bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitric oxide as a messenger between neurons and satellite glial cells in dorsal root ganglia
Authors: Belzer Vitali , Hanani Menachem 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAbnormal neuronal activity in sensory ganglia contributes to chronic pain. There is evidence that signals can spread between cells in these ganglia, which may contribute to this activity. Satellite glial cells (SGCs) in sensory ganglia undergo activation following peripheral injury and participate in cellular communication via gap junctions and chemical signaling. Nitric oxide (NO) is released from neurons in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and induces cyclic GMP (cGMP) production in SCGs, but its role in SGC activation and neuronal excitability has not been explored. It was previously reported that induction of intestinal inflammation with dinitrobenzoate sulfonate (DNBS) increased gap junctional communications among SGCs, which contributed to neuronal excitability and pain. Here we show that DNBS induced SGC activation in mouse DRG, as assayed by glial fibrillary acidic protein upregulation. DNBS also upregulated cGMP level in SGCs, consistent with NO production. In vitro studies on intact ganglia from DNBS‐treated mice showed that blocking NO synthesis inhibited both SGCs activation and cGMP upregulation, indicating an ongoing NO production. Application of NO donor in vitro induced SGC activation, augmented gap junctional communications, and raised neuronal excitability, as assessed by electrical recordings. The cGMP analog 8‐Br‐cGMP mimicked these actions, confirming the role of the NO‐cGMP pathway in intraganglionic communications. NO also augmented Ca2+ waves propagation in DRG cultures. It is proposed that NO synthesis in DRG neurons increases after peripheral inflammation and that NO induces SGC activation, which in turn contributes to neuronal hyperexcitability. Thus, NO plays a major role in neuron–SGC communication.
Speech intelligibility in patients with oral cancer: An objective baseline evaluation of pretreatment function and impairment
Authors: Stelzle Florian , Oetter Nicolai , Goellner Luisa Theresa , Adler Werner , Rohde Maximilian , Maier Andreas , Matthies Levi , Kesting Marco Rainer , Knipfer Christian 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis study seeks to identify those factors that influence the pre‐therapeutic speech intelligibility in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).MethodA group of 172 patients (125 males, 47 females, mean age = 61 ± 11 a) with different OSCC stages ranging from T1 to T4 and N0 to N2 was examined for their speech intelligibility using a computerized measuring tool, and compared to a healthy reference group (30 males, 10 females, mean age = 59 ± 12 a).ResultsIt was found that the pre‐therapeutic speech intelligibility in patients with OSCC is decreased when compared to a healthy collective. Two demographic factors that influence speech intelligibility could be identified: sex and age. It was determined that the only disease‐related factor that influences speech intelligibility before therapy is the location of the tumor.ConclusionThe results of this study reveal that a preoperative speech intelligibility impairment in patients suffering from OSCC occurs independent of tumor stage, size of the tumor and infiltration status.
Astrocytic pyruvate carboxylation: Status after 35 years
Authors: Schousboe Arne , Waagepetersen Helle S. , Sonnewald Ursula 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe first two publications dealing with the question of the cellular localization of the enzyme pyruvate carboxylase (PC) which in the brain represents the most important metabolic pathway to allow anaplerosis of TCA cycle constituents were published in 1983 and 1985. Hence, 2018 marks the 35th anniversary of the notion based on the results of the publications provided above that PC‐catalyzed anaplerosis in the brain is an astrocytic process. This review will provide the background for investigating this enzymatic pathway as well as a discussion of cataplerosis, the degradation of products from anaplerosis, and the current status of the functional significance of pyruvate carboxylation in brain metabolism.
Quality, functional and sensory evaluation of pasta fortified with extracts from Opuntia ficus‐indica cladodes
Authors: Attanzio Alessandro , Diana Patrizia , Barraja Paola , Carbone Anna , Spanò Virginia , Parrino Barbara , Cascioferro Stella M , Allegra Mario , Cirrincione Girolamo , Tesoriere Luisa , Montalbano Alessandra 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe stems of Opuntia ficus‐indica, known as cladodes, are a rich source of soluble fibers, which makes them an important candidate for the production of functional foods. Tagliatelle of durum wheat fortified with Opuntia cladode extract (OCE) at different levels of addition (10–30%, v/w) was prepared on a laboratory scale and quality characteristics and sensory acceptability were assessed.RESULTSThe main quality parameters (optimal cooking time, swelling index, cooking loss, dry matter) and sensory analysis on a nine‐point hedonic scale were comparable with those of the control pasta sample (no added OCE) when durum wheat was supplemented with OCE at up to 20% (v/w). An in vitro human simulated gastrointestinal digestion in the presence of cholesterol or its main dietary oxidized derivative, 7‐ketocholesterol, showed that OCE‐fortified pasta strongly reduced the bioaccessibility of both the sterols (the higher the incorporated OCE level, the higher the effect). Moreover the extent of starch digestion decreased with increasing levels of OCE.CONCLUSIONThe results of the present study indicate that OCE‐fortified pasta comprises a food with healthy properties, such as blood cholesterol‐ and glucose‐lowering capabilities. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
The influence of berry perforation on grape drying kinetics and total phenolic compounds
Authors: Martín‐Gómez Juan , Ángeles Varo M , Mérida Julieta , Serratosa María P 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDDrying is one of the traditional methods used for the conservation of fruits. In recent years, different methods have been developed to obtain higher quality products. Chamber‐drying methods with hot air at controlled temperature are reliable and easy to use. The effect of piercing the structure of grape berries on their drying time was studied experimentally during convective drying within a temperature range of 30–50 °C. Experimental moisture loss results were fitted to different mathematical models, evaluated for goodness of fit by comparing their respective R2, χ2, and root mean square error.RESULTSThe Midilli et al. model provided a better prediction to describe the drying of whole grapes than the other models evaluated. However, punched grapes showed a better fit for the two‐term model at 30 and 40 °C, and the approximation of diffusion model at 50 °C. The values of effective moisture diffusivity fluctuated between 8.04 × 10−12 and 7.31 × 10−11 m2 s−1. Activation energy was 56.49 and 54.43 kJ mol−1 for whole and punched grapes, respectively. All the drying processes produced an increase of total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in grapes, these increases being higher in whole grape drying.CONCLUSIONThe drying of punched grapes was faster and the activation energy higher than with drying of whole grapes; however, whole grapes presented more total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Surgical resectability of multisite metastatic colorectal cancer: Pushing the limits while appropriately selecting patients
Authors: Bliss Lindsay A. , Strong Erin A. , Gamblin T. Clark 
Published: February 2019

AbstractManagement of multisite colorectal metastases is expanding to make curative resection possible for more patients who present with advanced disease. Patient selection, tumor biology, meticulous surgical technique, and thoughtful perioperative care are essential to extending the benefit to patients previously treated with palliative goals of care.
Racial disparities in bladder management in veterans with spinal cord injury and disorders
Authors: Morin Jacqueline P , King Ashley B , Goetz Lance L , Wolfe Luke G , Klausner Adam P 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimsNeurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction is common in individuals with spinal cord injury and disorders (SCI/D). The purpose of this study was to identify specific demographic, neurologic, and urologic factors associated with different bladder management methods (BMMs) in individuals with SCI/D.MethodsA retrospective review of BMMs at a large Veterans Affairs SCI/D center was performed to identify associated risk factors including demographics, neurologic factors, and urologic factors. Bivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with specific BMMs. Then, a propensity‐matched racial group analysis was performed to identify independent factors associated with differences in BMM.ResultsData from 833 patients with SCI/D were reviewed and included 52.1% Caucasians and 39.6% African Americans. On bivariate analysis, current age, years since the injury, the severity of functional impairment, nonmedical mechanism of injury, and Caucasian race were associated with increased rates of indwelling catheter use. In an analysis of propensity‐matched racial groups, African‐American race was found to be an independent risk factor for not using indwelling catheters on multivariate analysis (odds ratio = 0.55). This finding was not related to access to care, as the rate of urodynamic testing was similar between races (
P = 0.174).ConclusionsCaucasians were more likely to use indwelling catheters and less likely to use conservative BMMs despite proper urodynamic evaluation. The racial discrepancy suggests a need for future research aimed at identifying unknown psychosocial factors associated with the use of indwelling catheters in individuals with SCI/D.
Vesomni improves the quality of life in men with lower urinary tract symptoms in routine clinical practice in Europe
Authors: Rees Jonathan , Foley Steve , Huang Moses , Rosa Arias José , Skoumal René , Walters Carien , Yavuz Yalcin , De Wachter Stefan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimTo evaluate the impact of Vesomni/Urizia/Volutsa, a fixed‐dose combination tablet containing 6 mg solifenacin (antimuscarinic) and 0.4 mg tamsulosin (α‐blocker), on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and treatment satisfaction in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in routine clinical practice.MethodsEUROPA was a noninterventional study of men with LUTS/BPH not responding to monotherapy who were prescribed Vesomni in routine clinical practice. Data were collected retrospectively (1 year) and prospectively (1 year). Assessments were performed at baseline, weeks 4 to 8, weeks 9 to 18 (optional), weeks 19 to 39 (optional), and Weeks 40 to 52. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in HRQoL, as assessed by the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB‐q) symptom bother subscale score. Change from baseline in OAB‐q total and coping, sleep, and social interaction subscale scores, treatment satisfaction‐visual analog scale (TS‐VAS), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and European Quality of Life 5‐Dimension‐5‐Level (EQ‐5D‐5L) questionnaire were also evaluated.ResultsFive hundred and eighty‐nine patients were enrolled. The mean changes in adjusted mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) OAB‐q symptom bother subscale scores were −16.40 (−24.31, −8.49) at weeks 4 to 8 and −19.59 (−28.26, −10.92) at weeks 40 to 52; at weeks 40 to 52, changes were clinically meaningful in 84.6% of patients. Adjusted mean (95% CI) change from baseline to weeks 40 to 52 were 15.02 (7.35, 22.69), 19.37 (10.86, 27.89), 18.65 (7.44, 29.86), 9.85 (3.90, 15.81), and 16.09 (9.07, 23.11) for concern, coping, sleep, social interaction, and total, respectively. TS‐VAS, IPSS, and EQ‐5D‐5L all improved, and treatment persistence at weeks 40 to 52 was 77.1%. Urinary retention was reported in four (0.7%) patients.ConclusionsVesomni was well‐tolerated and improved HRQoL and treatment satisfaction in patients with LUTS/BPH.
Is a 10‐minute surgical scrub necessary in urologic prosthetic surgery? A randomized study of the effect of a 5‐ vs 10‐minute surgical scrub on bacterial colony counts in the genital skin
Authors: Malalasekera Ashanya , Louie‐Johnsun Mark , Wang Audrey , van Diepen Danielle C. , Gottlieb Thomas , Chan Lewis 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimsTo determine the antiseptic efficacy on bacterial colony counts of a 5‐ vs 10‐minute surgical site scrub in urologic surgery.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted in 101 patients presenting for elective urological procedures. Patients were randomized to a 5‐ or 10‐minute groin scrub with Betadine (povidone‐iodine). Skin swabs were taken immediately after skin clipping and following routine painting with Betadine. A third swab was taken after the betadine skin scrub. Bacterial colony counts were reported as a number of colony‐forming units (CFUs). The primary outcome measure was a quantitative comparison of CFUs in the two arms.ResultsFifty‐three patients were randomized to a 5‐minute scrub and 48 to a 10‐minute scrub. After Betadine painting, CFUs were present in 38% of patients in the 5‐minute group (mean, 33.5 CFU) and in 27% of the 10‐minute group (mean, 45.4 CFU). Following the surgical scrub, only 7.5% of the 5‐minute group and 8.3% of the 10‐minute group had a measurable CFU count of greater than or equal to 1, and colony counts were low in both groups (5‐ minute group: mean, 1.5 CFU; 10‐minute group: mean, 2.0 CFU). There was no significant difference in CFUs following a 5‐ or 10‐minute scrub (P = 0.28).ConclusionsThe addition of a surgical skin scrub leads to a fourfold reduction in the skin CFU count compared with Betadine painting. However, there is no difference between the antibacterial effects of a 5‐ and 10‐minute scrub. A 5‐minute scrub may be sufficient in urologic prosthetic surgery.
The development of the ICIQ‐UAB: A patient reported outcome measure for underactive bladder
Authors: Uren Alan D. , Cotterill Nikki , Harding Christopher , Hillary Christopher , Chapple Christopher , Lasch Kathryn , Stroupe Angela , Deshpande Chinmay , Delbecque Laure , Van Koeveringe Gommert , Oelke Matthias , Belal Mohammed , Bosch Ruud , Blok Bertil , Nitti Victor , Gotoh Momokazu , Takei Mineo , Crawford Bruce , Klaver Monique , Bongaerts Dominique , Hakimi Zalmai , Kos Ton , Abrams Paul 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimsTo present the development of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐underactive bladder (ICIQ‐UAB) as the first patient reported outcome measure for the assessment of the symptoms and impact on the health‐related quality of life of UAB developed in‐line with the Food and Drug Administration Guidance for Industry.MethodsDraft items were developed following 44 semi‐structured concept elicitation interviews in the UK and refined using 36 cognitive interviews. A pilot study was designed to assess the draft ICIQ‐UAB's initial psychometric properties with 54 patients recruited from European hospitals. Further concept elicitation interviews were also carried out with 11 patients in the US and 10 patients in Japan. All participants had a prior urodynamic diagnosis of detrusor underactivity.ResultsThe cognitive interviews confirmed the initial items to be understood and interpreted as intended. Pilot testing showed that both internal consistency (Cronbach's α ≥ 0.85) and test‐retest reliability (stable patients; intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.88) were high. The interviews in the US and Japan elicited symptoms and impacts that support previous findings in the UK and provided further insight into the experiences of patients in those countries. The developmental ICIQ‐UAB was refined using the evidence from all substudies.ConclusionsThe validity and reliability of the ICIQ‐UAB were supported in a pilot study setting and the wider cultural applicability by the additional interviews in the US and Japan. Following further validation in future clinical trials, the developmental ICIQ‐UAB is envisaged as an important tool for the monitoring of future UAB treatment strategies.
Incidence, clinical distribution, and patient characteristics of childhood cancer in Saudi Arabia: A population‐based analysis
Authors: Belgaumi Asim F. , Pathan Ghulam Q. , Siddiqui Khawar , Ali Afshan A. , Al‐Fawaz Ibrahim , Al‐Sweedan Suleimman , Ayas Mouhab , Al‐Kofide Amani A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPurposeInformation regarding the incidence and patterns of childhood malignancies is disproportionately overrepresented by high‐income countries, representing mainly the Caucasian population. There is a need to evaluate and disseminate information for other ethnicities, particularly from the Middle East.MethodsData from the National Cancer Registry, Saudi Arabia (SA‐NCR), for pediatric patients (age 0–14 years) diagnosed between 2005 and 2009 and for similar patients at our institution during the same period were analyzed. Population numbers reported in the 2007 national census were used to calculate the annual incidence of childhood cancer.ResultsData from SA‐NCR on 3885 patients were included in this analysis. The median age was 5.58 years, and 57.3% were males. The annual age‐specific cancer incidence rate (ASR) for children in SA is 99.83 per million population; ASR per million for lymphoid leukemia is 25.75, 12.05 for brain tumors, and 9.82 for Hodgkin lymphoma. Of all childhood cancers in SA, 35% were treated at our institution. The five‐year overall survival for these 1350 patients is 74.6% (median follow‐up 7.52 years [95% confidence interval: 7.36–7.68]). Significant differences in the distribution of childhood malignancy subtypes were evident compared with other countries.ConclusionWe have reported differences in the cancer ASR and cancer subtype distribution for children in SA as compared with the worldwide incidence and with other populations. This paper provides a comprehensive epidemiological overview of childhood cancer in SA, which could be extrapolated to other regional Arab populations.
Ultrasound Measures of the Abdominal Wall in Patients with Low Back Pain Before and After an 8‐week Lumbar Stabilization Exercise Program, and Their Association With Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Larivière Christian , Henry Sharon M. , Gagnon Dany H. , Preuss Richard , Dumas Jean‐Pierre 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundLumbar stabilization exercise programs (LSEPs) act positively on clinical outcome measures in patients with low back pain (LBP), but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Among the various neuromuscular mechanisms, a good candidate is better activation of the abdominal wall, as measured with rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI).ObjectivesTo determine whether RUSI measures are (1) sensitive to LBP status and treatment (LSEP) and (2) correlate with clinical outcomes following the LSEP.DesignAn exploratory one‐arm clinical trial with healthy participants as a control group.SettingLSEP was delivered in a clinical setting; outcomes were measured in a laboratory setting.ParticipantsThirty‐one patients with nonacute LBP and 30 healthy controls.MethodsOutcome measures were performed before and after an 8‐week LSEP in patients with LBP, and with the same time interval for control participants to compare with patients at baseline.Main Outcome MeasurementsPain, disability, as well as static (at rest) and dynamic (percent thickness change) RUSI measures for abdominal muscles (transversus abdominis, internal oblique [IO], and external oblique [EO]).ResultsPatients did not produce systematic changes in RUSI measures relative to controls, even if patients had significant improvement in pain and disability. However, the correlational analyses between the absolute change (pre‐ to post‐LSEP) (1) of EO and IO thickness (in mm) at rest (bilaterally), and (2) in pain following the LSEP were significant and consistent (range: .36‐.45) in patients.ConclusionsAlthough positive clinical improvements were observed following LSEP, there were minimal systematic changes in RUSI measures, likely because patients were not different from controls at baseline. Correlational analyses, however, indicated that greater reductions in pain were associated with reduced thickness of the EO and IO following the LSEP, suggesting the presence of some heterogeneity (or clinical subgroups) among the patients.Level of EvidenceII
Characterization and comparative analysis of toxin–antitoxin systems in Acetobacter pasteurianus
Authors: Xia Kai , Bao Han , Zhang Fuming , Linhardt Robert J , Liang Xinle 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Bacterial toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems play important roles in diverse cellular regulatory processes. Here, we characterize three putative type II TA candidates from Acetobacter pasteurianus and investigate the profile of type II TA systems in the genus Acetobacter. Based on the gene structure and activity detection, two-pairs loci were identified as the canonical hicAB and higAB TA systems, respectively, and DB34_01190–DB34_01195 as a putative new one without a canonical TA architecture. Physiologically, the expression of the three pairs conferred E. coli with additional plasmid maintenance and survival when under acetic acid stress. Chromosomal TA systems can be horizontally transferred within an ecological vinegar microbiota by co-option, and there was a tendency for toxin module loss. The antitoxin retention in the genome is suggested to have a broad role in bacterial physiology. Furthermore, A. pasteurianus strains, universally domesticated and used for industrial vinegar fermentation, showed a higher number of type II TA loci compared to the host-associated ones. The amount of TA loci per genome showed little positive relationship to insertion sequences, although its prevalence was species-associated, to the extent of even being strain-associated. The TA system is a candidate of studying the resistant mechanistic network, the TAs-dependent translatome affords a real-time profile to explore stress adaptation of A. pasteurianus, promoting industrial development.
Comparisons of school and home-packed lunches for fruit and vegetable dietary behaviours among school-aged youths
Authors: Taylor Jennifer C , Sutter Carolyn , Ontai Lenna L , Nishina Adrienne , Zidenberg-Cherr Sheri 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveSchool-based interventions and policies encourage youths to include and consume fruits and vegetables at lunchtime via school lunches, but limited research has examined how these behaviours compare when youths have home-packed lunches. The objective of the present study was to compare fruit and vegetable contents and consumption among students having school or home-packed lunches over the school week.DesignParticipants were observed over five consecutive days at school lunchtime. Trained analysts estimated students’ lunchtime fruit and vegetable contents and consumption using digital imaging. Mixed models examined associations between fruit and vegetable dietary behaviours and lunch source (school v. home-packed), controlling for student gender, grade and school.SettingThree elementary schools in northern California, USA.ParticipantsFourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students (nchildren 315; nobservations 1421).ResultsStudents were significantly less likely to have and to consume fruits and vegetables (all P<0·05) when having home-packed lunches, compared with when having school lunches. Among those who did have or did consume these foods, having a home-packed lunch was associated with consuming significantly less fruit (P<0·05) but no differences for other dietary outcomes.ConclusionsThe study adds to a growing body of literature indicating shortfalls in fruit and vegetable contents and consumption associated with having a home-packed lunch, relative to having a school lunch. Findings suggest that school-based interventions, particularly when targeting home-packed lunches, should focus on whether or not these foods are included and consumed, with less emphasis on quantities.