bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy vs laparoscopic cryoablation for the small renal mass: redefining the minimally invasive ‘gold standard’
Authors: Emara Amr M. , Kommu Sashi S. , Hindley Richard G. , Barber Neil J. 
Published: May 2013

Objective
To identify differences between the ablative and extirpative minimally invasive techniques of laparoscopic cryoablation (LC) and robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RPN), respectively, in treating small renal tumours in terms of safety, peri‐operative morbidity and early oncological outcomes.
Patients and Methods
Between June 2008 and April 2012 56 patients underwent LC and from October 2010 to April 2012, 47 patients underwent RPN using the Da Vinci robotic platform (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA).
Data on intra‐operative, postoperative and oncological outcomes were collected prospectively, and were analysed and compared for both groups.
Results
The median patient ages were 69 and 60 for the LC and RPN groups, respectively (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in disease stage, but there was a significant difference in tumour size, with patients in the RPN group having larger tumours.
The mean operating times were 146 and 159 min for the LC and RPN groups, respectively (P = 0.094) and the mean blood loss was 47 and 94 mL for the LC and the RPN groups, respectively (P = 0.251). The median length of hospital stay (1 day) was the same for both groups and the mean warm ischaemia time was 23 min in the RPN group.
The marginal change in preoperative and 6‐week postoperative renal function was recorded: the mean postoperative increase in serum creatinine was 5.4 mmol/L in the LC group and 9.2 mmol/L in the RPN group.
Of the 47 patients in the RPN group, two (4.3%) were converted to laparoscopic radical nephrectomy because of difficulty in controlling bleeding during hilar dissection. Only two patients (3.6%) had recurrence in the LC group, both of whom were treated with re‐cryoablation. A total of 5.4% of patients in the LC and 4.3% in the RPN group had Clavien grade I postoperative complications, one patient in the LC group had a Clavien grade II complication, while 1.8 and 4.3% of patients had Clavien IIIb in the LC and RPN groups, respectively.
Conclusion
Our data confirm that LC is a successful, minimally invasive and safe treatment option for the management of small renal tumours, but the apparently similar characteristics of RPN suggest that an increasing proportion of patients, whatever their age or medical comorbidities, may be reasonably offered a robot‐assisted extirpative procedure with the likely benefit of lower risk of local recurrence and need for retreatment.
Diabetes distress in Type 1 diabetes—a new measurement fit for purpose
Authors: Joensen L. E. , Tapager I. , Willaing I. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimsTo examine and assess (1) the internal consistency and validity of a Danish translation of the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS17) among adults with Type 1 diabetes mellitus, (2) the properties of the brief version of DDS17 and (3) cut points for the DDS17.MethodsCross‐sectional survey of 2419 adults with Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Validated scales and questions measured diabetes distress (DDS17), diabetes empowerment (DES‐SF), healthy diet, physical activity, self‐rated health (SF‐12) and quality of life (WHOQoL‐BREF). An electronic patient record provided information about glycaemic control (HbA1c). We examined internal consistency, construct validity, subscale construction and cut points for determining clinically relevant diabetes distress, as well as two‐ and four‐item brief versions of the DDS17.ResultsThe DDS17 had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.92; subscale alphas were 0.83–0.89. A four‐factor division into subscales was appropriate and the division corresponded closely to the four domains described in the development of the DDS17. The DDS17 correlated well with relevant measures; higher distress was correlated with low diabetes empowerment, low quality of life, unhealthy diet, not being physically active, poor glycaemic control and low scores on the mental component score of the SF‐12. A two‐item brief scale performed as well as a four‐item version. The relationship between DDS17 and outcomes did not suggest distinct cut points for DDS17.ConclusionsOur results provide support for the use of this Danish adaptation of the DDS17 for assessing psychosocial distress among adults with Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Serotonin 1A auto‐receptors are not sufficient to modulate anxiety in mice
Authors: Piszczek Lukasz , Schlax Kevin , Wyrzykowska Anna , Piszczek Agnieszka , Audero Enrica , Thilo Gross Cornelius 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe neurotransmitter serotonin plays an important role in modulating diverse behavioral traits. Mice lacking the serotonin 1A receptor (Htr1a) show elevated avoidance of novel open spaces, suggesting that it has a role in modulating anxiety behavior. Htr1a is a Gαi‐coupled G‐protein‐coupled receptor expressed on serotonin neurons (auto‐receptor), where it mediates negative feedback of serotonin neuron firing. Htr1a is also expressed on non‐serotonin neurons (hetero‐receptor) in diverse brain regions, where it mediates an inhibitory effect of serotonin on neuronal activity. Debate exists about which of these receptor populations is responsible for the modulatory effects of Htr1a on anxiety. Studies using tissue‐specific transgenic expression have suggested that forebrain Htr1a hetero‐receptors are sufficient to restore normal anxiety behavior to Htr1a knockout mice. At the same time, experiments using tissue‐specific transgenic suppression of Htr1a expression have demonstrated that Htr1a auto‐receptors, but not forebrain hetero‐receptors, are necessary for normal anxiety behavior. One interpretation of these data is that multiple Htr1a receptor populations are involved in modulating anxiety. Here, we aimed to test this hypothesis by determining whether Htr1a auto‐receptors are sufficient to restore normal anxiety to Htr1a knockout animals. Transgenic mice expressing Htr1a under the control of the tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (Tph2) promoter showed restored Htr1a‐mediated serotonin negative feedback and hypothermia, but anxiety behavior indistinguishable from that of knockout mice. These data show that, in the absence of Htr1a hetero‐receptors, auto‐receptors are unable to have an impact on anxiety. When combined with previous data, these findings support the hypothesis that Htr1a auto‐receptors are necessary, but not sufficient, to modulate anxiety.
Laser treatment of urethral defects in geldings and stallions used as the primary treatment or in combination with a temporary subischial incision: Eight cases (2003–2011)
Authors: Madron M. , Schleining J. , Caston S. , Reinertson E. , Evans L. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryTwo geldings with haematuria and 6 stallions with haemospermia presented for evaluation between 2003 and 2011 to the Iowa State University Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center. Both geldings presented for haemorrhage at the end of urination. All stallions presented for evaluation of infertility following natural service or artificial insemination that was related to haemospermia. Urethroscopy identified a urethral defect in all 8 horses. Both geldings possessed a urethral rent. One stallion possessed a urethral varicosity while the remaining 5 possessed a urethral rent. Two geldings and 2 stallions received only laser treatment. The remaining 4 stallions received concurrent laser treatment with a temporary subischial incision (TSI) into the corpus spongiosum penis. All 6 stallions received 8 weeks of sexual rest after the completion of the surgical/laser treatment. Laser treatment alone was successful in resolving haematuria in one of 2 geldings. In the stallion group, all 4 horses with a urethral rent receiving laser treatment concurrent with a TSI resolved haemospermia. Of the remaining stallions, one with a urethral varicosity resolved clinical signs with only laser treatment and one stallion with a urethral rent received only laser treatment and haemospermia recurred. We conclude that laser treatment of a urethral rent in geldings can result in resolution of haematuria. Laser treatment used in combination with a TSI may result in improved success when compared to surgery alone. Laser treatment alone can result in resolution of a urethral varicosity.
Expression analysis of multiple microRNAs in each patient with scleroderma
Authors: Koba Shigeru , Jinnin Masatoshi , Inoue Kuniko , Nakayama Wakana , Honda Noritoshi , Makino Katsunari , Kajihara Ikko , Makino Takamitsu , Fukushima Satoshi , Ihn Hironobu 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn this study, we compared expression pattern of multiple microRNAs in individual patient with scleroderma with that in normal subject. Serum levels of six microRNAs (miR‐7 g, miR‐21, miR‐29b, miR‐125, miR‐145 and miR‐206) were evaluated using real‐time PCR in 15 patients with scleroderma and 15 normal subjects. While levels of the six microRNAs were similar between the two groups, we found significant difference in the ranks between miRNAs in patients with scleroderma. Additionally, levels of let‐7 g and miR‐125b showed strong and significant correlation in normal subjects, but not in patients with scleroderma. Thus, miRNA expression pattern may be different in patients with scleroderma. We also found the combination of serum levels of miR‐206 and miR‐21 was more useful in distinguishing patients with scleroderma from normal subjects than either miR‐206 or miR‐21 alone. Our study is the first to demonstrate different expression profiles of multiple microRNAs in each patient with scleroderma and examine its clinical significance.
Paeoniflorin suppresses vascular damage and the expression of E‐selectin and ICAM‐1 in a mouse model of cutaneous Arthus reaction
Authors: Chen Tao , Guo Zai‐pei , Wang Lin , Qin Sha , Cao Na , Li Meng‐meng , Jia Rui‐zhen , Wang Ting‐ting 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPaeoniflorin (PF) extracted from the root of Paeonia lactiflora pall, displays anti‐inflammation properties in several animal models. Adhesion molecules are important for the recruitment of leucocyte to the vessel wall and involved in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Herein, we investigate the effects of PF on adhesion molecule expression in a mouse model of cutaneous Arthus reaction and cultured human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs). We showed that PF significantly ameliorated the immune complex (IC) induced vascular damage, leucocyte infiltrates and adhesion molecules expression. Furthermore, PF markedly blocked tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)‐induced E‐selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) expression in HDMECs at both mRNA and protein levels. PF also suppressed TNF‐α‐induced adhesion of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) to HDMECs. Finally, western blot data revealed that PF can inhibit the phosphorylation of p38, JNK in TNF‐α‐treated HDMECs. These data suggest that PF, as an anti‐inflammatory agent, can downregulate adhesion molecules expression. PF may be a candidate medicine for the treatment of IC‐induced inflammatory response.
Rates of Disturbance vary by data resolution: implications for conservation schedules using the Alberta Boreal Forest as a case study
Authors: Komers P. E. , Stanojevic Z. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractInvestigations of biophysical changes on earth caused by anthropogenic disturbance provide governments with tools to generate sustainable development policy. Canada currently experiences one of the fastest rates of boreal forest disturbance in the world. Plans to conserve the 330 000 km2boreal forest in the province of Alberta exist but conservation targets and schedules must be aligned with rates of forest disturbance. We explore how disturbance rate, and the accuracy with which we detect it, may affect conservation success. We performed a change detection analysis from 1992 to 2008 using Landsat andSPOTsatellite image data processing. Canada's recovery strategy for boreal caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) states that ≤35% of a caribou range can be either burned or within 500 m of a man‐made feature for caribou to recover. Our analyses show that by 2008 78% of the boreal forest was disturbed and that, if the current rate continues, 100% would be disturbed by 2028. Alberta plans to set aside 22% for conservation in a region encompassing oil sands development to balance economic, environmental, and traditional indigenous land‐use goals. Contrary to the federal caribou recovery strategy, provincial conservation plans do not consider wildfire a disturbance. Based on analyses used in the provincial plan, we apply a 250 m buffer around anthropogenic footprints. Landsat image analysis indicates that the yearly addition of disturbance is 714 km2(0.8%). The higher resolutionSPOTimages show fine‐scale disturbance indicating that actual disturbance was 1.28 times greater than detected by Landsat. If theSPOTimage based disturbance rates continue, the 22% threshold may be exceeded within the next decade, up to 20 years earlier than indicated by Landsat‐based analysis. Our results show that policies for sustainable development will likely fail if governments do not develop time frames that are grounded by accurate calculations of disturbance rates.
Consuming nostalgia? The appreciation of authenticity in local food production
Authors: Autio Minna , Collins Rebecca , Wahlen Stefan , Anttila Marika 
Published: May 2013

AbstractMany consumers consider local food a more sustainable choice than conventional food because of the shorter transport distances involved as well as the support provided to local economies. In addition, consumers value the perceived safety benefits, ethical associations and improved taste of local food. In this study, we focus on the cultural meanings of locally produced food among Finnish consumers. Based on interviews with 22 consumers, our analysis suggests that, besides consumers valuing sustainable, healthy and tasty locally produced food, they perceived self‐produced, self‐processed items, including those they have gathered, hunted and fished themselves, as the most authentic local food. Furthermore, local food is associated with craftsmanship and artisan production. We also found that interviewees tended to historicize their relationship to food through local production. Thus, consumers seem to be in search of ‘real’ or ‘true’ food that is embedded in their personal and shared social histories.
Consciousness for fair consumption: conceptualization, scale development and empirical validation
Authors: Balderjahn Ingo , Peyer Mathias , Paulssen Marcel 
Published: May 2013

AbstractSustainable consumption means that consumers act in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. Compared with the vast amount of studies concerning environmentally conscious consumer behaviour, relatively little is known about socially conscious consumption. The present paper focuses on fair consumption as an important aspect of social consumption. In our study, consciousness for fair consumption (CFC) is defined as a latent disposition of consumers to prefer products that are produced and traded in compliance with fair labour and business practices. A scale to measure CFC was conceptualized and tested in three independent empirical studies. Two studies were conducted at European universities (2010 and 2012) and used 352 and 362 undergraduate business students respectively. The third study, conducted in 2011, used 141 employees at a European university. The results confirmed the reliability and validity of the new CFC scale across samples. While being moderately related to other aspects of sustainable consumption such as ecological concern and moral reasoning, CFC was significantly distinct from those concepts. Most importantly, it was established that the CFC, as measured by the new CFC scale, is a strong determinant of consumption of fair trade products that has been neglected in existing research.
Effect of frozen storage on thermal stability of sarcoplasmic protein and myofibrillar protein from common carp (Cyprinus carpio) muscle
Authors: Wang Hang , Luo Yongkang , Shen Huixing 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThermal stability of sarcoplasmic protein and myofibrillar protein extracted from fresh and frozen common carp was comparatively studied. Total sulphydryl content (SH) in sarcoplasmic protein solution from 5‐month frozen carp decreased by 19.43% compared with fresh sample. The SDS‐PAGE patterns showed that all the bands of sarcoplasmic protein from frozen‐stored samples were almost invisible at 80 °C. Myofibrillar protein from fresh sample exhibited lower turbidity and surface hydrophobicity and higher Ca2+‐ATPase activity and SH content than frozen‐stored sample when heated from 20 to 80 °C. The Ca2+‐ATPase activity from fresh (M0), 2 (M2)‐ and 5 (M5)‐month frozen‐stored carp was completely lost at 48, 46 and 46 °C, respectively. When heated to 80 °C, the SH content of myofibrillar solutions in M0, M2 and M5 decreased by 26%, 60% and 70%, respectively. Sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins from frozen carp were more susceptible to aggregate during heating treatment.
The Spatial Distribution of Atrial Fibrillation Termination Sites in the Right Atrium During Complex Fractionated Atrial Electrograms‐Guided Ablation in Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: CHEN YUNG‐LUNG , BAN JI‐EUN , PARK YAE‐MIN , CHOI JONG‐IL , PARK SANG‐WEON , KIM YOUNG‐HOON 
Published: May 2013

AF Termination Sites During RA CFAE AblationBackgroundThe role of right atrial (RA) ablation guided by complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) in atrial fibrillation (AF) has been debated. This study evaluated the spatial distribution of RA CFAE, the critical sites, and the predictors of successful termination of longstanding persistent AF during RA ablation.MethodsA total of 97 patients with persistent AF who received automated detection of CFAE mapping and ablation at the RA for sustained AF after pulmonary vein isolation and left atrial (LA) CFAE‐guided ablation were analyzed. The AF termination patterns and CFAE areas were analyzed.ResultsForty‐eight (49%) patients successfully converted to atrial tachycardia (AT) or sinus rhythm (SR) during CFAE‐guided ablation at the RA. Of these, 7 (15%) patients converted directly to SR, and 41 (85%) converted via AT. The crista terminalis (CT) was the most common site for AT conversion during RA CFAE ablation, followed by the RA appendage and RA septum. Patients with larger RA volumes (>145 mm3) had lower rates of SR or AT conversion during RA CFAE ablation. Patients with AF termination during RA CFAE ablation had less late recurrence than those without AF termination (P = 0.003).ConclusionA half of patients with persistent AF refractory to LA ablation successfully converted to AT or SR during automated CFAE‐guided ablation at the RA. The most common critical sites for AF termination were the CT and RA appendage and septum. Patients with AF termination during procedure whether LA CFAE only or after RA CFAE ablation had better outcome with less late recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia compared to those without AF termination.
Super‐resolution fluorescence imaging of directly labelled DNA: from microscopy standards to living cells
Authors: FLORS C. 
Published: May 2013

SummarySuper‐resolution fluorescence microscopy is ideally suited to study the complex organization of cell DNA in the 10–100 nm range. Novel methods to image directly labelled DNA, instead of DNA‐associated proteins, are being developed and refined. This minireview provides an update of recent progress in super‐resolution fluorescence imaging methods for DNA. These developments should allow a deeper understanding of chromatin structure and widen the scope of biological processes that may be investigated with super‐resolution fluorescence microscopy.
Unique Factors Rural Veterans’ Affairs Hospitals Face When Implementing Health Care‐Associated Infection Prevention Initiatives
Authors: Harrod Molly , Manojlovich Milisa , Kowalski Christine P. , Saint Sanjay , Krein Sarah L. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPurposeHealth care‐associated infection (HAI) is costly to hospitals and potentially life‐threatening to patients. Numerous infection prevention programs have been implemented in hospitals across the United States. Yet, little is known about infection prevention practices and implementation in rural hospitals. The purpose of this study was to understand the infection prevention practices used by rural Veterans’ Affairs (VA) hospitals and the unique factors they face in implementing these practices.MethodsThis study used a sequential, mixed methods approach. Survey data to identify the HAI prevention practices used by rural VA hospitals were collected, analyzed, and used to inform the development of a semistructured interview guide. Phone interviews were conducted followed by site visits to rural VA hospitals.FindingsWe found that most rural VA hospitals were using key recommended infection prevention practices. Nonetheless, a number of challenges with practice implementation were identified. The 3 most prominent themes were: (1) lack of human capital including staff with HAI expertise; (2) having to cultivate needed resources; and (3) operating as a system within a system.ConclusionsRural VA hospitals are providing key infection prevention services to ensure a safe environment for the veterans they serve. However, certain factors, such as staff expertise, limited resources, and local context impacted how and when these practices were used. The creative use of more accessible alternative resources as well as greater flexibility in implementing HAI‐related initiatives may be important strategies to further improve delivery of these important services by rural VA hospitals.
The Association of Intimate Partner Violence and Depressive Symptoms in a Cohort of Rural Couples
Authors: Renner Lynette M. , Habib Leah , Stromquist Ann M. , Peek‐Asa Corinne 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of physical and emotional intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and victimization among adult, cohabitating couples. The association between IPV and depressive symptoms, as well as the severity of depressive symptoms, was reported for both males and females.MethodsIn a rural cohort study, 548 couples completed survey items concerning physical and emotional IPV, and mental health.FindingsMales and females who perpetrated physical IPV were 17.7 and 11.5 times more likely, respectively, to also be victims of physical IPV. Male and female perpetrators of emotional IPV were 18.7 and 5.2 times as likely, respectively, to also be victims of emotional IPV. Males and females with IPV histories were 3.0 and 2.4 times more likely, respectively, to have depressive symptoms (P < .001) than those without abuse histories. Females reported higher scores than males on the depressive symptoms index.ConclusionsThis study suggests that many couples in rural areas use physical and emotional violence against each other in their relationships, and that both males and females who report a history of IPV are more likely to report depressive symptoms. These findings support IPV screening for physical and emotional violence among all patients and providing follow‐up intervention programs in health care settings.