bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urinary fistula after robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy: a multicentre analysis of 1 791 patients
Authors: Potretzke Aaron M. , Knight Brent Alexander , Zargar Homayoun , Kaouk Jihad H. , Barod Ravi , Rogers Craig G. , Mass Alon , Stifelman Michael D. , Johnson Michael H. , Allaf Mohamad E. , Sherburne Figenshau Robert , Bhayani Sam B. 
Published: August 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate the incidence of and risk factors for a urine leak in a large multicentre, prospective database of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RPN).Patients and MethodsA database of 1 791 RPN from five USA centres was reviewed for urine leak as a complication of RPN. Patient and tumour characteristics were compared between patients with and those without postoperative urine leaks. Fisher's exact test was used for qualitative variables and Wilcoxon sum‐rank tests were used for quantitative variables. A review of the literature on PN and urine leak was conducted.ResultsUrine leak was noted in 14/1 791 (0.78%) patients who underwent RPN. The mean (sd) nephrometry score of the entire cohort was 7.2 (1.9), and 8.0 (1.9) in patients who developed urine leak. The median (range) postoperative day of presentation was 13 (3–32) days. Patients with urine leak presented in delayed fashion with fever (two of the 14 patients, 14%), gastrointestinal complaints (four patients, 29%), and pain (five patients, 36%). Eight of the 14 patients (57%) required admission, while eight (57%) and nine (64%) had a drain or stent placed, respectively. Drains and stents were removed after a median (range) of 8 (4–13) days and 21 (8–83) days, respectively. Variables associated with urine leak included tumour size (P = 0.021), hilar location (P = 0.025), operative time (P = 0.006), warm ischaemia time (P = 0.005), and pelvicalyceal repair (P = 0.018). Upon literature review, the historical incidence of urine leak ranged from 1.0% to 17.4% for open PN and 1.6–16.5% for laparoscopic PN.ConclusionThe incidence of urine leak after RPN is very low and may be predicted by some preoperative factors, affording better patient counselling of risks. The low urinary leak rate may be attributed to the enhanced visualisation and suturing technique that accompanies the robotic approach.
Cinnamaldehyde inhibits inflammation and brain damage in a mouse model of permanent cerebral ischaemia
Authors: Zhao Jingru , Zhang Xiangjian , Dong Lipeng , Wen Ya , Zheng Xiufen , Zhang Cong , Chen Rong , Zhang Ye , Li Yaoru , He Tingting , Zhu Xingyuan , Li Litao 
Published: August 2015

Background and PurposeRecent findings suggest the importance of inflammation in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischaemia and its potential as a therapeutic target. Cinnamaldehyde is a diterpene with a wide range of anti‐inflammatory effects thus may be advantageous in the treatment of cerebral ischaemia. The present study examined the potential therapeutic effects of cinnamaldehyde on cerebral ischaemia using a mouse model with permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion.Experimental ApproachMale CD‐1 mice, which had the middle cerebral artery occluded, were treated (i.p.) with cinnamaldehyde. Neuroprotection by cinnamaldehyde was analysed by evaluating neurological deficit scores, brain oedema and infarct volume. Expressionsof signal transduction molecules and inflammatory mediators were measured by Western blotting, qRT‐PCR and immunohistochemical staining. Activation of NF‐κB was assessed by Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence.Key ResultsCinnamaldehyde reduced the neurological deficit scores, brain oedema and infarct volume. Cinnamaldehyde suppressed the activation of signal transduction molecules including toll‐like receptor 4, tumour necrosis receptor‐associated factor 6 and NF‐κB, attenuated the increased levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, CCL2 and endothelial‐leukocyte adhesion molecule‐1 and ultimately reduced leukocyte infiltration into the ischaemic brain areas after cerebral ischaemia.Conclusions and ImplicationsCinnamaldehyde protects against cerebral ischaemia injury by inhibiting inflammation, partly mediated by reducing the expression of toll‐like receptor 4, tumour necrosis receptor‐associated factor 6 and the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB. Our findings suggest that cinnamaldehyde may serve as a new candidate for further development as a treatment for stroke.
Epidemiological data on airborne contact dermatitis – results of the IVDK
Authors: Breuer Kristine , Uter Wolfgang , Geier Johannes 
Published: August 2015

SummaryBackgroundAirborne contact dermatitis (AirbCD) is not uncommon, according to a large number of published case reports and review articles. Epidemiological data on AirbCD based on larger clinical samples have not yet been published.ObjectivesTo investigate demographic characteristics and patch test reactivity in patients diagnosed with both occupational and non‐occupational AirbCD.MethodsA retrospective analysis of data from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), 1994–2013, including 201 344 consecutively patch tested patients, was performed.ResultsOne thousand two hundred and three patients (0.6%) were diagnosed with AirbCD, 421 (35.0%) of these with an occupational background. Occupational dermatitis and face involvement were more prevalent than in patients without AirbCD (n = 200 141). Sensitization to epoxy resin and sensitization to methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)/methylisothiazolinone (MI) were significantly associated with AirbCD, and there was a trend for sensitization to Compositae mix and/or sesquiterpene lactone mix to be associated with AirbCD. Adhesives, plastics, construction materials, paints and varnishes in occupational cases, and plants in non‐occupational cases, were the most commonly documented culprit product categories.ConclusionsAirbCD is more common in patients with occupational dermatitis than in patients with non‐occupational dermatitis. In our clinical sample, components of epoxy resin systems, MCI/MI and Compositae allergens were the most important contact allergens associated with AirbCD. Patch testing with additional allergens is important.
Reliability of ultrasound texture measures of Biceps Brachialis and Gastrocnemius Lateralis muscles' images
Authors: da Silva Pereira Júnior Newton , da Matta Thiago Torres , Alvarenga André Victor , de Albuquerque Pereira Wagner Coelho , de Oliveira Liliam Fernandes 
Published: August 2015

SummaryUltrasound (US) is an important tool for diagnosing of many musculoskeletal tissue conditions. Image texture analysis can be used to characterize this tissue. The complexity curve (CC) is a technique commonly used to characterize the number of grey‐level transitions in an image. Variability and reliability of US texture measures in the muscle tissue are unavailable in the literature. The aim of this study was to determine the variability and reliability of five CC texture parameters from US images of healthy Biceps Brachialis and Gastrocnemius Lateralis (GL) muscles, with longitudinal and transversal orientations of the probe. Eight images per subject were obtained for 30 men in 2 days. Mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation and intraclass correlation coefficient for the five parameters were calculated for regions of interest. Results showed that the variability was similar for both muscles and most of the parameters showed satisfactory reliability (r > 0·7) for the Biceps Brachialis with the transverse scan and for the GL with the longitudinal scan.
Case‐finding for cognitive impairment among people with Type 2 diabetes in primary care using the Test Your Memory and Self‐Administered Gerocognitive Examination questionnaires: the Cog‐ID study
Authors: Koekkoek P. S. , Janssen J. , Kooistra M. , Biesbroek J. M. , Groeneveld O. , van den Berg E. , Kappelle L. J. , Biessels G. J. , Rutten G. E. H. M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimTo evaluate two cognitive tests for case‐finding for cognitive impairment in older patients with Type 2 diabetes.MethodsOf 1243 invited patients with Type 2 diabetes, aged ≥70 years, 228 participated in a prospective cohort study. Exclusion criteria were: diagnosis of dementia; previous investigation at a memory clinic; and inability to write or read. Patients first filled out two self‐administered cognitive tests (Test Your Memory and Self‐Administered Gerocognitive Examination). Secondly, a general practitioner, blinded to Test Your Memory and Self‐Administered Gerocognitive Examination scores, performed a structured evaluation using the Mini‐Mental State Examination. Subsequently, patients suspected of cognitive impairment (on either the cognitive tests or general practitioner evaluation) and a random sample of 30% of patients not suspected of cognitive impairment were evaluated at a memory clinic. Diagnostic accuracy and area under the curve were determined for the Test Your Memory, Self‐Administered Gerocognitive Examination and general practitioner evaluation compared with a memory clinic evaluation to detect cognitive impairment (mild cognitive impairment or dementia).ResultsA total of 44 participants were diagnosed with cognitive impairment. The Test Your Memory and Self‐Administered Gerocognitive Examination questionnaires had negative predictive values of 81 and 85%, respectively. Positive predictive values were 39 and 40%, respectively. The general practitioner evaluation had a negative predictive value of 83% and positive predictive value of 64%. The area under the curve was ~0.70 for all tests.ConclusionsBoth the tests evaluated in the present study can easily be used in case‐finding strategies for cognitive impairment in patients with Type 2 diabetes in primary care. The Self‐Administered Gerocognitive Examination had the best diagnostic accuracy and therefore we would have a slight preference for this test. Applying the Self‐Administered Gerocognitive Examination would considerably reduce the number of patients in whom the general practitioner needs to evaluate cognitive functioning to tailor diabetes treatment.
HypoAware: development and pilot study of a brief and partly web‐based psychoeducational group intervention for adults with Type 1 and insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes and problematic hypoglycaemia
Authors: Rondags S. M. P. A. , de Wit M. , Snoek F. J. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimOur aim was to study the feasibility and acceptability of our partly online psychoeducational group intervention HypoAware targeted at adults with insulin‐treated diabetes and hypoglycaemia problems in an uncontrolled multi‐centre pilot study.MethodsWe developed a 4‐week, party online, group intervention, based on key elements of the evidence‐based Blood Glucose Awareness Training (BGAT) and with input from diabetes healthcare professionals and people with diabetes. We recruited adults with Type 1 and insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes with impaired hypoglycaemia awareness, frequent hypoglycaemic episodes and/or fear of hypoglycaemia. Feasibility was assessed by means of self‐report questionnaires. Pre–post outcomes included self‐reported frequency of mild hypoglycaemia, fear of hypoglycaemia, confidence in diabetes self‐care, subjective health status, diabetes‐specific and general psychological distress and emotional well‐being.ResultsOrganization, recruitment, delivery of HypoAware, retention and compliance yielded no major problems, and both trainers and participants were very satisfied with the programme. The intervention materials required only minor changes. We obtained pre–post intervention measurements in 37 participants from eight hospitals with three drop‐outs. Worries about hypoglycaemia, diabetes distress and confidence in self‐care improved significantly (P < 0.05), although frequency of hypoglycaemia and hypoglycaemia awareness did not.ConclusionsHypoAware is a new, feasible and acceptable intervention including online modules aimed to help adults with Type 1 and insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes reduce hypoglycaemia and related problems. A cluster‐randomized controlled trial is planned to test effectiveness, combined with an economic evaluation.
Association between Left Ventricular Postsystolic Shortening and Diastolic Relaxation in Asymptomatic Patients with Systemic Hypertension
Authors: Nogi Shimpei , Ito Takahide , Kizawa Shun , Shimamoto Shinsaku , Sohmiya Koichi , Hoshiga Masaaki , Ishizaka Nobukazu 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundFew data have existed on myocardial postsystolic shortening (PSS) accounting for left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction in systemic hypertension. We examined this relationship, along with clinical and other cardiac parameters, in asymptomatic patients with hypertension.MethodsWe analyzed 104 patients on pharmacological treatment for hypertension who had no signs or symptoms of heart failure for conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography. The sum of the postsystolic index for multiple LV segments (total PSI) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) was computed and used as measures for global PSS and myocardial systolic function, respectively. The tissue Doppler e’ and the speckle tracking–derived global strain rate during early diastole (e'sr) were obtained as indicators of LV relaxation. The circumferential end‐systolic stress was also determined noninvasively and substituted for a measure of myocardial afterload.ResultsMain variables that correlated with the e’ and e'sr were shown to be age, LV mass index, left atrial volume index, GLS, and the total PSI. Multivariate analysis including gender, circumferential end‐systolic stress, and the use of calcium channel blockers as possible covariates revealed that age (β = −0.29, P = 0.002), total PSI (β = −0.26, P = 0.008), and LV mass index (β = −0.25, P = 0.017) were significant independent determinants of e’ and that age (β = −0.34, P < 0.001) and GLS (β = −0.28, P = 0.006) were of e'sr.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that while depending on the degree of GLS, PSS may affect diastolic relaxation in patients with asymptomatic, but treated, hypertensive patients.
Discordant Electrocardiogram Left Ventricular Wall Thickness and Strain Findings in Influenza Myocarditis
Authors: Hawwa Nael , Popovic Zoran B. , Isma'eel Hussain A. 
Published: August 2015

A 42‐year‐old man presented with a viral prodrome and tested positive for influenza A. He rapidly deteriorated developing cardiogenic shock, rhabdomyolysis, and acute kidney injury. Patient improved 1 week later with supportive measures including vasopressors, inotropes, and an intraaortic balloon pump. We report this case as it highlights the discordance between echocardiographic ventricular wall thickening as a result of myocardial edema, and electrocardiographic findings at presentation, with a reversal in findings at time of resolution. Additionally, there was some suggestion of a regional pattern to the reduced longitudinal strain.
Reference Values for Echocardiography in Middle‐Aged Population: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study
Authors: Ruohonen Saku , Koskenvuo Juha W. , Wendelin‐Saarenhovi Maria , Savontaus Mikko , Kähönen Mika , Laitinen Tomi , Lehtimäki Terho , Jokinen Eero , Viikari Jorma , Juonala Markus , Taittonen Leena , Tossavainen Päivi , Kallio Merja , Bax Jeroen J. , Raitakari Olli 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundPopulation and sex‐specific reference limits produced with modern ultrasound equipment are needed for accurate clinical echocardiography diagnostics. We report a comprehensive set of reference limits of cardiac function and dimensions in a group of young and middle‐aged Finnish men and women produced by the recommendations of European Society of Echocardiography and American Society of Cardiology.Methods and ResultsCardiac structure and function was studied in a standardized comprehensive echocardiographic examination in 1,079 healthy volunteers without cardiovascular diseases or major known risk factors participating in the population‐based Young Finns study (444 men and 635 women, age range 34 and 49 years). We present sex‐specific reference values for echocardiographic parameters reflecting cardiac structure (ventricular and atrial dimensions and volumes, left ventricular wall thickness and mass, aortic root) and function. From the 86 measured parameters, only 7 were not statistically significantly different between sexes.ConclusionThe Young Finns study provides echocardiographic reference ranges for cardiac structure and function quantification that can be utilized to enhance the accuracy or echocardiography diagnostics. The results emphasize the need for sex‐specific assessment for most echocardiographic parameters.
Radiographic, computed tomographic and surgical anatomy of the equine sphenopalatine sinus in normal and diseased horses
Authors: Tucker R. , Windley Z. E. , Abernethy A. D. , Witte T. H. , Fiske‐Jackson A. R. , Turner S. , Smith L. J. , Perkins J. D. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryReasons for performing studyKnowledge of imaging anatomy, surgical anatomy and disorders affecting the sphenopalatine sinus are currently lacking.ObjectivesTo describe the computed tomographic (CT) and surgical anatomy of the sphenopalatine sinus and diagnosis, treatment and outcome in clinical cases with sphenopalatine sinus disease.Study designCadaver observational study and retrospective case series.MethodsThe sphenopalatine sinuses of 10 normal cadaver heads were examined with digital radiography,CTand sinoscopic examination prior to anatomical sectioning. Sphenopalatine sinus anatomy was described and compared between cadaver specimens across the imaging modalities. Medical records (January 2004–2014) of cases diagnosed with sphenopalatine sinus disease were reviewed.ResultsThe anatomy of the sphenopalatine sinus was variable. The borders of the sphenopalatine sinus were not identifiable on plain radiographs, whereasCTprovided useful anatomical information. The palatine portion of the sphenopalatine sinus was consistently accessible sinoscopically and the sphenoidal portion was accessible in 6/10 cadaver heads. Fourteen cases of sphenopalatine sinus disease were identified, presenting with one or more clinical signs of exophthalmos, blindness, unilateral epistaxis or unilateral nasal discharge. Diagnoses included neoplasia (7), progressive ethmoidal haematoma (4), sinus cyst (2) and empyema (1). Computed tomography provided diagnostic information but could not differentiate the nature of soft tissue masses. Standing sinoscopic access to the palatine portion of the sphenopalatine sinus was possible for evaluation, biopsy and resection of abnormal soft tissues. Surgical access to the sphenoidal portion was limited. Eight horses were alive at 1 year after diagnosis, with a worse outcome associated withCTevidence of bone loss and a diagnosis of neoplasia.ConclusionsSphenopalatine sinus disease should be considered a rare cause of the clinical signs described. Knowledge of the anatomical variation of the sphenopalatine sinus is vital for interpretingCTimages. A combination ofCTand sinoscopy provides the most comprehensive approach for diagnosis and treatment of sphenopalatine sinus disease.
Suspected myofibrillar myopathy in Arabian horses with a history of exertional rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Valberg S. J. , McKenzie E. C. , Eyrich L. V. , Shivers J. , Barnes N. E. , Finno C. J. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryReasons for performing studyAlthough exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER) is common in Arabian horses, there are no dedicated studies describing histopathological characteristics of muscle from Arabian horses withER.ObjectivesTo prospectively identify distinctive histopathological features of muscle from Arabian endurance horses with a history ofER(pro‐ER) and to retrospectively determine their prevalence in archived samples from Arabian horses with exertional myopathies (retro‐ER).Study designProspective and retrospective histopathological description.MethodsMiddle gluteal muscle biopsies obtained from Arabian controls (n = 14), pro‐ER(n = 13) as well as archived retro‐ER(n = 25) muscle samples previously classified withtype 2polysaccharide storage myopathy (15/25), recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (7/25) and no pathology (3/25) were scored for histopathology and immunohistochemical staining of cytoskeletal proteins. Glutaraldehyde‐fixed samples (2 pro‐ER, one control) were processed for electron microscopy. Pro‐ERand retro‐ERgroups were compared with controls using Mann–WhitneyUand Fisher's exact tests.ResultsCentrally located myonuclei in mature myofibres were found in significantly more (P<0.05) pro‐ER(12/13) and retro‐ER(21/25) horses than controls (4/14). Degenerating myofibres were not evident in any biopsies. Retro‐ERhorses had amylase‐resistant polysaccharide (6/25, P<0.05) and higher scores for cytoplasmic glycogen, rimmed vacuoles and rod‐like bodies. A few control horses (3/14) and significantly (P<0.05) more pro‐ER(12/13) and retro‐ER(18/25) horses had disrupted myofibrillar alignment and large desmin and αβ‐crystallin positive cytoplasmic aggregates. Prominent Z‐disc degeneration and focal myofibrillar disruption with regional accumulation of β‐glycogen particles were identified on electron microscopy of the 2 pro‐ERsamples.ConclusionsIn a subset of Arabian horses with intermittent episodes of exertional rhabdomyolysis, ectopic accumulation of cytoskeletal proteins and Z‐disc degeneration bear a strong resemblance to a myofibrillar myopathy. While many of these horses were previously diagnosed withtype 2polysaccharide storage myopathy, pools of glycogen forming within disrupted myofibrils appeared to give the false appearance of a glycogen storage disorder.
Trophic mismatch and its effects on the growth of young in an Arctic herbivore
Authors: Doiron Madeleine , Gauthier Gilles , Lévesque Esther 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIn highly seasonal environments, timing of breeding of organisms is typically set to coincide with the period of highest resource availability. However, breeding phenology may not change at a rate sufficient to keep up with rapid changes in the environment in the wake of climate change. The lack of synchrony between the phenology of consumers and that of their resources can lead to a phenomenon called trophic mismatch, which may have important consequences on the reproductive success of herbivores. We analyzed long‐term data (1991–2010) on climate, plant phenology and the reproduction of a long‐distance Arctic migrant, the greater snow goose (Chen caerulescens atlantica), in order to examine the effects of mismatched reproduction on the growth of young. We found that geese are only partially able to adjust their breeding phenology to compensate for annual changes in the timing of high‐quality food plants, leading to mismatches of up to 20 days between the two. The peak of nitrogen concentration in plants, an index of their nutritive quality for goslings, occurred earlier in warm springs with an early snow melt. Likewise, mismatch between hatch dates of young and date of peak nitrogen was more important in years with early snow melt. Gosling body mass and structural size at fledging was reduced when trophic mismatch was high, particularly when the difference between date of peak nitrogen concentration and hatching was >9 days. Our results support the hypothesis that trophic mismatch can negatively affect the fitness of Arctic herbivores and that this is likely to be exacerbated by rising global temperatures.