bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of urinary cations in the aetiology of bladder symptoms and interstitial cystitis
Authors: Parsons C. Lowell , Shaw Timothy , Berecz Zoltan , Su Yongxuan , Zupkas Paul , Argade Sulabha 
Published: December 2013

ObjectivesTo identify and characterise urinary cationic metabolites, defined as toxic factors, in patients with interstitial cystitis (IC) and in control subjects. To evaluate the cytotoxicity of the urinary cationic metabolite fraction of patients with IC vs control subjects and of individual metabolites in cultured urothelial cells.Subjects and MethodsCationic fractions (CFs) were isolated from the urine specimens of 62 patients with IC and 33 control subjects by solid‐phase extraction. CF metabolites were profiled using C18 reverse‐phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) with UV detection, quantified by area‐under‐the‐peaks using known standards, and normalized to creatinine. RP‐HPLC and liquid chromatography (LC)‐mass spectrometry (MS)/tandem MS (MS/MS) were used to identify major CF peaks. HTB‐4 urothelial cells were used to determine the cytotoxicity of CFs and of individual metabolites with and without Tamm–Horsfall protein (THP).ResultsRP‐HPLC analysis showed that metabolite quantity was twofold higher in patients with IC compared with control subjects. The mean (sem) for control subjects vs patients was 3.1 (0.2) vs 6.3 (0.5) mAU*min/μg creatinine (P < 0.001). LC‐MS identified 20 metabolites. Patients with IC had higher levels of modified nucleosides, amino acids and tryptophan derivatives compared with control subjects. The CF cytotoxicity was higher for patients with IC compared with control subjects. The mean (sem) for control subjects vs patients was −2.3 (2.0)% vs 36.7 (2.7)% (P < 0.001). A total of 17 individual metabolites were tested for their cytotoxicity. Cytotoxicity data for major metabolites were all significant (P < 0.001): 1‐methyladenosine (51%), 5‐methylcytidine (36%), 1‐methyl guanine (31%), N4‐acetylcytidine (24%), N7‐methylguanosine (20%) and L‐Tryptophan (16%). These metabolites were responsible for higher toxicity in patients with IC. The toxicity of all metabolites was significantly lower in the presence of control THP (P < 0.001).ConclusionsMajor urinary cationic metabolites were characterised and found to be present in higher amounts in patients with IC compared with control subjects. The cytotoxicity of cationic metabolites in patients with IC was significantly higher than in control subjects, and control THP effectively lowered the cytotoxicity of these metabolites. These data provide new insights into toxic factor composition as well as a framework in which to develop new therapeutic strategies to sequester their harmful activity, which may help relieve the bladder symptoms associated with IC.
Active surveillance for renal angiomyolipoma: outcomes and factors predictive of delayed intervention
Authors: Ouzaid Idir , Autorino Riccardo , Fatica Richard , Herts Brian R. , McLennan Gordon , Remer Erick M. , Haber Georges‐Pascal 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveTo present the outcomes of active surveillance (AS) for renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs) and to assess the clinical features predicting delayed intervention of this treatment option.Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of patients diagnosed with AMLs on computed tomography (CT) who were managed with AS at our institution. The AS protocol consisted of 6‐ and 12‐month, then annual follow‐up visits, each one including a physical examination and CT imaging. Discontinuation of AS was defined as the need or decision for an active procedure during the follow‐up period. Causes of delayed intervention, as well as the type of active treatment (AT), were recorded. Clinical features at presentation of patients failing AS were compared with those who remained under AS at the time of the last follow‐up. Predictive factors of delayed intervention were analysed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression models.ResultsOverall, 130 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 102 (78.5%) were incidentally diagnosed, while 15 (11.5%) and 13 patients (10%) presented with flank pain and haematuria, respectively. After a mean (sd) follow‐up of 49 (40) months, 17 patients (13%) discontinued AS and underwent AT. Patients who underwent delayed intervention were more likely to present with a higher body mass index, larger tumours and symptomatic disease. Angioembolization represented the first‐line AT after AS (64.7%), whereas partial nephrectomy was adopted in 29.4% of patients. On the univariate analysis, risk factors for delayed intervention included tumour size ≥4 cm, symptoms at diagnosis, and history of concomitant or contralateral kidney disease. On the multivariate analysis, only tumour size and symptoms remained independently associated with discontinuation of AS.ConclusionsTumour size and symptoms at initial presentation were highly predictive of discontinuation of AS in the management of AMLs. Selective angioembolization was the first‐line option used for AT after AS was discontinued.
Planning Across Freshwater and Terrestrial Realms: Cobenefits and Tradeoffs Between Conservation Actions
Authors: Adams Vanessa M. , Álvarez‐Romero Jorge G. , Carwardine Josie , Cattarino Lorenzo , Hermoso Virgilio , Kennard Mark J. , Linke Simon , Pressey Robert L. , Stoeckl Natalie 
Published: December 2013

AbstractConservation planning has historically been restricted to planning within single realms (i.e., marine, terrestrial, or freshwater). Recently progress has been made in approaches for cross‐realm planning which may enhance the ability to effectively manage processes that sustain biodiversity and ecosystem functions (e.g., connectivity) and thus minimize threats more efficiently. Current advances, however, have not optimally accounted for the fact that individual conservation management actions often have impacts across realms. We advance the existing cross‐realm planning literature by presenting a conceptual framework for considering both co‐benefits and tradeoffs between multiple realms (specifically freshwater and terrestrial). This conceptual framework is founded on a review of 1) the shared threats and management actions across realms and 2) existing literature on cross‐realm planning to highlight recent research achievements and gaps. We identify current challenges and opportunities associated with the application of our framework and consider the more general prospects for cross‐realm planning.
Socio‐spatial patterning of off‐sale and on‐sale alcohol outlets in aTexas city
Authors: Han Daikwon , Gorman Dennis M. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIntroduction and AimsTo examine the socio‐spatial patterning of off‐sale and on‐sale alcohol outlets following a policy change that ended prohibition of off‐sale outlets inLubbock,Texas.Design and MethodsThe spatial patterning of alcohol outlets by licensing type was examined using the k‐function difference (Dstatistic) to compare the relative degree of spatial aggregation of the two types of alcohol outlets and by the spatial scan statistic to identify statistically significant geographic clusters of outlets. The sociodemographic characteristics of the areas containing clusters of outlets were compared with the rest of the city. In addition, the socioeconomic characteristics of census block groups with and without existing on‐sale outlets were compared, as were the socioeconomic characteristics of census block groups with and without the newly issued off‐sale licenses.ResultsThe existing on‐sale premises inLubbock and the newly established off‐sale premises introduced as a result of the 2009 policy change displayed different spatial patterns, with the latter being more spatially dispersed. A large cluster of on‐sale outlets identified in the north‐east of the city was located in a socially and economically disadvantaged area of the city.Discussion and ConclusionThe findings support the view that it is important to understand the local context of deprivation within a city when examining the location of alcohol outlets and add to the existing research by drawing attention to the importance of geographic scale in assessing such relationships.[Han D, Gorman DM. Socio-spatial patterning of off-sale and on-sale alcohol outlets in a Texas City.Drug Alcohol Rev2014;33:152–160]
Ash as a phosphorus fertilizer to reed canary grass: effects of nutrient and heavy metal composition on plant and soil
Authors: Lindvall Eva , Gustavsson Anne‐Maj , Samuelsson Robert , Magnusson Tord , Palmborg Cecilia 
Published: December 2013

AbstractFertilization effects and risks of heavy metal enrichment were studied in a field experiment, in which plots of reed canary grass (RCG) were treated annually with three different fertilizers: Ash from co‐combustion of RCG and municipal wastes (mixed ash), pure RCG ash, and commercial fertilizer (control). RCG ash is a waste product that is currently expensive to dispose of. The amounts of nutrients applied annually were 100 kg ha−1 N, 15 kg ha−1 P, and 80 kg ha−1 K in all treatments. In the ash treatments, all P derived from ash, whereas N and part of the K were supplemented by fertilizers. The amount of heavy metals exceeded the limits set by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency for all elements analyzed in the mixed ash and for Ni and Cr in the RCG ash. There were no significant differences between treatments in terms of RCG dry matter yield obtained at harvest in spring, or in heavy metal concentrations in the biomass.Soil samples from 0–5 cm, 5–10 cm, and 10–20 cm below the surface showed significant differences between treatments for the concentration of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn, with higher concentrations in plots fertilized with mixed ash than in the control. Neither spring yield nor soil available P was reduced by using ash instead of mineral P fertilizer, suggesting that pure RCG ash can be used to complement commercial fertilizer, albeit less frequently than here. However, ash derived from co‐combusting RCG with different waste materials (mixed ash treatment) should not be used in RCG production due to the high heavy metal content.
Prevalence of periradicular periodontitis in a Scottish subpopulation found on CBCT images
Authors: Dutta A. , Smith‐Jack F. , Saunders W. P. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimTo investigate the prevalence of periradicular periodontitis (PRP) using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans in a retrospective cross‐sectional epidemiological study in a Scottish subpopulation.MethodologyOf the 319 CBCT scans performed at Dundee Dental Hospital between November 2009 and July 2012, 245 dentate scans of patients over 18 years of age were included and 3595 teeth examined. Odds ratios were calculated, and the association between root filling and posts with PRP was determined.ResultsRadiological signs of PRP were detected in 209 teeth (5.8%) in 96 patients (male = 53, female = 43) of which 145 (69.4%) were measurable and 64 (30.6%) appeared as periapical widening. Most lesions were seen in the 46–55‐year age group and in maxillary anterior teeth (35.4%); 47.4% (n = 81) of the total root filled teeth (n = 171) had PRP. Of the root filled teeth with lesions, approximately half (50.6%) had an inadequate root filling. Teeth with crowns, but not root filled, accounted for 17.7% of PRP. Periapical changes were detected on a high proportion of teeth with post‐retained crowns (70.7%). The presence of a root filling was significantly associated with PRP (z = 17.689 P < 0.0001; odds ratio 16.36 < 23.17 < 32.83, 95% CI) and the presence of a post (z = 10.901 P < 0.0001; odds ratio 21.36 < 41.8021 < 81.78, 95% CI).ConclusionsThe prevalence of PRP in a Scottish subpopulation was 5.8%. The presence of a root filling or a post‐retained crown was significantly associated with the presence of PRP as determined by CBCT scans. The prevalence of periradicular disease in root filled teeth remains high in the Scottish population.
Relationship between local neuroimmune impairment and diabetic foot: the immunocompromised district theory
Authors: Baroni Adone , Russo Teresa , Piccolo Vincenzo 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundDiabetic foot (DF) can be defined as an infection and/or an ulceration with or without destruction of deep tissues associated with neurological abnormalities and varying degrees of peripheral vascular disease of the lower limb in patients with diabetes. Both neuropathy and vascular disease, along with the well‐known impairment of immune function in patients with diabetes, contribute to polymicrobial foot infections, which further aggravate the already severe clinical manifestations of diabetes.DiscussionThe immunocompromised district (ICD) is a novel pathogenic concept referring to a site in which there is an obstacle to the normal trafficking of immunocompetent cells through lymphatic channels, and/or interference with the signals that neuropeptides and neurotransmitters, released by peripheral nerves, send to cell membrane receptors of immunocompetent cells. These loci minoris resistentiae have the propensity to develop a secondary disease, which may occur after an extremely variable length of time.ConclusionsIn this work, we provide an overview of etiopathogenetic mechanisms of DF and propose a unifying view of this topic based on the concept of the ICD.
Health status, late effects and long‐term survivorship of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation: a retrospective study
Authors: Gifford G. , Sim J. , Horne A. , Ma D. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundSurvival after allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) has improved because of advancements in allo‐HSCT. Allo‐HSCT has been performed in Australia since the late 1970s. However, there are few published data about health problems of allo‐HSCT survivors in Australia.AimsIdentify health issues in long‐term survivors of allo‐HSCT in an Australian centre to manage better and prevent long‐term complications.MethodsThe health records of all patients of allo‐HSCT in a single centre from January 2000 to December 2007 and survived beyond 2 years were assessed.ResultsNinety‐nine of the 200 allo‐HSCT patients survived beyond 2 years, and the median time from allo‐HSCT was 74 months. Twenty‐eight per cent died at a median of 37 months after allo‐HSCT because of relapsed malignancy (12%), stroke (1%), infection (3%), chronic graft versus host disease (9%), secondary malignancy (2%) and unknown cause (1%). Ninety‐one per cent reported one or more chronic health conditions. Health issues were chronic graft versus host disease (70%); respiratory (66%), ophthalmic (40%), bone (33%), and renal (26%) problems; and malignancies (14% skin, 3% solid organ). Seventy‐nine per cent resumed vocation at full or reduced capacity 2 years after allo‐HSCT. Clinicians identified 40% with quality of life (QOL) issues, but survivors’ self‐reported QOL was comparable with the general Australian population.ConclusionThis study shows that allo‐HSCT patients are living with high burdens of chronic diseases that warrant lifelong surveillance and engagement with healthcare. Structured, multi‐disciplinary care as recommended by published guidelines for allo‐HSCT survivors may reduce long‐term effects and improve their outcomes.
Biology and pathogenesis of cytomegalovirus in periodontal disease
Authors: Contreras Adolfo , Botero Javier Enrique , Slots Jørgen 
Published: December 2013

AbstractHuman periodontitis is associated with a wide range of bacteria and viruses and with complex innate and adaptive immune responses. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Treponema denticola, cytomegalovirus and other herpesviruses are major suspected pathogens of periodontitis, and a combined herpesvirus–bacterial periodontal infection can potentially explain major clinical features of the disease. Cytomegalovirus infects periodontal macrophages and T‐cells and elicits a release of interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α. These proinflammatory cytokines play an important role in the host defense against the virus, but they also have the potential to induce alveolar bone resorption and loss of periodontal ligament. Gingival fibroblasts infected with cytomegalovirus also exhibit diminished collagen production and release of an increased level of matrix metalloproteinases. This article reviews innate and adaptive immunity to cytomegalovirus and suggests that immune responses towards cytomegalovirus can play roles in controlling, as well as in exacerbating, destructive periodontal disease.
Composition and development of oral bacterial communities
Authors: Palmer Jr Robert J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe oral bacterial microbiome encompasses approximately 700 commonly occurring phylotypes, approximately half of which can be present at any time in any individual. These bacteria are largely indigenous to the oral cavity; this limited habitat range suggests that interactions between the various phylotypes, and between the phylotypes and their environment, are crucial for their existence. Molecular cataloging has confirmed many basic observations on the composition of the oral microbiome that were formulated well before ribosomal RNA‐based systematics, but the power and the scope of molecular taxonomy have resulted in the discovery of new phylotypes and, more importantly, have made possible a level of bacterial community analysis that was unachievable with classical methods. Bacterial community structure varies with location within the mouth, and changes in community structure are related to disease initiation and disease progression. Factors that influence the formation and the evolution of communities include selective adherence to epithelial or tooth surfaces, specific cell‐to‐cell binding as a driver of early community composition, and interorganismal interaction leading to alteration of the local environment, which represents the first step on the road to oral disease. A comprehensive understanding of how these factors interact to drive changes in the composition of the oral microbial community can lead to new strategies for the inhibition of periodontal diseases and dental caries.
Pulsed Electrical Stimulation and Surface Charge Induced Cell Growth on Multistage Spark Plasma Sintered Hydroxyapatite‐Barium Titanate Piezobiocomposite
Authors: Dubey Ashutosh K. , Basu Bikramjit 
Published: December 2013

The primary purpose of the present work was to illustrate whether cell proliferation can be enhanced on electroactive bioceramic composite, when the cells are cultured in the presence of external electrical stimulation. The two different aspects of the influence of electric field (E‐field) application toward stimulating the growth/proliferation of bone/connective tissue cells in vitro, (a) intermittent delivery of extremely low strength pulsed electrical stimulation (0.5–4 V/cm, 400 μs DC pulse) and (b) surface charge generated by electrical poling (10 kV/cm) of hydroxyapatite (HA)‐BaTiO3 piezobiocomposite have been demonstrated. The experimental results establish that the cell growth can be enhanced using the new culture protocol of the intermittent delivery of electrical pulses within a narrow range of stimulation parameters. The optimal E‐field strength for enhanced cellular response for mouse fibroblast L929 and osteogenic cells is in the range of 0.5–1 V/cm. The MTT [3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay results suggested the increased viability of E‐field treated cells over 7 d in culture, implicating the positive impact of electrical pulses on proliferation behavior. The alizarin red assay results showed noticeable increase in Ca‐deposition on the E‐field treated samples in comparison to their untreated counterparts. The negatively charged surfaces of developed piezocomposite stimulated the cell growth in a statistically noticeable manner as compared with the uncharged or positively charged surfaces of similar composition.
Self‐regulatory deficits associated with unpracticed mindfulness strategies for coping with acute pain
Authors: Evans Daniel R. , Eisenlohr‐Moul Tory A. , Button Daniel F. , Baer Ruth A. , Segerstrom Suzanne C. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractTraining in mindfulness is a well‐supported therapeutic strategy for pain conditions, though short‐term mindfulness training for acute pain is not always effective. To explore the possibility that initial attempts at mindfulness in people without previous training may drain self‐regulatory resources, the current study used a student sample (N = 63) to test the hypothesis that brief instruction in mindfulness would lead to reduced pain tolerance on a cold pressor task, compared to more familiar strategies for coping with acute pain. We also investigated whether high heart rate variability (HRV), a physiological indicator of self‐regulatory capacity, would predict pain tolerance. Higher HRV predicted greater pain tolerance only in the control group, suggesting that applying unfamiliar mindfulness strategies while attempting to tolerate pain more rapidly sapped self‐regulatory strength.
True ectopic ovary in the right iliac fossa mimicking acute appendicitis and associated with ipsilateral renal agenesis
Authors: Kollia Paraskevi , Kounoudes Christos , Veloudis George , Giannakou Nikoletta , Gourgiotis Stavros 
Published: December 2013

AbstractEctopic ovarian tissue is a rare gynecologic condition. The presence of ectopic ovary may be accompanied by maldevelopments of the genital and urinary tract. We report an extremely rare case of a 39‐year‐old woman presenting with abdominal pain localized in the right lower quadrant. During the preoperative investigation and the exploratory laparotomy, an ectopic ovary in contact with the appendix accompanied by a single left kidney was found. The present report also includes a review of the related published work. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the very few cases reported describing the co‐occurrence of true ovarian ectopia and ipsilateral renal agenesis.
Surf, sand, scrapes and stings: First aid incidents involving children at New Zealand beaches, 2007–2012
Authors: Moran Kevin , Webber Jonathon 
Published: December 2013

AimsIn spite of the popularity of beaches for family recreation, little is known about childhood injuries sustained at beaches. It is the purpose of this study to analyse data from incidents necessitating first aid treatment from reports compiled by surf lifeguards on New Zealand beaches.MethodA retrospective analysis of first aid incidents involving children (<16 years) was conducted using data obtained from Surf Life Saving New Zealand incident report forms during five summer seasons from 2007 to 2012. In addition to demographic data, the incident reports included such detail as the type of injury, the activity and location prior to injury, the injury outcome, and the first aid equipment used.ResultsChildren (n = 4407) accounted for one‐half (52%) of all injuries; of these, 55% were male, and incidence peaked in the 11‐ to 15‐year age group (24%). Most incidents (90%) required minor treatment, with lacerations (44%) the most common injury. Marine stings accounted for one‐quarter (24%) of injuries and were most frequent among younger children (<10 years). Injuries to the extremities were frequently noted in the incident reports, the feet (33%) and hands (8%) being common sites.ConclusionsAlthough most (90%) injury incidents were minor in nature, their frequency (880 cases per season) suggests that greater emphasis on prevention rather than cure would be efficacious. Ways of promoting child beach safety via greater care giver awareness, the use of protective clothing and footwear, and child safety promotion via health professionals and safety organisations are discussed.