bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urinary Incontinence and Social Function in Older Australian Women
Authors: Vo Kha , Forder Peta M. , Byles Julie E. 
Published: June 2016

ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between urinary incontinence (UI) and subsequent development of social dysfunction, using longitudinal data collected over 15 years from women aged 70 and older.DesignLongitudinal data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health.SettingAustralia.ParticipantsWomen born between 1921 and 1926 (aged 70–75 in 1996, 85–90 in 2011) (N = 12,432).MeasurementsUI, social dysfunction, other health and demographic factors.ResultsGeneralized estimating equations were used to examine the association between social dysfunction and UI over time, adjusted for time, health, and social covariates. Social dysfunction and UI increased over time in older women. UI was associated with 30% greater odds of social dysfunction (P < .001), adjusted for time, health, and social covariates in the model with no time lag. UI was also associated with social dysfunction measured one survey period later (forward time lag) (odds ratio (OR) = 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.13–1.34) and one survey period earlier (reverse time lag) (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.19–1.43), indicating an absence of causality. Social dysfunction was associated with living in urban areas, more health conditions, poor mental health, providing care for other people, and poor physical function.ConclusionUI was associated with social dysfunction in older women, although the association did not appear to be causal but reflective of the women's overall level of function and general health. UI is not necessarily socially debilitating, unless a woman has other health problems.
Rectovaginal fistula: Twenty years of rectovaginal repair
Authors: Lo Tsia‐Shu , Huang Yu‐Hsin , Dass Anil Krishna , Karim Nazura , Uy‐Patrimonio Ma. Clarissa 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimTo identify the favorable factors in rectovaginal fistula (RVF) management.MethodsAfter Institutional Review Board approval (99‐0793B), we retrospectively studied all patients diagnosed, treated and followed up with RVF at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan between January 1990 and December 2009. All female patients with International Classification of Diseases RVF were included. We reviewed demographic data, socioeconomic status, clinical presentation, comorbidities, method of treatment, duration of hospitalization and clinical outcome at 12 months postoperatively.ResultsA total of 397 patients were included in the study. Fifty‐six patients (14.1%) had conservative treatment and 341 patients (85.9%) underwent surgical intervention. A total of 125 patients underwent simple repair while 216 patients underwent reconstruction. Three hundred and forty‐four patients (86.7%) had improved outcome at 12‐month follow up. Age (P = 0.003), education level (P = 0.033), ability to pay insurance (P < 0.001), and choice of treatment (P < 0.0001) were identified as significant favorable factors. An etiological factor associated with favorable outcome was RVF from obstetric complication, while that resulting from malignancy had a less favorable outcome.ConclusionsAge, education level and ability to pay insurance significantly affect 12‐month outcome of RVF. Surgery is the preferred option, while medical treatment should be used only for small rectovaginal fistulas or for patients not suitable for surgery and anesthesia. More support and assistance should be offered to those patients with unfavorable factors, such as old age, low education level and inability to afford insurance. All RVF secondary to obstetrical injury had a 100% favorable outcome compared with those secondary to surgery or malignancy. Women with suspected RVF should receive prompt and extensive evaluation to ensure immediate effective management and prevention of further serious complications.
Chorionic villous sampling through transvaginal ultrasound approach: A retrospective analysis of 1138 cases
Authors: Kamath Mohan S. , Pradhan Sujata , Edison Eunice Sindhuvi , Velayudhan Shaji Ramachandran , Antonisamy Belavendra , Karthikeyan Muthukumar , Mangalaraj Ann M. , Kunjummen Aleyamma , George Korula 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a transvaginal approach for chorionic villous sampling (CVS).MethodsWe carried out a retrospective data analysis of all the transvaginal CVS procedures performed for the purpose of prenatal diagnosis in a university‐level referral center between January 2000 and December 2014. Women underwent the prenatal testing between 10 and 17 weeks of gestation mainly for hematological disorders involving single gene defects. The main outcomes were successful sampling rate, maternal contamination rate, post‐procedure complications rates, and immediate fetal loss rate (<14 days post‐procedure).ResultsA total of 1138 transvaginal CVS were performed during the study period and were available for analysis. The sampling success rate after the first attempt was 98.5% (1121/1138) and the overall success rate was 99.6% (1133/1138). The maternal contamination rate was 0.4% (5/1138). While two patients had vaginal bleeding (0.2%), fresh retroplacental collection was noted in four patients (0.4%) post‐procedure. None of the patients developed ascending uterine infection following CVS. The immediate fetal loss rate was 0.2% (2/1138).ConclusionTransvaginal approach is associated with high sampling success, along with low rates of maternal contamination and post‐procedure complications; hence, it can be offered as an effective alternative method of CVS.
Risk Factors for Implant Failure and Peri‐Implant Pathology in Systemic Compromised Patients
Authors: Neves Joana , de Araújo Nobre Miguel , Oliveira Pedro , Martins dos Santos José , Malo Paulo 
Published: June 2016

AbstractPurposeTo identify the possible risk factors for implant failure and peri‐implant pathology in a population of systemically compromised patients.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective clinical study included a total of 721 systemically compromised patients (422 women, 299 men), with an average age of 51 years (range: 20 to 87) rehabilitated with dental implants. The average follow‐up time was 7.3 years. The patients’ demographic variables (age and gender) and clinical variables (implant location, type of implant surface, and systemic conditions) were recorded. Outcome measures were implant failure and peri‐implant pathology. Binary logistic regression models were performed to investigate the effect of the patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics on the dependent variablesimplant failureandperi‐implant pathology. A linear regression model was performed to correlate the patient's characteristics with the number of failed implants. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals and corresponding levels of significance were estimated for each variable.ResultsMultivariate logistic regression disclosed increased age (patients over 40 years of age) as a risk factor for implant failure (OR = 2.63) and hepatitis as a risk factor for peri‐implant pathology (OR = 3.74). Multivariate linear regression disclosed rheumatologic and cardiac diseases to be correlated with a higher number of failed implants.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this study, the results suggest no absolute contraindications for implant rehabilitation in a population of systemically compromised patients. Nevertheless, this study suggests that increasing age, rheumatological condition, cardiovascular condition, and hepatitis should be considered when performing implant‐supported rehabilitations due to their negative influence on the outcome.
R‐loop induced stress response by second (p)ppGpp synthetase in Mycobacterium smegmatis: functional and domain interdependence
Authors: Krishnan Sushma , Petchiappan Anushya , Singh Albel , Bhatt Apoorva , Chatterji Dipankar 
Published: June 2016

SummaryPersistent R‐loops lead to replicative stress due to RNA polymerase stalling and DNA damage. RNase H enzymes facilitate the organisms to survive in the hostile condition by removing these R‐loops. MS_RHII‐RSD was previously identified to be the second (p)ppGpp synthetase in Mycobacterium smegmatis. The unique presence of an additional RNase HII domain raises an important question regarding the significance of this bifunctional protein. In this report, we demonstrate its ability to hydrolyze R‐loops in Escherichia coli exposed to UV stress. MS_RHII‐RSD gene expression was upregulated under UV stress, and this gene deleted strain showed increased R‐loop accumulation as compared to the wild type. The domains in isolation are known to be inactive, and the full length protein is required for its function. Domain interdependence studies using active site mutants reveal the necessity of a hexamer form with high alpha helical content. In previous studies, bacterial RNase type HI has been mainly implicated in R‐loop hydrolysis, but in this study, the RNase HII domain containing protein showed the activity. The prospective of this differential RNase HII activity is discussed. This is the first report to implicate a (p)ppGpp synthetase protein in R‐loop‐induced stress response.
Predictors of low estimated glomerular filtration rate after living kidney donation in a Southeast Asian population from Singapore
Authors: Tan Ru Yu , Allen John C , Kee Terence , Jafar Tazeen H 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimPost‐donation kidney function has not been well characterized in the Southeast Asian population. We studied a retrospective cohort of 174 living kidney donors at Singapore General Hospital between 1976 and 2012, evaluated patterns of change in kidney function using quantile regression analysis and investigated for predictors of low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min per 1.73m2. Median follow‐up time (range) was 7.8 (0.1–33.8) years following donor nephrectomy.ResultsOf the donors, 43.1% regained 75% or more of pre‐nephrectomy eGFR after 5 years post‐donation; 9.8% exhibited 100% recovery to pre‐nephrectomy eGFR. High pre‐nephrectomy eGFR was protective for risk of low post‐donation eGFR, with a 6% risk reduction for each unit increase in pre‐nephrectomy eGFR (odds ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.91–0.97; P = 0.002). This relationship was stronger in the short term (>6 months to < 5 years) than medium to long term (5 years or longer) (interaction P = 0.052).ConclusionIn general, kidney function is well preserved following kidney donation in Southeast Asian donors. Pre‐nephrectomy eGFR is a good predictor of post‐donation eGFR, especially in the short‐term.
Association of cognitive function with tooth loss and mitochondrial variation in adult subjects: a community‐based study in Beijing, China
Authors: Gao W , Wang X , Wang X , Cai Y , Luan Q 
Published: June 2016

ObjectivesCognitive impairment is a common neurological problem in elderly people. In this study, we investigated whether tooth loss, periodontal parameters, and gene variations in the mitochondrial DNA displacement loop region are potential influencing factors on cognitive function.DesignWe employed a linear regression model to estimate cross‐sectional association between number of teeth lost, periodontal parameters and Mini‐mental State Examination score, adjusting for demographic factors, socioeconomic factors, general health status, smoking, drinking, and life habits.ParticipantsA total of 905 Han Chinese people, ≥50 years of age, with complete data, were enrolled. Blood samples of 567 of the subjects were analyzed for correlation between mitochondrial DNA variants and Mini‐mental State Examination score.ResultsThe number of teeth lost (β = −0.042, 95% CI: −0.061, −0.024, P < 0.001), two single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) points: A189G (β = −1.540, 95% CI: −2.818, −0.263, P = 0.018) and A16164G (β = −1.053, 95% CI: −2.054, −0.052, P = 0.039) in the mitochondrial DNA displacement loop region, and haplogroup Y (β = −2.152, 95% CI: −4.062, −0.242, P = 0.027) were found to be negatively associated with Mini‐mental State Examination scores in the fully adjusted model. No correlation was found between periodontal parameters and Mini‐mental State Examination scores.ConclusionNumber of teeth lost, mitochondrial SNPs, and haplogroup Y were correlated with cognitive function in this study population.
Physiological significance of isoprenoids and phenylpropanoids in drought response of Arundinoideae species with contrasting habitats and metabolism
Authors: Velikova Violeta , Brunetti Cecilia , Tattini Massimiliano , Doneva Dilyana , Ahrar Mastaneh , Tsonev Tsonko , Stefanova Miroslava , Ganeva Tsveta , Gori Antonella , Ferrini Francesco , Varotto Claudio , Loreto Francesco 
Published: June 2016

AbstractPhysiological, biochemical and morpho‐anatomical traits that determine the phenotypic plasticity of plants under drought were tested in two Arundinoideae with contrasting habitats, growth traits and metabolism: the fast‐growing Arundo donax, which also is a strong isoprene emitter, and the slow‐growing Hakonechloa macra that does not invest on isoprene biosynthesis. In control conditions, A. donax displayed not only higher photosynthesis but also higher concentration of carotenoids and lower phenylpropanoid content than H. macra. In drought‐stressed plants, photosynthesis was similarly inhibited in both species, but substantially recovered only in A. donax after rewatering. Decline of photochemical and biochemical parameters, increased concentration of CO2 inside leaves, and impairment of chloroplast ultrastructure were only observed in H. macra indicating damage of photosynthetic machinery under drought. It is suggested that volatile and non‐volatile isoprenoids produced by A. donax efficiently preserve the chloroplasts from transient drought damage, while H. macra invests on phenylpropanoids that are less efficient in preserving photosynthesis but likely offer better antioxidant protection under prolonged stress.
Interactions between temperature and intercellular CO2 concentration in controlling leaf isoprene emission rates
Authors: Monson Russell K. , Neice Amberly A. , Trahan Nicole A. , Shiach Ian , McCorkel Joel T. , Moore David J.P. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractPlant isoprene emissions have been linked to several reaction pathways involved in atmospheric photochemistry. Evidence exists from a limited set of past observations that isoprene emission rate (Is) decreases as a function of increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration, and that increased temperature suppresses the CO2 effect. We studied interactions between intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) and temperature as they affect Is in field‐grown hybrid poplar trees in one of the warmest climates on earth – the Sonoran Desert of the southwestern United States. We observed an unexpected midsummer downregulation of Is despite the persistence of relatively high temperatures. High temperature suppression of the Is:Ci relation occurred at all times during the growing season, but sensitivity of Is to increased Ci was greatest during the midsummer period when Is was lowest. We interpret the seasonal downregulation of Is and increased sensitivity of Is to Ci as being caused by weather changes associated with the onset of a regional monsoon system. Our observations on the temperature suppression of the Is:Ci relation are best explained by the existence of a small pool of chloroplastic inorganic phosphate, balanced by several large, connected metabolic fluxes, which together, determine the Ci and temperature dependencies of phosphoenolpyruvate import into the chloroplast.
Thrombolite fabrics and origins: Influences of diverse microbial and metazoan processes on Cambrian thrombolite variability in the Great Basin, California and Nevada
Authors: Harwood Theisen Cara , Sumner Dawn Y. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThrombolites are a common component of carbonate buildups throughout the Phanerozoic. Although they are usually described as microbialites with an internally clotted texture, a wide range of thrombolite textures have been observed and attributed to diverse processes, leading to difficulty interpreting thrombolites as a group. Interpreting thrombolitic textures in terms of ancient ecosystems requires understanding of diverse processes, specifically those due to microbial growth and metazoan activity. Many of these processes are reflected in thrombolites in the Cambrian Carrara, Bonanza King, Highland Peak and Nopah formations, Great Basin, California,USA; they comprise eight thrombolite classes based on variable arrangements and combinations of depositional and diagenetic components. Four thrombolite classes (hemispherical microdigitate, bushy, coalescent columnar and massive fenestrated) contain distinct mesoscale microbial growth structures that can be distinguished from surrounding detrital sediments and diagenetic features. By contrast, mottled thrombolites have mesostructures that dominantly reflect post‐depositional processes, including bioturbation. Mottled thrombolites are not bioturbated stromatolites, but rather formed from disruption of an originally clotted growth structure. Three thrombolite classes (arborescent digitate, amoeboid and massive) contain more cryptic textures. All eight of the thrombolite classes in this study formed in similar Cambrian depositional environments (marine passive margin). Overall, this suite of thrombolites demonstrates that thrombolites are diverse, in both internal fabrics and origin, and that clotted and patchy microbialite fabrics form from a range of processes. The diversity of textures and their origins demonstrate that thrombolites should not be used to interpret a particular ecological, evolutionary or environmental shift without first identifying the microbial growth structure and distinguishing it from other depositional, post‐depositional and diagenetic components. Furthermore, thrombolites are fundamentally different from stromatolites and dendrolites in which the laminae and dendroids reflect a primary growth structure, because clotted textures in thrombolites do not always reflect a primary microbial growth structure.
First report of angio‐oedema subsequent to the administration of allergen specific sublingual immunotherapy for the management of equine hypersensitivity dermatitis
Authors: Scholz Fiona M. , Burrows Amanda K. , Muse Russell 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundSublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) offers an alternative mode of allergen delivery to subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) with the aim of inducing immunological tolerance. Currently, there are no published reports regarding the efficacy or safety of SLIT in horses.Hypothesis/ObjectiveTo describe the first case of several adverse events occurring in a horse subsequent to the repeat administration of SLIT.AnimalA seven‐year‐old, warmblood mare with a confirmed diagnosis of equine hypersensitivity dermatitis (EHD).Methods and resultsImmunotherapy was recommended for management of EHD. Due to the temperament of the horse, the owner elected to proceed with SLIT. Thirty six hours after commencing SLIT, the mare developed scleral oedema, moderate dyspnoea and abdominal discomfort. SLIT was withdrawn for 10 days and re instituted using a ten‐fold dilution of the original vaccine. Localized oedema and swelling of the tongue developed within 12 h of administration. At this juncture, SLIT was withdrawn. The horse was rechallenged with the SLIT allergen vehicle, 50% glycerine and no adverse reactions occurred. SCIT was commenced using the same allergens and no adverse events occurred with repeated administration.Conclusions and clinical importanceTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of adverse reactions developing subsequent to the administration of SLIT for the management of EHD.
Pivotal role of α2 Na+ pumps and their high affinity ouabain binding site in cardiovascular health and disease
Authors: Blaustein Mordecai P. , Chen Ling , Hamlyn John M. , Leenen Frans H. H. , Lingrel Jerry B. , Wier W. Gil , Zhang Jin 
Published: June 2016

AbstractReduced smooth muscle (SM)‐specific α2 Na+ pump expression elevates basal blood pressure (BP) and increases BP sensitivity to angiotensin II (Ang II) and dietary NaCl, whilst SM‐α2 overexpression lowers basal BP and decreases Ang II/salt sensitivity. Prolonged ouabain infusion induces hypertension in rodents, and ouabain‐resistant mutation of the α2 ouabain binding site (α2R/R mice) confers resistance to several forms of hypertension. Pressure overload‐induced heart hypertrophy and failure are attenuated in cardio‐specific α2 knockout, cardio‐specific α2 overexpression and α2R/R mice. We propose a unifying hypothesis that reconciles these apparently disparate findings: brain mechanisms, activated by Ang II and high NaCl, regulate sympathetic drive and a novel neurohumoral pathway mediated by both brain and circulating endogenous ouabain (EO). Circulating EO modulates ouabain‐sensitive α2 Na+ pump activity and Ca2+ transporter expression and, via Na+/Ca2+ exchange, Ca2+ homeostasis. This regulates sensitivity to sympathetic activity, Ca2+ signalling and arterial and cardiac contraction.
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Satellite cell activation and apoptosis in skeletal muscle from severely burned children
Authors: Fry Christopher S. , Porter Craig , Sidossis Labros S. , Nieten Christopher , Reidy Paul T. , Hundeshagen Gabriel , Mlcak Ronald , Rasmussen Blake B. , Lee Jong O. , Suman Oscar E. , Herndon David N. , Finnerty Celeste C. 
Published: June 2016

Key points
Severe burns result in profound skeletal muscle atrophy that hampers recovery.
The activity of skeletal muscle stem cells, satellite cells, acutely following a severe burn is unknown and may contribute to the recovery of lean muscle.
Severe burn injury induces skeletal muscle regeneration and myonuclear apoptosis.
Satellite cells undergo concurrent apoptosis and activation acutely following a burn, with a net reduction in satellite cell content compared to healthy controls.
The activation and apoptosis of satellite cells probably impacts the recovery of lean tissue following a severe burn, contributing to prolonged frailty in burn survivors.
AbstractSevere burns result in profound skeletal muscle atrophy; persistent muscle loss and weakness are major complications that hamper recovery from burn injury. Many factors contribute to the erosion of muscle mass following burn trauma and we propose that an impaired muscle satellite cell response is key in the aetiology of burn‐induced cachexia. Muscle biopsies from the m. vastus lateralis were obtained from 12 male pediatric burn patients (>30% total body surface area burn) and 12 young, healthy male subjects. Satellite cell content, activation and apoptosis were determined via immunohistochemistry, as were muscle fibre regeneration and myonuclear apoptosis. Embryonic myosin heavy chain expression and central nucleation, indices of skeletal muscle regeneration, were elevated in burn patients (P < 0.05). Myonuclear apoptosis, quantified by TUNEL positive myonuclei and cleaved caspase‐3 positive myonuclei, was also elevated in burn patients (P < 0.05). Satellite cell content was reduced in burn patients, with approximately 20% of satellite cells positive for TUNEL staining, indicating DNA damage associated with apoptosis (P < 0.05). Additionally, a significant percentage of satellite cells in burn patients expressed Ki67, a marker for cellular proliferation (P < 0.05). Satellite cell activation was also observed in burn patients with increased expression of MyoD compared to healthy controls (P < 0.05). Robust skeletal muscle atrophy occurs after burn injury, even in muscles located distally to the site of injury. The activation and apoptosis of satellite cells probably impacts the recovery of lean tissue following a severe burn, contributing to prolonged frailty in burn survivors.