bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of early postoperative pain after stapled haemorrhoidopexy
Authors: Zhao Y. , Ding J.‐H. , Yin S.‐H. , Hou X.‐L. , Zhao K. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimModerate to severe pain after stapled haemorrhoidopexy (SH) is not uncommon. This study was designed to identify the predictors of postoperative pain after SH in a single centre.MethodSeventy‐six patients with Grade II to IV haemorrhoids who underwent SH were selected from a prospectively compiled database. Preoperative data, including patient characteristics, manometry results and surgical data, were documented. Pain was evaluated during the first 24 h after the operation. Its intensity was classified into three grades according to the visual analogue scale (VAS) score: mild (VAS ≤ 3), moderate (VAS >3 to <5) and severe (VAS ≥ 5). Analgesics were not routinely given but were administered if the patient had moderate or severe pain. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the predictors of postoperative pain.ResultsModerate and severe pain was noted in 43 (58.9%) patients. No patient was readmitted due to persistent anal pain during the month following discharge. Postoperative pain was significantly associated with gender (P = 0.017), age (P = 0.014), first initial sensory volume (P = 0.023) and constipation (P = 0.005) in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis identified male gender as an independent predictor of postoperative moderate to severe pain (P = 0.037, OR = 3.1, 95% CI 1.07−9.09). The initial sensory volume and preoperative coexisting constipation were negative predictors of postoperative moderate to severe pain after SH (P = 0.037, OR = 0.320, 95% CI 0.110−0.934, and P = 0.036, OR = 0.255, 95% CI 0.071−0.913, respectively).ConclusionMale gender and the initial sensory volume are predictors of postoperative pain after SH. Anal manometry is recommended before the SH procedure. An active analgesia protocol should be considered for male patients with a low initial sensory volume after SH.
Inter‐observer reliability of computed tomographic classifications of diverticulitis
Authors: Ünlü Ç. , Beenen L. F. M. , Fauquenot J. M. B. , Jensch S. , Bemelman W. A. , Dijkgraaf M. G. W. , Vrouenraets B. C. , Boermeester M. A. , Stoker J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimThe wide use of computed tomography (CT) for diverticulitis has initiated new classifications, but their reliability has not been studied. The aim of the study was to assess the inter‐observer agreement of radiologists on the classifications of diverticulitis.MethodA set of 100 CT examinations of patients with an episode of diverticulitis was used to assess inter‐observer agreement. Cases were derived from two prospective trials and a retrospective cohort to comprise an evenly distributed case mix of patients. The reference standard was the modified Hinchey classification based on all available information. Three blinded radiologists independently read all CT examinations. We calculated the proportion of agreement and kappa values for the Hinchey and Ambrosetti classifications. For the Dharmarajan classification only inter‐observer agreement was calculated.ResultsThe agreement with the reference standard was substantial for both the modified Hinchey and the Ambrosetti classifications (P = 0.68 and P = 0.76). Overall inter‐observer agreement for the modified Hinchey classification was substantial (median kappa 0.72), for the Ambrosetti classification almost perfect (median kappa 0.83) and for the Dharmarajan classification substantial (median kappa 0.76).ConclusionThe Ambrosetti classification is more reproducible than the modified Hinchey and Dharmarajan classifications. The Ambrosetti and modified Hinchey classifications have a substantial agreement with the reference standard and therefore produce a reliable classification. The Dhamarajan is applicable only in complicated diverticulitis and is an important complementary classification to the other more general classifications of diverticulitis.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and primary‐first approach for rectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases
Authors: Gall T. M. H. , Basyouny M. , Frampton A. E. , Darzi A. , Ziprin P. , Dawson P. , Paraskeva P. , Habib N. A. , Spalding D. R. C. , Cleator S. , Lowdell C. , Jiao L. R. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimUp to a quarter of patients with rectal cancer have synchronous liver metastases at the time of diagnosis. This is a predictor of poor outcome. There are no standardized guidelines for treatment. We reviewed the outcomes of our patients with synchronous rectal liver metastases treated with a curative intent by neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or without chemoradiotherapy followed by resection of the primary tumour and then liver metastases.MethodBetween 2004 and 2012, patients who presented with rectal cancer and synchronous liver metastasis were treated with curative intent with peri‐operative systemic chemotherapy as the first line of treatment. Responders to chemotherapy underwent resection of the primary tumour with or without preoperative chemoradiotherapy followed by hepatic resection.ResultsFifty‐three rectal cancer patients with 152 synchronous liver lesions were identified. After a median follow‐up of 29.6 months, the median survival was 41.4 months. Overall survival was 59.0% at 3 years and 39.0% at 5 years.ConclusionRectal resection before hepatic resection combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with promising clinical outcome. It allows downstaging of liver lesions and removal of the primary tumour before the progression of further micrometastases. Furthermore, patients who do not respond to chemotherapy can be identified and may avoid major surgical intervention.
Effect of physical therapy on muscle strength, respiratory muscles and functional parameters in patients with intensive care unit‐acquired weakness
Authors: Yosef‐Brauner Orna , Adi Nimrod , Ben Shahar Tamar , Yehezkel Ester , Carmeli Eli 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an intensive physical therapy protocol in patients who contract ‘intensive care unit‐acquired weakness’ (ICUAW), in terms of muscle strength, breathing and functional indices.MethodsThis was a prospective, single‐blinded study in a general hospital intensive care unit (ICU). Patients who required mechanical ventilation longer than 48 h and who were expected to remain mechanically ventilated for at least another 48 h were randomly divided into two intervention groups: group I (n = 9) – the routine care group, received physical therapy according to our daily custom protocol; and group II (n = 9) – the intensive treatment group, were treated by the same protocol twice a day. The main outcome measures included the Medical Research Council (MRC) physical strength examination, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), hand grip dynamometer and sitting balance test.ResultsSignificant strength improvement from first (T1) to second (T2) measurements was demonstrated for variables MIP and MRC physical strength examination in favor of the intensive treatment group (P < 0.05). The intensive treatment group also required shorter intensive care length of stay than the routine care group (P = 0.043).ConclusionsIt is possible that an intensive therapy protocol may facilitate the initial recovery process in patients who suffer from ICUAW.
Epidemiology of active tuberculosis in lung cancer patients: a systematic review
Authors: Christopoulos Antonis , Saif Muhammad W. , Sarris Evangelos G. , Syrigos Kostas N. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this review article is to evaluate the available literature concerning the prevalence of active tuberculosis in lung cancer patients.Data SourceMEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE and Medscape databases were searched for studies with quantitative data on the interaction between tuberculosis (TB) and lung cancer, published since 1952. We used the Medical Subject Headings' term ‘tuberculosis’ and the text‐word terms ‘TB’ and ‘Mycobacterium infection’, and also, the Medical Subject Headings' terms ‘neoplasm’ and ‘lung neoplasm’, or the text‐word term ‘lung cancer’.Data SelectionWe selected studies with cases verified by bacteriological examinations and biopsies that contained enough data to estimate tuberculosis prevalence. We did not exclude any study on the basis of language.ResultsThe prevalence of active tuberculosis among lung cancer patients varies depending on spatial and regional factors. Lung cancer patients who are more prone to developing tuberculosis are Asian and Caucasian males, with an average age of 60 years old. The prevalence of tuberculosis is higher in patients with chest X‐ray evidence of old tuberculosis and/or history of tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heavy cigarette smoking, increased alcohol consumption, and/or diabetes mellitus. A high mortality rate because of tuberculosis in lung cancer patients was also estimated.ConclusionActive tuberculosis complicating lung cancer is a significant clinical issue in countries with high prevalence of tuberculosis. However, as the there is a lack of reports from developed countries over the last 20 years, the significance of this interaction in countries with low tuberculosis burden remains controversial.
Who's Afraid of George Kingsley Zipf? Or: Do Children and Chimps have Language?
Authors: Yang Charles 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Every parent hears their child's first words with pride. Phrases like “A doggie” soon follow. Or is it sometimes “The doggie”? The difference sheds light on when children (or chimps) first acquire true language – once we have taken Zipf's law and yodelling turtles into account. Charles Yang explains.
Analysis of the Esthetic Outcome after Root Coverage Procedures Using a Comprehensive Approach
Authors: Kim Sung Mi , Choi Youn Hee , Kim Yong Gun , Park Jin Woo , Lee Jae Mok , Suh Jo Young 
Published: December 2013

AbstractStatement of the ProblemThere is a reported gap between the relative satisfaction of the clinician and patient after a root coverage procedure. In addition, there may also be a disparity between objective esthetic evaluation tools and subjective satisfaction.MethodsThis study included 58 sites in 31 patients who had undergone root coverage procedures. The percentage of root coverage and the root coverage esthetic score system were used as objective measurements. A questionnaire with a five‐point ordinal scale was used for subjective evaluation. Initial recession depth and width, Miller classification, tissue biotype, treatment procedures, and follow‐up periods were considered as associated factors.ResultsAfter a period of at least 6 months from the procedure, the patient‐perceived outcome showed a better match with the root coverage esthetic scoring system than the percentage of root coverage alone. A lower value for objective outcome was obtained for a deeper gingival recession and higher Miller class, but the subjective outcome displayed a steady trend. All four esthetic results were at their lowest after an epithelialized free soft tissue graft.ConclusionAn esthetic outcome according to patient satisfaction was not always consistent with that determined by professional scoring. In addition, partial root coverage may be viewed as a positive outcome by patients and clinicians in cases of deep gingival recession and high Miller class.Clinical SignificanceThis study evaluates the esthetic outcome of root coverage procedures using an objective method, including the percentage of root coverage, root coverage esthetic scoring system, and subjective assessment by patient and clinician‐based questionnaires. The results will be helpful for the understanding of the differences that exist in esthetic satisfaction.
Minimally Invasive Preparation and Design of a Cantilevered, All‐Ceramic, Resin‐Bonded, Fixed Partial Denture in the Esthetic Zone: A Case Report and Descriptive Review
Authors: Barwacz Christopher A. , Hernandez Marcela , Husemann R. Henry 
Published: December 2013

AbstractResin‐bonded, fixed partial dentures have the potential to offer a minimally invasive, fixed‐prosthetic approach to tooth replacement in patients who may not be candidates for implant therapy. However, traditional preparation protocols often recommend extensive preparation designs on two abutment teeth, thereby potentially compromising the long‐term health of the adjacent abutments and often resulting in unilateral debonding of one of the retainers in the long term. In light of advances in high‐strength ceramic systems capable of being reliably bonded to tooth structure and offering improved esthetic outcomes, as well as clinical and case‐series research demonstrating improved survivability of cantilevered resin‐bonded fixed partial dentures, new preparation designs and methodologies can be advocated. The following case report demonstrates the clinical application of sonoabrasion, coupled with a dental operating microscope, to minimally prepare a single abutment for a cantilevered, all‐ceramic resin‐bonded fixed partial denture. Relevant historic and contemporary literature regarding double versus single‐retainer resin‐bonded fixed partial dentures are reviewed, as well as clinical conditions that are most favorable for such restorations to have an optimal long‐term prognosis.Clinical SignificanceIf appropriate clinical conditions exist, a cantilevered, all‐ceramic, resin‐bonded, fixed partial denture may be the most conservative means of tooth replacement in a patient who is not a candidate for an endosseous implant.
A new thermodynamic model for sapphirine: calculated phase equilibria in K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O–TiO2–Fe2O3
Authors: Wheller C. J. , Powell R. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe activity–composition (a–x) relations of sapphirine are re‐evaluated in the light of a recent new internally‐consistent data set of phase end‐members for use in phase equilibria modelling, particularly of ultra‐high‐temperature (UHT) rocks. This is achieved with the aid of relatively oxidized sapphirine+quartz‐bearing granulites from Wilson Lake, Canada. Calculated P–T projections and compatibility diagrams in the K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O–TiO2–Fe2O3 (KFMASHTO) system are used to illustrate sapphirine+quartz‐bearing phase equilibria in the context of UHT metamorphism. These new a–x relations for sapphirine should allow pseudosection thermobarometry in NCKFMASHTO for estimating peak P–T conditions of sapphirine‐bearing rocks.
Meaning‐in‐life in nursing‐home patients: a correlate with physical and emotional symptoms
Authors: Haugan Gørill 
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectivesTo investigate the prevalence of physical and emotional symptoms and the associations between symptoms and meaning‐in‐life in a cognitively intact nursing‐home population.BackgroundMeaning has been found to be a strong individual predictor of successful ageing and life satisfaction as well as an important psychological variable that promotes well‐being. Meaning serves as a mediating variable in both psychological and physical health.Design and methodsThe study employed a cross‐sectional design. Data were collected in 2008 and 2009 using the QLQ‐C15‐PAL quality‐of‐life questionnaire, the purpose‐in‐life test and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. A total of 250 cognitively intact nursing‐home patients who met the inclusion criteria were approached and 202 attended.ResultsThe prevalence of symptoms was fairly high, with fatigue (57%), pain (49%), constipation (43%) and dyspnoea (41%) as the most frequent physical symptoms, while 30% were depressed and 12% had anxiety. Significant correlations between meaning‐in‐life and symptom severity were displayed.ConclusionsThe level of symptom severity among cognitively intact nursing‐home patients is high, requiring highly competent staff nurses. Meaning‐in‐life might be an important resource in relation to a patient's physical and emotional health and global well‐being.Relevance to clinical practiceFacilitating patients' meaning‐in‐life might help reducing symptom severity and fostering quality of life in cognitively intact nursing‐home patients. However, advancing staff nurses' competence in palliative care, symptom management and nurse–patient interaction is important for care quality and quality if life in nursing homes.
Role of melatonin in alleviating cold stress in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Bajwa Vikramjit S. , Shukla Mukund R. , Sherif Sherif M. , Murch Susan J. , Saxena Praveen K. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractMelatonin (N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine) has been implicated in abiotic and biotic stress tolerance in plants. However, information on the effects of melatonin in cold‐stress tolerance in vivo is limited. In this study, the effect of melatonin was investigated in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana challenged with a cold stress at 4⁰C for 72 and 120 hr. Melatonin‐treated plants (10 and 30 μm) had significantly higher fresh weight, primary root length, and shoot height compared with the nontreated plants. To aid in the understanding of the role of melatonin in alleviating cold stress, we investigated the effects of melatonin treatment on the expression of cold‐related genes. Melatonin up‐regulated the expression of C‐repeat‐binding factors (CBFs)/Drought Response Element Binding factors (DREBs), a cold‐responsive gene, COR15a, a transcription factor involved in freezing and drought‐stress tolerance CAMTA1 and transcription activators of reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐related antioxidant genes, ZAT10 and ZAT12, following cold stress. The up‐regulation of cold signaling genes by melatonin may stimulate the biosynthesis of cold‐protecting compounds and contribute to the increased growth of plants treated with exogenous melatonin under cold stress.
Cardiac Biomarkers in Hyperthyroid Cats
Authors: Sangster J.K. , Panciera D.L. , Abbott J.A. , Zimmerman K.C. , Lantis A.C. 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundHyperthyroidism has substantial effects on the circulatory system. The cardiac biomarkers NT‐proBNP and troponin I (cTNI) have proven useful in identifying cats with myocardial disease but have not been extensively investigated in hyperthyroidism.HypothesisPlasma NT‐proBNP and cTNI concentrations are higher in cats with primary myocardial disease than in cats with hyperthyroidism and higher in cats with hyperthyroidism than in healthy control cats.AnimalsTwenty‐three hyperthyroid cats, 17 cats with subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and 19 euthyroid, normotensive healthy cats ≥8 years of age. Fourteen of the hyperthyroid cats were re‐evaluated 3 months after administration of radioiodine (131I).MethodsComplete history, physical examination, complete blood count, serum biochemistries, urinalysis, blood pressure measurement, serum T4 concentration, plasma concentrations of NT‐proBNP and cTNI, and echocardiogram were obtained prospectively from each cat.ResultsHyperthyroid cats and cats with HCM had plasma NT‐proBNP and cTNI concentrations that were significantly higher than those of healthy cats, but there was no significant difference between hyperthyroid cats and cats with HCM with respect to the concentration of either biomarker. In hyperthyroid cats that were re‐evaluated 3 months after 131I treatment, plasma NT‐proBNP and cTNI concentrations as well as ventricular wall thickness had decreased significantly.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAlthough there may be a role for NT‐proBNP in monitoring the cardiac response to treatment of hyperthyroidism, neither NT‐proBNP nor cTNI distinguish hypertrophy associated with hyperthyroidism from primary HCM. Therefore, the thyroid status of older cats should be ascertained before interpreting NT‐proBNP and cTNI concentrations.
Effect of Body Weight Loss on Cardiopulmonary Function Assessed by 6‐Minute Walk Test and Arterial Blood Gas Analysis in Obese Dogs
Authors: Manens J. , Ricci R. , Damoiseaux C. , Gault S. , Contiero B. , Diez M. , Clercx C. 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundFew studies show the detrimental effect of canine obesity on cardiopulmonary function (CPF). The 6‐Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a noninvasive exercise test easy to perform in clinical settings.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of obesity and body weight loss (BWL) on CPF assessed by the 6MWT and arterial blood gas analysis.AnimalsSix experimental Beagles and 9 privately owned obese dogs were enrolled in a diet‐induced BWL program.MethodsArterial blood gas analysis and 6MWT were repeated in obese subjects (BCS 8‐9/9), in the middle of BWL (overweight, BCS 6‐7/9), and in lean dogs (BCS 5/9). Heart rate (HRp) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were measured by pulse oximetry before the 6MWT, at midtest, and during a 5‐minute recovery period.ResultsTwelve dogs completed the BWL program (initial BW, 27.3 ± 2.9 kg; final BW, 20.85 ± 2.9, lsmeans ± SE, P ≤ .001). BWL caused a significant increase in 6MWT walked distance (WD; obese: 509 ± 35 m; overweight: 575 ± 36 m; lean: 589 ± 36 m; P ≤ .05). Resting arterial blood gas results were not influenced by BWL. Including all time points, obese dogs showed higher HRp and lower SpO2 compared to overweight and lean dogs. SpO2 at the end of the walk was significantly lower in obese dogs.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceObesity negatively affects 6MWT performances in dogs. The 6MWT may be used to demonstrate the efficacy of BWL to improve CPF and quality of life in obese dogs. Although BWL induced significant improvement of cardiopulmonary parameters before ideal BW, WD improved until the end of the BWL program.
A functional polymorphism in ADAR1 gene affects HBsAg seroclearance both spontaneously and interferon induced
Authors: Wu Xiaopan , Shi Weimei , Wu Jia , Zhu Xilin , Chen Kangmei , Zheng Sujun , Li Zhuo , Duan Zhongping , Li Hui , Liu Ying 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsOur previous study found that rs4845384 in ADAR1 gene to be associated with HBeAg seroconversion. However, the effect of rs4845384 on HBsAg seroclearance is unknown. To assess the relationship between rs4845384 and HBsAg seroclearance.MethodsTwo independent case–control studies were conducted to test whether rs4845384 in ADAR1 was associated with HBsAg clearance. Reporter gene assays and quantitative PCR experiments were also carried out to verify the functional significances of this polymorphism.Results and ConclusionsThe rs4845384 polymorphism was associated with HBsAg seroclearance both spontaneously (P = 0.028, OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.03–1.78) and interferon induced (P = 0.013, OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.13–2.96), in a total of 725 subjects. Luciferase assays showed that pGL3‐rs4845384G constructs had higher expression level than pGL3‐rs4845384A constructs, especially in HepG2. 2.15 cell line. Quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR showed that chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients had lower ADAR1 mRNA level than healthy individuals. The AA carriers of rs4845384 had lower ADAR1 mRNA expression than non‐AA carriers. The non‐response susceptible allele rs4845384A was functional for regulation of ADAR1 expression, so as to influence HBsAg seroclearance of CHB patients.