bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experiences and Decisions that Motivate Women at Increased Risk of Breast Cancer to Participate in an Experimental Screening Program
Authors: Proulx Michelle , Beaulieu Marie‐Dominique , Loignon Christine , Mayrand Marie‐Hélène , Maugard Christine , Bellavance Nathalie , Provencher Diane 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAlthough the discovery of mutations on BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes associated with high breast cancer risk has given rise to screening and surveillance initiatives, there is little documentation on why high‐risk women choose to enter screening programs. The objective of this qualitative study was to develop a detailed understanding of the experiences and decisions that motivate women with increased risk of hereditary breast cancer to participate in the multicentered Quebec experimental breast screening program. Our study involved 21 participants who were either BRCA carriers or at risk and untested. These women were interviewed while participating in the screening program. Our study demonstrates that intensive screening programs may provide valuable reassurance for women with increased familial risk of hereditary breast cancer, who count on early detection and rapid response from professionals if and when a problem arises. Health professionals must take these and others concerns into account to ensure their interventions are most consistent with women's needs.
Do we need livestock grazing to promote Polylepis australis tree recruitment in the Central Argentinean Mountains?
Authors: Zimmermann Heike , Renison Daniel , Leyer Ilona , Hensen Isabell 
Published: February 2009

AbstractSouth American Polylepis mountain forests are endangered due to centuries of logging, fire clearance, and intensive livestock grazing. Polylepis australis (Rosaceae) dominates the tree canopy in the Central Argentinean Mountains, where livestock have been excluded or reduced to very low densities over wide areas. Lowered plant and bird diversity in these abandoned grazing areas suggest that some livestock grazing may be beneficial for conservation purposes. Our study aimed to determine whether this may also be true for forest regeneration. In 300 plots of 1 m2 distributed in sub‐regions of high to moderate grazing pressure as well as grazing exclusion, we recorded the presence of P. australis seedlings and grazing indicators. Topographical parameters as well as vegetation and soil characteristics were also assessed. Seedling frequencies were highest in the region with moderate grazing, intermediate with grazing exclusion, and the lowest with high grazing pressures. Logistic regression models revealed that seedling occurrence was highest close to seeder trees, with intermediate litter coverage and at intermediate altitudes above sea level. Since grazing ultimately affects seeder tree occurrence through browsing and reduces litter cover and predominates in higher areas, we conclude that grazing is an important driving factor for P. australis regeneration. We confirm previous studies determining high grazing pressure to be detrimental for P. australis regeneration, but also provide data suggesting that its complete exclusion may not be recommendable either. Management should aim to alternate between a moderate grazing intensity to promote seedling recruitment, with subsequent exclusion to accelerate the growth of the established seedlings.
Critical Evaluation of Product Ion Selection and Spectral Correlation Analysis for Biomarker Screening Using Targeted Peptide Multiple Reaction Monitoring
Authors: Liu Jian , Hewel Johannes A. , Fong Vincent , Chan-Shen-Yue Michelle , Emili Andrew 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Introduction
Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has emerged as a cornerstone of proteomic screens aimed at discovering putative protein biomarkers of disease with potential clinical applications. Systematic validation of lead candidates in large numbers of samples from patient cohorts remains an important challenge. One particularly promising high throughout technique is multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), a targeted form of MS/MS by which precise peptide precursor–product ion combinations, or transitions, are selectively tracked as informative probes. Despite recent progress, however, many important computational and statistical issues remain unresolved. These include the selection of an optimal set of transitions so as to achieve sufficiently high specificity and sensitivity when profiling complex biological specimens, and the corresponding generation of a suitable scoring function to reliably confirm tentative molecular identities based on noisy spectra.

Methods
In this study, we investigate various empirical criteria that are helpful to consider when developing and interpreting MRM-style assays based on the similarity between experimental and annotated reference spectra. We also rigorously evaluate and compare the performance of conventional spectral similarity measures, based on only a few pre-selected representative transitions, with a generic scoring metric, termed T
corr, wherein a selected product ion profile is used to score spectral comparisons.

Conclusions
Our analyses demonstrate that T
corr is potentially more suitable and effective for detecting biomarkers in complex biological mixtures than more traditional spectral library searches.
Inhibition of apoptosis by ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids in Xenopus egg extracts
Authors: Saitoh Tomohiro , Tsuchiya Yuichi , Kinoshita Toshihiko , Itoh Motohiro , Yamashita Shigeru 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPurposeThe viability of mammalian eggs after ovulation is reported to be improved by the presence of ascorbic acid in the culture medium. However, the pro‐survival mechanisms of ascorbic acid are poorly understood. The molecular pathways of apoptosis are evolutionarily conserved among animal species, and Xenopus eggs are technically and ethically more suitable for biochemical analyses than mammalian eggs. We used Xenopus egg cytoplasmic extracts to examine the direct intracellular effects of ascorbic acid.MethodsIncubation of egg extracts for more than 4 h induces the spontaneous release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. This event triggers the activation of caspases, cleavage of substrate proteins, and execution of apoptosis. Multiple signal transduction pathways including proteolysis and protein phosphorylation are also involved in this process. We examined whether any of these events might be inhibited by the addition of ascorbic acid.ResultsAscorbic acid showed no effect against cytochrome c release, but prevented caspase activation and substrate cleavage. Ascorbic acid also blocked the proteolysis of apoptosis inhibitor proteins and the dephosphorylation of p42 MAP kinase. However, dehydroascorbic acid (oxidized form of ascorbic acid) and acetate (unrelated acid) were equally effective, indicating that these effects were primarily due to their acidity. In addition, dehydroascorbic acid inhibited caspase activities directly in vitro.ConclusionsThe anti‐apoptotic effect of ascorbic acid in Xenopus egg extracts is mainly due to cytoplasmic acidification rather than its intracellular antioxidant activity. Instead, oxidative conversion of ascorbic acid into dehydroascorbic acid may inhibit apoptosis through the inhibition of caspases.
Effect of glutathione on the development of rat embryos following microinsemination
Authors: Yuzawa K. , Sawada T. , Hossain M. S. , Takagi Y. , Hamano K. , Tsujii H. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPurposeThe present study was carried out to evaluate the role of glutathione on rat embryo developmental potential after ICSI. We observed the effects of glutathione on the development of non‐treated rat embryos, ICSI embryos and embryos with sham injection treatment. The development of glutathione‐microinjected embryos was also observed.MethodsOocytes and fertilized embryos were obtained from superovulated Wistar–Imamichi rats and cultured in mR1ECM medium. Oocytes and embryos were then allowed to develop to assess the effect of glutathione on the development rate in intact embryos, micro‐injected embryos and ICSI embryos.Results(1) In the intact embryo, the proportion of blastocyst stage development increased when 0.01 mM GSH was added to the medium compared to the control. (2) Microinjection of glutathione (GSSG, GSH) into the embryo increased development at each stage, and the addition of 0.2 nM GSSG or GSH significantly increased blastocyst development, in comparison to that of the control (P < 0.05). (3) Compared to the control, all the GSSG and GSH concentrations improved damaged blastocyst development, where 0.01 mM GSH improved significantly (P < 0.05). (4) The addition of glutathione in the medium increased the rate of blastocyst development after ICSI. A significantly higher number of TE and total cells were obtained in the micro‐injected embryo with both of the 0.02 mM GSSG and GSH treatments (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe addition of glutathione into the culture media can improve early embryo development and is capable of repairing the damage of ICSI rat embryos.
The dilemma faced by patients who undergo single embryo transfer
Authors: Sugiyama Rikikazu , Nakagawa Koji , Nishi Yayoi , Sugiyama Rie , Ezaki Kei , Inoue Masato 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to identify the factors that contribute to the decision to choose single embryo transfer (SET).MethodsTwo hundred and nine patients who underwent ART treatment in our clinics between April 2006 and May 2007 were enrolled in this study. All patients had elected to undergo SET before the start of each treatment cycle; a questionnaire was administered to all patients prior to the SET procedure.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 34.6 years old (range: 24–45 years). The mean number of redundant embryos was 3.7 (range: 1–17), and the pregnancy rate per embryo transfer was 25.7%. A total of 121 patients (57.9%) who underwent SET returned their questionnaires. Based on the results of questionnaire, 56.2% of patients who received SET waived their right to choose between single and double embryo transfer. Among patients who selected SET, 67.6% believed that the pregnancy rate resulting from double embryo transfer (DET) is significantly greater than that associated with SET, and 25% of patients wanted to have twins. The majority of patients (80.9%) who underwent SET understood that multi‐fetal pregnancy increases the risk of complications during gestation and delivery. Among all patients who completed the questionnaire, 72.8% believed that the number of transferred embryos should not be controlled by law.ConclusionsThe results of the present study show that greater than one‐half of patients who underwent SET were faced with a dilemma––the difficult choice between their own desires and their clinician's recommendation.
Effects of the flaxseed lignans secoisolariciresinol diglucoside and its aglycone on serum and hepatic lipids in hyperlipidaemic rats
Authors: Felmlee M. A. , Woo G. , Simko E. , Krol E. S. , Muir A. D. , Alcorn J. 
Published: February 2009

The present study involved a comparative analysis of the effects of purified flaxseed lignans, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) and its aglycone metabolite (SECO), in hyperlipidaemic rats. For hypercholesterolaemia, female Wistars (six rats per group) were fed a standard or 1 % cholesterol diet and orally administered 0, 3 or 6 mg SDG/kg or 0, 1·6 or 3·2 mg SECO/kg body weight once daily for 4 weeks. Hypertriacylglycerolaemia was induced in male Sprague–Dawley rats (ten rats per group) by supplementing tap water with 10 % fructose. These rats were orally administered 0, 3 or 6 mg SDG/kg body weight once daily for 2 weeks. Fasting blood samples (12 h) were collected predose and at the end of the dosing period for serum lipid analyses. Rats were killed and livers rapidly excised and sectioned for lipid, mRNA and histological analyses. Chronic administration of equimolar amounts of SDG and SECO caused similar dose-dependent reductions in rate of body-weight gain and in serum total and LDL-cholesterol levels and hepatic lipid accumulation. SDG and SECO failed to alter hepatic gene expression of commonly reported regulatory targets of lipid homeostasis. SDG had no effect on serum TAG, NEFA, phospholipids and rate of weight gain in 10 % fructose-supplemented rats. In conclusion, our data suggest that the lignan component of flaxseed contributes to the hypocholesterolaemic effects of flaxseed consumption observed in humans. Future studies plan to identify the biochemical mechanism(s) through which flaxseed lignans exert their beneficial effects and the lignan form(s) responsible.
Theropod teeth from the basalmost Cretaceous of Anoual (Morocco) and their palaeobiogeographical significance
Authors: KNOLL F. , RUIZ-OMEÑACA J. I. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe theropod teeth from the Berriasian (Early Cretaceous) site of Anoual (N Morocco) are described. The assemblage is important in that it comes from one of the very few dinosaur sites of this age globally and the only one for the whole of Gondwana. The theropod teeth from Anoual are morphologically diverse. Most of the material possibly belongs to the clade Dromaeosauridae, which would be an early occurrence for this taxon. The palaeogeographic position of Anoual enables it to provide data on the dispersal events that affected terrestrial faunas during Mesozoic times. A Laurasian influence is evidenced by the presence of Velociraptorinae and, on the whole, the theropod fauna from Anoual provides support for the existence of a trans-Tethyan passage allowing terrestrial faunal interchanges during Late Jurassic and/or earliest Cretaceous times. Additionally, Anoual records the existence of diminutive theropods. However, it cannot yet be determined whether the small size of the specimens is genetic or ontogenetic.
Causes of intraspecific variation in body size among trematode metacercariae
Authors: Saldanha I. , Leung T.L.F. , Poulin R. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractInequalities in body size among adult helminths can result in inequalities in reproductive output, with consequences for population dynamics and genetics. These inequalities can result from growth differences among larval worms inside intermediate hosts that persist into the adult stage. Here, we investigate the effects of both host body size and intensity of infection on the sizes of metacercariae of the trematode Maritrema novaezealandensis (Microphallidae) inside their second intermediate host, the isopod Paridotea ungulata (Idoteidae). Among the more than 1500 metacercariae recovered and individually measured, there was no relationship between the mean diameter of metacercarial cysts per isopod and isopod body length. However, intensity of infection correlated negatively with the mean diameter of cysts within an isopod, i.e. metacercariae in crowded infections attained smaller sizes on average. In contrast, the variability in cyst sizes per isopod, measured as the coefficient of variation, was independent of both isopod body length and infection intensity. Our results show that a disproportionate number of relatively small metacercariae come from the relatively few hosts in which a large fraction of all metacercariae are aggregated. The combination of aggregation and intensity-dependent growth generates inequalities in sizes among metacercariae that will be passed on to adult worm populations in definitive hosts.
Predatory activity of the fungi Duddingtonia flagrans, Monacrosporium thaumasium, Monacrosporium sinense and Arthrobotrys robusta on Angiostrongylus vasorum first-stage larvae
Authors: Braga F.R. , Carvalho R.O. , Araujo J.M. , Silva A.R. , Araújo J.V. , Lima W.S. , Tavela A.O. , Ferreira S.R. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAngiostrongylus vasorum is a nematode that parasitizes domestic dogs and wild canids. We compared the predatory capacity of isolates from the predatory fungi Duddingtonia flagrans (AC001), Monacrosporium thaumasium (NF34), Monacrosporium sinense (SF53) and Arthrobotrys robusta (I31) on first-stage larvae (L1) of A. vasorum under laboratory conditions. L1A. vasorum were plated on 2% water-agar (WA) Petri dishes marked into 4 mm diameter fields with the four grown isolates and a control without fungus. Plates of treated groups contained each 1000 L1A. vasorum and 1000 conidia of the fungal isolates AC001, NF34, SF53 and I31 on 2% WA. Plates of the control group (without fungus) contained only 1000 L1A. vasorum on 2% WA. Ten random fields (4 mm diameter) were examined per plate of treated and control groups, every 24 h for 7 days. Nematophagous fungi were not observed in the control group during the experiment. There was no variation in the predatory capacity among the tested fungal isolates (P>0.05) during the 7 days of the experiment. There was a significant reduction (P < 0.05) of 80.3%, 74.5%, 74.2% and 71.8% in the means of A. vasorum L1 recovered from treatments with isolates AC001, NF34, SF53 and I31, respectively, compared to the control without fungi. In this study, the four isolates of predatory fungi were efficient in the in vitro capture and destruction of A. vasorum L1, confirming previous work on the efficiency of nematophagous fungi in the control of nematode parasites of dogs and as a possible alternative method of biological control.
Management of dysphonia in children
Authors: Connelly A , Clement W A , Kubba H 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground:Dysphonia is common in children, but practice varies considerably regarding what, if any, investigations are performed and how the condition is managed. Although childhood dysphonia is mostly due to non-serious causes such as voice misuse, very serious pathology such as papillomatosis or malignancy needs occasionally to be excluded, and treatable congenital anomalies such as webs and cysts can be missed. Voice clinics and voice therapy services are now well established in most adult health services in the developed world, but equivalent services for children are less common, at least in the UK.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed the records of all children presenting to our large children's hospital with a primary complaint of dysphonia between January 2001 and October 2007, in order to determine their management, investigations and final diagnosis.Results:We identified 142 children. Case records were found for 137 (97 per cent). Eight-three children were male (61 per cent) and 54 female (39 per cent). Ages ranged from two months to 15 years (median 5.3 years). In 10 children (7 per cent), hoarseness was congenital, presenting as a hoarse, weak cry at birth. In 15 children (11 per cent), onset of hoarseness was related to a specific surgical procedure. The larynx was visualised by mirror alone in 23 children (17 per cent), by awake fibre-optic laryngoscopy in 27 (20 per cent) and by microlaryngoscopy-bronchoscopy under anaesthesia in 42 (31 per cent). Forty children (29 per cent) did not undergo laryngeal visualisation at any time and were diagnosed based on history alone. A further five (4 per cent) were scheduled for direct laryngoscopy but this was not performed due to resolution of symptoms. Voice abuse accounted for 62 (45 per cent) of all diagnoses.Conclusions:Childhood dysphonia accounts for a large number of referrals. There is considerable variation in how these children are managed. A more structured approach to diagnosis and investigation would be beneficial, perhaps within the setting of a dedicated paediatric voice clinic.
Anatomical variation of internal carotid artery presenting as pharyngeal mass
Authors: Leong S C , Luff D A 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjective:We describe a case of an internal carotid artery loop presenting as an oropharyngeal mass.Method:Case report and review of current literature.Case report:A 71-year-old woman presented with an asymptomatic oropharyngeal mass. This was an incidental finding by her general practitioner and was urgently referred as a suspicious lesion. A magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed an internal carotid artery tonsillar kink indenting into the pharyngeal wall. No further treatment was necessary.Conclusion:The internal carotid kink is an important anatomical variation which ENT surgeons should be aware of, as there are significant complications if blind biopsy is undertaken prior to appropriate imaging.
Novel method for safe cauterisation of posterior epistaxis
Authors: Judd O 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIntroduction:In epistaxis, anterior bleeding points are easily cauterised under direct vision, but those which occur in the posterior nose present a greater challenge. Standard cautery techniques limit simultaneous use of other equipment in the narrow posterior nose.Methods:This article presents a novel device which combines suction, cautery stick and sheath in one single-handed implement for ease of use.Conclusion:This novel, hand-held device for simultaneous suction and safe cautery of posterior epistaxis is both safe and cost-effective. It enables successful treatment by a single operator and is relatively easy to use by the non-skilled, junior trainee.
Peroral drainage of post-traumatic sialocoeles: report of three cases
Authors: Edkins O , van Lierop A C , Fagan J J , Lubbe D E 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjective:To discuss the technique and outcome of this simple procedure and the management of post-traumatic parotid sialocoeles, and to review the literature regarding this condition.Case report:We report the successful surgical treatment, by peroral drainage, of three patients with post-traumatic parotid sialocoele resistant to conservative management.Discussion:We discuss the method and outcome of the surgical procedure performed, along with the causes, presentation and management of parotid sialocoele.Conclusion:Correct initial management of a parotid duct injury may prevent the formation of a sialocoele. When conservative treatment of post-traumatic parotid sialocoele fails, we advocate the surgical technique described in this report as it is effective, simple and carries minimal risk to the patient.
Tick-induced blood loss leads to regenerative anaemia in the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
Authors: PFÄFFLE M. , PETNEY T. , ELGAS M. , SKUBALLA J. , TARASCHEWSKI H. 
Published: February 2009

SUMMARYAlthough there is an increasing understanding of the role of parasites in their host dynamics, accurate, quantitative estimates of parasite caused morbidity in wild animals are rare. Here, we examine the possible impact of 2 tick species (Ixodes ricinus, I. hexagonus) on the condition of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). For this, we tested for correlations between blood parameters of 36 adult hedgehogs from an experimental population enclosed in a natural habitat and their tick infestation over a period of 8 months (March–October 2007). We found correlations between the tick infestation and the concentration of red blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, MCH, MCHC, thrombocytes, lymphocytes and neutrophils. These results indicate that ticks can induce anaemia in the hedgehog. The peripheral blood characteristics and the erythrocyte indices characterize this anaemia as haemorrhagic and regenerative. During the course of our study the hedgehogs of our population showed below normal mortality but morbidity was found to be high resulting from the blood loss caused by the feeding activity of the ticks.