bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alternative surgical approach for the management of uterine prolapse in young women: Preliminary results
Authors: Karatayli Rengin , Balci Osman , Gezginç Kazim , Yildirim Pinar , Karanfil Fikriye , Acar Ali 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimTo demonstrate an alternative surgical approach for the management of uterine prolapse in young women by a technique that was previously defined for post‐hysterectomy vaginal vault suspension in published work and also to demonstrate successful operative results.MethodsThe study population consisted of 12 women aged 28–41 years who had stage 4 uterine prolapse and who were surgically treated by abdominal hysteropexy using autogenous rectus fascia strips. Operative results and postoperative follow‐up Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification and Prolapse Quality of Life results were recorded.ResultsMean age of patients was 35.5 ± 4.1 years (range, 28–41). Mean parity in the study group was 2.6 ± 1.0 (range, 1–5). Mean operation time was 32.0 ± 5.2 min (range, 25–42). All patients were discharged on the postoperative 3rd day and no complications were observed postoperatively. Mean follow‐up period was 20 ± 7.0 months (range, 12–36). All of the patients had complete remission for uterine prolapse and none of the patients had complaints related to the operation.ConclusionAbdominal hysteropexy operation using rectus fascia strips provides a safe and alternative approach for the management of uterine prolapse in young women who desire to preserve their uterus. But further analysis is needed to confirm our results.
Spinal cord infarction in diabetic pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Sugihara Takeru , Kido Koichiro , Sasamori Yukifumi , Shiba Masahiro , Ayabe Takuya 
Published: July 2013

AbstractSpinal cord infarction (SCI) is uncommon as compared to cerebral stroke. Moreover, SCI during pregnancy is rare. Here, we report a case of SCI in diabetic pregnancy, properly diagnosed, promptly treated, and a good prognosis achieved. A 38‐year‐old, pregnant woman, para 1, with type 1 diabetes mellitus on insulin since 14 years of age, was admitted to our hospital for paresthesia and numbness in the lower left side of the body, with movement disturbances. On the basis of the temporal profile of the onset and the multiple resonance imaging scans, SCI was diagnosed. Steroid pulse therapy and low‐dose aspirin administration was initiated. Her symptoms were improved and discharged. A repeat cesarean section was performed at 37 weeks of gestation and her postoperative course was uneventful. Her daily activities were not hindered severely, though she experienced defecation discomfort.
Allen–Masters syndrome: Do the classic risk factors also apply in patients with endometriosis?
Authors: Haas Dietmar , Oppelt Peter , Shebl Omar , Chvatal Radek , Shamiyeh Andreas , Mayer Richard , Binder Helge 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimTo evaluate whether the classic risk factors for Allen–Masters syndrome, such as body mass index (BMI) and spontaneous births, are in fact responsible for the condition in patients with endometriosis.MethodsA total of 26 women who underwent a laparoscopic procedure due to chronic pelvic pain, Allen–Masters syndrome and endometriosis from 2009–2011 were enrolled in this study from an endometriosis competence center specializing in minimally invasive surgery. This was a retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II‐2).ResultsOnly eight of the 26 patients (30.77%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 14.33–51.79%) had the classic risk factors (BMI >25 kg/m2 and/or at least one spontaneous birth). The mean age in the study group was 32.08 years (SD ± 5.45). The patients had a mean BMI (kg/m2) of 19.61 (SD ± 3.07). The means for the patients' clinical data were 0.88 (SD ± 1.53) pregnancies, 0.81 (SD ± 1.23) for parity, 0.27 (SD ± 0.60) for cesareans and 0.54 (SD ± 0.99) for spontaneous births. The revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine (rASRM) stage showed a median of grade III. The left side of the posterior compartment was more often affected (73.1% of cases) than the right side in all patients.ConclusionIn all, 69.23% of the cases (95% CI, 48.21–85.67%) were not explained by the classic risk factors. In view of the absence of other diseases and otherwise unremarkable parameters, we consider mechanical damage of the lesser pelvis not to be solely responsible for AMS. Further observations in patients with AMS, with and without endometriosis, may be able to contribute to research into the actual etiology of the condition.
Toll‐like receptor system and endometriosis
Authors: Khan Khaleque Newaz , Kitajima Michio , Fujishita Akira , Nakashima Masahiro , Masuzaki Hideaki 
Published: July 2013

AbstractEndometriosis is an estrogen‐dependent chronic inflammatory condition associated with variable degrees of pelvic pain and infertility. Studies have showed that the growth and progression of endometriosis continue even in ovariectomized animals. This indicates that besides ovarian steroid hormones, the growth of endometriosis can be regulated by the innate immune system in the pelvic environment. As a component of innate immune system, increased infiltration of macrophages has been described in the intact tissue and peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis. Different immune cells and dendritic cells express Toll‐like receptors (TLR) and exhibit functional activity in response to microbial products. In this review article, we discuss the role of the TLR system in endometrium and endometriosis and outline the involvement of cytokines/endotoxin in causing adverse reproductive outcome. In the first part of this review article, the fundamentals of innate immune system, functional characteristics of TLR and signaling pathways of TLR4 are discussed for easy understanding by the readers.
Intergenerational Transmission of Noncommunicable Chronic Diseases
Authors: GOULÃO CATARINA , PÉREZ‐BARAHONA AGUSTÍN 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe introduce a theoretical framework that contributes to the understanding of noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs) epidemics: even if NCDs are noninfectious diseases, they may spread due to the social transmission of unhealthy activities such as unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and smoking. In particular, we study the intergenerational dimension of this mechanism. We find that, due to the social transmission of NCDs, agents choose lower health conditions and higher unhealthy activities than what is socially optimal. Taxes on unhealthy activities, that may subsidize health investments, can be used to restore the social optimum. Finally, our model is consistent with the existence of regional asymmetries regarding the prevalence of obesity and NCDs.
Optimal Piecewise Linear Income Taxation
Authors: APPS PATRICIA , VAN LONG NGO , REES RAY 
Published: July 2013

AbstractGiven its significance in practice, piecewise linear taxation has received relatively little attention in the literature. This paper offers a simple and transparent analysis of its main characteristics. We fully characterize optimal tax parameters for the cases in which budget sets are convex and nonconvex respectively. A numerical analysis of a discrete version of the model shows the circumstances under which each of these cases will hold as a global optimum. We find that, given plausible parameter values and wage distributions, the globally optimal tax system is convex, and marginal rate progressivity increases with rising inequality.
Factors Influencing Patient Decisions to Initiate and Discontinue Subcutaneous Testosterone Pellets (Testopel) for Treatment of Hypogonadism
Authors: Smith Ryan P. , Khanna Abhinav , Coward Robert M. , Rajanahally Saneal , Kovac Jason R. , Gonzales Marshall A. , Lipshultz Larry I. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
A variety of modalities for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) are available, including topical gels, injections, and Testopel subcutaneous testosterone pellets (STP). STP are becoming more commonly utilized in the United States; however, patient preferences, expectations, and usage patterns regarding this therapy remain poorly characterized.

Aim
To identify factors influencing patients' decisions to initiate or discontinue STP.

Methods
A total of 175 men from an academic urology clinic who were currently using or who had previously used STP for hypogonadism received a 32-item electronic survey.

Main Outcome Measures
Assessment of the impact of convenience, efficacy, side effects, cost, and symptom relief on initiation and discontinuation of STP.

Results
One hundred and thirteen men (64.6% response rate) of mean age 51.4 years who previously underwent a mean of 2.8 STP implant procedures completed the survey. Fifty-nine (52.2%) and 40 (35.4%) men had switched to STP from topical gel and injection therapy, respectively, whereas 14 (12.4%) men initially started TRT with STP. Convenience (68.8%) was the most important factor in patients' decision to start STP, while cost of the previous form of TRT (14.7%) was least important. At the time of the survey, 32 men (28.3%) had discontinued STP therapy. Cost of therapy (50%) was the primary factor in discontinuing STP. There was no difference in serum testosterone levels between men who continued STP and those who discontinued therapy (642.8 vs. 629.0ng/dL, P =0.83). Overall, 68.1% of patients continued STP therapy at the time of survey completion.

Conclusions
Convenience is the most important factor in a patient's decision to initiate STP; however, physician recommendation also plays a substantial role. Cost was the primary reason for discontinuation. Upon survey completion, greater than two-thirds of respondents elected to continue STP therapy. STP are a viable treatment option for hypogonadal men seeking a convenient and efficacious alternative modality of TRT.
Serum PSA as a Predictor of Testosterone Deficiency
Authors: Rastrelli Giulia , Corona Giovanni , Vignozzi Linda , Maseroli Elisa , Silverii Antonio , Monami Matteo , Mannucci Edoardo , Forti Gianni , Maggi Mario 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The relationship between serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and testosterone (T) levels is still controversial. According to the “saturation hypothesis,” a significant relationship is apparent only in the low T range.

Aim
To verify whether, in a large sample of male subjects seeking medical care for sexual dysfunction (SD), PSA might represent a reliable marker of T levels.

Methods
A consecutive series of 3,156 patients attending our unit for SD was studied. Among them, only subjects without history of prostate disease and with PSA levels &lt;4 ng/mL (N = 2,967) were analyzed.

Main Outcome Measures
Several hormonal and biochemical parameters were studied, along with structured interview on erectile dysfunction (SIEDY), ANDROTEST, and PsychoANDROTEST.

Results
Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for predicting severe hypogonadism (T &lt; 8 nmol/L) showed an accuracy of PSA = 0.612 ± 0.022 (P &lt; 0.0001), with the best sensitivity and specificity at PSA &lt; 0.65 ng/mL (65.2% and 55.5%, respectively). In the entire cohort, 254 subjects (8.6%) showed T &lt; 8 nmol/L and, among them, more than half (N = 141, 4.8%) had PSA &lt; 0.65 ng/mL. After adjusting for age, low PSA was associated with hypogonadism-related features (i.e., delayed puberty, lower testis volume) and associated conditions, such as metabolic syndrome (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.506 [1.241–1.827]; P &lt; 0.0001), type 2 diabetes (HR = 2.044 [1.675–2.494]; P &lt; 0.0001), and cardiovascular diseases (HR = 1.275 [1.006–1.617]; P = 0.045). Furthermore, low PSA was associated with impaired sex- and sleep-related erections. The association between low PSA and hypogonadal symptoms and signs as well as with metabolic syndrome was retained even after adjusting for T levels. Sensitivity and positive predictive values of low PSA increased, whereas specificity and negative predictive value decreased as a function of age.

Conclusions
PSA is a marker of T concentrations and it may represent a new tool in confirming hypogonadism. The determination of PSA levels might give insights not only on the circulating levels of total T but also on its active fractions.
Ratio of mutated versus wild‐type coat protein sequences in Pepino mosaic virus determines the nature and severity of yellowing symptoms on tomato plants
Authors: Hasiów‐Jaroszewska Beata , Paeleman Anneleen , Ortega‐Parra Nelia , Borodynko Natasza , Minicka Julia , Czerwoniec Anna , Thomma Bart P.H.J. , Hanssen Inge M. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryRecently, Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) infections causing severe yellowing symptoms in tomato plants have been reported in glasshouse tomato crops. When studying this phenomenon in commercial glasshouses, two different types of yellowing symptoms, occurring in adjacent plants, were distinguished: interveinal leaf yellowing and yellow mosaics. After several weeks, the interveinal leaf yellowing symptoms gradually disappeared and the plant heads became green again, with yellow mosaic patterns on the leaves as an intermediate stage. The sequencing of multiple isolates causing interveinal leaf yellowing identified two point mutations, occurring in positions 155 and 166 of the coat protein (CP), as unique to the yellowing pathotype. Site‐directed mutagenesis of infectious clones confirmed that both CP mutations are determinants of the interveinal leaf yellowing symptoms. Sequencing of CP clones from plants or plant parts with the yellow mosaic symptoms resulted in a mixture of wild‐type and mutated sequences, whereas sequencing of CP clones from the green heads of recovered plants resulted in only wild‐type sequences. Yellow mosaic symptoms could be reproduced by inoculation of an artificial 1:1 mixture of RNA transcripts from the wild‐type and mutated infectious clones. These results show that the ratio of mutated versus wild‐type sequences can determine the nature and severity of symptom development. The gradual recovery of the plants, which coincides with the disappearance of the yellowing mutations, suggests that selection pressure acts to the advantage of the wild‐type virus. Experiments with wild‐type and mutated infectious clones showed that reverse mutation events from mutant to wild‐type occur and that the wild‐type virus does not have a replicative advantage over the mutant. These results suggest that reverse mutation events occur, with subsequent selection pressure acting in favour of the wild‐type virus in the growing plant parts, possibly related to a lower long‐distance movement efficiency of the mutant.
Relationship between plasma total homocysteine level and dietary caffeine and vitamin B6 intakes in pregnant women
Authors: Shiraishi Mie , Haruna Megumi , Matsuzaki Masayo , Ota Erika , Murayama Ryoko , Sasaki Satoshi , Yeo SeonAe , Murashima Sachiyo 
Published: July 2013

AbstractA high total homocysteine (tHcy) level during pregnancy is a risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes, such as fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia. Caffeine is assumed to increase tHcy levels by acting as a vitamin B6 antagonist. The objective of this study was to examine a relationship between circulating tHcy levels and dietary caffeine and vitamin B6 intakes in pregnant Japanese women. A total of 321 healthy women with singleton pregnancies were recruited in metropolitan Tokyo, from June to December 2008, resulting in the final number included in the study as 254. Dietary caffeine intakes did not correlate with plasma tHcy levels. When we analyzed the data according to caffeinated beverages, caffeinated tea consumption was positively associated with plasma tHcy levels only among the women with a high intake of vitamin B6, after controlling for confounding factors (P = 0.029). No correlation between coffee consumption and plasma tHcy levels was found. Pregnant Japanese women might need to cut down the consumption of caffeinated tea as well as take sufficient vitamin B6 in order to prevent the tHcy levels from increasing.
Law and Finance Revisited: Evidence from African Countries
Authors: Fowowe Babajide 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe law and finance theory essentially states that legal origins are a significant determinant of financial development. The conclusion from the law and finance theory is that countries whose legal traditions derived from British Common Law have better developed financial markets than countries following French Civil Law. This study conducted an empirical investigation of the law and finance theory for African countries. Our empirical results showed that legal origins are insignificant in explaining financial development but rather, legal effectiveness significantly explains cross‐country differences in financial development in Africa. We concluded that the law and finance theory does not hold in African countries.
Direct dating of mid‐crustal shear zones with synkinematic allanite: new in situ U‐Th‐Pb geochronological approaches applied to the Mont Blanc massif
Authors: Cenki‐Tok Bénédicte , Darling James R. , Rolland Yann , Dhuime Bruno , Storey Craig D. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractDating the timing of motion on crustal shear zones is of tremendous importance for understanding the assembly of orogenic terranes. This objective is achieved in this paper by combining petrological and structural observations with novel developments in in situ U‐Th‐Pb geochronology of allanite. A greenschist facies shear zone within the Mont Blanc Massif is documented. Allanite is synkinematic and belongs to the mylonitic assemblage. LA‐ICP‐MS U‐Th‐Pb isotope analyses of allanite reveal high contents and highly radiogenic isotopic compositions of the common‐Pb component. The use of measured Pb‐isotope compositions of associated minerals (feldspars and chlorite) is critical for accurate common‐Pb correction, and provides a powerful mechanism for linking allanite growth to the metamorphic assemblage. A mean 208Pb/232Th age of 29.44 ± 0.95 Ma is accordingly taken for synkinematic allanite crystallisation under greenschist facies conditions. This age reflects the timing of the Mont Blanc underthrusting below the Penninic Front and highlights the potential of directly dating deformation with allanite.
Unsharp Sharpness
Authors: Sahlin Nils‐Eric , Weirich Paul 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIn a recent, thought‐provoking paper Adam Elga ((2010) argues against unsharp – e.g., indeterminate, fuzzy and unreliable – probabilities. Rationality demands sharpness, he contends, and this means that decision theories like Levi's (1980, 1988), Gärdenfors and Sahlin's (1982), and Kyburg's (1983), though they employ different decision rules, face a common, and serious, problem. This article defends the rule to maximize minimum expected utility against Elga's objection.
New chiropterans from the middle Eocene of Shanghuang (Jiangsu Province, Coastal China): new insight into the dawn horseshoe bats (Rhinolophidae) in Asia
Authors: Ravel Anthony , Marivaux Laurent , Qi Tao , Wang Yuan‐Qing , Beard K. Christopher 
Published: July 2013

Until recently, the fossil record of Paleogene bats in Asia primarily included extinct families (i.e. ‘Eochiroptera’) from the early Eocene of Vastan in India and from the middle‐late Eocene of the Liguanqiao and Yuanqu basins in central China. Here, we describe a new fauna of Chiroptera from the middle Eocene Shanghuang fissure fillings of China. The fauna includes abundant material referred to a new rhinolophid (Protorhinolophus shanghuangensis gen. and sp. n.), one specimen of a possible rhinopomatid and several indeterminate rhinolophoids. This new bat assemblage constitutes the earliest record of extant families of microbats in Asia. Because it lacks representatives of ‘Eochiroptera’, this Shanghuang bat fauna indicates significant turnover in Asian bat communities. The dental pattern of P. shanghuangensis shows a mosaic of primitive and derived features (‘Eochiroptera’ vs Rhinolophidae dental characteristics), suggesting that this taxon occupies a basal position among the Rhinolophidae. Rhinolophids were already well diversified at the end of the late Eocene in Europe. Interestingly, many dental characteristics of Protorhinolophus are also found in a primitive rhinolophoid taxon, Vaylatsia, from the middle Eocene to late Oligocene of Europe, supporting a close relationship between these taxa. These affinities testify to the widespread Eurasian distribution of rhinolophoids during the Eocene and are consistent with a westward dispersal of the group from eastern Asia to Europe owing to the greater antiquity of Protorhinolophus.
Laryngeal and tracheal afferent nerve stimulation evokes swallowing in anaesthetized guinea pigs
Authors: Tsujimura Takanori , Udemgba Chioma , Inoue Makoto , Canning Brendan J. 
Published: July 2013

Key points
Activation of vagal afferent nerves innervating the tracheal and laryngeal mucosa evokes swallowing in anaesthetized guinea pigs.
The swallowing evoked by airway stimulation was probably initiated by the activation of the same afferent nerves that regulate coughing but occurred at lower stimulus intensities and was less susceptible to desensitization than the cough reflex.
We speculate that the swallowing associated with airway sensory nerve activation is a key component of airways protection from aspiration.
Abstract  We describe swallowing reflexes evoked by laryngeal and tracheal vagal afferent nerve stimulation in anaesthetized guinea pigs. The swallowing reflexes evoked by laryngeal citric acid challenges were abolished by recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) transection and mimicked by electrical stimulation of the central cut ends of an RLN. By contrast, the number of swallows evoked by upper airway/pharyngeal distensions was not significantly reduced by RLN transection but they were virtually abolished by superior laryngeal nerve transection. Laryngeal citric acid‐evoked swallowing was mimicked by laryngeal capsaicin challenges, implicating transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)‐expressing laryngeal afferent nerves arising from the jugular ganglia. The swallowing evoked by citric acid and capsaicin and evoked by electrical stimulation of either the tracheal or the laryngeal mucosa occurred at stimulation intensities that were typically subthreshold for evoking cough in these animals. Swallowing evoked by airway afferent nerve stimulation also desensitized at a much slower rate than cough. We speculate that swallowing is an essential component of airway protection from aspiration associated with laryngeal and tracheal afferent nerve activation.
Enhancing Video Capsule Endoscopy: Location and Bleeding Detection
Authors: Yeung Douglas , Sarvestani Amir Sabet , Yap Jonathan , Inoue Yuri 
Published: July 2013

Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is a non-invasive method of visually examining the internal lumen of small intestine for inflammation and bleeding through a wireless camera contained in a small capsule. Currently, VCE technology is limited because it cannot map images to their specific locations in the small bowel. Furthermore, approximately 40% of identified problem areas are false positives, making bleeding difficult to find. Therefore, physicians can only estimate the location of inflammation and bleeding areas based on the elapsed time before performing a wired endoscopy.
Our pill camera offers an innovative wireless imaging GPS-like location system, in an easy to swallow pill that accurately identifies and displays bleeding areas within the small intestine through an intuitive user interface, which results in a 50% reduction in clinical times, as well as improved diagnosis for potential investors and providers, thus resulting in a $500 cost reduction in physician fees per patient.