bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of colony foundation success between sexual pairs and female asexual units in the termite Reticulitermes speratus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: Matsuura Kenji , Nishida Takayoshi 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIn termites, a male and a female usually found a colony cooperatively. However, pairing efficiency tends to be low in Reticulitermes speratus because of a limited mate‐searching range, the female‐biased sex ratio, and a relatively low calling ability. Females that fail to pair with males found colonies either in female–female pairs or even alone. In the laboratory, we examined colony foundation by single females (F), female–female pairs (FF), and normal male–female pairs (FM). The time until colony foundation (when termites began excavating wood baits) differed significantly among the unit types. Time until excavation was much longer for single females than for FF and FM units, which reflects the relative success of colony foundation. The survival rate of single females was also significantly lower than that of FF‐ and FM‐unit females, although there was no difference between FF and FM units. This result demonstrates that cooperation, even female–female, promotes female survivorship. Nevertheless, the number of progeny per female was significantly lower in FF units than in FM units, possibly because females of FF units must share reproductive output. These results lead us to the conclusion that a normal monogamous pair is the best unit for colony foundation. Nevertheless, females alone can establish colonies by parthenogenesis, and even female–female cooperation promotes colony foundation success if pairing with males is not possible. Considering the functional decision for females in F and FF units of how much time to spend searching for a male mate, we believe that these facultative pathways of colony foundation by parthenogenesis have adaptive significance.
Possible Benefit of Preoperative Blood Deposit for Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Flordal Per‐Anders , Bergqvist David 
Published: April 2006

AbstractPredictors for the need of blood transfusion were analyzed using multiple regression analysis in 1689 patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery before the age of 80 years and with a preoperative blood hemoglobin concentration above 110 g/L. Rectal surgery for malignant disease and pancreatic surgery (for malignant or benign disease) were associated with higher transfusion requirements (mean 2.4 units) than other operations (0.6 units). If two autologous units had been available in these patients, the fraction needing allogeneic transfusion could have been reduced from 59% to 31%. It would not be effective to predonate more than 2 units. For other types of surgery the rate of allogeneic transfusion would not have been much reduced, and most autologous blood would have been wasted.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Pit Viper Envenomation: Prospective, Controlled Trial
Authors: Kerrigan Kevin R. , Mertz Bruce L. , Nelson Stephen J. , Dye James D. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics for preventing infectious complications at the site of pit viper envenomation has not been well studied. We undertook a prospective, controlled trial of antibiotic treatment versus no antibiotic treatment among 114 victims of crotalid envenomation in Ecuador's Amazon rain forest. A group of 59 patients received intravenous gentamicin and chloramphenicol, and 55 patients did not. All other aspects of care were identical. There were no statistically significant differences between antibiotic‐treated and untreated patients with regard to demographics, delay in treatment, clinical and laboratory evidence of severity of envenomation, or use of antivenin. Nine abscesses occurred, six in the antibiotic‐treated group and three in the untreated group. The results of this study did not show any statistically significant differences in outcome in terms of the number of abscesses that occurred between antibiotic‐treated and untreated patients. Based on this lack of differences, routine use of prophylactic antibiotics for prevention of infectious complications of crotalid envenomation cannot be recommended.
Preoperative Risk Assessment of Hepatic Resection for Malignant Disease
Authors: Cohnert T.U. , Rau H.G. , Buttler E. , Hernandez‐Richter T. , Sauter G. , Reuter C. , Schildberg F.W. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractClinical, laboratory, functional, and volumetric data of 340 consecutive patients undergoing hepatic resection for malignant disease between November 1990 and June 1995 were analyzed. The operative mortality was 3.3% (8/244 patients). Among 178 patients with liver metastases and 66 with primary hepatobiliary tumors the hospital mortality was 4.1% (10/244 patients)
and morbidity 22.0% (54/244 patients). Survival after hepatectomy was strongly influenced by the extent of resection quantified by the parenchymal hepatic resection rate. The prediction of fatal postoperative complications can be improved for patients with hepatic metastases by calculating the liver resection index (sensitivity 75%, specificity 83%).
Treatment of Bronchial Stricture Due to Endobronchial Tuberculosis
Authors: Watanabe Yoh , Murakami Shinya , Oda Makoto , Hayashi Yoshinobu , Ohta Yasuhiko , Shimizu Junzo , Kobayashi Koichiro , Sato Hideo , Kobayashi Hiroaki , Nonomura Akitaka 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBetween 1974 and 1995 we encountered 19 cases of bronchial stricture or obliteration caused by endobronchial
tuberculous lesions. In 11 the involvements were located at the right
bronchus (including involvements of segmental and middle lobe bronchi)
and in 8 at the left bronchus. On bronchoscopic biopsy of the stenosed
bronchus, 7 patients showed histopathologic findings of tuberculous
bronchitis, but 12 patients showed nonspecific inflammatory granular
tissue. Five patients were kept under conservative observation because
of mild subjective symptoms or refusal to undergo operation. Two
patients underwent stent procedures but had poor outcomes. Twelve
patients underwent operation. As the bronchial lesions in four of them
were confined to the lobar or segmental bronchus, lobectomy was
performed. One patient with a history of infantile tuberculosis had
developed complete obliteration of the left main bronchus and cystic
bronchiectasis in the entire lung parenchyma; pneumonectomy was
essential. Seven patients who had strictures involving the main
bronchus underwent bronchoplastic surgery with right
(n= 4) or left (n= 3) upper sleeve lobectomy. None of the patients treated surgically showed any
postoperative complication or recurrence of the tuberculosis. These
surgical results for endobronchial tuberculosis indicate the need for
early detection and operation. Bronchoscopy and computed tomography are
the methods of choice for accurate diagnosis of bronchial involvement
and assessment of the surgical indications. It is emphasized that
bronchoplastic surgery is the best treatment for bronchial stricture
involving bilateral main bronchi.
Diagnostic Imaging of Early Gallbladder Cancer: Retrospective Study of 53 Cases
Authors: Onoyama Hirohiko , Yamamoto Masahiro , Takada Moriatsu , Urakawa Tamoaki , Ajiki Tetsuo , Yamada Isamu , Fujita Tsunenori , Saitoh Yoichi 
Published: April 2006

Abstract.To diagnose early gallbladder carcinoma is difficult but essential to improve the survival of the patients with this cancer. Fifty‐three early gallbladder cancers were macroscopically divided into protruding and flat types. The diagnostic devises [ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and drip infusion cholangiography (DIC)] were compared for their ability of early detection. The specimens were examined cytologically for diagnosis during operation and the p53 protein was investigated. Thirty‐three cases were of the protruding type, eighteen of the flat type, and two unclassified. Carcinoma tended to be missed when gallstones were present. Preoperative diagnosis of the flat type was difficult. Tumor location did not always correlate with the preoperative diagnosis. Of the misdiagnosed cases of the protruding type, half were missed with US and CT and were not visualized clearly by DIC. Among the flat type cancers, only three had no abnormal findings by diagnostic imaging. Cytologic examination was effective, and p53 was expressed only in early carcinoma, not in adenoma or dysplasia. Even in the presence of gallstones or cholecystitis, any abnormal findings should make one suspicious of gallbladder cancer. Cytology and p53 expression may be useful for the intraoperative diagnosis, and a combination of diagnostic methods is important.
Postoperative Changes in Thyrotropin‐binding Inhibitory Immunoglobulin Level in Patients with Graves' Disease: Is Subtotal Thyroidectomy a Suitable Therapeutic Option for Patients of Childbearing Age with Graves' Disease?
Authors: Sugino Kiminori , Ito Koichi , Ozaki Osamu , Mimura Takashi , Iwasaki Hiroyuki , Wada Nobuyuki , Ito Kunihiko 
Published: April 2006

Abstract.Thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH)‐binding inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII) is thought to be one of the essential causes of Graves' disease, and most cases of neonatal hyperthyroidism can be explained by transplacental passage of TBII. Because surgery is often indicated for patients of childbearing age, it is important to elucidate how surgery reduces TBII levels. Between 1988 and 1991 a total of 946 female patients with Graves' disease underwent subtotal thyroidectomy. Follow‐up examination was undertaken at 1, 2, 3, and 4 to 5 years after surgery. At 4 to 5 years after surgery, 76.8% of patients without recurrent overt hyperthyroidism had TBII < 20%. In patients with recurrent hyperthyroidism, TBII increased gradually during follow‐up, and they had higher TBII levels than nonrecurrence patients. There were a few euthyroid and hypothyroid patients who had TBII > 60%, and the number of such patients decreased annually. In most of the patients, immunologic remission was obtained by subtotal thyroidectomy except for their having recurrent hyperthyroidism. To acquire immunologic remission, hormonal remission, at least, would be necessary. Because no definite factor other than the size of the thyroid remnant related to postoperative thyroid function was elucidated, near‐total thyroidectomy rather than subtotal thyroidectomy is expected to be induced not only hormonal remission but also immunologic remission. It should be noted that a few patients achieved hormonal remission but not immunologic remission.
Cricotracheal separation: a review and a case with bilateral recovery of recurrent laryngeal nerve function
Authors: McCrystal D J , Bond C 
Published: April 2006

Cricotracheal separation (CTS) is an uncommon injury, with a high index of suspicion required to establish the diagnosis. Computerized tomography (CT) plays a role in diagnosis but cannot necessarily be relied upon. Bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsies are usually associated with this type of injury. We recently treated a patient with CTS in whom one RLN was intact from the time of the injury and the other nerve recovered within three months. Computed tomography was inconclusive.Early open repair of the injury and frequent follow-up examinations led to successful decannulation after six weeks and excellent short-term voice and airway outcomes.A detailed discussion of this unusual case is followed by a review of the current literature on CTS, with particular emphasis on significant management dilemmas and controversies.Clinical suspicion remains more sensitive than investigations in diagnosing CTS. Permanent bilateral RLN palsies are not inevitable following these injuries.
Dinoflagellate-infecting viruses
Authors: Nagasaki K. , Tomaru Y. , Shirai Y. , Takao Y. , Mizumoto H. 
Published: April 2006

Dinoflagellates (Dinophyceae) are considered to be one of the most abundant and diverse groups of phytoplankton; however, the viral impact on dinoflagellates was not studied until recently. This review shows the present information concerning the viruses infecting dinoflagellates and the ecology relationships between the host and the virus. So far, two viruses have been isolated and characterized: a large DNA virus (HcV: Heterocapsa circularisquama virus) and a small RNA virus (HcRNAV: H. circularisquama RNA virus); both of which are infectious to the harmful bloom-forming dinoflagellate H. circularisquama.In the present review, we mainly discuss the relationship between HcRNAV and H. circularisquama from the viewpoint of physiology, ecology and genetics. It will help clarify the viral impact on dinoflagellate populations in marine environments to understand the host/parasite ecology.
Rosmarinic acid as a downstream inhibitor of IKK‐β in TNF‐α‐induced upregulation of CCL11 and CCR3
Authors: Lee Jongsung , Jung Eunsun , Kim Youngji , Lee Jiyoung , Park Junho , Hong Seongtaek , Hyun Chang‐Gu , Park Deokhoon , Kim Yeong Shik 
Published: April 2006

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α is known to induce the expression of CCL11 and CCR3 via the activation of NF‐κB. CCL11 (eotaxin), the C–C chemokine, is a potent chemoattractant for eosinophils and Th2 lymphocytes, and CCR3 is the receptor for CCL11.
In order to determine the effects of rosmarinic acid on the TNF‐α‐induced upregulation of CCL11 and CCR3 in human dermal fibroblasts, we performed an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for CCL11 and a Western blot assay for CCR3. The TNF‐α‐induced expression of CCL11 and CCR3 genes was attenuated by rosmarinic acid.
In our NF‐κB luciferase reporter system, TNF‐α‐induced NF‐κB activation was observed to be reduced by rosmarinic acid. In accordance with this result, rosmarinic acid also inhibited TNF‐α‐induced phosphorylation and degradation of IκB‐α, as well as nuclear translocation of NF‐κB heterodimer induced by TNF‐α. This suggests that rosmarinic acid downregulates the expression of CCL11 and CCR3 via the inhibition of NF‐κB activation signaling.
Using the NF‐κB luciferase reporter system, Western blot analysis, and IKK‐β activity assay, we determined that rosmarinic acid inhibits IKK‐β activity in NF‐κB signaling, which upregulates the expression of CCL11 and CCR3. Additionally, TNF‐α‐induced secretion of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 molecules was found to be attenuated by rosmarinic acid.
Our results show that rosmarinic acid inhibits the expression of CCL11 and CCR3 by suppressing the IKK‐β activity in NF‐κB activation signaling. Further, these results suggest that rosmarinic acid might inhibit the expression of NF‐κB promoter‐related genes.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 148, 366–375. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706728
Echocardiographic comparison of left ventricular dimensions and function after standardized treadmill exercise in trained and untrained healthy warmblood horses
Authors: Gehlen Heidrun , Marnette Silke , Rohn Karl , Ellendorff Franz , Stadler Peter 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe purpose of the present study was to determine the influence of fitness on cardiac function, particularly on left ventricular function parameters. Fifteen healthy ‘three-day event’ warmblood horses were examined at rest and immediately after high-speed treadmill exercise (3% incline, 3 min 1.8 m s−1, 3 min 4 m s−1, 3 min 5 m s−1, 3 min 6 and 3 min 7 m s−1, 1.5 min 8 m s−1). Horses were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of nine conditioned horses and group 2 included six unconditioned horses. Left ventricular dimensions and function were acquired using standardized echocardiographic indices. To assess the level of fitness, heart rate and blood lactate concentration were determined at rest and immediately after exercise. The group of conditioned horses showed a significantly lower blood lactate concentration (mean value 2.39 mmol l−1) after high-speed treadmill exercise than did the group of unconditioned horses (mean value 3.81 mmol l−1), which clearly revealed the difference in fitness between the two groups. During exercise the heart rate was not significantly different between both groups. Only in the recovery phase did the trained horses show a significant faster decrease in heart rate than did the untrained horses. Mean heart rate during echocardiography immediately after exercise (within the first 2 min) was 105 bpm in the group of trained horses and 113 bpm in the group of untrained horses.Within each group of horses, several echocardiographic parameters differed significantly between resting values and values after treadmill exercise. Particularly, in the group of trained horses, 17 out of 30 echocardiographic parameters (most diastolic) differed significantly between rest and exercise. In the group of untrained horses, only six out of 30 parameters were significantly different. At rest, left ventricular diameter at theapex cordis, left ventricular free wall at papillary muscle level, left ventricular volume and stroke volume, as well as fractional shortening (at theapex cordisand at papillary muscle level) were significantly different between both groups. After treadmill exercise comparison of echocardiographic parameters of the conditioned to those of the unconditioned animals showed no significant differences. In the present study, data have been provided for stress echocardiography in conditioned and unconditioned warmblood horses without any disorders of the cardiovascular system.
Daily variation in plasma electrolyte and acid–base status in fasted horses over a 25 h period of rest
Authors: Waller Amanda , Smithurst Kerri Jo , Ecker Gayle L , Geor Ray , Lindinger Michael I 
Published: April 2006

AbstractMeasurement and interpretation of acid–base status are important in clinical practice and among racing jurisdictions to determine if horses have been administered alkalinizing substances for the purpose of enhancing performance. The present study used the physicochemical approach to characterize the daily variation in plasma electrolytes and acid–base state that occurs in horses in the absence of feeding and exercise. Jugular venous blood was sampled every 1–2 h from two groups (n=4 andn=5) of Standardbred horses over a 25 h period where food and exercise were withheld. One group of horses was studied in October and one in December. The time course and magnitude of circadian responses differed between the two groups, suggesting that subtle differences in environment may manifest in acid–base status. Significant daily variation occurred in plasma weak acid concentration ([Atot]) and strong ion difference ([SID]), [Cl−], [K+], [Na+] and [lactate−], which contributed to significant changes in [H+] and TCO2. The night-time period was associated with a mild acidosis, marked by increases in plasma [H+] and decreases in TCO2, compared with the morning hours. The night-time acidosis resulted from an increased plasma [Atot] due to an increased plasma protein concentration ([PP]), and a decreased [SID] due to increases in [Cl−] and decreases in [Na+]. An increased plasma [K+] during the night-time had a mild alkalotic effect. There were no differences inpCO2. It was concluded that many equine plasma electrolyte and acid–base parameters exhibit fluctuations in the absence of feeding and exercise, and it is likely that some of these changes are due to daily variation.
Abdominal plain film findings in acute ischemic bowel disease differ with age
Authors: Wadman M. , Syk I. , Elmståhl B. , Ekberg O. , Elmståhl S. 
Published: April 2006

Purpose: To evaluate the use and findings of abdominal plain film in acute ischemic bowel disease (AIBD) in different age subsets, and to correlate the clinical findings. Material and Methods: Eighty-nine radiographically examined patients with AIBD at Malmö University Hospital, Sweden between 1987 and 1996. Results: In 89%, the plain film displayed pathologic signs. Bowel dilatation was more common in the elderly. Of 68 patients aged ⩾71 years, 19 (28%) had colon gas/fluid levels with/without colon dilatation, and of 19 patients >84 years 16 (84%) had small-bowel dilatation. Of 20 patients aged <71 years, 1 (5%) had colon gas/fluid levels with/without colon dilatation, and 11 (55%) small-bowel dilatation ( P<0.05; P<0.05). Gasless abdomen was more common in the younger age group, noted in 5 of 20 (25%) patients aged <71 years, compared to 2 of 68 (3%) patients aged ⩾71 years ( P = 0.001). Of the patients with diarrhea, 13 of 33 (40%) had colon gas/fluid levels with/without colon dilatation compared to 2 of 29 (7%) without ( P = 0.003). In the elderly (⩾71years), 48 of 53 (91%) patients with bowel dilatation on plain film died, compared to 11 out of 16 (69%) without this finding ( P<0.05). Conclusion: Abdominal plain film findings differed with age. Bowel dilatation was more frequent in the elderly with AIBD, whereas gasless abdomen was more common in younger patients. The radiographic findings were associated with clinical symptoms and mortality.
Effect of computer-aided detection on mammographic performance: experimental study on readers with different levels of experience
Authors: Hukkinen K. , Vehmas T. , Pamilo M. , Kivisaari L. 
Published: April 2006

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of computer-aided detection (CAD) on the reader's performance. Material and Methods: Four screening radiologists, two novice radiologists, and two residents with no prior experience in CAD read films of 200 women without and with CAD. The films, including 16 screen-detected cancers and 35 cancers “missed” on prior screening, were divided into two rollers: A (free time schedule) and B (prompted time schedule). Reading times were noted. Individual readings without and with CAD were compared, sensitivities and specificities were calculated. Results: The sensitivity of CAD was 70.6% and specificity 15.8%. In 408 cancer readings, the screeners found 10 and other readers 7 new cancers with the aid of CAD. The screeners changed their opinion four times and others six times from true positive to false negative when CAD was negative. CAD output produced 12 versus 13 new false-positive findings respectively after 2352 readings. CAD did not significantly affect the reader's sensitivities/specificities regardless of the time limit ( P = not significant). The use of CAD increased mean time for roller reading from 56 to 63 min ( P = 0.053). Conclusion: Screening radiologists benefited slightly more from CAD than other readers did, but no statistical significant difference was found in personal readings without and with CAD.
Tumor extension in high-grade gliomas assessed with diffusion magnetic resonance imaging: values and lesion-to-brain ratios of apparent diffusion coefficient and fractional anisotropy
Authors: van Westen D. , Lätt J. , Englund E. , Brockstedt S. , Larsson E.-M. 
Published: April 2006

Purpose: To determine whether the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) can distinguish tumor-infiltrated edema in gliomas from pure edema in meningiomas and metastases. Material and Methods: Thirty patients were studied: 18 WHO grade III or IV gliomas, 7 meningiomas, and 5 metastatic lesions. ADC and FA were determined from ROIs placed in peritumoral areas with T2-signal changes, adjacent normal appearing white matter (NAWM), and corresponding areas in the contralateral healthy brain. Values and lesion-to-brain ratios from gliomas were compared to those from meningiomas and metastases. Results: Values and lesion-to-brain ratios of ADC and FA in peritumoral areas with T2-signal changes did not differ between gliomas, meningiomas, and metastases ( P = 0.40, P = 0.40, P = 0.61, P = 0.34). Values of ADC and FA and the lesion-to-brain ratio of FA in the adjacent NAWM did not differ between tumor types ( P = 0.74, P = 0.25, and P = 0.31). The lesion-to-brain ratio of ADC in the adjacent NAWM was higher in gliomas than in meningiomas and metastases ( P = 0.004), but overlapped between tumor types. Conclusion: Values and lesion-to-brain ratios of ADC and FA in areas with T2-signal changes surrounding intracranial tumors and adjacent NAWM were not helpful for distinguishing pure edema from tumor-infiltrated edema when data from gliomas, meningiomas, and metastases were compared.