MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE, Issue 3 2004
Daniel Goodman
Abstract Critical conservation decisions often hinge on estimates of population size, population growth rate, and survival rates, but as a practical matter it is difficult to obtain enough data to provide precise estimates. Here we discuss Bayesian methods for simultaneously drawing on the information content from multiple sorts of data to get as much precision as possible for the estimates. The basic idea is that an underlying population model can connect the various sorts of observations, so this can be elaborated into a joint likelihood function for joint estimation of the respective parameters. The potential for improved estimates derives from the potentially greater effective sample size of the aggregate of data, even though some of the data types may only bear directly on a subset of the parameters. The achieved improvement depends on specifics of the interactions among parameters in the underlying model, and on the actual content of the data. Assuming the respective data sets are unbiased, notwithstanding the fact that they may be noisy, we may gauge the average improvement in the estimates of the parameters of interest from the reduction, if any, in the standard deviations of their posterior marginal distributions. Prospective designs may be evaluated from analysis of simulated data. Here this approach is illustrated with an assessment of the potential value in various ways of merging mark-resight and carcass-survey data for the Florida manatee, as could be made possible by various modifications in the data collection protocols in both programs. [source]

PINNIPED SURVIVAL IN CAPTIVITY: ANNUAL SURVIVAL RATES OF SIX SPECIES

MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE, Issue 2 2001
Simona Perry Roberts
[source]

Spontaneous Feline Hypertension: Clinical and Echocardiographic Abnormalities, and Survival Rate

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2003
Valerie Chetboul
Systemic hypertension was diagnosed in 58 of 188 untreated cats referred for evaluation of suspected hypertension-associated ocular, neurologic, cardiorespiratory, and urinary disease, or diseases frequently associated with hypertension (hyperthyroidism and chronic renal failure). Hypertensive cats were significantly older than normotensive subjects (13.0 ± 3.5 years versus 9.6 ± 5.0 years; P < .01), and had a greater prevalence of retinal lesions (48 versus 3%; P < .001), gallop rhythm (16 versus 0%; P < .001), and polyuria-polydipsia (53 versus 29%; P < .01). Blood pressure was significantly higher (P < .001) in cats with retinopathies (262 ± 34 mm Hg) than in other hypertensive animals (221 ± 34 mm Hg). Hypertensive cats had a thicker interventricular septum (5.8 ± 1.7 versus 3.7 ± 0.64 mm; P < .001) and left ventricular free wall (6.2 ± 1.6 versus 4.1 ± 0.51 mm; P < .001) and a reduced diastolic left ventricular internal diameter (13.5 ± 3.2 versus 15.8 ± 0.72 mm; P < .001) than control cats. Left ventricular geometry was abnormal in 33 of 39 hypertensive subjects. No significant difference was found in age or blood pressure at the initial visit between cats that died or survived over a 9-month period after initial diagnosis of hypertension. Mean survival times were not significantly different between hypertensive cats with normal and abnormal left ventricular patterns. Further prospective studies are needed to clearly identify the factors involved in survival time in hypertensive cats. [source]

Chronic toxicity and responses of several important enzymes in Daphnia magna on exposure to sublethal microcystin-LR

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY, Issue 3 2005
Wei Chen
Abstract In the current study, the toxicological mechanisms of microcystin-LR and its disadvantageous effects on Daphnia magna were examined. Survival rate, number of newborn, activity of several important enzymes [glutathione S-transferase (GST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), phosphatases, and glutathione], accumulated microcystins, and ultrastructural changes in different organs of Daphnia were monitored over the course of 21-day chronic tests. The results indicated that low concentrations of dissolved microcystin had no harmful effect on Daphnia. On the contrary, stimulatory effects were detected. In the presence of toxin at high dosage and for long-term exposure, GST and glutathione levels decreased significantly. The decreased enzyme activity in the antioxidant system probably was caused by detoxification reactions with toxins. And these processes of detoxification at the beginning of chronic tests may enable phosphatases in Daphnia magna to withstand inhibition by the toxins. At the same time, we also found that the LDH activity in test animals increased with exposure to microcystin-LR, indicating that adverse effects occurred in Daphnia. With microcystin given at a higher dosage or for a longer exposure, the effect on Daphnia magna was fatal. In the meantime, microcystin began to accumulate in Daphnia magna, and phosphatase activity started to be inhibited. From the ultrastructure results of cells in D. magna, we obtained new information: the alimentary canal may be the target organ affected by exposure of microcystins to D. magna. The results of the current study also suggested that the oxidative damage and PPI (protein phosphatase inhibition) mechanisms of vertebrates also are adapted to Daphnia. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 20: 323,330, 2005. [source]

Circumferential mural bands in the small intestine causing simple obstructive colic: a case series

EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 4 2006
J. F. PEREZ OLMOS
Summary Reasons for performing study: Circumferential mural band (CMB) in the small intestine is an emerging condition in Ireland. The clinical presentation is a simple obstruction of the small intestine of unknown aetiology. Hypothesis: Horses affected with CMB in the small intestine have a good prognosis following surgical decompression into the caecum. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out and 28 cases identified from 559 colic surgeries performed over a 5.5 year period. An exploratory celiotomy was performed in every case. A simple obstruction at the mid or distal jejunum was identified caused by a CMB, which was multiple in some cases. All of the horses except 2 had undergone a regular anthelmintic programme. Results: Manual decompression of the small intestine into the caecum resulted in resolution of the simple jejunal obstruction. A constricted segment of small intestine was resected in one case, as the degree of constriction was severe. A full thickness biopsy was taken from another case. Histopathology was performed on both samples. All horses recovered from surgery and were discharged from the hospital 7,32 days post operatively. Short-term complications were observed. Survival rate was 100% at long-term follow-up. Histopathology showed inflammatory infiltration in the submucosa, muscularis and serosa with eosinophils predominating. Parasites were not detected. Conclusion and potential relevance: Small intestine circumferential mural bands have a good prognosis after surgical decompression of the small intestine into the caecum. [source]

Conjugated linoleic acid inhibits peritoneal metastasis in human gastrointestinal cancer cells

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 3 2006
Hiroki Kuniyasu
Abstract The effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on peritoneal metastasis was examined by in vitro treatment of cancer cells and mouse peritoneal metastasis models. First, cell growth of MKN28 human gastric cancer cells and Colo320 human colon cancer cells was suppressed by CLA in a dose-dependent manner with an increment in apoptosis. CLA significantly inhibited invasion into type IV collagen-coated membrane of MKN28 and Colo320 cells (p < 0.05). CLA-induced growth inhibition was recovered by the exposure to antisense S-oligodeoxynucleotide for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-, in both cell lines. BALB/c nu-nu mice were inoculated with MKN28 and Colo320 cells into their peritoneal cavity, and administrated with CLA intraperitoneally (weekly, 4 times). CLA treatment did not affect food intake or weight gain of mice. CLA treatment significantly decreased metastatic foci of both cells in the peritoneal cavity (p < 0.005). Survival rate in mice inoculated with MKN28 or Colo320 cells was significantly recovered by CLA treatment (p = 0.0025 and 0.0052, respectively). Protein production in MKN28 and Colo320 cells treated with CLA showed a decrease in epidermal growth factor receptor and transforming growth factor-, and an increase in Bax. These findings suggest that CLA inhibits metastasis of human gastric and colon cancer cells. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Neuroprotective effects of a combination of dexmedetomidine and hypothermia after incomplete cerebral ischemia in rats

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2010
K. SATO
Background: Dexmedetomidine and hypothermia are known to reduce neuronal injury following cerebral ischemia. We examined whether a combination of dexmedetomidine and hypothermia reduces brain injury after transient forebrain ischemia in rats to a greater extent than either treatment alone. Methods: Thirty-eight male Sprague,Dawley rats were anesthetized with fentanyl and nitrous oxide in oxygen. Four groups were tested: group C (saline 1 ml/kg, temporal muscle temperature 37.5 °C); group H (saline 1 ml/kg, 35.0 °C); group D (dexmedetomidine 100 ,g/kg, 37.5 °C); and group DH (dexmedetomidine 100 ,g/kg, 35.0 °C). Dexmedetomidine or saline was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before ischemia. Cerebral ischemia was produced by right carotid artery ligation with hemorrhagic hypotension (mean arterial pressure 40 mmHg) for 20 min. Neurologic outcome was evaluated at 24, 48, and 72 h after ischemia. Histopathology was evaluated in the caudate and hippocampus at 72 h after ischemia. Results: Neurologic outcome was significantly better in the group DH than the group C (P<0.05), whereas it was similar between the group DH and the groups D or H. Survival rate of the hippocampal CA1 neurons was significantly greater in groups D, H, and DH than group C (P<0.05). Histopathologic injury in the caudate section was significantly less in groups H and DH than group C (P<0.05). Conclusion: The combination of dexmedetomidine and hypothermia improved short-term neurologic outcome compared with the control group, whereas the combination therapy provided comparable neuroprotection with either of the two therapies alone. [source]

Effects of the timing of initial feeding on growth and survival of spotted mandarin fish Siniperca scherzeri larvae

JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 6 2009
L. Zhang
The effects of delayed first feeding on growth and survival of spotted mandarin fish Siniperca scherzeri larvae were examined under controlled conditions. Morphometric characters [yolk-sac volume, oil globule volume, head depth (HD), body depth (BD), eye diameter (ED), musculature height (MH), mouth diameter (MD) and total length (LT)], body mass (M), specific growth rate (SGR) and survival were evaluated under different first-feeding time (2, 3, 4 and 5 days after hatching). Larvae began to feed exogenously at 2 days after hatching (DAH) and the point of no return (PNR) occurred between 5 and 6 DAH at 23° C, range ±1·0° C. The yolk volume of larvae first-fed at 2 days had a significant difference compared with that of larvae first-fed at 3, 4 and 5 days on 3 and 4 DAH. The larvae first-fed at 2 days achieved comparatively better growth performance than that of 3, 4 and 5 days. On 5 DAH, all morphometric characters had significant differences between 2 and 5 days and 2 and 4 days initial feeding, respectively. Total mortality was recorded on 9 DAH for the larvae first-fed at 5 days. On 12 DAH, significant differences were observed between 2 and 4 days and 3 and 4 days initial feeding for all morphometric characters. From 16 DAH to the end of experiment, all growth variables of the larvae first-fed at 2 days were significantly higher than those in other treatments. The SGR (2,9 DAH) first-fed at 2 and 3 days were significantly higher than 4 and 5 day treatments, and the SGR (9,16 DAH) first-fed at 2 days was significantly higher than 3 and 4 day treatments. There was no significant difference, however, of SGR (16,28 DAH) among treatments. Survival rate was significantly higher at 2 days initial feeding (27·42%) when compared with 3 (15·96%) and 4 days (7·92%) initial feeding at the end of experiment. The present study suggests that the first feeding of S. scherzeri larvae should be initiated at 2 days after hatching for achieving good growth and survival. [source]

Pre-exposure to infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrosis virus or to inactivated white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) confers protection against WSSV in Penaeus vannamei (Boone) post-larvae

JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES, Issue 10 2006
J Melena
Abstract Larvae and post-larvae of Penaeus vannamei (Boone) were submitted to primary challenge with infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) or formalin-inactivated white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). Survival rate and viral load were evaluated after secondary per os challenge with WSSV at post-larval stage 45 (PL45). Only shrimp treated with inactivated WSSV at PL35 or with IHHNV infection at nauplius 5, zoea 1 and PL22 were alive (4.7% and 4%, respectively) at 10 days post-infection (p.i.). Moreover, at 9 days p.i. there was 100% mortality in all remaining treatments, while there was 94% mortality in shrimp treated with inactivated WSSV at PL35 and 95% mortality in shrimp previously treated with IHHNV at N5, Z1 and PL22. Based on viral genome copy quantification by real-time PCR, surviving shrimp previously challenged with IHHNV at PL22 contained the lowest load of WSSV (0,1 × 103 copies ,g,1 of DNA). In addition, surviving shrimp previously exposed to inactivated WSSV at PL35 also contained few WSSV (0,2 × 103 copies ,g,1 of DNA). Consequently, pre-exposure to either IHHNV or inactivated WSSV resulted in slower WSSV replication and delayed mortality. This evidence suggests a protective role of IHHNV as an interfering virus, while protection obtained by inactivated WSSV might result from non-specific antiviral immune response. [source]

Survival rate and fracture strength of incisors restored with different post and core systems after exposure in the artificial mouth

JOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 2 2001
J. R. Strub
Survival rate and fracture strength of incisors restored with different post and core systems after exposure in the artificial mouth. The survival rate and fracture resistance of 40 decapitated endodontically treated maxillary central incisors using four different post and core systems covered with all-ceramic copings was evaluated after exposure in the artificial mouth. Ten samples of the following post and core systems were investigated: high precious metal post (Permador®) and core (Olympia®) (A), zirconia post (Cerapost®) with a pre-fabricated bonded ceramic core (Ceracap®) (B), resin-ceramic post (experimental) with a pre-fabricated bonded ceramic core (Ceracap®) (C) and a zirconia post (Cerapost®) with a custom made ceramic core (Cosmo Ingots®) (D). The all-ceramic copings (Procera®) were cemented using Panavia TC®. The survival rates after 1 200 000 cycles in the artificial mouth are as follows: 90% (A), 80% (B), 60% (C) and 100% (D). The results of the means and standard deviations (s.d.) of the fracture resistance during static loading are: 1270 ± 312·5 (A), 1494·5 ± 333·5 (B), 1146·7 ± 182·6 (C) and 463·3 ± 46·2 (D). There are statistically significant differences between all groups with the exception of A and B, and A and C (Wilcoxon test). None of the zirconia posts with custom made ceramic cores covered with all-ceramic copings fractured during dynamic loading in the artificial mouth. The mean fracture strength during static loading was less favourable than that of groups A, B and C but above the clinical necessary level. [source]

Survival rate, abundance, and residency of long-finned pilot whales in the Strait of Gibraltar

MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE, Issue 3 2009
P. Verborgh
Abstract Long-finned pilot whales in the Strait of Gibraltar are distributed over the main shipping routes. This exposes them to risks of collisions and probable acoustic and physical disturbance. This species is also the target of whale-watching operations. The aim of this study was to estimate the annual population size, survival rate, and population growth rate of pilot whales occurring in the Strait and their inter-annual variation using photo-identification. A robust design was used to estimate all three parameters. A total of 10,784 individual pilot whale fins were photographed and analyzed. The population size estimation in summer ranged from a low of 147 individuals in 1999 to a high of 265 individuals in 2003. The annual population growth rate was estimated from mark recapture models to be 5.5%. The survival rate of adults was estimated at 0.982 (95% CI: 0.955,0.993). The same individuals have been observed between years. This suggests that this population is resident in the Strait, at least during summer. This study provides baseline knowledge prior to a predicted increase in shipping traffic throughout the main foraging area due to the opening in 2007 of a major shipping harbor along the Moroccan coast of the Strait. [source]

Pathogenesis of medulloblastoma and current treatment outlook

MEDICINAL RESEARCH REVIEWS, Issue 6 2007
Jaroslaw Jozwiak
Abstract Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant tumor of the cerebellum in children, with a tendency to metastasize via CSF pathway. Survival rate varies depending on several factors, but is rather favorable, with radiotherapy as the treatment of choice. Irradiation of the craniospinal axis results, however, in severe neuropsychological and psychosocial impairments pertaining to memory, attention, motor functioning, language, and visuospatial abilities. Precise mechanisms underlying the formation of medulloblastoma are still unclear, but implication of at least three signaling molecules is postulated: insulin-like growth factor-I, WNT, and Sonic hedgehog. Thanks to increasing knowledge on the cellular mechanisms contributing to tumor formation, it is possible to propose new therapies that could replace radiotherapy or allow decreasing irradiation doses. The current review presents recent developments in medulloblastoma pathophysiology research and proposed inhibitors that could constitute good candidates for further pharmacological research. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 27, No. 6, 869,890, 2007 [source]

Immune response, disease resistance and intestinal microflora of juvenile Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian) fed graded levels of pantothenic acid

AQUACULTURE NUTRITION, Issue 4 2010
Z.-P. WEN
Abstract This study was to investigate the effect of dietary pantothenic acid (PA) on the disease resistance, immune response and intestinal microflora on juvenile Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian). Seven diets (4.0, 15.5, 25.6, 36.1, 45.9, 56.1 and 65.9 mg PA kg,1) were fed to Jian carp (12.95 ± 0.03 g) for 9 weeks. After 9-week feeding trial, the challenge experiment with Aeromonas hydrophila was conducted to determine the impact of PA on fish disease resistance. Survival rate after challenge was promoted with the increasing PA levels (P < 0.05). Blood counts also significantly increased up to the dietary PA level of 25.6 mg PA kg,1 (P < 0.05). Leucocyte phagocytic activity, lectin potency, lysozyme and acid phosphatase activity, and total iron-binding capacity were improved with increasing PA levels (P < 0.05). Serum immunoglobulin M level and agglutination antibody titre to A. hydrophila were increased (P < 0.05) in fish fed the diets with the dietary PA levels between 56.1 and 65.9 mg kg,1. PA also promoted the growth and reproduction of Lactobacillus and depressed Escherichia coli and A. hydrophila (P < 0.05). These results suggested that pantothenic acid could improve disease resistance, immune response, and the balance of intestinal microflora in juvenile Jian carp. [source]

Fabrication of Myomucosal Flap Using Tissue-engineered Bioartificial Mucosa Constructed With Oral Keratinocytes Cultured on Amniotic Membrane

ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 6 2006
Kang-Min Ahn
Abstract:, The purpose of this study was to fabricate bioartificial mucosa using cultured oral keratinocytes (OKCs) on an amniotic membrane (AM), and to evaluate the possibility of developing a prelaminated myomucosal flap using the fabricated bioartificial mucosa and local muscle flap. Buccal mucosa was harvested from male New Zealand rabbits (n = 40, 2.5,3.0 kg) and primary cultivation was performed. The cultured OKCs were seeded on the AM and a submerged culture was performed. Prelamination of the bioartificial mucosa was performed on the latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle of rabbits. Survival rate, layer of OKCs, and Cinamon's score (CS) based on macroscopic and microscopic examinations were evaluated 7, 10, 14, and 21 days after prelamination (n = 10 per day). The OKCs cultured on AM showed multiple layers (3.85 ± 1.32) and cells were tightly adhered with desmosomes. Basal layer cells adhered to the AM with hemidesmosomes. In addition, the AM played an excellent role as a substrate for the OKCs and simplified handling during prelamination. A myomucosal flap with OKCs cultured on AM was fabricated within 2 weeks (CS: 11.05 ± 2.63). The basement component of laminin was observed 2 weeks after prelamination and showed enough strength to adhere to the underlying fascia. A myomucosal flap was successfully developed using prelamination of bioartificial mucosa on the LD muscle between 10 and 14 days. [source]

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 oncoprotein expression in breast cancer patients from central Anatolia, Turkey

ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
Hasan Senol COSKUN
Abstract Aim: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression is associated with poor prognosis and the frequency of HER2 positivity in breast cancer patients varies among different regions of the world. We studied HER2 expression in Turkish breast cancer patients. Methods: HER 2 expression was evaluated immunohistochemically in 107 breast cancer patients. HER2 expression was reported as negative or positive (3+) according to cellular membrane staining characteristics. The frequency of HER2 overexpression, distribution according to clinical characteristics, effect on survival and effect of chemotherapy on survival in relation to HER2 overexpression was evaluated. Results: The median age of patients was 49 years (range 27,76). HER2 was 3+ in 34 patients (31.8%). There was no significant difference in age, menopausal status, histopathology, lymph node involvement, stage and estrogen and/or progesterone receptor positivity in relation to HER2 expression. Forty-three patients (40.2%) relapsed and 21 patients (19.6%) died during the follow-up period. There was no significant difference in the relapse rate, distribution of relapse sites and death rate in relation to HER2 expression. The 3- and 5-year disease free survival rates were 67.1 and 40.5%, and the overall survival rates were 87.5 and 66.1%, respectively. Survival rate and calculated survival time were relatively shorter in HER2 3+ patients than in non-HER2 3+ patients, but these differences were not statistically significant. HER2 status did not affect survival period according to chemotherapy group. Conclusion: Immunohistochemistry findings of HER2 expression in Turkish breast cancer patients were similar to those found in the published reports. A shorter survival period was observed in HER2 3+ patients, but the difference was not statistically significant. [source]

Survival rate of preantral follicles derived from vitrified neonate mouse ovarian tissue by cryotop and conventional methods

BIOFACTORS, Issue 2 2007
H. Eimani
Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the growth and survival rate of preantral follicles isolated from vitrified ovarian tissue by Cryotop and conventional methods. The ovaries of 14-day-old mice were separated and divided into four groups as following: Cryotop group, vitrified by Cryotop; CV (Conventional; CV) group, vitrified by conventional straw; toxicity test group and control group. After warming the vitrified ovaries, isolated preantral follicles from four groups were cultured for 4 days to compare survival rate and follicular growth between above-mentioned groups. Survival rate (97.3%) in toxicity test group alike the control group (98.7%) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the Cryotop (92.7%) and CV (47.7%) groups. Increase in follicle diameters after 4 days in Cryotop and CV groups was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the control and toxicity test groups, but growth and survival rate of follicles in Cryotop group was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the CV group. These results demonstrated that ovarian tissue vitrification by Cryotop highly preserves the viability rate of preantral follicles. [source]

White matter changes in extremely preterm infants, a population-based diffusion tensor imaging study

ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 6 2010
Béatrice Skiöld
Abstract Aim:, To investigate cerebral white matter (WM) abnormalities (J Pediatr 2003; 143: 171) and diffuse and excessive high signal intensities (DEHSI), (J Pediatr 1999; 135: 351) in a cohort of extremely preterm infants born in Stockholm during a 3-year period, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Methods:, MRI at term-equivalent age was performed in 109 infants and DTI data were acquired in 54 infants. Survival rate in the entire cohort was 67%. Sixteen term-born healthy control infants were scanned for comparison. Results:, No or mild WM abnormalities were seen in 86% of infants and 14% had moderate or severe WM abnormalities. DEHSI were seen in infants with all grades of white matter abnormalities and were present in 56% of infants. In the WM at the level of centrum semiovale, infants with any WM abnormalities or DEHSI had lower Fractional Anisotropy and higher Apparent Diffusion Coefficient compared with control infants. No significant differences in diffusion were seen in infants without DEHSI compared with the controls in this region. Compared with controls, the preterm infants had significantly altered diffusion in the corpus callosum. Conclusion:, Only 14% of the extremely preterm infants had moderate or severe WM abnormalities on MRI. However, the incidence of DEHSI was high. In the DEHSI regions, changes in diffusion parameters were detected, indicating altered WM organization. [source]

Classification, incidence and survival analyses of children with CNS tumours diagnosed in Sweden 1984,2005

ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 10 2009
Birgitta Lannering
Abstract Aim:, Primary tumours in the central nervous system (CNS) are the second most common malignancy in childhood after leukaemia. Sweden has a high incidence and a high-survival rate in international comparative studies. This has raised the question about the type of tumours included in the Swedish Cancer registry. We therefore compared international data to the Swedish Childhood Cancer registry. Methods:, Central nervous system tumours registered in the Swedish Childhood Cancer Registry were reclassified according to ICCC-3. Incidence and survival analyses were performed in the study population. Results:, There were 1479 children (<15 years) in Sweden diagnosed with CNS tumours 1984,2005. The distribution of diagnoses was similar to that reported in other studies. The annual incidence was 4.2/100 000 children. The survival rates have not improved significantly between the two time periods before/after 1995 (70% vs. 74%; p = 0.10). Conclusions:, The mean annual incidence of children with CNS tumours was 4.2/100 000 and has not increased during the study period. Survival rate for brain tumours at 10 years follow-up was 72%. [source]

Clinicopathological features and prognosis of esophageal cancer in young patients.

DISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS, Issue 3 2009
Is there a difference in outcome?
SUMMARY The aim of this study was to define the clinicopathological features and prognosis of esophageal cancer in patients 40 years and younger. Between 1990 and 2007, 549 patients with esophageal cancer were enrolled in a retrospective database. Patients were divided into two age groups: Group A was under 40 years old, and group B over 40 years old. The findings for 50 patients (9.1%) aged 40 years or less were compared with those of 499 patients over 40 years old. In the younger group, there were significantly more women (35/15 vs. 231/268, P < 0.001). In the young and old groups, the most frequent histological morphology was squamous cell carcinoma (88% and 75%, respectively), although the percentages were significantly different (P < 0.005). In the younger group, lesions were more frequently located in the middle one-third of the esophagus than in the older group (64% vs. 28.3%, P < 0.001). Group A was more likely to have Stage IIa than older patients. In both groups, the surgical removal of the tumor was the most frequently used choice (70% vs. 56.5%). Survival rates in younger patients at 5 years after resection were 11.4%, similar to those in older patients (16.9%, difference not significant). In the group under age 40, women predominated. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common histology, followed by adenocarcinoma. Younger patients did not have improved 5-year survival compared with their older counterparts. [source]

Aggression in imported fire ants: an explanation for shifts in their spatial distributions in Southern United States?

ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 4 2009
HENRY Y. FADAMIRO
Abstract 1.,The imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren (red), S. richteri Forel (black), and their hybrids (S. invicta × S. richteri) are sympatric congeners with overlapping but shifting spatial distributions in northern Alabama and Mississippi, United States. 2.,The abilities of workers of the three ant forms (or species) to recognise non-nestmate conspecifics and heterospecifics were compared in separate aggression bioassays using three group sizes of competitor numbers (battles): 1-1, 5-1, and 5-5 resident,intruder battles. 3.,Workers of all three forms showed significant aggression toward non-nestmate conspecifics and heterospecifics. The results of the intra-specific aggression bioassays showed that S. invicta had the lowest aggression threshold, whereas S. richteri was the least aggressive. Survival rates 1 day after intra-specific encounters were higher for S. richteri than for S. invicta or hybrids, consistent with its lower aggressiveness. 4.,In inter-specific interactions, S. invicta workers showed the greatest aggression and were more aggressive towards S. richteri than to hybrids. Furthermore, survival 1 day after inter-specific encounters was highest for S. invicta workers, whether they were the intruders or residents. The hybrid form was intermediate between both parental forms in aggression and post-aggression survival. 5.,The live 1-1 and 5-5 battles produced similar and consistent results, but differences were amplified in the 5-5 battles, suggesting an effect of group size on aggression. These results may explain the observed shifts in the spatial distributions of the three forms and range restriction of S. richteri in southern United States. [source]

Survival rates in a natural population of the damselfly Ceriagrion tenellum: effects of sex and female phenotype

ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 4 2001
Jose A. Andrés
Summary 1. Ceriagrion tenellum females show genetic colour polymorphism. Androchrome (erythrogastrum) females are brightly (male-like) coloured while gynochrome females (typica and melanogastrum) show cryptic colouration. 2. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the existence of more than one female morph in damselfly populations. The reproductive isolation and intraspecific mimicry hypotheses predict greater survival of gynochrome females, while the density dependent hypothesis predicts no differential survival between morphs. 3. Mature males had greater recapture probability than females while the survival probability was similar for both sexes. Survival and recapture rates were similar for androchrome and gynochrome females. 4. Gynochrome females showed greater mortality or migration rate than androchrome females during the pre-reproductive period. This result is not predicted by the above hypotheses or by the null hypothesis that colour polymorphism is only maintained by random factors: founder effects, genetic drift, and migration. [source]

Laboratory-based reproduction success of ruffe, Gymnocephalus cernuus (L.), in brackish water is determined by maternal properties

ECOLOGY OF FRESHWATER FISH, Issue 2 2006
A. Albert
Abstract,, Body length, age, egg size, embryo salinity tolerance and length at hatching of the freshwater (salinity <0.1 ppt, Lake Peipsi) and brackish-water (salinity 2,6 ppt, Pärnu and Matsalu Bay) ruffe, Gymnocephalus cernuus (L.), were examined to reveal their reproductive success in moderate salinity. Eggs of females originating from brackish water were significantly larger than eggs of freshwater females. No correlation between egg size and female size and age was found in brackish-water populations. In the freshwater population there was a small negative correlation between egg size and female size, but no correlation with female age. Fertilisation by sperm of males of different origin (brackish water or freshwater) produced no significant differences at any critical developmental stage (fertilisation, gastrulation, hatching) in the development of eggs from brackish-water or freshwater females at 3.3, 5.5, 7.7 and 9.9 ppt salinity. Survival rates in different salinity depended only on female origin; embryonic salinity tolerance was higher in ruffe inhabiting brackish water. Obviously, embryo salinity tolerance in ruffe is determined by egg qualities. [source]

Analysis of free flap viability based on recipient vein selection

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 10 2009
David O. Francis MD
Abstract Background. Venous anastomotic failure is the primary reason for microvascular free tissue transfer failure. Donor and recipient veins can be oriented in the same longitudinal axis (end-to-end anastomosis), or the donor vein can be anastomosed to the internal jugular vein in an end-to-side configuration. No consensus on the optimal anastomosis configuration exists. We sought to evaluate whether type of venous anastomosis impacts flap survival rate. Methods. Data were collected on all patients undergoing microvascular free flap reconstruction of head and neck defects at the University of Washington between August 1993 and April 2007. Flaps with a single venous anastomosis were analyzed. Flaps were stratified into those with end-to-end and end-to-side anastomoses. Survival rates were compared between groups using bivariate and multivariate techniques. Results. Inclusion criteria were met by 786 free flaps; 87% performed in an end-to-end and 13% in an end-to-side configuration. Flap re-exploration and failure rate were 4.3% and 1.1%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, there was no difference in odds of flap re-exploration (OR .70, 95% CI .23,2.18) or flap failure whether or not an end-to-end or end-to-side anastomosis was performed (OR 2.09, 95% CI .38,11.5). Conclusions. In this large cohort of patients, we found no difference in the odds of flap re-exploration or failure based on venous anastomotic configuration. Reconstructive surgeons should have both anastomotic techniques in their repertoire to optimize the success of every flap. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009 [source]

The national cancer data base report on squamous cell carcinoma of the base of tongue,,

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 8 2004
Weining Zhen MD
Abstract Background. This study provides the largest contemporary overview of presentation, care, and outcome for base of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Methods. We extracted 16,188 cases from the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB). Chi-square analyses were performed on selected cross-tabulations. Observed and disease-specific survival were used to analyze outcome. Results. Three-quarters had advanced-stage (III,IV) disease. Radiation therapy alone (24.5%) and combined with surgery (26.9%) were the most common treatments. Five-year observed and disease-specific survival rates were 27.8% and 40.3%, respectively. Poorer survival was significantly associated with older age, low income, and advanced-stage disease. For early-stage disease, surgery with or without irradiation had higher survival than irradiation alone. For advanced-stage disease, surgery with irradiation had the highest survival. Conclusions. Survival rates were low for base of tongue SCC, with most deaths occurring within the first 2 years. Income, stage, and age were significant prognostic factors. In this nonrandomized series, surgery with radiation therapy offered patients with advanced-stage disease the best survival. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 26: 660,674, 2004 [source]

The lifespan and life-cycle of self-help groups: a retrospective study of groups in Nottingham, UK

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 4 2010
Sarah Chaudhary LLB (Hons) MA
Abstract This article is based on an analysis of a practice database held by Self Help Nottingham, an organisation that supports local self-help groups. The database contains details of 936 groups that closed between 1982 and 2007. The aim of the study is to provide qualitative and descriptive quantitative information about the life-cycles of self-help groups, the problems that they face throughout their existence and the likelihood of different problems leading to their closure. The database was not collated for research purposes and so we restrict our discussion of the findings to identification of broad patterns regarding the birth and closure rates of different types of group and questions for future research. Comparisons were made between groups that addressed different types of problem, groups with different memberships and groups that had reached different stages in their existence. There was reasonable consistency in the survival rates of different types of group with physical health groups being the most likely to reach maturity followed by mental health and lastly social issue groups. Survival rates for groups that serve different membership populations were reasonably constant although there were some anomalies. There were high levels of consistency regarding the reasons for closure for groups closing at different stages of maturity. The most commonly cited reasons among all groups were the withdrawal of a ,key' member and a decline in membership. The article suggests that some of the assumptions and prescriptions within the existing literature need to be considered in light of more detailed empirical evidence, and it raises questions about the theoretical understanding of self-help groups. [source]

Nuclear survivin is associated with disease recurrence and poor survival in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma

HISTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 7 2007
F Piras
Aims:, Survivin is expressed in neoplastic cells and appears to be associated with resistance to therapy and shorter survival in various types of tumours. The aim of the present study was to determine whether nuclear or cytoplasmic expression of survivin is related to disease recurrence and overall survival of patients with Stage I and II melanoma according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. Methods and results:, Immunohistochemistry was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of primary cutaneous melanoma from 50 patients. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan,Meier method and compared using the log rank test. Association of clinical variables (gender, age, tumour location, thickness, Clark level and AJCC stage) with survivin expression was analysed by Fisher's exact test. Patients with nuclear immunoreactivity for survivin had an increased risk of disease recurrence during the first three postoperative years (P < 0.05) and of death (P < 0.05). Cytoplasmic immunoreactivity was not correlated with either survival or clinical variables. Conclusions:, Nuclear presence of survivin may be an independent biomarker for disease recurrence and overall survival in patients with Stage I and II melanoma. [source]

Survival rates, causes of failure and productivity of Skylark Alauda arvensis nests on lowland farmland

IBIS, Issue 4 2002
P. F. Donald
This paper analyses data from 995 Skylark Alauda arvensis nests found on lowland farms in southern England from 1996 to 1998. The majority of recorded nest failures were caused by predation except in agricultural grass, where trampling and agricultural operations were equally important. Nest survival rates varied between crop types, nests in cereals being around twice as likely to succeed as nests in grass or set-aside. In cereals, nest survival rates increased with increasing distance from the nearest tramline and declined over the course of the breeding season. Predator control also had a significant independent effect on nest survival rates. On one farm where many other factors were held constant, a highly significant increase in nest survival rates from 12.3% to 40.7% coincided with the introduction of intensive predator control, which also appeared to bring forward mean laying dates. Most environmental factors explaining significant variation in nest survival rates did so only at the chick stage. The mean number of chicks produced per nesting attempt was 1.26 in cereals, 0.78 in set-aside and 0.63 in grass, the differences being due primarily to variation in nest survival rates. Low densities of Skylark territories in cereal crops are not therefore the consequence of low breeding success at the scale of the individual nest and probably reflect limitations on the number of attempts made in a season. Measures taken to improve the attractiveness of cereal crops as a nesting habitat for Skylarks, and beneficial changes in grassland management, are likely to increase overall productivity. [source]

Long-term outcome of postoperative interferon-, adjuvant therapy for non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 5 2004
AKINOBU GOTOH
Abstract Aim: To investigate the long-term efficacy of postoperative interferon-, (IFN-,) adjuvant therapy in preventing recurrence in non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with radical nephrectomy and to identify related prognostic markers. Methods: Long-term follow-up was conducted to study rates of survival and non-recurrence in 88 subjects following radical nephrectomy for non-metastatic disease. Results: The overall survival rate was 90% at 5 years and 88% at 10, with corresponding non-recurrence rates of 81% and 74%. Survival rates reviewed by preadministration pT stage showed a falling tendency from T1 through to T3 in line with pathological progression; when cases at stage pT1b or below were compared with those at stage pT2 or above, the latter showed a tendency to lower survival rates (P = 0.0966, Breslow-Gehan-Wilcoxon). Similarly, non-recurrence rates tended to fall in line with pathological progression, with a significant difference found in the comparison of cases at stage pT1b or below with those at stage pT2 or above (P = 0.0265, log,rank, Mantel-Cox). Duration of IFN-, administration showed a tendency to positive correlation with long-term survival (P = 0.3765, Breslow-Gehan-Wilcoxon). Non-recurrence rate was not found to differ according to duration of administration. Comparison of groups with normal and abnormal preadministration immunosuppressive acidic protein values showed that the normal group tended to have higher rates of survival and non-recurrence (P = 0.3371, Breslow-Gehan-Wilcoxon). Conclusions: Immunosuppressive acidic protein values appear to be a useful predictive marker for recurrence. A randomized trial, examining long-term outcome according to tumor stage and variables such as duration of administration, dose, administration time, and dosing schedule is required. [source]

Prognostic significance of tumor grade for renal cell carcinoma

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 1 2000
Yasutada Onodera
Abstract Background: The natural history and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma cannot be predicted. Based on the Japanese classification system, the value of nuclear grade were assessed as a possible prognostic factor for renal cell carcinomas. Methods: In this retrospective study of 116 patients with renal cell carcinoma, radical nephrectomy was performed. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan,Meier method and multivariate analysis was performed using Cox's proportional hazard model. Results: Distribution by stage and grade in the population of renal cell carcinomas was as follows: pT1 in 13 cases (11.3%), pT2 in 65 cases (56.5%), pT3 in 36 cases (31.3%) and pT4 in one case (0. 9%) and grade 1, 28 (24.1%), grade 2, 69 (59.5%) and grade 3, 16 (13.8%). Three cases could not be determined because of pre-operative embolization of the renal cell carcinomas. Nuclear grade was correlated with stage (P = 0.0002), the presence of perirenal fat involvement (P = 0.003) and metastases (P = 0.007). A significant difference in survival was found between grades 1 and 3 (P = 0.0001) and grades 2 and 3 (P = 0.0001), respectively. Survival was significantly correlated with sex (P = 0.0125), tumor size (P = 0.0001), the presence of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.0001), renal vein involvement (P = 0.0001), perirenal fat involvement (P = 0.002) or distant metastasis (P = 0.0001). The multivariate analysis showed that the occurrence of tumor grade (P = 0.0006) or distant metastasis were independent prognostic values. Conclusion: The observations lead us to conclude that the nuclear grade according to the Japanese classification system appears to be of reliable prognostic value for renal cell carcinomas. [source]