bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A hyperactive postprandial response in the neorectum − the clue to low anterior resection syndrome after total mesorectal excision surgery?
Authors: Emmertsen K. J. , Bregendahl S. , Fassov J. , Krogh K. , Laurberg S. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimTo investigate neorectal properties regarding biomechanical, sensory and postprandial response in patients after total mesorectal excision without neoadjuvant radiotherapy in groups of no low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) patients and major LARS patients.MethodPatients without LARS (n = 9) and patients with major LARS (n = 23) were investigated by multimodal rectal stimulation and standard anorectal physiological tests, and results were compared.ResultsPatients with major LARS had an increased postprandial response with a significant increase in pressure in the neorectum after a meal compared with patients without LARS (P = 0.017). No biomechanical differences could be detected.ConclusionLow anterior resection syndrome seems to be caused by physiological changes due to neural damage more than structural changes in the ano‐neorectum.
Need for objective and reproducible criteria in histopathological assessment of total mesorectal excision specimens: lessons from a national improvement project
Authors: Demetter P. , Vandendael T. , Sempoux C. , Ectors N. , Cuvelier C. A. , Nagy N. , Hoorens A. , Jouret‐Mourin A. ,   PROCARE
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimData on quality control of the pathologic evaluation of total mesorectal excision (TME) specimens are scarce. We aimed to assess differences between evaluation by local pathologists participating in PROject on CAncer of the REctum (PROCARE; a Belgian improvement project on rectal cancer) and by a review panel of experts.MethodBased on photographic material and histopathology slides, a Review Committee of gastrointestinal expert pathologists re‐evaluated the mesorectal plane, the tumour differentiation grade, the (y)pT stage and the tumour regression grade in 444 patients previously routinely assessed by local pathologists.ResultsThe surgical plane was reported in 89% of patients and the circumferential resection margin in 88% of patients by the local pathologist. The median number of lymph nodes harvested in patients undergoing neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy was 11 and 14 in the other patients. The Review Committee downgraded the surgical plane from (intra)mesorectal to intramuscular in 17% of patients, and upgraded it from intramuscular to (intra)mesorectal in 27%. Tumour differentiation grade, T stage and tumour regression grade differed between local pathologists and the Review Committee in 15%, 10% and 38%, respectively, of patients. T stage was upgraded, mainly from T2 to T3, in 8% of patients. Tumour regression was judged by the Review Committee to be less advanced in 15% of patients.ConclusionAcknowledging some shortcomings, this study gives a realistic view of clinical practice. There are differences in interpretation with regard to both macroscopic and microscopic analysis of TME specimens. These findings indicate a need for more objective and reproducible criteria in histopathology. Being aware of this is a first step for improvement.
Seven‐year experience of enterocutaneous fistula with univariate and multivariate analysis of factors associated with healing: development of a validated scoring system
Authors: Rahbour G. , Gabe S. M. , Ullah M. R. , Thomas G. P. , Al‐Hassi H. O. , Yassin N. A. , Tozer P. J. , Warusavitarne J. , Vaizey C. J. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimThe management of enterocutaneous fistulae (ECF) is complex and challenging. We examined factors associated with fistula healing at a National Intestinal Failure Centre and devised the first scoring system to predict spontaneous fistula healing prior to surgery.MethodA retrospective audit of 177 patients (mean age 48.7 years) treated over 7 years was undertaken. Results were compared with a previously reported series from this unit. Univariate and multivariate analyses wete performed on variables to assess relationship with ECF healing. A scoring system was devised and validated on a prospective cohort.ResultsOne‐hundred and fifty patients underwent surgery between January 2003 and December 2009. The overall healing rate following surgery in the current series was 94.6% (82% in the previous series). Mean delay from previous surgery to the current operation was 1 year (compared with 8 months previously). Thirty‐day postfistula resection mortality was 0% (compared with 3.5% previously). Twenty‐seven patients underwent medical management alone with overall healing rate of 46.4% (vs 19.9%). Multivariate analysis revealed that comorbidity (P = 0.02), source of referral (P = 0.01) and aetiology (P = 0.006) had associations with healing. Almost all patients with scores of 0 and 1 healed, whereas the highest scores healed least frequently.ConclusionSurgical management of ECF is safe and improving. Fistula healing is affected by aetiology, comorbidity and source of referral. The scoring system has the potential to predict ECF healing and can be a useful clinical decision‐making tool.
Compact Representations of Extended Causal Models
Authors: Halpern Joseph Y. , Hitchcock Christopher 
Published: July 2013

AbstractJudea Pearl (2000) was the first to propose a definition of actual causation using causal models. A number of authors have suggested that an adequate account of actual causation must appeal not only to causal structure but also to considerations of normality. In Halpern and Hitchcock (2011), we offer a definition of actual causation using extended causal models, which include information about both causal structure and normality. Extended causal models are potentially very complex. In this study, we show how it is possible to achieve a compact representation of extended causal models.
Flow cytometry significantly improves the diagnostic value of fine needle aspiration cytology of lymphoproliferative lesions of salivary glands
Authors: Stacchini A. , Aliberti S. , Pacchioni D. , Demurtas A. , Isolato G. , Gazzera C. , Veltri A. , Maletta F. , Molinaro L. , Novero D. 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveLymphoid proliferations of the salivary glands can be either reactive or malignant. Diagnosis based solely on fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology may be troublesome in view of the difficulty in distinguishing low‐grade B‐cell and mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas from reactive lymphoid proliferations. We report our experience with FNA cytology combined with flow cytometry (FC) immunophenotyping for the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative processes affecting the salivary glands.MethodsSixty‐one FNA specimens, obtained from salivary glands over a 10‐year period, were analysed by cytology and FC. The results were correlated with histological follow‐up if available.ResultsA diagnosis of lymphoma was given in 37 of 61 (61%) specimens; 22 of 61 (36%) specimens were considered as benign/reactive or non‐lymphomatous processes; two of 61 (3%) specimens were considered as suspicious for lymphoma on cytological analysis and negative on FC. Histological control was available in 23 malignant, four non‐lymphomatous and one cytologically suspicious case. Data obtained by the combination of cytology and FC were confirmed in all but one case: the case suspicious on cytology received a histological diagnosis of carcinoma. Four of seven cases with small populations of clonal cells (less than 15%) were histologically confirmed as lymphoma, whereas two remain under surveillance and one was reactive. Correlation with histological data showed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 83% for the combination of cytology and FC.ConclusionsFC is fundamental for the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative lesions of the salivary glands. It may solve cytologically suspicious cases and detect the presence of neoplastic B or T cells. This combined approach reduces the time to therapy and may prevent unnecessary surgical biopsies.
Overwintering behavior of the entomopathogenic nematodes Steinernema scarabaei and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and their white grub hosts
Authors: Elmowitz Daniel E. , Ebssa Lemma , Koppenhöfer Albrecht M. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractEntomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are obligate pathogens known to naturally persist in many habitats. Because survival is a fundamental component of persistence, we investigated whether vertical movement and other avoidance behaviors (i.e., in‐host survival and latent infection), previously speculated as viable survival mechanisms, are exhibited during the cooler months in a temperate turfgrass habitat. The vertical distribution of populations of two EPN species, Steinernema scarabaei Stock & Koppenhöfer (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae), and two important hosts of these EPN species, the white grub species Popillia japonica Newman and Anomala orientalis Waterhouse (both Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), were regularly monitored in turf plots from October through April in two consecutive years. Entomopathogenic nematode vertical distribution showed limited changes for H. bacteriophora but none for S. scarabaei. Recovery of H. bacteriophora showed a strong and consistent decline at 0–4 cm depth in the 1st year and a weaker decline at 4–10 cm in the 1st year and at 0–4 cm in the 2nd year. Due to high variability in the data, it was not possible to determine whether the decline in the upper soil layers was due to downward migration or attrition of infective juvenile nematodes. The decline occurred mostly during the first half of the season before the soil froze to any significant extent. The vertical distribution of both white grub species changed with temperature during fall and spring, but not during winter. Overwintering infective juveniles were only recovered in the soil. There was no evidence for successful in‐host survival or latent infection by the nematodes in endemic white grub populations.
‘Pathognomonic’ muscle imaging findings in DNAJB6 mutated LGMD1D
Authors: Sandell S. M. , Mahjneh I. , Palmio J. , Tasca G. , Ricci E. , Udd B. A. 
Published: July 2013

Background and purposeWe have previously reported clinical, genetic and molecular pathomechanistic findings in DNAJB6 mutated LGMD1D. After publishing clinical findings of the original Finnish family we identified more Finnish, Italian and US families with the same disease, ultimately confirmed by mutations in the same gene.MethodsOf the total number of 28 examined Finnish and Italian patients 23 underwent lower limb muscle imaging.ResultsAt the early stages of the disease fatty degeneration in T1‐weighed MRI sequences were observed in the soleus, adductor magnus, semimembranosus and biceps femoris muscles followed by medial gastrocnemius, adductor longus and later by vasti muscles of the quadriceps. Rectus femoris, lateral gastrocnemius, sartorius, gracilis and the anterolateral group of the lower leg muscles were spared until late senecence. The pattern of differential involvement could be identified at different stages of the disease process.ConclusionsSince the general clinical findings do not provide clues for diagnosis this distinct pattern of muscle involvement and pathognomonic imaging findings are highly relevant in the clinical setting. The pattern of muscle involvement is so typical that it can be used as a differential diagnostic tool for LGMD1D. The final diagnosis however requires molecular genetic confirmation.
Comparison of Saliva‐Check Mutans and Saliva‐Check IgA Mutans with the Cariogram for caries risk assessment
Authors: Wennerholm Kerstin , Emilson Claes‐Göran 
Published: July 2013

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the combined use of two rapid, semiquantitative detection kits (Saliva‐Check Mutans and Saliva‐Check IgA Mutans) to assess caries risk using the Cariogram computer‐based program as a reference method. Stimulated saliva samples were collected from 71 subjects, 20–73 yr of age, and the number of Streptococcus mutans per ml of saliva was measured using Saliva‐Check Mutans. After 15 min, a red line in the test detection window indicated >5 × 105 colony‐forming units (CFU) of S. mutans per ml of saliva. The concentration of salivary IgA in relation to the number of mutans streptococci was examined using the Saliva‐Check IgA Mutans test kit. The presence or absence of a red line after 15 min indicated a high or a low concentration of IgA, respectively. By combining the results obtained from these two test systems, each patient was classified into one of four groups of low to high caries risk. Compared with the Cariogram data, the combined results of both detection kits showed that 39 (95%) of 41 subjects had a high chance of avoiding caries and 20 (67%) of 30 subjects had a low chance. The data suggest that the combination of Saliva‐Check Mutans and Saliva‐Check IgA Mutans could be used for caries risk assessment.
Exposure to antiepileptic drugs in utero and child development: A prospective population‐based study
Authors: Veiby Gyri , Daltveit Anne K. , Schjølberg Synnve , Stoltenberg Camilla , Øyen Anne‐Siri , Vollset Stein E. , Engelsen Bernt A. , Gilhus Nils E. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryPurposeAntiepileptic drugs may cause congenital malformations. Less is known about the effect on development in infancy and childhood. The aim of this study was to examine whether exposure to antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy has an effect on early child development.MethodsFrom mid‐1999 through December 2008, children of mothers recruited at 13–17 weeks of pregnancy were studied in the ongoing prospective Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Information on birth outcomes were obtained from the Medical Birth Registry (108,264 children), and mothers reported on their child's motor development, language, social skills, and autistic traits using items from standardized screening tools at 18 months (61,351 children) and 36 months (44,147 children) of age. The relative risk of adverse outcomes in children according to maternal or paternal epilepsy with and without prenatal exposure to antiepileptic drugs was estimated as odds ratios (ORs), using logistic regression with adjustment for maternal age, parity, education, smoking, depression/anxiety, folate supplementation, and child congenital malformation or low birth weight.Key FindingsA total of 333 children were exposed to antiepileptic drugs in utero. At 18 months, the exposed children had increased risk of abnormal scores for gross motor skills (7.1% vs. 2.9%; OR 2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–3.7) and autistic traits (3.5% vs. 0.9%; OR 2.7, CI 1.1–6.7) compared to children of parents without epilepsy. At 36 months, the exposed children had increased risk of abnormal score for gross motor skills (7.5% vs. 3.3%; OR 2.2, CI 1.1–4.2), sentence skills (11.2% vs. 4.8%; OR 2.1, CI 1.2–3.6), and autistic traits (6.0% vs. 1.5%; OR 3.4, CI 1.6–7.0). The drug‐exposed children also had increased risk of congenital malformations (6.1% vs. 2.9%; OR 2.1, CI 1.4–3.4), but exclusion of congenital malformations did not affect the risk of adverse development. Children born to women with epilepsy who did not use antiepileptic drugs had no increased risks. Children of fathers with epilepsy generally scored within the normal range.SignificanceExposure to antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy is associated with adverse development at 18 and 36 months of age, measured as low scores within key developmental domains rated by mothers. Exposures to valproate, lamotrigine, carbamazepine, or multiple antiepileptic drugs were associated with adverse outcome within different developmental domains.
Expression and functional relevance of UGT1A4 in a cohort of human drug‐resistant epileptic brains
Authors: Ghosh Chaitali , Hossain Mohammed , Puvenna Vikram , Martinez‐Gonzalez Jorge , Alexopolous Andreas , Janigro Damir , Marchi Nicola 
Published: July 2013

SummaryPurposeBrain drug bioavailability is regulated by the blood–brain barrier (BBB). It was recently suggested that cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes could act in concert with multidrug transporter proteins to regulate drug penetration and distribution into the diseased brain. The possibility that phase II metabolic enzymes could be expressed in the epileptic brain has been not evaluated. Phase II enzymes are involved in the metabolism of common antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).MethodsPhase II enzyme UGT1A4 brain expression was evaluated in temporal lobe resections from patients with epilepsy. UGT1A4 expression was determined by western blot and immunocytochemistry in primary cultures of human drug‐resistant brain endothelial human brain epileptic endothelial cells (EPI‐EC)s and commercially available control cells human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). Lack of DNA condensation measured by 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) was used as a surrogate marker of cell viability and was correlated to UGT1A4 expression high performance liquid chromatography ultraviolet detection (HPLC‐UV) was used to quantify lamotrigine metabolism by EPI‐EC and HBMEC. The appearance of the specific lamotrigine metabolite, 2‐n glucuronide (MET‐1), was also evaluated. Lamotrigine and MET‐1 levels were measured in selected surgical brain and matched blood samples.Key FindingsUGT1A4 expression was observed in BBB endothelial cells and neurons. Our quantification study revealed variable levels of UGT1A4 expression across the brain specimens analyzed. Neurons devoid of UGT1A4 expression displayed nuclear DAPI condensation, a sign of cellular distress. UGT1A4 overexpression in EPI‐EC, as compared to HBMEC, was reflected by a proportional increase in lamotrigine metabolism. The lamotrigine metabolite, MET‐1, was formed in vitro by EPI‐EC and, to a lesser extent, by HBMEC. HPLC‐UV measurements of brain and blood samples obtained from patients receiving lamotrigine prior to surgery revealed the presence of lamotrigine and its metabolites in the brain.SignificanceThese initial results suggest the presence of a phase II enzyme in the epileptic brain. Further studies are required to fully describe the pattern of brain UGT1A4 expression in relation to clinical variables and drug resistance.
Scaling up from greenhouse resistance to fitness in the field for a host of an emerging forest disease
Authors: Hayden Katherine J. , Garbelotto Matteo , Dodd Richard , Wright Jessica W. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractForest systems are increasingly threatened by emergent, exotic diseases, yet management strategies for forest trees may be hindered by long generation times and scant background knowledge. We tested whether nursery disease resistance and growth traits have predictive value for the conservation of Notholithocarpus densiflorus, the host most susceptible to sudden oak death. We established three experimental populations to assess nursery growth and resistance to Phytophthora ramorum, and correlations between nursery‐derived breeding values with seedling survival in a field disease trial. Estimates of nursery traits’ heritability were low to moderate, with lowest estimates for resistance traits. Within the field trial, survival likelihood was increased in larger seedlings and decreased with the development of disease symptoms. The seed‐parent family wide likelihood of survival was likewise correlated with family predictors for size and resistance to disease in 2nd year laboratory assays, though not resistance in 1st year leaf assays. We identified traits and seedling families with increased survivorship in planted tanoaks, and a framework to further identify seed parents favored for restoration. The additive genetic variation and seedling disease dynamics we describe hold promise to refine current disease models and expand the understanding of evolutionary dynamics of emergent infectious diseases in highly susceptible hosts.
Explicit consideration of topological and parameter uncertainty gives new insights into a well‐established model of glycolysis
Authors: Achcar Fiona ,  Barrett Michael P. , Breitling Rainer 
Published: July 2013

Previous models of glycolysis in the sleeping sickness parasite Trypanosoma brucei assumed that the core part of glycolysis in this unicellular parasite is tightly compartimentalized within an organelle, the glycosome, which had previously been shown to contain most of the glycolytic enzymes. The glycosomes were assumed to be largely impermeable, and exchange of metabolites between the cytosol and the glycosome was assumed to be regulated by specific transporters in the glycosomal membrane. This tight compartmentalization was considered to be essential for parasite viability. Recently, size‐specific metabolite pores were discovered in the membrane of glycosomes. These channels are proposed to allow smaller metabolites to diffuse across the membrane but not larger ones. In light of this new finding, we re‐analyzed the model taking into account uncertainty about the topology of the metabolic system in T. brucei, as well as uncertainty about the values of all parameters of individual enzymatic reactions. Our analysis shows that these newly‐discovered nonspecific pores are not necessarily incompatible with our current knowledge of the glycosomal metabolic system, provided that the known cytosolic activities of the glycosomal enzymes play an important role in the regulation of glycolytic fluxes and the concentration of metabolic intermediates of the pathway.DatabaseThe mathematical models described here have been submitted to the JWS Online Cellular Systems Modelling Database and can be accessed at http://jjj.mib.ac.uk/database/achcar/index.html.[Database section added 24 June 2014 after original online publication]
Relative influence of static and dynamic features on black‐footed albatross (Phoebastria nigripes) habitat use in central California Sanctuaries
Authors: Michael P. E. , Jahncke J. , Hyrenbach K. D. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractEffective conservation of highly mobile species requires an understanding of the factors that influence their habitat use patterns, locally and within a large‐scale oceanographic context. We characterized the seasonal (chick‐rearing, post‐breeding) and inter‐annual (2004–2008) distribution and abundance of black‐footed albatross (Phoebastria nigripes; BFAL) along the central California continental shelf/slope using standardized vessel‐based surveys. We used a hypothesis‐based information‐theoretic approach to quantify the relative influence of environmental conditions on BFAL occurrence and abundance by assessing their association with: (i) local static bathymetric features, (ii) local and regional dynamic oceanographic processes, and (iii) seasonal and inter‐annual basin‐wide variability. While the presence/absence models yielded stronger results than the abundance models, both revealed that static and dynamic features influence BFAL habitat use. Specifically, occurrence was greatest near the shelf‐break, particularly in months with strong upwelling. High BFAL densities were associated with Rittenburg Bank, especially during the chick‐rearing season, periods of positive North Pacific Gyre Oscillation index and large northern monthly upwelling, evidenced by cool, salty waters in the study area. BFAL aggregation intensity was greatest onshore of the shelf‐break (200 m isobath). Behavioral observations reinforced the notion that transiting BFAL are widely dispersed near the shelf‐break and concentrate in large flocks of birds sitting on the water farther onshore. These results underscore the need to consider oceanographic processes at multiple spatial scales when interpreting changes in BFAL dispersion within marine sanctuaries, and highlight the feasibility of implementing bathymetrically defined protected areas targeting predictable BFAL aggregations within these larger management jurisdictions.