bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional polymorphisms in the matrix metalloproteinase genes and their association with bladder cancer risk and recurrence: A mini‐review
Authors: Wieczorek Edyta , Wasowicz Wojciech , Gromadzinska Jolanta , Reszka Edyta 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMolecular pathogenesis of muscle invasive bladder cancer and non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer is incompletely elucidated. It is believed that matrix metalloproteinases, which are involved in the processes of uncontrolled extracellular matrix substrates degradation and participate in modulating the activity of a variety of non‐matrix proteins, can contribute to carcinogenesis. Polymorphisms in the MMP genes associated with unique genomic changes in bladder cancer patients are still being investigated to discover direct links with pathophysiological mechanisms. Because of the functional polymorphisms in the MMP genes, which have a proven or likely effect on their protein expression, they could possibly affect the tumor process. The current mini‐review synthesizes findings regarding the association of genetic polymorphisms in the MMP genes with bladder cancer risk and recurrence in patients. We discuss the current views on the feasibility of genetic polymorphisms in the MMP1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 and 12 genes as a risk, and prognostic markers for patients with bladder cancer. The majority of the research described in the present mini‐review proves that the genetic polymorphism in the MMP1 (rs1799750) is the most widely studied, and suggests that the rare genotype, 2G2G, of that gene might show increased susceptibility for bladder cancer, especially among smokers. However, existing statistically significant associations between the genetic polymorphisms in the MMP genes and bladder cancer risk have not been clearly shown, and further studies are necessary in order to positively confirm them or dispel potential false hopes.
Differences in Outcome of Transurethral Resection of the Prostate for Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy between Three Diagnostic Categories
Authors: DOLL HELEN A. , BLACK N. A. , McPHERSON K. , WILLIAMS G. B. , SMITH J. C. 
Published: March 2014

Summary— As part of a prospective cohort study of 388 men undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for benign prostatic hypertrophy, pre‐operative factors and the outcome of surgery during the first post‐operative year were compared between patients in whom their surgeon felt the principal reason for operating was chronic retention (37%), acute retention (with no chronic retention) (28%), or symptomatic prostatism (with no history of chronic or acute retention) (35%).Although in many respects the patients in the 3 diagnostic categories were similar, patients with chronic retention were more likely to be younger, of higher social class and to have worse general health. Patients with acute retention were more likely to present with a urinary tract infection and to have electrocardiographic abnormalities, and symptomatic patients presented with more severe urinary symptoms.Minor differences between the categories with regard to post‐operative morbidity and mortality were not statistically significant at the 5% level. However, some significant differences did exist. Patients with acute retention were more likely to experience urinary and non‐urinary infections and impotence after surgery, while symptomatic patients reported less improvement in their health status as regards pain and social isolation.These results suggest that the method of categorisation is clinically valid and a necessary distinction to make when auditing TURP.
MemokathR: A Second Generation of Intraprostatic Spirals
Authors: POULSEN A. L. , SCHOU J. , OVESEN H. , NORDLING J. 
Published: March 2014

Summary— MemokathR (Engineers & Doctors A/S, Hornbæk, Denmark) is a new intraprostatic spiral composed of titanium nickel alloy with shape memory effect. We describe the use of this spiral in 30 consecutive patients with prostatic outflow obstruction. Their median age was 79 years and all were either in a high risk group for surgery or had refused surgery. The spiral was inserted under sterile conditions via a delivery catheter under ultrasonic guidance. When flushed with hot water (45°C or above) one section of the spiral expands in the prostatic apex and maintains the spiral in position. When cooled with cold water (10°C or below) the spiral becomes supersoft, making removal easy.With a follow‐up of 0.2 to 9 months (median 3) we report a success rate of 83%. Five patients discontinued treatment, 3 because of urinary retention, 1 because of progressive obstructive symptoms and 1 following persistent urinary incontinence. No migration of the spiral was observed. Encrustations have appeared and seem to be a persistent problem. Most patients were satisfied with the procedure, which provided a quick, safe and effective method of relieving infravesical prostatic obstruction. Follow‐up is short and late complications have yet to be assessed.
Renal Transplantation in Young Boys with Posterior Urethral Valves: Preliminary Report
Authors: DINNEEN M. D. , FITZPATRICK M. M. , GODLEY M. L. , DICKS‐MIREAUX C. M. F. , RANSLEY P. G. , FERNANDO O. N. , TROMPETER R. S. , DUFFY P. G. 
Published: March 2014

Summary— Seven boys (mean age 38 months) with posterior urethral valves underwent renal transplantation between June 1988 and August 1991. Urodynamic studies were performed before transplantation in 6/7 patients. In 4 the investigation indicated bladders of capacity and compliance which were deemed suitable for transplantation. Two patients had poorly compliant bladders; one of these underwent bladder augmentation before engraftment and the other proceeded to transplantation without bladder surgery.Six patients have functioning renal allografts with a mean follow‐up of 1.3 years and a mean plasma creatinine of 51.6 μmol/l. Mean glomerular filtration rate (ml/min/1.73 m2 SA) 6 months after transplantation was 76.8 and at 1 year it was 84.5. In one patient early rejection was followed by transplant nephrectomy. Careful pre‐operative evaluation is mandatory for a successful outcome of renal transplantation in young boys with posterior urethral valves.
BIOFEEDBACK IN OVERACTIVE BLADDER
Authors: CARDOZO LINDA D. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTBiofeedback is a form of learning or re‐education in which the participant is retrained within a closed feedback loop. Information about one or more of the patient's normally unconscious physiologic processes is made available to the patient as a visual, auditory, or tactile signal. Objective responses are recorded on a polygraph trace so that they can be easily observed. Subjective responses are more difficult to monitor and it is often difficult to separate these effects of biofeedback from the placebo effect. Biofeedback has been successfully employed in cases of urinary incontinence due to detrusor instability. Indeed, a recent report has shown that biofeedback‐assisted behavioral treatment is more effective than either oxybutynin or placebo in the treatment of urge and mixed urinary incontinence in older, community‐dwelling women. Patients embarking on biofeedback need to be well motivated and intelligent enough to understand what is expected of them. The treatment is time consuming for both the patient and the operator, but the benefits of successful treatment include a reduction in morbidity and side effects associated with other therapies. Biofeedback can be employed as an adjunct to other forms of treatment, such as drug therapy, and is particularly useful in children.
Periprocedural Stroke Risk in Patients Undergoing Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation on Uninterrupted Warfarin
Authors: PAGE STEPHEN P. , HERRING NEIL , HUNTER ROSS J. , WITHYCOMBE EMMA , LOVELL MATTHEW , WALI G. , BETTS TIMOTHY R. , BASHIR YAVER , DHINOJA MEHUL , EARLEY MARK J. , SPORTON SIMON C. , RAJAPPAN KIM , SCHILLING RICHARD J. 
Published: March 2014

Stroke Risk During AF AblationBackgroundCatheter ablation is an effective treatment for symptomatic individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF) but is associated with a risk of periprocedual stroke. Recent data suggest that this risk may be abolished if catheter ablation is performed with uninterrupted warfarin (UW). We sought to compare the incidence, severity and timing of periprocedural stroke between 2 periprocedural anticoagulation protocols: bridging low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH) and UW.Methods and ResultsPeriprocedural stroke (≤14 days) was assessed in 2,855 ablations performed in 1,813 patients. Thromboembolic stroke occurred in 11/1,653 (0.7%) procedures with bridging LMWH and in 5/1,202 (0.4%) procedures on UW (P = 0.5). Four of the 5 strokes (80%) on UW occurred despite a therapeutic INR and a mean activated clotting time of ≥300 seconds and 4/5 strokes (80%) occurred in patients with a CHADS2 score of 0. Eleven of 16 (69%) strokes overall occurred within 24 hours of the procedure. All 4 strokes resulting in major neurological deficit occurred in the LMWH group. Major bleeding complications occurred in 6.0% of patients in the bridging LMWH group compared to 4.0% in the UW group (P = 0.02).ConclusionsIn contrast to existing data, periprocedural stroke still occurs despite therapeutic anticoagulation throughout the operative period. The optimal strategy to protect patients against thromboembolic stroke remains unclear.
Usefulness of a novel and rapid assay system for fecal calprotectin in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Inoue Keisuke , Aomatsu Tomoki , Yoden Atsushi , Okuhira Takeru , Kaji Emiri , Tamai Hiroshi 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackground and AimFecal calprotectin (FC) has become a reliable biomarker for intestinal inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). However, a simple and rapid assay to replace conventional ELISA is necessary for wider use in clinical practice. In this study, we investigated the usefulness of a novel method for measuring FC using a colloidal gold aggregation (CGA) assay for assessing mucosal inflammation in pediatric IBDs.MethodsFC levels were determined by ELISA and CGA assay in 309 fecal samples (ulcerative colitis [UC]: 131; Crohn's disease [CD]: 121; healthy controls: 57). For endoscopic evaluation, the modified Matts' grading system for UC and the simple endoscopic score for CD were used.ResultsA strong correlation was found between the FC values determined by the two methods (r = 0.98, P < 0.01). FC levels, determined by CGA assay, strongly correlated with the endoscopic score for UC (r = 0.70, P < 0.01) and CD (r = 0.58, P < 0.01). In the UC patients with endoscopic remission, the FC levels determined by CGA assay (median: 31.5 μg/g, n = 14) were as low as in healthy controls. For patients in clinical remission but showing an active status endoscopically, FC was more likely to be abnormal than commonly used laboratory markers.ConclusionsOur simple and rapid assay system has excellent performance for assessing mucosal inflammation of IBDs and can be replaced for ELISA. Practical application of this assay system enables us to use FC measurement more widely in clinical practice.
A novel double‐image Fizeau system for accurate investigation of anisotropic polymer fibres
Authors: HAMZA A.A. , SOKKAR T.Z.N. , EL‐FARAHATY K.A. , RASLAN M.I. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThis paper introduces a double‐image multiple‐beam Fizeau fringes system. The introduced system can dynamically determine the variations of the refractive indices for both parallel and perpendicular polarization simultaneously. This is achieved by the simultaneous capturing of two multiple‐beam interference patterns during the mechanical processing of isotactic polypropylene fibre. This parallel determination of the refractive indices of both polarization directions allowed us to determine the full‐field distribution of the stress vector, S. To accomplish this, a mathematical model was deduced to calculate the components of the stress vector, S, i.e. parallel stress component, S1, and perpendicular stress component, S2. Double‐image Fizeau fringes system and the deduced mathematical model were used to investigate the variation of the refractive index and stress components of the fibre during the stretching process and propagation of necked regions.
Multiple fractional erbium: yttrium–aluminum–garnet laser sessions for upper facial rejuvenation: clinical and histological implications and expectations
Authors: El‐Domyati Moetaz , Abd‐El‐Raheem Talal , Medhat Walid , Abdel‐Wahab Hossam , Anwer Mustafa Al 
Published: March 2014

SummaryBackgroundFractional photothermolysis is a modern resurfacing technique, in which microscopic zones of thermal injury are created, stimulating turnover of both epidermis and dermis. Fractional laser rejuvenation has been developed to overcome the drawbacks of traditional ablative laser.ObjectivesTo objectively evaluate the effectiveness of multiple sessions of fractional Er:YAG laser rejuvenation for aging upper face clinically, histologically and immunohistochemically.Patients/MethodsTen volunteers asking for facial rejuvenation were subjected to multiple sessions (3–5) of fractional Er:YAG laser. Clinical evaluation with both histopathological and immunohistochemical assessment for skin biopsies was carried out before, after 1 month and 6 months of laser resurfacing. Histometry for epidermal thickness and quantitative assessment for neocollagen formation, collagen I, III, and VII, elastin and tropoelastin were carried out for all skin biopsies.ResultsComparing before, after 1 month and 6 months of fractional Er:YAG laser resurfacing resulted in improved clinical appearance with increased epidermal thickness (P < 0.001). Dermal collagen showed increased neocollagen formation (P = 0.006), with increased concentration of collagen types I (P < 0.001), III (P < 0.001), and VII (P = 0.001). Dermal elastic tissue studies revealed decreased elastin, while tropoelastin concentration increased after laser resurfacing (P < 0.001). An increase in collagen (I and III) and tropoelastin level and decreased elastin content was encountered with increasing the number of sessions, yet it was not significant.ConclusionsMultiple sessions are effective in rejuvenation of the aging face with high safety, short downtime, and no adverse effects. They stimulated formation of new collagen (type I, III, and VII) up to 6 months after treatment with better improvement in skin texture and fine wrinkles. The variable number of fractional Er:YAG laser sessions (3–5) showed no significant difference as regards efficacy.
Changes in Sexual Function of Women with Refractory Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome after Intravesical Therapy with a Hyaluronic Acid Solution
Authors: Hung Man-Jung , Su Tsung-Hsien , Lin Yi-Hao , Huang Wen-Chu , Lin Tzu-Yin , Hsu Chun-Shuo , Chuang Fei-Chi , Tsai Ching-Pei , Shen Pao-Sheng , Chen Gin-Den 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Intravesical instillation with a hyaluronic acid (HA) solution is an effective treatment for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), but its impact on sexual functioning of patients is not known.

Aim
The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in sexual function of women with refractory IC/BPS who underwent a second-line intravesical HA therapy.

Methods
A total of 103 women diagnosed with refractory IC/BPS were enrolled in this prospective, multicenter study. Sexual function was evaluated using the short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ-9). Bladder-related symptoms and bother were assessed by the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI) and Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index (ICPI), and a pain visual analog scale (VAS), respectively. Data were analyzed with univariate methods or multivariate logistic regression analysis accordingly.

Main Outcomes Measures
Changes in PISQ-9, ICSI, ICPI, and pain VAS scores after treatment were assessed.

Results
Mean age and duration of symptoms was 43.6 ± 11.8 and 5.1 ± 5.0 years, respectively. ICSI, ICPI, and pain VAS scores were significantly (P &lt; 0.001) improved after 1 month and 6 months of treatment. Of the 87 (84.5%) sexually active women evaluated, PISQ-9 total scores improved significantly (P &lt; 0.001) from the baseline (mean 18.9 ± 6.4), after 1 month (20.4 ± 5.8), and 6-months (21.5 ± 5.6) of treatment. Significantly improved PISQ-9 items included “dyspareunia” (P &lt; 0.001) and “negative reactions” (P = 0.015) during sexual intercourse, and “intensity” (P &lt; 0.001) of sexual orgasms. After a logistic regression analysis, we found that a baseline PISQ-9 score was negatively correlated with the duration of IC/BPS symptoms (P = 0.022). Meanwhile, the changes in PISQ-9 scores were positively correlated with the reduction in ICSI scores after treatment (P = 0.045).

Conclusions
Intravesical HA is an effective treatment for refractory IC/BPS. A longer duration of IC/BPS symptoms may be a predictor of poor sexual function. However, intravesical HA may improve sexual function along with the reduction of IC/BPS symptoms.
The genomic signature of parallel adaptation from shared genetic variation
Authors: Roesti Marius , Gavrilets Sergey , Hendry Andrew P. , Salzburger Walter , Berner Daniel 
Published: March 2014

AbstractParallel adaptation is common and may often occur from shared genetic variation, but the genomic consequences of this process remain poorly understood. We first use individual‐based simulations to demonstrate that comparisons between populations adapted in parallel to similar environments from shared variation reveal a characteristic genomic signature around a selected locus: a low‐divergence valley centred at the locus and flanked by twin peaks of high divergence. This signature is initiated by the hitchhiking of haplotype tracts differing between derived populations in the broader neighbourhood of the selected locus (driving the high‐divergence twin peaks) and shared haplotype tracts in the tight neighbourhood of the locus (driving the low‐divergence valley). This initial hitchhiking signature is reinforced over time because the selected locus acts as a barrier to gene flow from the source to the derived populations, thus promoting divergence by drift in its close neighbourhood. We next empirically confirm the peak‐valley‐peak signature by combining targeted andRADsequence data at three candidate adaptation genes in multiple marine (source) and freshwater (derived) populations of threespine stickleback. Finally, we use a genome‐wide screen for the peak‐valley‐peak signature to discover additional genome regions involved in parallel marine‐freshwater divergence. Our findings offer a new explanation for heterogeneous genomic divergence and thus challenge the standard view that peaks in population divergence harbour divergently selected loci and that low‐divergence regions result from balancing selection or localized introgression. We anticipate that genome scans for peak‐valley‐peak divergence signatures will promote the discovery of adaptation genes in other organisms.
Comparative study of Microsporum canis isolates by DNA fingerprinting
Authors: Shafiee Shabnam , Khosravi Ali Reza , Ashrafi Tamai Iradj 
Published: March 2014

SummaryMicrosporum canis is a zoophilic fungus and it is an important agent of dermatophytosis. Cats act as important reservoirs. Clinically, it is too difficult to differentiate dermatophytosis caused by various species, also this fungus loses its morphological characteristics easily because of subculture; so using of rapid and accurate laboratory techniques for identifying the dermatophytes is important, therefore, RAPD‐PCR was applied for the differentiation of the isolates. In this study, 10 M. canis isolates were detected in cats, dog, human, fox and rabbit at the Mycology Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran. For running the RAPD‐PCR, PCR set system and three random primers OPU 15, OPU 13 and OPA 04 were used. Then phylogenetic tree and similarity coefficient table were drawn. The results showed that there were some common bands between M. canis isolates. There were some specific bands for each isolates, as well. Our study showed, despite the typical morphology of the whole isolates, they were placed in different branches in molecular typing.
Adaption and adjustment of military spouses to overseas postings: An online forum study
Authors: Blakely Gillian , Hennessy Catherine , Chung Man Cheung , Skirton Heather 
Published: March 2014

AbstractLittle research has examined the impact of being an accompanying spouse on British military foreign postings. The aim of this qualitative study was to investigate the experiences of 13 military spouses from 11 different overseas locations. Data were collected via an online forum and thematic content analysis was conducted. Key findings revealed that, regardless of the location, reactions to overseas posting varied considerably and were related to the military spouse's personality and personal circumstances, as well as their relationship with family, husband and their support networks. Spouses experienced a loss of control over their lives that was in some cases psychologically distressing. The findings corroborate and extend the findings from a previous study that was limited to one location, further highlighting the need for pre‐established support resources from the military and healthcare professionals to be readily accessible for all military spouses. Importantly, such support provision may also facilitate the military spouse in regaining some control over their everyday life, enhancing their well‐being and the experience for the family.
Mechanical modelling quantifies the functional importance of outer tissue layers during root elongation and bending
Authors: Dyson Rosemary J. , Vizcay‐Barrena Gema , Band Leah R. , Fernandes Anwesha N. , French Andrew P. , Fozard John A. , Hodgman T. Charlie , Kenobi Kim , Pridmore Tony P. , Stout Michael , Wells Darren M. , Wilson Michael H. , Bennett Malcolm J. , Jensen Oliver E. 
Published: March 2014

Summary

Root elongation and bending require the coordinated expansion of multiple cells of different types. These processes are regulated by the action of hormones that can target distinct cell layers. We use a mathematical model to characterise the influence of the biomechanical properties of individual cell walls on the properties of the whole tissue.

Taking a simple constitutive model at the cell scale which characterises cell walls via yield and extensibility parameters, we derive the analogous tissue‐level model to describe elongation and bending. To accurately parameterise the model, we take detailed measurements of cell turgor, cell geometries and wall thicknesses.

The model demonstrates how cell properties and shapes contribute to tissue‐level extensibility and yield. Exploiting the highly organised structure of the elongation zone (EZ) of the Arabidopsis root, we quantify the contributions of different cell layers, using the measured parameters. We show how distributions of material and geometric properties across the root cross‐section contribute to the generation of curvature, and relate the angle of a gravitropic bend to the magnitude and duration of asymmetric wall softening.

We quantify the geometric factors which lead to the predominant contribution of the outer cell files in driving root elongation and bending.