bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dental hygienists' perception of preparation and use for ultrasonic instrumentation
Authors: Asadoorian J , Botbyl D , Goulding MJ 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectivesUltrasonic scaling technology has evolved dramatically providing greater clinical utility subgingivally including instrumentation of light deposits and biofilm disruption. It is unknown whether dental hygiene curriculum has kept pace with the progression and reflects current applications. The first part of this two‐part study aimed to determine new dental hygiene graduates' use and perceptions of preparedness in ultrasonic instrumentation. Part 2 investigates ultrasonic curriculum from the programme director perspective and will be reported on in a subsequent paper.MethodPart 1 of the study surveys recently graduated Canadian dental hygienists about their use and perceptions of preparedness with ultrasonic instruments through an electronic questionnaire developed for this study.ResultsParticipants reported using ultrasonics about half of their instrumentation time predominantly with magnetostrictive technology. Use focussed on heavier deposits with straight, slim inserts. Subjects were generally satisfied with ultrasonic education and felt reasonably well prepared in using ultrasonics. Higher levels of perceived preparedness were most associated with graduates from the 3‐year diploma programme, whereas graduates from 18‐month programmes were associated with greater levels of confidence in using ultrasonics. Confidence with ultrasonics did not have an effect on subsequent use – mostly all participants increased use once in practice. An earlier introduction and more practice time in school were both associated with increased feelings of preparation and confidence.ConclusionsNew dental hygiene graduates perceive greater preparedness, confidence and use of ultrasonic instrumentation within a more traditional paradigm. In addition, the results indicate a potential incorrect and/or inappropriate application of current technology.
Prospective evaluation of automatized PF4/heparin immunoassays HemosIL HIT‐ab (PF4‐H) for the diagnosis of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Jourdy Y. , Nougier C. , Rugeri L. , Bordet J. C. , Sobas F. , Negrier C. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryIntroductionRecently, rapid immunoassays have been developed to allow the detection of antibodies anti‐PF4/heparin. In this prospective study, we evaluated the performances of a automatized immunoassay (HemosIL HIT‐Ab) in comparison with an ELISA (Zymutest HIA IgG) used for the diagnosis of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in association with the 4T's score.MethodsAccording to the 4T's score, samples with score ≤3 had no further analysis. Two immunological assays Zymutest HIA IgG and HemosIL HIT‐Ab were performed in samples with score ≥4. In patients with at least one positive immunological assay or two negative immunological assays but with high‐pretest probability (4T's score ≥6), HIT was screened by one functional assay using washed platelets.ResultsThe sensitivities of both assays were excellent and comparable (100%). The specificity was 92.3% for ELISA and 91.2% for HemosIL HIT‐Ab. The analysis of the operating characteristics showed that both assays have almost identical ROCs (AUROC, 0.9951 and 0.9853, respectively, for ELISA and HemosIL HIT‐Ab) and the calculating of the κ coefficient revealed a good agreement (0.67).ConclusionPerformance characteristics of the HemosIL HIT‐Ab are comparable to the Zymutest HIA IgG. The HemosIL HIT‐Ab can be used in association with the 4T's score to rule out HIT.
Performance comparisons in major uro‐oncological surgeries between the USA and Japan
Authors: Sugihara Toru , Yasunaga Hideo , Horiguchi Hiromasa , Fushimi Kiyohide , Dalton Jarrod E , Schold Jesse , Kattan Michael W , Homma Yukio 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo elucidate the differences in clinical practice between the USA and Japan in major types of uro‐oncological surgery by a head‐to‐head comparison of national databases in the two countries.MethodsWe compared variations in surgical modality, length of stay, total charges, caseload centralization, transfusion incidence, and in‐hospital mortality between the two countries for four major types of uro‐oncological surgery (radical prostatectomy, radical cystectomy, nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy) in 2011. Additionally, the chronological changes in surgical modalities were investigated for 2009–11. The national estimates were based on data from the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database and the US National Inpatient Sample.ResultsFor radical prostatectomy, radical cystectomy, nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy, minimally‐invasive surgery accounted for 24.2% versus 70.2%, 0% versus 14.0%, 50.7% versus 30.7% and 50.2% versus 30.5%, respectively, in Japan versus the USA in 2011. Although minimally‐invasive surgery has become increasingly frequent in both countries, the major procedures were robot‐assisted surgery in the USA and laparoscopic surgery in Japan. The USA was generally characterized by a slightly younger age at operation, far higher hospital volume, a shorter length of stay, higher charges and less use of transfusion than Japan.ConclusionsThe findings suggest substantial differences between the USA and Japan regarding clinical practices in uro‐oncological surgery. Standing at the beginning of robotic surgery era in Japan, the precise recognition of these differences will aid a proper understanding of clinical practices.
Nationwide survey of urogenital tuberculosis in Japan
Authors: Nakane Keita , Yasuda Mitsuru , Deguchi Takashi , Takahashi Satoshi , Tanaka Kazushi , Hayami Hiroshi , Hamasuna Ryoichi , Yamamoto Shingo , Arakawa Soichi , Matsumoto Tetsuro 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo determine current epidemiology and treatment patterns of urogenital tuberculosis in Japan.MethodsA questionnaire was sent to the urological departments of 1203 Japanese hospitals. Clinical data was reviewed retrospectively; no time range was specified.ResultsOf the 1203 hospitals, 399 returned questionnaires with information about 355 urogenital tuberculosis patients. Of the 399, 153 institutions reported at least one patient, and 201 patients were identified between 2000 and 2007. Infections were located in the kidneys (n = 242), ureter (n = 96), bladder (n = 100), epididymis or testes (n = 81) and prostate (n = 9).ConclusionsUrogenital tuberculosis is rare in Japan, but patients do exist, and we should not ignore them.
Chronic kidney disease and perioperative outcomes in urological oncological surgery
Authors: Schmid Marianne , Ravi Praful , Abd‐El‐Barr Abd‐El‐Rahman M , Klap Julia , Sammon Jesse D , Chang Steven L , Menon Mani , Kibel Adam S , Fisch Margit , Trinh Quoc‐Dien 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo evaluate baseline renal dysfunction among patients undergoing urological oncological surgery and its impact on early postoperative outcomes.MethodsBetween 2005 and 2011, patients who underwent minimally‐invasive or open radical prostatectomy, partial nephrectomy and radical nephrectomy, or open radical cystectomy, respectively, were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program dataset. Preoperative kidney function was assessed using estimated glomerular filtration rate and staged according to National Kidney Foundation definitions. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model the association between preoperative renal function and the risk of 30‐day mortality and major complications. Furthermore the impact of chronic kidney disease on operation time and length of hospital stay was assessed.ResultsOverall, 13 168 patients underwent radical prostatectomy (65.4%), partial nephrectomy (10.7%) and radical nephrectomy (16.1%) and radical cystectomy (7.8%), respectively; 50.1% of evaluable patients had reduced kidney function (chronic kidney disease II), and a further 12.6, 0.7 and 0.9% were respectively classified into chronic kidney disease stages III, IV, and V. Chronic kidney disease was an independent predictor of 30‐day major postoperative complications (chronic kidney disease III: odds ratio 1.61, P < 0.001; chronic kidney disease IV: odds ratio 2.24, P = 0.01), of transfusions (chronic kidney disease III: odds ratio 2.14, P < 0001), of prolonged length of stay (chronic kidney disease III: odds ratio 2.61, P < 0.001; chronic kidney disease IV: odds ratio 3.37, P < 0.001; and chronic kidney disease V: odds ratio 1.68; P = 0.03) and of 30‐day mortality (chronic kidney disease III: odds ratio 4.15, P = 0.01; chronic kidney disease IV: odds ratio 10.10, P = 0.003; and chronic kidney disease V: odds ratio 17.07, P < 0.001) compared with patients with no kidney disease.ConclusionsRenal dysfunction might be underrecognized in patients undergoing urological cancer surgery. Chronic kidney disease stages III, IV and V are independent predictors for poor 30‐day postoperative outcomes.
Decreased urinary nerve growth factor reflects prostatic volume reduction and relief of outlet obstruction in patients with benign prostatic enlargement treated with dutasteride
Authors: Wada Naoki , Matsumoto Seiji , Kita Masafumi , Hashizume Kazumi , Kakizaki Hidehiro 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo examine urinary nerve growth factor before and after dutasteride treatment, and to analyze correlations between clinical parameters and change of urinary nerve growth factor in patients with benign prostatic enlargement.MethodsWe prospectively studied 30 patients with benign prostatic enlargement who had not been satisfied with α‐adrenergic antagonist monotherapy for more than 3 months. Before and 24 weeks after dutasteride add‐on treatment, we assessed International Prostate Symptom Score, prostatic volume, filling cystometry and pressure‐flow study. Urinary nerve growth factor was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and normalized to the urinary creatinine (nerve growth factor/creatinine) before and 24 weeks after dutasteride add‐on treatment.ResultsIn baseline characteristics before dutasteride, there was no significant correlation between urinary nerve growth factor/creatinine and any clinical parameters including age, International Prostate Symptom Score, prostatic volume, presence of detrusor overactivity, detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate, bladder outlet obstruction index or bladder contractility index. Dutasteride significantly reduced prostatic volume (from 68 ± 31 mL to 49 ± 28 mL) and improved International Prostate Symptom Score (from 17.2 ± 8.7 to 13.1 ± 6.8), storage (from 8.0 ± 4.3 to 6.0 ± 2.9) and voiding symptom subscore of International Prostate Symptom Score (from 9.3 ± 5.7 to 7.1 ± 4.5). In urodynamic study, detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate (from 77 ± 32 cmH2O to 59 ± 24 cmH2O) and bladder outlet obstruction index (from 62 ± 32 to 42 ± 27) were significantly decreased after dutasteride treatment. Urinary nerve growth factor/creatinine was significantly decreased after dutasteride from 2.61 ± 2.50 to 1.64 ± 1.68. The change of urinary nerve growth factor/creatinine significantly correlated only with the change of prostatic volume (r = 0.38) and bladder outlet obstruction index (r = 0.36).ConclusionsUrinary nerve growth factor decreases in association with reduction of prostatic volume and relief of bladder outlet obstruction. Urinary nerve growth factor might be useful as a biomarker to monitor the improvement of bladder outlet obstruction in patients with benign prostatic enlargement.
Interobserver variability of Clavien–Dindo scoring in urology
Authors: Poletajew Sławomir , Zapała Łukasz , Piotrowicz Sebastian , Wołyniec Paweł , Sochaj Marta , Buraczyński Paweł , Lisiński Janusz , Świniarski Piotr , Radziszewski Piotr ,   Residents Section of Polish Urological Association
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo assess the interobserver variability of Clavien–Dindo scoring in urology.MethodsA thematic survey was carried out simultaneously in nine Polish urological centers among 171 responders – 81 urologists and 90 urologists‐in‐training, made up of 16 women and 155 men. After Clavien–Dindo classification was presented, respondents were asked to grade nine typical urological complications according to Clavien–Dindo classification. Interobserver agreement, reproducibility of answers, as well as the influencing factors were analyzed. Questions in the survey related to complications of variable severity after basic urological operations, including four open, one laparoscopic and four endourological.ResultsAgreement on the grade of complication was moderate (κ = 0.45) and it was noticed in 69% of respondents (range 38–87%). No effect of surgical approach (classic vs endoscopic, 70% vs 67%, P = 0.64), or physician professional experience (resident vs urologist, 71% vs 66%, P = 0.77) was observed. The most significant discrepancies were found in cases of local complications after transurethral surgery (accordance in 39%) and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (accordance in 55%), and in cases of severe general complications after Bricker operation (accordance in 58%).ConclusionsThe variability of Clavien–Dindo classification scoring among urologists is significant. Thus, the Clavien–Dindo classification might require detailing before its eventual implementation in urology, together with appropriate training of specialists. However, despite some disadvantages, the simplicity, reproducibility and logical scheme of the Clavien–Dindo classification make it a promising tool for quality assessment in different fields of urology.
Two CYP4 genes of the Chinese white pine beetle, Dendroctonus armandi (Curculionidae: Scolytinae), and their transcript levels under different development stages and treatments
Authors: Dai L. , Wang C. , Zhang X. , Yu J. , Zhang R. , Chen H. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBark beetles oxidize the defensive monoterpenes of their host trees both to detoxify them and to convert them into components of their pheromone system. This oxidation is catalysed by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and occurs in different stages of the insect. We identified two new CYP4 genes in the Chinese white pine beetle (Dendroctonus armandi), and carried out bioinformatic analysis one the full‐length nucleic acid sequences and deduced amino acid sequences. Differential expression of the CYP4 genes was observed between sexes, and within these significant differences amongst development stages, fed on phloem of Pinus armandi and exposed to stimuli((±)‐ α‐pinene, (R)‐(+)‐ α‐pinene, (S)‐(−)‐α‐pinene, (S)‐(−)‐β‐pinene and (+)‐3‐carene) at 8 and 24 h, and their interactions were found upon exposure to host monoterpenes. Increased expression of CYP4 genes suggested that they play a role in the detoxification of monoterpenes released by the host trees. The differential transcript accumulation patterns of these bark beetle CYP4 genes provides insight into the ecological interactions of D. armandi with its host pine.
Discrepancy between Registered and Actual Unemployment Rates in China: An Investigation in Provincial Capital Cities
Authors: Wang Xiaoxia , Sun Wenkai 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe unemployment rate is a key indicator of labor market and economic performance. Based on a unique survey, we estimate the unemployment rate at 13.44 percent in 30 provincial capital cities in China in 2007, which is well above the officially announced registered unemployment rate. The discrepancy results from inaccuracy in the calculation of registered unemployment. The discrepancy is not stably evolving across regions or over the years, making it difficult to recover the true unemployment rate using a simple multiplier approach. We further investigate the sources of the discrepancy by examining the determinants of unemployment registration. It is evident that participation in certain public activities, which would facilitate the spread of knowledge related to job‐searching and unemployment registration, encouraged unemployment registration. Social attention to government anti‐unemployment programs also encouraged unemployment registration. These findings confirm the behavioral hypothesis that incomplete knowledge and limited attention can cause deviation from optimal choice. The policy implications of the findings of the study are discussed.
Role of Institutional Quality in Determining the R&D Investment of Chinese Firms
Authors: Zhou Yixiao 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis study adds to the understanding of China's innovation prospects by examining how variations in institutional quality within China impact on the R&D efforts of firms located in different provincial regions. In the process of identifying the effect of institutional quality, the roles of other factors such as ownership types and market structures are revealed, which provides interesting insight into firms' R&D behavior. The key findings suggest that institutional quality positively affects the decision of firms to engage in R&D activities. Once firms start to engage in R&D, the subsequent expansion of firm‐level R&D intensity depends on factors such as market structure. Therefore, strengthening domestic institutional quality is the first critical step towards the goal of building a knowledge‐intensive economy in China. Efforts to nurture market development are also important for achieving this goal.
CO2 Emissions Embodied in China's Foreign Trade: An Investigation from the Perspective of Global Vertical Specialization
Authors: Zhao Yuhuan , Zhang Zhonghua , Wang Song , Wang Shaojun 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn light of the growth in vertically specialized in global trade, the present paper uses input– output tables from the World Input–Output Database to construct an environmental multi‐regional input–output model to calculate the CO2 emissions embodied in China's international trade during 1995–2009. The advantage of this model lies in its incorporation of the re‐exported CO2 emissions component embodied in trade and its ability to differentiate domesticsourced CO2 emissions from foreign‐sourced CO2 emissions in trade. The results show that carbon emissions embodied in both China's exports and imports increased significantly during 1995–2009. One important reason for this is that the re‐exported carbon emissions embodied in China's imported intermediate inputs increased substantially during this period. Our research reveals that accelerating the transformation of trade pattern and upgrading processing trade should be emphasized in the formulation of policy to prompt CO2 emissions abatement in China.
Effect of Simulating Drought in Various Phenophases on the Water Use Efficiency of Winter Wheat
Authors: Varga B. , Vida G. , Varga‐László E. , Bencze S. , Veisz O. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn Central Europe, drought is the most important limiting factor for autumn‐sown cereals. Due to the decline in groundwater, it is a priority to use less water‐demanding forms of crop production. Water use efficiency (WUE) can only be increased if cultivars with satisfactory water management traits are grown, so that they can exploit the water reserves of the soil even if drought occurs during the vegetation. Water consumption and water use efficiency of winter wheat genotypes were investigated in a model experiment carried out in a climate‐controlled glasshouse. The plants were grown either with optimum water supplies or with simulated drought in three phenophases, and measurements were made on the yield parameters, phenological traits and water use parameters of the plants. Substantial differences were observed between the water demands of the cultivars, and it was found that the later the phenophase in which drought was simulated, the greater the decline in water uptake. The analysis of WUE led to the conclusion that the WUE values of cultivars with short vegetation periods dropped to the greatest extent when water deficit was suffered at first node appearance, while cultivars with longer vegetation periods were more sensitive to drought during the heading and grain‐filling stages.
Eu‐Doped β‐SiAlON Phosphors: Template‐Assistant Low Temperature Synthesis, Dual Band Emission, and High‐Thermal Stability
Authors: Yang Hua , Liu Qian , Wei Qinhua , Zhou Zhenzhen , Wan Jieqiong , Liu Guanghui , Xie Rong‐Jun 
Published: July 2014

A hard template route has been successfully developed for synthesis of β‐SiAlON:Eu phosphors at low temperatures. The synthesis utilizes mesoporous silica (SBA‐15) skeleton as an active Si source, combined with the carbothermal reduction and nitridation method. It has been shown that the additional driving force from high surface area and porosity of SBA‐15 enables β‐SiAlON:Eu (with compositions of Si6−zAlz−xOz+xN8−z−x: xEu, x = 0.010–0.200 and z = 1.000) phosphors to be formed as a dominant phase at low temperature of 1400°C. The resultant β‐SiAlON:Eu phosphor powders exhibit a typical rod‐like morphology and a well dispersed state. By tailoring the Eu2+ concentration in the phosphors, a continuous change in emission band can be realized, that is a blue emission dominated for low Eu2+ concentrations and a green emission dominated for high Eu2+ doping concentrations. Furthermore, the resultant phosphors exhibit a small thermal quenching up to high temperature of 250°C. Therefore, the developed method is beneficial to synthesize LED phosphors of oxynitride systems at lower temperatures.
The Effects of Catheter‐Based Radiofrequency Renal Denervation on Renal Function and Renal Artery Structure in Patients With Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Hui , Yang Kan , Jiang Feng‐Lin , Zeng Li‐Xiong , Jiang Wei‐Hong , Wang Xiao‐Yan 
Published: July 2014

There are no clinical studies on the effects of catheter‐based radiofrequency renal denervation (RDN) on renal artery structure using 64‐detector computed tomography (CT). A total of 39 patients with resistant hypertension received RDN and 38 patients received drug treatment. Mean systolic pressure and diastolic pressure in the RDN group decreased after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of procedure (P<.05) and urinary protein level significantly decreased after 6 and 12 months (P<.05). The diameter, length, and sectional area of the renal artery; number of cases of atherosclerosis; and plaque burden of 64‐detector CT renal arteriography did not change at 12 months of follow‐up (P<.05), whereas the plaque burden increased significantly in the control group (P<.05). RDN significantly and persistently reduced blood pressure and decreased urinary protein excretion rate in patients with resistant hypertension and did not exhibit any adverse effect on renal function and renal artery structure.