bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resection of a premaxilla and rostral portion of the maxilla in a horse
Authors: Cousty M. , Tricaud C. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryA 5‐year‐old, 520 kg Standardbred mare was admitted for an osteosarcoma of the right premaxilla. Two horizontal incisions of the labial mucosa and lingual surface were made 1 cm around the ulceration from the canine tooth to the premaxillary symphysis. The premaxilla and rostral portion of the maxilla were transected 1 cm caudal to the canine tooth with an oscillating saw. The maxillary symphysis was transected using an oscillating saw and a hammer. The wound was closed by primary intention and healed without complication. The cosmetic appearance of the mare was good. The mare was able to prehend hay and grain and grazed without difficulty and the tongue did not protrude. The neoplasm had not recurred 18 months after the surgery. A premaxilla and rostral portion of the adjacent maxilla can be resected to treat horses for a unilateral lesion of the premaxilla but care must be taken to avoid the palatine and incisive arteries which lie within the interincisive canal.
Electron backscatter diffraction investigation of length‐fast chalcedony in agate: implications for agate genesis and growth mechanisms
Authors: FRENCH M. W. , WORDEN R. H. , LEE D. R. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAgates of volcanic origin contain a range of silica minerals, with chalcedony and quartz arranged in concentric bands. Although agates are abundant worldwide, little is known about the genesis of their characteristic banding patterns. Current hypotheses suggest the bands result either from precipitation from convecting siliceous hydrothermal influxes or by in situ crystallization of a silica gel. This study combines the use of a variety of analytical techniques, including electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), cathodoluminescence (CL), and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, to characterize the silica minerals present and investigate their spatial and crystallographic relationships in the banding arrangement. Microstructural and spectroscopic observations reveal that chalcedony bands are composed of amorphous silica that also contains nanocrystalline and later‐formed microcrystalline quartz. Nano‐ and microcrystalline quartz grew with a‐axes perpendicular to the growth substrate, typical of length‐fast chalcedony. The bands formed as a result of discrete influxes of silica‐rich fluid. Within these individual bands, there is a sequence of minerals: chalcedony‐A (with amorphous silica and nanocrystalline quartz) → chalcedony‐MQ (with microcrystalline quartz) → quartz. This sequence is reflected in the degree of crystallinity, crystal orientations and water content and is analogous to a diagenetic cycle; the initial chalcedony portion of the band commences with amorphous silica with nanocrystalline quartz followed by fibrous microcrystalline quartz crystals; chalcedony then grades into larger equiaxial mesoquartz crystals. This paragenetic sequence suggests a viable model for the growth of chalcedony in agates.
Liver exhibits thermal variations according to the stage of fibrosis progression: A novel use of modulated‐differential scanning calorimetry for research in hepatology
Authors: Escobedo Galileo , Arjona‐Román José Luis , Meléndez‐Pérez Rosalía , Suárez‐Álvarez Karina , Guzmán Carolina , Aguirre‐García Jesús , Gutiérrez‐Reyes Gabriela , Vivas Oscar , Varela‐Fascinetto Gustavo , Rodríguez‐Romero Adela , Robles‐Díaz Guillermo , Kershenobich David 
Published: December 2012

AimLiver fibrosis results in a disproportion of the hepatic composition and architecture, characterized by a progressive accumulation of fibrillar proteins at the liver parenchyma. Modulated‐differential scanning calorimetry (mDSC) is an experimental methodology able to determine the specific thermal signature from any biological substance, based on the variation in heat flow and heat capacity. As these physicochemical properties are directly influenced by compositional and structural changes, we decided to study the thermal behavior of the liver during fibrosis using mDSC.MethodsLiver fibrosis was induced in rats by bile duct ligation or carbon tetrachloride administration. Degree of liver fibrosis was determined by histological examination using the Masson‐trichrome stain, accompanied by hepatic expression of α‐smooth muscle actin. The thermal analysis was performed in a modulated‐differential scanning calorimeter using 20 mg of fresh liver mass.ResultsThe liver showed a characteristic thermal signature in control animals, which progressively differed among mild (F1), moderate (F2) and advanced (F3–F4) liver fibrosis. For heat flow, the hepatic thermal signature from F3–F4 rats exhibited significant differences when compared with F1, F2 and controls. In terms of heat capacity, liver specimens provided a specific thermal signature for each stage of disease, characterized by a transition temperature onset at 95°C for controls, whereas in F1, F2 and F3–F4 animals this temperature significantly decreased to 93°C, 84°C and 75°C, respectively.ConclusionBecause the liver shows a differential thermal signature according to the degree of fibrosis, mDSC could be a novel tool in the study of liver fibrosis progression.
Immigrant women's experiences and views on the prevention of cervical cancer: a qualitative study
Authors: Grandahl Maria , Tydén Tanja , Gottvall Maria , Westerling Ragnar , Oscarsson Marie 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundMany Western countries have cervical cancer screening programmes and have implemented nation‐wide human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programmes for preventing cervical cancer.ObjectiveTo explore immigrant women's experiences and views on the prevention of cervical cancer, screening, HPV vaccination and condom use.DesignAn exploratory qualitative study. The Health Belief Model (HBM) was used as a theoretical framework.Setting and participantsEight focus group interviews, 5–8 women in each group (average number 6,5), were conducted with 50 women aged 18–54, who studied Swedish for immigrants. Data were analysed by latent content analysis.ResultsFour themes emerged: (i) deprioritization of women's health in home countries, (ii) positive attitude towards the availability of women's health care in Sweden, (iii) positive and negative attitudes towards HPV vaccination, and (iv) communication barriers limit health care access. Even though the women were positive to the prevention of cervical cancer, several barriers were identified: difficulties in contacting health care due to language problems, limited knowledge regarding the relation between sexual transmission of HPV and cervical cancer, culturally determined gender roles and the fact that many of the women were not used to regular health check‐ups.ConclusionThe women wanted to participate in cervical cancer prevention programmes and would accept HPV vaccination for their daughters, but expressed difficulties in understanding information from health‐care providers. Therefore, information needs to be in different languages and provided through different sources. Health‐care professionals should also consider immigrant women's difficulties concerning cultural norms and pay attention to their experiences.
‘The thing is not knowing’: patients' perspectives on surveillance of an indeterminate pulmonary nodule
Authors: Wiener Renda Soylemez , Gould Michael K. , Woloshin Steven , Schwartz Lisa M. , Clark Jack A. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe hundreds of thousands of patients found to have a potentially malignant pulmonary nodule each year are faced with tremendous uncertainty regarding what the nodule is and how it should be evaluated.ObjectiveTo explore patients’ responses to the detection and evaluation of a pulmonary nodule.DesignQualitative study based on four focus‐group discussions. We performed inductive analysis using principles of grounded theory to identify themes relating to responses to the nodule and strategies to manage uncertainty.Setting and participantsTwenty‐two patients from two medical centres who were undergoing surveillance for an indeterminate pulmonary nodule.ResultsPatient responses to an indeterminate pulmonary nodule were varied and evolved over time. Although almost all patients reported an initial fear about cancer, subsequent depictions of the nodule diverged into four types defined on two dimensions: cognitive (‘it's cancer’ vs. ‘I don't know what it is’ vs. ‘it's nothing serious’) and emotional (anxiety vs. equanimity). Most eventually accepted that the nodule was unlikely to be malignant; however, some remained anxious, convinced the nodule could turn into cancer at any time and should be aggressively monitored for life. Patients used results of surveillance tests as well as their own strategies (e.g. vigilance for symptoms, information‐seeking, contemplating and controlling modifiable risk factors, avoidance, faith) to manage uncertainty.ConclusionsSurveillance for a pulmonary nodule can weigh heavily on some patients for months or years. Our findings may help clinicians prepare patients with a newly detected pulmonary nodule for the burden of the prolonged uncertainty of surveillance.
Effect of calcium hydroxide and endodontic irrigants on fibre post bond strength to root canal dentine
Authors: Renovato S. R. , Santana F. R. , Ferreira J. M. , Souza J. B. , Soares C. J. , Estrela C. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimTo analyse the effect of calcium hydroxide paste, endodontic irrigants and time of application on the bond strength of fibre posts to root canal dentine.MethodologySeventy bovine incisors were divided into 7 groups according to removal of calcium hydroxide and distilled water (CHW) (immediate – I; 21 days – 21 days; 6 months – 6 months) and endodontic irrigant (1% sodium hypochlorite – SH; 1% sodium hypochlorite + 17% EDTA – SHE). Fibre posts were cemented (RelyX U100), after which the roots were serially sectioned and submitted to a micro‐push‐out test. Data were analysed using two‐way anova followed by the Tukey's and the Dunnett's tests (α = 0.05).ResultsThe CHW groups were not significantly different from the control group in 13 of the 18 associated factors (P > 0.05). There were significant reductions in bond strength in the cervical (P = 0.0216) and middle (P = 0.0017) thirds of the root at 6 months in groups irrigated with SH. Irrigation with SHE reduced the bond strength significantly in the middle (P = 0.0488) and apical (P = 0.0252) thirds of the roots in the immediate groups and in the middle third (P = 0.0287) in the 21‐day group. Bond strength was greater in the cervical than in the apical thirds of all immediate and 21‐day groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionsBond strength of groups that received CH paste was similar to that found in the control group in 13 of the 18 associated factors. EDTA and SH reduced bond strength in specimens in the immediate (middle and apical thirds) and 21‐day (middle third) groups. There was a significant reduction in bond strength in the groups irrigated with SH and tested at 6 months (cervical and middle thirds). There was a predominance of adhesive failures between resin cement and dentine in all groups.
Silodosin versus naftopidil in Japanese patients with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A randomized multicenter study
Authors: Shirakawa Toshiro , Haraguchi Takahiro , Shigemura Katsumi , Morishita Shinichi , Minayoshi Kohji , Miyazaki Jiro , Yamada Yuji , Miyake Hideaki , Tanaka Kazushi , Fujisawa Masato 
Published: December 2012

ObjectivesSilodosin is a novel drug that is highly selective to subtype alpha 1A and, since 2006, has been used in Japan for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia. This study aimed to compare the clinical effects of the alpha‐adrenoceptor antagonist, silodosin, with those of naftopidil in patients presenting lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.MethodsThis was a randomized, open‐label, controlled multicenter study carried out in Japan. Overall, 121 participants with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia were randomized to receive silodosin (4 mg twice daily) or naftopidil (50 mg once daily) for 4 or 8 weeks. Patients were divided into four groups: the alpha‐blocker‐naive groups received silodosin (35 patients) or naftopidil (33 patients) and the drug‐switching groups changed from tamsulosin to silodosin (26 patients) or naftopidil (27 patients). The outcomes parameters were the International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life, maximum urinary flow rate and post‐void residual urine volume. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant by using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank and rank‐sum tests, and analysis of covariance.ResultsIn all the groups, silodosin and naftopidil significantly improved the total International Prostate Symptom Score and quality of life. However, silodosin obtained significantly better improvement in total International Prostate Symptom Score in the alpha‐blocker‐naive patients at 4 and 8 weeks. The maximum urinary flow rate and residual urine did not change significantly in all the treatment groups.ConclusionsThe present study confirms the clinical usefulness of silodosin in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Probiotics in luminal gastroenterology: the current state of play
Authors: Andrews J. M. , Tan M. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of probiotics in various areas of gastrointestinal (GI) health. Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms that provide beneficial health effects on the host when administered in adequate amounts. Various probiotics have been shown to suppress bacterial growth, modulate the immune system and improve intestinal barrier function. However, despite several studies with promising results, most trials are small and many have substantial methodological limitations. However, with better targeting and appropriate randomised controlled trials, this area may soon yield important therapeutic strategies to optimise GI health. Here, we review the current knowledge of probiotics of relevance to luminal GI health.
Branching the risks: architectural plasticity and bet‐hedging in Mediterranean annuals
Authors: Shemesh H. , Novoplansky A. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIt has been suggested that architectural plasticity in shoot size and number allows plants to manage environmental risks. Simpler structures require shorter development times and fewer resources, which secure minimal fitness even under risky and unfavourable conditions. Here we tested the hypothesis that the magnitude of such architectural plasticity depends on the species' developmental strategy. Specifically, species with late reproduction were expected to express the highest levels of architectural plasticity in response to environmental cues predicting high probability of abrupt deterioration in growth conditions. This hypothesis was tested by comparing Mediterranean and semi‐arid populations of three species, which differed in growth strategy:Trifolium purpureum, a determinate and late flowerer, andEmex spinosaandHippocrepis unisiliquosathat flower indeterminately throughout the season. All plants were exposed to varying levels of water availability and competition, but onlyT. purpureumdisplayed plastic architectural responsiveness to the experimental manipulations. In contrast, the early and extended step‐by‐step flowering of bothE. spinosaandH. unisiliquosareflected a relatively deterministic bet‐hedging reproductive schedule, whereby minimum fitness is secured even under adverse conditions. These two opposing strategies gave contrasting results, withE. spinosaandH. unisiliquosadisplaying reduced efficiency under favourable conditions under whichT. purpureumhad the highest reproductive efficiency. The evolutionary interplay between deterministic risk‐averse and plastic risk‐prone growth strategies might reflect contrasts in the probability and severity of environmental risks, and the costs of missed opportunities.
Discrimination of female schizophrenia patients from healthy women using multiple structural brain measures obtained with voxel‐based morphometry
Authors: Ota Miho , Sato Noriko , Ishikawa Masanori , Hori Hiroaki , Sasayama Daimei , Hattori Kotaro , Teraishi Toshiya , Obu Satoko , Nakata Yasuhiro , Nemoto Kiyotaka , Moriguchi Yoshiya , Hashimoto Ryota , Kunugi Hiroshi 
Published: December 2012

AimAlthough schizophrenia and control subjects differ on a variety of neuroanatomical measures, the specificity and sensitivity of any one measure for differentiating between the two groups are low. To identify the correlative pattern of brain changes that best discriminate schizophrenia patients from healthy subjects, discriminant analysis techniques using voxel‐based morphometry were applied.MethodsThe first analysis was conducted to obtain a statistical model that classified 105 female healthy subjects and 38 female schizophrenia patients. First, the differences in gray matter and cerebrospinal fluid volume between the patients and healthy subjects were evaluated using optimized voxel‐based morphometry. Then, a discriminant analysis reflecting the results of this evaluation was adopted. The second analysis was performed to prospectively validate the statistical model by successfully classifying a new group that consisted of 23 female healthy subjects and 23 female schizophrenia patients.ResultsThe use of these variables resulted in correct classification rates of 0.72 in the control subjects and 0.76 in the schizophrenia patients. In the second validation analysis using these variables, correct classification rates of 0.70 in the control subjects and 0.74 in the schizophrenia patients were achieved.ConclusionSchizophrenia patients have structural deviations in multiple brain areas, and a combination of structural brain measures can distinguish between patients and controls.
Regional cerebral blood flow changes and performance deficit during a sustained attention task in schizophrenia: 15O‐water positron emission tomography
Authors: Seok Jeong‐Ho , Park Hae‐Jeong , Lee Jong‐Doo , Kim Hye‐Sun , Chun Ji‐Won , Son Sang Joon , Oh Maeng‐Keun , Ku Jeonghun , Lee Hyeongrae , Kim Jae‐Jin 
Published: December 2012

AimAttention deficit has been reported in both schizophrenia patients and patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). The aim of this study was to elucidate the deficits in sustained attention and associated neural network dysfunctions in schizophrenia patients and MDD patients, and to investigate the difference between the two patient groups.MethodsTwelve schizophrenia patients, 12 patients with non‐psychotic MDD, and 12 healthy control subjects participated in this study. A sustained attention to response task (SART) was used to measure attention capacity. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) during attention tasks was measured using H215O positron emission tomography. Statistical parametric mapping and analysis of covariance were performed to compare the behavioral performance and CBF changes during SART among three groups.ResultsBehavioral performances were not significantly different among the three groups except for an increased commission error rate in the schizophrenia group. Regional CBF during SART was significantly reduced in the left inferior frontal gyrus, the left cuneus, and the right superior parietal lobule and increased in the right superior frontal gyrus and the right cuneus in the schizophrenia group compared to the healthy control group. In the MDD group, neither significant regional CBF difference nor behavioral deficit was found compared to the healthy control group.ConclusionBehavioral performance deficit and perfusion changes in the prefrontal and parietal cortices during SART were observed only in the schizophrenia group. Prefrontal and parietal network dysfunction for sustained attention may be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
Band ligation of gastric antral vascular ectasia is a safe and effective endoscopic treatment
Authors: Keohane John , Berro Wael , Harewood Gavin C , Murray Frank E , Patchett Stephen E 
Published: December 2012

Background and AimGastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) or ‘watermelon stomach’ is a rare and often misdiagnosed cause of occult upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Treatment includes conservative measures such as transfusion and endoscopic therapy. A recent report suggests that endoscopic band ligation (EBL) offers an effective alternative treatment. The aim of the present study is to demonstrate our experiences with this novel technique, and to compare argon plasma coagulation (APC) with EBL in terms of safety and efficacy.MethodsA retrospective analysis of all endoscopies with a diagnosis of GAVE was carried out between 2004 and 2010. Case records were examined for information pertaining to the number of procedures carried out, mean blood transfusions, mean hemoglobin, and complications.ResultsA total of 23 cases of GAVE were treated. The mean age was 73.9 (55–89) years. Female to male ratio was 17:6 and mean follow up was 26 months. Eight patients were treated with EBL with a mean number of treatments of 2.5 (1–5). This resulted in a statistically significant improvement in the endoscopic appearance and a trend towards fewer transfusions. Of the eight patients treated with EBL, six (75%) patients had previously failed APC treatment despite having a mean of 4.7 sessions. Band ligation was not associated with any short‐ or medium‐term complications. The 15 patients who had APC alone had a mean of four (1–11) treatments. Only seven (46.7%) of these patients had any endoscopic improvement with a mean of four sessions.ConclusionsEBL represents a safe and effective treatment for GAVE.
SPAST mutations in Australian patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia
Authors: Vandebona H. , Kerr N. P. , Liang C. , Sue C. M. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundHereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is often caused by mutations in the SPAST gene. The frequency of SPAST mutations causing HSP in Australian patients is currently unknown.AimWe aimed to determine the frequency of SPAST gene mutations in our cohort of HSP patients.MethodsWe recruited 30 unrelated patients with HSP for clinical and genetic assessment. DNA or RNA was extracted from patients' samples to perform direct DNA sequencing of the SPAST gene, multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and/or cDNA analysis.ResultsWe identified 13 heterozygous SPAST mutations in 16 unrelated patients. Most mutations (75%) were detected by DNA sequence analysis. We identified nine‐point mutations (n = 9), insertion (n = 1), one type of splice site mutation (n = 2), one type of exonic deletion (n = 2) and one type of exonic amplification (n = 2). Missense mutations (n = 7) were the most frequent mutation type (44%). Heterozygous exonic deletion (n = 2) and heterozygous exonic amplification (n = 2) were identified by MLPA and cDNA screening (25%). We also identified the single heterozygous p.Ser44Leu polymorphism in two other patients without pathogenic mutations in SPAST.ConclusionWe conclude that SPAST mutations are responsible for the majority of HSP in Australia. Most of the patients with SPAST mutations had pure forms of HSP and a positive family history to suggest autosomal dominant (AD) HSP. Not all mutations were identified by direct sequencing of the SPAST gene, necessitating further molecular analysis. Given that SPAST mutations cause AD‐HSP, these findings are important when providing genetic counselling for affected patients.