bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Core lower urinary tract symptom score questionnaire: A psychometric analysis
Authors: Okamura Kikuo , Kimura Kyosuke , Mizuno Hideki , Okamoto Noriko , Aota Yasuhiro 
Published: June 2014

ObjectivesTo analyze the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the core lower urinary symptom score questionnaire with psychometric methods.MethodThe present study included 140 women and 125 men who filled in a core lower urinary symptom score questionnaire while attending two lectures on lower urinary tract symptoms. Missing response rates to individual questions were 1.5–5.3%. After the descriptive analyses including box plot, Cronbach's α coefficients and Spearman's ρ were calculated for reliability and validity assessment, respectively. Factor analysis was also carried out to explore the underlying structure.ResultsOf the scores for 10 core symptoms, the interquartile range for pain in the bladder and urethra was 0 in both sexes, and that for stress incontinence was 0 in men. Cronbach's α of the core lower urinary symptom score was 0.733 in women and 0.721 in men. Questions regarding daytime frequency, nocturia, urgency and urgency urinary incontinence, and those on slow stream, straining and feeling of incomplete emptying were significantly correlated with each other in both sexes. Pain in the urethra and bladder showed more extensive associations in women than in men. Factor analysis showed four components in both sexes: the first was storage symptoms, second was voiding symptoms, third was pain and the fourth was urinary incontinence.ConclusionsThe core lower urinary symptom score questionnaire shows good reliability and validity for both sexes, and it could be used as screening tool for lower urinary tract symptoms in any clinical setting or epidemiological investigation.
Management and outcomes of single subsegmental pulmonary embolus: a retrospective audit at North Shore Hospital, New Zealand
Authors: Mehta D. , Barnett M. , Zhou L. , Woulfe T. , Rolfe‐Vyson V. , Rowland V. , Simpson D. , Merriman E. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundIt is unknown whether filling defects in subsegmental arteries on multidetector computed tomography pulmonary angiography correlate with clinically relevant subsegmental pulmonary embolism (PE) on pulmonary angiography. Current guidelines do not differentiate between PE in segmental and subsegmental vessels, and many patients receive at least 3 months anticoagulation. The strategy employed at North Shore Hospital in haemodynamically stable patients with single subsegmental PE is to perform bilateral lower leg compression ultrasound (CUS). Anticoagulation is withheld if CUS is negative; a bilateral CUS is repeated in 7–10 days.AimThe aim of this retrospective audit was to ensure our current management strategy is safe.MethodsAll diagnoses of single subsegmental PE between June 2005 and June 2013 were included. The primary outcome was the rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence within 3 months of single subsegmental PE diagnosis. Secondary outcomes were rates of major/minor bleeding and all‐cause mortality.ResultsThirty‐two patients were included – 20 were treated with anticoagulation; 12 were managed with observation/serial bilateral lower limb CUS. None of the patients in either group had VTE recurrence by 3 months. No bleeding episodes were observed in the observation group; there was a 10% major bleeding rate (n = 2) in the treatment group. One death occurred in each group, neither of which was attributed to VTE.ConclusionWithholding anticoagulation in patients with single subsegmental PE and negative serial bilateral CUS appears to be a safe and effective management strategy, with a low risk of VTE recurrence.
Innate immunity in the lung regulates the development of asthma
Authors: DeKruyff Rosemarie H. , Yu Sanhong , Kim Hye Young , Umetsu Dale T. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryThe lung, while functioning as a gas exchange organ, encounters a large array of environmental factors, including particulate matter, toxins, reactive oxygen species, chemicals, allergens, and infectious microbes. To rapidly respond to and counteract these elements, a number of innate immune mechanisms have evolved that can lead to lung inflammation and asthma, which is the focus of this review. These innate mechanisms include a role for two incompletely understood cell types, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), which together produce a wide range of cytokines, including interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), IL‐5, IL‐13, interferon‐γ, IL‐17, and IL‐22, independently of adaptive immunity and conventional antigens. The specific roles of iNKT cells and ILCs in immunity are still being defined, but both cell types appear to play important roles in the lungs, particularly in asthma. As we gain a better understanding of these innate cell types, we will acquire great insight into the mechanisms by which allergic and non‐allergic asthma phenotypes develop.
Macrophages in intestinal homeostasis and inflammation
Authors: Bain Calum C. , Mowat Allan McI. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryThe intestine contains the largest pool of macrophages in the body which are essential for maintaining mucosal homeostasis in the face of the microbiota and the constant need for epithelial renewal but are also important components of protective immunity and are involved in the pathology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, defining the biological roles of intestinal macrophages has been impeded by problems in defining the phenotype and origins of different populations of myeloid cells in the mucosa. Here, we discuss how multiple parameters can be used in combination to discriminate between functionally distinct myeloid cells and discuss the roles of macrophages during homeostasis and how these may change when inflammation ensues. We also discuss the evidence that intestinal macrophages do not fit the current paradigm that tissue‐resident macrophages are derived from embryonic precursors that self‐renew in situ, but require constant replenishment by blood monocytes. We describe our recent work demonstrating that classical monocytes constantly enter the intestinal mucosa and how the environment dictates their subsequent fate. We believe that understanding the factors that drive intestinal macrophage development in the steady state and how these may change in response to pathogens or inflammation could provide important insights into the treatment of IBD.
Breeding programs for smallholder sheep farming systems: I. Evaluation of alternative designs of breeding schemes
Authors: Gizaw S. , Rischkowsky B. , Valle‐Zárate A. , Haile A. , van Arendonk J.A.M. , Mwai A.O. , Dessie T. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryVillage‐ and central nucleus‐based schemes were simulated and evaluated for their relative bio‐economic efficiencies, using Ethiopia's Menz sheep as example. The schemes were: village‐based 2‐tier (Scheme‐1) and 1‐tier (Scheme‐2) cooperative village breeding schemes, dispersed village‐based nuclei scheme (Scheme‐3), conventional 2‐tier central nucleus‐based scheme (Scheme‐4), and schemes linking a central nucleus and village multiplier nuclei with selection in central nucleus (Scheme‐5) or in both central and village nuclei (Scheme‐6). Among village‐based schemes, Scheme‐1 gave the highest genetic progress, while Scheme‐2 was economically the most efficient with genetic gain in the breeding objective of Birr 5.6 and a profit of Birr 37.2/ewe/year. The central nucleus schemes were more efficient than the village schemes. Scheme‐4 was the most efficient with genetic gain in the breeding objective of Birr 13.5 and a profit of Birr 71.2, but is operationally more difficult as it requires a very large central nucleus. The choice between village and central nucleus‐based schemes would depend on local conditions (availability of infrastructure, logistics and technical knowhow and support). Linking central nucleus with village‐based nuclei (Scheme‐6) would be a feasible option to overcome the operational difficulties of the conventional central nucleus scheme. If a village‐based breeding program is envisaged as should be the 1st step in most low‐input systems, then Scheme‐2 is the most efficient. To scale out to an entire Menz breed level, Scheme‐3 would be recommended.
Breeding programmes for smallholder sheep farming systems: II. Optimization of cooperative village breeding schemes
Authors: Gizaw S. , van Arendonk J.A.M. , Valle‐Zárate A. , Haile A. , Rischkowsky B. , Dessie T. , Mwai A.O. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryA simulation study was conducted to optimize a cooperative village‐based sheep breeding scheme for Menz sheep of Ethiopia. Genetic gains and profits were estimated under nine levels of farmers' participation and three scenarios of controlled breeding achieved in the breeding programme, as well as under three cooperative flock sizes, ewe to ram mating ratios and durations of ram use for breeding. Under fully controlled breeding, that is, when there is no gene flow between participating (P) and non‐participating (NP) flocks, profits ranged from Birr 36.9 at 90% of participation to Birr 21.3 at 10% of participation. However, genetic progress was not affected adversely. When there was gene flow from the NP to P flocks, profits declined from Birr 28.6 to Birr −3.7 as participation declined from 90 to 10%. Under the two‐way gene flow model (i.e. when P and NP flocks are herded mixed in communal grazing areas), NP flocks benefited from the genetic gain achieved in the P flocks, but the benefits declined sharply when participation declined beyond 60%. Our results indicate that a cooperative breeding group can be established with as low as 600 breeding ewes mated at a ratio of 45 ewes to one ram, and the rams being used for breeding for a period of two years. This study showed that farmer cooperation is crucial to effect genetic improvement under smallholder low‐input sheep farming systems.
Initial Independent Outcomes from Focal Impulse and Rotor Modulation Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: Multicenter FIRM Registry
Authors: MILLER JOHN M. , KOWAL ROBERT C. , SWARUP VIJAY , DAUBERT JAMES P. , DAOUD EMILE G. , DAY JOHN D. , ELLENBOGEN KENNETH A. , HUMMEL JOHN D. , BAYKANER TINA , KRUMMEN DAVID E. , NARAYAN SANJIV M. , REDDY VIVEK Y. , SHIVKUMAR KALYANAM , STEINBERG JONATHAN S. , WHEELAN KEVIN R. 
Published: June 2014

Multicenter FIRM Registry for AFIntroductionThe success of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF) may be improved if stable AF sources identified by Focal Impulse and Rotor Mapping (FIRM) are also eliminated. The long‐term results of this approach are unclear outside the centers where FIRM was developed; thus, we assessed outcomes of FIRM‐guided AF ablation in the first cases at 10 experienced centers.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled n = 78 consecutive patients (61 ± 10 years) undergoing FIRM guided ablation for persistent (n = 48), longstanding persistent (n = 7), or paroxysmal (n = 23) AF. AF recordings from both atria with a 64‐pole basket catheter were analyzed using a novel mapping system (Rhythm ViewTM; Topera Inc., CA, USA). Identified rotors/focal sources were ablated, followed by PVI.ResultsEach institution recruited a median of 6 patients, each of whom showed 2.3 ± 0.9 AF rotors/focal sources in diverse locations. 25.3% of all sources were right atrial (RA), and 50.0% of patients had ≥1 RA source. Ablation of all sources required a total of 16.6 ± 11.7 minutes, followed by PVI. On >1 year follow‐up with a 3‐month blanking period, 1 patient lost to follow‐up (median time to 1st recurrence: 245 days, IQR 145–354), single‐procedure freedom from AF was 87.5% (patients without prior ablation; 35/40) and 80.5% (all patients; 62/77) and similar for persistent and paroxysmal AF (P = 0.89).ConclusionsElimination of patient‐specific AF rotors/focal sources produced freedom‐from‐AF of ≈80% at 1 year at centers new to FIRM. FIRM‐guided ablation has a rapid learning curve, yielding similar results to original FIRM reports in each center's first cases.
Randomized trial of autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells transplantation for hepatitis B virus cirrhosis: Regulation of Treg/Th17 cells
Authors: Xu Lanman , Gong Yuewen , Wang Benfu , Shi Keqing , Hou Yijun , Wang Liping , Lin Zuo , Han Yixiang , Lu Lu , Chen Dazhi , Lin Xiuli , Zeng Qiqiang , Feng Wenke , Chen Yongping 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackground and AimLiver cirrhosis is one of the major consequences of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and transplantation of autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (ABMSCs) is one of promising therapies for patients with HBV‐related liver cirrhosis (HBV‐LC). However, the mechanism is unclear. The aim of the current study was to explore the role of Treg/Th17 cells in ABMSCs transplantation in patients with HBV‐LC.MethodsIn this prospective study, 56 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to transplantation group and control group. After 24‐week follow‐up, 39 patients completed the study (20 cases in transplantation group and 19 cases in control group). The Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease scores, liver function, changes of Treg/Th17 cells, as well as related transcription factors and serum cytokines, were determined.ResultsAlthough patients in both groups showed significant improvement after Entecavir treatment, ABMSC transplantation further improved patients' liver function. Moreover, there was a significant increase in Treg cells and a marked decrease in Th17 cells in the transplantation group compared with control, leading to an increased Treg/Th17 ratio. Furthermore, mRNA levels of Treg‐related transcription factor (Foxp3) and Th17‐related transcription factor (RORγt) were increased and decreased, respectively. In addition, serum transforming growth factor‐β levels were significantly higher at early weeks of transplantation, while serum levels of interleukin‐17, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and interleukin‐6 were significantly lower in patients in the transplantation group compared with control.ConclusionABMSCs transplantation was effective in improving liver function in patients with HBV‐LC, which was mediated, at least in part, through the regulation of Treg/Th17 cell balance.
Is Coal Fly Ash a Suitable Alkaline Resource for Manufacturing New Calcium Carbonate–based Cements? A Systems Analytical Evaluation
Authors: Achternbosch Matthias , Dewald Ulrich , Nieke Eberhard , Sardemann Gerhard 
Published: June 2014

SummaryAt present, the production of cement contributes approximately 8% to global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, whereas a further increase in the future is expected. To reduce these emissions, a prominent measure of the cement industry is to use materials such as coal fly ash (CFA) as a cement substitute, but the availability of qualified ash is limited. The development of “green cements” with lower CO2 emissions attracts attention within the cement industry and politics. Recently, a new invention for a calcium carbonate (CaCO3)‐based cement intends to use CFA as an alkaline resource during a manufacturing process based on CO2 mineralization converting anthropogenic CO2 into stable calcareous materials by using calcium‐bearing brines. In our systems analysis, we demonstrate that the alkalinity of CFA usable for mass production of cements is poor. The alkalinity of CFA primarily depends on the dissolution of free lime. For CO2 mineralization, the resulting alkalinity is just sufficient to precipitate the calcium supplied by the CFA itself, and the capacity of CO2 mineralization is low. Thus, CFA could only be used as a supplementary resource. Even at locations where exceptional calcium‐rich ash is available, very large amounts of ash must be processed. Globally, only a few million tonnes of calcium could be extracted in this way. Because qualified CFA is already used in the construction industry, the extraction of calcium from nonqualified, more polluted CFA is associated with a risk of unwanted environmental effects and implies an elaborated pollutant control.
Cervical screening and the aftermath of childhood sexual abuse: are clinical staff trained to recognise and manage the effect this has on their patients?
Authors: Walker Judith , Allan Helen T 
Published: June 2014

Aims and objectivesTo evaluate the training needs and awareness of childhood sexual abuse amongst clinical staff taking cervical screening samples in one inner city primary care trust.BackgroundStudies exploring sexual abuse and nonparticipation in cervical screening have demonstrated that women can experience re‐traumatisation if care during examinations is insensitive to their particular needs.DesignThis was a mixed methods, service evaluation in three phases.MethodsA literature review, a questionnaire to cervical screening staff in an inner city primary care trust and a focus group of four staff drawn from questionnaire respondents to explore themes raised in the questionnaire data.ResultsData analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data showed that clinical staff underestimated the frequency of childhood sexual abuse although they were aware of the difficulties and reluctance some women experience undergoing gynaecological examinations. When women did disclose childhood sexual abuse or when staff suspected a history of childhood sexual abuse, staff reported feeling unsure of how they should proceed. There was no support or clinical supervision, and unmet training needs were identified.ConclusionsNurses expressed anxiety around the potential of the screening test to cause more harm than good and at their inability to provide more help than listening. Staff wanted support and further training after completing their cervical screening training course to assist in their provision of sensitive care to patients who have experienced childhood sexual abuse.Relevance to clinical practiceWhilst our results cannot be generalised to a wider population, they may be meaningful for the community of cervical screening takers. We argue that screening staff require further training and professional support (clinical supervision) to increase their confidence when providing safe and sensitive practice for childhood sexual abuse survivors. If staff feel more confident and competent when responding to disclosure of childhood sexual abuse in screening situations, women who have experienced childhood sexual abuse might participate in the screening programme more readily.
Activism, Mobilisation and Political Engagement: Comparative Historical Perspectives
Authors: Rivett Gary 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis editorial introduction discusses and explains the broader research context underpinning the essays, namely the Leverhulme Trust‐funded Research Network, “The Comparative History of Political Engagement in Western and African Societies”. It provides a brief overview of the intellectual background to the network's agenda, and, in particular, argues that comparative sociological approaches to the study of political engagement have left it inadequately historicized. The introduction then discusses the general theme of “Activism, mobilization and Political Engagement”, which all contributors to the international conference were asked to consider. It argues that these essays, when taken together, offer new comparative historical perspectives for investigations into the history of political engagement, providing highly suggestive points of departures for future research.
“Citizens at the Door”: Mobilising Against the Enemy in Civil War London
Authors: Leng Tom 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis article considers how the image of the enemy was deployed by parliamentarian activists in civil war London. It focuses on the “malignant party” identified in parliamentary discourse as guilty of dividing crown and parliament and precipitating civil war. Endorsing the reality of this party became a means for activists to assert their status as those most “well‐affected” to parliament, and to legitimise their own political agency within the terms of parliamentary discourse. By learning to speak the language of parliament, these activists were able to participate in the construction of the parliamentary cause, and to shape its future.
Reversible Corpus Callosum Splenial Lesion Due to Steroid Therapy
Authors: Aksu Banu , Kurtcan Serpil , Alkan Alpay , Aralasmak Ayse , Oktem Faruk 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTReversible corpus callosum splenial (CCS) lesions are rare findings and usually detected incidentally. We presented a case of 15‐year‐old boy with a diagnoses of nephrotic syndrome. He was referred for neuropsychiatric symptoms following dose reduction on steroid treatment. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a focal lesion in the CCS, hyperintense on T2 and FLAIR and hypointense on T1 images with diffusion restriction on apparent diffusion coefficient map. Follow‐up MRI 3 weeks later showed complete resolution of the lesion. It was probably result of focal intramyelinic edema due to excytotoxic mechanisms and/or arginine‐vasopressin release.
Emergence of resistant variants detected by ultra‐deep sequencing after asunaprevir and daclatasvir combination therapy in patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 1
Authors: Kosaka K. , Imamura M. , Hayes C. N. , Abe H. , Hiraga N. , Yoshimi S. , Murakami E. , Kawaoka T. , Tsuge M. , Aikata H. , Miki D. , Ochi H. , Matsui H. , Kanai A. , Inaba T. , Chayama K. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryDaclatasvir (DCV) and asunaprevir (ASV) are NS5A and NS3 protease‐targeted antivirals respectively, currently under development for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We analysed the relationship between pre‐existing drug‐resistant variants and clinical outcome of the combination treatment with DCV and ASV. Ten patients with HCV genotype 1b were orally treated with a combination of ASV and DCV for 24 weeks. The frequencies of amino acid (aa) variants at NS3 aa positions 155, 156 and 168 and at NS5A aa31 and 93 before and after treatment were analysed by ultra‐deep sequencing. We established a minimum variant frequency threshold of 0.3% based on plasmid sequencing. Sustained virological response (SVR) was achieved in 8 out of 10 patients (80%), and relapse of HCV RNA after cessation of the treatment and viral breakthrough occurred in the other two patients. Pre‐existing DCV‐resistant variants (L31V/M and/or Y93H; 0.9–99.4%) were detected in three out of eight patients who achieved SVR. Pre‐existing DCV‐resistant variants were detected in a relapsed patient (L31M, Y93H) and in a patient with viral breakthrough (Y93H); however, no ASV‐resistant variants were detected. In these patients, HCV RNA rebounded with ASV‐ and DCV‐ double resistant variants (NS3 D168A/V plus NS5A L31M and Y93H). While pre‐existing DCV‐resistant variants might contribute to viral breakthrough in DCV and ASV combination therapy, the effectiveness of prediction of the outcome of therapy based on ultra‐deep sequence analysis of pre‐existing resistant variants appears limited.