bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect on graft and patient survival between shipped and locally transplanted well‐matched cadaveric renal allografts in Australia over a 10‐year period
Authors: LIM WAI H , MCDONALD STEPHEN P , RUSS GRAEME R 
Published: March 2006

SUMMARY:Background: The national sharing of well‐matched cadaveric renal allografts has been established since 1992 in Australia. It remains uncertain whether the shipment of renal allografts interstate has a detrimental effect on graft and patient survival.Methods: Using data collected by the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry (ANZDATA), graft and patient survival were compared between shipped (n = 623) and locally transplanted allografts (n = 894) in Australia between January 1992 and December 2001.Results: Shipped renal allografts were from younger donors and had a longer ischaemic time, and were transplanted into higher risk recipients. Shipping of allografts had no effect on graft or patient survival, acute rejection at 6 months, presence of delayed graft function and serum creatinine at 6 and 12 months. In addition, human leucocyte antigen‐matching and allograft ischaemic time had no effect on graft or patient survival.Conclusion: Recipients of either shipped or locally transplanted well‐matched renal allografts have similar graft and patient survivals.
Propyl gallate‐induced platelet aggregation in patients with end‐stage renal disease: The influence of the haemodialysis procedure
Authors: ELEFTHERIADIS THEODOROS , ANTONIADI GEORGIA , LIAKOPOULOS VASSILIOS , TSIANDOULAS APOSTOLOS , BARBOUTIS KONSTANTINOS , STEFANIDIS IOANNIS 
Published: March 2006

SUMMARY:Background:  Platelet dysfunction is a well‐established disturbance in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Propyl gallate is a synthetic platelet activator with the property to stimulate platelet aggregation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of a single haemodialysis session on propyl gallate‐induced platelet aggregation.Methods:  Thirty‐nine HD patients were enrolled in the study and 20 healthy volunteers were studied as controls. Cellulose diacetate (CD) dialysers were used in 20 patients and polysulphone dialysers in 19. HD was performed via an A‐V fistula in 27 patients and via an i.v. catheter in 12. Erythropoietin was administered in 37 patients (epoietin‐alpha in 24 and darbepoietin in 13). Thirty‐four were receiving the low‐molecular‐weight heparin tinzaparin. Propyl gallate slide aggregometry was used for evaluating platelet aggregation.Results:  In HD patients, platelet aggregation was impaired before as well as after the HD session. No effect of the HD procedure, type of vascular access, adequacy of HD or type of erythropoietin on the propyl gallate‐induced platelet aggregation was detected. Platelet aggregation was higher when CD dialyser was used. A negative correlation between the time needed for platelet aggregation to occur and tinzaparin dose was found.Conclusion:  Propyl gallate‐induced platelet aggregation in HD patients is impaired. Platelet aggregation was higher in patients dialysed with CD membrane than in those dialysed with polysulphone membrane. The higher the dose of tinzaparin, the higher the platelet aggregation. The clinical significance of the above results needs further evaluation.
Jejunal dopamine and Na+,K+‐ATPase activity in early chronic renal insufficiency
Authors: SAMPAIO‐MAIA BENEDITA , SERRAO PAULA , MOURA MANUELA , PESTANA MANUEL 
Published: March 2006

SUMMARY:Aim:  The uninephrectomised and three‐quarter nephrectomised (3/4nx) rats present dopamine‐sensitive enhanced natriuresis. This is accompanied in uninephrectomised rats by a reduced jejunal Na+,K+‐ATPase activity with recovered sensitivity to inhibition by dopamine. The present study examined the jejunal Na+,K+‐ATPase activity and the role of dopamine in 3/4nx animals.Methods:  Fourteen days after surgery, the L‐amino acid decarboxylase activity (AADC) activity, the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of dopamine, and the Na+,K+‐ATPase activity, were determined in jejunal epithelial cells from 3/4nx and Sham rats. In addition, the effect of dopamine (1 µmol/L) on jejunal Na+,K+‐ATPase activity was evaluated in both groups.Results:  The 3/4nx rats presented a reduced AADC activity in jejunal epithelial cells (Vmax in nmol/mg prot/15 min, 142 ± 6 vs 190 ± 10, P < 0.05). In addition, the jejunal Na+,K+‐ATPase activity was increased in 3/4nx rats (Pi release in nmol/mg prot/min, 137 ± 1 vs 122 ± 2, P < 0.05). However, dopamine was unable to inhibit the Na+,K+‐ATPase activity in jejunal epithelial cells from both 3/4nx and Sham animals.Conclusions:  In contrast to uninephrectomy, the jejunal Na+,K+‐ATPase activity is increased in 3/4nx rats and is not sensitive to inhibition by dopamine.
Glomerular changes in the KK‐Ay/Ta mouse: A possible model for human type 2 diabetic nephropathy
Authors: ITO TAKAMICHI , TANIMOTO MITSUO , YAMADA KAORI , KANEKO SHIGERU , MATSUMOTO MASAKAZU , OBAYASHI KEIKO , HAGIWARA SHINJI , MURAKOSHI MAKI , AOKI TATSUYA , WAKABAYASHI MICHIRO , GOHDA TOMOHITO , FUNABIKI KAZUHIKO , MAEDA KUNIMI , HORIKOSHI SATOSHI , TOMINO YASUHIKO 
Published: March 2006

SUMMARY:Background:  In type 2 diabetic nephropathy, there is no animal model which has been completely matched with humans. Advanced glycation end products (AGE) and transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) are closely related to hyperglycaemia and their pathobiochemistry could explain diabetic nephropathy. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the KK‐Ay/Ta mouse as a suitable model for type 2 diabetic nephropathy including pathological changes and immunohistochemical analyses of AGE and TGF‐β, compared with the non‐diabetic BALB/cA mouse.Methods:  The urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR), body weight (BW), fasting and casual blood glucose, blood haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), creatinine clearance (Ccr) and blood pressure were measured for phenotypic characterisation. The pathological changes of glomeruli were evaluated by light microscopy, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. AGE and TGF‐β accumulation were evaluated by immunoperoxidase staining.Results:  The mean levels of ACR, casual blood glucose, blood HbA1c and Ccr in KK‐Ay/Ta mice were higher than those in age‐matched non‐diabetic BALB/cA mice after 12 weeks of age. There were no significant changes in the levels of systemic blood pressure among all groups. The pathological changes of glomeruli in KK‐Ay/Ta mice were consistent with those in the early stage of human diabetic nephropathy. AGE and TGF‐β protein appeared to be localised in the glomerular mesangial matrices.Conclusion:  It appears that KK‐Ay/Ta mice, especially in terms of histopathological findings, are a suitable animal model for the early stage of type 2 diabetic nephropathy.
Strain difference in tolerance to low‐temperature treatment of fertilized mouse oocytes
Authors: SAKURAI TAKAYUKI , WATANABE SATOSHI , KIMURA MINORU , SATO MASAHIRO 
Published: March 2006

Background and Aims:  The aim of this study was to determine which mouse strains exhibit tolerance to cooling when fertilized oocytes have been stored at 4°C.Methods:  In‐vitro‐fertilization‐derived oocytes of eight mouse strains were incubated at 4°C in 20 mmol/L Hepes‐potassium modified simplex optimized medium (KSOM) medium for 0, 24, 48, 60 or 72 h, and then returned to normal culture conditions at 37°C in KSOM medium. The rates of development of cultured oocytes into blastocysts and cell numbers of blastocysts were examined. In some cases, a Comet assay was carried out to evaluate DNA damage. In addition, the effects of β‐mercaptoethanol on the development of the 4°C‐treated oocytes were assessed.Results:  Of the eight strains tested, BDF1, B6C3F1 and FVB/N strains exhibited relatively higher degrees of tolerance to 4°C treatment and approximately 90%, 83% and 78% of oocytes treated at 4°C for 48 h developed to morphologically normal blastocysts, respectively. Comet assay revealed no clear DNA damage in oocytes treated at 4°C. Treatment with β‐mercaptoethanol failed to improve the in vitro survival rate of low‐temperature‐treated oocytes.Conclusion:  Strain differences were observed in tolerance to cooling treatment when fertilized oocytes were temporarily treated with 4°C, although the reasons for this remain unclear. (Reprod Med Biol 2006; 5: 43–50)
Accelerated decline in pregnancy rate after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in 35–41‐year‐old women: 15 years’ experience in the Okinawa Islands, Japan
Authors: TERUYA YOKO , KAMIYAMA SHIGERU , HIRAKAWA MAKOTO , YAMASHIRO KIE , KANAZAWA KOJI 
Published: March 2006

Aim:  To describe 15 years of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF–ET) treatment at University Hospital, with special reference to a potential association between pregnancy rate and patient age.Methods:  A retrospective analysis of 2355 IVF–ET cycles carried out in 789 patients was undertaken. The main outcome measures were ovarian response, fertilization rate and pregnancy rate.Results:  Pregnancy rates in ET cycles carried out in women aged between 23 and 46 years fell significantly with patient age, with a more rapid decline after 35 years and particularly between 35 and 41 years. Almost all laboratory findings were significantly worse with increased patient age, although fertilization rate did not drop with age. The spontaneous abortion rate increased drastically with age and the vast majority of abortions resulted from chromosomal abnormality.Conclusion:  It is essential to provide infertile women with practical and reliable information on the age‐associated pregnancy rate for appropriate counseling and to encourage them to seek IVF–ET treatment at an earlier age. (Reprod Med Biol 2006; 5: 51–57)
Comparison of the number of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells in fetal and neonatal testes autopsied between 1958–1964 and 1989–1998 in Tokyo
Authors: ENDO HISAKO , TAKEMURA TAMIKO , FUKAYAMA MASASHI , TSUTSUMI OSAMU 
Published: March 2006

Background:  Studies in several countries have reported a decline in human sperm quality similar to that observed in wild animals. To quantify whether the number of sperm in humans has decreased and whether humans are affected by similar environmental influences, we compared the number of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells in human fetal and neonatal testes autopsied at two institutions in Tokyo between 1958–1964 (term A) and 1989–1998 (term B), with special attention to chronological changes during gestation.Methods:  We used an immunohistochemical method with antibody against neuron‐specific enolase to determine the percentage of seminiferous tubules containing spermatogonia in the formalin‐fixed tissue samples, and a morphometrical method using a dissector to count the number of spermatogonia.Results:  There were no significant statistical differences between the two time periods in the regression parameters compared for the number of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells, nor was there a remarkable difference in the estimated number of Leydig cells.Conclusion:  The results indicate that even if there has been a deterioration in human semen quality, it is not necessarily caused by endocrine disruption of fetal testicular development. (Reprod Med Biol 2006; 5: 65–70)
Folliculogenesis following syngeneic transplantation of young murine ovaries into the testes
Authors: SATO MASAHIRO , SAKURAI TAKAYUKI , KIRYU KAZUNORI , TAKEDA MASAKI , YASUOKA YUKIKO 
Published: March 2006

Background and Aim:  To examine the effects of intratesticular transplantation on the growth and maturation of young murine ovaries.Methods:  Two‐week‐old ovaries from transgenic mice with enhanced green fluorescent protein expression were transplanted under the testicular capsule of 4‐week‐old non‐transgenic mice.Results:  Two months after transplantation all successfully grafted ovaries had survived, based on the presence of bright green fluorescence. The grafts showed various stages of folliculogenesis, including expanded follicles. The neighboring seminiferous tubules had a normal structure and mature sperm in their lumens, indicating active spermatogenesis, and all the recipient males were fertile. There was no evidence of extensive cell migration from the grafted ovaries into the testis. Similar findings were obtained for the grafted ovaries 6 months after surgery, although cell death (as evidenced by yellowish or pale fluorescence) was more frequent.Conclusion:  Young murine ovaries can grow and mature autonomously for at least 6 months unaffected by the male hormonal environment. (Reprod Med Biol 2006; 5: 71–77)
Climate change and disaster management
Authors: O'Brien Geoff , O'Keefe Phil , Rose Joanne , Wisner Ben 
Published: March 2006

AbstractClimate change, although a natural phenomenon, is accelerated by human activities. Disaster policy response to climate change is dependent on a number of factors, such as readiness to accept the reality of climate change, institutions and capacity, as well as willingness to embed climate change risk assessment and management in development strategies. These conditions do not yet exist universally. A focus that neglects to enhance capacity‐building and resilience as a prerequisite for managing climate change risks will, in all likelihood, do little to reduce vulnerability to those risks. Reducing vulnerability is a key aspect of reducing climate change risk. To do so requires a new approach to climate change risk and a change in institutional structures and relationships. A focus on development that neglects to enhance governance and resilience as a prerequisite for managing climate change risks will, in all likelihood, do little to reduce vulnerability to those risks.
Local initiatives and adaptation to climate change
Authors: Rojas Blanco Ana V. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractClimate change is expected to lead to an increase in the number and strength of natural hazards produced by climatic events. This paper presents some examples of the experiences of community‐based organisations (CBOs) and non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) of variations in climate, and looks at how they have incorporated their findings into the design and implementation of local adaptation strategies. Local organisations integrate climate change and climatic hazards into the design and development of their projects as a means of adapting to their new climatic situation. Projects designed to boost the resilience of local livelihoods are good examples of local adaptation strategies. To upscale these adaptation initiatives, there is a need to improve information exchange between CBOs, NGOs and academia. Moreover, there is a need to bridge the gap between scientific and local knowledge in order to create projects capable of withstanding stronger natural hazards.
Acute 40 percent exchange‐transfusion with hemoglobin‐vesicles (HbV) suspended in recombinant human serum albumin solution: degradation of HbV and erythropoiesis in a rat spleen for 2 weeks
Authors: Sakai Hiromi , Horinouchi Hirohisa , Yamamoto Manabu , Ikeda Eiji , Takeoka Shinji , Takaori Masuhiko , Tsuchida Eishun , Kobayashi Koichi 
Published: March 2006

BACKGROUND:  Hemoglobin‐vesicles (HbVs; diameter, 251 ± 81 nm) are artificial O2 carriers. Their efficacy for acute exchange transfusion has been characterized in animal models. However subsequent profiles of recovery involving the degradation of HbV in the reticuloendothelial system (RES) and hematopoiesis remain unknown.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Isovolemic 40 percent exchange transfusion was performed in 60 male Wistar rats with HbV suspended in 5 g per dL recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA; HbV/rHSA, [Hb] = 8.6 g/dL), stored rat RBCs suspended in rHSA (sRBC/rHSA), or rHSA alone. Hematological and plasma biochemical analyses and histopathological examination focusing on the spleen were conducted for the subsequent 14 days.RESULTS:  The reduced hematocrit (Hct) level (26%) for the HbV/rHSA and rHSA groups returned to its original level (43%) in 7 days. Plasma erythropoietin was elevated in all groups: the rHSA group showed the highest value on Day 1 (321 ± 123 mIU/mL) relating to the anemic conditions (HbV/rHSA, 153 ± 22; sRBC/rHSA, 63 ± 7; baseline, 21 ± 3). Simultaneously, splenomegaly occurred in all the groups as HbV/rHSA > rHSA > sRBC/rHSA. Histopathologically, the accumulated HbV in the spleen was undetectable by Day 14, but hemosiderin was deposited in slight quantities for both the HbV/rHSA and sRBC/rHSA groups. Considerable amounts of erythroblasts were apparent in the spleens of both the rHSA and the HbV/rHSA groups.CONCLUSION:  HbVs were phagocytized and degraded in RES, a physiological compartment for the degradation of RBCs, and the elevated erythropoietic activity resulted in the complete recovery of Hct within 7 days in the rat model.
The effects of leukodepletion on the generation and removal of microvesicles and prion protein in blood components
Authors: Krailadsiri Pranee , Seghatchian Jerard , MacGregor Ian , Drummond Olive , Perrin Rachel , Spring Frances , Prescott Robin , Williamson Lorna , Prowse Chris , Anstee David , Turner Marc 
Published: March 2006

BACKGROUND:  Universal leukodepletion (LD) has been implemented in the United Kingdom to reduce the risk of transfusion‐transmitted variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease. If LD causes microvesiculation of blood cells, however, potentially infectious membrane‐associated prion could reach the final products.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  We have measured microvesicles (MV) derived from red cells (RBC‐MV), platelets (PLT‐MV), and white blood cells (WBC‐MV) and cellular prion protein (PrPc) in blood components produced by four whole‐blood, five RBC, three PLT, and two plasma LD filters and three plateletpheresis techniques.RESULTS:  RBC‐MV and PLT‐MV were either unaltered or reduced by all processes, with PLT‐MV reduced 10‐fold by RBC LD and greater than 300‐fold by plasma LD. WBC‐MV were reduced or unchanged by RBC and PLT LD and reduced by plasma LD. Whole‐blood filtration appeared to increase MVs derived from granulocytes, but the load in the final components was comparable to that in processed RBCs in additive solution. PrPc was reduced by whole‐blood, RBC, and plasma LD and unchanged by PLT techniques. There were differences between various filters and techniques, which were generally minor compared to the overall effects.CONCLUSION:  These findings suggest no detrimental effects of LD processes in terms of generation of MVs or PrPc release.
Sterility testing of platelet concentrates prepared from deliberately infected blood donations
Authors: Mohr Harald , Lambrecht Bernd , Bayer Anette , Spengler Hans‐Peter , Nicol Sven‐Boris , Montag Thomas , Müller Thomas H. 
Published: March 2006

BACKGROUND: In general the bacterial count in freshly donated blood is low and even lower in the corresponding platelet concentrates (PCs). By use of flow cytometry (FACS) for sterility testing, the reliability of early versus later sampling times was evaluated.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Blood donations were spiked with various numbers ofStaphylococcus epidermidis,Staphylococcus aureus,Bacillus cereus,andKlebsiella pneumoniae. The corresponding PCs were prepared by the buffy‐coat method and stored at 22°C. A 20‐mL sample was collected from each PC directly after preparation and after 8 hours. Samples were stored at 35°C. Sterility testing of both PCs and samples was by FACS analysis at different time points.RESULTS: All stored PCs were found positive by FACS analysis, with detection times ranging between 8 and 24 hours (K. pneumoniae, B. cereus), 8 and 91 hours (S. aureus), and 144 hours (S. epidermidis). In the samples incubated at 35°C, bacteria were detected after 8 to 19 hours (K. pneumoniae, B. cereus), 8 to 67 hours (S. aureus), and 19 to 43 hours (S. epidermidis). Some of the samples did not contain bacteria.CONCLUSION: Detection times for slow‐growing bacteria are significantly shortened when PC samples are incubated at 35°C: The numbers of bacteria in freshly prepared PCs may, however, be so low that the samples drawn for sterility testing do not contain a single bacterium. Our results do not support a shortening of the 24‐hour or greater sampling time recommended by the manufacturers of established test systems, because also for consistent detection by FACS, bacteria need to grow in the PCs to sufficient numbers.
Genetic analysis of HLA, NA and HPA typing in type 2 diabetes and ASO
Authors: Nomura S. , Shouzu A. , Omoto S. , Matsuzaki T. , Yamaoka M. , Abe M. , Hosokawa M. , Nishikawa M. , Iwasaka T. , Fukuhara S. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryWe examined the genetic status of human leucocyte antigens (HLA), human platelet alloantigens (HPA) and neutrophil‐specific antigens (NA) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO). To our knowledge, the present study is the first report showing the relationship among three genetic factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus and ASO patients. HLA typing was performed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–restriction fragment length polymorphism method. HPA‐typing and NA‐typing were by a PCR‐sequence‐specific primer method. The incidence of HLA‐DRB1*1501 was found to be significant in type 2 diabetes and non‐diabetic, particularly ASO‐positive patients, compared to control subjects. There were no differences in NA1/NA2 between the control and diabetic or non‐diabetic ASO groups. However, the frequency of NA2/NA2 in ASO‐positive diabetes and non‐diabetic ASO patients was significantly higher than controls. The a/b genotype of HPA‐5a/5b was significantly lower in type 2 diabetes and non‐diabetic ASO‐positive patients than in controls. These findings suggest that genetic studies of HLA, NA and HPA could be useful to understand the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and ASO.
Tracheal foreign bodies in the cat and the use of fluoroscopy for removal: 12 cases
Authors: Tivers M. S. , Moore A. Hotston 
Published: March 2006

Objectives:To gather information to support the use of fluoroscopically guided removal of tracheal foreign bodies in cats. It was also the intent to produce a case series and look at the long‐term outcome following tracheal foreign body removal.Methods:A retrospective study was performed. This looked at cases of tracheal foreign bodies in cats seen at the University of Bristol veterinary school at Langford over an eight‐year period. Outcome was assessed via telephone conversations with the owners.Results:Twelve cats were presented with tracheal foreign bodies during this time. Ten of these foreign bodies were successfully removed using fluoroscopy and two using bronchoscopy. All cats survived. Follow‐up was available for nine cats and showed no long‐term complications.ClinicalSignificance:Forceps removal under fluoroscopic guidance is a rapid, safe, and effective method for removal of tracheal foreign bodies in cats. It should be considered as an alternative to bronchoscopy for removal of tracheal foreign bodies in cats. Indeed, in cases where bronchoscopy has failed, it can be attempted to avoid thoracotomy. Successful removal of tracheal foreign bodies in cats is associated with a good long‐term outcome.