bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non‐Visual Mate Choice Ability in a Cavefish (Poecilia mexicana) is not Mechanosensory
Authors: Rüschenbaum Sabrina , Schlupp Ingo 
Published: March 2013

AbstractOne of the most important decisions any female has to make is selecting a mate. In many animals, this involves a strong visual component, but in cave‐dwelling fishes, mate preferences have to be exercised in darkness. In a cave‐dwelling Poeciliid fish, the cave molly (Poecilia mexicana), visual mate choice is still possible because they have functional, albeit reduced eyes. In a previous laboratory study, it was documented that females prefer larger males in light and in darkness. In the present study, we investigated the role of the mechanosensory lateral line in this mate preference. We temporarily knocked out the lateral line using antibiotics. We found that even in the functional absence of the lateral line, females showed a clear preference for larger males, indicating that the lateral line is not crucial for mate choice. This points toward a strong role of chemical communication in cave molly mate choice.
Plant diversity, productivity and nutritive value change following abandonment of public pastures in Japan
Authors: Furusawa Saya , Yoshihara Yu , Sato Shusuke 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe describe changes in plant diversity and productivity after the abandonment of public pastures in Japan. We surveyed the plant community and collected plant and soil samples from 22 pastures, including five pastures that had been abandoned up to 13 years earlier. Chemical analysis revealed forage nutritive values and soil nutrient levels. Overall, plant diversity did not change over time, but productivity and forage nutritive values both decreased significantly after pasture abandonment. These changes can be explained by (i) lower soil nitrate–nitrogen contents due to leaching and (ii) the replacement of sown grasses by native species. Our results suggest that it will become more difficult to restore pasture for grazing as the duration of abandonment increases and that reintroduction of livestock grazing in the abandoned pastures without re‐sowing exotic grasses could contribute to biodiversity conservation and maintaining productivity and nutritive values.
A placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, crossover trial on analgesic effect of nitrous oxide–oxygen inhalation
Authors: Grønbæk Anni Birgitte , Svensson Peter , Væth Michael , Hansen Ingelise , Poulsen Sven 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundThe sedative effect of nitrous oxide–oxygen (N2O/O2) inhalation is relatively well established. Less in known about its analgesic effect.AimTo determine the analgesic effect of N2O/O2 inhalation on pulp sensitivity and jaw muscle pressure pain threshold in children.DesignA placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, crossover trial with random allocation to two sequences: atmospheric air at the first session and N2O/O2 at the second; or N2O/O2 at the first session and atmospheric air at the second. Measurements included reaction time, pulp pain sensitivity, jaw muscle pressure pain thresholds and a VAS score of overall discomfort from the pain tests.ResultsFifty‐six children (12–15 years) completed the study. N2O/O2 inhalation increased reaction time (P < 0.001). Pulp pain sensitivity was reduced during N2O/O2 inhalation (P < 0.001), but no effect was found after adjustment for the increased reaction time. Pressure pain threshold on the jaw muscle was also reduced during N2O/O2 inhalation (P < 0.001), also after adjustment for reaction time (P < 0.005). An effect was still found 10 min after the mask had been removed (P = 0.03). No effect on VAS scores of discomfort from the tests could be found.ConclusionsNo analgesic effect of N2O/O2 inhalation on pulp pain sensitivity was found, whereas an increased pressure pain threshold of jaw muscles was found.
Psychological needs when diagnosed with testicular cancer: findings from a population‐based study with long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Skoogh Johanna , Steineck Gunnar , Johansson Boo , Wilderäng Ulrica , Stierner Ulrika ,   SWENOTECA
Published: March 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
There are few large‐scale follow‐up studies regarding psychological reactions among men diagnosed with testicular cancer; therefore, our knowledge is sparse about the psychological consequences of being diagnosed with and treated for testicular cancer. Moreover, we know little about what kind of psychological support the men would prefer and benefit from.
Our study shows that most patients with testicular cancer, regardless of the seriousness of the disease, experience a psychological crisis at diagnosis. Furthermore, we found that most men wish that psychological support, including information about stress and crises reactions and psychological counselling, was offered at diagnosis. Our study highlights the need not only to provide patients with testicular cancer with the best physical treatment but also to take into account the psychological consequences of being diagnosed and offer the men psychological support.
Objective
To investigate the psychological needs of patients diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Patients and Methods
We identified 1192 eligible men diagnosed with non‐seminomatous testicular cancer, treated according to the bi‐national cancer‐care programmes SWENOTECA I–IV between 1981 and 2004.
Using a study‐specific questionnaire we asked the survivors if they had experienced some kind of crisis attributable to their cancer diagnosis. We also asked if they were and, if not, if they wish they had been offered information about crisis and stress reactions and professional counselling.
Results
We obtained information from 974/1192 (82%) testicular cancer survivors diagnosed at a mean of 11 years before follow‐up.
Sixty‐three percent reported that they had experienced a crisis owing to their diagnosis. For most men (76%) the crisis was at its worst at the time of diagnosis and treatment.
Between 1981 and 2004, 145 men (15%) reported that they received information about common stress and crisis reactions and 348 (36%) reported that they were offered counselling.
Of the men not informed about stress and crisis reactions and not offered counselling, 353/514 (69%) and 251/403 (62%), respectively, wish they had been. The percentage who reported that they wish that they had been informed or offered counselling did not differ significantly depending on civil status, age at diagnosis or stage of disease.
Conclusions
The vast majority of Swedish testicular cancer survivors reported that they experienced a crisis because of their cancer diagnosis.
Moreover, regardless of stage of disease, most men reported a need for psychological support at the time of diagnosis and treatment that was not satisfactorily met by the healthcare provision.
Quantitative measurement of the androgen receptor in prepuces of boys with and without hypospadias
Authors: Pichler Renate , Djedovic Gabriel , Klocker Helmut , Heidegger Isabel , Strasak Alexander , Loidl Wolfgang , Bektic Jasmin , Skradski Viktor , Horninger Wolfgang , Oswald Josef 
Published: March 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
Despite diverse anatomical and histological trials in humans and animal models, the aetiology of hypospadias remains unknown and currently there is no clear molecular explanation about the emergence of this disease; however, genetic, endocrine and environmental mechanisms have been suggested.
The aim of the present study was to quantify and compare the androgen receptor (AR; mRNA and protein) levels in 40 prepuces of boys with and without hypospadias using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western Blot and standardised, automated immunohistochemistry. AR mRNA (P = 0.013) and AR protein (P = 0.014) was significantly elevated in the prepuces of boys with hypospadias compared with boys without hypospadias. Altogether our data indicate that elevated AR mRNA and protein levels can be considered as a biochemical response of an AR signalling defect as an identified cause in boys with hypospadias. Additionally, nuclear staining intensity for AR‐protein in specimens of boys with hypospadias was higher than in boys with phimosis.
Objective
To address the role of the androgen receptor (AR) on mRNA and protein levels in prepuces of boys with and without hypospadias.
Patients and Methods
Data from 40 foreskin specimens of consecutive circumcised boys (20 with vs 20 without hypospadias) were enrolled in this prospective study. After surgery, samples were fixed in formaldehyde and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Total RNA was isolated from frozen tissue and transcribed to complementary DNA.
The amount of AR mRNA was measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western Blot and standardised, automated immunohistochemistry were used to assess AR protein levels.
Results
The mean age at time of surgery was 61.8 and 30.9 months in boys without and with hypospadias, respectively.
There was penile, coronal and sine hypospadias in seven (35%), nine (45%), and four (20%) boys, respectively. AR mRNA was significantly elevated in the prepuces of boys with hypospadias compared with boys without hypospadias, at a mean (sd) of 28.33 (5.39) vs 15.31 (1.85) (P = 0.013).
Furthermore, the amount of AR protein was higher in boys with, compared with boys without hypospadias, at a mean (sd) of 133.25 (6.17) vs 100 (4.45) (P = 0.014).
Conclusions
Different AR mRNA expression and protein levels seem to be an indication of an AR signalling defect as a cause in boys with hypospadias.
Decreased AR DNA binding and functional capability may result in a compensatory up‐regulation of both AR mRNA and protein.
Further studies are necessary to perform structural analysis of the AR and to corroborate these preliminary findings.
Laparoendoscopic single‐site nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma: outcomes of an international multi‐institutional study of 101 patients
Authors: Park Sung Yul , Rha Koon Ho , Autorino Riccardo , Derweesh Ithaar , Liastikos Evangelos , Tsai Yao Chou , Seo Ill Young , Nagele Ugo , Abdel‐Karim Aly M. , Herrmann Thomas , Han Deok Hyun , Rais‐Bahrami Soroush , Lee Seung Wook , Kim Kyu Shik , Fornara Paolo , Kallidonis Panagiotis , Springer Christopher , Élsalmy Salah , Chueh Shih‐Chieh Jeff , Ho Chen‐Hsun , Panumatrassamee Kamol , Kopp Ryan , Stolzenburg Jens‐Uwe , Richstone Lee , Chung Jae Hoon , Shin Tae Young , Greco Francesco , Kaouk Jihad H. 
Published: March 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
LESS‐NU may be an alternative minimally‐invasive treatment option for patients eligible to undergo laparoscopic surgery for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma.
The true benefits of LESS‐NU remain to be determined and require randomized control trials in the future. Despite encouraging early findings, clinical trials still are warranted before this procedure is adopted widely, and longer follow‐up is needed to determine its oncological durability.
Objective
To report a large multi‐institutional series of laparoendoscopic single‐site (LESS) nephroureterectomy (NU).
Materials and Methods
Data on all cases of LESS‐NU performed between 2008 and 2012 at 15 institutions were retrospectively gathered.
The main demographic data and perioperative outcomes were analysed.
Results
The study included 101 patients whose mean (sd) age was 66.4 (9.9) years and mean (sd) body mass index was 24.8 (4) kg/m2, and of whom 29.7% had undergone previous abdominal/pelvic surgery.
The mean (sd) operating time was 221.4 (73.7) min, estimated blood loss 231.7 (348.0) mL.
A robot‐assisted LESS technique was applied in 25.7% of cases. An extra trocar was inserted in 28.7% of cases to complete the procedure. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in three cases (3.0%). There was no bladder cuff excision in 20.8% of cases, and excision was carried out using a variety of techniques in the remaining cases.
Six intra‐operative complications occurred (5.9%). The mean (sd) length of hospital stay was 6.3 (3.5) days. The overall postoperative complication rate was 10.0%, and most of the complications were low grade (Clavien grades 1 and 2).
The mean tumour size was 3.1 (1.9) cm. Pathological staging was pTis in two patients, pTa in 12 patients, pT1 in 42 patients, pT2 in 20 patients, pT3 in 23 patients and pT4 in two patients. Pathological grade was high in 71 and low in 30 patients.
At a mean follow‐up of 14 months, six patients (5.9%) had died. Disease recurrence (including distant and bladder recurrence) was detected in 22.8% of patients, with a mean time to recurrence of 11.5 months.
Conclusions
This study reports the largest multi‐institutional experience of LESS‐NU to date.
Peri‐operative outcomes mirror those of published standard laparoscopy series.
Despite encouraging early findings, longer follow‐up is needed to determine the oncological efficacy of the procedure.
Extensive and Intensive Margins of Labour Supply: Work and Working Hours in the US, the UK and France*
Authors: Blundell Richard , Bozio Antoine , Laroque Guy 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis paper provides a new analysis of the main stylised facts underlying the evolution of labour supply at the extensive and intensive margins in three countries: the United States, the United Kingdom and France. We propose a definition of the extensive and intensive margins corresponding respectively to the employment rate and to hours when employed. This definition is robust to the choice of the reference period and we develop a new statistical decomposition that provides bounds on changes at these margins. We focus on longer‐run labour supply changes over the period 1977 to 2007 and abstract from the shorter‐run impact of recessions. Examining secular changes over this period, we show that both margins matter in explaining changes in total hours. We then provide a detailed analysis across countries and across time by demographic type. Given the large systematic differences we uncover in the importance of these margins by age and gender, it is unlikely that a single explanation will suffice to account for the macroeconomic evolutions in the three countries.
Anaemia on Admission is Associated with More Severe Intracerebral Haemorrhage and Worse Outcomes
Authors: Bussière Miguel , Gupta Meera , Sharma Mukul , Dowlatshahi Dar , Fang Jiming , Dhar Rajat 
Published: March 2013

Background Lower haemoglobin levels may impair cerebral oxygen delivery and threaten tissue viability in the setting of acute brain injury. Few studies have examined the association between haemoglobin levels and outcomes after spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage. Aims We evaluated whether anaemia on admission was associated with greater intracerebral haemorrhage severity and worse outcome. Methods Consecutive patients with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage were analyzed from the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network. Admission haemoglobin was related to stroke severity (using the Canadian Neurological Scale), modified Rankin score at discharge, and one-year mortality. Adjustment was made for potential confounders including age, gender, medical history, warfarin use, glucose, creatinine, blood pressure, and intraventricular haemorrhage. Results Two thousand four hundred six patients with intracerebral haemorrhage were studied of whom 23% had anaemia (haemoglobin <120 g/l) on admission, including 4% with haemoglobin <100 g/l. Patients with anaemia were more likely to have severe neurological deficits at presentation [haemoglobin ≤100 g/l, adjusted odds ratio 4·04 (95% confidence interval 2·39, 6·84); haemoglobin 101–120 g/l, adjusted odds ratio 1·93 (95% confidence interval 1·43, 2·59), both P < 0·0001]. In nonanticoagulated patients, severe anaemia was also associated with poor outcome (modified Rankin score 4–6) at discharge [haemoglobin ≤100 g/l, adjusted odds ratio 2·42 (95% confidence interval 1·07–5·47), P= 0·034] and increased mortality at one-year [haemoglobin ≤100 g/l, adjusted hazard ratio 1·73 (95% confidence interval 1·22–2·45), P = 0·002]. Conclusions Anaemia on admission is associated with greater intracerebral haemorrhage severity and worse outcomes. The utility of transfusion remains unclear in this setting.
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF A PERITONEAL DIALYSIS SERVICE: LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
Authors: Kazancioglu Rumeyza 
Published: March 2013

SUMMARYBackgroundDifferent trends in peritoneal dialysis (PD) utilisation are observed all over the world. The primary aim of all of these dialysis programmes is to provide a quality service to the patients, which depends in part in careful planning of the structure and organisation of the dialysis unit.AimThe aim of this paper is to review the available literature on the development and evaluation of PD programmes and to provide recommendations about how to start a new PD unit.FindingsThe essentials of a quality PD service are pre‐dialysis education and timely start on dialysis, adequate training for the physicians and nurses, full support from complementary disciplines, effective programme size and continuous quality improvement strategies. Those working in PD should make maximum use of limited resources to improve their dialysis programme penetration as well as clinical outcomes.
THE CLUSTERING OF IPO SPREADS IN KOREAN IPO MARKET: COMPETITION OR COLLUSION?
Authors: SOHN PANDO , SEO JI‐YONG 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis paper examines whether the clustering of initial public offering (IPO) spreads in the IPO market occurs through competition or collusion, using the period from January 2000 to July 2006 as the analytical range. It finds that the Korean IPO market spread is clustered at 3.5% on moderately sized IPOs (i.e., IPOs between 9 (KRW billion) and 33 (KRW billion)), representing a 74% overall rate that increases gradually over time. Our empirical results refute the collusion theory. The Korean IPO market is characterised by low concentration. A 3.5% spread does not represent abnormal profits relative to other IPOs. Cost saving (i.e. an inverse U shape) is confirmed by the use of 3.5% offers. Our results also show that factors typically related to underwriters and issuers – such as proceeds, secondary sales, earnings and reputation – affect the 3.5% spread used both positively and negatively. Thus, consistent with the efficient contract theory, the use of a 3.5% contract becomes less likely as proceeds increase but becomes more likely for IPOs of over 35 (KRW billion). On the one hand, the use of a 3.5% contract becomes more likely the more insider shares an IPO contains and the higher the volatility of the stock return (an insignificant factor). On the other hand, the use of a 3.5% contract becomes less likely the higher the earnings and debt (insignificant factors) and the more reputable the underwriter. Underpricing in 3.5% IPOs is conditioned by proceeds and secondary sales, not reputation and IPO market concentration. Thus, we conclude – against the cartel theory – that there is no collusive conspiracy in the Korean IPO market and that underwriters do not reap excess profits from 3.5% IPOs.
HIV/AIDS AND POVERTY IN SOUTH AFRICA: A BAYESIAN ESTIMATION OF SELECTION MODELS WITH CORRELATED FIXED‐EFFECTS
Authors: MURTIN FABRICE , MARZO FEDERICA 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn this paper, we estimate the causal impact of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) on monetary poverty using a panel database from South Africa. We treat endogeneity and selection problems associated with HIV/AIDS by a selection model that includes correlated fixed effects both in the level and in the participation equations, which are estimated simultaneously via original Bayesian methods. We model the consequences of the illness on both labour income and income transfers, and disentangle between urban and rural households. While no significant impact of HIV/AIDS on labour income is found because of households' recomposition, we find a substantial fall in received transfers among rural population and a dramatic increase in chronic poverty.
Efficacy of α‐glucosidase inhibitors combined with dipeptidyl‐peptidase‐4 inhibitor (alogliptin) for glucose fluctuation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus by continuous glucose monitoring
Authors: Kurozumi Akira , Okada Yosuke , Mori Hiroko , Arao Tadashi , Tanaka Yoshiya 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAims/IntroductionThe combination therapy of dipeptidyl‐peptidase (DPP)‐4 inhibitor and α‐glucosidase inhibitors (α‐GIs) is highly effective in suppressing postprandial hyperglycemia. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of voglibose and miglitol on glucose fluctuation, when used in combination with DPP‐4 inhibitor by using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).Materials and MethodsIn a randomized cross‐over study, 16 patients with type 2 diabetes who presented with postprandial hyperglycemia despite alogliptin (25 mg) were treated with voglibose (0.9 mg) or miglitol (150 mg). We measured standard deviation (SD); mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE), and mean, minimum and maximum glucose measured by CGM during three phases (alogliptin monotherapy, dual therapy of alogliptin and voglibose, and dual therapy of alogliptin and miglitol). The primary outcome measure was SD between α‐GIs.ResultsSD was significantly improved by the addition of either voglibose (18.9 ± 10.1) or miglitol (19.6 ± 8.2) to alogliptin monotherapy (36.2 ± 8.7). MAGE improved significantly with the addition of either voglibose (57.5 ± 26.1, P < 0.01) or miglitol (64.6 ± 26.2, P < 0.01) to alogliptin monotherapy (101.5 ± 21.5). There was no significant difference in glucose fluctuation between α‐GIs. There were no differences between two groups in mean (132.6 ± 21.4 and 138.7 ± 25.4) and maximum (184.3 ± 48.7 and 191.9 ± 38.3). The minimum glucose under alogliptin plus voglibose (94.9 ± 20.2) was significantly lower than that under alogliptin and miglitol (105.3 ± 21.0).ConclusionsGlucose fluctuation was improved by the addition of voglibose or miglitol to alogliptin. Glucose fluctuations and postprandial hyperglycemia were similar between α‐GIs. This trial was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (no. UMIN R000010028).
The association between trauma and melanoma in the Chinese population: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang N. , Wang L. , Zhu G.N. , Sun D.J. , He H. , Luan Q. , Liu L. , Hao F. , Li C.Y. , Gao T.W. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe association between trauma and melanoma has been a controversial issue.ObjectivesTo analyse the profiles of melanoma, and to determine whether trauma is associated with development of acral melanoma in the Chinese population.Patients and MethodsRetrospective analysis of 685 cases of cutaneous melanoma in the dermatology departments of Xijing Hospital in northwestern China and Xinan Hospital in southwestern China from 1982 to 2011.ResultsOf the 685 patients included in the study, 437 (63.8%) suffered from melanoma on the extremities. A total of 104 patients (15.2%) exhibited an association between trauma and melanoma. The primary anatomic sites of the tumours were the upper extremities (17, 16.3%), lower extremities (74, 71.2%) and other sites (13, 12.5%). Among these cases, the extremities were with remarkably higher risks of post‐trauma melanoma than the other sites [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.968; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.267–5.592]. Notably, patients in the south part of China were with a stronger risk of post‐trauma melanoma on the lower extremities than those in the north (adjusted OR 1.764; 95% CI 1.192–2.666) part. In addition, a significant higher risk of post‐trauma melanoma on the extremities was observed in the male gender (adjusted OR 1.848; 95% CI 1.186–2.887).ConclusionsOur findings provide epidemiological evidence for a potential association between traumatic events and melanoma of the extremities, especially the lower limbs, where a history of trauma is more likely.