bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic value of qualitative and strain ratio elastography in the differential diagnosis of non‐palpable testicular lesions
Authors: Pozza C. , Gianfrilli D. , Fattorini G. , Giannetta E. , Barbagallo F. , Nicolai E. , Cristini C. , Di Pierro G. B. , Franco G. , Lenzi A. , Sidhu P. S. , Cantisani V. , Isidori A. M. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to evaluate prospectively the accuracy of qualitative and strain ratio elastography (SE) in the differential diagnosis of non‐palpable testicular lesions. The local review board approved the protocol and all patients gave their consent. One hundred and six patients with non‐palpable testicular lesions were consecutively enrolled. Baseline ultrasonography (US) and SE were correlated with clinical and histological features and ROC curves developed for diagnostic accuracy. The non‐palpable lesions were all ≤1.5 cm; 37/106 (34.9%) were malignant, 38 (35.9%) were benign, and 31 (29.2%) were non‐neoplastic. Independent risk factors for malignancy were as follows: size (OR 17.788; p = 0.002), microlithiasis (OR 17.673, p < 0.001), intralesional vascularization (OR 9.207, p = 0.006), and hypoechogenicity (OR, 11.509, p = 0.036). Baseline US had 89.2% sensitivity (95% CI 74.6–97.0) and 85.5% specificity (95% CI 75.0–92.8) in identifying malignancies, and 94.6% sensitivity (95% CI 86.9–98.5) and 87.1% specificity (95% CI 70.2–96.4) in discriminating neoplasms from non‐neoplastic lesions. An elasticity score (ES) of 3 out of 3 (ES3, maximum hardness) was recorded in 30/37 (81.1%) malignant lesions (p < 0.001). An intermediate score of 2 (ES2) was recorded in 19/38 (36.8%) benign neoplastic lesions and in 22/31 (71%) non‐neoplastic lesions (p = 0.005 and p = 0.001 vs. malignancies). None of the non‐neoplastic lesions scored ES3. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between ES3 and malignancy (χ2 = 42.212, p < 0.001). ES1 and ES2 were predictors of benignity (p < 0.01). Overall, SE was 81.8% sensitive (95% CI 64.8–92.0) and 79.1% specific (95% CI 68.3–88.4) in identifying malignancies, and 58.6% sensitive (95% CI 46.7–69.9) and 100% specific (95% CI 88.8–100) in discriminating non‐neoplastic lesions. Strain ratio measurement did not improve the accuracy of qualitative elastography. Strain ratio measurement offers no improvement over elastographic qualitative assessment of testicular lesions; testicular SE may support conventional US in identifying non‐neoplastic lesions when findings are controversial, but its added value in clinical practice remains to be proven.
Characterization of cAMP‐phosphodiesterase activity in bovine seminal plasma
Authors: Bergeron A. , Aragon J. P. , Guillemette C. , Hébert A. , Sullivan R. , Blondin P. , Richard F. J. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryThe second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) has a central role in sperm physiology. Extracellular cAMP can be sequentially degraded into 5′AMP and adenosine by ecto‐phosphodiesterases (ecto‐PDE) and ecto‐nucleotidases, a phenomenon called extracellular cAMP‐adenosine pathway. As cAMP‐adenosine pathway is involved in sperm capacitation, we hypothesize that extracellular PDEs are functionally present in seminal plasma. Exclusively measuring cAMP‐PDE activity, total activity in bovine seminal plasma was 10.1 ± 1.5 fmoles/min/μg. Using different family‐specific PDE inhibitors, we showed that in seminal plasma, the major cAMP‐PDE activity was papaverine sensitive (47.5%). These data support the presence of PDE10 in bovine seminal plasma and was further confirmed by western blot. In epididymal fluid, total cAMP‐PDE activity was 48.2 ± 14.8 fmoles/min/μg and we showed that the major cAMP‐PDE activity was 3‐isobutyl‐methylxanthine insensitive and thus ascribed to PDE8 family. PDE10A mRNAs were found in the testis, epididymis, and seminal vesicles. cAMP‐PDE activity is present in bovine seminal plasma and epididymal fluid. The results suggest a role for ecto‐PDEs present in those fluids in the signaling pathways involved in sperm functions.
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome impairs erectile function through increased endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and corporal fibrosis in a rat model
Authors: Hu Y. , Niu X. , Wang G. , Huang J. , Liu M. , Peng B. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryChronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is an independent risk factor for the development of erectile dysfunction (ED). But the molecular mechanisms underlying the relationship between CP/CPPS and ED are still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CP/CPPS on erectile function in a rat model and the possible mechanisms. A rat model of experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) was established to mimic human CP⁄CPPS. Then twenty 2‐month‐old male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into EAP group and control group. Intracavernosal pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured during cavernous nerve electrostimulation, the ratio of max ICP/MAP was calculated. Blood was collected to measure the levels of serum C‐reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and testosterone, respectively. The expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in corpus cavernosum were detected. We also evaluated the smooth muscle/collagen ratio and apoptotic index (AI). The ratio of max ICP/MAP in EAP group were significantly lower than that in control group. The levels of serum CRP, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 in EAP group were all significantly higher than these in control group. The expression of eNOS and cGMP levels in corpus cavernosum of EAP rats were significantly downregulated. Furthermore, decreased SOD activity and smooth muscle/collagen ratio, increased MDA levels and AI were found in corpus cavernosum of EAP rats. In conclusion, CP/CPPS impaired penile erectile function in a rat model. The declines of eNOS expression and cGMP levels in corpus cavernosum may be an important mechanism of CP/CPPS‐induced ED. CP/CPPS also increased oxidative stress, cell apoptosis and decreased smooth muscle/collagen ratio in corpus cavernosum of rats, which were all important for erectile function.
Results of colon cancer surgery in patients over 75 years old
Authors: Pérez Domínguez Lucinda , Cáceres Alvarado Nieves , Toscano Novella Ángeles , Casal Núñez José Enrique 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundColon cancer is the second most frequent cause of death in both genders. Survival has increased since 1980, although this increase has been lower in patients ≥75 years old. We analyzed the results of surgical treatment for this pathology in this group of patients.MethodsThis retrospective, observational and descriptive study analyzed data relating to 315 patients undergoing colon cancer surgery between January 2010 and December 2011. Surgical results (surgical procedure, mean postoperative stay, isolated lymph nodes, postoperative morbidity and mortality) were compared between patients who were <75 and ≥75 years old.ResultsStatistical significance was observed in the percentages of hypertension (P = 0.001), cardiovascular disease (P = 0.006) and bronchopathy (P = 0.005) for the older group. No differences were found between the groups regarding surgical results, except higher postoperative morbidity and mortality in the ≥75 years old age group (P = 0.02 and P = 0.03, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, the factors associated with postoperative morbidity were age and preoperative albumin levels (P < 0.05). Cancer‐specific survival (CSS) was lower in older patients (P < 0.05). The multivariate analysis of survival determined that age and tumour stage are independent predictive factors (P = 0.004 and P = 0.039, respectively), unlike American Society of Anesthesiologists score.ConclusionsAge does not influence the surgical results after colon cancer resection but is associated with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. CSS is lower in patients who are ≥75 years old.
Efficacy of rectus muscle fragment welding in the control of presacral venous bleeding
Authors: Casal Núñez José Enrique , Pérez Domínguez Lucinda , Vigorita Vincenzo , Ruano Poblador Alejandro 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundThe incidence of presacral venous bleeding during rectal resection is low, but this complication can be severe and even lethal. Occasionally, the traditional methods – such as pelvic gauze packing and the use of metallic thumbtacks – are not effective. When combined with their complications and difficulties, these failures have resulted in numerous creative procedures with which to control this complication. In 1994, the indirect electrocoagulation method, which is performed via a fragment of the rectus abdominis muscle of the abdomen, was introduced to control presacral venous bleeding.MethodsFrom January 2002 to December 2015, five of 872 patients with rectal cancer and one patient with rectal metastasis of gastric cancer developed presacral venous bleeding, and this technique was used in every case.ResultsHaemostasis was permanent in all cases. There were no complications such as infection or rebleeding.ConclusionIn our experience, indirect electrocoagulation via a fragment of the rectus abdominis muscle of the abdomen is a rapid, easily executed and effective method for controlling presacral venous bleeding during rectal resection.
Findings at surveillance colonoscopy following surgery for colorectal cancer
Authors: Udayasiri Dilshan , Hollington Paul 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundColonoscopic surveillance following potentially curative surgery for colorectal cancer aims to detect treatable metachronous neoplasia. The timing and findings of colonoscopies for patients enrolled in an endoscopic surveillance programme were examined in this study.MethodsA retrospective clinical audit was undertaken of 174 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for first‐presentation colorectal cancer, looking at the findings of subsequent surveillance colonoscopies.ResultsSixty‐nine patients were fit for ongoing surveillance, with the median time to first colonoscopy being 14 months, and significant metachronous pathology was identified in 25%, comprising low‐risk adenomas, high‐risk adenomas, sessile serrated adenomas and one Dukes A carcinoma. Twenty‐seven patients underwent a second colonoscopy, with a median interval of 34 months between the investigations, and adenomas were identified in 30% of patients at the second surveillance colonoscopy. All polyps were colonoscopically resectable.ConclusionColonoscopy at 1 and 4 years following bowel cancer resection may detect treatable pathology in a significant proportion of those patients fit for ongoing surveillance.
Risk factors of epithelial ovarian carcinomas among women with endometriosis: a systematic review
Authors: Thomsen Line H. , Schnack Tine H. , Buchardi Kristina , Hummelshoj Lone , Missmer Stacey A. , Forman Axel , Blaakaer Jan 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe objective of this review was to evaluate the published literature on epidemiologic risk factors for epithelial ovarian cancer among women with a diagnosis of endometriosis.Material and methodsA systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus. Studies comparing epidemiologic risk factors of epithelial ovarian cancer among women with endometriosis were included. A quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale.ResultsEight of 794 articles met the inclusion criteria. A lower risk of epithelial ovarian cancer was observed in women with documented complete surgical excision of endometriotic tissue and suggested among women with unilateral oophorectomy. The use of oral contraceptives (≥10 years) may be associated with a lower risk of epithelial ovarian cancer among women with endometriosis, whereas older age at endometriosis diagnosis (≥45 years, pre‐ or postmenopausal), nulliparity, hyperestrogenism (endogenous or exogenous), premenopausal status at endometriosis diagnosis, solid compartments as well as larger size of endometrioma (≥9 cm in diameter at endometriosis diagnosis) were all associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer.ConclusionsA subgroup of women with endometriosis characterized by endometriosis observed through surgery or imaging after the age of 45 years, nulliparity, postmenopausal status at endometriosis diagnosis, larger size of endometrioma (>9 cm) at endometriosis diagnosis, hyperestrogenism (endogenous or exogenous) and/or cysts with solid compartments may have an elevated risk of epithelial ovarian cancer. However, due to the limited number and size of studies in this area we cannot draw definitive conclusions. Further research into a risk factor profile among women with endometriosis is needed before clear recommendations can be made.
Penicillin G Treatment in Infective Endocarditis Patients – Does Standard Dosing Result in Therapeutic Plasma Concentrations?
Authors: Öbrink‐Hansen Kristina , Wiggers Henrik , Bibby Bo Martin , Hardlei Tore Forsingdal , Jensen Kaare , Kragh Thomsen Marianne , Brock Birgitte , Petersen Eskild 
Published: August 2016

AbstractPenicillin G is frequently used to treat infective endocarditis (IE) caused by streptococci, penicillin‐susceptible staphylococci and enterococci. Appropriate antibiotic exposure is essential for survival and reduces the risk of complications and drug resistance development. We determined penicillin G plasma concentration [p‐penicillin] once weekly in 46 IE patients. The aim was to evaluate whether penicillin G 3 g every 6 hr (q6 h) resulted in therapeutic concentrations and to analyse potential factors that influence inter‐ and intra‐individual variability, using linear regression and a random coefficient model. [P‐penicillin] at 3 hr and at 6 hr was compared with the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the bacteria isolated from blood cultures to evaluate the following PK/PD targets: 50% fT > MIC and 100% fT > MIC. [P‐penicillin] varied notably between patients and was associated with age, weight, p‐creatinine and estimated creatinine clearance (eCLcr). Additionally, an increase in [p‐penicillin] during the treatment period showed strong correlation with age, a low eCLcr, a low weight and a low p‐albumin. Of the 46 patients, 96% had [p‐penicillin] that resulted in 50% fT > MIC, while 71% had [p‐penicillin] resulting in 100% fT > MIC. The majority of patients not achieving the 100% fT > MIC target were infected with enterococci. Streptococci and staphylococci isolated from blood cultures were highly susceptible to penicillin G. Our results suggest that penicillin G 3 g q6 h is suitable to treat IE caused by streptococci and penicillin‐susceptible staphylococci, but caution must be taken when the infection is caused by enterococci. When treating enterococci, therapeutic drug monitoring should be applied to optimize penicillin G dosing and exposure.
Oesophageal Obstruction from a Pharmacobezoar Resulting in Death
Authors: Mortensen Katrine Elisabeth , Munkholm Julie , Dalhoff Kim Peder , Hoegberg Lotte Christine Groth 
Published: August 2016

AbstractFormation of an intestinal pharmacobezoar is a rare condition. It may form after intake of various oral pharmaceutical preparations of drugs, both as a result of an acute overdose and through chronic use of therapeutic doses of a drug. We report a case with a patient presenting with an oesophageal pharmacobezoar and complete obstruction of the oesophagus and severe toxic symptoms and death related to oral ingestion of multiple drugs.
Electronic Fetal Monitoring and Cesarean Birth: A Scoping Review
Authors: Paterno Mary T. , McElroy Kathleen , Regan Mary 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundIn many United States hospitals, electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) is used continuously during labor for all patients regardless of risk status. Application of EFM, particularly at labor admission, may trigger a chain of interventions resulting in increased risk for cesarean birth among low‐risk women. The goal of this review was to summarize evidence on use of EFM during low‐risk labors and identify gaps in research.MethodsWe conducted a scoping review of studies published in English since 1996 that addressed the relationship between EFM use and cesarean among low‐risk women. We screened 57 full‐text articles for appropriateness. Seven articles were included in the final review.ResultsThe largest study demonstrated an 81 percent increased risk of primary cesarean birth when EFM was used in labor, but did not differentiate between high‐ and low‐risk pregnancies. Four randomized controlled trials examined the association of admission EFM with obstetric outcomes; only one considered cesarean birth as a primary outcome and found a 23 percent increase in operative birth when EFM lasted more than 1 hour. A study examining application of continuous EFM before and after 4 centimeters dilatation found no differences between groups.ConclusionsIn general, the research on this topic suggests an association between the use of EFM and cesarean birth; however, more well‐designed studies are needed to examine benefits of EFM versus auscultation, determine if EFM is associated with use of other technologies that could cumulatively increase risk of cesarean birth, and understand provider motivation to use EFM over auscultation.
Effect of connexin 43 inhibition by the mimetic peptide Gap27 on corneal wound healing, inflammation and neovascularization
Authors: Elbadawy Hossein Mostafa , Mirabelli Pierfrancesco , Xeroudaki Maria , Parekh Mohit , Bertolin Marina , Breda Claudia , Cagini Carlo , Ponzin Diego , Lagali Neil , Ferrari Stefano 
Published: August 2016

Background and PurposeThe connexin 43 (Cx43) mimetic peptide Gap27 was designed to transiently block the function of this gap junction. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Gap27 on corneal healing, inflammation and neovascularization.Experimental ApproachThe effect of Gap27 on wound healing, inflammation and vascularization was assessed in primary human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC)in vitroand whole human corneasex vivo, and in anin vivorat wound healing model.Key ResultsGap27 enhanced the wound closure of HCECin vitroand accelerated wound closure and stratification of epithelium in human corneasex vivo, but did not suppress the corneal release of inflammatory mediators IL‐6 or TNF‐αin vivo. In human corneasex vivo, F4/80 positive macrophages were observed around the wound site.In vivo, topical Gap27 treatment enhanced the speed and density of early granulocyte infiltration into rat corneas. After 7 days, the expressions of TNF‐α and TGFβ1 were elevated and correlated with inflammatory cell accumulation in the tissue. Additionally, Gap27 did not suppress VEGF release in organotypic culture, nor did it suppress early or late VEGFA expression or neovascularizationin vivo.Conclusions and ImplicationsGap27 can be effective in promoting the healing of superficial epithelial wounds, but in deep stromal wounds it has the potential to promote inflammatory cell migration and accumulation in the tissue and does not suppress the subsequent neovascularization response. These results support the proposal that Gap27 acts as a healing agent in the transient, early stages of corneal epithelial wounding.
Protection from interferon‐β‐induced neuronal apoptosis through stimulation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors coupled to ERK1/2 activation
Authors: Olianas Maria C , Dedoni Simona , Onali Pierluigi 
Published: August 2016

Background and PurposeAlthough clinically useful for their immunomodulatory, antiproliferative and antiviral properties, type I interferons (IFNs) are involved in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative/neuroinflammatory diseases. In the present study, we investigated the ability of cholinergic stimulation to protect from IFN‐β‐induced neuronal apoptosis.Experimental ApproachThe effects of the ACh receptor agonist carbachol (CCh) on IFN‐β‐induced apoptosis of human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were examined by using western blots, immunofluorescence and cytofluorimetry. The involvement of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) was assessed by using selective antagonists and siRNA transfection. Pharmacological inhibitors and overexpression of ERK2 and an ERK2 constitutively active form (ERK2‐CA) were employed to study ERK1/2 signalling. The effects of oxotremorine‐M (Oxo‐M) on IFN‐β‐induced apoptosis of mouse hippocampal neurons were examined by measuring cleaved caspase 3 expression.Key ResultsIn SH‐SY5Y cells, CCh inhibited IFN‐β‐induced mitochondrial cytochrome c release, activation of caspases 9, 7 and 3, PARP cleavage and DNA fragmentation. The anti‐apoptotic effect of CCh was mediated by M3 receptors, blocked by Gq/11 antagonist YM254890 and PKC inhibitor Go 6983, impaired by inhibition of ERK1/2 pathway, potentiated by overexpression of ERK2 and mimicked by ERK2‐CA. Blockade of JNK activation enhanced the CCh anti‐apoptotic response. IFN‐β inhibited JNK activation and up‐regulated CCh‐induced ERK1/2 signalling. In hippocampal neurons, Oxo‐M reduced IFN‐β‐induced apoptosis; this effect was antagonized by blockade of M1/M3 receptors and ERK1/2.Conclusions and ImplicationsStimulation of mAChRs counteracted IFN‐β‐induced neuronal apoptosis through the activation of ERK1/2 signalling. The data indicate that activation of ERK1/2‐coupled mAChRs may be an effective strategy for preventing IFNs neurotoxicity.
Synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular docking studies of new pyrazol‐3‐one derivatives with aromatase inhibition activities
Authors: Yi Xue‐Jing , El‐Idreesy Tamer T. , Eldebss Taha M. A. , Farag Ahmad M. , Abdulla Mohamed M. , Hassan Shaimaa A. , Mabkhot Yahia N. 
Published: August 2016

A new series derived from 4‐(2‐chloroacetyl)‐1,2‐dihydro‐1,5‐dimethyl‐2‐phenyl‐3H‐pyrazol‐3‐one was synthesized, characterized and its pharmacological activity toward aromatase enzyme inhibition was screened and compared to the reference native ligand letrozole. The most active compound of the series was 16, showing IC50 value of 0.0023 ± 0.0002 μm compared to letrozole with IC50 of 0.0028 ± 0.0006 μm. In addition, compounds 26 and 36 exhibit good inhibition activities close to letrozole with IC50 values 0.0033 ± 0.0001 and 0.0032 ± 0.0003 μm, respectively. Moreover, molecular docking studies were conducted to support the findings.
1‐[(Imidazolidin‐2‐yl)imino]‐1H‐indoles as new hypotensive agents: synthesis and in vitro and in vivo biological studies
Authors: Kornicka Anita , Wasilewska Aleksandra , Sączewski Jarosław , Hudson Alan L. , Boblewski Konrad , Lehmann Artur , Gzella Karol , Belka Mariusz , Sączewski Franciszek , Gdaniec Maria , Rybczyńska Apolonia , Bączek Tomasz 
Published: August 2016

A series of 1‐[(imidazolidin‐2‐yl)imino]‐1H‐indole analogues of hypotensive α2‐AR agonists, 1‐[(imidazolidin‐2‐yl)imino]‐1H‐indazoles, was synthesized and tested in vitro for their activities at α1‐ and α2‐adrenoceptors as well as imidazoline I1 and I2 receptors. The most active 1‐[(imidazolidin‐2‐yl)imino]‐1H‐indoles displayed high or moderate affinities for α1‐ and α2‐adrenoceptors and substantial selectivity for α2‐adrenoceptors over imidazoline‐I1 binding sites. The in vivo cardiovascular properties of indole derivatives 3 revealed that substitution at C‐7 position of the indole ring may result in compounds with high cardiovascular activity. Among them, 7‐fluoro congener 3g showed the most pronounced hypotensive and bradycardic activities in this experiment at a dose as low as 10 μg/kg i.v. Metabolic stability of the selected compounds of type 3 was determined using both in vitro and in silico approaches. The results indicated that these compounds are not vulnerable to rapid first‐phase oxidative metabolism.