bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meta‐analysis of nebulized amphotericin B to prevent or treat pulmonary aspergillosis in immunosuppressed animals
Authors: Ho K.M. , Duff O. , Chambers D. , Murray R. 
Published: May 2008

Objectives: Pulmonary aspergillosis in immunosuppressed patients is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. We assessed the prophylactic and therapeutic effect of nebulized amphotericin B (AmB) on mortality of immunosuppressed animals with pulmonary aspergillosis in this meta‐analysis.Methods: Literature search was based on MEDLINE (1966 to January 15, 2007), EMBASE, and Cochrane‐Controlled Trials Register (2006 issue 4) databases. Only randomized‐controlled studies comparing nebulized AmB with placebo on immunosuppressed animals were included. Two reviewers reviewed and extracted the data independently.Results: Eight studies including 839 immunosuppressed animals were considered. The overall mortality of the immunosuppressed animals with pulmonary aspergillosis treated with nebulized AmB was reduced (69.4% versus 87.7%, odds ratio [OR] 0.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.08–0.19; P<0.0001). The effect of nebulized AmB on mortality was more significant when the drug was administered as prophylaxis before the inoculation of Aspergillus fumigatus (OR 0.07, 95% CI: 0.03–0.12, P=0.0001; I2=0) than as a therapeutic agent (OR 0.20, 95% CI: 0.11–0.36, P<0.0001; I2=0) (ratio of the 2 ORs=2.86, 95% CI: 1.03–6.11; P=0.04). The effectiveness of AmB desoxycholate (OR 0.16, 0.06–0.38, P<0.0001; I2=0) and lipid‐associated (liposomal, or lipid complex or colloidal dispersion) amphotericin (OR 0.11, 95% CI: 0.06–0.20, P<0.0001; I2=0) was not significantly different (ratio of the 2 ORs=1.46, 95% CI: 0.49–4.39; P=0.50). Three studies evaluated the potential side effects of nebulized amphotericin and showed that there was no significant renal toxicity but the amphotericin desoxycholate had some detrimental effects on pulmonary surfactant function.Conclusions: The use of nebulized amphotericin, either as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent, is effective in reducing mortality of immunosuppressed animals with pulmonary aspergillosis. A large randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm whether combining nebulized amphotericin with systemic antifungal agents will reduce mortality in immunosuppressed patients with suspected or proven pulmonary aspergillosis.
Male sand crickets trade‐off flight capability for reproductive potential
Authors: SAGLAM I. K. , ROFF D. A. , FAIRBAIRN D. J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn this paper, we test the hypothesis that male sand crickets, Gryllus firmus, experience a trade‐off between flight capability and reproductive potential expressed as reduced testis weight in flight‐capable morphs. We used a half‐sib design with 130 sires, three dams per sire and an average of 5.66 males per dam family, for a total of 2206 F1 offspring. Traits measured were head width, somatic dry weight, testis weight, wing morph (micropterous/macropterous), weight of the dorso‐longitudinal flight muscles (DLM) and the functional status of these muscles. Heritabilities of all traits were significant and ranged from 0.14 to 0.43. All traits were positively correlated with body size, but removal of this covariance revealed a highly significant trade‐off, both phenotypically and genetically, between testes size and flight capability as measured by wing morph, DLM size or DLM status. The possible implications of this for morph‐specific reproductive tactics are discussed.
Kaolin particle films suppress many apple pests, disrupt natural enemies and promote woolly apple aphid
Authors: Markó V. , Blommers L. H. M. , Bogya S. , Helsen H. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractMultiple applications of hydrophobic kaolin particle film in apple orchards suppressed numbers of blossom weevil (Anthonomus pomorum), brown leaf weevil (Phyllobius oblongus), attelabid weevil (Caenorhinus pauxillus), leafhoppers (Empoasca vitis and Zygina flammigera) and green apple aphid (Aphis pomi) colonies. The kaolin treatments reduced the apple sawfly (Hoplocampa testudinea) fruit infestation on cultivar J. Grieve, and the fruit damage caused by oyster scale (Quadraspidiotus ostreaeformis), mussel scale (Lepidosaphes ulmi), early caterpillars, leaf rolling moths (Tortricidae), fruitlet‐mining tortrix moth (Pammene rhediella) and codling moth (Cydia pomonella). There was no effect on the number of colonies of rosy leaf curling aphid (Dysaphis devecta), nor on the fruit damage caused by common earwig (Forficula auricularia) and apple sawfly on cv. G. Delicious. The level of infestation of rosy apple aphid (Dysaphis plantaginea), leaf miner moths (Phyllonorycter blancardella, Lyonetia clerkella), and agromyzid flies (Phytomyza heringiana) increased in the kaolin‐treated plots. Kaolin treatments promoted woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum) infestation, which became severe, while it reduced the abundance of polyphagous predators like F. auricularia, predaceous Heteroptera and Coleoptera, the red velvet mite (Allothrombium fuliginosum), spiders (Araneae) and the abundance of common black ant (Lasius niger). The treatments also reduced parasitism of the apple sawfly by the ichneumonid Lathrolestes ensator. Many weeks after ending the kaolin treatments, the number of predaceous Coleoptera and especially the number of spiders remained low in the kaolin‐treated plots.
Destruxin fromMetarhizium anisopliaeinduces oxidative stress effecting larval mortality of the polyphagous pestSpodoptera litura
Authors: Sree K. Sowjanya , Padmaja V. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractNine‐day‐oldSpodoptera litura(Fab.) larvae were treated with crude destruxin (dtx) extracted from a high‐virulent (M‐19) and a low‐virulent (M‐10) isolate of the entomopathogenic fungus,Metarhizium anisopliae(Metch.), at doses that caused 30%, 50% and 90% mortality in the treated groups after 48 h. Destruxins produced a dose‐dependent decrease in the body weight of the larvae after 1, 24 and 48 h of treatment. There was a considerable hike in the activity of lipoxygenase and lipid peroxidation levels in the treated larvae with increased time of exposure to mycotoxin. The activities of total superoxide dismutase, total catalase, total peroxidase and specific ascorbate peroxidase in the larval body also registered alterations in the dtx‐treated larvae, suggesting that exposure of larvae to crude dtx induces oxidative stress which is countered by the antioxidant enzymes to an extent governed by the concentration and time of treatment, beyond which the larvae succumb to the ecofriendly biotoxin.
Efficacy of cultural control measures against the banana weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar), in South Africa
Authors: De Graaf J. , Govender P. , Schoeman A. S. , Viljoen A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe banana weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus, is the most important insect pest of banana and plantain in the world. Cultural control methods were investigated over 2 years in southern KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. Harvesting at ground level and dissection of remnants (treatment 1), and covering the base of the mat (entire plant consisting of several meristems) with soil and moving debris to the inter‐row (treatment 2), were compared to a positive control that involved treatment of plants with a registered pesticide (treatment 3), and a negative control that involved harvesting at 150 cm from the collar with no soil or sanitation amendments (treatment 4). Yield, weevil damage and pseudostem girth of plants were measured from August to November annually, while adult beetle densities were assessed over 4 weeks in October/November and April. Nematode samples were taken and analysed in October/November every year. Damage parameters included the coefficient of infestation, the percentage coefficient of infestation (PCI) at two intervals, the summed PCI value, the percentage cross‐sectional damage of the central cylinder and cortex, and the mean cross‐sectional damage percentage. A randomized block design with three replicates was used in the trial. The parameters were similar before the onset of the trial. Fruit yield and plant girth, corrected by nematode densities, were not significantly different in any treatment, nor were the nematodes controlled. Soil cover and recession of remnants was the only effective treatment, significantly reducing the CI, but not the adult density or the other damage parameters. Soil cover showed promise as a cultural control method because it only needs to be applied seasonally and reduced the percentage cross‐sectional damage of the central cylinder, the damage parameter most closely related to yield, by 14%.
Quantification of the DNA Difference, and Separation of X‐ and Y‐Bearing Sperm in Alpacas (Vicugna pacos)
Authors: Morton KM , Rückholdt M , Evans G , Maxwell WMC 
Published: May 2008

ContentsSperm sexing is an emerging reproductive technology which has been successfully used to produce offspring of a pre‐determined sex in domestic and wildlife species but has yet to be applied to New World camelids. The aims of the present study were to (i) optimize the Hoescht 33342 (H33342) staining concentration for the flow cytometric separation of X and Y chromosome‐bearing alpaca (Vicugna pacos) sperm nuclei, (ii) separate alpaca sperm nuclei into high purity (>90%) populations bearing the X‐ and Y‐chromosome and (iii) determine the DNA difference between X‐ and Y‐bearing sperm in alpacas. Semen was collected from alpacas and sperm nuclei stained with H33342, incubated and analysed using a high‐speed cell sorter (SX‐MoFlo®). H33342 staining concentrations of 36, 54, 72 or 90 μm did not affect the proportion of correctly oriented sperm nuclei (43.3 ± 3.9, 46.4 ± 3.7, 44.5 ± 4.0 and 51.1 ± 2.5% respectively) nor the speed of sorting (1381 ± 160, 1386 ± 123, 1371 ± 133 and 1379 ± 127 sperm nuclei/s). Sort reanalysis determined high levels of purity for X‐ and Y‐enriched populations (96.6 ± 0.7% and 96.1 ± 1.1% respectively). The DNA difference, based on fluorescence intensity (determined by the SX‐MoFlo®), was 3.8 ± 0.06%. These data demonstrate for the first time that alpaca sperm nuclei can be separated into high purity populations and the potential for applying sperm sexing technology to New World camelids.
Bovine Oocyte Quality in Relation to Ultrastructural Characteristics of Zona Pellucida, Polyspermic Penetration and Developmental Competence
Authors: Santos P , Chaveiro A , Simões N , Moreira da Silva F 
Published: May 2008

ContentsIn the present study, the effect of bovine oocyte quality related to ultrastructural characteristics of zona pellucida (ZP), polyspermic penetration and embryo developmental competence was evaluated. Cumulus–oocyte complexes were punctioned from 453 ovaries, classified as 1, 2, 3 and 4 according to their morphological aspect, matured for 24 h and then divided into two groups. In group A, oocytes were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde and 0.1 m sodium cacodylate and examined under a scanning electron microscope. Photomicrographs were taken and ZP’s pores were evaluated in squares of 6.4‐μm width. In group B, oocytes were fertilized in vitro. After 48 h, non‐cleaved oocytes were fixed for polyspermy evaluation. On days 7, 9 and 10, embryos were classified as developed (blastocysts and hatched blastocysts). Results showed that quality 1 oocytes revealed a ZP pore diameter of 0.50 ± 0.07 μm, which was smaller than the observed on oocytes of quality 2 (0.83 ± 0.10 μm), quality 3 (1.02 ± 0.22 μm) and quality 4 (1.38 ± 0.59 μm) (p ≤ 0.05). For In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), results showed that embryos originating from oocytes classed as 3 and 4 had lower cleavage rate (68.4% and 43.8%) than those belonging to class 1 and 2 (79.5% and 69.3%) (p ≤ 0.05). None oocyte classified as 3 and 4 developed to hatch blastocysts, while for oocytes belonging to quality 1 and 2, these values were, respectively, 15.2% and 12.5%. Concerning polyspermy, oocytes class 1 and 2 had lower polyspermic penetration than those belonging to class 3 and 4 (respectively 4.1%, 4.5%, 11.1% and 9.8%, for class 1, 2, 3 and 4). In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that oocytes with low qualities result in lower developmental competence and with high percentage of polyspermy after IVF, which can be the result of the ZP structure such as the number and the pore’s diameter.
Oviductal Fluid Proteins Associated with the Bovine Zona Pellucida and the Effect on In Vitro Sperm–Egg Binding, Fertilization and Embryo Development
Authors: Gonçalves RF , Staros AL , Killian GJ 
Published: May 2008

ContentsStudies have demonstrated that oviductal fluid (ODF) proteins associate with eggs of numerous species including the bovine. In this study, the association of three ODF proteins, the bovine oestrus‐associated protein, osteopontin (OPN), lipocalin‐type prostaglandin D synthase (L‐PGDS), with the bovine zona pellucida (ZP) was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and western blot. The biological function of ODF derived egg‐associated OPN and L‐PGDS in sperm binding, fertilization and embryonic development was also explored. In vitro matured bovine oocytes were pre‐incubated with ODF collected by cannula from cows in oestrus, or ODF with antibodies to OPN, L‐PGDS and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Following incubation, oocytes were inseminated with 1 × 105 frozen‐thawed spermatozoa, and they were evaluated for sperm binding, fertilization and embryonic development in vitro. Pre‐treatment of ODF with antibodies to all of proteins reduced sperm binding to the ZP and fertilization in vitro. Cleavage rates were not significantly different among incubations, but rates of embryo development were significantly decreased. We conclude that antibodies to OPN, L‐PGDS and BSA react with oocytes incubated with ODF and inhibit sperm binding, fertilization and embryonic development in vitro, suggesting a potential role of these proteins in these events.
Establishment of the Long‐Term In Vitro Culture System for Chicken Primordial Germ Cells
Authors: Shiue Y‐L , Tailiu J‐J , Liou J‐F , Lu H‐T , Tai C , Shiau J‐W , Chen L‐R 
Published: May 2008

ContentsThe objective of this study was to establish the long‐term in vitro culture system for chicken gonadal primordial germ cells (gPGCs). Primitive gonads collected from 5.5‐day‐old chicken embryos were dissociated and explanted onto plates pre‐coated with 0.1% gelatin. Each of the four different conditioned media from proliferating and mitotically inactivated chicken embryonic fibroblast (CEF) cells and murine embryonic fibroblasts (STO cells, CRL‐1053, ATCC, USA), respectively, was supplemented with growth factors and used to support the growth of gPGCs. The result showed that all the conditioned media could promote the growth and colony formation of gPGCs in vitro, in particular the medium conditioned by inactivated CEF cells. The gPGC‐derived colonies maintained in inactivated CEF cells‐conditioned medium up to 281 days were positively stained by periodic acid Schiff reaction and antibodies specific to anti‐SSEA‐1, SSEA‐3, SSEA‐4, integrin α6 and integrin β1. Their capacities of migration via vascular system and taking up residence in the primary gonadal ridge were further demonstrated by transferring to the dorsal aorta of stage 17 recipient embryos. These results suggested that our culture system is able to maintain chicken gPGCs for long‐term in vitro culture without losing their capacity to express pluripotent markers and to integrate into the gonads.
Effects of Straw Volume and Equex‐STM® on Boar Sperm Quality after Cryopreservation
Authors: Buranaamnuay K , Tummaruk P , Singlor J , Rodriguez‐Martinez H , Techakumphu M 
Published: May 2008

ContentsThe present experiments were designed to study the effect of adding the detergent Equex‐STM® to freezing extender, and of straw volume (0.25 ml vs 0.5 ml), on boar sperm quality after cryopreservation. Three ejaculates from each of four purebred boars (three Landrace and one Yorkshire) were collected and frozen with a lactose‐egg yolk extender containing glycerol with or without 1.5% Equex‐STM®. The extended semen was loaded into either 0.25‐ or 0.5‐ml straws. The straws were placed in liquid nitrogen (LN2) vapour approximately 3 cm above the level of LN2 for 20 min and then were plunged into LN2. Thawing was achieved in warm water at 50°C for 12 s and then was incubated in a 38°C water‐bath for 30 min before evaluating sperm quality. Results showed that the individual motility, viability and acrosomal normal apical ridge (NAR) were improved (p < 0.001) when Equex‐STM® was added to the freezing extender. There was no difference (p = 0.48) in sperm motility between 0.25‐ and 0.5‐ml straws when Equex‐STM® was added. The percentages of viable and of NAR sperm in 0.5‐ml straws were higher than those in 0.25‐ml straws (p = 0.02, p = 0.0003 respectively). The percentages of membrane intact sperm evaluated using the short hypo‐osmotic swelling test were not affected by straw volume or the adding of Equex‐STM® (p > 0.05). The results of these investigations suggested that Equex‐STM® exerts a beneficial effect on the quality of cryopreserved boar semen and this cryopreservation protocol was favourable for a 0.5‐ml straw.
Anisotropy in the representation of direction preferences in cat area 18
Authors: Ribot Jérôme , Tanaka Shigeru , O'Hashi Kazunori , Ajima Ayako 
Published: May 2008

AbstractHigher visual cortical areas are involved in the perception of complex stimuli, such as the optic flow created by self‐motion. On the other hand, area 18 is thought to extract primitive visual features, feeding higher cortical areas for further processing. In this study, we applied optical imaging of intrinsic signals in the central, lower visual field of cat area 18, and reconstructed direction preference and direction selectivity maps in each hemisphere. We observed a significant overrepresentation of downward and temporal directions, in accordance with previous electrophysiological results. Cardinal orientations were not overrepresented, however. Downward directions were overrepresented at the highest direction selectivity domains. Temporal direction representation, on the other hand, decreased with direction selectivity. Our findings therefore suggest the existence of a neural substrate for the processing of optic flow in cat area 18.
Time‐related changes of metabolic and physicochemical profiles in patients with mechanical ileal neobladders
Authors: Marangella Martino , Formiconi Andrea , Petrarulo Michele , Vitale Corrado , Bardari Franco , D’Urso Leonardo , Muto Giovanni 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVETo investigate metabolic disturbances, possibly leading to stone disease, in the Camey II technique for creating a urinary reservoir from an intestinal segment.PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODSThirty patients with a Camey II ileal neobladder and 26 controls had metabolic investigations of blood samples, and 24‐h and fasting urine samples, to assess renal function, the risk of stone formation, and bone turnover. The state of saturation with calcium oxalate, uric acid and brushite were calculated using a computer program.RESULTSThe patients had lower renal clearances than the controls (P < 0.001), with a slight tendency to decrease with time from surgery. Metabolic hyperchloraemic acidosis occurred in 57% of the patients and tended to be worse at lower glomerular filtration rates (P < 0.05). Severe hypocitraturia in both daily and fasting urine was the most striking urinary feature. There was no difference in the other variables. The state of saturation with brushite was slightly higher in patients due to the slightly higher urinary pH. There was a trend to lower bone turnover, involving markers of both resorption and formation, in the patients.CONCLUSIONSThe Camey II technique led to only minor functional or metabolic changes; renal function tended to deteriorate and mild metabolic acidosis was the main feature. Fasting and 24‐h hypocitraturia occurred in most patients, representing a potential threat for calcium stone formation.
Single‐stage dorsal inlay split‐skin graft for salvage anterior urethral reconstruction
Authors: Dalpiaz Orietta , Kerschbaumer Andrea , Pelzer Alexandre , Radmayr Christian , Gozzi Christian , Horninger Wolfgang , Bartsch Georg , Schwentner Christian 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVETo report our initial experience and extended follow‐up of single‐stage dorsal inlay skin‐graft urethroplasty for salvaging recurrent anterior urethral stricture (AUS), as urethral reconstruction remains a challenge, particularly in patients with recurrent AUS after previous surgery, and a paucity of local skin frequently requires free graft reconstruction techniques.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 27 patients (mean age 48.12 years, range 17–79) with recurrent AUS had a dorsal inlay urethroplasty using extragenital split‐thickness skin grafts. An electrical dermatome was used for graft harvesting. All patients had contraindications for buccal mucosal grafting (e.g. radiotherapy, leukoplakia). The assessment before repair comprised a clinical investigation, urine analysis, uroflowmetry, retrograde and voiding cystogram, urethral ultrasonography and endoscopy. The follow‐up was based on an assessment of flow rate and postvoid residual volume. Success was defined by the absence of symptoms and stable maximum flow rate, while any further instrumentation was considered a failure.RESULTSThe mean (range) stricture length was 8.35 (3–14) cm. The overall complication rate was 7%, with no complications during surgery. During the mean (range) follow‐up of 32.43 (5–46) months, 25 (93%) of the patients were successfully cured in one operation. Two patients required further treatment for recurrence and fistula. No long‐term complications were noted at the graft donor sites. There was no case of intraurethral hair growth during the extended follow‐up.CONCLUSIONIf there are contraindications for buccal mucosal grafting, a split‐thickness skin can be used for dorsal inlay urethroplasty in recurrent AUS. A well‐vascularized recipient bed on the corpora cavernosa is required for reliable graft take. Intra‐urethral hair growth is avoided by using split‐skin grafts. Although the complication rates are equivalent to those of buccal mucosa, we await the longer follow‐up to assess the ultimate value of this alternative single‐stage technique.
DNA topoisomerase I and IIα expression in penile carcinomas: assessing potential tumour chemosensitivity
Authors: Berney Daniel M. , Stankiewicz Elzbieta , Adlan Ahmed M.A. , Kudahetti Sakunthala , Biedrzycki Olaf J. , Hadway Paul , Watkin Nick , Corbishley Cathy 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVETo examine the tissue expression of DNA topoisomerase I (Topo I) and IIα (Topo II), to pursue the possibility of future chemotherapy regimens for squamous cell carcinoma of the penis (SCCP), as high expression of Topo I might indicate sensitivity to the camptothecins, whereas high Topo II might indicate sensitivity to etoposide.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 73 patients with SCCP were reviewed and then tissue samples microarrayed. These were then stained with immunohistochemistry for Topo I, Topo II and Ki‐67. Tumour stage, grade and type were available.RESULTSTopo II showed a strong positive correlation with the proliferation index as measured by Ki‐67 (P < 0.001) but no correlation with Topo I. There were also strong correlations between tumour grade and Ki‐67, and Topo II expression (both P < 0.001). Tumour type was also strongly correlated with Topo II and Ki‐67 expression, with the highest expression in basaloid carcinomas and the lowest in verrucous carcinomas. However, Topo I expression was not correlated with any other tumour variable.CONCLUSIONThe expression of Topo I is grade‐ and type‐independent, and chemotherapy using the camptothecins is unlikely to be effective. The strong positivity of Topo II in high‐grade and basaloid SCCPs suggests that treatment with etoposide or other Topo II ‘poisons’ might be a better target for future clinical trials.