bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How does robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) compare with open surgery in men with high‐risk prostate cancer?
Authors: Punnen Sanoj , Meng Maxwell V. , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Greene Kirsten L. , Cowan Janet E. , Carroll Peter R. 
Published: March 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
Previous studies have shown that robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) can be performed in men with high‐risk prostate cancer with similar outcomes to that of open surgery. However, most of the literature consists of small case series and compares RARP outcomes to open outcomes from the literature.
This study compared a cohort of high‐risk patients undergoing open RP and RARP at a single institution with good follow up. We found no difference in positive margin rates or likelihood of prostate cancer recurrence. This adds to the growing evidence that RARP is a safe option for men with high‐risk disease.
Objective
To compare oncological outcomes in high‐risk patients who underwent open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) and robot‐assisted RP (RARP) at a single institution. Despite equivalent oncological outcomes between open RRP and RARP, the use of RARP in men with high‐risk tumours has been debated.
Patients and Methods
A retrospective analysis of high‐risk patients treated with open RRP or RARP at UCSF from 2002 to 2011 was conducted.
The relationship between surgical approach and positive margin rate was assessed by multivariate logistic regression
Cox proportional hazards regression assessed the effect of surgical approach on time to tumour recurrence.
Results
In all, 177 open RRP and 233 RARP patients made up the final cohort for analyses. The mean (SD) age was 61.6 (6.6) years and the median (range) follow‐up was 27 (2–112) months.
RARP patients had less blood loss (median 200 vs 400 mL, P < 0.01) and underwent complete bilateral nerve sparing more often (54% vs 34%, P < 0.01) than those undergoing open RRP.
There were no differences by approach in pathological grade, stage, or positive margin rates. However, there was a trend towards higher positive margin rates with RARP early on.
Recurrence‐free survival was similar at 2 years (84% and 79%) and 4 years (68% and 66%) after open RRP and RARP, respectively (log‐rank P = 0.53).
Conclusions
This study is novel in that it assesses outcomes of open RRP vs RARP in a cohort of high‐risk men at a single institution.
RARP appears to be a feasible option for men with high‐risk prostate cancer and displayed equivalent oncological outcomes compared with open RRP.
De novo erectile dysfunction after anterior urethroplasty: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Blaschko Sarah D. , Sanford Melissa T. , Cinman Nadya M. , McAninch Jack W. , Breyer Benjamin N. 
Published: March 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
Erectile dysfunction has been associated with urethroplasty operations, but the incidence of erectile dysfunction after anterior urethroplasty operations is largely unknown.
A 1% incidence of de novo erectile dysfunction after anterior urethropathy was found with systematic review and meta analysis of 36 studies with 2323 patients. In most cases the erectile dysfunction was transient and resolved within six to twelve months.
Objective
To evaluate the likelihood of developing de novo erectile dysfunction (ED) after anterior urethroplasty and to determine if this likelihood is influenced by age, stricture length, number of previous procedures or timing of evaluation.
Materials and Methods
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases were searched for the terms ‘urethroplasty’, ‘urethral obstruction’, ‘urethral stricture’, ‘sexual function’, ‘erection’, ‘erectile function’, ‘erectile dysfunction’, ‘impotence’ and ‘sexual dysfunction’.
Two reviewers evaluated articles for inclusion based on predetermined criteria.
Results
In a meta‐analysis of 36 studies with a total of 2323 patients, de novo ED was rare, with an incidence of 1%.
In studies that assessed postoperative erectile function at more than one time point, ED was transient and resolved at between 6 and 12 months in 86% of cases.
Conclusions
Men should be counselled regarding the possibility of transient or permanent de novo ED after anterior urethroplasty procedures.
Increasing mean age was associated with an increased likelihood of de novo ED, but this was not statistically significant.
Heavy and Light/Moderate Smoking Among Building Trades Construction Workers
Authors: Chin Dal Lae , Hong OiSaeng , Gillen Marion , Bates Michael N. , Okechukwu Cassandra A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to identify the correlates of heavy smoking (defined as more than one pack of cigarettes per day) in building trades construction workers.Design and SampleThis study used cross‐sectional data from the MassBUILT smoking cessation intervention study at Massachusetts building trades unions with the sample of 763 smokers.MeasuresData collected included information about smoking behavior, individual, psychological, interpersonal, and occupational factors obtained through self‐reported questionnaires.ResultsApproximately 21% of smokers were heavy smokers. Significant factors related to heavy smoking were: older age (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.06–1.14), male gender (OR = 4.55; 95% CI: 1.62–12.79), smoking the first cigarette of the day within 30 min of waking (OR = 4.62; 95% CI: 2.81–7.59), smoking initiation at earlier age (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.87–1.00), higher temptation to smoke (OR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.17–2.05), household smoking (OR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.18–3.06) or living alone (OR = 4.11; 95% CI: 1.70–9.92), and exposure to chemicals at work (OR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.06–2.53).ConclusionAddressing the influence of these factors on heavy smoking could lead to the development of targeted, multiple components in comprehensive cessation strategies for blue‐collar smokers.
Female Fertility: A Conceptual and Dimensional Analysis
Authors: Rodriguez Dana 
Published: March 2013

IntroductionFemale fertility is commonly described as the biological nature of women, yet different meanings emerge when one takes a holistic approach to fertility while considering varying contexts and perspectives. An improved understanding of female fertility will enhance health care professionals’ understanding of female fertility and improve communication with women and other health care professionals. This article presents a conceptual and dimensional analysis of female fertility.MethodsA search of the literature included the databases CINAHL, PsycINFO, Philosopher's Index, and Web of Science. Concept and dimensional analyses were performed using the Rogers' methodology and the Caron and Bowers' framework to define female fertility and explore the concept. Articles were examined to identify definitions, dimensions, perspectives, antecedents, and consequences of female fertility.ResultsBiological self, psychosexual self, power, and paradox are the attributes of female fertility. The contexts of menarche, menstruation, menopause, infertility, fertility goals, society and culture, and health care were explored. Perspectives included those of women across many different fertility stages as well as perspectives of various clinicians. Necessary antecedents were sexual decision making and influences of culture and society. Consequences were realized fertility, stress, and an understanding of self. A definition of fertility was proposed: Female fertility is a paradoxical phenomenon of power between the biological and psychosexual self.DiscussionAntecedents, attributes, and consequences derived from the fertility literature can be used by health care providers for patient education and therapeutic interventions. This concept analysis may assist in facilitation of a greater understanding of biological and psychosexual self, as they relate to fertility across the lifespan.
Exploring the analogue – digital legibility of our behaviors
Authors: GODDEMEYER DANIEL 
Published: March 2013

Cell phones have become ubiquitous devices that help us to navigate and interact with the city. We use them for almost everything from talking to emails to surfing the web. Through these interactions we leave behind geo‐local ‘data trails’ that enable assumptions and observations about our behaviors with one another and our environment.In the context of the current hype around data this session explores questions around the use of digital data as new means for behavioral user observation and the impact of these methods on the field of user observation and field studies.
Serum concentration of IL‐17, IL‐23 and TNF‐α among patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria: association with disease activity and autologous serum skin test
Authors: Atwa M.A. , Emara A.S. , Youssef N. , Bayoumy N.M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundChronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a common skin disorder, which is considered in a subset of patients to be an autoimmune disorder. T helper 17 (Th17) cells are crucially involved in the pathogenesis of some autoimmune diseases.ObjectivesOur aim was to test the association of Th17 with CSU. We examined interleukin (IL)‐17, IL‐23 and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) serum levels in CSU patients and studied their association with urticaria activity and autologous serum skin test (ASST).Subjects and methodsSerum concentration of IL‐17, IL‐23 and TNF‐α were measured in 75 patients with CSU and 30 healthy control subjects. Disease activity was assessed by using urticaria activity score (UAS) as recommended by EAACI/GA2LEN/EDF/WAO Guidelines.ResultsSerum concentration of IL‐17, IL‐23 and TNF‐α were significantly higher in CSU patients as compared with the healthy control subjects (mean: 35.51 ± 31.14 vs. 4.60 ± 1.38 pg/mL; P < 0.001, 38.95 ± 27.82 vs. 9.87 ± 4.62 pg/mL; P > 0.001 and 17.93 ± 6.05 vs. 6.87 ± 3.73 pg/mL; P = 0.004, respectively). There were significant positive correlation between serum IL‐17, IL‐23, TNF‐α and disease activity assessed by cumulative UAS for 7 days before blood sampling. The Serum concentration of IL‐17, IL‐23 and TNF‐α were also significantly higher in ASST positive patients than in ASST negative patients.ConclusionOur results showed high serum levels of IL‐17, IL‐23 and TNF‐α among CSU patients which may highlight a functional role of these cytokines in the pathogenesis of this important and common skin disease. It also may provide the rationale for new treatment strategies in chronic urticaria.
The Hurdle Effect of Bunium persicum Essential Oil, Smoke and NaCl for Controlling the Listeria monocytogenes Growth in Fish Model Systems
Authors: Rabiey Soghra , Hosseini Hedayat , Rezaei Masoud 
Published: March 2013

AbstractApplication of natural antimicrobial essential oils (EOs) against foodborne pathogens has been recently developed due to consumer demand. In this study, at first step, the highest concentration of Bunium persicum (Black zira) EO without any undesirable effect on sensory properties on fillet was determined, and then the antimicrobial effect of this EO at 0.05, 0.2 and 0.4% against Listeria monocytogenes was examined in fish model systems for 12 days at 4C. Fish peptone broth, kutum broth and cold smoked kutum broth were inoculated with 104 cfu/mL L. monocytogenes. Black zira EO demonstrated strong inhibitory activity against L. monocytogenes in fish peptone broth, this efficacy significantly decreased in kutum and cold smoked kutum broth (P < 0.05). Black zira EO performance significantly stimulated in broth with 4% NaCl. L. monocytogenes growth rate in cold smoked kutum broth was significantly lower than in kutum broth. Combination of Black zira EO, smoke component, NaCl and low temperature as a Hurdle system has noticeable inhibition on L. monocytogenes growth.Practical ApplicationsL. monocytogenes is one of the most important biological hazards in marine products and control of this foodborne pathogen via application of antimicrobial EOs could have a great impact on safety promotion of sea foods. This study focused on B. persicum (Black zira) because of its pleasant and proper flavor which supports the application of this EO in fish and fish products traditionally from the past times till now.The demonstrated antibacterial activity of B. persicum EO against L. monocytogenes, recommends its application as a natural food preservative. Moreover synergistic effect between NaCl, smoke compounds and the EO in a Hurdle system increased the antibacterial activity of Black zira against L. monocytogenes.
Sexual health information seeking: a survey of adolescent practices
Authors: Whitfield Clare , Jomeen Julie , Hayter Mark , Gardiner Eric 
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectivesTo identify sources of information and support preferred by young people to understand adolescent practices as adolescents develop a sexual health knowledge base.BackgroundStatistics suggest that adolescents are not always making safe sexual health decisions. It is essential to develop an understanding of preferred sources of information and support to structure health and education services so that adolescents develop skills and knowledge to make safer choices.DesignA cross‐sectional survey design.MethodsA wide‐ranging questionnaire was developed using validated questions, drawn from similar adolescent lifestyle surveys and adapted with guidance from an advisory group; 2036 13–16‐year‐olds responded. Two questions, reporting information sources adolescents find useful and sources of approachable support, are considered here.ResultsAdolescents find informal sources more useful and experience higher levels of comfort accessing informal support especially from their best friends and mothers. Of formal provision, school‐based sources are preferred; however, sexual health information seeking is gendered and changes across year groups. The range of sexual health information sources adolescents access increases with age, and how they access these information sources changes as sexual activity increases and the information becomes more relevant.ConclusionsThe findings support the targeting of sexual health provision in relation to age and gender and suggest a youth‐focused approach to formal provision, including outreach working and a collaborative relationship with adolescents and parents.Relevance to clinical practiceThe findings contribute to an understanding of sources of information and support preferred by adolescents. In particular, they need to reconsider how services external to the school may be developed so they are youth‐focused and approachable. Nurses need to consider how best to work in partnership with adolescents and their families to disseminate accurate information and develop relevant services.
Chitosan and platelet‐derived growth factor synergistically stimulate cell proliferation in gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Silva D. , Arancibia R. , Tapia C. , Acuña‐Rougier C. , Diaz‐Dosque M. , Cáceres M. , Martínez J. , Smith P. C. 
Published: March 2013

Background and ObjectiveChitosan is a naturally derived polymer that may be applied in periodontal therapy for tissue‐reconstruction purposes. Previous studies have shown that chitosan may stimulate tissue healing. However, reports exploring the cellular responses stimulated by chitosan are lacking. In the present study we analyzed whether chitosan may promote cell proliferation in primary cultures of human gingival fibroblasts.Material and MethodsChitosan particles were generated, and their size, zeta potential and morphology were characterized using transmission and scanning electron microscopy and zetasizer analysis. The biocompatibility of chitosan particles was analyzed using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium (MTS)cell‐viability assay and by detecting the release of lactate dehydrogenase into the cell‐culture medium. The total number of cells was estimated by staining with crystal violet followed by measurement of the absorbance at 560 nm on a microplate reader. Cell proliferation was studied by detecting proliferating cell nuclear antigen protein levels, immunofluorescence forKi67 and incorporation of 5′‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine.ResultsThe sizes of the chitosan particles generated were in the micrometer and nanometer ranges. Cell viability was increased in the presence of chitosan. Moreover, the combination of chitosan and platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF‐BB) potently stimulated cell viability, cell proliferation and activation of theERK1/2 pathway involved in cell proliferation.ConclusionsThe present study shows that chitosan is well tolerated by gingival fibroblasts and is able to stimulate cell proliferation through theERK1/2 signaling pathway. A synergistic response between chitosan and growth factors (such asPDGF‐BB)may stimulate cell proliferation in gingival fibroblasts exposed to this biomaterial.
Canine breed predispositions for marked hypocobalaminaemia or decreased folate concentration assessed by a laboratory survey
Authors: Dandrieux J. R. S. , Noble P. ‐J. M. , Halladay L. J. , McLean L. , German A. J. 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine canine breed predispositions for decreased serum folate or markedly decreased cobalamin concentrations.MethodsRetrospective analysis of samples from dogs that had serum folate and cobalamin concentrations measured, from 1990 to 2002 at the Comparative Gastroenterology Laboratory of Liverpool, were enrolled. A total of 13,069 samples were analysed. Those with trypsin‐like immunoreactivity < 5·0 lg/L were excluded, and only breeds with at least 30 individuals tested were further analyzed. Breed predisposition was determined by calculating odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for hypocobalaminaemia or decreased folate concentration. Significance was tested with a two‐sided Fisher's exact test, and the level of statistical significance was set at P<0·05.ResultsA total of 9960 dogs fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Forty breeds contained at least 30 individuals. Predispositions for hypocobalaminaemia were identified in shar peis, Staffordshire bull terriers, German shepherd dogs and mixed breeds. Predispositions for decreased folate concentration were found in golden retrievers and boxers.Clinical SignificancePredisposition for marked hypocobalaminaemia and decreased folate concentration differed between breeds. The shar peis had a markedly increased odds ratio for hypocobalaminaemia, as previously reported in North America, but other at‐risk breeds were also identified.
Long‐term clearance of hepatitis C virus following interferon α‐2b or peginterferon α‐2b, alone or in combination with ribavirin
Authors: Manns M. P. , Pockros P. J. , Norkrans G. , Smith C. I. , Morgan T. R. , Häussinger D. , Shiffman M. L. , Hadziyannis S. J. , Schmidt W. N. , Jacobson I. M. , Bárcena R. , Schiff E. R. , Shaikh O. S. , Bacon B. , Marcellin P. , Deng W. , Esteban‐Mur R. , Poynard T. , Pedicone L. D. , Brass C. A. , Albrecht J. K. , Gordon S. C. 
Published: March 2013

SummarySustained virologic response (SVR) is the standard measure for evaluating response to therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). The aim of this study was to prospectively assess the durability of SVR in the pivotal studies of peginterferon (PEG‐IFN) α‐2b or IFN α‐2b. We conducted two phase 3b long‐term follow‐up studies of patients previously treated for CHC in eight prospective randomized studies of IFN α‐2b and/or PEG‐IFN α‐2b. Patients who achieved SVR [undetectable hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA 24 weeks after completion of treatment] were eligible for inclusion in these follow‐up studies. In total, 636 patients with SVR following treatment with IFN α‐2b and 366 with SVR following treatment with PEG‐IFN α‐2b were enrolled. Definite relapse (quantifiable serum HCV RNA with no subsequent undetectable HCV RNA) was reported in six patients treated with IFN α‐2b and three patients treated with PEG‐IFN α‐2b. Based on these relapses, the point estimate for the likelihood of maintaining response after 5 years was 99.2% [95% confidence interval (CI), 98.1–99.7%] for IFN α‐2b and 99.4% (95% CI, 97.7–99.9%) for PEG‐IFN α‐2b. Successful treatment of hepatitis C with PEG‐IFN α‐2b or IFN α‐2b leads to clinical cure of hepatitis C in the vast majority of cases.
Effect of N‐Acetylcysteine Supplementation on Intracellular Glutathione, Urine Isoprostanes, Clinical Score, and Survival in Hospitalized Ill Dogs
Authors: Viviano K.R. , VanderWielen B. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundAntioxidant depletion and lipid peroxidation have been correlated with disease severity and associated with poor outcomes.Hypothesis/ObjectivesSupplementing dogs with N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) during the first 48 hours of hospitalization will increase cysteine, normalize glutathione concentrations, and decrease the degree of lipid peroxidation associated with illness.AnimalsSixty systemically ill hospitalized client‐owned dogs and 14 healthy control dogs.MethodsRandomized investigator‐blinded, placebo‐controlled prospective study. Dogs were randomized to treatment with NAC (n = 30) versus placebo (n = 30). Antioxidants, urine 8‐isoprostane/creatinine (IP/Cr), and clinical score were determined before and after treatment with NAC. Glutathione, cysteine, and vitamin E concentrations were quantified using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Atomic absorption spectroscopy and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays were used to quantify selenium and isoprostane concentrations, respectively.ResultsIll dogs had significantly lower vitamin E concentrations (27 versus 55 μg/mL; P = .0005) as well as elevated IP/Cr ratios (872 versus 399 pg/mg; P = .0007) versus healthy dogs. NAC supplementation significantly increased plasma cysteine (8.67 versus 15.1 μM; P < .0001) while maintaining glutathione concentrations. Dogs in the placebo group experienced a statistically significant decrease in glutathione concentrations (1.49 versus 1.44 mM; P = .0463). Illness severity and survival were unchanged after short duration NAC supplementation.ConclusionsIll dogs experience systemic oxidative stress. Supplementation with NAC during the first 48 hours of hospitalization stabilized erythrocyte glutathione concentrations. The clinical impact of this supplementation and glutathione concentration stabilization was undetermined.