bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting hernia recurrence after Strattice mesh repair: A retrospective study
Authors: Lamoshi Abdulraouf Y. , Hobbs Gerry R. , Khan Fawad J. 
Published: August 2014

AimThe aim of the present study was to explore the factors that affect hernia recurrence after Strattice mesh repair.Patients and MethodsThe present study is a retrospective study of the medical records of 42 patients who underwent Strattice mesh hernia repair at Ruby Memorial Hospital, West Virginia University. Strattice mesh was employed in a variety of ventral hernia procedures, including primary ventral hernia repair, recurrent ventral incisional hernia repair, component separation (abdominal wall reconstruction), parastomal hernia repair and infected inguinal hernia repair. The main collected variables were body mass index, intraoperative hernia defect size, diabetes, wound events and steroid use.ResultsFor 42 patients, the overall recurrence rate was 21.43 per cent. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 36.4. BMI and sex were significant risk factors for recurrence (P = 0.036, P = 0.002), respectively. The mean defect size was 97 cm2. The hernia defect size was not significantly associated with the hernia recurrence rate (P = 0.166). Of the 10 diabetics, five developed recurrence. However, diabetes was not significantly associated with the hernia recurrence rate (P = 0.726). A total of four patients (9.52 per cent) were using steroids; one developed recurrence, which was not significantly associated with the hernia recurrence rate (P = 0.20). Wound infection also was not significantly associated with recurrence (P = 0.323).ConclusionsOnly sex and an increase in the BMI were significantly associated with the risk of hernia recurrence. In order to decrease the modifiable risk of hernia recurrence, surgeons should counsel obese patients regarding preoperative weight loss.
Selective carotid endarterectomy and the advantages of conventional and eversion endarterectomy
Authors: Emrecan Bilgin , Ozdemir Ahmet Coskun , Onem Gokhan 
Published: August 2014

AimSelective carotid endarterectomy (SCE) is described as the extraction of atheromatous plaque through an arteriotomy made starting from the common carotid artery and extending to the external carotid artery. The aim of the present study was to report the initial experience of SCE technique at our department.Patients and MethodsCollected data on all SCE were retrospectively analysed. The study period was from May 2010 to the end of April 2013. A total of 30 patients underwent SCE. The patients were operated on under general anaesthesia.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 70.7 ± 6.0 years. The risk factors were coronary artery disease in nine patients, hypertension in 18 patients, smoking in nine patients, hypercholesterolemia in 17 patients, diabetes in 14 patients, peripheral arterial occlusive disease in three patients and a family history of coronary artery disease in six patients. One patient had simultaneous coronary artery bypass surgery for severe left main coronary artery disease. There were no hospital deaths. Two patients had cervical haematoma that regressed without intervention. The mean carotid artery clamping time was 13.5 ± 3.4 min (range: 8–25 min), and the mean postoperative hospitalization time was 3.2 ± 1.2 days.ConclusionSCE is a safe and simple procedure that eliminates patching.
Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 during Manufacture and Storage of White Brined Cheese
Authors: Osaili Tareq M. , Al‐Nabulsi Anas A. , Olaimat Amin N. , Shaker Reyad R. , Taha Mohammad , Holley Richard A. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractEscherichia coli O157:H7 is a major foodborne pathogen that causes severe disease in humans. Survival of E. coli O157:H7 during processing and storage of white brined cheese was investigated. Cheeses were prepared using pasteurized milk inoculated with a 4 strain E. coli O157:H7 cocktail (7 log10 CFU/g) with or without yogurt starter culture (Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus salivarius ssp. thermophilus) and stored in 10% or 15% NaCl brine at 10 and 21 ºC for 28 d. NaCl concentration, water activity (aw), pH, and numbers of E. coli O157:H7 and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were determined in cheese and brine. E. coli O157:H7 was able to survive in cheese stored in both brines at 10 and 21 ºC regardless of the presence of starter LAB, although the latter significantly enhanced E. coli O157:H7 reduction in cheese or its brine at 10 ºC. E. coli O157:H7 numbers were reduced by 2.6 and 3.4 log10 CFU/g in cheese stored in 10% and 15% NaCl brine, respectively, in the presence of starter LAB and by 1.4 and 2.3 log10 CFU/g, respectively, in the absence of starter LAB at 10 ºC. The pathogen survived, but at lower numbers in the brines. The salt concentration of cheese stored in 10% brine remained about 5% during ripening, but in 15% brine, the NaCl level increased 1.6% to 8.1% (w/w) by 28 d. Values of pH and aw slightly decreased 1 d after exposure to brine and reached 5.5 to 6.6 and 0.88 to 0.94, respectively, in all treatments.
Degradation of toluene by ortho cleavage enzymes in Burkholderia fungorum FLU100
Authors: Dobslaw Daniel , Engesser Karl‐Heinrich 
Published: August 2014

SummaryBurkholderia fungorum FLU100 simultaneously oxidized any mixture of toluene, benzene and mono‐halogen benzenes to (3‐substituted) catechols with a selectivity of nearly 100%. Further metabolism occurred via enzymes of ortho cleavage pathways with complete mineralization. During the transformation of 3‐methylcatechol, 4‐carboxymethyl‐2‐methylbut‐2‐en‐4‐olide (2‐methyl‐2‐enelactone, 2‐ML) accumulated transiently, being further mineralized only after a lag phase of 2 h in case of cells pre‐grown on benzene or mono‐halogen benzenes. No lag phase, however, occurred after growth on toluene. Cultures inhibited by chloramphenicol after growth on benzene or mono‐halogen benzenes were unable to metabolize 2‐ML supplied externally, even after prolonged incubation. A control culture grown with toluene did not show any lag phase and used 2‐ML as a substrate. This means that 2‐ML is an intermediate of toluene degradation and converted by specific enzymes. The conversion of 4‐methylcatechol as a very minor by‐product of toluene degradation in strain FLU100 resulted in the accumulation of 4‐carboxymethyl‐4‐methylbut‐2‐en‐4‐olide (4‐methyl‐2‐enelactone, 4‐ML) as a dead‐end product, excluding its nature as a possible intermediate. Thus, 3‐methylcyclohexa‐3,5‐diene‐1,2‐diol, 3‐methylcatechol, 2‐methyl muconate and 2‐ML were identified as central intermediates of productive ortho cleavage pathways for toluene metabolism in B. fungorum FLU100.
Qualities of a good Singaporean psychiatrist: Qualitative differences between psychiatrists and patients
Authors: Tor Phern‐Chern , Tan Jacinta O.A. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIntroductionPilot studies in Singapore established four themes (personal values, professional, relationship, academic‐executive) relating to the qualities of a good psychiatrist, and suggested potential differences of opinion between patients and psychiatrists. We sought to explore differences between patients and psychiatrists regarding the qualities of a good psychiatrist.MethodsQualitative analysis of interviews using a modified grounded theory approach with 21 voluntary psychiatric inpatients and 18 psychiatrists.ResultsOne hundred thirty‐one separate qualities emerged from the data. The qualities of a good psychiatrist were viewed in the context of motivations, functions, methods, and results obtained, mirroring the themes established in the pilot studies. Patients and psychiatrists mostly concurred on the qualities of a good psychiatrist, with 62.6% of the qualities emerging from both groups. However significant differences existed. Patient‐specific qualities included proof of altruistic motives, diligence, clinical competence, and positive results. What the psychiatrist represented to patients in relation to gender, culture, and clinical prestige also mattered to patients. Psychiatrist‐specific qualities related to societal (e.g. public protection) and professional concerns (e.g. boundary issues).DiscussionThe results of this study demonstrate that patients and psychiatrists have different views about the qualities of a good psychiatrist. Patients may expect proof of care, diligence, and competence from the psychiatrist, along with positive results. In addition, psychiatrists should be mindful of what they represent to patients and how that can impact the doctor–patient relationship.
Individual patient data from registrational trials of silodosin in the treatment of non‐neurogenic male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): subgroup analyses of efficacy and safety data
Authors: Novara Giacomo , Chapple Christopher R. , Montorsi Francesco 
Published: August 2014

ObjectiveTo evaluate efficacy and safety of silodosin in a pooled analysis of individual patient data from three registrational randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing silodosin and placebo in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).Patients and MethodsA pooled analysis of 1494 patients from three 12‐week, multicentre, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase III RCTs was performed. Efficacy and safety data were assessed across patients with different baseline characteristics.ResultsSilodosin was significantly more effective than placebo in improving all International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)‐related parameters, and maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) regardless of patients age (P < 0.041). Comparing the efficacy of silodosin in the different age groups, there were no differences for all the IPSS‐related parameters, whereas Qmax improvement was slightly higher in patients aged <65 years (P = 0.009). Silodosin was significantly more effective than placebo in reducing all IPSS‐related parameters regardless of baseline IPSS (P ≤ 0.001). Similarly, silodosin was more effective than placebo in improving IPSS‐related parameters regardless of baseline Qmax (P ≤ 0.02). Silodosin was associated with significantly higher adverse event (AE) rates, compared with placebo, in all patient subgroups, with retrograde ejaculation being the most common. Prevalence of dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, and discontinuation rate was similar with silodosin and placebo in most patient subgroups.ConclusionsWe analysed the efficacy and safety of silodosin in several patient subgroups, showing that silodosin was more effective than placebo in improving all IPSS‐related parameters in all patient subgroups, whereas AEs were similar. Notably, cardiovascular AEs were not higher in patients taking antihypertensive drugs or with mild renal function impairment. Discontinuation rates due to AEs were lower in elderly patients.
Forest Fragmentation Alters the Population Dynamics of a Late‐successional Tropical Tree
Authors: Zambrano Jenny , Salguero‐Gómez Roberto 
Published: August 2014

AbstractTropical late‐successional tree species are at high risk of local extinction due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Population‐growth rates in fragmented populations are predicted to decline as a result of reduced fecundity, survival and growth. We examined the demographic effects of habitat fragmentation by comparing the population dynamics of the late‐successional tree Poulsenia armata (Moraceae) in southern Mexico between a continuous forest and several forest fragments using integral projection models (IPMs) during 2010–2012. Forest fragmentation did not lead to differences in population density and even resulted in a higher population‐growth rate (λ) in fragments compared to continuous forests. Habitat fragmentation had drastic effects on the dynamics of P. armata, causing the population structure to shift toward smaller sizes. Fragmented populations experienced a significant decrease in juvenile survival and growth compared to unaltered populations. Adult survival and growth made the greatest relative contributions to λ in both habitat types during 2011–2012. However, the relative importance of juvenile survival and growth to λ was highest in the fragmented forest in 2010–2011. Our Life Table Response Experiment analysis revealed that positive contributions of adult fecundity explained most of the variation of λ between both habitats and annual periods. Finally, P. armata has a relatively slow speed of recovery after disturbances, compromising persistence of fragmented populations. Developing a mechanistic understanding of how forest fragmentation affects plant population dynamics, as done here, will prove essential for the preservation of natural areas.
Papua New Guinea vision‐specific quality of life questionnaire: a new patient‐reported outcome instrument to assess the impact of impaired vision
Authors: Paudel Prakash , Khadka Jyoti , Burnett Anthea , Hani Yvonne , Naduvilath Thomas , Fricke Tim R 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to develop and validate a new vision‐specific quality of life (VS QoL) instrument and to assess the impact of vision impairment and eye disease on the quality of life of adults in Papua New Guinea (PNG).DesignThis study was designed as community based cross‐sectional.ParticipantsSix hundred fourteen adults aged 18 and above were included in this study.MethodsFocus groups and interviews guided development of a 41‐item instrument. Two valid subscales of the instrument were obtained using pilot data after an iterative item reduction process guided by Rasch‐based parameters. The person measures (in logits) of 614 participants were used to assess quality of life using univariate and multivariate regression analysis.Main Outcome MeasuresRasch logits.ResultsRasch analysis confirmed a 17‐item instrument containing an 8‐item activity limitation subscale and a 9‐item well‐being subscale. Both subscales were unidimensional and demonstrated good fit statistics, measurement precisions and absence of significant differential item functioning. A consistent deterioration in vision‐specific quality of life was independently and significantly associated with levels of vision. Severity of vision impairment and ocular morbidity were independently associated with activity limitation and emotional well‐being. Participants with refractive error had lower quality of life score than those with no ocular abnormality but higher score than those with cataract and other eye diseases.ConclusionsThe 17‐item PNG‐VS QoL instrument is a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of impact of impaired vision on quality of life in PNG. Vision‐specific quality of life was significantly worse among participants who were older and less‐educated, had lower income and have had ocular morbidities.
Compression therapy: scientific background and practical applications
Authors: Protz Kerstin , Heyer Kristina , Dörler Martin , Stücker Markus , Hampel‐Kalthoff Carsten , Augustin Matthias 
Published: August 2014

SummaryBackgroundCompression bandaging is the most prevalent form of treatment for venous leg ulcers. Successful treatment requires knowledge of the appropriate materials and the ability to employ them following current guidelines. This study investigates German health‐care providers for their knowledge of bandage materials and their practical ability in applying short‐stretch compression bandages.Participants and MethodsWithin the framework of nationwide practical education on compression therapy, the participants’ knowledge was quantified by asking standardized questions. Furthermore, their practical ability was evaluated by having them apply compression bandages within a pressure range of 50–60 mmHg. Another criterion was the pressure drop after a four‐time dorsiflexion.ResultsOverall, 891 providers (3.3 % physicians, 5.5 % medical assistants, 90.7 % nursing staff) participated. Within the practical test only few (just under 10%) applied the bandages with the intended pressure; 77.0 % applied them below and 13.7 % above the target pressure. After a four‐time dorsiflexion there was an average pressure drop of 6.7 mmHg. Surveying the participant's skills revealed that only 11.9 % knew about padding beneath compression bandages, 15.0 % knew of multi‐component systems, and 14.8 % were familiar with ulcer stocking systems.ConclusionsClearly, compression material and its application are unfamiliar to most practice employees. Without question there are deficits in the provision of compression therapy.
Treatment with Evasin‐3 abrogates neutrophil‐mediated inflammation in mouse acute pancreatitis
Authors: Montecucco Fabrizio , Mach François , Lenglet Sébastien , Vonlaufen Alain , Gomes Quinderé Ana Luíza , Pelli Graziano , Burger Fabienne , Galan Katia , Dallegri Franco , Carbone Federico , Proudfoot Amanda E. , Vuilleumier Nicolas , Frossard Jean‐Louis 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundAcute pancreatitis is characterized by inflammatory processes affecting not only the pancreas, but also the lung. Here, we investigated timing of leucocyte infiltration and chemokine expression within lung and pancreas during pancreatitis and whether treatments selectively inhibiting chemokines (using Evasins) could improve organ injury.Material and methodsC57Bl/6 mice were submitted in vivo to 10‐h intraperitoneal injections of cerulein and followed for up to 168 h. Five minutes after the first cerulein injection, a single intraperitoneal injection of 10 μg Evasin‐3, 1 μg Evasin‐4 or an equal volume of vehicle (PBS) was performed. Leucocytes, reactive oxygen species (ROS), necrosis and chemokine/cytokine mRNA expression were assessed in different organs by immunohistology and real‐time RT‐PCR, respectively.ResultsIn the lung, neutrophil infiltration and macrophage infiltration peaked at 12 h and were accompanied by increased CXCL2 mRNA expression. CCL2, CXCL1 and TNF‐alpha significantly increased after 24 h as compared to baseline. No increase in CCL3 and CCL5 was observed. In the pancreas, neutrophil infiltration peaked at 6 h, while macrophages increased only after 72 h. Treatment with Evasin‐3 decreased neutrophil infiltration, ROS production and apoptosis in the lung and reduced neutrophils, macrophages apoptosis and necrosis in the pancreas. Evasin‐4 only reduced macrophage content in the lung and did not provide any benefit at the pancreas level.ConclusionChemokine production and leucocyte infiltration are timely regulated in lung and pancreas during pancreatitis. CXC chemokine inhibition with Evasin‐3 improved neutrophil inflammation and injury, potentially interfering with damages in acute pancreatitis and related pulmonary complications.
Switching treatments in haemophilia: is there a risk of inhibitor development?
Authors: Santagostino Elena , Auerswald Günter , Benson Gary , Dolan Gerry , Jiménez‐Yuste Victor , Lambert Thierry , Ljung Rolf , Morfini Massimo , Remor Eduardo , Zupančić Šalek Silva 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPatients with haemophilia A (and their physicians) may be reluctant to switch factor VIII (FVIII) concentrates, often due to concerns about increasing the risk of inhibitors; this reluctance to switch may contribute to patients missing the clinical benefits provided by the arrival of new factor VIII products. This topic was explored at the Eleventh Zürich Haemophilia Forum. Clinical scenarios for which product switching may be cause for concern were discussed; when there is a clinical need, there are no absolute contraindications to switching, but some patients (e.g. previously untreated patients and those undergoing elective surgery) may require more careful consideration. Both patient and physician surveys indicate that the reluctance to switch, and the fear of inhibitor development, does not appear to be evidence based. The evaluation of more recent data did not support previous studies suggesting that particular products (e.g. recombinant vs. plasma‐derived and full length vs. B‐domain modified) may be associated with increased risk. In addition, data from three national product switches showed that switching was not associated with increased inhibitor risk, but highlighted the need for regular inhibitor testing and for a centralised, unbiased database of inhibitor incidence. To conclude, current evidence does not suggest that switching products significantly influences inhibitor development.
Validation of mechanical, electrical and thermal nociceptive stimulation methods in horses
Authors: Luna S. P. L. , Lopes C. , Rosa A. C. , Oliveira F. A. , Crosignani N. , Taylor P. M. , Pantoja J. C. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyTo validate a model for investigating the effects of analgesic drugs on mechanical, thermal and electrical stimulation testing.ObjectivesTo investigate repeatability, sensitivity and specificity of nociceptive tests.Study designRandomised experiment with 2 observers in 2 phases.MethodsMechanical (M), thermal (TL) and electrical (E) stimuli were applied to the dorsal metacarpus (M‐left and TL‐right) and coronary band of the left thoracic limb (E) and a thoracic thermal stimulus (TT) was applied caudal to the withers in 8 horses (405 ± 43 kg). Stimuli intensities were increased until a clear avoidance response was detected without exceeding 20 N (M), 60°C (TL and TT) and 15 V (E). For each set of tests, 3 real stimuli and one sham stimulus were applied (32 per animal) using a blinded, randomised, crossover design repeated after 6 months. A distribution frequency and, for each stimulus, Chi‐square and McNemar tests compared both the proportion of positive responses detected by 2 observers and the 2 study phases. The κ coefficients estimated interobserver agreement in determining endpoints. Sensitivity (384 tests) and specificity (128 tests) were evaluated for each nociceptive stimulus to assess the evaluators' accuracy in detecting real and sham stimuli.ResultsNociceptive thresholds were 3.1 ± 2 N (M), 8.1 ± 3.8 V (E), 51.4 ± 5.5°C (TL) and 55.2 ± 5.3°C (TT). The level of agreement after all tests, M, E, TL and TT, was 90, 100, 84, 98 and 75%, respectively. Sensitivity was 89, 100, 89, 98 and 70% and specificity 92, 97, 88, 91 and 94%, respectively.ConclusionsThe high interobserver agreement, sensitivity and specificity suggest that M, E and TL tests are valid for pain studies in horses and are suitable tools for investigating antinociceptive effects of analgesics in horses.
Higher biodiversity is required to sustain multiple ecosystem processes across temperature regimes
Authors: Perkins Daniel M. , Bailey R. A. , Dossena Matteo , Gamfeldt Lars , Reiss Julia , Trimmer Mark , Woodward Guy 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBiodiversity loss is occurring rapidly worldwide, yet it is uncertain whether few or many species are required to sustain ecosystem functioning in the face of environmental change. The importance of biodiversity might be enhanced when multiple ecosystem processes (termed multifunctionality) and environmental contexts are considered, yet no studies have quantified this explicitly to date. We measured five key processes and their combined multifunctionality at three temperatures (5, 10 and 15 °C) in freshwater aquaria containing different animal assemblages (1–4 benthic macroinvertebrate species). For single processes, biodiversity effects were weak and were best predicted by additive‐based models, i.e. polyculture performances represented the sum of their monoculture parts. There were, however, significant effects of biodiversity on multifunctionality at the low and the high (but not the intermediate) temperature. Variation in the contribution of species to processes across temperatures meant that greater biodiversity was required to sustain multifunctionality across different temperatures than was the case for single processes. This suggests that previous studies might have underestimated the importance of biodiversity in sustaining ecosystem functioning in a changing environment.