bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of iatrogenic ureteric injury with retrograde ureteric stenting: an analysis of factors affecting technical success and long-term outcome
Authors: Chung Daniel , Briggs James , Turney Benjamin W , Tapping Charles Ross 
Published: March 2016

Background Iatrogenic ureteral injuries arise as serious complication following obstetrics, gynecological, general, and urological surgery with incidence in the range of 0.5–10%. Retrograde placement of double-J ureteric stent is a possible treatment option if the injury is not recognized at the time of surgery. Purpose To assess technical success and long-term outcome associated with retrograde ureteric stent insertion for iatrogenic ureteric injury. Material and Methods Between 1999 and 2011, 26 patients with initially unrecognized iatrogenic ureteric injury underwent initial management with retrograde ureteric stenting. Full case-notes were available for review in 25 patients. Results The mean interval from injury to attempted stenting was 19.4 days. Successful retrograde ureteric stenting was achieved in 21/25 patients (81%). Retrograde stenting failed in four patients, and nephrostomy followed by alternative procedures were performed instead. At a median follow-up interval of 9.7 months, normal anatomy was demonstrated on 12/21 patients (57%) and a stricture was observed in 6/21 patients (28%) with three requiring surgical intervention. Conclusion Retrograde stenting is a safe and efficient initial management in patients with iatrogenic ureteric injuries.
Renal acoustic radiation force impulse elastography in the evaluation of coronary artery disease
Authors: Alan Bircan , Göya Cemil , Aktan Adem , Alan Sait 
Published: March 2016

Background Renal insufficiency may occur in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) is a method for quantifying tissue elasticity, which could be used as an additional diagnostic test for renal insufficiency and provide an additional contribution to the determination of CAD. Purpose To evaluate ARFI elastography with shear wave velocity (SWV) measurements in the diagnosis of mild-to-moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) in CAD patients, and to analyze the relationship between the severity of CAD assessed by the Gensini scoring system and kidney stiffness. Material and Methods The study included 76 CAD patients and 79 healthy volunteers. SWV was measured for each kidney in the both groups. The CAD group was divided into two subgroups based on Gensini score: mild CAD and severe CAD. SWV values of the CAD patients were compared to those of the healthy volunteers; values of subgroups were also compared with each other. Results The patient group had significantly lower renal mean SWV values than those of the healthy group (1.87 ± 0.58 vs. 2.34 ± 0.38, P < 0.01). The SWV value decreased as the eGFR level decreased. Mean SWV values for kidneys of the patients with severe CAD were lower than those of the mild CAD patients (1.64 ± 0.39 vs. 2.42 ± 0.60, P < 0.01). Conclusion renal mean SWV values of CAD patients decreased in proportion to the reduction in eGFR, and the SWV values decreased as the severity of CAD increased. ARFI elastography is a novel technique for diagnosing CKD and defining illness severity in CAD patients.
Serotonergic mechanisms in the migraine brain – a systematic review
Authors: Deen Marie , Christensen Casper Emil , Hougaard Anders , Hansen Hanne Demant , Knudsen Gitte Moos , Ashina Messoud 
Published: March 2016

Background Migraine is one of the most common and disabling of all medical conditions, affecting 16% of the general population, causing huge socioeconomic costs globally. Current available treatment options are inadequate. Serotonin is a key molecule in the neurobiology of migraine, but the exact role of brain serotonergic mechanisms remains a matter of controversy. Methods We systematically searched PubMed for studies investigating the serotonergic system in the migraine brain by either molecular neuroimaging or electrophysiological methods. Results The literature search resulted in 59 papers, of which 13 were eligible for review. The reviewed papers collectively support the notion that migraine patients have alterations in serotonergic neurotransmission. Most likely, migraine patients have a low cerebral serotonin level between attacks, which elevates during a migraine attack. Conclusion This review suggests that novel methods of investigating the serotonergic system in the migraine brain are warranted. Uncovering the serotonergic mechanisms in migraine pathophysiology could prove useful for the development of future migraine drugs.
Physical characteristics and biocompatibility of the polycaprolactone–biphasic calcium phosphate scaffolds fabricated using the modified melt stretching and multilayer deposition
Authors: Thuaksuban Nuttawut , Luntheng Thunmaruk , Monmaturapoj Naruporn 
Published: March 2016

Physical properties and biocompatibility of polycaprolactone (PCL)–biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) scaffolds fabricated by the modified melt stretching and multilayer deposition (mMSMD) technique were evaluated in vitro. The PCL–BCP scaffold specimens included group A; PCL: BCP (wt%) = 80:20 and group B; 70:30. Mechanical properties of the scaffolds were assessed using a universal testing machine. Degradation behaviors of the scaffolds were assessed over 60 days. The amount of calcium and phosphate ions released from the scaffolds was detected over 30 days. Attachment and growth of osteoblasts on the scaffolds and indirect cytocompatibility to those cells were evaluated. The results showed that the scaffolds of both groups could withstand compressive forces on their superior aspect very well; however, their lateral aspect could only withstand light forces. Degradation of the scaffolds over 2 months was low (group A = 1.92 ± 0.47% and group B = 2.9 ± 1.3%, p > 0.05). The concentrations of calcium and phosphate ions released from the scaffolds of both groups significantly increased on day 7 ( p < 0.05). Growth of the cells seemed to relate to accumulative increase in those ions. All results between the two ratios of the scaffolds were not statistically different.
Efficacy of abatacept in systemic lupus erythematosus: a retrospective analysis of 11 patients with refractory disease
Authors: Danion F , Rosine N , Belkhir R , Gottenberg J E , Hachulla E , Chatelus E , Pugnet G , Pers Y M , Mariette X , Sibilia J , Seror R ,   for the Club Rhumatismes et Inflammation section of the French Society of Rheumatology
Published: March 2016

Objective The objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of abatacept in patients with SLE refractory to conventional treatment in routine clinical practice. Methods This retrospective study included 11 SLE patients treated with abatacept for an active and refractory disease. The primary endpoint was the change in SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score at six months. Response was defined as a decrease of SLEDAI ≥4 in a patient continuing abatacept. Results Indications of abatacept treatment were articular ( n=8), renal ( n=1) and cutaneous ( n=1) involvement and autoimmune thrombocytopenia ( n=1). Abatacept was discontinued before six months in two patients, because of adverse event ( n=1) and/or lupus flare ( n=2). The median SLEDAI decreased from 6 (2–20) to 4 (0–20) ( p=0.031). Decrease of SLEDAI ≥4 was observed in 6/11 patients (55%) and response to treatment according to the physician's judgement in 8/11 (73%) patients. Improvement of articular involvement was observed in 7/8 (87.5%) patients. Four adverse events were observed in three patients, but no severe infection occurred. Conclusion This study suggests some efficacy of abatacept in patients with refractory disease in routine clinical practice, particularly in the case of articular manifestations, with an acceptable safety profile. These data support conducting new controlled trials of abatacept in SLE patients.
Prognostic Value of Renal Dysfunction Indicators in Normotensive Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Altınsoy Bülent , Öz İbrahim İlker , Örnek Tacettin , Erboy Fatma , Tanrıverdi Hakan , Uygur Fırat , Altintas Nejat , Atalay Figen , Tor Müge Meltem 
Published: March 2016

Introduction:Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) are important prognostic indicators for cardiovascular disease. However, data on the relationship between renal dysfunction (RD) and prognosis in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE) are limited. The estimated-GFR (eGFR), based on the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation, has been suggested as a possible prognostic marker in patients with APE; however, at present, the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation is thought to be more accurate than the MDRD equation for the estimation of RD.Objective:We investigated whether eGFRCKD-EPIor BUN could predict adverse outcomes (AOs) better than eGFRMDRDin normotensive patients with APE.Methods:Ninety-nine normotensive patients with APE (aged 22-96, 56% male) were enrolled in the study retrospectively. Adverse outcomes were defined as the occurrence of any of the following: death, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, use of vasopressors, thrombolysis, or mechanical ventilation.Results:In univariate analyses, age, gender (male), heart rate (>110 bpm), serum creatinine, BUN, cardiac troponin (cTn) positivity, right ventricle–left ventricle ratio, eGFRMDRD, and eGFRCKD-EPIwere found to be significantly different between those with and without AOs. Comparing area under the curves for AO, we found statistically significant differences between eGFRCKD-EPIand eGFRMDRD( P = .01) but not between BUN and eGFRCKD-EPIor BUN and eGFRMDRD. Furthermore, 30-day mortality was 36% versus 11% in cTn-positive patients with an eGFRCKD-EPI< and ≥ 60 mL/min, respectively.Conclusion:There is a close relationship between RD and APE prognosis. We conclude eGFRCKD-EPIis a potential prognostic marker for risk stratification in normotensive patients with APE.
Distraction adds to the cognitive burden in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Patel Viral P , Zambrana Aaron , Walker Lisa AS , Herrmann Nathan , Feinstein Anthony 
Published: March 2016

Background: Cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) causes numerous limitations in activities of daily living. Objectives: To develop an improved method of cognitive assessment in people with MS using novel real-world distracters. Methods: A sample of 99 people with MS and 55 demographically matched healthy controls underwent testing with the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Functioning in Multiple Sclerosis (MACFIMS) and a modified version of the computerized Symbol Digit Modalities Test (c-SDMT). Half of the subjects completed the c-SDMT with built-in real-world distracters and half without. Results: The mean time on the c-SDMT was significantly greater in MS subjects than healthy controls for both distracter ( p = 0.001) and non-distracter ( p < 0.001) versions. Significantly more MS subjects were impaired on the c-SDMT with distracters than the traditional SDMT (47.1% vs 30.3%, p = 0.04). There were no differences in impairment between the c-SDMT with and without distracters (47.1% vs 37.5%, p = 0.34). The distracter version had a sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 88% in detecting global cognitive impairment. Conclusions: The incorporation of distracters improves the sensitivity of a validated computerized version of the SDMT relative to the non-distracter and traditional versions and offers a quick and easy means of detecting cognitive impairment in people with MS.
Cold-water extracts of Grifola frondosa and its purified active fraction inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Lin Chia-Hung , Chang Ching-Yao , Lee Kuan-Rong , Lin Hui-Ju , Lin Wu-Chou , Chen Ter-Hsin , Wan Lei 
Published: March 2016

Mushrooms are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of diseases. Grifola frondosa (GF) is an edible mushroom indigenous to many Asian countries with a large fruiting body characterized by overlapping caps. In particular, GF is known for its anti-tumor activity, which has been targeted by scientific and clinical research. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the cold-water extract of GF (GFW) and its active fraction (GFW-GF) on autophagy and apoptosis, and the underlying mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. Our results revealed that GFW and GFW-GF inhibited phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and stimulated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways, thereby inducing autophagy. We also demonstrated that GFW and GFW-GF inhibited proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in Hep3B hepatoma cells. GFW and GFW-GF markedly arrested cells in S phase and promoted cleavage of caspase-3 and -9. In addition, GFW and GFW-GF decreased the expression levels of the anti-apoptotic proteins protein kinase B and extracellular signal-regulated kinase. We also found that GFW significantly inhibited tumor growth in nude mice implanted with Hep3B cells. Our work demonstrates that GF and its active fraction inhibit hepatoma growth by inducing autophagy and apoptosis.
Dupuytren’s contracture in Ethiopia
Authors: Gebereegziabher A. , Baraki A. , Kebede Y. , Mohammed I. , Finsen V. 
Published: March 2016

Dupuytren’s contracture is believed to be rare in Africa. We have observed the disease in many patients coming to our hospital. This study aimed to provide information concerning the occurrence of the disease and risk factors in these patients. All 75 patients who were referred to the hospital during a 2-year period because of a hand problem that was diagnosed as Dupuytren’s contracture were included. The demographic data of the patients and possible risk factors were recorded and compared with a control group. The male to female ratio was 18:1. The little and ring fingers were most commonly affected. A total of 43 had bilateral hand involvement. The condition affected only the left hand in one patient. Six men also had fibromatosis of the soles of the feet and three of the penis. There was a statistically significant association with hypertension and alcohol consumption, but not with diabetes mellitus. We conclude that there are more cases of Dupuytren’s contracture in Ethiopia than previously thought. Level of evidence: III
A systematic critical review of epidemiological studies on public health concerns of municipal solid waste handling
Authors: Ncube France , Ncube Esper Jacobeth , Voyi Kuku 
Published: March 2016

Aims: The ultimate aim of this review was to summarise the epidemiological evidence on the association between municipal solid waste management operations and health risks to populations residing near landfills and incinerators, waste workers and recyclers. To accomplish this, the sub-aims of this review article were to (1) examine the health risks posed by municipal solid waste management activities, (2) determine the strengths and gaps of available literature on health risks from municipal waste management operations and (3) suggest possible research needs for future studies. Methods: The article reviewed epidemiological literature on public health concerns of municipal solid waste handling published in the period 1995–2014. The PubMed and MEDLINE computerised literature searches were employed to identify the relevant papers using the keywords solid waste, waste management, health risks, recycling, landfills and incinerators. Additionally, all references of potential papers were examined to determine more articles that met the inclusion criteria. Results: A total of 379 papers were identified, but after intensive screening only 72 met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Of these studies, 33 were on adverse health effects in communities living near waste dumpsites or incinerators, 24 on municipal solid waste workers and 15 on informal waste recyclers. Reviewed studies were unable to demonstrate a causal or non-causal relationship due to various limitations. Conclusion: In light of the above findings, our review concludes that overall epidemiological evidence in reviewed articles is inadequate mainly due to methodological limitations and future research needs to develop tools capable of demonstrating causal or non-causal relationships between specific waste management operations and adverse health endpoints.
A study to investigate the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of goniometric measurements of dart throwers motion of asymptomatic wrists
Authors: Cliff Nicola J , Rust Philippa A 
Published: March 2016

Introduction This study investigated the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of measuring dart throwers motion of asymptomatic wrists with a handheld manual goniometer typical of that used in the clinical setting. Method Working in pairs, each rater took three repeated measures of radial extension and of ulnar flexion of both wrists using a goniometer positioned on the radiodorsal aspect of the radius proximally and the second metacarpal distally. Both raters and subjects were blinded, and measurements were read by an independent observer. Subjects were of varied age, gender and with no history of wrist pathology. Subjects rated how difficult they found the dart throwers motion to perform using a 5-point Likert scale. Results Measurements were collected from both wrists of 37 subjects (74 wrists). The intraclass correlation coefficient for intra-rater measurements of radial extension was 0.89 (95% CI 0.86–0.92) and for ulnar flexion was 0.92 (95% CI 0.90–0.94). Standard deviation for radial extension was 4.2° and for ulnar flexion 3.6°. The intraclass correlation coefficient for inter-rater measurements of radial extension was 0.83 (95% CI 0.74–0.89) and for ulnar flexion was 0.81 (95% CI 0.72–0.88). Subjects rated the movement more difficult to perform with the non-dominant side (P=0.006), and standard deviation was greater when the subject found dart throwers motion difficult to perform. No significant associations were found (P<0.05) to suggest that reliability is influenced by hand dominance, gender, age, level of perceived difficulty or data collection site. Discussion Our study confirms good reliability when using this method to measure dart throwers motion. It is suggested that dart throwers motion can be measured to compare different subjects and monitor change; however, studies need to be undertaken with a symptomatic population.
Family history is an independent risk factor for the progression of gastric atrophy among patients with Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Nishizawa Toshihiro , Suzuki Hidekazu , Sakitani Kosuke , Yamashita Hiroharu , Yoshida Shuntaro , Hata Keisuke , Kanazawa Takamitsu , Fujiwara Naoto , Kanai Takanori , Yahagi Naohisa , Toyoshima Osamu 
Published: March 2016

Background and aimRisk factors for progression of gastric atrophy have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for the development of atrophic gastritis in patients with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori  ) infection.MethodsWe reviewed 206 H. pylori ‐infected patients retrospectively. Endoscopic gastric atrophy was classified into closed‐ and open‐type. We conducted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses on the contribution of age, sex, body mass index, past history of cancer, the first‐degree family history of gastric cancer, habitual smoking and alcohol drinking, and endoscopic findings of gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer for open‐type gastric atrophy.ResultsOn multivariate analysis, age (odds ratio = 1.079, 95% confidence interval = 1.048–1.11, p  < 0.001), family history of gastric cancer (odds ratio = 3.967, 95% confidence interval = 1.414–10.6, p  = 0.006) and duodenal ulcer (odds ratio = 0.834, 95% confidence interval = 0.711–0.977, p  = 0.024) were the factors independently associated with open‐type gastric atrophy.ConclusionsA first‐degree family history of gastric cancer, absence of duodenal ulcer, and old age were independent risk factors for the progression of gastric atrophy among H. pylori ‐infected patients. Careful examination with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is necessary in patients with such risk factors.
Lymph node parameters and complications following laparoscopic extended pelvic lymphadenectomy for prostate cancer in 1000 consecutive patients
Authors: Eden Christopher G , Soares Ricardo , Bott Simon RJ , Hindley Richard G , McGregor Roy G 
Published: March 2016

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term results of extended pelvic lymphadenectomy (ePLND) during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). Patients and methods: Of 1330 consecutive patients undergoing LRP during a 90-month period 1000 (75%) had an ePLND for d’Amico intermediate- or high-risk prostate cancer. Results: Operating time, blood loss, conversion and transfusion rates and hospital stay were similar in patients having standard pelvic lymphadenectomy (sPLND) and ePLND. Median lymph node count was significantly greater following ePLND vs sPLND (17 vs 6; p⩽0.0001). Complication rates were also similar but trended ( p=0.06) towards a greater rate after ePLND vs sPLND: 9.0% and 5.5%. Lymph node involvement (LNI) was detected more frequently following ePLND in patients with: prostate specific antigen (PSA)=0–9.9 ( p=0.01) and PSA=10–19.9 ( p⩽0.0001); biopsy Gleason sum ⩽8 ( p⩽0.0001 to 0.03); intermediate- ( p⩽0.0001) and high-risk ( p⩽0.0001) cancer; pathological Gleason grade 7 ( p⩽0.0001) and pathological stage T3 ( p=0.0009 for pT3a and p⩽0.0001 for pT3b). Conclusion: ePLND is a more effective tool than sPLND in detecting LNI for patients in all prognostic clinical groups. This can be achieved without significant penalty with respect to operating time or complication rates.
Outcome of the Cementless Zweymüller BICON-PLUS Cup and SL-PLUS Stem in the Very Elderly Individuals
Authors: Veen Egbert J. D. , Schrier Joost C. M. , Van’t Riet Esther , Breslau Mark J. , Barnaart Alexander F. W. 
Published: March 2016

Introduction: There is current debate about which type of total hip prosthesis implants are best for the elderly patient. Implanting uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) in elderly people remains contested. The aim of present study was to evaluate the outcome of the uncemented Zweymüller BICON-PLUS THA in those with a minimum of 80 years of age. Materials and Methods: A retrospective data collection was performed in a regional teaching hospital in the Netherlands. The primary outcome of interest was the operation-free period. Secondary outcomes included the revision rates of the femoral and acetabular components and postoperative complications of the procedure. After a follow-up of at least 7 years, the surviving patients were reviewed on functionality using validated scores (Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Timed Up and Go, and Harris Hip Score) and radiographic analysis. Results: Between January 1999 and September 2004, 124 patients (128 THAs), aged 80 years and older, received an uncemented THA with a BICON-PLUS cup and SL-PLUS stem. The overall operation-free period was 6.5 years. One case of loosening of the cup was found among participants, with a survival rate of 99.2% of the BICON-PLUS cup in the analyzed group. In all, 28.8% of this group could be followed for a postoperative period of at least 7 years. The remainder of the patients died prior to the end of the 7-year period. Of these, 16.0% were eligible for clinical review. This group showed good function without evident signs of prosthetic loosening. Conclusion: The uncemented Zweymüller THA system, with threaded BICON-PLUS cup and SL-PLUS stem, showed good results, compared to outcome of other THA systems in elderly individuals. Therefore, it is a reliable option in older patients requiring THA.