bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic significance of fibroblastic foci in usual interstitial pneumonia and non‐specific interstitial pneumonia
Authors: HARADA TAISHI , WATANABE KENTARO , NABESHIMA KAZUKI , HAMASAKI MAKOTO , IWASAKI HIROSHI 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Fibroblastic foci (FF) composed of an accumulation of fibroblasts or myofibroblasts may be related to the progression of pulmonary fibrosis leading to respiratory insufficiency. Several studies have shown that the number of FF is a significant prognostic factor in usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). The purpose of the present study was to examine whether the extent of FF is related to impairment of respiratory function and prognosis in patients with biopsy‐proven fibrosing interstitial pneumonia, including UIP and fibrotic non‐specific interstitial pneumonia (fNSIP).Methods:  Fifty patients with histologically confirmed interstitial pneumonia including UIP or fNSIP were investigated, and correlations between FF and pulmonary function were evaluated. FF area was calculated as the proportion of total area (%FF) and the number of FF (FF/cm2) in the whole histological specimen from each patient.Results:  The UIP group showed significantly higher %FF and FF/cm2 than the fNSIP group. When UIP and fNSIP patients were analysed together, the group of patients who had died (death group) revealed significantly higher %FF and FF/cm2 compared with the group of survivors, and the impairment of vital capacity and diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide was correlated with %FF and FF/cm2.Conclusions:  FF correlated with impaired pulmonary function and may be a useful parameter to predict prognosis in patients with UIP and fNSIP.
Bronchoscopic practice in Japan: A survey by the Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy in 2010
Authors: ASANO FUMIHIRO , AOE MOTOI , OHSAKI YOSHINOBU , OKADA YOSHINORI , SASADA SHINJI , SATO SHIGEKI , SUZUKI EIICHI , SENBA HIROSHI , FUJINO SHOZO , OHMORI KAZUMITSU 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  To ensure the safety of bronchoscopic practice, the Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy conducted a national survey to investigate the current state of procedure for this technique.Methods:  A questionnaire survey about procedures carried out during the whole of the year 2010 was mailed to 538 facilities accredited by the society.Results:  Responses were obtained from 511 facilities (95.0%). Rigid bronchoscopes were used in only 18.5% of the facilities, while mobile/thin bronchoscopes were used in ≥50%, and fluoroscopy systems were used in 99.8%. Biopsies were performed after discontinuation of therapy in patients receiving antiplatelet drugs and anticoagulants in 96.7% and 97.4% of the facilities, respectively. Atropine was administered for premedication in 67.5% of the facilities, a decrease from previous surveys. Intravenous sedation was given in 36.1% of the facilities. In 21.9% of these, the procedure was conducted in the outpatient clinic for ≥70% of patients. A bronchoscope was orally inserted in ≥70% of patients in 95.7% of the facilities. Intravenous access was maintained during the examination in 92.5% of the facilities, oxygen saturation was monitored during examinations in 99.0%, oxygen was administered in 97.6% and resuscitation equipment was available in 96%. In 98.6% of the facilities, bronchoscopes were disinfected using an automatic washing machine, with glutaraldehyde used in 42.2%.Conclusions:  Japan‐specific characteristics of bronchoscopic practice were identified. Whether procedures used in Japan meet international guidelines with respect to safety should be monitored continuously. In addition, a Japanese evidence‐based consensus is needed.
Oxygen saturation of healthy term neonates during the first 30 minutes of life
Authors: Beşkardeş Ayşegül , Salihoğlu Özgül , Can Emrah , Atalay Deniz , Akyol Bedir , Hatipoğlu Sami 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to document the oxygen saturation (SpO2), general physical signs and laboratory characteristics during the first 30 min of life.MethodsForty healthy singleton full‐term neonates delivered vaginally (n = 33) or by cesarean section (n = 7) were included in this prospective observational study. After delivery, the SpO2 levels of the upper (right hand; ‘preductal’) and lower (dorsum of the right foot; ‘postductal’) extremities of the neonates lying on the servo‐controlled radiant heater in the delivery room were measured simultaneously with oximeter probes (Oxiprobe BM‐270) placed at 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 min. The correlation between pre‐ and postductal SpO2 level and different variables (vital signs, capillary refill time recorded at 1 and 15 min, cord pH and hemoglobin values, and Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min) was examined.ResultsThe 1 min pre‐ and postductal SpO2 were 82.3 ± 7.34% and 79.08 ± 8.16% (P > 0.05), respectively. The preductal values at 5, 10, and 15 min were statistically higher than the postductal values (89.73 ± 6.01%, 93.43 ± 4.06%, and 94.53 ± 3.19% vs 85.53 ± 6.92%, 89.9 ± 4.91%, 92.83 ± 3.92%, respectively). SpO2 was the same regardless of the mode of delivery. No correlations were found between pre‐ and postductal SpO2 and other variables.ConclusionsOxygen saturation was not affected by mode of delivery, was independent of Apgar score, cord hemoglobin, cord pH, vital signs, and capillary refill time in the first few minutes of life, and did not reach 90% in the first 5 min of life in healthy full‐term neonates.
Comorbidities of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis: a population‐based study
Authors: Keller Joseph J. , Chen Yi‐Kuang , Lin Herng‐Ching 
Published: September 2012

Study Type – System prevalence (cohort)Level of Evidence 2aWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Compared with the general population, patients with BPS/IC often experience difficulties in performing normal activities owing to physical limitations, decreased energy, greater pain and impaired social functioningWith the exception of metastatic cancer, separate conditional logistic regression analyses in this study suggested that subjects with BPS/IC were consistently more likely than subjects without BPS/IC to have all the medical comorbidities investigated. When compared with subjects without BPS/IC, subjects with BPS/IC had particularly higher odds of comorbid neurological diseases, rheumatological diseases and mental illnesses.OBJECTIVE
To explore the comorbid medical conditions of patients with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) in Taiwan using a cross‐sectional study design and a population‐based administrative database.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
The study included 9269 subjects with BPS/IC and 46 345 randomly selected comparison subjects.
Conditional logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate the odds ratio for each of the 32 medical comorbidities (hypertension, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, blood loss anaemia, peripheral vascular disorders, stroke, ischaemic heart disease, hyperlipidaemia, hepatitis B or C, migraines, headaches, Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, pulmonary circulation disorders, chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, renal failure, fluid and electrolyte disorders, liver diseases, peptic ulcers, deficiency anaemias, depressive disorder, psychoses, metastatic cancer, solid tumour without metastasis, alcohol abuse, drug abuse and asthma) between subjects with and without BPS/IC.
RESULTS
With the exception of metastatic cancer, the subjects with BPS/IC had a significantly higher prevalence of all the medical comorbidities analysed than subjects without BPS/IC.
With the exception of metastatic cancer, separate conditional logistic regression analyses suggested that subjects with BPS/IC were consistently more likely than subjects without BPS/IC to have any of the medical comorbidities investigated in this study.
When compared with subjects without BPS/IC, subjects with BPS/IC had particularly higher odds of comorbid neurological diseases, rheumatological diseases and mental illnesses.
CONCLUSION
Our results indicated that subjects with BPS/IC had an increased prevalence of multiple comorbidities.
The Politics of Recognition and Redistribution: Development, Tribal Identity Politics and Distributive Justice in India's Jharkhand
Authors: Basu Ipshita 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTThis article illustrates how the potential of recognition‐based politics to achieve distributive justice is determined by political structures and the power relations that constitute them. In response to Nancy Fraser's framework of social justice, it shows that the meaningful coordination of identity‐based claims with distributive justice is constrained — not only by the content of the claims themselves, but also because redistributive demands are subverted through competing pursuits for power and legitimacy between rival political factions. The article describes how the separate‐state movement for Jharkhand in Eastern India was de‐radicalized by three instruments, namely, the reservation system, cultural nationalism and state development discourse. This explains why distributive measures do not feature prominently in the Jharkhand state and why recognition politics has taken a disciplined form in the electoral mainstream while distributive politics continues to be pursued through violent and extra‐parliamentary means.
Exploring Subjective Representationalism
Authors: Mehta Neil 
Published: September 2012

AbstractRepresentationalism is, roughly, the view that experiencing is to be analyzed wholly in terms of representing. But what sorts of properties are represented in experience? According to a prominent form of representationalism, objective representationalism, experiences represent only objective (i.e. suitably mind‐independent) properties. I explore subjective representationalism, the view that experiences represent at least some subjective (i.e. suitably mind‐dependent) properties. Subjective representationalists, but not objective representationalists, can accommodate cases of illusion‐free phenomenal inversion. Moreover, subjective representationalism captures the so‐called transparency of experience, as it is standardly articulated, just as well as objective representationalism.
When an NGO Takes on Public Participation: Preparing a Plan for a Neighborhood in East Jerusalem
Authors: Cohen‐Blankshtain Galit , Ron Amit , Perez Alma Gadot 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIt is often non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) that promote empowered participation processes, and assume active roles in leading them. However, the ability of NGOs to take on such processes is under‐theorized. In many cases empowered participation involving NGOs takes place without political support from above (or with limited or conditional support). Our goal in this article is to use a case study of participatory planning in East Jerusalem to theorize processes of empowerment in an oppositional political environment. We argue that it is useful to analyze such processes of empowered participation through the concept of power. We describe the process of empowerment as a speculative process in which the NGO has to hedge two mediums of power: it has to build the power of the community to discuss its own goals; and it has to simultaneously manage the transfer of decision‐making power from government bodies to the community.
Analysis of coniferFLOWERING LOCUS T/TERMINAL FLOWER1‐like genes provides evidence for dramatic biochemical evolution in the angiospermFTlineage
Authors: Klintenäs Maria , Pin Pierre A. , Benlloch Reyes , Ingvarsson Pär K. , Nilsson Ove 
Published: September 2012

SummaryIn flowering plants, homologs of theArabidopsis phosphatidylethanolamine‐binding protein (PEBP)FLOWERING LOCUS T(FT) are key components in controlling flowering time. We show here that, althoughFThomologs are found in all angiosperms with completed genome sequences, there is no evidence to date thatFT‐like genes exist in other groups of plants.Through phylogeny reconstructions and heterologous expression, we examined the biochemical function of thePicea(spruces) andPinus(pines)PEBPfamilies – two gymnosperm taxa phylogenetically distant from the angiosperms.We have defined a lineage of gymnospermPEBPgenes, termed theFT/TERMINAL FLOWER1(TFL1)‐like genes, that share sequence characteristics with both the angiospermFT‐andTFL1‐like clades. When expressed inArabidopsis,FT/TFL1‐like genes repressed flowering, indicating that the proteins are biochemically more similar to the angiospermTFL1‐like proteins than to theFT‐like proteins. This suggests that the regulation of the vegetative‐to‐reproductive switch might differ in gymnosperms compared with angiosperms.Molecular evolution studies suggest that plasticity at exon 4 contributes to the divergence ofFT‐like function in floral promotion. In addition, the presence ofFT‐like genes in basal angiosperms indicates that theFT‐like function emerged at an early stage during the evolution of flowering plants as a means to regulate flowering time.
Soil structural stability and erosion rates influenced by agricultural management practices in a semi‐arid Mediterranean agro‐ecosystem
Authors: García‐Orenes F. , Roldán A. , Mataix‐Solera J. , Cerdà A. , Campoy M. , Arcenegui V. , Caravaca F. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractUnsuitable agricultural practices can cause loss in soil quality and erodibility to thus increase or trigger desertification under Mediterranean conditions. A field experiment was performed at the El Teularet‐Sierra de Enguera Experimental Station (eastern Spain) to assess the influence during a 5‐yr period of different agricultural practices on physical and chemical indicators of soil quality (total and water‐soluble carbohydrates, glomalin‐related soil proteins (GRSP), total organic carbon, aggregate stability (AS), vegetation cover and soil erosion). The management practices included residual herbicide use, ploughing, ploughing + oats, addition of oat straw mulch and a control (land abandonment). Adjacent soil under natural vegetation was used as a reference for local, high‐quality soil and as a control for comparison with the agricultural soils under different management practices. Oat straw mulching led to higher levels of water‐soluble carbohydrates, GRSP and AS and lower soil erosion rates, resulting in values similar to those in the soil under native vegetation. The lowest levels of carbohydrates and GRSP were for the plots that were treated with herbicide or were ploughed. The maintenance of and increases in stable aggregates promoted by the different agricultural management practices over the years were attributed to increases in labile organic fractions such as carbohydrates and to the GRSP content. The results demonstrate that land abandonment (control plot) or the use of a cover (plants or straw) contributes to increases in soil quality and reduces the risk of erosion. The research also shows that sustainable agricultural management allows soil to recover and that the use of straw mulching is the most effective management strategy.
An overview of fertilizer‐P recommendations in Europe: soil testing, calibration and fertilizer recommendations
Authors: Jordan‐Meille L. , Rubæk G. H. , Ehlert P. A. I. , Genot V. , Hofman G. , Goulding K. , Recknagel J. , Provolo G. , Barraclough P. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe procedure for applying phosphorus (P) fertilizer to soil can be divided into three consecutive steps: (i) Measurement of soil‐P availability, (ii) calibration of the soil‐P fertility level and (iii) estimation of the recommended P dose. Information on each of these steps was obtained for 18 European countries and regions with the aim of comparing P fertilizer recommendation systems at the European scale. We collected information on P fertilizer recommendations through conventional or grey literature, and personal contacts with researchers, laboratories and advisory services. We found much variation between countries for each of the three steps: There are more than 10 soil‐P tests currently in use, apparent contradictions in the interpretation of soil‐P test values and more than 3‐fold differences in the P fertilizer recommendations for similar soil‐crop situations. This last result was confirmed by conducting a simple experimental inter‐laboratory comparison. Moreover, soil properties (pH, clay content) and crop species characteristics (P responsiveness) are used in some countries in the calibration and recommendation steps, but in different ways. However, there are also common characteristics: soil‐P availability is determined in all countries by extraction with chemical reagents and the calibration of the soil‐P test values, and the fertilizer recommendations are based on the results from empirical field trials. Moreover, the fertilizer recommendations are nearly all based on the amount of P exported in the crops. As long as rational scientific and theoretical backgrounds are lacking, there is no point in trying to synchronize the different chemical methods used. We therefore call for a mechanistic approach in which the processes involved in plant P nutrition are truly reproduced by a single standard method or simulated by sorption‐desorption models.
Obstetric anal sphincter injury risk factors and the role of the mediolateral episiotomy
Authors: Twidale Emily , Cornell Kristin , Litzow Nicholas , Hotchin Anne 
Published: September 2012

AimsInvestigate risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) and their incidence between 2006 and 2010 at a regional teaching hospital in Australia. Determine whether a correlation exists between a decrease in OASI rates and an increase in mediolateral episiotomies.Materials and MethodsA retrospective observational study conducted at the Geelong Hospital, Barwon Health, Victoria, Australia. Every adequately documented vaginal birth from 2006 to 2010 in the hospital was included (N = 7314, cases of OASI = 239). Patient data were obtained from the Barwon Health Birth Outcomes System database. Multinomial logistic regression, Pearson's correlation coefficient and relative risk calculations were used for analysis.ResultsRisk factors for OASI include nulliparity (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.95–3.57, P < 0.01), instrumental delivery (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.82–3.55, P < 0.01) and birth weight greater than 4 kg (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.11–2.19, P = 0.01). There was a significant correlation between increasing mediolateral episiotomy use from 12.56% to 20.10% and a reduction in OASI rates over the 5‐year period (Pearson's correlation coefficient: −0.94, P = 0.02). The correlation remained when analysing normal vaginal births in isolation from instrumental (Pearson's correlation coefficient: −0.89, P = 0.04).ConclusionsClear risk factors for OASI include nulliparity, macrosomia and instrumental delivery. There was a significant correlation between increasing mediolateral episiotomy rates from 12.56% to 20.10% and decreasing OASI.
The Anatomic Impact of Sequential, Additional, Ostial Radiofrequency Ablation Following Pulmonary Vein Cryo‐Isolation
Authors: TRAULLÉ SARAH , MIYAZAKI SHINSUKE , MOUQUET VINCENT , KUBALA MACIEJ , HERMIDA JEAN‐SYLVAIN 
Published: September 2012

Background
: Although pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis is a serious complication of radiofrequency PV isolation, the anatomical impact of a combination of two energy sources on PV diameter has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of supplementary point‐by‐point radiofrequency applications (following PV cryoablation) on the PV orifice diameter.
Methods
: Forty‐nine patients having undergone PV isolation for drug‐refractory atrial fibrillation were included. All had undergone cardiac computed tomography before ablation and again at least 3 months afterwards. When isolation with the cryoballoon was not complete, a conventional irrigated‐tip radiofrequency catheter was used for point‐by‐point applications.
Results
: Of the 189 target PVs, 117 were isolated with cryotherapy alone (cryo PVs) and 72 required additional radiofrequency (hybrid PVs). The second scan (performed an average of 11.4 ± 5.4 months after) showed a decrease in diameter for all the hybrid PVs (17.2 ± 2.6 to 16.3 ± 3.4 mm; P = 0.037) but no change for the cryo PVs. This change was associated with a decrease in left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV) diameter (19.2 ± 3.0 to 17.8 ± 4.9 mm, P = 0.014). There were no changes in other veins. A subgroup analysis for the LSPV revealed a decrease for the hybrid PVs (18.8 ± 3.6 to 15.9 ± 7.1 mm, P = 0.046) but not for the cryo PVs. Significant PV stenosis was observed in three hybrid PVs (two severe stenosis of the LSPV and one moderate stenosis of the right inferior pulmonary vein) but not in cryo PVs (4.1% vs 0%, respectively; P = 0.023).
Conclusions
: Cryoballoon ablation of the PV with adjunct, focal, irrigated ostial RF applications may be associated with a higher risk of PV stenosis. (PACE 2012;35:1420–1427)
Challenges in Device Closure of a Large Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Infants Weighing Less Than 6 Kg
Authors: VIJAYALAKSHMI I. B. , CHITRA NARASIMHAN , PRAVEEN JAYAN , PRASANNA SIMHA RAO 
Published: September 2012

IntroductionTranscatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) has replaced surgery in most institutions. Despite improvements in techniques and the devices available, closure of large PDA in very small infants remains a challenge.AimTo assess the challenges, feasibility, and efficacy of device closure of large PDA, in infants weighing ≤6 kg.Materials and MethodsAnalysis of device closure of a PDA was done in 61 infants ≤6 kg. Their ages, ranged from 9 days–12 months (mean 8.9 months), weight ranged from 2.2 to 6 kg (mean 5.3 kg), and PDA measured 3.2–8.7 mm (mean 4.8 mm). The fluoroscopy time was 3–18 minutes. The largest device used was 12 × 10 mm.ResultsSuccessful device placement was achieved in 60/61 infants (98.4%). Mild aortic obstruction occurred in 2 cases (3.3%), as the device got displaced towards the aorta after release. The device embolized in 2 cases (3.3%). In one it was retrieved by a novel method like fastening the screw in the aorta and was closed with a 4 × 6 ADO II. In the other infant, with a single kidney, died of uremia after device retrieval. Mild left pulmonary artery (LPA) obstruction occurred in one case (1.6%). Four cases (6.6%) had minor vascular complications. The postprocedure weight gain after 3 months was between 2.5 kg ± 250 mg.ConclusionsDevice closure of large PDA in infants weighing ≤6 kg with left ventricular failure is challenging but possible, safe and effective. Retrieval of embolized device could be tricky. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:69–76)