bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological effects of mitomycin C on urothelial responses to experimentally‐induced urethral stricture in rats
Authors: Chang In Youb , Kim Jin Nam , Kim Sun‐Ouck , Han Misook , Huh Jung‐Sik , Maeng Young Hee , Yoon Sang Pil 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesTo analyze the urothelial responses to mitomycin C treatment after urethral injury in rats, as the urothelium might play a role in the pathogenesis of urethral stricture.MethodsMale Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n = 5/group): negative control, positive control without further treatment, experimental control treated with sodium hyaluronate and sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and experimental treated with mitomycin C after internal urethrotomy.ResultsCompared with negative controls, positive controls showed a significant increase in cell proliferation and DNA damage accompanied by a considerable decrease in DNA repair in the urothelium, which resulted in urethral stricture. Experimental controls showed a significant increase in cell proliferation, DNA damage and DNA repair compared with negative controls. The mitomycin C‐treated group showed a significant decrease in cell proliferation and DNA damage, but a considerable increase in DNA repair compared with the positive and experimental control groups. DNA damage was immediately increased after urethral injury, but DNA repair and cell proliferation showed belated and upregulated expression after mitomycin C treatment.ConclusionsMitomycin C could induce healthy re‐epithelialization without severe damage in the urothelium. This finding might support the possibility of using mitomycin C as an adjuvant therapy for urethral strictures, and it might also suggest a urothelial role in the process of urethral stricture after urethral injury.
Acute intermittent porphyria symptoms during the menstrual cycle
Authors: Ahangari A. , Bäckström T. , Innala E. , Andersson C. , Turkmen S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundAcute intermittent porphyria (AIP), a life‐threatening form of the disease, is accompanied by several pain, mental and physical symptoms.AimsIn this study, we evaluated the cyclicity of AIP and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms in 32 women with DNA‐diagnosed AIP during their menstrual cycles, in northern Sweden.MethodsThe cyclicity of AIP symptoms and differences in them between the follicular and luteal phases, and the cyclicity of each symptom in each individual woman in different phases of her menstrual cycle were analysed with a prospective daily rating questionnaire. PMS symptoms were also evaluated in the patients on a daily rating scale.ResultsOf the 32 women, 30 showed significant cyclicity in at least one AIP or PMS symptom (P < 0.05–0.001). Back pain (10/32) was the most frequent AIP pain symptom and sweet craving (10/15) was the most frequent PMS symptom. Pelvic pain (F = 4.823, P = 0.036), irritability (F = 7.399, P = 0.011), cheerfulness (F = 5.563, P = 0.025), sexual desire (F = 8.298, P = 0.007), friendliness (F = 6.157, P = 0.019), breast tenderness (F = 21.888, P = 0.000) and abdominal swelling (F = 16.982, P = 0.000) showed significant cyclicity. Pelvic pain and abdominal swelling (rs = 0.337, P < 0.001) showed the strongest correlation. The age of women with latent AIP was strongly correlated with abdominal swelling during the luteal phase (rs = 0.493, P < 0.01).ConclusionOur results suggest that the symptoms of AIP patients change during their menstrual cycles.
Long‐term effectiveness of a community‐based model of care in Māori and Pacific patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease: a 4‐year follow up of the DElay Future End Stage Nephropathy due to Diabetes (DEFEND) study
Authors: Tan J. , Manley P. , Gamble G. , Collins J. , Bagg W. , Hotu C. , Braatvedt G. ,   DEFEND investigators
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground/AimThe Delay Future End Stage Nephropathy due to Diabetes study was a randomised controlled trial of Māori and Pacific patients with advanced diabetic nephropathy, comparing a community‐based model of care with usual care. The intervention group achieved lower blood pressure (BP), proteinuria and less end‐organ damage. After the intervention ended, all patients reverted to usual care, and were followed to review the sustainability of the intervention.MethodsA retrospective observation of 65 patients (aged 47–75 years) with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease 3/4 and proteinuria (>0.5 g/day) previously randomised to intervention/community care or usual care for 11–21 months. Follow up thereafter was until death, end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤ 10 mL/min/1.73 m2)/dialysis or 1 February 2014. Primary end‐points were death and ESRD/dialysis. Secondary outcomes were annualised glomerular filtration rate decline, non‐fatal vascular events and hospitalisations.ResultsMedian (interquartile ranges (IQR)) post‐trial follow up was 49 (21–81) months and similar in both groups. The median (IQR) eGFR decline was −3.1 (−5.5, −2.3) and −5.5 (−7.1, −3.0) mL/min/year in the intervention and usual care groups respectively (P = 0.11). Similar number of deaths, renal and vascular events were observed in both groups. At the end of follow up, the number of prescribed antihypertensive medications was similar (3.4 ± 1.0 vs 3.3 ± 1.4; P = 0.78). There were fewer median (IQR) hospital days (8 (3, 18) vs 15.5 (6, 49) days, P = 0.03) in the intervention group.ConclusionsShort‐term intensive BP control followed by usual care did not translate into reduction in long‐term mortality or ESRD rates, but was associated with reduced hospitalisations.
Deferring a State Pension — Is it Worthwhile?
Authors: Dagpunar John 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Good things are meant to come to those who wait. But does the old adage apply to UK residents who defer their state pension? John Dagpunar weighs the pros and cons ahead of a rule change next year
Is it worthwhile? John Dagpunar weighs the pros and cons ahead of a UK rule change next year
Abdominal visceral fat accumulation measured by computed tomography associated with an increased risk of gallstone disease
Authors: Sekine Katsunori , Nagata Naoyoshi , Sakamoto Kayo , Arai Tomohiro , Shimbo Takuro , Shinozaki Masafumi , Okubo Hidetaka , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Imbe Koh , Mikami Shintaro , Nozaki Yuichi , Sakurai Toshiyuki , Yokoi Chizu , Kojima Yasushi , Kobayakawa Masao , Yanase Mikio , Akiyama Junichi , Noda Mitsuhiko , Uemura Naomi 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground and AimVisceral adiposity is a strong determinant of insulin resistance, which decreases cholecystokinin response sensitivity, and increases cholesterol saturation in the gallbladder bile; thus, it potentially relates to gallstone disease development. We aimed to investigate whether visceral fat measured by computed tomography (CT) is a risk factor for gallstone disease.MethodsA cohort of 717 participants undergoing CT and ultrasonography was analyzed. The associations between body mass index (BMI), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) area, and gallstone disease were analyzed adjusted for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.ResultsIn multivariate analysis, gallstone disease was significantly associated with VAT and SAT areas for both categorical data and trend (P for trend < 0.001, 0.009), but not body mass index (BMI). Among patients with BMI < 25, gallstone disease remained significantly associated with VAT area (P for trend 0.021) and SAT area (P for trend 0.005). Interactions between the obesity indices and being elderly on the risk of gallstone disease were found; specifically BMI (P = 0.005), SAT (P < 0.001), and VAT (P = 0.154). A significant association between all obesity indices and gallstone disease was seen in patients aged < 65 but not among those aged ≥ 65. However, no significant association was noted between the obesity indices and sex.ConclusionsCT‐measured adipose tissue, rather than BMI, was a better predictor for risk of gallstone disease. This finding applies to younger people or even those with normal body weight, suggesting the importance of abdominal visceral fat accumulation in the development of gallstone disease.
Visual‐motor integration in children with Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Lo S. T. , Collin P. J. L. , Hokken‐Koelega A. C. S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundPrader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is characterised by hypotonia, hypogonadism, short stature, obesity, behavioural problems, intellectual disability, and delay in language, social and motor development. There is very limited knowledge about visual‐motor integration in children with PWS.MethodSeventy‐three children with PWS aged 7–17 years were included. Visual‐motor integration was assessed using the Beery Visual‐motor Integration test at the start of the study and after 2 years. The association between visual‐motor integration and age, gender, genetic subtype and intelligence was assessed.ResultsChildren with PWS scored ‘very low’ (−3 standard deviations) in visual‐motor integration and ‘below average’ (−1 standard deviation) in visual perception and motor coordination compared with typically developing children. Visual‐motor integration was higher in children with a deletion (β = −0.170, P = 0.037), in older children (β = 0.222, P = 0.009) and in those with a higher total IQ (β = 0.784, P < 0.001). Visual perception was higher with a deletion (β = −0.193, P = 0.044) and higher IQ (β = −0.618, P < 0.001), but motor coordination was only higher with a higher total IQ (β = 0.429, P = 0.001). Visual perception and motor coordination were not associated with age or gender. There was a trend for visual‐motor integration decline over the 2 year follow‐up period (P = 0.099). Visual perception and motor coordination did not change over the follow‐up period.ConclusionsVisual‐motor integration is very poor in children with PWS. Children scored higher on the time‐limited subtests for visual perception and motor coordination than the combined test for visual‐motor integration. Separation of visual‐motor integration tasks into pure visual or motor tasks and allowing sufficient time to perform the tasks might improve daily activities, both at home and at school.
Morphology of congenital portosystemic shunts involving the right gastric vein in dogs
Authors: White R. N. , Parry A. T. 
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVETo describe the anatomy of congenital portosystemic shunts involving the right gastric vein in dogs.MATERIALS AND METHODSRetrospective review of a consecutive series of dogs managed for congenital portosystemic shunt.RESULTSTwenty‐two dogs met the inclusion criteria of a congenital portosystemic shunt involving the right gastric vein with recorded intraoperative mesenteric portovenography or computed tomography angiography and gross observations at the time of surgery. Of these, 20 (91%) had a shunt that entered the pre‐hepatic caudal vena cava at the level of the epiploic foramen and two (9%) had a shunt that entered the post‐hepatic caudal vena cava at the level of the diaphragm. Shunts entering the pre‐hepatic caudal vena cava could be further classified into three consistent subdivisions.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThe morphology of each shunt type described appeared to be a result of an abnormal communication between the left gastric vein and the caudal vena cava, the presence or absence of an abnormal communication between the splenic, left gastric and portal veins and the subsequent development of preferential blood flow through essentially normal portal vessels within the portal venous system. The abnormal communication (shunt) was through the left gastric vein and not the right gastric vein, as might have been expected. This information may help with surgical planning in cases undergoing shunt closure surgery.
Spatiotemporal resource partitioning of water sources by African carnivores on Namibian commercial farmlands
Authors: Edwards S. , Gange A. C. , Wiesel I. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractInterspecific competition often occurs when sympatric carnivores compete for the same, limited resources, although the degree of competition between species pairs may vary with biotic factors such as body size, diet and population density. Avoidance of dominant competitors along the axes of space and time is a potential mechanism for reducing chances of direct encounters between species. However, when resources are essential and spatially fixed, options for spatial partitioning may be limited. We examined resource partitioning within a guild of eight carnivore species at water sources across two commercial farmlands in southwest Namibia. In this semi‐desert environment, surface water is scarce and farmers are forced to provision water for livestock through artificial means. Camera traps were used to record spatial and temporal activity patterns of carnivore species at artificial and natural permanent water sources. We found that carnivores use either spatial or temporal resource partitioning, with temporal partitioning being most frequently seen. An association was seen between difference in body mass and degree of spatial partitioning, where species pairings with larger differences in body mass showed the greatest degree of partitioning. These results show that while in arid environments water is rare and used by a number of carnivore species, resource partitioning allows a guild of carnivores, including species of conservation concern, to coexist outside of protected areas.
Prevalence of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Among Individuals Aged 50 Years and Over and Its Effect on the Quality of Life in a Semi‐Rural Area of Western Turkey
Authors: ARSLANTAS Didem , GOKLER Mehmet E. , UNSAL Alaettin , BAŞESKIOĞLU Barbaros 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesThe number of individuals with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is increasing as the average age of the men in the community increases. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of LUTS and to assess the quality of life in men aged 50 years and older in Sivrihisar.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was conducted in men aged over 50 years and included 450 subjects. The quality of life was evaluated using the SF‐36 Health‐Related Quality of Life Scale and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) to assess the presence and severity of LUTS. The statistical analysis was conducted using Mann–Whitney U‐tests, χ2 tests and logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of LUTS was 78.7%, and the prevalence of moderate to severe LUTS was 32.4%. Comparative analyses between the individuals who had moderate to severe LUTS and those who did not indicated that individuals aged 60 and over, those with a primary school education or below, those without social insurance, those who were current smokers, those having any chronic disease diagnosed by a physician, those with a history of using diuretics, and those with a family history of prostate or bladder disease were associated with a higher prevalence of LUTS. In our study, the quality of life is adversely affected by an increased severity of LUTS.ConclusionThe prevalence of LUTS was found to be high in the men in this region of Turkey, and the degree of LUTS is inversely correlated with the quality of life.
Maternal buffering of stress response in free‐ranging Pacific harbor seal pups in Alaska
Authors: Di Poi Carole , Atkinson Shannon , Hoover‐Miller Anne , Blundell Gail 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWe examined the effects of maternal buffering in free‐ranging Pacific harbor seal pups during capture and handling research procedures. We predicted that pups held with their mother would benefit from social buffering and exhibit lower cortisol concentrations resulting from capture and handling than dependent pups caught without their mothers and weaned pups. We expected that pups captured with their mother that experienced a short separation would exhibit increased stress‐induced vocal behavior and activity level compared to dependent weaned pups caught alone. The results showed that the presence of the mother significantly buffered the stress response, as measured by reduced serum cortisol concentrations, in pups captured with their mothers as compared to dependent pups captured alone. Cortisol concentrations of mothers with pups initially were higher than nonlactating females, then diminished. Pups showed a significantly higher rate of vocalization soon after maternal separation compared to single pups separated for a longer period of time. Newly separated pups, especially males, showed a high level of activity compared to the other pups. The results provide unique quantitative evidence of the physiology underlying the maternal‐pup bond in a marine mammal, and the role that maternal buffering may play on the stress response of the offspring.
The blood clotting Factor XIIIa forms unique complexes with amyloid‐beta (Aβ) and colocalizes with deposited Aβ in cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Authors: de Jager M. , Boot M. V. , Bol J. G. J. M. , Brevé J. J. P. , Jongenelen C. A. M. , Drukarch B. , Wilhelmus M. M. M. 
Published: April 2015

AimsCerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a key pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) characterized by accumulation of amyloid‐beta (Aβ) protein in blood vessel walls. CAA impairs vessel functioning, affects blood brain barrier integrity and accelerates cognitive decline of AD patients. Unfortunately, mechanisms underlying Aβ deposition in the vessel wall remain largely unknown. Factor XIIIa (FXIIIa) is a blood‐derived transglutaminase crucial in blood coagulation by cross‐linking fibrin molecules. Evidence is mounting that blood‐derived factors are present in CAA and may play a role in protein deposition in the vessel wall. We therefore investigated whether FXIIIa is present in CAA and if FXIIIa cross‐link activity affects Aβ aggregation.MethodsUsing immunohistochemistry, we investigated the distribution of FXIIIa, its activator thrombin and in situ FXIIIa activity in CAA in post‐mortem AD tissue. We used surface plasmon resonance and Western blot analysis to study binding of FXIIIa to Aβ and the formation of FXIIIa‐Aβ complexes, respectively. In addition, we studied cytotoxicity of FXIIIa‐Aβ complexes to cerebrovascular cells.ResultsFXIIIa, thrombin and in situ FXIIIa activity colocalize with the Aβ deposition in CAA. Furthermore, FXIIIa binds to Aβ with a higher binding affinity for Aβ1–42 compared with Aβ1–40. Moreover, highly stable FXIIIa‐Aβ complexes are formed independently of FXIIIa cross‐linking activity that protected cerebrovascular cells from Aβ‐induced toxicity in vitro.ConclusionsOur data showed that FXIIIa colocalizes with Aβ in CAA and that FXIIIa forms unique protein complexes with Aβ that might play an important role in Aβ deposition and persistence in the vessel wall.
The effect of FAAH, MAGL, and Dual FAAH/MAGL inhibition on inflammatory and colorectal distension‐induced visceral pain models in Rodents
Authors: Sakin Y. S. , Dogrul A. , Ilkaya F. , Seyrek M. , Ulas U. H. , Gulsen M. , Bagci S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies showed that the pharmacological inhibition of endocannabinoid degrading enzymes such as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacyl glycerol lipase (MAGL) elicit promising analgesic effects in a variety of nociceptive models without serious side effects. However, the full spectrum of activities is not observed upon inhibition of either FAAH or MAGL enzymes alone and thus dual FAAH and MAGL inhibitors have been described. Visceral pain is strongly associated with inflammation and distension of the gut. Thus, we explored the comparable effects of FAAH, MAGL, and dual FAAH/MAGL inhibitors on inflammatory and mechanically evoked visceral pain models.MethodsVisceral inflammatory and distension‐induced pain were assessed with the 0.6% acetic acid writhing test in mice and colorectal distension (CRD) test in rats, respectively. The selective FAAH inhibitor PF 3845, MAGL inhibitor JZL 184, dual inhibitor JZL 195, and the cannabis analog CP 55,940 were given systemically 30 min prior to nociceptive testing.Key ResultsPF 3845 (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg), JZL 184 (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg), and JZL 195 (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) elicit dose‐dependent antinociceptive in the acetic acid writhing test. In the CRD model, while JZL 195 (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg) and PF3845 (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) produced dose‐dependent antinociceptive effects comparable to those of CP 55,940 (0.1, 0.3, or 1 mg/kg), JZL 184 (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) alone did not alter the visceromotor response (VMR).Conclusions & InferencesThe selective FAAH inhibitor and dual FAAH/MAGL inhibitors were effective in both inflammatory and mechanically evoked visceral pain, while the MAGL inhibitor elicited an analgesic effect in inflammatory, but not in distension‐induced, visceral pain.
Tobacco guard cells fix CO2 by both Rubisco and PEPcase while sucrose acts as a substrate during light‐induced stomatal opening
Authors: Daloso Danilo M. , Antunes Werner C. , Pinheiro Daniela P. , Waquim Jardel P. , AraÚJo Wagner L. , Loureiro Marcelo E. , Fernie Alisdair R. , Williams Thomas C. R. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractTranscriptomic and proteomic studies have improved our knowledge of guard cell function; however, metabolic changes in guard cells remain relatively poorly understood. Here we analysed metabolic changes in guard cell‐enriched epidermal fragments from tobacco during light‐induced stomatal opening. Increases in sucrose, glucose and fructose were observed during light‐induced stomatal opening in the presence of sucrose in the medium while no changes in starch were observed, suggesting that the elevated fructose and glucose levels were a consequence of sucrose rather than starch breakdown. Conversely, reduction in sucrose was observed during light‐ plus potassium‐induced stomatal opening. Concomitant with the decrease in sucrose, we observed an increase in the level as well as in the 13C enrichment in metabolites of, or associated with, the tricarboxylic acid cycle following incubation of the guard cell‐enriched preparations in 13C‐labelled bicarbonate. Collectively, the results obtained support the hypothesis that sucrose is catabolized within guard cells in order to provide carbon skeletons for organic acid production. Furthermore, they provide a qualitative demonstration that CO2 fixation occurs both via ribulose‐1,5‐biphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPcase). The combined data are discussed with respect to current models of guard cell metabolism and function.
Stüve–Wiedemann syndrome in a neonate
Authors: Sarafidis Kosmas , Piretzi Kaliopi , Agakidou Eleni , Kohlhase Jürgen , Zafeiriou Dimitrios 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWe describe a female neonate with Stüve–Wiedemann syndrome. The facial dysmorphism, joint contracture, distinctive skeletal changes, and myotonic discharges on electromyogram raised a suspicion of the rare autosomal recessive syndrome, which was later confirmed on molecular analysis of leukemia inhibitory factor receptor. She developed recurrent attacks of hyperpyrexia and died at age 3 months.
Rare causes of gastrointestinal hemorrhage in infancy
Authors: Karakus Suleyman Cuneyt , Buyukbese Sarsu Sevgi , Celtık Coskun , Gokce Selim , Koku Naim 
Published: April 2015

AbstractGastrointestinal hemorrhage in children is a critical condition that demands quick and effective management. The differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal hemorrhage is wide. Heterotopic pancreas is a rare congenital anomaly and usually discovered incidentally. It is generally asymptomatic, but symptoms may occur when complicated by inflammation, bleeding, obstruction or malign transformation. Heterotopic pancreas may present throughout the gastrointestinal tract, but it is most commonly found in the stomach, duodenum and proximal jejunum. Juvenile polyps are common during childhood and present most often with painless rectal hemorrhage. They remain the most common colonic polyps in children. Colonoscopic polypectomy is the most effective procedure in the treatment of juvenile polyps. In this study, we describe rare causes of gastrointestinal system hemorrhage in infancy and discuss some diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.