bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society Global GreenLight Laser Study: Outcomes from a contemporary series of 713 patients
Authors: de la Rosette Jean , Elhilali Mostafa , Naito Seiji , Unal Dogan , Razvi Hassan , Liatsikos Evangelos , Bachmann Alexander , Tubaro Andrea , Alivizatos Gerasimos , Mak Siu King , Badlani Gopal , Eltahawy Ehab , Wong Carson , Telich Vidal Martin , Te Alexis , d'Ancona Frank , Arum Carl‐Jørgen , Gutierrez Jorge ,   the Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society Global GreenLight Laser Study Group
Published: August 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate the outcome in patients undergoing photoselective vaporization of the prostate for benign prostatic obstruction as part of the Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society Global GreenLight Laser Study.MethodsData were collected on 713 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic obstruction undergoing photoselective vaporization of the prostate at 25 centers worldwide, between April 2010 and April 2012. Three types of GreenLight laser powers were used: 80 W, 120 W or 180 W. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Outcome parameters measured at baseline, 6–12 weeks, 6 months and 12 months were: uroflow measurements, International Prostate Symptom Score; prostate‐specific antigen and International Index of Erectile Function.ResultsOperating time was shortest with the 180‐W laser at 53.8 min. Intraoperatively, bleeding occurred in 3.1% of patients. Statistically significant changes were reported in maximum flow rate, postvoid residual urine, International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life score and prostate‐specific antigen (P < 0.01) at each time‐point assessed for the 80‐ and 120‐W lasers as well as for the 180‐W laser, with the exception of prostate‐specific antigen at 6 months and 12 months. There were 14 Clavien–Dindo grade III‐A complications and two grade III‐B. The incontinence rate at 12 months was 6.3%, 4.5%, and 2.6% for the 80, 120 and 180 W lasers, respectively. The overall blood transfusion rate was 0.4%.ConclusionsObjective and subjective improvement after GreenLight laser treatment worldwide was significant at 1‐year follow up. Morbidity and complications were low. Although not a randomized control study, the data can provide an indication of the outcome of the different GreenLight laser powers.
Contribution of Electric Current into Densification Kinetics During Spark Plasma Sintering of Conductive Powder
Authors: Aleksandrova Elena V. , Ilyina Aleksandra M. , Grigoryev Evgeny G. , Olevsky Eugene A. 
Published: August 2015

The shrinkage kinetics of a conductive material (copper powder) under spark plasma sinter‐forging conditions in the presence and absence of the electric current passing directly through the specimen is investigated from both experimental and theoretical points of view. The experiments on the current‐assisted and current‐insulated spark plasma sinter‐forging are conducted using specially developed spark plasma sintering tooling which has a number of particular features. The tooling enables direct temperature measurement at the free lateral surface of a powder sample as well as the simultaneous in situ measurement of the radius and height of a porous cylindrical sample during spark plasma sinter‐forging, rendering conditions of bi‐axial dilatometry. The continuum theory of sintering‐based constitutive model of free upsetting (hot forging with free lateral surface) is refined taking into account the obtained experimental data on the current‐insulated mode of spark plasma sinter‐forging. It is shown that the model framework traditionally utilized for the description of hot deformation of powder materials is not suitable for the simulation of the considered current‐assisted spark plasma sintering modes. Thus, the necessity of the development of new, specific to spark plasma sintering, constitutive models taking into account the direct contributions of electric current into mass transfer, is demonstrated.
Primary Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: A Distinct Arrhythmia Subentity of an Ablation Population
Authors: KONRAD TORSTEN , THEIS CATHRIN , MOLLNAU HANKE , SONNENSCHEIN SEBASTIAN , OCETE BLANCA QUESADA , BOCK KARSTEN , MÜNZEL THOMAS , ROSTOCK THOMAS 
Published: August 2015

Primary Persistent AFIntroductionPersistent atrial fibrillation (persAF) can occur either as a sustained arrhythmia that has progressed from initially paroxysmal AF or as primary persAF without a history of any spontaneously terminated episode. There is a paucity of data differentiating between the 2 different persAF entities. Thus, we prospectively evaluated baseline characteristics, electrophysiological features, and ablation outcome in these 2 patient cohorts.Methods and resultsA total number of 154 consecutive persAF patients (63 ± 10 years, f = 42, longstanding persAF = 60) were characterized in terms of having primary persAF (P‐persAF group) or persAF that secondarily progressed from paroxysmal AF (S‐persAF group). All patients underwent de novo catheter ablation using the stepwise approach. PersAF entities were characterized by detailed patient history, sequential Holter monitoring, and reports of documented modes of AF conversion, respectively.The P‐persAF group had a higher number of young patients (<50 years), a shorter AF history, and a higher number of congestive heart failure. The HATCH score did not differ between the groups. Procedural AF termination rate was significantly higher in S‐persAF than in P‐persAF patients (n = 55 [81%] vs. n = 58 [68%], P = 0.043). At 1‐year follow‐up, the arrhythmia‐free survival after a single procedure was significantly lower in patients with P‐persAF (26% vs. 43%, P = 0.016). Categorization to P‐persAF was the strongest independent predictor of arrhythmia recurrence.ConclusionsP‐persAF seems to be a specific arrhythmia entity that is associated with a lower AF‐termination rate and a worse outcome after catheter ablation as compared to S‐persAF.
Analysis of different HER‐2 mutations in breast cancer progression and drug resistance
Authors: Sun Zijia , Shi Yaqin , Shen Yan , Cao Lulu , Zhang Wenwen , Guan Xiaoxiang 
Published: August 2015

AbstractStudies over the last two decades have identified that amplified human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER‐2; c‐erbB‐2, neu) and its overexpression have been frequently implicated in the carcinogenesis and prognosis in a variety of solid tumours, especially breast cancer. Lots of painstaking efforts were invested on the HER‐2 targeted agents, and significantly improved outcome and prolonged the survival of patients. However, some patients classified as ‘HER‐2‐positive’ would be still resistant to the anti‐HER‐2 therapy. Various mechanisms of drug resistance have been illustrated and the alteration of HER‐2 was considered as a crucial mechanism. However, systematic researches in regard to the HER‐2 mutations and variants are still inadequate. Notably, the alterations of HER‐2 play an important role in drug resistance, but also have a potential association with the cancer risk. In this review, we summarize the possible mutations and focus on HER‐2 variants’ role in breast cancer tumourigenesis. Additionally, the alteration of HER‐2, as a potential mechanism of resistance to trastuzumab, is discussed here. We hope that HER‐2 related activating mutations could potentially offer more therapeutic opportunities to a broader range of patients than previously classified as HER‐2 overexpressed.
Methylomic analysis of salivary DNA in childhood ADHD identifies altered DNA methylation in VIPR2
Authors: Wilmot Beth , Fry Rebecca , Smeester Lisa , Musser Erica D. , Mill Jonathan , Nigg Joel T. 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundPeripheral epigenetic marks hold promise for understanding psychiatric illness and may represent fingerprints of gene–environment interactions. We conducted an initial examination of CpG methylation variation in children with or without attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).MethodsChildren age 7–12 were recruited, screened, evaluated and assigned to ADHD or non‐ADHD groups by defined research criteria. Two independent age‐matched samples were examined, a discovery set (n = 92, all boys, half control, half ADHD) and a confirmation set (n = 20, half ADHD, all boys). 5‐methylcytosine levels were quantified in salivary DNA using the Illumina 450 K HumanMethylation array. Genes for which multiple probes were nominally significant and had a beta difference of at least 2% were evaluated for biological relevance and prioritized for confirmation and sequence validation. Gene pathways were explored and described.ResultsTwo genes met the criteria for confirmation testing, VIPR2 and MYT1L; both had multiple probes meeting cutoffs and strong biological relevance. Probes on VIPR2 passed FDR correction in the confirmation set and were confirmed through bisulfite sequencing. Enrichment analysis suggested involvement of gene sets or pathways related to inflammatory processes and modulation of monoamine and cholinergic neurotransmission.ConclusionsAlthough it is unknown to what extent CpG methylation seen in peripheral tissue reflect transcriptomic changes in the brain, these initial results indicate that peripheral DNA methylation markers in ADHD may be promising and suggest targeted hypotheses for future study in larger samples.
Scleredema. A multicentre study of characteristics, comorbidities, course and therapy in 44 patients
Authors: Rongioletti F. , Kaiser F. , Cinotti E. , Metze D. , Battistella M. , Calzavara‐Pinton P.G. , Damevska K. , Girolomoni G. , André J. , Perrot J.‐L. , Kempf W. , Cavelier‐Balloy B. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe prognostic and therapeutic features of scleredema are poorly documented.ObjectivesTo describe the characteristics of patients with scleredema regarding demographics, clinical characteristics, comorbidities, therapeutic interventions and course.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective multicentre study.ResultsWe identified 44 patients (26 men).The mean age at diagnosis was 53.8 years. The most common associated disorders were endocrine/metabolic diseases including 30 patients suffering from diabetes, mostly type 2 diabetes. Monoclonal gammopathies were confirmed in five cases. A preceding respiratory tract infection was not a feature. Treatments with different combination or sequential modalities were used with variable results. Phototherapy (UVA1 or PUVA) was the treatment associated with higher, although partial response. Systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs were reserved to patients with severe disease in whom phototherapy had failed or for patients with multiple myeloma. Forty‐one patients were followed up (mean period: 32.2 months).Thirty‐nine patients are alive, 30 with and 9 without skin disease. Two patients died of cardiovascular complications due to myeloma and severe diabetes.ConclusionsScleredema is a chronic debilitating disease associated with diabetes and metabolic syndrome, unresponsive to various treatments but not necessarily a life‐threatening condition. Although there is no definitive treatment, phototherapy should be attempted first. Treatment of primary disease including strict glycaemic control combined with physical therapy should be also employed.
Exploration of contextual factors in a successful quality improvement collaborative in English ambulance services: cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Phung Viet‐Hai , Essam Nadya , Asghar Zahid , Spaight Anne , Siriwardena Aloysius N. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesClinical leadership and organizational culture are important contextual factors for quality improvement (QI) but the relationship between these and with organizational change is complex and poorly understood. We aimed to explore the relationship between clinical leadership, culture of innovation and clinical engagement in QI within a national ambulance QI Collaborative (QIC).MethodsWe used a self‐administered online questionnaire survey sent to front‐line clinicians in all 12 English ambulance services. We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of quantitative data and qualitative analysis of free‐text responses.ResultsThere were 2743 (12% of 22 117) responses from 11 of the 12 participating ambulance services. In the 3% of responders that were directly involved with the QIC, leadership behaviour was significantly higher than for those not directly involved. QIC involvement made no significant difference to responders' perceptions of the culture of innovation in their organization, which was generally considered poor. Although uptake of QI methods was low overall, QIC members were significantly more likely to use QI methods, which were also significantly associated with leadership behaviour.ConclusionsDespite a limited organizational culture of innovation, clinical leadership and use of QI methods in ambulance services generally, the QIC achieved its aims to significantly improve pre‐hospital care for acute myocardial infarction and stroke. We postulate that this was mediated through an improvement subculture, linked to the QIC, which facilitated large‐scale improvement by stimulating leadership and QI methods. Further research is needed to understand success factors for QI in complex health care environments.
Investigating Cross‐Sectoral Synergies through Integrated Aquaculture, Fisheries, and Agriculture Phosphorus Assessments: A Case Study of Norway
Authors: Hamilton Helen A. , Brod Eva , Hanserud Ola S. , Gracey Erik O. , Vestrum Magnus I. , Bøen Anne , Steinhoff Franciska S. , Müller Daniel B. , Brattebø Helge 
Published: August 2015

SummaryFuture phosphorus (P) scarcity and eutrophication risks demonstrate the need for systems‐wide P assessments. Despite the projected drastic increase in world‐wide fish production, P studies have yet to include the aquaculture and fisheries sectors, thus eliminating the possibility of assessing their relative importance and identifying opportunities for recycling. Using Norway as a case, this study presents the results of a current‐status integrated fisheries, aquaculture, and agriculture P flow analysis and identifies current sectoral linkages as well as potential cross‐sectoral synergies where P use can be optimized. A scenario was developed to shed light on how the projected 2050 fivefold Norwegian aquaculture growth will likely affect P demand and secondary P resources. The results indicate that, contrary to most other countries where agriculture dominates, in Norway, aquaculture and agriculture drive P consumption and losses at similar levels and secondary P recycling, both intra‐ and cross‐sectorally, is far from optimized. The scenario results suggest that the projected aquaculture growth will make the Norwegian aquaculture sector approximately 4 times as P intensive as compared to agriculture, in terms of both imported P and losses. This will create not only future environmental challenges, but also opportunities for cross‐sectoral P recycling that could help alleviate the mineral P demands of agriculture. Near‐term policy measures should focus on utilizing domestic fish scrap for animal husbandry and/or fish feed production. Long‐term efforts should focus on improving technology and environmental systems analysis methods to enable P recovery from aquaculture production and manure distribution in animal husbandry.
Cp/Heph mutant mice have iron‐induced neurodegeneration diminished by deferiprone
Authors: Zhao Liangliang , Hadziahmetovic Majda , Wang Chenguang , Xu Xueying , Song Ying , Jinnah H.A. , Wodzinska Jolanta , Iacovelli Jared , Wolkow Natalie , Krajacic Predrag , Weissberger Alyssa Cwanger , Connelly John , Spino Michael , Lee Michael K. , Connor James , Giasson Benoit , Leah Harris Z. , Dunaief Joshua L. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBrain iron accumulates in several neurodegenerative diseases and can cause oxidative damage, but mechanisms of brain iron homeostasis are incompletely understood. Patients with mutations in the cellular iron‐exporting ferroxidase ceruloplasmin (Cp) have brain iron accumulation causing neurodegeneration. Here, we assessed the brains of mice with combined mutation of Cp and its homolog hephaestin. Compared to single mutants, brain iron accumulation was accelerated in double mutants in the cerebellum, substantia nigra, and hippocampus. Iron accumulated within glia, while neurons were iron deficient. There was loss of both neurons and glia. Mice developed ataxia and tremor, and most died by 9 months. Treatment with the oral iron chelator deferiprone diminished brain iron levels, protected against neuron loss, and extended lifespan. Ferroxidases play important, partially overlapping roles in brain iron homeostasis by facilitating iron export from glia, making iron available to neurons.
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Above: Iron (Fe) normally moves from capillaries to glia to neurons. It is exported from the glia by ferroportin (Fpn) with ferroxidases ceruloplasmin (Cp) and/or Hephaestin (Heph). Below: In mice with mutation of Cp and Heph, iron accumulates in glia, while neurons have low iron levels. Both neurons and glia degenerate and mice become ataxic unless given an iron chelator.
Rapid Discrimination between Groups I and II of Acidovorax citrulli Using a Primer Pair Specific to a pilL Gene
Authors: Zhong Jie , Lin Zhen‐Ya , Ma Ya‐Min , Gao Bi‐Da , Liu Hui‐Qin , Zhao Ting‐Chang , Schaad Norman W. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAcidovorax citrulli can be divided into two genetic groups: group I and group II based primarily on pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence classification (MLST). To distinguish more rapidly between strains of the two groups, a pair of specific primer for specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that can identify group II strains was designed based on the pilL gene of a group II strain, AAC00‐1. PCR results showed that a 332‐bp band was generated for 51 of 52 group II strains whereas only three of 93 group I strains were positive, largely consisting with previous studies of A. citrulli classification. Results of PCR showed the primers were able to detect group II strains of A. citrulli and distinguish between strains of groups I and II rapidly and accurately.
Structural Reforms, Investment and Zero Lower Bound in a Monetary Union
Authors: Gerali Andrea , Notarpietro Alessandro , Pisani Massimiliano 
Published: August 2015

We assess the effects of competition‐friendly reforms on the zero lower bound (ZLB) on the monetary policy rate in a monetary union, using a dynamic general equilibrium model calibrated to two regions within the euro area (EA) and the rest of the world.Reforms simultaneously implemented in the entire EA favor an earlier exit from the ZLB if they generate sufficient short‐run inflationary effects. This happens if capital accumulation increases, magnifying the expansionary effects of reforms on permanent income and, thus, short‐run aggregate demand. If investment does not increase, the effects are not sufficient to reduce the ZLB duration.
Sensory‐enhanced beverages: Effects on satiety following repeated consumption at home
Authors: Hovard P. , Chambers L. , Hull S. , Re R. , Wickham M. S. J. , Yeomans M. R. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractGrowing research suggests that a consumer's experience of satiety is influenced by information present at the time of, or before, food consumption. For example, making small modifications to the sensory characteristics of a high‐energy beverage (specifically thickness and creaminess) enhances its impact on subsequent satiety. Previous research has examined these sensory‐enhanced satiety effects in the laboratory but not in the ‘real world’. Therefore, the present study, using a cross‐over design, compared the effects of ‘real world’ consumption of two high‐energy versions of a beverage (sensory‐enhanced and unenhanced) and a low‐energy control beverage on satiety. Thirty‐four volunteers were provided with shelf‐stable dry powder mixes for the three test beverages, which varied in energy content and sensory characteristics, to which they added a commercially available juice. The volunteers prepared and consumed each beverage on eight occasions over a 3‐week period at home. Controlled satiety testing occurred in the laboratory either side of this exposure period. Focus groups were also conducted to assess consumer attitudes towards ‘enhanced satiety’ products and claims. Results of the satiety study indicate that appetite sensations and subsequent food intake were lower following consumption of the sensory‐enhanced high‐energy beverage relative to the unenhanced and control versions, and that these effects were maintained following repeated product consumption in the ‘real world’. The focus groups highlighted that consumers are aware of sensory and cognitive influences on satiety, though noted that dieting populations might benefit most from enhanced satiety products. Implications for further research and the role of satiety for consumers and manufacturers are discussed.
A novel dietary strategy to increase colonic propionate production in humans and improve appetite regulation and bodyweight management
Authors: Chambers E. S. , Morrison D. J. , Tedford M. C. , Frost G. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractA number of animal and human investigations have demonstrated that dietary supplementation with non‐digestible carbohydrates (NDC) improves appetite regulation and bodyweight. These positive metabolic effects have been linked to the elevated production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) through fermentation of NDC by the colonic microbiota. Of the principle SCFAs, propionate has the highest affinity for free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2), which is expressed on colonic L‐cells and upon stimulation secretes anorectic hormones. Augmenting colonic propionate is therefore an attractive target to improve appetite regulation and, as part of the BBSRC DRINC initiative, we developed a novel dietary molecule, inulin‐propionate ester that we demonstrate increases colonic propionate levels in humans. Our further studies with inulin‐propionate ester in human volunteers suggest that dietary interventions that enhance colonic propionate levels may be a strategy to improve appetite regulation and weight management at the population level.
Patients with refractory reflux symptoms: What do they have and how should they be managed?
Authors: Kahrilas P. J. , Keefer L. , Pandolfino J. E. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWith the widespread use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), the frontier of treating reflux disease has shifted from refractory esophagitis to PPI‐refractory symptoms. However, symptoms are inherently less specific than mucosal disease and, as noted by Herregods et al. in their contribution appearing in this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, patients with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms often do not have GERD. This review discusses potential etiologies for PPI‐refractory symptoms. Three major concepts are explored: subendoscopic esophagitis, weakly acidic reflux events, and alternative explanations for persistent symptoms. With respect to subendoscopic esophagitis and unsuppressed reflux, ample evidence exists that these are present in PPI‐refractory patients. The problem is that these findings are also often present in substantial numbers of individuals with a satisfactory response to PPI therapy. Hence, the emphasis shifts to determinants of symptom perception. The major conclusion of the review is that psychogenic factors such as hyperalgesia, allodynia, hypervigilance, and heightened anxiety are the most plausible explanations as the dominant determinants of PPI‐refractory symptoms.