bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seasonal pheromone response byIps piniin northern Arizona and western Montana, U.S.A.
Authors: Steed Brytten E. , Wagner Michael R. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract1 Populations ofIps pini(Say) in northern Arizona and western Montana, U.S.A., were studied to determine regional pheromone response and to evaluate seasonal shifts in that response. A range of enantiomeric blends of the attractant ipsdienol, alone and in the presence of the synergist lanierone, were tested during spring and summer seasons over several years.2 Both populations were most attracted to high levels of (R)‐(–)‐ipsdienol, and lanierone was highly synergistic.3 A significant seasonal shift in pheromone response between spring and summer seasons was found in both regions in both years. Shifts resulted in a more specific preference for the pheromone treatment of 97% (R)‐(–)‐ipsdienol with lanierone.4 Several coleopteran insect associates ofI. pinialso displayed responses to the ipsdienol and lanierone treatments.Temnochila chlorodia(Mannerheim) (Trogositidae),Enoclerus sphegeus(F.) (Cleridae) and, to a limited extent,Lasconotus laqueatus(LeConte) (Colydiidae) were attracted to higher proportions of (R)‐(–)‐ipsdienol with no apparent reaction to the presence of lanierone.Orthotomicus latidens(LeConte) (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) was strongly attracted to (S)‐(+)‐ipsdienol withEnoclerus lecontei(Wolcott) (Cleridae),Pityogenes carinulatus(LeConte) (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) andHylurgops porosus(LeConte) (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) demonstrating some preferences for the (S)‐(+)‐enantiomer. However, lanierone was synergistic forE. leconteiandP. carinulatus, inhibitory forO. latidens, and produced no significant reaction forH. porosus.Elacatissp. (Salpingidae, previously Othniidae) was attracted to the presence of ipsdienol but displayed no preference to the enantiomeric ratios of ipsdienol or the presence of lanierone.
The fate of anastomotic sinuses after total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer
Authors: Arumainayagam N. , Chadwick M. , Roe A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective  Chronic anastomotic sinus is a recognized complication of total mesorectal excision (TME) surgery. We observed two patients who developed new tumours within chronic anastomotic sinuses 6 and 19 years after initial surgery. The aim of this study was therefore to report the incidence and outcome of anastomotic sinuses, thus identifying those at potential risk of malignant change.Method  We retrospectively reviewed patient records and radiology reports to identify potentially curative rectal cancer cases between 1998 and 2005.Results  In a consecutive series of 100 TMEs with ileostomy, there were 70 males and 30 females, aged 66 (33–88) years. Anastomosis was by double staple technique. A policy of instant enema was used prior to ileostomy closure. Eighty‐six patients had instant enemas. Of the 14 that did not, four died prior to enema, one returned to theatre for sepsis, three had their anastomoses assessed by sigmoidoscopy alone. Six had incomplete records. Of the 86 patients, eight presacral sinuses were identified. Three sinuses closed spontaneously. Five persisted of whom two required further surgery.Conclusion  Persistent anastomotic sinuses occurred in 5% after curative TME. Malignant transformation can occur. Active treatment for chronic sinuses should, therefore, be considered.
Preoperative staging of rectal cancer: pelvic MRI plus abdomen and pelvic CT. Does extrahepatic abdomen imaging matter? A case for routine thoracic CT
Authors: Adeyemo D. , Hutchinson R. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective  To assess the quality of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) staging of rectal cancer, and the clinical significance of abdomen and pelvic computed tomogram (CT) scans in preoperative staging of rectal cancer in a district general hospital. We postulated that the ‘metastatic yield’ of extrahepatic abdominal imaging is poor, and rarely altered management of rectal cancer.Methods  This is a retrospective study of preoperative MRI, CT scans and postoperative histology results of patients who had definitive surgery for rectal cancer at the Mid‐Staffordshire General Hospitals NHS Trust over a 36‐month period. Preoperative multiplanar pelvic MRI locoregional staging was compared with eventual histology. The incidence of and significance of abdomen and pelvic CT detected pathology (including metastasis) in the management of rectal cancers was also assessed.Results  Preoperative pelvic MRI correctly predicted ‘clear’ Circumferential resection margins, in 28 of 29 patients who had primary surgery. This is comparable with many published studies. Significant CT detected pathology (including metastasis) on preoperative abdomen and pelvic CT scans was uncommon, and did not influence management of any rectal cancer patient in our study.Discussion  Given that exclusive CT detected significant pathology caudal to the liver (extrahepatic abdomen) is rare, can full abdomen and pelvic CT scans be justified for preoperative staging of rectal cancers? – especially where chest X rays are employed for lung staging. Preoperative thoracic and upper abdomen CT scan may be a more productive use of resources. Full abdominal scans may be more appropriate for selection of rectal cancer patients with isolated liver metastasis for metastasectomy.
The double‐spouted loop ileostomy
Authors: Courtney E. D. , Callaghan C. J. , Ilett H. , Schrader D. , Brown K. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective  A functional improvement to a conventional loop ileostomy is described with both proximal and distal limbs spouted reducing the number of patients with problematic ileostomies.Method  The results of the National Prospective Audit of Stoma Complications for the hospital showed 14/15 of the traditional single loop ileostomies were identified as problematic. 21 patients were then studied prospectively, who underwent formation of a new type of loop stoma, in which both the proximal and distal limbs were spouted.Results  In the group of 21 patients with a double spouted loop ileostomy 3/21 had a problematic stoma. The number of appliances needed was significantly less than the single spouted group. The number of home visits by the stoma nurse and outpatient visits to the stoma therapy team at the hospital were also significantly less in the double spouted group.Conclusion  This modification of the loop ileostomy, with both the proximal and distal ends of the bowel spouted has several advantages. The danger of spouting the wrong limb is eliminated, it can be created very easily via a trephine technique and spouting the distal limb reduces the leakage of mucus under the flange of the stoma bag, reducing the problems of poor appliance adhesion.
Comparison of carcinoembryonic antigen prognostic value in serum and tumour tissue of patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Li M. , Li J.‐Y. , Zhao A.‐L. , He J.‐S. , Zhou L.‐X. , Li Y.‐A. , Gu J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective   Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the serum and the tumour tissue of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients is the most commonly used tumour marker for the diagnosis and evaluation of prognosis or recurrence after treatment, but the role remains controversial. The objective of this study was to compare the prognostic value of CEA both in serum and tumour tissue in CRC.Method  A total of 173 patients with CRC in stages I–III were retrospectively assessed with the endpoint of recurrence or metastasis after curative operation. CEA was assessed both in serum and tumour tissue.Results  37.0% (64/173) patients had a high level of CEA in serum (S‐CEA) while 39.3% (68/173) had high CEA in tumour tissue (T‐CEA). There were no significant differences in clinico‐pathological features between the low and high S‐CEA or T‐CEA groups. The high S‐CEA group had a worse prognosis than the low S‐CEA group but the difference was not significant. The high T‐CEA group had a significantly poorer prognosis than the low T‐CEA group (P = 0.028) in the univariate analysis. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that the T‐CEA was an independent prognosis factor in CRC. Because many factors would affect the concentration of S‐CEA, there was no correlation between S‐CEA and T‐CEA directly.Conclusion  Our study suggests that a high T‐CEA concentration may be a useful and independent predictor for poor outcome after surgery in CRC patients. It may be stronger than a high preoperative serum CEA level.
Postoperative course and long term follow up after colectomy for slow transit constipation – is surgery an appropriate approach?
Authors: Riss S. , Herbst F. , Birsan T. , Stift A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective  Patients with slow transit constipation who do not respond satisfactorily to common medical treatment are considered candidates for colectomy. The present observational long term study was designed to assess outcome after surgery.Method  Twenty consecutive patients were treated by colectomy for slow transit constipation between 1996 and 2004. Preoperative and postoperative data were reviewed by using our institutional database. A questionnaire including validated scoring systems and questions about complications and subsequent surgical interventions was sent to all available patients.Results  Three patients (15%) died perioperatively. Median long term follow up was 84 months. Ten patients (50%) needed further operations after colectomy: Three patients (15%) had surgery during the early postoperative period, seven patients (35%) during follow up. A total of 31 operations had to be performed in these patients. Twelve patients (86%) responded to the questionnaires. Their median Wexner constipation score was 11.5 (range 8–23). Six patients fulfilled the Rome II criteria for constipation. The median Vaizey incontinence score was 7.5 (range 0–22). The median GIQLI showed 80 points (range 32–129).Conclusion  Morbidity and mortality rate after colectomy were inadmissibly high. Taking into account the poor functional results, we cannot recommend colectomy for slow transit constipation.
Endoscopic decompression using a transanal drainage tube for acute obstruction of the rectum and left colon as a bridge to curative surgery
Authors: Xu M. , Zhong Y. , Yao L. , Xu J. , Zhou P. , Wang P. , Wang H. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective  The aim of this study was to clarify the usefulness of the management of acute left colon and rectum obstruction because of colorectal carcinoma using a transanal ileus drainage tube before curative surgery.Method  Forty‐six patients (24 males and 22 females, aged 24–94 years, mean = 56.2) treated between September 2005 and March 2007 for acute left colon and rectal obstruction were identified in a colorectal obstruction database, and their clinical and radiological features were reviewed. After a cleaning enema was administered, urgent colonoscopy was performed. Subsequently, endoscopic decompression using a ileus tube was attempted.Results  Endoscopic decompression using the ileus tube was technically successful in 45 of 46 patients (97.8%). Perforation occurred in one patient 3 days later and emergent operation was performed. The site of obstruction was the rectum in 15 patients, the sigmoid colon in 18, the descending colon in 13. Following adequate cleansing of the colon, patients’ abdominal girth were decreased from 91 ± 4 cm before drainage to 82 ± 2 cm 7 days later, and one‐stage surgery after 8 ± 1 days (SD; range 7–10 days) were performed. No anastomotic leakage or postoperative stenosis occurred after operation.Conclusion  Management of acute left colon and rectum obstruction because of colorectal carcinoma using the ileus tube was found to be effective and safe, considered as a bridged method before curative surgery.
Dorothy Hodgkin Lecture 2008 Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) revisited: a new therapeutic target for obesity–diabetes?
Authors: Flatt P. R. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThere is increasing realization that gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) has actions outside of the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract. Most significant is the presence of functional GIP receptors on adipocytes and the appreciation that GIP, secreted strongly in response to fat ingestion, plays a role in the translation of excessive amounts of dietary fat into adipocyte tissue stores. Such effects open up the possibility of exploiting GIP receptor antagonism for the treatment of obesity and insulin resistance. This is borne out by studies in high‐fat‐fed mice or ob/ob mice with either genetic knockout of GIP receptor or chemical ablation of GIP action using the GIP receptor antagonist, (Pro3)GIP. By causing preferential oxidation of fat, blockade of GIP signalling clears triglyceride deposits from liver and muscle, thereby respectively restoring mechanisms for suppression of hepatic glucose output and cellular glucose uptake. Further studies are needed to determine the applicability of this research to human obesity–diabetes. However, proof of concept is provided by emerging evidence that rapid cure of diabetes in grossly obese subjects undergoing Roux‐en‐Y bypass surgery is mediated in part by surgical bypass of GIP‐secreting K‐cells in the upper small intestine.
Relationship between autonomic neuropathy and hypertension—are we underestimating the problem?
Authors: Istenes I. , Keresztes K. , Hermányi Z. , Putz Z. , Vargha P. , Gandhi R. , Tesfaye S. , Kempler P. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground  Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in diabetes and the risk is even greater in those with hypertension.Aims  The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between CAN and 24‐h blood pressure profile in normoalbuminuric patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods  Seventy patients with Type 2 diabetes (31 without CAN, 39 with CAN), who had no history of hypertension, and 29 healthy volunteers underwent five standard cardiovascular reflex tests to assess autonomic function and 24‐h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.Results  Twenty‐four‐hour mean systolic blood pressure, blood pressure load and hyperbaric impact values were significantly higher in diabetic patients with CAN compared with control subjects and diabetic patients without CAN (P < 0.05). In spite of normal clinic blood pressures, 54% of diabetic subjects with CAN and 29% without CAN were hypertensive (systolic blood pressure load > 20%, P < 0.05). In the diabetes group as a whole, Valsalva ratio, postural systolic blood pressure changes and diastolic blood pressure responses during sustained handgrip correlated significantly and negatively with 24‐h mean systolic blood pressure (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, P < 0.05) and blood pressure load (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, P < 0.05).Conclusions  Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy is independently associated with hypertension in normoalbuminuric Type 2 diabetic patients with no history of hypertension. Relying on clinic blood pressures in subjects with CAN could lead to a failure to diagnose hypertension in over half of cases. All normotensive patients with CAN should be screened for hypertension using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in order to institute early aggressive interventions to improve their long‐term outlook.
Prevalence of HNF1A (MODY3) mutations in a Norwegian population (the HUNT2 Study)
Authors: Eide S. Å. , Ræder H. , Johansson S. , Midthjell K. , Søvik O. , Njølstad P. R. , Molven A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAims  Previous reports have indicated that maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (MODY) caused by hepatocyte nuclear factor 1A (HNF1A) mutations (MODY3) is the most common MODY subtype in Northern Europe, but population‐based prevalence estimates are lacking. We sought to determine the prevalence of HNF1A‐MODY in diabetic subjects of a defined Norwegian population (the HUNT2 Study).Methods  Of the 1972 diabetic HUNT2 subjects, we identified a subgroup of 43 suspected MODY cases based on information on family history, disease onset and anti‐glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody status. These cases were considered a discovery group for HNF1A mutations and underwent full DNA sequencing. Subsequently, the entire cohort of diabetic HUNT2 subjects was screened for three selected HNF1A mutations. Possible founder effects were examined using the Norwegian MODY Registry.Results  Three subjects from the discovery group harboured HNF1A mutations. Two subjects had the previously described R229Q mutation, one had a novel S6N alteration, whereas the HNF1A hot‐spot mutation P291fsinsC was not identified. Genotyping the cohort of diabetic HUNT2 subjects identified five additional R229Q‐positive subjects. Microsatellite analysis performed for all R229Q‐positive probands of the Norwegian MODY Registry and those found in the HUNT2 population revealed that 17 of 18 (94%) had genotypes consistent with a common haplotype.Conclusions  Clinical MODY criteria were fulfilled in 2.2% of diabetic HUNT2 subjects. The minimum prevalence of HNF1A‐MODY among diabetic HUNT2 subjects was 0.4%. Because of founder effects, registry‐based prevalence studies probably need to be very large and they should also include prospectively collected phenotypes and extensive mutation screening to establish the true prevalence of MODY.
Psychological distress and risk of pre‐diabetes and Type 2 diabetes in a prospective study of Swedish middle‐aged men and women
Authors: Eriksson A.‐K. , Ekbom A. , Granath F. , Hilding A. , Efendic S. , Östenson C.‐G. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAims  To determine the role of psychological distress as a predictor of pre‐diabetes and Type 2 diabetes.Methods  This cohort study comprised 2127 Swedish middle‐aged men and 3100 women with baseline normal glucose tolerance measured by oral glucose tolerance test. At follow‐up 8–10 years later, 245 men and 177 women had pre‐diabetes [impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and IFG + IGT] and Type 2 diabetes was detected in 103 men and 57 women. Baseline psychological distress was measured by an index of five questions concerning anxiety, apathy, depression, fatigue and insomnia. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated for pre‐diabetes and Type 2 diabetes in association with total psychological distress. In addition, ORs of the single‐item questions were calculated.Results  In men, adjusted ORs (95% confidence interval) in the highest index group of psychological distress compared with the lowest group were 1.9 (1.2–2.8) and 2.2 (1.2–4.1) for pre‐diabetes and Type 2 diabetes, respectively. Corresponding estimates in women were 1.2 (0.7–2.1) and 0.5 (0.2–1.2). In the middle symptoms groups, adjusted ORs in men were 1.1 (0.8–1.4) for pre‐diabetes and 1.2 (0.7–2.0) for Type 2 diabetes and in women 1.8 (1.1–3.0) and 0.7 (0.3–1.4). When analysed separately, the associations with each of the five single factors were similar.Conclusions  The results indicate that psychological distress, including symptoms of anxiety, apathy, depression, fatigue and insomnia, increases the risk of pre‐diabetes and Type 2 diabetes in Swedish middle‐aged men. Increased risks were not present in women, except for pre‐diabetes in the middle index group.
Can complement factors 5 and 8 and transthyretin be used as biomarkers for MODY 1 (HNF4A‐MODY) and MODY 3 (HNF1A‐MODY)?
Authors: Karlsson E. , Shaat N. , Groop L. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAims  Genetic testing is needed for the formal diagnosis of maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (MODY), but this is not widely available. If any MODY biomarkers were known, these could possibly be used as an alternative. Hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)‐1α and HNF‐4α regulate transcription of genes encoding complement 5 (C5), complement 8 (C8) and transthyretin (TTR), suggesting that these could be potential biomarkers for the disease. We therefore set out to determine whether serum concentrations of C5, C8 and TTR can be used as biomarkers for patients with HNF4A‐MODY and HNF1A‐MODY.Methods  The serum concentrations of C5, C8 and TTR were analysed in patients with mutations in the HNF‐1α (n = 29) and ΗΝF‐4α (n = 13) genes. Type 2 diabetic (n = 14) and healthy subjects (n = 20), matched for body mass index (BMI), served as diabetic and non‐diabetic control groups, respectively.Results  Type 2 diabetic patients had markedly increased levels of C5 and C8 compared with healthy control subjects. Levels of C5 and C8 correlated with glycated haemoglobin (C5: r = 0.48, P = 0.019). After adjustment for BMI, glycated haemoglobin, age and gender, HNF4A‐MODY and HNF1A patients had reduced levels of C5 and C8 compared with Type 2 diabetic patients (C5: P = 0.001; C8: P = 0.004). In addition, patients with HNF4A‐MODY, but not those with HNF1A‐MODY, had decreased TTR compared with diabetic patients (P = 0.038).Conclusions  Serum concentrations of C5 and C8 seem to distinguish HNF4A and HNF1A‐MODY from other forms of diabetes. However, hyperglycaemia per se increases the serum concentrations, thereby attenuating their potential role as biomarkers for MODY.
The Impact of Enterprise Size on Employment Tribunal Incidence and Outcomes: Evidence from Britain
Authors: Saridakis George , Sen‐Gupta Sukanya , Edwards Paul , Storey David J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractEmployment Tribunals are the formal means of adjudicating disputes over individual employment rights in the UK. This article hypothesizes that, because small firms favour informality over formality, they are more likely (i) to experience employee claims than large firms; (ii) to be subject to different types of claims; (iii) to settle prior to reaching a formal Tribunal; and (iv) to lose at a Tribunal. Data from the 2003 Survey of Employment Tribunal Applications are used to examine these hypotheses. They are generally supported, although in relation to the third there was no size effect. Furthermore, our results show that firms that have procedures and follow them are more likely to win than those firms that do not have any procedures. Recognizing the benefits of informality, while also ensuring that small firms follow proper standards of procedural fairness, is a policy dilemma that has yet to be resolved.
The Market Valuation of Cash Dividends: The Case of the CRA Bonus Issue*
Authors: CHU H. , PARTINGTON G. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTIn 1996, Australia's CRA and UK's RTZ merged to form the world's largest mining company, but the companies remained separately listed on their domestic exchanges. In order to equalize the price of the two companies' shares, before the dual listing, CRA made a bonus issue. Shares in the bonus issue were not entitled to the next CRA dividend, which carried imputation tax credits. The contemporaneous price differences between the old shares and the bonus shares are used to measure the market value of dividends and associated tax credits. Consistent with imputation tax credits adding value to the dividend, 1 dollar face value of dividends was observed to have a market value significantly greater that its face value. The market value of the dividend varied depending on the proximity of observations to the ex‐dividend date. Close to the ex‐dividend date, the premium of market value over face value was smaller. The results are consistent with dividend values set by short‐term traders about the ex‐dividend date and by long‐term investors at other times.