially mediated by the CSN, and this effect may be functionally associated with increased Muc2 expression/mucus secretion, an important factor in the suppression of bacterial invasion.
Impact of upper gastrointestinal lesions in patients on low‐dose aspirin therapy: Preliminary study
Authors: Kawai Takashi , Watanabe Masataka , Yamashina Akira 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground and Aims:  We investigated the incidence of upper gastrointestinal lesions in the esophagus, stomach and duodenum in patients on low‐dose aspirin (LDA) therapy.Methods:  The subjects were 101 consecutive outpatients who had been on LDA therapy (average age 67.2 ± 8.3 years; male : female ratio 3.8:1). All subjects underwent endoscopy without ceasing their antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. We investigated the rates of endoscopic peptic ulcer, reflux esophagitis (RE) and malignant lesion.Results:  RE was detected in eight subjects and esophageal ulcer in one subject. The severity of RE, according to the Los Angeles classification, was grade A in one subject, B in four, C in two and D in one. All nine subjects (8.9%) with RE and esophageal ulcer were negative for Helicobacter pylori infection. Gastric ulcer was detected in 12 subjects (six H. pylori positive, six negative) and duodenal ulcer in four (one H. pylori positive, three negative). The incidence of gastroduodenal ulcer was 15.8% (16/101). The incidence of esophageal and gastric cancers was high at 5.9% (6/101). Subjects were surveyed using the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale, with no differences in scores for acid reflux, abdominal pain or indigestion according to the presence or absence of RE, gastric ulceration or duodenal ulceration.Conclusion:  Upper gastrointestinal mucosal injuries and neoplasm were found in not only the stomach, but also the esophagus and duodenum in LDA taking subjects. These results emphasize the importance of endoscopic surveillance in patients on LDA therapy.
New method of inducing intestinal lesions in rats by intraduodenal administration of aspirin
Authors: Nonoyama Kenichi , Nakagawa Kanako , Amagase Kikuko , Takeuchi Koji , Nakamura Masahiko , Okabe Susumu 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Enteroscopic observation has clearly demonstrated that non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs/low‐dose aspirin (usually enteric‐coated) induces hemorrhagic lesions, including ulcers and bleeding, in the small intestine of patients at a high incidence. Such intestinal lesions induced by NSAIDs have been confirmed in animal experiments. With aspirin, however, it has long been believed that it is difficult to induce any damage in the intestinal mucosa of laboratory animals. Therefore, we established a new method of inducing intestinal hemorrhagic lesions in rats by injecting aspirin into the proximal duodenum.Methods:  Under ether anesthesia, aspirin (50–200 mg/body), suspended in 2% methylcellulose (with or without 0.1 N HCl), was injected into the proximal duodenum of normally fed or 20‐h non‐fed rats (male Sprague–Dawley, 9 weeks old). At 1 h after treatment, the animals were killed with ether and the entire small intestine was removed for histological examination. In some experiments, 1% Evans blue was injected (i.v.) into the rats 1 h after aspirin treatment to visualize the lesions. An image analyzer determined the total area of the intestinal lesions. Oral proton pump inhibitors and histamine H2‐receptor blockers were given 1 h before aspirin injection. 16,16‐dimethyl prostaglandin E2 (dmPGE2) was given s.c. 30 min before aspirin injection.Results:  Aspirin alone clearly induced severe lesions (including bleeding and ulcers) mainly in the jejunum at 100% incidence. Total score of lesions per rat obtained by histological examination was similar to the damaged area quantified with the dye method. Dose‐related induction of lesions by aspirin was confirmed both by the histological and dye methods. The irritable effect of aspirin suspended in 0.1 N HCl solution was the same as that of aspirin alone; 0.1 N HCl alone induced only minor lesions in the intestine. Both proton pump inhibitors and histamine H2‐receptor blockers, at doses that inhibit gastric acid secretion, had no or little effect on aspirin‐induced intestinal lesions. Pretreatment with dmPGE2 (3, 10, 30 µg/kg) showed significant prevention of both aspirin‐ and HCl/aspirin‐induced intestinal lesions.Conclusion:  This new aspirin lesion model will be useful for screening defensive drugs against aspirin‐induced intestinal lesions and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.
Helicobacter pylori infection and reflux esophagitis in young and middle‐aged Japanese subjects
Authors: Kawai Takashi , Yamamoto Kei , Fukuzawa Mari , Yamagishi Tetsuya , Yagi Kenji , Fukuzawa Masakatsu , Kataoka Mikinori , Kawakami Kohei , Itoi Takao , Sakai Yoshihiro , Moriyasu Fuminori , Takagi Yu , Aoki Tatsuya 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Helicobacter pylori infection rates are reported to be high in people over the age of 40 years, but are decreasing in younger age groups. A negative correlation has been reported between H. pylori infection and reflux esophagitis (RE).Methods:  The subjects were 418 patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and measurement of serum immunoglobulin G H. pylori antibodies examined as part of their routine health checks. Their mean age was 39.2 ± 8.3 years (range 22–58). We analyzed the RE findings (Los Angeles classification: A, B, C, D).Results:  The total H. pylori infection rate was 33.7% (141/418). By age group, infection rates were 15.7% in the 20–29 years group, 28.0% in the 30–39 group, 34.3% in the 40–49 group and 69.1% in the 50–59 group. The proportion of H. pylori‐negative subjects with RE was 23.5% (20–29, 22.9%; 30–39, 31.7%; 40–49, 32.4%; 50–59, 41.7%), significantly higher than that (12.1%) in H. pylori‐positive subjects (20–29, 0%; 30–39, 16.7%; 40–49, 12.2%; 50–59, 10.5%). The severity of RE increased with advancing age in H. pylori‐positive subjects, but not in H. pylori‐negative subjects.Conclusion:  In this study, higher rates of RE were seen in H. pylori‐negative subjects. It may be, however, that the presence of H. pylori infection influences the progression of RE.
Clinicopathological characteristics of colorectal cancer less than 10 mm in diameter and invading submucosa and below
Authors: Beppu Kazuko , Nagahara Akihito , Terai Takeshi , Matsumoto Kenshi , Shibuya Tomoyoshi , Sakamoto Naoto , Osada Taro , Kawabe Masato , Otaka Michiro , Ogihara Tatsuo , Watanabe Sumio 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Identifying the invasive depth of cancers less than 10 mm in diameter remains a challenge. This study examines the clinicopathological characteristics of colorectal cancers less than 10 mm in diameter and invading submucosal layer (SM)3 and below, which require surgery and must never be treated by endoscopic mucosal resection.Methods:  We studied 54 cases of colorectal cancer less than 10 mm in diameter and invading the submucosa and deeper tissues, by dividing them into two groups: those invading SM1 and SM2 versus those invading SM3 and below. We investigated the clinicopathological characteristics of cancers invading SM3 and below by comparing them with cancers invading SM1 and SM2. Similarly, 38 cases, whose endoscopic findings could be analyzed, were selected and examined.Results:  In cases invading SM3 and below, the rates of moderately to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, lymphatic and venous permeation and lymph node metastasis were significantly higher than those invading SM1 and SM2. Among cases invading SM3 and below, the presence of endoscopic findings—including white spots of the protruded type, and fullness, white spots, hardness and protruded lesions in the depressed area of the depressed type—was significantly higher than among those invading SM1 and SM2.Conclusion:  Colorectal cancers less than 10 mm in diameter and invading SM3 and below have high malignant potential. Cancers of this invasive depth can be identified by looking for characteristics such as white spots, fullness, hardness and protruded lesions in the depressed area. Careful endoscopic observation for these signs aids in determining the appropriate treatment.
Enteral nutrition decreases hospitalization rate in patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: Watanabe Osamu , Ando Takafumi , Ishiguro Kazuhiro , Takahashi Hironao , Ishikawa Daisuke , Miyake Nobuyuki , Kato Tsuyoshi , Hibi Satoshi , Mimura Shunya , Nakamura Masanao , Miyahara Ryoji , Ohmiya Naoki , Niwa Yasumasa , Goto Hidemi 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with relapse and remission. CD patients are admitted to hospital when bowel inflammation flares up severely, which lowers their quality of life. Enteral nutrition (EN) with an elemental diet plays an important role in the treatment for CD patients in Japan, because of its few adverse effects, and it is thought to be effective in maintaining remission. We investigated the effectiveness of EN with an elemental diet with regard to the avoidance of hospitalization.Methods:  A total of 268 patients with CD who visited hospital from 2003–2008 were enrolled. The relationship between the caloric content of an elemental diet and hospitalization as an end‐point was examined retrospectively using Cox regression analysis. Cumulative non‐hospitalization rates were calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method.Results:  Of the 268 patients, 155 received an elemental diet providing 900 kcal/day or more. Among 237 patients with ileal involvement, 135 patients receiving an elemental diet providing 900 kcal/day or more showed a statistically significant improvement in cumulative non‐hospitalization rate. Among 31 patients without ileal involvement, in contrast, the cumulative non‐hospitalization rate did not differ among those receiving an elemental diet of less or more than 900 kcal/day.Conclusion:  The use of an elemental diet of 900 kcal/day may be effective in avoiding hospitalization in CD patients with ileal lesions. This diet may be useful in improving the long‐term convalescence of these patients.
Indoor exposure to environmental cigarette smoke, but not other inhaled particulates associates with respiratory symptoms and diminished lung function in adults
Authors: HERSOUG Lars‐Georg , HUSEMOEN Lise L.N. , SIGSGAARD Torben , MADSEN Flemming , LINNEBERG Allan 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Exposure to particulate matter (PM) can induce airway inflammation and exacerbation of asthma. However, there is limited knowledge about the effects of exposure to indoor sources of PM. We investigated the associations between self‐reported exposure to indoor sources of PM and lower airway symptoms and lung function.Methods:  A population‐based cross‐sectional study of 3471 persons aged 18–69 years was conducted. Information about exposure to indoor sources of PM and airway symptoms was obtained from a self‐administered questionnaire.Results:  Exposure to wood stoves, candles and gas cookers was not significantly associated with an increased prevalence of lower respiratory symptoms or decreased lung function. In contrast, persons exposed to environmental tobacco smoke for >5 h/day had a significantly increased risk of ‘wheeze’ (OR 1.69, 95% CI: 1.24–2.30) and ‘chronic cough’ (OR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.12–2.20), as well as decreased lung function (FEV1% predicted), compared with those who were not exposed. Similar trends were observed in never smokers.Conclusions:  In this cross‐sectional study of an adult general population, self‐reported exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, but not self‐reported exposure to wood stoves, candles or gas cookers, appeared to be associated with an increased prevalence of lower airway symptoms and decreased lung function.