bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antenatal screening for sexually transmitted infections in remote Australia
Authors: Mak Donna B. , Murray John C. , Bulsara Max K. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractBackground:  Antenatal screening for, and prompt management of, sexually transmitted infections (STI) can prevent adverse maternal, fetal and perinatal outcomes. This is particularly important in areas of high STI endemicity.Aims:  To assess adherence with antenatal STI screening guidelines in a large remote region, and whether completeness of antenatal syphilis screening improved after the onset of a regional syphilis outbreak in April 2001.Methods:  Data from the regional antenatal syphilis screening database from 1997 to 2002 were analysed to identify time trends in the completeness of antenatal syphilis screening. Adherence to antenatal screening guidelines was assessed by examining pathology request forms of women undergoing antenatal syphilis screening to determine whether screening for gonorrhoea, chlamydia, hepatitis B and HIV had also been carried out. Logistic regression was used to analyse associations between adherence to the guidelines and patient's age and race, and health service characteristics.Results:  Adherence to syphilis screening guidelines improved from 44.6% in 1997 to 68.9% in 2001 and 81.4% in 2002. After controlling for the time interval between the first antenatal syphilis test and date of delivery, being younger and Aboriginal, and delivering after the syphilis outbreak had been identified were positively associated with adherence to syphilis screening guidelines. Proportions of antenates screened for gonorrhoea/chlamydia, hepatitis B and HIV at booking and for gonorrhoea/chlamydia in the third trimester were 69%, 91%, 68% and 77%, respectively. Aboriginal women were more likely to have been screened for gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Women seen by a doctor were more likely to have undergone HIV screening than those who saw a nurse.Conclusions:  Significant improvement in adherence to antenatal syphilis screening guidelines occurred after identification of a syphilis outbreak. This achievement is reason for optimism regarding the potential to achieve more complete antenatal screening of other STI.
A life‐course approach to assess the relationship between social and psychological circumstances and gingival status in adolescents
Authors: Nicolau Belinda , Marcenes Wagner , Hardy Rebecca , Sheiham Aubrey 
Published: November 2003

AbstractBackground:Several models have been proposed to explain the causes of periodontal diseases. None have adopted the life‐course approach.Objective:To investigate the relationship between social, psychosocial and biological conditions experienced in early life and through the life course and gingival bleeding on probing.Methods:A two‐phase study was carried out in Brazil. In Phase I, 652 13‐year‐olds were clinically examined and interviewed. In Phase II, 311 families were randomly selected for an interview to collect information on the teenager's state at birth and selected impacts in their early years of life. Clinical examination included assessment of dental caries, periodontal and dental trauma status. The data analysis used logistic regression and the models were determined using stepwise procedure.Findings:Adolescents who were born in a non‐brick house, who were living in an overcrowded house at 13 years of age, those whose mother had less than 8 years of education, who were at a lower school grade for their age, those who reported high levels of paternal punishment and those who were from reconstituted families were significantly more likely to experience high levels of bleeding gums after probing.Conclusion:Early life and life‐course experiences were important determinants of the level of gingival bleeding after probing in adolescents.
Salivary Gland Basal Cell Adenocarcinoma: A Report of Cases in a Cat and Two Dogs
Authors: Sozmen M. , Brown P. J. , Eveson J. W. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryBasal cell adenocarcinoma of the salivary gland is described in a cat and two dogs; tumour tissue was characterized by cords and islands of epithelial cells with a distinct basal layer. The tumours were stained by various immunohistochemical methods. In addition to positive staining with cytokeratin 14 and pancytokeratin (CKs 5, 6, 8, 17 and 19), there was also staining with Jack bean agglutinin A (ConA) and soya bean agglutinin (SBA); this occurs in many other types of salivary gland tumours and is a feature of normal salivary gland acinar cells. In one dog there was also staining with SBA. This is the first report of this tumour in domestic animals; the immunohistochemical characteristics did not distinguish it from other salivary gland tumours.
Ca2+ ATPase in Dutch Warmblood Foals Compared with Na+, K+ ATPase: Intermuscular Differences and the Effect of Exercise
Authors: Suwannachot P. , Verkleij C. B. , van Weeren P. R. , Everts M. E. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryWe studied the effects of exercise without or with a subsequent period on pasture on Ca2+ ATPase concentration in foal skeletal muscle, and compared the results with those previously reported on Na+, K+ ATPase. Ca2+ ATPase was measured in homogenates as Ca2+‐dependent steady‐state phosphorylation from [γ‐32P]ATP. From day 7 after birth, 24 foals were divided into three groups: (i) staying in a box stall (Box); (ii) staying in a box stall with an exercise programme of an increasing number of sprints per day (Exercise); and (iii) staying on pasture (Pasture). Half of the foals (12 with four in each treatment group) were killed after 5 months. The remaining foals stayed on pasture until 11 months. In the 5‐month Pasture group, Ca2+ ATPase concentration was 29.4 ± 4.3 nmol/g wet weight (wt) (n = 4) in gluteus medius muscle, 25.2 ± 3.3 nmol/g wet wt (n = 4) in semitendinosus muscle (both mixed fibre type), and 4.1 ± 1.7 nmol/g wet wt (n = 3) in the slow masseter muscle. These values were not altered by exercise or by box rest. This was in contrast to the Na+, K+ ATPase concentration which was not different between the three muscles, but showed a 20% rise in gluteus medius and semitendinosus muscle after exercise. In the period from 5 to 11 months on pasture, there was no change in Ca2+ ATPase in any group. In conclusion, the Ca2+ ATPase concentration in foal muscle is around 6‐fold higher in mixed fibres than in slow fibres. Furthermore, the enzyme is not up‐ or down‐regulated by sprint exercise or subsequent rest.
Increased IGF‐I : IGFBP‐3 ratio in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Mattera Daniele , Capuano Gaetano , Colao Annamaria , Pivonello Rosario , Manguso Francesco , Puzziello Alessandro , D’Agostino Luciano 
Published: November 2003

Summarybackground  The development of hepatocellular carcinoma in liver cirrhosis is associated with altered synthesis and secretion of several growth factors.aim  The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the potential implication of IGF‐I and its major binding protein (IGFBP‐3) in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.patients and methods  IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3 were measured in 150 healthy subjects, 40 patients with liver cirrhosis and 63 with liver cirrhosis and untreated hepatocellular carcinoma. The ratio between IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3 was also calculated.results  Serum IGF‐I (70 ± 10 and 65 ± 7 vs. 185 ± 6·4 µg/l, P < 0·001) and IGFBP‐3 levels (1225 ± 113 and 984 ± 67 vs. 3017 ± 80 µg/l, P < 0·001) were lower in patients with liver cirrhosis, without or with hepatocellular carcinoma, than in controls. Age was negatively correlated with IGF‐I levels in patients with liver cirrhosis (r = −0·6; P = 0·0002) as well as in controls (r = −0·8, P < 0·0001), but not in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (r = −0·2; P = 0·2). Additionally, in patients with liver cirrhosis (r = −0·54; P = 0·0003) and more weakly in those with hepatocellular carcinoma (r =−0·24; P = 0·04) IGF‐I levels were negatively correlated with liver failure measured according with Child class. Despite patients with class C hepatocellular carcinoma being older than those in the same functional class with cirrhosis (64 ± 2 vs. 57 ± 2 years, P < 0·01), they had a significantly increased IGF‐I : IGFBP‐3 ratio (0·18 ± 0·05 vs. 0·41 ± 0·09, P = 0·04), due mostly to increased IGF‐I levels (27·1 ± 5·6 vs. 42 ± 6·2 µg/l) as IGFBP‐3 levels were similar to patients with cirrhosis (734 ± 81 vs. 679 ± 83 µg/l).conclusions  Hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with a higher IGF‐I : IGFBP‐3 ratio than that found in patients with liver cirrhosis and a similar degree of liver failure.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP): a new neuroendocrine marker of clinical progression in chronic heart failure?
Authors: Lucia Piernatale , Caiola Stefania , Coppola Alessandro , Manetti Luca L. , Maroccia Ettore , Buongiorno Angela M. , De Martinis Carlo 
Published: November 2003

Summaryobjective  Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a powerful vasodilatory neuropeptide with positive inotropic and chronotropic properties. The aim of the study was to investigate the pathophysiological role of VIP in heart failure.design and results  VIP was assayed in plasma within the first in‐hospital day in 52 patients with heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy. The concentration of VIP was: (i) higher in patients than in healthy subjects; (ii) higher in elderly but not in younger patients compared with healthy controls; (iii) inversely related to NYHA class: higher in NYHA 2 than in NYHA > 2 patients and in normal subjects, in both young and elderly groups; (iv) not correlated with echocardiographic parameters and (v) not influenced by the aetiology of dilated cardiomyopathy.conclusions  The physiological properties of VIP suggest that the increased plasma concentrations in patients with heart failure contribute to restore the compromised haemodynamic balance either by improving myocardial performance or by counteracting the harmful effects related to simultaneous activation of other neuroendocrine systems, i.e. the sympathetic and renin‐angiotensin systems. Decreased VIP concentrations are related to progressive worsening of heart failure. The higher VIP concentrations in elderly patients compared with healthy controls suggest that the capacity to increase VIP production is preserved in older people.
The androgen receptor gene CAG polymorphism is associated with the severity of coronary artery disease in men
Authors: Alevizaki M. , Cimponeriu A. T. , Garofallaki M. , Sarika H.‐L. , Alevizaki C. C. , Papamichael C. , Philippou G. , Anastasiou E. A. , Lekakis J. P. , Mavrikakis M. 
Published: November 2003

Summaryobjective  The role of androgens in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) remains controversial. The length of the polyglutamine stretch of the transactivation domain (CAG repeat) of the androgen receptor (AR) inversely affects androgen activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of this polymorphism of the AR gene in the extent of CAD in male patients.design and patients  The relationship of the length of the AR gene CAG repeat on the severity of CAD was examined in 131 men (36–86 years old) undergoing coronary angiography.measurements  The severity of CAD was assessed by the number (0–3) of coronary vessels with > 50% reduction in the luminal diameter. The interaction of the AR gene polymorphism with the intima media thickness (IMT) of peripheral arteries and serum levels of sex steroids, insulin and biochemical parameters were also studied.results  The upper quartile of CAG length (range 9–30) was ≥ 23 repeats (longAR). The mean body mass index (BMI) of patients with shorter repeats (< 23; shortAR) was significantly lower than in men with longAR (26·1 vs. 27·6, respectively; P = 0·043 M‐W Rank test). There was no correlation between the AR gene repeat length and serum testosterone. Oestradiol levels were significantly higher in longAR (0·19 ± 0·08 nmol/l vs. 0·14 ± 0·07 in shortAR, P = 0·031). This difference was independent of BMI. Men with shortAR had significant CAD (i.e. one to three arteries with stenosis) more frequently (79·5%) than men with longAR (20·5%); of the subjects with stenosis in no arteries, 56·5% had shortAR and 43·5% longAR (χ2 = 4·3, P = 0·038). This association was independent of age and BMI. The IMT of peripheral arteries, lipid parameters, basal insulin resistance, blood pressure and family history for early CAD, did not differ according to AR length.conclusions  The shorter CAG repeat of the AR gene is associated with more severe CAD, which suggests a role for the sensitivity to androgens in the increased frequency of CAD in males. In addition, a protective role of endogenous oestrogen, which is higher in the longAR subgroup, can contribute to the observed difference.
Prolonged psychological stress suppresses cortisol secretion
Authors: Žarković Miloš , Stefanova Elka , Ćirić Jasmina , Penezić Zorana , Kostić Vladimir , Šumarac‐Dumanović Mirjana , Macut Djuro , Ivović Miomira S. , Gligorović Predrag V. 
Published: November 2003

Summaryobjective  Response to acute psychological stress is characterized by activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system. However, response to the prolonged psychological stress is less well known.design  This study was designed as a prospective assessment of cortisol secretion during prolonged psychological stress induced by continuous air raids and after elimination of the stress‐inducing factor.subjects  The study group consisted of five healthy subjects (34–39 years).measurements  Psychological and endocrine (morning cortisol and 1 µg ACTH test) testing was done 2 months after the war had begun and 18 months after the end of it. Psychiatric assessment was done at the same periods, and 30 months after the start of the study.results  After 2·5 years of follow‐up, there were no signs of endocrine or psychiatric disorders in any of the subjects. After the war, Beck Inventory of Depression and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale scores were significantly reduced. Suppression of the HPA axis was present during the war but not after.conclusions  Prolonged psychological stress is associated with a transient suppression of the HPA axis, manifested by low morning cortisol and reduced cortisol response to ACTH. The reduction of cortisol response is sufficient to cause false diagnosis of HPA insufficiency.
Comparative analysis of mt LSU rRNA secondary structures of Odonates: structural variability and phylogenetic signal
Authors: Misof B. , Fleck G. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractSecondary structures of the most conserved part of the mt 16S rRNA gene, domains IV and V, have been recently analysed in a comparative study. However, full secondary structures of the mt LSU rRNA molecule are published for only a few insect species. The present study presents full secondary structures of domains I, II, IV and V of Odonates and one representative of mayflies, Ephemera sp. The reconstructions are based on a comparative approach and minimal consensus structures derived from sequence alignments. The inferred structures exhibit remarkable similarities to the published Drosophila melanogaster model, which increases confidence in these structures. Structural variance within Odonates is homoplastic, and neighbour‐joining trees based on tree edit distances do not correspond to any of the phylogenetically expected patterns. However, despite homoplastic quantitative structural variation, many similarities between Odonates and Ephemera sp. suggest promising character sets for higher order insect systematics that merit further investigations.
In vitro expression and pharmacology of the 5‐HT7‐like receptor present in the mosquito Aedes aegypti tracheolar cells and hindgut‐associated nerves
Authors: Lee D.‐W. , Pietrantonio P. V. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractWe have previously reported the cloning of a 5‐hydroxytryptamine receptor (Aedes 5‐HT7‐like receptor) from adult Aedes aegypti. For functional expression of the Aedes 5‐HT7‐like receptor, CHO‐K1 cells were stably transfected with a receptor expression construct, pC5‐HT7. The Aedes 5‐HT7‐like receptor positively coupled to Gs protein, increasing intracellular cAMP in response to 5‐HT; adenylyl cyclase activity was induced in a concentration‐dependent, saturable manner. Only 5‐HT, and not octopamine, dopamine or tyramine, caused the induction of cAMP. At 10 nm 5‐HT a weak synergism was observed between octopamine and 5‐HT. Other known agonists of the mammalian 5‐HT7 receptor were tested. Their order of potency was: 5‐HT >> 5‐CT = 8‐OH‐DPAT >> pimozide. This is the first report on the functional expression of a mosquito neurohormone receptor.
Sexual dimorphic expression of putative antennal carrier protein genes in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Justice R. W. , Dimitratos S. , Walter M. F. , Woods D. F. , Biessmann H. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractTo obtain a better understanding of the olfactory processes that allow mosquitoes to identify human hosts, a molecular study has been performed to identify and characterize molecules in the olfactory signalling pathway of the African malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. Using cDNA libraries from antennae of females and males, a collection of cDNAs encoding odorant binding proteins and other novel antennal proteins were isolated and characterized, which represent various families of putative carrier proteins with homologues in other insects. Using filter array hybridizations and quantitative RT PCR, regulation and gender specificity of expression of these genes was investigated. Significant differences in steady‐state levels of some of these putative carrier protein genes were detected between the sexes and after blood feeding in females.
Modulation of Na+ transport across isolated rumen epithelium by short‐chain fatty acids in hay‐ and concentrate‐fed sheep
Authors: Uppal S. K. , Wolf K. , Khahra S. S. , Martens H. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThe effect of increasing concentrations of short‐chain fatty acids [SCFA; mixture of the Na+ salts of acetic acid (62.5%), propionic acid (25.0%) and of butyric acid (12.5%)] on Na+ transport of sheep rumen epithelium was studied in vitro. The conventional Ussing chamber method was used for measuring Na+ transport rates (22Na+), short‐circuit current (Isc) and tissue conductance (GT) of isolated rumen epithelium. SCFA in the buffer solution on the mucosal side caused a linear increase of Jnet Na+ from 1.14, to 1.22, 1.78 and 2.50 μeq/cm2/h in hay‐fed sheep at 0, 15, 40 and 80 mmol/l SCFA, respectively. In a second study, the effect of higher SCFA concentrations [0 (control), 80, 100 and 120 mmol/l] was investigated with epithelia from two groups of sheep. One group was subjected to hay ad libitum, whereas the other received concentrate feed (800 g/day in equal portions at 7.00 am and 3.00 pm) and hay ad libitum. Epithelia from concentrate‐fed sheep again showed a significant (p < 0.05) and linear increase in Jnet Na+ at 80, 100 and 120 mmol/l. However, in hay‐fed sheep, the difference in increase among 80, 100 and 120 mmol/l SCFA was not significant, indicating that, above 80 mmol/l SCFA Jms and Jnet exhibit saturation. Moreover, Na+ fluxes (Jms and Jnet) were generally higher in concentrate‐fed than in hay‐fed sheep at all SCFA concentrations and significant differences were observed at 100 and 120 mmol/l SCFA. The obtained results confirm the effect of SCFA on Na+ transport and are in agreement with studies regarding feeding regimes and electrolyte transport in the rumen. The important new observation is the increase of Na+ transport in concentrate‐fed sheep even at high concentrations of SCFA (100 and 120 mmol/l). The enhanced activity of the Na+/H+ exchanger at these SCFA concentrations supports the assumption that the capacity for regulating the intracellular pH by extrusion of protons is increased, suggesting an adaptation in concentrate‐fed sheep. This adaptation could prevent possible disturbances of epithelial functions (transport and barrier) under conditions of increased SCFA absorption.
Subacute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA): a Review
Authors: Kleen J. L. , Hooijer G. A. , Rehage J. , Noordhuizen J. P. T. M. 
Published: November 2003

SummarySubacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) is likely to arise when an easily palatable, high‐energy diet meets a ruminal environment not adapted to this type of substrate. Increase of short‐chained fatty acids (SCFA) will occur. Eventually, this may result in a transient nadir of ruminal pH below 5.5. Two situations are likely to represent the risk of SARA. First, fresh lactating cows are confronted with a diet considerably differing from that in the dry‐period. A diet change carried out too rapidly or without proper transition management will put the animals at risk. Secondly, further in lactation, inaccurate calculation of dry‐matter‐intake (DMI) leading to wrong roughage/concentrate ratio, an inadequate content of structure within the diet or mistakes in preparing of total mixed rations may produce SARA. The consequences of SARA are diverse and complex. Laminitis is regularly connected to SARA and the negative impact of organic acids on the ruminal wall may lead to parakeratosis enabling translocation of pathogens into the bloodstream provoking inflammation and abscessation throughout the ruminant body. Moreover, milk‐fat depression (MFD) can be related to SARA. In order to achieve a proper diagnosis, SARA has to be understood as a herd‐management problem. A screening of the herd for SARA by means of a rumenocentesis, performed on a sample‐group, preferably 12 individuals, may reveal the presence of SARA. The herd screening should include the risk group suspected, preferably. The prevention of SARA applies to the principles of ruminant feeding. Careful transition management from the dry to the lactation period and control of fibre‐content and ration quality should be more yielding than the use of buffers or antibiotic drugs.
Herpes simplex esophagitis from 1307 autopsy cases
Authors: ITOH TOHRU , TAKAHASHI TAKASHI , KUSAKA KAZUYA , KAWAURA KEN , NAKAGAWA YOSHIAKI , YAMAKAWA JUN’ICHI , KANDA TSUGIYASU 
Published: November 2003

AbstractBackground and Aims:  The aim of the present study was to clarify relationship between macroscopic and microscopic features of herpes simplex esophagitis (HSE), and localization of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1)‐infected cells in esophageal lesions from autopsy cases of histopathologically proven HSE.Methods:  The study comprised morphological, immunohistochemical, cultural and electron microscopic investigations for 24 HSE patients collected from 1307 serial autopsy cases in the past 10 years.Results:  Macroscopic characteristics of HSE were divided into three types. Types I and II showed small punched‐out lesions with and without raised margins, respectively. Type III revealed that multiple ulcers became confluent like a map. Microscopic findings showed that the HSV infection process seemed to begin in squamous epithelium and to induce vertical cellular change into the intact epithelial layer. Intranuclear inclusion bodies were observed at the centers of lesions, and ballooning changes of squamous cells at the margins. Both localization of HSV‐1‐infected cells and presence of HSV‐1 in the esophageal lesions were confirmed with immunohistochemical staining, viral culture and electron microscopy.Conclusion:  The present results suggest that the macroscopic and microscopic postmortem features of HSE may provide useful information for clinical diagnosis of HSE.