bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Embryo Yield in Superovulated Holstein Heifers by Immunization Against Inhibin
Authors: Mei C , Li MY , Zhong SQ , Lei Y , Shi ZD 
Published: August 2008

ContentsEight heifers, aged 16–17 months and showing normal oestrous cycles, were immunized against a recombinant porcine inhibin α subunit immunogen, together with another 10 heifers of the same age as controls and treated with placebo immunogen. Primary (1 mg immunogen) and two booster (0.5 mg immunogen each) immunizations were administered at 28‐day intervals. Ten days after the second booster immunization, both groups of heifers underwent a superovulation treatment. Each animal was given an intravaginal progesterone releasing sponge, which was withdrawn 7 days following an i.m. injection of 0.5 mg cloprostenol. Heifers were treated with FSH for 4 days and artificially inseminated after oestrus occurred. The embryos were flushed and evaluated 7 days after insemination. Immunization significantly (p < 0.01) increased blood antibody titres against recombinant porcine inhibin α subunit, from pre‐immunizaion and control values of approximately 0.06 of ELISA 450 nm reading to 0.6 to 0.7 after two or three immunizations. The immunized heifers produced on average 15.8 ± 2.8 embryos, significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the yield of 8.3 ± 1.5 in the controls. The number of transferable embryos were non‐significantly higher in immunized than in control heifers (9.6 ± 3.1 vs 5.8 ± 1.6, p > 0.05). The peak plasma oestradiol concentrations were significantly higher in immunized than in control heifers, both immediately after FSH treatment and 20 days thereafter. Plasma P4 concentrations after superovulation were in the range of 20 ng / ml in the immunized heifers, significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the values approximately 15 ng / ml in control heifers. These results indicated that prior immunization against inhibin α subunit stimulated production of antibodies against inhibin, which enhanced follicular developmental response to superovulation and lead to higher yield of total and transferable embryos. Therefore immunization combined with the conventional superovulatory gonadotrophin treatment, can be a simple and efficient method to produce low cost bovine embryos.
COX‐2 expression is unexpectedly high in viable colorectal mucosal cells: is there life for chemoprophylaxis after VICTOR?
Authors: McArthur D. R. , Leung E. , Morris A. , Williams N. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIntroduction  Trials investigating colorectal cancer (CRC) chemoprophylaxis with cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitors have been discontinued because of adverse cardiovascular effects. Nevertheless, identification of patients where beneficial, chemo‐prophylactic effects of COX‐2 inhibitors outweigh side‐effects may be possible; this study aimed to investigate whether such patient groups might exist.Method  The COX‐2 status of viable epithelial and inflammatory cells in freshly disaggregated CRC and paired normal colonic samples was assessed by three‐colour flow cytometry.Results  21/31 (67.7%) CRCs expressed COX‐2, with inflammatory cells positive in 19/31 (61.3%), epithelial cells in 12/31 (38.7%), and both positive in 10/31 (32.3%). 25/30 (83.33%) normal samples expressed COX‐2, with epithelial cells positive in 18/30 (60%), inflammatory cells in 15/30 (50%) and both positive in 10/30 (33.3%). Strength of expression by CRC and normal was similar. More advanced cancers had higher expression rates (COX‐2 in 12/13 (92.3%) with nodal disease vs 9/17 (52.9%) node‐negative; P = 0.04).Conclusion  Investigation of ex‐vivo CRC cells by flow cytometry demonstrated COX‐2 expression rates comparable to that previously reported. However, expression by paired live normal colon was significantly greater, suggesting that COX‐2 may be expressed at higher rates in normal colonic cells in patients with CRC. Patients identified at resection as expressing COX‐2 in normal colon may benefit from Coxib chemo‐prophylaxis, thus potentially offering a refined approach to that adopted in the VICTOR trial.
Seminal plasma cotinine and insulin‐like growth factor‐I in idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermic smokers
Authors: Hassan Ashraf , Abo‐Azma Soad M. , Fayed Salah M. , Mostafa Taymour 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVETo assess seminal plasma insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) levels in cigarette smokers with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT).PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 110 men were divided into fertile healthy non‐smokers, fertile smokers, infertile non‐smokers with iOAT and infertile smokers with iOAT. Semen was analysed, and seminal cotinine and seminal IGF‐I levels estimated.RESULTSThere were significantly lower seminal IGF‐I levels in the smokers and in men with iOAT than in controls, and in both iOAT groups. Smokers, either fertile or with iOAT had significantly lower levels than in controls in mean semen volume, sperm production index, percentage of motile sperms, rapid linear forward progressive motility, linear velocity and sperm normal forms. Smokers with iOAT had significantly lower levels than non‐smokers with iOAT in mean sperm production index, rapid linear forward progressive motility and linear velocity. In smokers, seminal cotinine was significantly and negatively correlated with both seminal IGF‐I and sperm motility, while seminal IGF‐I was positively correlated with the percentage of motile spermatozoa.CONCLUSIONSmoking effects on sperm variables could be mediated by decreased seminal IGF‐I.
Regional variability in secondary remodeling within long bone cortices of catarrhine primates: the influence of bone growth history
Authors: McFarlin Shannon C. , Terranova Carl. J. , Zihlman Adrienne L. , Enlow Donald H. , Bromage Timothy G. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractSecondary intracortical remodeling of bone varies considerably among and within vertebrate skeletons. Although prior research has shed important light on its biomechanical significance, factors accounting for this variability remain poorly understood. We examined regional patterning of secondary osteonal bone in an ontogenetic series of wild‐collected primates, at the midshaft femur and humerus ofChlorocebus (Cercopithecus) aethiops(n = 32) andHylobates lar(n = 28), and the midshaft femur ofPan troglodytes(n = 12). Our major objectives were: 1) to determine whether secondary osteonal bone exhibits significant regional patterning across inner, mid‐cortical and outer circumferential cortical rings within cross‐sections; and if so, 2) to consider the manner in which this regional patterning may reflect the influence of relative tissue age and other circumstances of bone growth. Using same field‐of‐view images of 100‐µm‐thick cross‐sections acquired in brightfield and circularly polarized light microscopy, we quantified the percent area of secondary osteonal bone (%HAV) for whole cross‐sections and across the three circumferential rings within cross‐sections. We expected bone areas with inner and middle rings to exhibit higher %HAV than the outer cortical ring within cross‐sections, the latter comprising tissues of more recent depositional history. Observations of primary bone microstructural development provided an additional context in which to evaluate regional patterning of intracortical remodeling. Results demonstrated significant regional variability in %HAV within all skeletal sites. As predicted,%HAV was usually lowest in the outer cortical ring within cross‐sections. However, regional patterning across inner vs. mid‐cortical rings showed a more variable pattern across taxa, age classes, and skeletal sites examined. Observations of primary bone microstructure revealed that the distribution of endosteally deposited bone had an important influence on the patterning of secondary osteonal bone across rings. Further, when present, endosteal compacted coarse cancellous bone always exhibited some evidence of intracortical remodeling, even in those skeletal sites exhibiting comparatively low %HAV overall. These results suggest that future studies should consider the local developmental origin of bone regions undergoing secondary remodeling later in life, for an improved understanding of the manner in which developmental and mechanical factors may interact to produce the taxonomic and intraskeletal patterning of secondary bone remodelling in adults.
Moment arms of the muscles crossing the anatomical shoulder
Authors: Ackland David C. , Pak Ponnaren , Richardson Martin , Pandy Marcus G. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to determine the instantaneous moment arms of 18 major muscle sub‐regions crossing the glenohumeral joint during coronal‐plane abduction and sagittal‐plane flexion. Muscle moment‐arm data for sub‐regions of the shoulder musculature during humeral elevation are currently not available. The tendon‐excursion method was used to measure instantaneous muscle moment arms in eight entire upper‐extremity cadaver specimens. Significant differences in moment arms were reported across sub‐regions of the deltoid, pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, subscapularis, infraspinatus and supraspinatus (P < 0.01). The most effective abductors were the middle and anterior deltoid, whereas the most effective adductors were the teres major, middle and inferior latissimus dorsi (lumbar vertebrae and iliac crest fibers, respectively), and middle and inferior pectoralis major (sternal and lower‐costal fibers, respectively). In flexion, the superior pectoralis major (clavicular fibers), anterior and posterior supraspinatus, and anterior deltoid were the most effective flexors, whereas the teres major and posterior deltoid had the largest extensor moment arms. Division of multi‐pennate shoulder muscles of broad origins into sub‐regions highlighted distinct functional differences across those sub‐regions. Most significantly, we found that the superior sub‐region of the pectoralis major had the capacity to exert substantial torque in flexion, whereas the middle and inferior sub‐regions tended to behave as a stabilizer and extensor, respectively. Knowledge of moment arm differences between muscle sub‐regions may assist in identifying the functional effects of muscle sub‐region tears, assist surgeons in planning tendon reconstructive surgery, and aid in the development and validation of biomechanical computer models used in implant design.
Variations in sound‐producing mechanism in the pearlfish Carapini (Carapidae)
Authors: Parmentier E. , Lagardère J.‐P. , Chancerelle Y. , Dufrane D. , Eeckhaut I. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractSound production in Carapus boraborensis results from the action of different sonic muscles terminating in complex tendons, which have hooks that fit over a tubercle on the swimbladder wall. The primary sonic muscles (PSM) draw progressively the forepart of the swimbladder until the hook releases the tubercle. This allows the swimbladder to snap back to its resting position, which initiates the onset of the sound. In the present study, the morphology of the C. boraborensis sound‐producing apparatus and the resulting sounds were compared with Encheliophis gracilis and Carapus homei. The main difference concerns the direct insertion of the PSM on the swimbladder in C. homei and E. gracilis and, concurrent sonic characteristics. These morphological features also allow both fish to produce an additional kind of sound with more compact pulses, each being clearly composed of two parts and each having a different frequency. The sound‐producing system could be compared with a guitarist who makes a sound in releasing a guitar string and modulates it by moving his/her finger along the string. However, E. gracilis possess more filtered sounds than C. boraborensis and C. homei, probably because of the unusual shape of its swimbladder. This study highlights the diversity and plasticity of sonic mechanisms and their implication in the development of sonic repertoire in evolving species.
Prevalence of pigmentary disorders and their impact on quality of life: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Taylor Anne , Pawaskar Manjiri , Taylor Sarah L , Balkrishnan Rajesh , Feldman Steven R 
Published: August 2008

SummaryBackground  Pigmentary disorders are commonly seen in dermatology practice and can have a negative psychosocial impact on patients.Objective  This study aims to examine the prevalence of pigmentary disorders and their level of psychological and physical impact on patients.Methods  A prospective cohort study involved a sample of 140 patients undergoing skin exams at a private dermatology practice in North Carolina. Patient demographics and pigmentary diagnoses were obtained, and participants were asked to fill out a skin discoloration impact evaluation questionnaire. Descriptive and frequency analyses were performed.Results  Around 80% of the participants were diagnosed with one or more pigmentary disorders. About 47.3% of patients admitted of feeling self‐conscious about their skin to some degree, 21.8% felt others focused on their skin, 32.7% felt unattractive because of their skin, 32.7% put effort into hiding pigment changes, and 23.6% felt their skin affected their activities. A limitation was the lack of diversity in the population studied (gender and skin type).Conclusions  Pigmentary disorders such as melasma, vitiligo, and lentigo pose significant negative impact on a person's health‐related quality of life. Hence, there is a need for effective treatments of pigmentary disorders based on their prevalence and effect on quality of life. Healthcare providers should consider the impact of pigmentary disorders on health‐related quality of life and educate patients on possible treatments.
Hydrolysis of arbutin to hydroquinone by human skin bacteria and its effect on antioxidant activity
Authors: Bang Seo‐Hyun , Han Sang‐Jun , Kim Dong‐Hyun 
Published: August 2008

SummaryArbutin, the β‐d‐glucopyranoside of hydroquinone, is a skin whitening cosmetic ingredient. Compared with arbutin, hydroquinone is a more potent skin lightening agent, but shows cytotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and genotoxicity. To evaluate whether skin microflora can hydrolyze arbutin to hydroquinone, we measured the hydrolytic activity of the main skin microflora: Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus. All strains hydrolyzed arbutin, with activities of 0.16–4.51 nmol/min/mg. The hydrolyzed hydroquinone showed more potent 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and tyrosinase inhibition than arbutin. These findings suggest that normal skin microflora may increase the skin lightening effect of arbutin due to the antioxidant action of hydroquinone.
Effect of Cuscuta reflexa Roxb on androgen‐induced alopecia
Authors: Pandit Shweta , Chauhan Nagendra Singh , Dixit V K 
Published: August 2008

SummaryBackground  Alopecia is a psychologically distressing condition. Androgenetic alopecia, which affects millions of men and women, is an androgen‐driven disorder. Here, Cuscuta reflexa Roxb is evaluated for hair growth activity in androgen‐induced alopecia.Methods  Petroleum ether extract of C. reflexa was studied for its hair growth–promoting activity. Alopecia was induced in albino mice by testosterone administration for 20 days. Its inhibition by simultaneous administration of extract was evaluated using follicular density, anagen/telogen ratio, and microscopic observation of skin sections. To investigate the mechanism of observed activity, in vitro experiments were performed to study the effect of extract and its major component on activity of 5α‐reductase enzyme.Results  Petroleum ether extract of C. reflexa exhibited promising hair growth–promoting activity as reflected from follicular density, anagen/telogen ratio, and skin sections. Inhibition of 5α‐reductase activity by extract and isolate suggest that the extract reversed androgen‐induced alopecia by inhibiting conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.Conclusions  The petroleum ether extract of C. reflexa and its isolate is useful in treatment of androgen‐induced alopecia by inhibiting the enzyme 5α‐reductase.
The effect of topical caffeine on the morphology of swine hypodermis as measured by ultrasound
Authors: Pires‐de‐Campos Maria Silvia Mariani , Leonardi Gislaine Ricci , Chorilli Marlus , Spadari‐Bratfisch Regina Célia , Polacow Maria Luiza Ozores , Grassi‐Kassisse Dora Maria 
Published: August 2008

SummaryBackground  Cellulite or lipodystrophy involves the modification of the subcutaneous adipose tissue. A wide variety of topical products is available to combat cellulite, but these have difficulties in being absorbed through the skin. One option is the therapeutic use of the ultrasound to enhance the transdermic transport of these drugs.Aim  The objective of this study was the analysis of the effect of caffeine on the morphology of the swine hypodermis, both when applied topically and in combination with ultrasound treatment.Methods  The following treatments were applied to the dorsal areas of five pigs (Landrace × Large White, 35 days old, weighing 15 kg each): gel, gel + ultrasound, gel + caffeine (5%, w/w), and gel + caffeine + ultrasound, daily for 15 days. A fifth area received no topical application and was used as a control. Continuous ultrasound of 3 MHz with an intensity of 0.2 W/cm2 was applied at a rate of 1 min/cm2. After histological processing (hematoxylin and eosin), morphometric analyses were conducted to determine the thickness and numerical profile of the hypodermis. A one‐way analysis variance using a Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was conducted, with a Tukey test used to identify significant differences. A confidence level of P ≤ 0.05 was adopted.Results  Caffeine treatment was effective only when associated with ultrasound therapy; the combination resulted in a significant reduction in the thickness of the subcutaneous adipose tissue, as well as damage to the adipocytes, consequently decreasing the number of cells.Conclusion  Ultrasound treatment was effective in increasing the cutaneous permeation of caffeine, as evidenced by the reduction in thickness of the hypodermis and number of adipocytes.
Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Bruce Michael G. , Maaroos Heidi Ingrid 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis review summarizes studies on the epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori published in peer‐reviewed journals between April 2007 and March 2008. Infection with H. pylori often occurs in childhood, and once established, can persist lifelong if untreated. Prevalence of H. pylori infection is higher in developing countries when compared to developed countries, and can vary by ethnicity, place of birth, and socioeconomic factors even among persons living in the same country. Prevalence of infection is decreasing in many countries due to improvements in sanitation and living standards and the relatively recent movement of populations from rural to urban settings; however, post‐treatment recurrence rates of H. pylori infection remain high in developing countries, and in given populations within developed countries. In addition, a number of recent studies have begun to explore the possible link between childhood infection with H. pylori and protection against asthma and allergy.
Extragastric Manifestations of Helicobacter pylori Infection: Other Helicobacters
Authors: Moyaert Hilde , Franceschi Francesco , Roccarina Davide , Ducatelle Richard , Haesebrouck Freddy , Gasbarrini Antonio 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe finding that Helicobacter pylori is the main cause of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease has opened a new era in the gastrointestinal world. Today there is evidence that H. pylori may also play a role in different nongastric diseases, opening the new “extragastric manifestations of H. pylori infection” field. Concerning this, several studies have been published in the last year. The most convincing data arise from those investigating idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and sideropenic anemia, while there is also an increasing evidence for a possible association with atherosclerotic disease. Furthermore, the discovery of a number of other novel Helicobacter species has stimulated the research in different extragastric diseases, in which an infectious hypothesis is plausible. In particular, several species have been studied for a potential role in different liver and intestinal diseases with interesting findings.
Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Granstrom Marta , Lehours Philippe , Bengtsson Carina , Mégraud Francis 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe different invasive and noninvasive diagnostic tests for Helicobacter pylori have been applied mainly in emerging countries. Molecular methods have been developed, especially a test for detection of H. pylori and its clarithromycin resistance directly from stools. The long‐term effects of eradication on histologic lesions have been studied in a meta‐analysis and the prognostic value of post‐treatment in gastric mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma has been assessed. An operating link for gastritis assessment (the OLGA staging) has also been published. Attempts to simplify the urea breath test protocol have been made, and new stool antigen tests have been proposed and compared to those previously available.
Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Egan Brian J. , Marzio Leonardo , O’Connor Humphrey , O'Morain Colm 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAntibiotic resistance has resulted in unsatisfactory eradication results with dual and now triple therapy in many countries. Newer antibiotics and changes in dosing and duration of therapy may overcome resistant strains but may only provide limited improvement in eradication rates. Sequential therapy with amoxicillin (1 g twice a day) and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) (twice a day) given for 5 days followed by a PPI plus clarithromycin (500 mg twice a day) and tinidazole (500 mg twice a day) for 5 days is now a first‐line therapy for Helicobacter pylori in some countries. Standard triple therapy is effective in regions where clarithromycin resistance is low. Levofloxacin based triple therapy is an effective alternative to quadruple therapy in second‐line treatment. Adjuvant therapy may reduce side‐effects and improve compliance. Molecular and genomic research on H. pylori may result in the development of targeted antibiotic therapy; however, more research is required in this field. Further research in vaccination is also necessary before this can become an option in clinical practice.
Subjective and Objective Napping and Sleep in Older Adults: Are Evening Naps “Bad” for Nighttime Sleep?
Authors: Dautovich Natalie D. , McCrae Christina S. , Rowe Meredeth 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVES: To compare objective and subjective measurements of napping and to examine the relationship between evening napping and nocturnal sleep in older adults.DESIGN: For 12 days, participants wore actigraphs and completed sleep diaries.SETTING: Community.PARTICIPANTS: One hundred individuals who napped, aged 60 to 89 (including good and poor sleepers with typical age‐related medical comorbidities).MEASUREMENTS: Twelve days of sleep diary and actigraphy provided subjective and objective napping and sleep data.RESULTS: Evening naps (within 2 hours of bedtime) were characteristic of the sample, with peak nap time occurring between 20:30 and 21:00 (average nap time occurred between 14:30 and 15:00). Two categories of nappers were identified: those who took daytime and evening naps and daytime‐only. No participants napped during the evening only. Day‐and‐evening nappers significantly underreported evening napping and demonstrated lower objectively measured sleep onset latencies (20.0 vs 26.5 minutes), less wake after sleep onset (51.4 vs 72.8 minutes), and higher sleep efficiencies (76.8 vs 82%) than daytime‐only nappers.CONCLUSION: Day and evening napping was prevalent in this sample of community‐dwelling good and poor sleepers but was not associated with impaired nocturnal sleep. Although the elimination or restriction of napping is a common element of cognitive‐behavioral therapy for insomnia, these results suggest that a uniform recommendation to restrict or eliminate napping (particularly evening napping) may not meet the needs of all older individuals with insomnia.