bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coexistence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Endometriosis in Women with Infertility
Authors: Holoch Kristin J. , Savaris Ricardo F. , Forstein David A. , Miller Paul B. , Higdon H. Lee , Likes Creighton E. , Lessey Bruce A. 
Published: July 2014

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate if there is a higher incidence of endometriosis in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), compared with normal fertile controls. Material and methods Women with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria, with infertility and/or pelvic pain, were identified (n = 104), and together with fertile women seeking bilateral tubal ligation (n = 111), they were submitted to laparoscopy at the Greenville Hospital System or the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A biopsy was performed in 40 patients with PCOS to confirm or not endometriosis. Results Age was similar in both groups (control: 29.7 ± 0.5 years; PCOS: 29.6 ± 0.4). The incidence of suspected endometriotic lesions in controls and PCOS patients was 12.6% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 7.6%-20%) and 74% (95% CI, 64.8%-81.5%), respectively; with an odds ratio of 19.7 (95% CI, 9.6-40.2) of finding endometriosis in PCOS (p<0.0001). Our results were similar when endometriosis was confirmed by pathology report. Of the PCOS patients with endometriosis, 76% had endometriosis stage I or II, according to the revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine criteria. Conclusions In this case-control study, a significant association between endometriosis and women with PCOS with pelvic pain and/or infertility was found. The majority of endometriotic lesions (76%) were stage I or II.
Obstetric Outcomes in Patients Treated for Deep Pelvic Endometriosis
Authors: Saccardi Carlo , Borghero Angela , Gizzo Salvatore , Codroma Anna , Perini Francesca , Luisi Stefano , Litta Pietro 
Published: July 2014

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess obstetric outcomes and symptoms during and after pregnancy in women submitted to surgical treatment for deep pelvic endometriosis. Methods We evaluated 123 women who underwent surgery for severe deep pelvic endometriosis-related symptoms. Interventions were excision of rectovaginal septum nodule with or without rectal or vaginal resection, or excision of nodule of uterosacral ligaments. On the basis of pregnancy desire, patients were submitted to a telephone interview and asked if there had been a pregnancy and its outcome. They were also asked to describe their pain symptoms before, after and during the pregnancy. Results From the 123 patients, we selected 43 women desiring pregnancy after surgery, who answered the telephone interview. Twenty-four patients (55.8%) got pregnant. We recorded 34 pregnancies a mean 21.8 ± 17.9 months after surgery. In the group of 25 full-term pregnancies, 14 women (56%) had a vaginal delivery without complications, and 11 (44%) underwent a cesarean section. In only 3 cases, was the indication of cesarean section related to previous surgery. Seventy-one percent of women treated without rectal or vaginal resection delivered vaginally. We also registered 1 case of uncomplicated vaginal delivery in a patient with vaginal resection and another 1 in a patient with rectal resection. In the patients who complained of pain before pregnancy, we observed a resolution of pain symptoms during pregnancy, but after delivery these symptoms reappeared. Conclusions In patients submitted to surgery for deep pelvic endometriosis, even in cases of vaginal or rectal resection, a cesarean section is not always mandatory.
An Investigation of the Relationship between Pelvic Pain and Density of Nerve Fibers in Peritoneal Lesions of Endometriosis
Authors: Maharajaa Sri P.K. , Black Kirsten I. , Manconi Frank , Ng Cecilia H.M. , Hey-Cunningham Alison , Fraser Ian S. , Berbic Marina 
Published: July 2014

Purpose Endometriosis is a gynecological disease often characterized by severe pelvic pain, including perimenstrual and intermenstrual pain and dyspareunia. Sensory nerve fibers within peritoneal lesions have previously been shown to contribute to generation of pain in endometriosis; however, their association with different types of pelvic pain is currently uncertain. Methods Peritoneal endometriotic lesions (n = 30) were sectioned and stained immunohistochemically with protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5; pan-neuronal marker), neuropeptide Y (NPY; sympathetic), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP; parasympathetic), substance P (SP; sensory) and nerve growth factor (NGF) to identify nerve fibers and neurotrophin levels. Densities were assessed within stroma of the lesions and in the adjacent peritoneum. Pelvic pain scores were obtained using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and correlation analysis was performed. Results Increased density of nerve fibers was observed within the stroma of lesions. NGF expression was significantly increased in glandular epithelium, compared with stromal regions (p = 0.026) and correlated inversely with menstrual pain scores (p = 0.05). Sympathetic nerve fiber density (NPY) in stroma showed a significant positive correlation with intensity of menstrual pain (p = 0.04). Parasympathetic nerve fiber density (VIP) also showed a strong trend toward a positive correlation with menstrual pain intensity (p = 0.056). Conclusions There is increased neurogenesis in the stromal region. Innervation of lesions correlates to intensity of menstrual pain. NGF in glandular epithelium may promote growth of nerve fibers into the core of lesions; however, the inverse correlation between NGF expression in glandular epithelium and menstrual pain indicates that mechanisms of pain generation in endometriosis are complex.
Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma Arising from Intestinal Endometriosis
Authors: Nasu Kaei , Okamoto Mamiko , Kawano Yukie , Hirakawa Tomoko , Yada Naomi , Kashima Kenji , Narahara Hisashi 
Published: July 2014

Purpose Gastrointestinal involvement of endometriosis may exist in up to 37% of women suffering from endometriosis, but malignant transformation of intestinal endometriosis is extremely rare. In this case report, we present a case of endometrioid adenocarcinoma arising from 2 different large bowel endometriotic sites, with a review of the reported cases of epithelial malignancies developed in gastrointestinal endometriosis. Case A 33-year-old nulligravid Japanese woman was admitted for the evaluation of massive ascites. The patient had undergone a laparoscopic bilateral cystectomy for bilateral endometriomas 8 years before. At laparotomy, we found massive serous ascites, diffuse peritoneal endometriotic lesions, edematous gastrointestinal tract with small surface nodules, stenosis of the sigmoid colon and firm and thick peritoneum. No endometriotic or tumorous lesions were found in the genital tract. The patient underwent a resection of the sigmoid colon, partial resection of the transverse colon, partial omentectomy and multiple biopsies of the peritoneum and ovaries. On the histologic examination, benign endometriosis, atypical hyperplasia and grade 1 endometrioid adenocarcinoma were found to be present in the transverse and sigmoid colon. Subsequently, the patient was treated with chemotherapy consisting of paclitaxel and carboplatin under a diagnosis of endometrioid adenocarcinoma arising in the intestinal endometriosis. The patient is well without evidence of disease 26 months following the surgery. Conclusions The tumors arising from intestinal endometriosis can clinically and pathologically mimic primary neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. Recognition of these lesions is important because primary gastrointestinal neoplasms are managed differently from those arising in endometriosis, and these differences may have significant clinical implications.
Endometriosis: Does Surgery Offer Long-Term Improvement in Quality of Life?
Authors: Farfaras Athanasios , Pierrakos George , Pateras Ioannis , Skolarikos Panagiotis , Wen Shi-Wu , Sarris Markos 
Published: July 2014

Introduction Endometriosis is a common, estrogen-dependent, benign disease that affects women of reproductive age. Endometriosis frequently presents with pain and can result in infertility. The symptoms of the disease have a negative impact on physical and mental aspects of life, contribute to reduction of social contacts and lead to a significant reduction in quality of life. In this study, we investigated quality of life of patients with endometriosis. Moreover, we examined whether surgical management could be beneficial for those patients in terms of improving quality of life. Material and methods In this prospective study, we included patients undergoing gynecological operations due to endometriosis-associated problems between 2008 and 2014. All patients were assessed preoperatively and 30 months postoperatively. The survey form chosen to achieve the aims of the study was the Greek version of SF-36. Results The results showed that both physical and mental health were highly compromised in patients affected by endometriosis, and surgical management significantly improved patients’ quality of life, as all of the SF-36 scores were higher postoperatively (p<0.05). Discussion Endometriosis represents an important medical problem in women, with a high impact on their quality of life, and surgical management can reverse the impact of endometriosis on patients’ health and restore their quality of life.
A Single Institution Experience of Seven Hundred Consecutively placed Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheters
Authors: Sainathan Sandeep , Hempstead Margaret , Andaz Shahriyour 
Published: July 2014

Introduction Peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) are being increasingly placed at the bedside by trained vascular access professional such as nurses. This is to increase the availability of the service, for cost containment, and to reduce the workload on the interventional radiologist. We describe a single institution experience with over 700 PICC lines placed by trained nurses at the bedside and determine the success rate, malposition rate of the PICC line, degree of support needed from the Interventional radiologist, and factors affecting a successful placement of a PICC line by the nurses. Methods Seven hundred and five PICC lines were placed at the South Nassau Communities hospital between July 2011 and November 2012 by trained vascular access nurses with interventional radiology backup. Bedside ultrasound was used for venous access, an electromagnetic catheter tip detection device was used to navigate the catheter into the desired central vein and catheter tip position was confirmed using a portable bedside chest X-ray. Results The nurses, with a malposition rate of 3.8%, successfully placed 91.6% (646/705) catheters. Interventional radiology support was needed for 59 cases (8.4%) and 17 cases (2.4%) for failed placement and catheter malposition adjustment, respectively. Risk factor such as presence of pacemaker wires and multiple attempts at insertion were factors predictive of an unsuccessful placement of a PICC line by the nurses. Conclusions Bedside placement of PICC line by trained vascular nurses is an effective method with a high success rate, low malposition rate and requires minimal support from interventional radiology.
Initial Experience with the Gore® Acuseal Graft for Prosthetic Vascular Access
Authors: Tozzi Matteo , Franchin Marco , Ietto Giuseppe , Soldini Gabriele , Carcano Giulio , Castelli Patrizio , Piffaretti Gabriele 
Published: July 2014

Purpose The purpose of this study is to report the short-term results of the Gore® Acuseal graft for prosthetic vascular access (pVA) in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis. Methods Between October 2011 and October 2013, all the consecutive patients who underwent implantation of a new expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tri-layer graft were included in the study. Primary and secondary patency rate, time to first cannulation, and complications were recorded. Follow-up was performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the intervention. Results Thirty ePTFE tri-layer heparin bonded grafts were implanted in 18 males and 12 females. The graft configuration was radial-basilic (n=12, 40%), brachial-basilic (n=10, 33.3%), femoro-femoral (n=3, 10.0%), radial-cephalic (n=2, 6.7%), radial-antecubital forearm (n=2, 6.7%), and brachial-axillary (n=1, 3.3%). No patient was lost during a mean follow-up time of 6.3±5.9 months (range, 1-24; median, 5). Mean time to first cannulation was 2.4±1.2 days (range, 1-15). Primary functional patency rate was 68.0% ± 10 at 6 and 12 months. Secondary patency rate was 93.3% ± 6 at 6 and 12 months. Pseudoaneurysm, bleeding, seroma, or graft infection was never observed. Conclusions In our experience, the Gore® Acuseal graft was useful and safe. Early cannulation was always performed, and structural complications did not occur. Primary functional and secondary patency rate are satisfactory in the short term.
Getting the Assumptions Right: A Reply to Laver and Shepsle
Authors: WARWICK PAUL V. 
Published: July 2002

For some time now, formal modelling has been touted by its supporters as a panacea for political science – or at least as a major step forward in the discipline's development. Certainly, it embodies a number of praiseworthy elements. Its insistence on starting with a parsimonious and precisely formulated set of assumptions cannot help but constrain slippery thinking, for example, and its rigorous working out of implications, while often demonstrating the obvious, occasionally leads to unanticipated and intriguing results. Moreover, the combination of precision and rigour holds forth the promise of generating relatively clear-cut tests of rival explanations, a major boon – if it proves true – in a discipline more inclined to abandon theories than to disconfirm them.How much better the analytical or formal orientation is, then, than the ‘funnel of causality’ approach of empiricists whose quest for the highest explained variance seldom produces more than a miscellaneous grab-bag of influences on the dependent phenomenon. Empirical work of that sort may have some limited utility in identifying possible causes, to be sure, but at some point the scholarly enterprise must move to the higher level of elaborating a clear logical structure among causal factors. Here, empirical success in accounting for observed phenomena cannot be the sole guide: the best theory is the one that provides the most accurate idea of what is actually going on in the real world, not the one with the best correlations.
SOME INTERESTING SPECIAL CASES OF A NON-LOCAL PROBLEM MODELLING OHMIC HEATING WITH VARIABLE THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
Authors: Tzanetis D. E. , Vlamos P. M. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThe non-local equation$$ u_t=(u^3u_x)_x+\frac{\lambda f(u)}{(\int_{-1}^1f(u)\,\rd x)^{2}} $$is considered, subject to some initial and Dirichlet boundary conditions. Here $f$ is taken to be either $\exp(-s^4)$ or $H(1-s)$ with $H$ the Heaviside function, which are both decreasing. It is found that there exists a critical value $\lambda^*=2$, so that for $\lambda>\lambda^{*}$ there is no stationary solution and $u$ ‘blows up’ (in some sense). If $0\lt\lambda\lt\lambda^{*}$, there is a unique stationary solution which is asymptotically stable and the solution of the IBVP is global in time.AMS 2000 Mathematics subject classification: Primary 35B30; 35B35; 35B40; 35K20; 35K55; 35K99
Effect of air temperature and energy intake on body mass, body composition and energy requirements in sheep
Authors: ALLAN DEGEN A. , YOUNG B. A. 
Published: July 2002

Body mass was measured and body composition and energy requirements were estimated in sheep at four air temperatures (0 °C to 30 °C) and at four levels of energy offered (4715 to 11785 kJ/day) at a time when the sheep reached a constant body mass. Final body mass was affected mainly by metabolizable energy intake and, to a lesser extent, by air temperature, whereas maintenance requirements were affected mainly by air temperature. Mean energy requirements were similar and lowest at 20 °C and 30 °C (407·5 and 410·5 kJ/kg0·75, respectively) and increased with a decrease in air temperature (528·8 kJ/kg0·75 at 10 °C and 713·3 kJ/kg0·75 at 0 °C). Absolute total body water volume was related positively to metabolizable energy intake and to air temperature. Absolute fat, protein and ash contents were all affected positively by metabolizable energy intake and tended to be related positively to air temperature. In proportion to body mass, total body water volume decreased with an increase in metabolizable energy intake and with an increase in air temperature. Proportionate fat content increased with an increase in metabolizable energy intake and tended to increase with an increase in air temperature. In contrast, proportionate protein content decreased with an increase in metabolizable energy intake and tended to decrease with an increase in air temperature. In all cases, the multiple linear regression using both air temperature and metabolizable energy intake improved the fit over the simple linear regressions of either air temperature or metabolizable energy intake and lowered the standard error of the estimate. The fit was further improved and the standard error of the estimate was further lowered using a polynomial model with both independent variables to fit the data, since there was little change in the measurements between 20 °C and 30 °C, as both air temperatures were most likely within the thermal neutral zone of the sheep. It was concluded that total body energy content, total body water volume, fat and protein content of sheep of the same body mass differed or tended to differ when kept at different air temperatures.
Effect of maize supplementation, seasonal temperature

and humidity on the liveweight gain of steers grazing

irrigated Leucaena leucocephala/Digitaria eriantha

pastures in north-west Australia
Authors: PETTY S. R. , POPPI D. P. , TRIGLONE T. 
Published: July 2002

Brahman Shorthorn steers (213±4·6 kg

initial weight) were grazed on a pangola (Digitaria

eriantha cv. Steudel) pasture interplanted with leucaena

(Leucaena leucocephala cv. Cunningham) in rows

1·8–2·7 m apart in the Ord River

Irrigation Area (ORIA) in north-west Western Australia. The

leucaena comprised a mean of 46% of the diet but ranged

from 100% of the diet on day 1 to c. 18%

on day 7 of a 7-day grazing period, within the rotational

grazing system. It was suggested that the

low herbage allowance of leucaena may have restricted the

intake of the steers, reducing the quantity

and quality of the herbage consumed.The steers were also supplemented with maize during the

dry and wet seasons (1992 and 1992/93).

The maize supplement was offered at 0, 0·5,

1·0, 1·5 and 2·0 kg/head per day,

over a 168-day period.

Maize supplementation at 1·5 kg maize per head per

day resulted in an increase in the liveweight gain

of the steers grazing leucaena/pangola pastures in the

dry season from 0·73±0·05 kg/day

(mean±S.E.) for no supplementation to

1·1±0·05 kg/day for

1·5 kg/head per day of maize. Maize

supplementation up to 2·0 kg/day did not

further increase the liveweight gain. A high rate of

substitution of leucaena and pangola intake for the maize

supplement occurred.There was a large seasonal difference in liveweight gain

(mean 0·89 v. 0·63 kg/day for the dry and

wet seasons respectively; P<0·001)

irrespective of the level of maize supplementation. This seasonal

difference in liveweight gain was not primarily a

function of the herbage on offer, but was most

probably a direct function of the effect of the seasonal

temperature and humidity influencing the feed

intake and growth rate of these Brahman crossbred cattle.This system produced some of the higher liveweight gains

recorded per hectare for a grazing system

(1570–2110 kg/ha per year), as a result of the

very good individual liveweight gains (250-340 kg/head

per year) and high stocking rate (6·25 head/ha).
Selective grazing in pure leaf and leaf/culm mixtures
of herbage grasses by sheep
Authors: HONGO A. 
Published: July 2002

Five grazing trials using Suffolk wethers were carried out at Obihiro,
Japan from June to July of 1989
and 1990. New methodology was developed to investigate bite weight and
bite selection using hand-constructed swards, which were composed of 128 points of plant units spaced
4 cm apart. Leaves and
reproductive culms of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) and timothy
(Phleum pratense) were used in
five kinds of artificial swards (three pure leaf mixtures and two leaf/culm
mixtures).In the leaf/culm mixture, sheep definitely selected leaf units.
The inclusion of reproductive culms
decreased the number of prehending bites and the total distance of travel
between bites. Mean
distance of travel between bites was 8·6–10·6 cm. Mean
travelling speed was 7·2 cm/s and was not
influenced by the inclusion of culms. Total distance of travel between
bites was 3·8–4·1 m/min in pure
leaf mixtures and 3·4–3·5 m/min in leaf/culm
mixtures.The actual area covered by one prehending bite, estimated from direct
measurement, was
21–27 cm2 in pure leaf mixtures and 15–16 cm2

in leaf/culm mixtures. Decreased bite area in leaf/culm mixtures
resulted in decreased bite weight and intake rate. Experimental errors
observed were
discussed with respect to the biting behaviour of sheep and flexibility
of grass leaves.
Effects of nitrogen fertilizer on the grain yield and
quality of winter oats
Authors: CHALMERS A. G. , DYER C. J. , SYLVESTER-BRADLEY R. 
Published: July 2002

Amounts of spring nitrogen (N) fertilizer (0–240 kg/ha),
combined with three timing treatments
(single, divided early or divided late), were tested at 14 sites in England
and Wales between 1984 and
1988 to determine the optimum fertilizer N requirement for winter oats.
The trials were superimposed
on commercial crops of the cultivars Pennal (9 sites) or Peniarth (5 sites).
Optimum amounts of N
ranged from nil to 202 kg/ha (mean 119) and optimum yields varied between
5·8 and 9·9 t/ha (mean
7·3). Much (c. 60%) of the inter-site variation in N optimum
was explained by differences in soil N
supply, as indicated by N offtake in the grain at nil applied N. Mean yield
differences between single
and early (+0·08 t/ha) or late (−0·04 t/ha)
divided dressings were slight, although significant
(P<0·05) but inconsistent yield effects were obtained
from early N at two sites and late N at three sites.Lodging occurred at 11 of the 12 sites where lodging scores were recorded
and always increased
significantly (P<0·05) with applied N. The amount of
crop lodging at N optimum was, on an area
basis, <50% at nine of the sites. The overall extent of site lodging
was also influenced by soil N
fertility and hence inversely related to N optimum. However, multiple regression,
using site lodging
as well as soil N supply, only accounted for slightly more (65%) of the
variation in N optimum, which
suggests that lodging was not a major limiting factor. Lodging was unexpectedly
less from early N
(mean 43%), but more from late N (53%) divided dressings, compared with
a single N dressing
(49%). Early N reduced lodging significantly (P<0·05)
at four sites, although the actual reduction
was only large at one site where early N also increased yield significantly
(+0·57 t/ha).Grain N concentrations increased significantly (P<0·05)
with applied N, on average by 0·12% per
40 kg/ha N increment. Timing effects on grain N concentration were
very small, with mean values
of 1·94, 1·91 and 1·96%N respectively from single,
early and late divided dressings. Apparent
recovery in grain of fertilizer N at the optimum amount ranged from 13
to 57% (mean 37), with better
N recovery at the more yield-responsive sites. Changes in mean grain weight
due to the amount and
timing of fertilizer N were small, with an average reduction of 0·6
mg/grain per 40 kg/ha N applied.
The adverse effects of N fertilizer on grain quality were slight and unlikely
to have commercial
significance. The agronomic implications of these results on the N fertilization
of winter oats are
discussed.