bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Minilaparoscopic hysterectomy made easy: First report on alternative instrumentation and new integrated energy platform
Authors: Ng Ying Woo , Lim Li Min , Fong Yoke Fai 
Published: April 2014

AbstractMinilaparoscopy is an attractive approach for hysterectomy due to advantages such as reduced morbidities and enhanced cosmesis. However, it has not been popularized due to the lack of suitable instruments and high technical demand. We aim to highlight the first case of minilaparoscopic hysterectomy reported in Asia and the use of a new integrated energy platform, Thunderbeat. We would like to propose an alternative method of instrumentation, so as to improve the feasibility and safety of minilaparoscopic hysterectomy. The first minilaparoscopic hysterectomy in Singapore was successfully completed using the alternative instrumentation and new energy platform. There was no conversion or complication during the surgery. The patient recovered uneventfully. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of such alternative instrumentation. This approach in instrumentation and the new energy platform will improve the feasibility and speed of the surgery and ensure safety in our patients.
Polypoid endometriosis of the ovary mimicking ovarian carcinoma dissemination: A case report and literature review
Authors: Yamada Yasushi , Miyamoto Tsutomu , Horiuchi Akiko , Ohya Ayumi , Shiozawa Tanri 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPolypoid endometriosis is a rare type of endometriosis. We report a case of polypoid endometriosis of the ovary mimicking ovarian carcinoma with peritoneal dissemination. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a left ovarian endometriotic cyst containing several nodules in the cystic wall that displayed enhancement, and pelvic nodules on the right ovary. A preoperative or intraoperative diagnosis to avoid the unnecessary extended operation is important for such disease. Retrospective magnetic resonance imaging analysis identified a peculiar finding for polypoid endometriosis: all solid nodules had a round and smooth shape and displayed a low‐signal‐intense marginal edge on T2‐weighted images, suggesting that this is an important finding for differentiating polypoid endometriosis from ovarian carcinoma arising from endometriosis.
Effect of Food Service Nutrition Improvements on Elementary School Cafeteria Lunch Purchase Patterns
Authors: Cluss Patricia A. , Fee LuAnn , Culyba Rebecca J. , Bhat Kiran B. , Owen Kay 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSchools can play a major role in prevention and intervention for childhood obesity. We describe changes in elementary school cafeteria lunch sales patterns resulting from nutritional improvements in menu offerings that were part of a community‐wide focus on health.METHODSElementary school lunch sales data were collected for 1 week in each of 7 years in a district serving a predominantly poor, rural, and Caucasian student population, with high rates of obesity. Post hoc data analyses described lunch sales patterns and related food service costs over the project years.RESULTSThe percentage of high calorie/low nutrition foods sold decreased from 22% of all sales in 2005 to 0% in 2011. High‐calorie snack purchases decreased from 535 items to 0 items. The sale of fresh fruits increased by 12%. There was only a slight decline in the percentage of children who purchased cafeteria lunches over the years and a 15.2% cost increase for purchasing healthier food supplies.CONCLUSIONSElementary school children purchased healthier lunches when healthier menu items were offered and when less healthy foods were eliminated from the menu. There was no significant decline in the number of students who purchased lunches as nutritional improvements were made.
Opportunities for Increasing Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Provision in School Health Centers
Authors: Moss Jennifer L. , Feld Ashley L. , O'Malley Brittany , Entzel Pamela , Smith Jennifer S. , Gilkey Melissa B. , Brewer Noel T. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDUptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine remains low among adolescents in the United States. We sought to assess barriers to HPV vaccine provision in school health centers to inform subsequent interventions.METHODSWe conducted structured interviews in the fall of 2010 with staff from all 33 school health centers in North Carolina that stocked HPV vaccine.RESULTSCenters had heterogeneous policies and procedures. Out‐of‐pocket costs for children and youth to receive privately purchased HPV vaccine were a key barrier to providing HPV vaccine within school health centers. Other barriers included students not returning consent forms, costs to clinics of ordering and stocking privately purchased HPV vaccine, and difficulty using the statewide immunization registry. Most (82%) school health centers were interested in hosting interventions to increase HPV vaccine uptake, especially those that the centers could implement themselves, but many had limited staff to support such efforts. Activities rated as more likely to raise HPV vaccine uptake were student incentives, parent reminders, and obtaining consent from parents while they are at school (all ps < .05).CONCLUSIONSAlthough school health centers reported facing several key barriers to providing HPV vaccine, many were interested in partnering with outside organizations on low‐cost interventions to increase HPV vaccine uptake among adolescents.
Effects of punctuation on the processing of temporarily ambiguous sentences in Japanese
Authors: Niikuni Keiyu , Muramoto Toshiaki 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis study explored the effects of comma insertion on the processing of garden path sentences in Japanese. In two experiments, participants read relative clause sentences containing two ambiguities: single versus relative clause and early‐opening (EO) versus late‐opening (LO) left clause boundaries. EO sentences were presented with or without a comma compatible with an EO boundary in Experiment 1 and, in Experiment 2, with an LO boundary. The results showed that the comma, whether compatible or incompatible with the correct clause boundary, decreased reading time for the relative clause's head noun, indicating that a comma helps readers avoid or recover from garden paths caused by relative clause structures. Conversely, a comma incompatible with a clause boundary increased processing costs of second ambiguity resolution (EO vs. LO). We concluded that punctuation affects processing of temporary ambiguity in Japanese as in languages with stricter punctuation rules; furthermore, readers depend strongly on punctuation for online processing of whole sentence structures. We also discuss the relationship between punctuation and (implicit) prosody.
Processing segmental and prosodic information in spoken word planning: Further evidence from Cantonese Chinese
Authors: Wong Andus Wing‐Kuen , Chen Hsuan‐Chih 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThree picture‐word interference experiments were conducted to investigate how segmental and tonal information is processed in Cantonese spoken word planning. The picture names were all Cantonese monosyllables with a consonant‐vowel‐consonant structure. Significant facilitation effects on naming latencies were found when the target (e.g., 星 /sing1/, “Star”) and the auditory word distractor (e.g., /ging2/, /sik6/, or /soeng3/) shared two identical phonemic segments (regardless of the segments' syllable‐internal position), than when they were unrelated, whereas no reliable effects were obtained when they shared only the vowel (e.g., /dim3/), the coda (e.g., /hung2/), or together with the tone (e.g., /bit1/ or /fung1/). Furthermore, the facilitation effect observed in the consonant + consonant + tone‐related condition (e.g., /soeng1/) was reliably larger than that in the consonant + consonant‐related condition (e.g., /soeng3/). These results suggest that activation of a single segment is not effective in influencing Cantonese word production and that the lexical tone in Cantonese has a unique role to play. A model which assumes interactivity between lexical and sublexical (including tonal and segmental representations) levels of processing in Cantonese spoken word planning can best account for the available results.
Male Sexual Function Can Be Maintained Without Aromatization: Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in Healthy, Older Men for 24 Months
Authors: Sartorius Gideon A. , Ly Lam P. , Handelsman David J. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Male sexual function is highly androgen dependent but whether aromatization of testosterone (T) to estradiol is required remains contentious.

Aim
This study aims to investigate the effects of selective estrogen deficiency induced by a nonaromatizable androgen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), on sexual function of healthy middle-aged and older men.

Methods
Randomized clinical trial of daily transdermal DHT (70 mg) or placebo gel treatment in 114 healthy middle-aged and older (&gt;50 years, mean 60.5 years) men without known prostate disease maintaining selective estrogen deficiency for 24 months.

Outcome Measures and Analysis
The end points were responses to a psychosexual and mood questionnaire completed before, at 3 months, then at 6 monthly intervals during and 3 months after study. Data were analyzed by mixed model analysis of variance for repeated measures using age and body mass index (BMI) as covariates and including interactions of treatment with age and time-on-study.

Results
DHT treatment increased serum DHT with complete suppression of serum T, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and estradiol throughout the 24-month study resulting in reduced spinal bone density. There were no spontaneous complaints, or discontinuations for, adverse effects on sexual function during the study. DHT administration had no effects on any of 33 measures of sexual function and mood, apart from a mild, but significant decrease in overall sexual desire, which was reversible after cessation of treatment. Increasing age and less often increasing BMI were associated with significant decreases in most aspects of sexual function.

Conclusions
We conclude that aromatization plays only a minimal role in maintenance of sexual function in healthy eugonadal middle-aged or older men, but age and obesity are significantly associated with decreases in most aspects of self-reported sexual function and satisfaction. The dependence of male sexual function on aromatization may be conditional on age and obesity and can be overcome by a nonaromatizable androgen.
Optimal linear combination of ARFI, transient elastography and APRI for the assessment of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Liu Yingxia , Dong Chang feng , Yang Guilin , Liu Jing , Yao Simin , Li Han ying , Yuan Jing , Li Shaxi , Le Xiaohua , Lin Yimin , Zeng Wen , Lin Haoming , Zhang Xinyu , Chen Xin 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsAccurate assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is necessary not only to predict the long‐term clinical course but also to determine an appropriate antiviral therapy scheme. Several noninvasive approaches – serum markers and elastography – have been proposed as alternatives for the histopathological analysis of liver biopsies. The aim of this study was to evaluate two ultrasound elastography methods (ARFI and TE) and one biochemical test (APRI), as well as their optimal linear combination, in the assessment of liver fibrosis in CHB.MethodsNinety five patients with CHB and 16 volunteers underwent ARFI, TE and APRI; and liver fibrosis was staged in the patients by a liver biopsy. An optimal linear combination of the three methods was developed, and its diagnostic performance was evaluated by a 10‐fold cross‐validation.ResultsThe accuracy of the linear combination was 83.86% and 91.88% for significant fibrosis (≥F2) and cirrhosis (F4), respectively, higher than those obtained for ARFI (83.50%, 88.76%), TE (75.27%, 87.61%) and APRI (73.29% and 81.67%). The combination also increased the sensitivity and the negative predictive values for the diagnosis of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis.ConclusionsThe optimal linear combination algorithm is effective for noninvasive staging of liver fibrosis in CHB. However, linear combination has its own limitations; nonlinear methods may eventually reveal even clearer diagnostic results.
Reliability and Validation of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire in Over Active Bladder to Persian Language
Authors: SARI MOTLAGH Reza , HAJEBRAHIMI Sakineh , SADEGHI‐BAZARGANI Homayoun , JOODI TUTUNSAZ Javad 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveOveractive bladder syndrome is a common syndrome in the world in both men and women. Correct diagnosis and accurate measurement of symptoms severity and also quality of life of patients is necessary to ensure proper treatment and to facilitate sound relationships among patients, researchers and doctors. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire in Over Active Bladder (ICIQ‐OAB) questionnaire is a concise and strong tool to evaluate the symptoms of OAB and their effects on patients' quality of life and treatment results. The objective of this study was to translate and validate a simple and strong tool that could be used in clinics and research.MethodFirst, the original British English questionnaire was translated into Persian by two bilingual and originally Persian‐speaking translators. Then the Persian version was back translated to English and a native English speaker studied and compared the questionnaire with the original version. At the end, the translated and corrected Persian version was finalized by a research team. Content validity of the items and ensuring that the questions could convey the main concept to readers was assessed through Modified Content Validity Index (MCVI). Reliability was calculated by Cronbach's α coefficient. Internal Consistency of the questionnaire with the calculation of Kendall correlation coefficient were evaluated by performing test‐retest in 50 participants.ResultsThe modified content validity index was > 0.78 for all of the questions. Cronbach's α coefficient was calculated 0.76 for all of the participants. Kendall correlation coefficient was calculated for test‐re‐test assessment 0.66. Both of which indicates the reliability of this questionnaire.ConclusionsPersian version of ICIQ‐OAB questionnaire is a simple and strong tool for research, treatment and screening purposes.
Host tissues as microhabitats for Wolbachia and quantitative insights into the bacterial community in terrestrial isopods
Authors: Dittmer J. , Beltran‐Bech S. , Lesobre J. , Raimond M. , Johnson M. , Bouchon D. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAnimal–bacterial symbioses are highly dynamic in terms of multipartite interactions, both between the host and its symbionts as well as between the different bacteria constituting the symbiotic community. These interactions will be reflected by the titres of the individual bacterial taxa, for example via host regulation of bacterial loads or competition for resources between symbionts. Moreover, different host tissues represent heterogeneous microhabitats for bacteria, meaning that host‐associated bacteria might establish tissue‐specific bacterial communities. Wolbachia are widespread endosymbiotic bacteria, infecting a large number of arthropods and filarial nematodes. However, relatively little is known regarding direct interactions between Wolbachia and other bacteria. This study represents the first quantitative investigation of tissue‐specific Wolbachia–microbiota interactions in the terrestrial isopod Armadillidium vulgare. To this end, we obtained a more complete picture of the Wolbachia distribution patterns across all major host tissues, integrating all three feminizing Wolbachia strains (wVulM, wVulC, wVulP) identified to date in this host. Interestingly, the different Wolbachia strains exhibited strain‐specific tissue distribution patterns, with wVulM reaching lower titres in most tissues. These patterns were consistent across different host genetic backgrounds and might reflect different co‐evolutionary histories between the Wolbachia strains and A. vulgare. Moreover, Wolbachia‐infected females carried higher total bacterial loads in several, but not all, tissues, irrespective of the Wolbachia strain. Taken together, this quantitative approach indicates that Wolbachia is part of a potentially more diverse bacterial community, as exemplified by the presence of highly abundant bacterial taxa in the midgut caeca of several A. vulgare populations.
Behaviour‐related DRD4 polymorphisms in invasive bird populations
Authors: Mueller J. C. , Edelaar P. , Carrete M. , Serrano D. , Potti J. , Blas J. , Dingemanse N. J. , Kempenaers B. , Tella J. L. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIt has been suggested that individual behavioural traits influence the potential to successfully colonize new areas. Identifying the genetic basis of behavioural variation in invasive species thus represents an important step towards understanding the evolutionary potential of the invader. Here, we sequenced a candidate region for neophilic/neophobic and activity behaviour – the complete exon 3 of the DRD4 gene – in 100 Yellow‐crowned bishops (Euplectes afer) from two invasive populations in Spain and Portugal. The same birds were scored twice for activity behaviour while exposed to novel objects (battery or slice of apple) in captivity. Response to novel objects was repeatable (r = 0.41) within individuals. We identified two synonymous DRD4 SNPs that explained on average between 11% and 15% of the phenotypic variance in both populations, indicating a clear genetic component to the neophilic/neophobic/activity personality axis in this species. This consistently high estimated effect size was mainly due to the repeated measurement design, which excludes part of the within‐individual nongenetic variance in the response to different novel objects. We suggest that the alternative alleles of these SNPs are likely introduced from the original population and maintained by weak or antagonistic selection during different stages of the invasion process. The identified genetic variants have not only the potential to serve as genetic markers of the neophobic/neophilic/activity personality axis, but may also help to understand the evolution of behaviour in these invasive bird populations.
Involvement of Histamine in Endothelium‐Dependent Relaxation of Mesenteric Lymphatic Vessels
Authors: Nizamutdinova Irina Tsoy , Maejima Daisuke , Nagai Takashi , Bridenbaugh Eric , Thangaswamy Sangeetha , Chatterjee Victor , Meininger Cynthia J. , Gashev Anatoliy A. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe knowledge of the basic principles of lymphatic function, still remains, to a large degree, rudimentary and will require significant research efforts. Recent studies of the physiology of the MLVs suggested the presence of an EDRF other than NO. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that lymphatic endothelium‐derived histamine relaxes MLVs.MethodsWe measured and analyzed parameters of lymphatic contractility in isolated and pressurized rat MLVs under control conditions and after pharmacological blockade of NO by l‐NAME (100 μM) or/and histamine production by α‐MHD (10 μM). Effectiveness of α‐MHD was confirmed immunohistochemically. We also used immunohistochemical labeling and Western blot analysis of the histamine‐producing enzyme, HDC. In addition, we blocked HDC protein expression in MLVs by transient transfection with vivo‐morpholino oligos.ResultsWe found that only combined pharmacological blockade of NO and histamine production completely eliminates flow‐dependent relaxation of lymphatic vessels, thus confirming a role for histamine as an EDRF in MLVs. We also confirmed the presence of HDC and histamine inside lymphatic endothelial cells.ConclusionsThis study supports a role for histamine as an EDRF in MLVs.
Expression of neurodegenerative disease‐related proteins and caspase‐3 in glioneuronal tumours
Authors: Prabowo A. S. , Iyer A. M. , Veersema T. J. , Anink J. J. , Schouten‐van Meeteren A. Y. N. , Spliet W. G. M. , van Rijen P. C. , Ferrier C. H. , Thom M. , Aronica E. 
Published: April 2014

AimsRecent evidence supports the activation of mechanisms underlying cellular ageing and neurodegeneration in developmental lesions associated with epilepsy. The present study examined the ongoing cell injury and vulnerability to neuronal degeneration in glioneuronal tumours (GNT).MethodsWe evaluated a series ofGNT(n = 31 gangliogliomas,GGandn = 30 dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumours,DNT). Sections were processed for immunohistochemistry using markers for the evaluation of caspase‐3 and neurodegeneration‐related proteins/pathways and their expression was correlated with the tumour features and the clinical history of epilepsy.ResultsBothGGandDNTspecimens contained caspase‐3‐positive cells. InGG, expression of activated caspase‐3 was negatively correlated the with theBRAF V600Emutation status. We also observed an abnormal expression of death receptor‐6 and β‐amyloid precursor protein (APP). Moreover, dysplastic neurones expressed p62, phosphorylated (p)TDP43 andpTau. Double labelling experiments showed colocalization of phosphorylatedS6 (marker of mammalian target of rapamycin,mTOR, pathway activation) withpTauand p62. InGG, neuronal p62 expression was positively correlated withpS6. The immunoreactivity score (IRS) of caspase‐3,APP,DR6, p62 andpTDP43 were found to be significantly higher inGGthan inDNT. Expression ofAPP,DR6,pTau(inGGandDNT) and caspase‐3 (inGG) positively correlated with duration of epilepsy. InGG, the expression of neuronal caspase‐3,DR6 and glial p62 was associated with a worse postoperative seizure outcome.ConclusionsOur observations inGNTprovide evidence of premature activation of mechanisms of neurodegeneration which are associated with the clinical course of epilepsy in patient withGG.
The Christchurch earthquake: Dialysis experience and emergency planning
Authors: Irvine John , Buttimore Adrian , Eastwood Debbie , Kendrick‐Jones Jamie 
Published: April 2014

AbstractOn 22 February 2011, a large earthquake struck the Canterbury region in New Zealand. There was extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. The following day 42 haemodialysis patients were flown to Auckland where they acutely dialysed through the efforts of the Auckland, Waitemata and Counties‐Manukau dialysis team. Patients and support people were subsequently distributed to a designated Upper North Island District Health Board for longer‐term ongoing dialysis care. The last evacuated haemodialysis patient returned to Christchurch on 9 May 2011. Surprisingly there was a dearth of crush syndrome patients requiring dialysis. The evacuation and reception of a large number of dialysis patients was a novel experience for the New Zealand dialysis community. A planning guide for dialysis emergency is available to assist with similar future natural disasters.