bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urethroplasty Using Diverticular Tissue for Hypospadias
Authors: MITSUKAWA Nobuyuki , KUBOTA Yoshitaka , AKITA Shinsuke , HASEGAWA Masakazu , SAIGA Atsuomi , SATOH Kaneshige 
Published: January 2015

CaseThe patient was a 3‐year‐old with hypospadias. Urethroplasty was performed as a two‐stage procedure, but a severe urethral stricture occurred due to a postoperative infection and the patient was virtually in urinary retention. An emergency cystostomy was performed, and thereafter urethral reconstruction was performed. A large urethral diverticulum had formed in the scrotum. The inner wall of the diverticulum was found to be completely epithelialized and well vascularized. Therefore, it was elevated as a skin flap and a neourethra was reconstructed up to the glans region using the diverticular tissue.OutcomePostoperative complications were not observed, and micturition was satisfactory.ConclusionA urethral diverticulum is one of the often encountered complications of hypospadias surgery. However, there are only a few literature reports related to the treatment of urethral diverticulum. In addition, there are almost no reports on reconstructions using urethral diverticular tissue. In this report, we describe such a treatment experience.
Vascular Inward Rectifier K+ Channels as External K+ Sensors in the Control of Cerebral Blood Flow
Authors: Longden Thomas A. , Nelson Mark T. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractFor decades it has been known that external K+ ions are rapid and potent vasodilators that increase CBF. Recent studies have implicated the local release of K+ from astrocytic endfeet—which encase the entirety of the parenchymal vasculature—in the dynamic regulation of local CBF during NVC. It has been proposed that the activation of KIR channels in the vascular wall by external K+ is a central component of these hyperemic responses; however, a number of significant gaps in our knowledge remain. Here, we explore the concept that vascular KIR channels are the major extracellular K+ sensors in the control of CBF. We propose that K+ is an ideal mediator of NVC, and discuss KIR channels as effectors that produce rapid hyperpolarization and robust vasodilation of cerebral arterioles. We provide evidence that KIR channels, of the KIR2 subtype in particular, are present in both the endothelial and SM cells of parenchymal arterioles and propose that this dual positioning of KIR2 channels increases the robustness of the vasodilation to external K+, enables the endothelium to be actively engaged in NVC, and permits electrical signaling through the endothelial syncytium to promote upstream vasodilation to modulate CBF.
Polyneuritis and refractory headache overlap with synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis syndrome
Authors: Matsuzono Kosuke , Hishikawa Nozomi , Ohta Yasuyuki , Yamashita Toru , Deguchi Kentaro , Abe Koji 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe primary clinical manifestations of synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis syndrome are skin lesions and osteitis. We describe a 53‐year‐old woman patient suffering from overlapping refractory headache and polyneuritis (cranial nerves I, II and VII). She complained of headaches, which recurred every month, followed by bilateral anosmia and left vision loss approximately 1 year later. Prednisolone therapy improved her symptoms; however, her refractory headache, pain in the right shoulder and left hip joint, and rash recurred 1 year after prednisolone withdrawal. Also, the patient presented with left sensorineural deafness and extensive acne on her body, and bone scintigraphy and bone biopsy showed synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis syndrome. After treatment, her symptoms improved without recurrence. Although synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis syndrome induced by polyneuritis is rare, it should be considered when clinicians encounter patients presenting with headache and polyneuritis of unknown cause.
Serial magnetic resonance imaging and single‐photon emission computed tomography findings in a patient with heat stroke
Authors: Nakano Yumiko , Manabe Yasuhiro , Hattori Mizuho , Takahashi Yoshiaki , Narai Hisashi , Omori Nobuhiko , Takeyama Takahisa , Abe Koji 
Published: January 2015

AbstractWe report on serial changes in magnetic resonance imaging and single‐photon emission computed tomography in a patient with heat stroke. A 66‐year‐old man was admitted for unconsciousness with hyperthermia. He presented with dysarthria and truncal ataxia. Axial diffusion‐weighted imaging showed marked hyperintensity in the vermis and cerebellar hemisphere with a decrease of the apparent diffusion coefficient. Follow‐up magnetic resonance imaging at 165 days after onset showed slowly progressing cerebellar atrophy. Follow‐up single‐photon emission computed tomography at 8 months after onset showed progressing hypoperfusion in the diffuse cerebellar cortex. He became alert, but dysarthria and truncal ataxia persisted. These findings show that cytotoxic edema leads to delayed irreversible neuronal damage in the cerebellum. Our patient demonstrated that heat stroke causes irreversible neuronal damage, especially in the cerebellum.
Pacemaker Remote Monitoring in the Pediatric Population: Is It A Real Solution?
Authors: LEONI LOIRA , PADALINO MASSIMO , BIFFANTI ROBERTA , FERRETTO SONIA , VETTOR GIULIA , CORRADO DOMENICO , STELLIN GIOVANNI , MILANESI ORNELLA , ILICETO SABINO 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundClinical utility of remote monitoring of implantable cardiac devices has been previously demonstrated in several trials in the adult population. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical utility of remote monitoring in a pediatric population undergoing pacemakers implantation.MethodsThe study population included 73 consecutive pediatric patients who received an implantable pacemaker. The remote device check was programmed for every 3 months and all patients had a yearly out‐patient visit. Data on device‐related events, hospitalization, and other clinical information were collected during remote checks and out‐patient visits.ResultsDuring a mean follow‐up of 18 ± 10 months, 470 remote transmissions were collected and analyzed. Two deaths were reported. Eight transmissions (1.7%) triggered an urgent out‐patient visit. Twenty percent of transmissions reported evidence of significant clinical or technical events. All young patients and their families were very satisfied when using remote monitoring to replace out‐patient visits.ConclusionsThe ease in use, together with satisfaction and acceptance of remote monitoring in pediatric patients, brought very good results. The remote management of our pediatric population was safe and remote monitoring adequately replaced the periodic out‐patient device checks without compromising patient safety.
Impact of elimination diets on growth and nutritional status in children with multiple food allergies
Authors: Berry Melissa J. , Adams Jennifer , Voutilainen Helena , Feustel Paul J. , Celestin Jocelyn , Järvinen Kirsi M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundImpairment of growth has been reported in food‐allergic children. It is not known whether this is related to the extent of food allergies. We sought to compare growth, nutritional status, and nutrient intake in children with food allergy either avoiding cow's milk or avoiding cow's milk and wheat, which are staples of the diet in young children.MethodsInfants and young children with challenge‐proven allergy were recruited to this prospective study. They were strictly avoiding their allergic food triggers, either cow's milk, or cow's milk and wheat. They were counseled by a dietitian specialized in food allergies on food avoidance diets and nutritionally adequate supplementation at regular intervals. A 3‐day food diary was kept. Children's height, weight, and laboratory data for nutritional parameters were monitored at 8‐month intervals.ResultsA total of 18 patients avoiding milk and 28 patients avoiding milk and wheat were evaluated at an average of 12, 21, and 28 months of age. During the follow‐up, the markers of nutritional status, nutrient intake or height for age, and weight for height were comparable between the two groups, although the means for anthropometric measures were below the average for age in both groups.ConclusionsThe extent of food elimination diet has no impact on growth or nutritional status of food‐allergic children, when diet is adequately supplemented. Close physician and dietitian follow‐up are essential for food‐allergic children when avoiding one or more foods, which are staples of the diet.
Vulnerability to cavitation differs between current‐year and older xylem: non‐destructive observation with a compact magnetic resonance imaging system of two deciduous diffuse‐porous species
Authors: Fukuda Kenji , Kawaguchi Daichi , Aihara Tomo , Ogasa Mayumi Y. , Miki Naoko H. , Haishi Tomoyuki , Umebayashi Toshihiro 
Published: January 2015

AbstractDevelopment of xylem embolism during water stress in two diffuse‐porous hardwoods,Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) andJapanese white birch (Betula platyphyllavar.japonica), was observed non‐destructively under a compact magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system in addition to conventional quantitation of hydraulic vulnerability to cavitation from excised stem segments. Distribution of white and dark areas inMRimages corresponded well to the distribution of water‐filled/embolized vessels observed by cryo‐scanning electron microscopy in both species. Water‐filled vessels were observed inMRimages as white areas inKatsura and as white dots inJapanese white birch, respectively, and embolisms could be detected as a change to dark areas. The increase in the relative embolized area (REA: %) in the cross‐sectional area of total xylem during water stress, which was estimated from the binarizedMRimages, was consistent with the hydraulic vulnerability curves of these species. From the non‐destructiveMRIobservations, cavitation induced by water stress was shown to develop earlier in 1‐ or 2‐year‐old xylem than in the current‐year xylem in both species; that is, the vulnerability to cavitation differs between vessels in the current‐year xylem and those in older annual rings.
Inclusion of upland crops in rice‐based rotations affects chemical properties of clay soil
Authors: linh T. B. , Sleutel S. , Elsacker S. V. , Guong V. T. , Khoa L. V. , Cornelis W. M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn the Mekong Delta, alluvial clay soils have been used intensively over many generations for rice monoculture. Currently, farmers are confronted by problems of declining land productivity. Rotations comprising rice and upland crops can increase soil quality, but appropriate cropping systems for paddy soils have received relatively little attention. We therefore established a multiyear field experiment to evaluate the long‐term effects of cropping systems with different rotations on soil chemical quality. Systems laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications were as follows: (i) traditional rice monoculture with three rice crops per year (R‐R‐R), (ii) rotation with two rice crops and maize (R‐M‐R), (iii) rotation with two rice crops and mung bean (R‐Mb‐R) and (iv) rotation with one rice crop and two upland crops – mung bean and maize (R‐Mb‐M). We hypothesized that systems with rotations of upland crops and their temporary beds improve chemical quality of paddy rice soil. Soil chemical parameters were determined to better understand and evaluate the sustainability of the cropping systems. Results showed an improvement in soil chemical quality for cropping systems with rotations of rice and mung bean or maize grown on temporary beds (R‐M‐R, R‐Mb‐R and R‐Mb‐M), particularly the content of soil organic carbon and a presumed hydrolysable labile carbon fraction compared with rice monoculture. Less pronounced improvements in EC, CEC and total acidity were also found with inclusion of upland crops. Cropping systems of rice with upland crops improved rice grain and straw yield in subsequent season in contrast with rice monoculture.
Sofosbuvir and simeprevir combination therapy in the setting of liver transplantation and hemodialysis
Authors: Perumpail R.B. , Wong R.J. , Ha L.D. , Pham E.A. , Wang U. , Luong H. , Kumari R. , Daugherty T.J. , Higgins J.P. , Younossi Z.M. , Kim W.R. , Glenn J.S. , Ahmed A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractWe report safety, tolerability, and 12‐week sustained virologic response with half‐standard dose sofosbuvir and standard‐dose simeprevir combination therapy in a hepatitis C virus genotype 1a‐infected liver transplant recipient on hemodialysis – uncharted territory for sofosbuvir‐based therapy. The patient was a non‐responder to prior treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. Sofosbuvir efficacy was maintained despite pill‐splitting and administration of half‐standard dose, 200 mg per day. No drug–drug interactions were noted with tacrolimus‐based immunosuppression. Laboratory tests remained stable or improved during therapy. Our observation, if reproduced in a larger study, may lead to significant improvement in clinical outcomes and cost savings in this patient population.
Low immunogenicity of quadrivalent meningococcal vaccines in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Wyplosz B. , Derradji O. , Hong E. , François H. , Durrbach A. , Duclos‐Vallée J.‐C. , Samuel D. , Escaut L. , Launay O. , Vittecoq D. , Taha M.K. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractImmunization against meningococcal disease is recommended for solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients at high risk for meningococcal disease or travelling to an endemic country. However, the immunogenicity of meningococcal vaccines has not been studied in this population. We analyzed the immune response of quadrivalent (against Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, and W) polysaccharidic non‐conjugate and conjugate meningococcal vaccines in kidney‐ and liver‐transplant patients using bactericidal assays against the targeted serogroups. Upon vaccination with a non‐conjugate (n = 5) or a conjugate vaccine (n = 10), respectively, 40% and 50% of patients were able to mount an immune response, achieving at least the threshold correlated with protection defined as human serum bactericidal antibody titers of ≥4. Responders showed only partial and low responses (titers ≤64), thus predicting a rapid decline in bactericidal response. Only 1 patient developed a booster response to preexisting immunity. Our data argue for the need of additional measures for SOT recipients, when they are at risk of meningococcal disease.
Physicians' adherence to acute coronary syndrome prescribing guidelines in Vietnamese hospital practice: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nguyen Thang , Nguyen Thao H. , Pham Hoa T. K. , Nguyen Thu T. A. , Huynh Khoa M. , Vo Phuong T. B. , Pham Tam T. , Taxis Katja 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the extent of physicians' adherence to prescribing guidelines for acute coronary syndrome in Vietnamese hospitals.MethodsRetrospective cross‐sectional study of medical records of all patients with ACS admitted to two public hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from January to December 2013. Percentages of eligible patients receiving guideline‐recommended medications were determined. Factors associated with non‐adherence were identified using multivariate logistic regression.ResultsOverall, 711 medical records were reviewed and 284 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria (mean age 64 years; 69.4% male). Of those patients eligible for treatment, aspirin was prescribed for 97.9% at arrival and 96.3% at discharge; dual antiplatelet therapy was prescribed for 92.3% at arrival and 91.7% at discharge; loading doses were prescribed for 79.5% (aspirin) and 55.8% (clopidogrel); beta blockers were prescribed for 58.7% at arrival and 76.7% at discharge; angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARB) were prescribed for 89.1% at arrival or discharge; and statins were prescribed for 94.1% at arrival and 90.7% at discharge. Patients undergoing an invasive procedure were more likely to receive guideline‐recommended medications at discharge: dual antiplatelet therapy (OR 3.77; 95% CI 1.23–11.52), beta blocker (OR 3.95; 95% CI 1.86–8.40) and ACEI/ARB (OR 4.01; 95% CI 1.30–12.41). Ninety of the excluded patients were discharged without completing treatment.ConclusionsIn general, physicians closely adhered to ACS prescribing guidelines in Vietnamese hospital practice. Prescribing of beta blockers and clopidogrel loading doses was probably suboptimal. Why patients do not complete treatment needs to be investigated.
Rehabilitation experiences after obstetric fistula repair: systematic review of qualitative studies
Authors: Lombard Ladeisha , de St. Jorre Jenna , Geddes Rosemary , El Ayadi Alison M. , Grant Liz 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo synthesise evidence on women's experiences surrounding rehabilitation and reintegration after obstetric fistula repair in sub‐Saharan Africa and explore recommendations from women and health service providers.MethodSystematic literature review of qualitative studies surrounding rehabilitation experiences of women in sub‐Saharan Africa who have undergone obstetric fistula repair. Using a pre‐defined search strategy, seven databases, relevant source publications and grey literature were searched for primary qualitative studies. Data from ten studies were collected, and thematic analysis based on the framework approach was used to analyse the findings.ResultsThe most important rehabilitating factor for women was fulfilment of social roles. Health service perspectives were more frequent than women's perspectives. Counselling and health education were the most common recommendations from both perspectives.ConclusionLittle qualitative evidence is available on rehabilitation after obstetric fistula repair in sub‐Saharan Africa. Counselling services and community health education are priorities. Further research should emphasise women's perspectives to better inform interventions aimed at addressing the physical and social consequences of obstetric fistula.
Foreign Technology Acquisition and Changes in the Real Exchange Rate
Authors: Alvarez Roberto , López Ricardo A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis paper uses plant‐level data from the manufacturing sector of Chile to investigate how changes in the real exchange rate affect the decision to purchase foreign technologies through licensing. Theoretically, a real depreciation has an ambiguous effect on foreign technology adoption. On the one hand, a real depreciation makes exports more competitive, and as exporters tend to adopt and use more advanced technologies, we should observe a higher propensity to import technologies among them. On the other hand, a real depreciation can also make imports of technology relatively more expensive. Thus, this question must be examined empirically. The empirical analysis shows that a real depreciation significantly increases the probability of using foreign technology licences for plants that export and for plants in the intermediate range of the size and productivity distribution.
Review on porcine endogenous retrovirus detection assays—impact on quality and safety of xenotransplants
Authors: Godehardt Antonia W. , Rodrigues Costa Michael , Tönjes Ralf R. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractXenotransplantation of porcine organs, tissues, and cells inherits a risk for xenozoonotic infections. Viable tissues and cells intended for transplantation have to be considered as potentially contaminated non‐sterile products. The demands on microbial testing, based on the regulatory requirements, are often challenging due to a restricted shelf life or the complexity of the product itself. In Europe, the regulatory framework for xenogeneic cell therapy is based on the advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMP) regulation (2007), the EMA CHMP Guideline on xenogeneic cell‐based medicinal products (2009), as well as the WHO and Council of Europe recommendations. In the USA, FDA guidance for industry (2003) regulates the use of xenotransplants. To comply with the regulations, validated test methods need to be established that reveal the microbial status of a transplant within its given shelf life, complemented by strictly defined action alert limits and supported by breeding in specific pathogen‐free (SPF) facilities. In this review, we focus on assays for the detection of the porcine endogenous retroviruses PERV‐A/‐B/‐C, which exhibit highly polymorphic proviral loci in pig genomes. PERVs are transmitted vertically and cannot be completely eliminated by breeding or gene knock out technology. PERVs entail a public health concern that will persist even if no evidence of PERV infection of xenotransplant recipients in vivo has been revealed yet. Nevertheless, infectious risks must be minimized by full assessment of pigs as donors by combining different molecular screening assays for sensitive and specific detection as well as a functional analysis of the infectivity of PERV including an adequate monitoring of recipients.
Mechanisms of renal sympathetic activation in renovascular hypertension
Authors: Campos Ruy R. , Oliveira‐Sales Elizabeth Barbosa , Nishi Erika E. , Paton Julian F. R. , Bergamaschi Cassia T. 
Published: January 2015

New findings

What is the topic of this review?
This review addresses the underlying mechanisms involved in sympathoexcitation during renovascular hypertension, focusing on the importance of increased oxidative stress in the paraventricular nucleus and rostral ventrolateral medulla.

What advances does it highlight?
Whether renal or autonomic dysfunction is the major contributor to systemic hypertension following a renovascular insult is still a matter of debate. Here, we take an integrative approach by describing the crosstalk between the kidney and brain. We show how changes in the CNS, and in sympathetic premotor neurons in particular, are activated by ischaemic renal disease in an experimental model of renovascular hypertension.

This review addresses the underlying mechanisms involved in the sympathoexcitation in renovascular hypertension. We focus on the importance of increased oxidative stress in the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN) and rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) for the autonomic dysfunction associated with renovascular hypertension in the two‐kidney, one‐clip (2K‐1C) model. We found in 2K‐1C rats, 6 weeks after clipping, a significant increase in the mRNA and protein expression of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor within the RVLM and PVN. In addition, mRNA from NADPH oxidase subunits (p47phox and gp91phox) was greater in the RVLM and PVN of 2K‐1C rats than in a sham‐operated group. However, CuZn superoxide dismutase gene expression in these regions was not changed, suggesting that excessive production of reactive oxygen species overwhelms any endogenous antioxidant system in the RVLM and PVN in renovascular hypertension. In fact, acute administration of tempol or vitamin C (either i.v. or directly into the PVN or RVLM) caused a significant decrease in blood pressure and renal sympathetic nerve activity in 2K‐1C rats, but not in control animals. Thus, we suggest that an increase in the activity of RVLM and PVN neurons triggered by angiotensin II and oxidative stress is a major mechanism involved in the maintenance of sympathoexcitation of the cardiovascular system in renovascular hypertension.