bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Follicle Deviation in Ovulatory Follicular Waves with One or Two Dominant Follicles in Mares
Authors: Jacob JC , Gastal EL , Gastal MO , Carvalho GR , Beg MA , Ginther OJ 
Published: March 2009

ContentsThe follicle and hormone aspects of diameter deviation and development of one dominant (≥28 mm) follicle (1DF) vs two dominant follicles (2DF) were studied in 32 ovulatory follicular waves in mares. Follicles were ranked each day as F1 (largest) to F3. The beginning of deviation was designated day 0 and preceded the first increase in the differences in diameter between F1 and F2 in the 1DF group and between a combination of F1 and F2 vs F3 in the 2DF group. One dominant follicle and 2DF developed in 21 (66%) and 11 (34%) waves, respectively. Double ovulations occurred in only one of the waves with 2DF. In 8/11 waves with 2DF, a second deviation occurred between F1 and F2 on 2.5 ± 0.4 days after the first deviation. On day 0, 1DF and 2DF waves were similar in number of days after ovulation, number of follicles, difference in diameter between F1 and F2, and plasma concentrations of LH, estradiol and immunoreactive inhibin. The interval from maximum FSH concentration to day 0 was longer (p < 0.05) and FSH concentration was lower (p < 0.05) on days ‐1 to 4 in the 2DF group. The similarities on day 0 in the characteristics of 1DF and 2DF waves despite the differences in the declining portions of the FSH profile indicated that a specific day of the FSH decline or a specific concentration were not factors in initiating deviation. Unlike reported results in heifers, the results in mares did not indicate a hormonal basis for the development of 2DF or two deviations.
Light and Scanning Electron Microscopic Studies of Oviductal Epithelium in Thai Swamp Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) at the Follicular and Luteal Phases
Authors: Tienthai P , Sajjarengpong K , Techakumphu M 
Published: March 2009

ContentsThe purpose of this study was to investigate the morphological changes in the epithelium of Thai swamp buffalo oviducts at the follicular and luteal phases by histological technique and scanning electron microscopy. The samples from the infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus and uterotubal junction (UTJ) of the oviduct were taken immediately after slaughter at the local abattoir. Noticeable cyclic changes were observed on the epithelial surface of the infundibulum and ampulla, but few changes were present in the isthmus and UTJ. At the follicular phase, the epithelium of infundibulum and ampulla were densely covered with ciliated cells whose cilia concealed the apical processes of the secretory cells. In contrast, the secretory cells dominated in the epithelium at the luteal phase and most of the ciliated cells were hidden by the bulbous processes of these cells. In the isthmus and UTJ at the follicular and luteal phases, the secretory cells were almost flat or gently rounded and covered with numerous microvilli at their apical surface. In conclusion, the histological and ultrastructural observation of Thai swamp oviduct epithelium revealed marked cyclic changes in the cellular differences associated with the main functions of segmental variations.
Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography in pancreatic trauma: Need to break the mental barrier
Authors: Bhasin Deepak K , Rana Surinder S , Rawal Pawan 
Published: March 2009

AbstractPancreatic injury has a high morbidity and mortality. The integrity of the main pancreatic duct is the most important determinant of prognosis. Serum amylase, peritoneal lavage and computed tomography of the abdomen can assist with diagnosis but endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) is the most accurate investigation for diagnosing the site and extent of ductal disruption. However, it is invasive and can be associated with significant complications. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and secretin‐enhanced MRCP probably parallel ERP in delineating pancreatic ductal injuries. They can also delineate the duct upstream to complete disruption, an area not visualized on ERP. In relation to therapy, endoscopic transpapillary drainage has been successfully used to heal duct disruptions in the early phase of pancreatic trauma and, in the delayed phase, to treat the complications of pancreatic duct injuries such as pseudocysts and pancreatic fistulae. Transpapillary drainage is especially effective in patients who have partial pancreatic duct disruption that can be bridged. Endoscopic transmural drainage has also been successfully used to treat post‐traumatic pancreatic pseudocysts. Further large, prospective and randomized studies are required to adjudge the efficacy and long‐term safety of pancreatic duct drainage in the treatment of post‐traumatic pancreatic duct injuries.
Inflammatory pseudotumour affecting the lung and orbit
Authors: KISHI Kazuma , FUJII Takeshi , KOHNO Tadasu , YOSHIMURA Kunihiko 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTThis report describes a rare case of inflammatory pseudotumour arising metachronously from the orbit and lung. A 78‐year‐old man with a 7‐year history of orbital inflammatory pseudotumour developed a solitary mass in the right lung. Serological studies showed elevated levels of IgG and antinuclear antigen. Wedge resection of the lesion was performed under VATS. Histology showed that lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with dense fibrosis and flow cytometry proved these cells to be polyclonal. Immunostaining revealed numerous IgG4‐positive plasma cells diffusely infiltrating the lesion.
Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry is the method of choice to assess body composition in COPD
Authors: MILLER Alistair , STRAUSS Boyd J. , MOL Stijn , KYOONG Andrew , HOLMES Peter H. , FINLAY Paul , BARDIN Philip G. , GUY Paul 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTBackground and objective: Mortality and morbidity in COPD have been related to reduced FEV1as well as indices of body composition. Different techniques used to evaluate body composition may vary in accuracy, particularly in conditions with altered fluid balance such as COPD. We hypothesized that direct measurement of fat‐free mass index (FFMI) by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) would provide superior assessment of body composition in COPD.Methods: We measured body composition in 31 patients with COPD randomly selected from a teaching hospital clinic. To estimate total body water (TBW) and FFMI, skin‐fold anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) with Schols and Lukaski equations as well as DEXA, total body potassium by whole‐body γ‐counting (TBK) andin vivoneutron activation analysis were used. Combined body composition methods providing precise estimations of TBW were used for comparisons. Bland–Altman analyses, ANOVA and χ2‐testing were used to examine data.Results: Mean BMI was 27.6 ± 5.34 kg/m2(mean ± SD). Estimations of TBW were similar using Schols BIA or by using combined body composition methods. FFMI did not vary significantly between grades of COPD severity but was significantly different when assessed using DEXA and other methods. Calculated FFM hydration was significantly different from the fixed hydration factor used to calculate FFMI from BIA TBW (P < 0.05).Conclusion: The Schols BIA method incorporates a fixed hydration factor that may lead to an erroneous estimation of FFMI with ensuing clinical implications. DEXA can be used to obtain accurate and comprehensive assessments of body composition and should be the preferred investigation in COPD.
Six principal symptoms and coronary artery sequelae in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Nakamura Yosikazu , Yashiro Mayumi , Sadakane Atsuko , Aoyama Yasuko , Oki Izumi , Uehara Ritei , Yanagawa Hiroshi 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground:  The relationship between coronary artery sequelae due to Kawasaki disease and the six principal symptoms associated with the latter are still unknown.Methods:  Among the 16 952 patients reported in the 17th nationwide survey on Kawasaki disease, 14 068 were found to have definite and typical cases with five or six principal symptoms. The proportions of coronary artery aneurysms including dilatation of the artery were compared between the patient group with six symptoms and that with five.Results:  Percentages for those with all six symptoms (7223) were 4.7% for coronary dilatations (i.e. small aneurysms), 1.7% for coronary aneurysms (i.e. middle‐sized aneurysms), and 0.42% for giant coronary aneurysms (i.e. large aneurysms) 1 month after onset, whereas for those with five symptoms (6845), the corresponding percentages were 4.1%, 1.4%, and 0.22%, respectively. For overall observation, the odds ratios were 1.44, 1.28, and 1.70 for the three types of aneurysm, respectively. For male patients, all the odds ratios were >1.0, and some were significant. In contrast, odds ratios <1.0 were observed among those with six symptoms in some subgroups among female patients despite the lack of significance.Conclusions:  Because odds ratios were elevated – especially for male patients with Kawasaki disease – with all six principal symptoms, patients with the six symptoms are more problematic for coronary sequelae among the definite cases, although there was not a specific symptom for the sequelae.
Predictive validity of Bayley scale in language development of children at 6–36 months
Authors: Lung For‐Wey , Shu Bih‐Ching , Chiang Tung‐Liang , Chen Po‐Fei , Lin Li‐Ling 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the present study was to investigate the prediction of development among 6‐, 18‐, and 36‐month‐old infants on the Bayley Scale of Infant Development (BSID).Methods:  One hundred infants were assessed using the BSID at 6 months; of these, 70 completed the 18 and 36 month assessment at follow up.Results:  Multivariate regression and structural equation modeling were used to determine predictive validity in the mental and psychomotor developmental scales. Structural equation analysis also confirmed the conceptual scheme of the stability of development from 6 to 36 months for boys. Boys had a steadier overall developmental trajectory compared to girls.Conclusions:  The validity of BSID was consistent with previous studies. The language spurt in girls, however, from 6 to 18 months affected the stability of the BSID. Thus, the gender difference in language development should be considered in clinical assessment.
Multidisciplinary approach in cystic hygroma: Prenatal diagnosis, outcome, and postnatal follow up
Authors: Gedikbasi Ali , Oztarhan Kazim , Aslan Gulseren , Demirali Oyhan , Akyol Alpaslan , Sargin Akif , Ceylan Yavuz 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the present study was to determine prenatal follow up and clinical outcome in fetuses born with cystic hygroma.Methods:  A series of 64 cystic hygroma patients, who were diagnosed in the first and the second trimester of pregnancy, was enrolled. Associated structural abnormalities, karyotype analysis and pregnancy outcome were studied. Survivors were followed for their fetal outcome and prognosis.Results:  There were 64 new cases of cystic hygroma in 8524 subjects screened (0.75%). Thirty‐nine (60.9%) were of non‐septated and 25 (39.1%) were of septated cystic hygroma. Chromosomal abnormalities were present in 25 (39.1%). The most common abnormality in non‐septated cystic hygroma was trisomy 21 (10, 27.8%), and that in septated cystic hygroma was Turner syndrome (5, 23.8%). Associated structural malformations are common in cystic hygroma and overall survival was poor. Nine of the present infants were live‐born and were subsequently followed up. Two had cardiac pathology and died after cardiac operation, two others were diagnosed with axillary cystic hygroma, had an excellent prognosis and responded well to treatment, and another two had cranial findings with mild neurological sequel. Only three cases had, at birth and in the follow‐up period, no complications.Conclusion:  Cystic hygroma is highly correlated with adverse perinatal outcome. Prenatal diagnosis and invasive procedures are vital for counselling with close follow‐up after delivery for appropriate medical support. A multidisciplinary approach is strictly recommended in live‐born children.
Susceptible bacteria increased with limited usage of antibiotics: Data with emphasis on defined daily doses
Authors: Takeuchi Hajime 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground:  Resistant bacteria Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae are the primary causative organisms of bacterial respiratory tract infections and meningitis in children.Methods:  This study was carried out over 4 years. Specimens from the pharynges and sputum of children were collected. H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae were cultured, and the sensitivity to antibiotics were measured. The dosages of major antibiotics for children were calculated.Results:  A total of 920 samples of H. influenzae and 128 samples of S. pneumoniae collected from the specimens from the pharynges and sputum were cultured. The level of non‐sensitive H. influenzae for cefaclor decreased from 62.1% to 50.3% (P= 0.0398). The level of non‐sensitive S. pneumoniae for amoxicillin decreased sharply from 31.6% to 0.0%. Finally, the total amount of antibiotics was reduced to 40.5% of the first period.Conclusion:  It is possible to reduce the levels of non‐susceptible bacteria by limited usage of antibiotics for daily treatment.
The importance of international consensus statements in surgery*
Authors: Canter Richard J 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe article is a summary of some of the pertinent literature on professionalism, highlighting the difference between how physicians understand professionalism and how other groups e.g. politicians, nurses and hospital managers might view the professionalism of doctors. It partly explains why surgeons have become increasingly ‘managerialised’ and lost autonomy since the 1970s. I speculate what might be the logical conclusion of this process if surgeons continue to be seen as technicians. The choice facing the surgical profession appears to be between retrenching, by this is meant resisting the challenges to traditional notions of professionalism, or reforming, i.e. to develop new workable models that better serve society and the profession. Some of this might make uncomfortable reading for physicians and surgeons; it is meant to.
Laying the foundation of surgical skills for trainees (Residents)
Authors: Perry Richard E. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe role of the surgical skills laboratory is becoming increasingly important as surgical service needs evolve and educational processes seek to become more robust. The skills laboratory offers an opportunity to better prepare residents for their clinical rotations and to accelerate their clinical effectiveness. The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons has developed and introduced a new standardised basic surgical skills curriculum that can be delivered sustainably in centres throughout Australia and New Zealand. A technical skill set required by all surgical disciplines was compiled, and each skill was deconstructed into cognitive steps. Models were devised to simulate an application of each skill, and standardized demonstrations were created and recorded to ensure uniform teaching. Extensive resource material supports the course programme, with information for tutors, technicians, course directors and participants. Currently, clinical rotations offer inconsistent opportunities for trainees to practise their skills after the course. Recruitment and retention of tutors remains a key challenge.
E‐Learning in surgical education and training
Authors: Larvin Mike 
Published: March 2009

AbstractFor most surgeons and surgical educators, e‐learning is relatively new and confusing. This article attempts to explain the key concepts behind e‐learning, as well as its benefits and risks. E‐learning has become a fixed feature within Higher and Professional Education and has been prioritized by Universities around the world, as well as all six Surgical Royal Colleges. Trainees have grown up with virtual learning environments and expect similar provision for their postgraduate studies, but have a greater need for basic science learning. Dispersal of trainees across duty rotas and geographically makes e‐learning more attractive, but preserving peer and trainer communication is as important as content. Recent changes in surgical education and training have also made electronic and distance learning more attractive than previously. Initial work by the Colleges is now being evaluated and important lessons have emerged. The UK Department of Health has made medical e‐learning a priority and it is now the largest e‐learning provider in Europe. Changes in the World Wide Web, with a shift to more social‐networking activity in education and to web‐based delivery to small, ubiquitous portable devices will increase opportunities for surgical e‐learning.
Assessment of tubal disorder as a risk factor for repeat ectopic pregnancy after laparoscopic surgery for tubal pregnancy
Authors: Kuroda Keiji , Takeuchi Hiroyuki , Kitade Mari , Kikuchi Iwaho , Shimanuki Hiroto , Kumakiri Jun , Kobayashi Yuko , Kuroda Masako , Takeda Satoru 
Published: March 2009

AbstractHeading Aims:  We evaluated tubal disorders, including peritubal adhesions, as risk factors for repeat ectopic pregnancy (REP) after laparoscopic linear salpingotomy (LS) or salpingectomy for tubal pregnancy.Methods:  This was a retrospective clinical study in a university hospital.Results:  Of 43 women monitored for at least 6 months after LS, 28 (65%) subsequently conceived. In 24 (86%) of these women the pregnancy was intrauterine, and four (14%) had REP. Of 40 women with a unilateral tube monitored for at least 6 months after salpingectomy, 24 (60%) conceived. In 17 (71%) of these women the pregnancy was intrauterine, and seven (29%) had REP. There was no significant difference between groups in postoperative pregnancy or REP rates. There was no significant difference in the mean adhesion score by revised American Fertility Society stage points (re‐AFS) at operation and the site of subsequent pregnancy in either the LS or the salpingectomy group, although the mean re‐AFS score was significantly higher in women who had REP (3.1) than in those whose subsequent pregnancy was intrauterine (0.4).Conclusions:  There was no significant difference in postoperative pregnancy or REP rates following previous LS or salpingectomy. The re‐AFS score appeared to be an accurate predictor of the prognosis of subsequent pregnancies.
Treatment of ureteric lithiasis with retrograde ureteroscopy and holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy vs extracorporeal lithotripsy
Authors: Arrabal‐Polo Miguel A. , Arrabal‐Martín Miguel , Miján‐Ortiz José L. , Valle‐Díaz Francisco , López‐León Víctor , Merino‐Salas Sergio , Zuluaga‐Gómez Armando 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVETo analyse the efficiency of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) vs retrograde ureteroscopy and holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy, as ESWL is successful in 67–90% of cases but endoscopic lithotripsy with pneumatic lithotrites or lasers is successful in 90–96% of distal ureteric calculi, and holmium:YAG lithotripsy is effective in proximal ureteric calculi.PATIENTS AND METHODSFrom April 2006 to April 2008 we assessed 164 patients undergoing ureteric lithiasis in two homogeneous groups: group A included 83 treated with retrograde ureteroscopy and holmium:YAG endoscopic lithotripsy, and group B, 81 treated by ESWL. For laser lithotripsy we used 2071 mJ pulses at 3–6 Hz, with a mean of 1105 pulses and 2.5 kJ of total energy. ESWL was carried out using 37.5–87.5 mJ shock waves, a mean of 3650 shock waves and 187.6 J, with a radioscopy time of 1–4 min. The results were assessed after 3 weeks with plain films and ultrasonography, or urography. The efficiency of each procedure was assessed by calculating the relative risk, and results compared using the chi‐square or Student’s t‐test. The efficiency quotient (EQ) was determined for both procedures, and the focal applied energy quotient (FAEQ) used to assess ESWL.RESULTSThe overall success rate for retrograde ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy was 96.4% (80/83 patients), with an EQ of 0.52; a JJ catheter was placed in 67 patients. The success rate for the first ESWL session was 48%, and after repeat ESWL was 64% (52/81 patients), giving an EQ of 0.39. For successful treatments the FAEQ was 9.22, vs 6.47 for the failures (P < 0.005). There was a significant difference (P < 0.001) favouring laser lithotripsy, with an absolute benefit of 46% (95% confidence interval 33.8–57.9%), and number needed to treat of 2 (2–3), but no significant differences for lumbar ureteric calculi.CONCLUSIONSEndoscopic lithotripsy with the holmium laser is more effective than ESWL, but for lumbar ureteric calculi ESWL is therapeutically recommended as it is less invasive.
Optimal Fiscal Policy in a Multisector Model: The Price Consequences of Government Spending
Authors: CASSOU STEVEN P. , GOROSTIAGA ARANTZA 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis paper investigates optimal fiscal policy in a static multisector model. A Ramsey type planner chooses tax rates on each good type as well as spending levels on each good type subject to an exogenous total expenditure constraint. It is shown that, like taxes, government spending policy has price effects and that these price effects have significant implications for optimal policy. These price effects imply a U shape to the government's objective function and this U shape results in boundary values for the choice of the spending allocation. In particular, it is shown that the optimal allocation of government spending tends to be concentrated on one good rather than spread among many goods.
The Salient Issue of Issue Salience
Authors: DELLIS ARNAUD 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis paper proposes a model where the set of issues that are decisive in an election (i.e., the set of salient issues) is endogenous. The model takes into account a key feature of the policy‐making process, namely, that the decision‐maker faces time and budget constraints that prevent him from addressing all of the issues that are on the agenda. We show that this feature creates a rationale for a policy‐motivated decision‐maker to manipulate his policy choice in order to influence which issues will be salient in the next election. We identify three motivations for the decision‐maker to manipulate his policy choice for salience purposes. One is to make salient an issue on which he has an electoral advantage. A second motivation is to defuse the salience of an issue on which he is electorally weak, which is accomplished by either implicitly committing to a policy outcome or triggering a change of salient issue for the challenger. A third motivation is to induce the opposition party to nominate a candidate who, if elected, will implement a policy that the incumbent decision maker finds more palatable.
On the Strategic Use of Representative Democracy in International Agreements
Authors: GRAZIOSI GRÉGOIRE ROTA 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe consider as endogenous the choice of the delegation rule in an international agreement between two countries. We study three potential types of delegation: strong, weak or no delegation, the latter case corresponding to direct democracy. We show that populations decide to bind themselves by delegating the national policy decision‐making to a “powerful conservative representative,” in order to improve their bargaining position. These noncooperative behaviors of countries when they decide on their delegation rule induce negative political externalities between countries, which cancel the gains achieved by the internalization of economic externalities in the case of political integration. We then examine the consequences of ratification by referendum. We conclude that a Pareto improvement of the international agreement would be to incorporate an ex post referendum.