bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of sacral nerve stimulation on continence are temporarily maintained after turning the stimulator off
Authors: Altomare D. F. , Giannini I. , Giuratrabocchetta S. , Digennaro R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimSacral nerve stimulation is an effective treatment for urinary and faecal incontinence even though its mechanism of action is uncertain. Central nervous system involvement by ‘setting‐up’ neurological mechanisms appointed to control pelvic function has been hypothesized. The study aimed to evaluate whether the effects of long‐term sacral nerve stimulation are memorized and therefore maintained after switching off the stimulator.MethodPatients having sacral nerve stimulation for faecal and/or urinary incontinence for at least 1 year had the stimulator turned off and the results monitored. Data recorded with the stimulator off were compared with post‐implant data. If symptoms recurred the stimulator was switched back on. Nineteen patients entered the study. Fourteen had faecal and/or urinary incontinence and five had faecal incontinence alone. The symptoms were assessed by means of a bowel function diary and dedicated questionnaire.ResultsIn 10 patients symptoms recurred at different intervals after a median off period of 3.4 months with a probability of symptom relapse of 55%. The Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQL) score did not show any significant difference in nine patients with the stimulator off for at least 1 year. No factors predictive of symptom recurrence were identified although an idiopathic aetiology, severity of disease and urinary incontinence had higher hazard ratios. During the off period, none of the scores and episodes of incontinence showed significant changes compared with the on period.ConclusionThe effects of sacral nerve stimulation on faecal and urinary incontinence were maintained in about half of patients after switching the stimulator off, but in some symptoms returned after different periods of time. The data shed new light on possible effects of sacral nerve stimulation on brain neuroplasticity in the control of continence.
Changes in diet, cardiovascular risk factors and modelled cardiovascular risk following diagnosis of diabetes: 1‐year results from the ADDITION‐Cambridge trial cohort
Authors: Savory L. A. , Griffin S. J. , Williams K. M. , Prevost A. T. , Kinmonth A.‐L. , Wareham N. J. , Simmons R. K. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimsTo describe change in self‐reported diet and plasma vitamin C, and to examine associations between change in diet and cardiovascular disease risk factors and modelled 10‐year cardiovascular disease risk in the year following diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes.MethodsEight hundred and sixty‐seven individuals with screen‐detected diabetes underwent assessment of self‐reported diet, plasma vitamin C, cardiovascular disease risk factors and modelled cardiovascular disease risk at baseline and 1 year (n = 736) in the ADDITION‐Cambridge trial. Multivariable linear regression was used to quantify the association between change in diet and cardiovascular disease risk at 1 year, adjusting for change in physical activity and cardio‐protective medication.ResultsParticipants reported significant reductions in energy, fat and sodium intake, and increases in fruit, vegetable and fibre intake over 1 year. The reduction in energy was equivalent to an average‐sized chocolate bar; the increase in fruit was equal to one plum per day. There was a small increase in plasma vitamin C levels. Increases in fruit intake and plasma vitamin C were associated with small reductions in anthropometric and metabolic risk factors. Increased vegetable intake was associated with an increase in BMI and waist circumference. Reductions in fat, energy and sodium intake were associated with reduction in HbA1c, waist circumference and total cholesterol/modelled cardiovascular disease risk, respectively.ConclusionsImprovements in dietary behaviour in this screen‐detected population were associated with small reductions in cardiovascular disease risk, independently of change in cardio‐protective medication and physical activity. Dietary change may have a role to play in the reduction of cardiovascular disease risk following diagnosis of diabetes.
Does Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Have an Effect on Left Ventricular Function after ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction?
Authors: Sonmez Osman , Vatankulu Mehmet A. , Tasal Abdurrahman , Bacaksiz Ahmet , Ayhan Selim , Yazici Hüseyin U. , Karakaya Ekrem , Ozdogru Ibrahim , Aygul Nazif , Ozdemir Kurtulus , Abaci Adnan 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivesLittle is known about whether estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) affect left ventricular (LV) function and gain benefit with antiremodeling treatment in patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We investigated the effect of eGFR on LV function using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) parameters. In addition, we sought to evaluate the antiremodeling effect of standard treatment at follow‐up in patients with renal insufficiency (RI) after STEMI.Methods and ResultsA retrospective analysis of 579 patients with STEMI was performed. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to eGFR (Group 1: eGFR > 90 mL/min per 1.73 m2; Group 2: eGFR = 60–89 mL/min per 1.73 m2; Group 3: eGFR < 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2). Conventional echocardiography and TDI were performed within 48–72 hours after STEMI and at 6‐month follow‐up. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly lower in Group 3 than in Group 1 (P = 0.021). The mean peak systolic velocity (Sm) was significantly lower in Group 3 than in Group 1 and Group 2 (P = 0.002 and 0.006, respectively). The estimated GFR had a linear association with Sm and LVEF (P = 0.001, r = 0.161; P = 0.005, r = 0.132, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that an eGFR < 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 was an independent predictor of lower Sm and in‐hospital mortality. In addition, an antiremodeling effect of standard treatment was seen in all groups at 6‐month follow‐up.ConclusionsEstimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 was associated with lower LV function after STEMI, and may gain an antiremodeling effect with standard treatment at follow‐up.
Benefit of thrombolysis for stroke is maintained around the clock: results from the SITS‐EAST Registry
Authors: Kõrv J. , Vibo R. , Kadlecová P. , Kobayashi A. , Czlonkowska A. , Brozman M. , Švigelj V. , Csiba L. , Fekete K. , Demarin V. , Vilionskis A. , Jatuzis D. , Krespi Y. , Ahmed N. , Mikulík R. ,   for the Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke − East (SITS‐EAST) Registry Investigators
Published: October 2013

Background and purposeThe outcome of thrombolysis for early morning and sleep time strokes may be worse because of uncertainty of stroke onset time or differences in logistics. The aim of the study was to analyze if stroke outcome after intravenous thrombolysis differs depending on time of day when the stroke occurs.MethodsThe data collected in the Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke − Eastern Europe (SITS‐EAST) Registry between September 2000 and December 2011 were used. Strokes were categorized as night‐time 00:00–07:59, day‐time 08:00–15:59 and evening‐time 16:00–23:59 and were compared in terms of several outcome measures. All results were adjusted for baseline differences.ResultsA total of 8878 patients were enrolled: 18% had night‐time, 54% day‐time and 28% evening‐time strokes. Onset‐to‐treatment time in patients with night‐time strokes was 10 min longer than in day‐time and evening‐time strokes (P < 0.001). Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage by ECASS II definition occurred in 5.6%, 5.6% and 5.3% (adjusted P = 0.41) of the night‐time, day‐time and evening‐time stroke patients, respectively; by SITS definition it occurred in 2.5%, 1.9% and 1.3% (adjusted P = 0.013) and by NINDS definition in 7.8%, 7.6% and 7.5% (adjusted P = 0.74). Patients with night‐time, day‐time and evening‐time strokes achieved modified Rankin Scale score 0–1 in 33%, 31%, 31% (adjusted P = 0.34) and 0–2 in 52%, 51%, 50% (adjusted P = 0.23), and 13%, 15%, 16% respectively of patients died (adjusted P = 0.17) by 3 months.ConclusionsThe time when stroke occurs (day versus evening versus night) does not affect the outcome after thrombolysis despite the fact that patients with night‐time strokes have worse time management.
Tumor‐educated myeloid cells: impact the micro‐ and macroenvironment
Authors: Becker Jürgen C. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractImmune escape mechanisms of cancers include some of the mechanisms normally used for immune homeostasis, particular those preventing autoimmunity; one of these is the polarisation of myeloid cells. Thereby, tumors, i.e. the cancerous and stromal cells, also condition distant sites like spleen and bone marrow via soluble factors and membrane vesicles such as exosomes in order to create a tumor‐educated macroenvironment. Albeit these mechanisms are currently in the focus of (tumor‐)immunologic research, the first evidence had been published almost 40 years ago. One of these early reports will be discussed here.
Psoriatic keratinocytes are resistant to tumor necrosis factor alpha's induction of mRNA for the NMDA‐R2C subunit
Authors: Morhenn Vera B. , Nahm William J. , Mansbridge Jonathan N. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPsoriatic individuals demonstrate accelerated healing and the Koebner phenomenon, suggesting that psoriatic proliferation of keratinocytes is not inhibited appropriately after skin injury. Serial analysis of gene expression in TNFα‐exposed keratinocytes shows the greatest alteration in expression of NMDA‐R2C. Expression of the NMDA receptor is altered in diseased skin containing TNFα, and TNFα plays a prominent role in psoriasis. An abnormality in induction of NMDA‐R2C by TNFα in psoriatic keratinocytes may explain their lack of growth inhibition. We compared the capacity of TNFα to induce expression of NMDA‐R2C in normal and psoriatic (involved and uninvolved) keratinocytes in vitro. After 72 h of incubation with TNFα, normal keratinocytes demonstrated a significant induction of NMDA‐R2C mRNA compared with control cultures, whereas psoriatic keratinocytes showed no induction. In an in vitro model of wounding (scratches on monolayers), TNFα inhibited migration/proliferation of keratinocytes only at the edge of NMDA‐R2C expressing wounded monolayers of normal keratinocytes.
Silicified virus‐like nanoparticles in an extreme thermal environment: implications for the preservation of viruses in the geological record
Authors: Peng X. , Xu H. , Jones B. , Chen S. , Zhou H. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBiofilms that grow aroundGumingquan hot spring (T = 71 °C, pH = 9.2) in theRehai geothermal area,Tengchong,China, are formed of various cyanobacteria,Firmicutes,Aquificae,Thermodesulfobacteria,Desulfurococcales, andThermoproteales. Silicified virus‐like nanoparticles, 40–200 nm in diameter, are common inside the microbial cells and the extracellular polymeric substances around the cells. These nanoparticles, which are formed of a core encased by a silica cortex, are morphologically akin to known viruses and directly comparable to silicified virus‐like particles that were produced in biofilms cultured in the laboratory. The information obtained from examination of the natural and laboratory‐produced samples suggests that viruses can be preserved by silicification, especially while they are still encased in their host cells. These results expand our views of virus–host mineral interaction in extreme thermal environments and imply that viruses can be potentially preserved and identified in the geological record.
A fluid inclusion study of diagenetic fluids in Proterozoic and Paleozoic carbonate rocks, Victoria Island, NWT
Authors: Mathieu J. , Kontak D. J. , Turner E. C. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractDespite the presence of known economic resources in Canada's Arctic archipelago, Victoria Island remains understudied. This study addresses the fluid history and economic potential of two major carbonate units on Victoria Island by integrating fluid inclusion microthermometry with SEM‐EDS analysis of evaporate mounds. Three cements containing fluid inclusion assemblages (FIA) occur in the Neoproterozoic Wynniatt Formation: saddle dolomite, brown dolomite and calcite, in paragenetic order. The two dolomite‐hosted cements have average homogenisation temperatures (Th) for FIAs (n = 3) of 108°C (saddle) and 101 and 116°C, but metastability precluded determining salinities; most calcite‐hosted fluid inclusions are too small and/or necked to obtain Th values, but rare larger inclusions have salinities from 1.7 to 0.4 wt. % NaCl equiv. SEM‐EDS analysis of evaporate mounds indicates the fluid changed from an early K‐rich (saddle dolomite), to a later K + Na (brown dolomite), and finally Na‐rich (calcite), which suggests mixing of two end‐member fluids (i.e. Na‐rich and K‐rich). Dolostone of the lower Paleozoic ‘Victoria Island formation’ contains two cements: early quartz and late dolomite. Quartz‐hosted FIAs (n = 2) have an average Th value of 126°C, and salinity of 23.2 wt. % NaCl equiv., whereas FIAs (n = 3) in dolomite have average Th values of 109, 116 and 124°C; metastability precluded determining salinity. Evaporate mound analysis for the cements indicates evolution from a Na‐rich to a Na + K fluid through interaction with reservoir rocks. A reduced, metal‐rich fluid was present during quartz precipitation, as implied by the presence of pyrite framboids along growth zones and nanoparticles of barite and sulphide minerals (Zn, Cu and Pb) in evacuated inclusions, which suggests the area may have potential to host base‐metal mineralisation. Importantly, distinguishing different fluid compositions in both of the case studies would not have been possible without evaporate mound analysis and therefore the results emphasise integrating this technique into diagenetic studies.
The variation in morphology of perennial ryegrass cultivars throughout the grazing season and effects on organic matter digestibility
Authors: Beecher M. , Hennessy D. , Boland T.M. , McEvoy M. , O'Donovan M. , Lewis E. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe grass plant comprises leaf, pseudostem, true stem (including inflorescence) and dead material. These components differ in digestibility, and variations in their relative proportions can affect sward quality. The objective of this study was to determine the change in the proportion and organic matter digestibility (OMD) of leaf, pseudostem, true stem and dead components of four perennial ryegrass cultivars (two tetraploids: Astonenergy and Bealey and two diploids: Abermagic and Spelga) throughout a grazing season. The DM proportions and in vitro OMD of leaf, pseudostem, true stem and dead in all cultivars were determined during ten grazing rotations between May 2011 and March 2012. There was an interaction between rotation and cultivar for leaf, pseudostem, true stem and dead proportions. In May and June, Astonenergy had the highest leaf and lowest true stem proportion (P < 0·05). From July onwards, there was no difference in leaf or true stem proportion between cultivars. Bealey had the highest annual mean OMD (752 g kg−1) and Spelga the lowest (696 g kg−1; P < 0·05). The OMD followed the order leaf > pseudostem > true stem > dead. Bealey had the highest combined leaf and pseudostem proportion 0·92, which explains why it had the highest OMD. In this study, the tetraploid cultivars had the highest leaf and pseudostem proportion and OMD. For accurate descriptions of a sward in grazing studies and to accurately determine sward morphological composition, pseudostem should be separated from true stem, particularly during the reproductive stage when true stem is present.
Characterization of polyphenol oxidase activity in a range of forage ecotypes with different phenol substrates. A new insight for PPO and protein‐bound phenol evaluation
Authors: Cabiddu A. , Lee M. R. F. , Decandia M. , Molle G. , Salis L. , Vargiu M. , Winters A. L. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPlant phenols can influence utilization of forages by ruminants through binding with proteins either by complexing with oxidized phenols (products of polyphenol oxidase activity or formed in oxidizing conditions) or by hydrogen binding with tannins. These protein‐bound phenols (PBPs) affect rumen metabolism by inhibition of both proteolysis and lipolysis. The aim of this work was to assess the level of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity (determined with a range of diphenolic substrates), PBP content, and to identify the main source of variation in different forage ecotypes harvested at different phenological stages. PPO activity was strongly influenced by substrate type with a significant effect of forage ecotype. Forage ecotype and phenological stage also influenced PPO and PBP content. PPO showed a strong relationship with dry matter and phenol content of plants.
Challenges of implementing collaborative models of decision making with trans‐identified patients
Authors: Dewey Jodie M. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundFactors health providers face during the doctor–patient encounter both impede and assist the development of collaborative models of treatment.ObjectiveI investigated decision making among medical and therapeutic professionals who work with trans‐identified patients to understand factors that might impede or facilitate the adoption of the collaborative decision‐making model in their clinical work.DesignFollowing a grounded theory approach, I collected and analysed data from semi‐structured interviews with 10 U.S. physicians and 10 U.S. mental health professionals.ResultsDoctors and therapists often desire collaboration with their patients but experience dilemmas in treating the trans‐identified patients. Dilemmas include lack of formal education, little to no institutional support and inconsistent understanding and application of the main documents used by professionals treating trans‐patients.ConclusionsProviders face considerable risk in providing unconventional treatments due to the lack of institutional and academic support relating to the treatment for trans‐people, and the varied interpretation and application of the diagnostic and treatment documents used in treating trans‐people. To address this risk, the relationship with the patient becomes crucial. However, trust, a component required for collaboration, is thwarted when the patients feel obliged to present in ways aligned with these documents in order to receive desired treatments. When trust cannot be established, medical and mental health providers can and do delay or deny treatments, resulting in the imbalance of power between patient and provider. The documents created to assist in treatment actually thwart professional desire to work collaboratively with patients.
The Influence of Platelet‐Like LaMgAl11O19 on the Toughness of 3 mol% Yttria Partially Stabilized Zirconia Ceramic
Authors: Min Xin , Huang Zhaohui , Fang Minghao , Liu Yan'gai , Gao Yuanfei , Liu Fengjiao , Hu Meiling , Tang Chao , Qian Tingting 
Published: October 2013

LaMgAl11O19‐3 mol% yttria partially stabilized zirconia ceramics were successfully prepared by pressureless sintering at 1550°C for 3 h. The ceramic's mechanical properties were measured, and the phase composition and microstructure observed using X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the mechanical properties of the ceramic were initially improved on addition of LaMgAl11O19, but further additions were detrimental. When the amount of LMA added was equal to 2 wt.%, the bending strength and fracture toughness reached 812 ± 37 MPa and 14.0 ± 0.3 MPa·m1/2. This equates to an increase of 8.0% and 6.9% compared with untreated 3 mol% yttria partially stabilized zirconia (3YSZ) ceramic, respectively. However, the bending strength and fracture toughness both decreased when the amount of LaMgAl11O19 added was 4 and 6 wt.%. A crack propagation and force analysis of the crack tips in LaMgAl11O19‐platelet‐reinforced 3YSZ ceramic were also carried out. The results indicate that phase transformation and crack deflection were the dominant toughening mechanisms in the LaMgAl11O19‐3YSZ ceramic. At the same time, energy dissipation by the LaMgAl11O19 platelets also helps to restrain crack propagation in the matrix, which improves toughness more effectively.
MBL2 polymorphisms – manifestations in Bulgarian patients with adult dermatomyositis and systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Hristova M. , Dourmishev L. , Kamenarska Z. , Miteva L. , Vinkov A. , Kaneva R. , Mitev V. , Savov A. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryDeficiency in some complement factors is known to cause both systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and dermatomyositis (DM). Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) is a recognition molecule of the lectin pathway, and its low levels are reported to influence some autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, MBL2 polymorphisms have been described associated with low MBL serum levels due to impaired MBL structure and function. This is a pilot study to investigate the role of MBL2‐550G/C (H/L), ‐221G/C (Y/X), Arg52Cys (D), Gly54Asp (B), Gly57Glu (C) polymorphisms and MBL serum levels as a risk factor for a development of adult DM and SLE in Bulgarian patients. None of the studied MBL2 polymorphisms appeared associated with the diseases investigated. However, we have found an increased OR of MBL2‐221XY genotype in the patients with SLE (OR 1.64, 95%CI 0.77–3.52). MBL2 polymorphisms seemed to affect MBL serum levels and to be associated with the clinical features although none of the associations remained statistically significant after Bonferroni correction. The‐550L allele showed an association with electromyography findings in patients with DM. The‐221XY genotype was associated with photosensitivity in patients with SLE. The 54AB genotype showed an association with malar rash in patients with SLE, but it appeared decreased among SLE patients with ANA. In conclusion, our results suggest that the MBL2 polymorphisms have rather a disease modifying role and they are not associated with the disease susceptibility in adult DM and SLE among Bulgarian patients.
Measuring the evidence: Reviewing the literature of the measurement of therapeutic engagement in acute mental health inpatient wards
Authors: McAndrew Sue , Chambers Mary , Nolan Fiona , Thomas Ben , Watts Paul 
Published: October 2013

AbstractQuality nursing plays a central role in the delivery of contemporary health and social care, with a positive correlation being demonstrated between patient satisfaction and the quality of nursing care received. One way to ensure such quality is to develop metrics that measure the effectiveness of various aspects of care across a variety of settings. Effective mental health nursing is predicated on understanding the lived experiences of service users in order to provide sensitively‐attuned nursing care. To achieve this, mental health nurses need to establish the all‐important therapeutic relationship, showing compassion and creating a dialogue whereby service users feel comfortable to share their experiences that help contextualize their distress. Indeed, service users value positive attitudes, being listened to, and being able to trust those who provide care, while mental health nurses value their ability to relate through talking, listening, and expressing empathy. However, the literature suggests that within mental health practice, a disproportionate amount of time is taken up by other activities, with little time being spent listening and talking to service users. The present study discusses the evidence relating to the therapeutic relationship in acute mental health wards and explores why, after five decades, it is not recognized as a fundamental metric of mental health nursing.