bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Black yeast‐like fungi in skin and nail: it probably matters
Authors: Saunte D. M. , Tarazooie B. , Arendrup M. C. , de Hoog G. S. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryBlack yeast‐like fungi are rarely reported from superficial infections. We noticed a consistent prevalence of these organisms as single isolations from mycological routine specimens. To investigate the prevalence of black yeast‐like fungi in skin, hair and nail specimens and to discuss the probability of these species to be involved in disease. Slow‐growing black yeast‐like fungi in routine specimens were prospectively collected and identified. A questionnaire regarding patient information was sent to physicians regarding black yeast‐like fungus positive patients. A total of 20 746 dermatological specimens were examined by culture. Black yeast‐like fungi accounted for 2.2% (n = 108) of the positive cultures. Only 31.0% of the samples, culture positive for black yeast‐like fungi were direct microscopy positive when compared with overall 68.8% of the culture positive specimens. The most prevalent species were Phialophora europaea (n = 29), Coniosporium epidermidis (n = 12), Ochroconis cf. humicola (n = 6) and Cladophialophora boppii (n = 4). These are not common saprobes and thus less likely to be coincidental colonizers. In 10/30 cases, discolouration of nail/skin had been noticed. A limited number of black yeast‐like fungi were repeatedly isolated from routine specimens suggesting that they may play a role in superficial infections or as colonizers.
Causes of renal forniceal rupture
Authors: Gershman Boris , Kulkarni Naveen , Sahani Dushyant V. , Eisner Brian H. 
Published: July 2011

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort) Level of Evidence 2bWhat’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Renal forniceal rupture is a common finding in patients with ureteral obstruction. It is thought to be due to increased renal pelvis pressure from backup of urine, causing one or more renal fornices to leak urine. This phenomenon has not been systematically studied. Herein we retrospectively review the causes and associated clinical findings in over 100 cases of renal forniceal rupture.OBJECTIVE• To perform a retrospective review aiming to identify causes of renal forniceal rupture.PATIENTS AND METHODS• A retrospective review was performed of the longitudinal medical record and CT records for patients identified as having renal ‘forniceal rupture’ or ‘calyceal rupture’ using a radiological database.RESULTS• In total, 108 patients were identified with the CT diagnosis of renal ‘forniceal’ or ‘calyceal’ rupture.• Forniceal rupture was caused by ureteric stones in 80 cases (74.1%), malignant extrinsic ureteric compression in nine cases (8.3%), benign extrinsic ureteric compression in two cases (1.9%), pelvic‐ureteric junction obstruction in two cases (1.9%), vesico‐ureteric junction (VUJ) obstruction in one case (0.9%), bladder outlet obstruction in one case (0.9%) and iatrogenic causes in four cases (3.7%).• No definitive cause was found in nine cases (8.3%). For patients in whom a ureteric stone was the cause of forniceal rupture, the level of obstruction was proximal ureter in 24.3% of cases, distal ureter in 17.6% of cases and VUJ in 58.1% of cases.• Mean (sd) stone size was 4.09 (2.0) mm. Mean (sd) stone size was 5.34 (1.87) mm for proximal stones, 4.08 (1.69) mm for distal stones and 3.53 (1.96) mm for VUJ stones (P= 0.005).• Urinary tract infection was present in five out of 97 patients (5.2%) in whom data were available for analysis.CONCLUSION• The most common aetiology of renal forniceal rupture is obstruction caused by distal ureteric stones followed by malignant extrinsic ureteric compression.
Obesity and prostate enlargement in men with localized prostate cancer
Authors: Kopp Ryan P. , Han Misop , Partin Alan W. , Humphreys Elizabeth , Freedland Stephen J. , Parsons J. Kellogg 
Published: July 2011

Study Type – Prevalence (retrospective cohort) Level of Evidence 2bWhat’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Obesity is associated with prostate enlargement in men without prostate cancer. This study demonstrates an association between obesity and prostate enlargement in men with prostate cancer, and leads to possible implications for prostate cancer screening and diagnosis.OBJECTIVE• To determine if obesity is associated with prostate size in men with prostate cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODS• We examined preoperative body mass index (BMI) and whole prostate weight in a cohort of 16 325 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer from 1975 to 2008 at a single institution.• We used multivariable regression modelling adjusting for age, year of surgery, preoperative serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), pathological stage and Gleason grade.RESULTS• Of the entire cohort, 13 343 (82%) patients had a prostate weight of at least 40 g. These men were older (P < 0.001), had a higher preoperative BMI (P < 0.002), higher preoperative PSA (P < 0.001), and were more likely to have pT2 disease (P < 0.001).• In multivariable regression, preoperative BMI was associated with increased prostate weight: for each 1 kg/m2 increase in BMI, prostate weight increased by 0.45 g (95% CI 0.35–0.55, P‐trend < 0.001).• Compared with men with BMI < 25 kg/m2, men with a BMI ≥35 kg/m2 had a 40% (odds ratio 1.40, 95% CI 1.01–1.95) increased risk of prostate weight of at least 40 g and a 70% (odds ratio 1.70, 95% CI 1.32–2.20) increased risk of prostate weight of at least 50 g.CONCLUSIONS• In men with localized prostate cancer, obesity is associated with an increased risk of prostate enlargement.• These data validate other observations linking obesity with prostate enlargement and may have important ramifications for prostate cancer diagnosis in obese men.
In young adults with a low body mass index ultrasonography is sufficient as a diagnostic tool for ureteric stones
Authors: Pichler Renate , Skradski Viktor , Aigner Friedrich , Leonhartsberger Nicolai , Steiner Hannes 
Published: July 2011

Study Type – Diagnostic (case series) Level of Evidence 4What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Although CT has become the gold standard for stone diagnosis, this study provides data suggesting that ultrasonography (US) is sufficient as primary diagnostic method for ureteral stones avoiding high costs, unnecessary radiation and long‐term risk of cancer. To our knowledge the identification of additional factors affecting diagnostic accuracy of US for ureteral stone diagnosis has not been established to date.OBJECTIVE• To identify additional factors that might improve the diagnosis of ureteric stones using ultrasonography (US) as the primary diagnostic method.PATIENTS AND METHODS• We performed a retrospective study of 228 patients who underwent rigid ureterorenoscopy (URS) for obstructive ureteric stones.• Patient age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and stone location and size were recorded.• All patients underwent US for stone detection before surgery.• If no cause of the flank pain was found by US, computer tomography (CT) was performed to confirm the absence of ureteric stones.RESULTS• In 57 (25%), 15 (6.6%) and 156 (68.4%) patients a stone was localized on the proximal, mid‐ and distal ureter, respectively.• In 96 (42.1%), 122 (53.5%) and 10 (4.4%) patients the stone measured 0–5, 6–10 and >10 mm, respectively.• The mean (range) BMI of the patients was 24.7 (17.3–37.2) kg/m2.• The overall stone detection rate using US was 86.4% overall, and 96.4% in adults ≤35 years. In 72/197 patients (36.5%) the stones found using US measured ≤5 mm and in 24/31 patients (77.4%) the stones found using CT measured ≤5 mm.• Age (P= 0.008), stone size (P < 0.001) and BMI (P= 0.013) were factors that independently affected ureteric stone diagnosis using US.CONCLUSION• Although CT has served as the ‘gold standard’ for stone detection, its high costs and radiation dose, together with the high detection rate of US in the hands of experienced radiologists, lead us to conclude that US should be the first choice for primary diagnostic purposes, especially in young slim adults as no patient ≤35 years with a BMI ≤24 kg/m2 needed unenhanced CT for ureteric stone diagnosis.
Distribution and mechanisms of overpressure generation and deflation in the late Neoproterozoic to early Cambrian South Oman Salt Basin
Authors: KUKLA P. A. , REUNING L. , BECKER S. , URAI J. L. , SCHOENHERR J. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractLate Neoproterozoic to early Cambrian intra‐salt Ara reservoirs of the South Oman Salt Basin represents a unique self‐charging petroleum play with respect to hydrocarbon and overpressure generation and dissipation. Reservoir bodies (termed ‘stringers’) are isolated in salt and frequently contain low‐permeable dolomites that are characterized by high initial production rates because of hard overpressures. A database of more than 30 wells has been utilized to understand the distribution and generation of overpressures in intra‐salt reservoirs that can be separated by up to 350 m of salt. A temporal relationship of increasingly overpressured reservoirs within stratigraphically younger units is observed, and two distinctly independent trends emerge from the Oman dataset; one hydrostatic to slightly above hydrostatic and one overpressured from 17 to 22 kPa m−1, almost at lithostatic pressures. Structural, petrophysical and seismic data analysis suggests that overpressure generation is driven by fast burial of the stringers in salt, with a significant contribution by thermal fluid effects and kerogen conversion. Structural and geometric information indicates that present‐day hydrostatic stringers have been overpressured in their earlier geologic evolution. Evidence for these initial overpressures in currently hydrostatic reservoirs is provided by hydrocarbon‐veined cores from halite overlying the reservoirs. A proposed pressure deflation mechanism can be related to the complex interplay of salt tectonics and fast deposition of early Cambrian to Ordovician age clastics.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α synthesis inhibitor, 3,6′‐dithiothalidomide, reverses behavioral impairments induced by minimal traumatic brain injury in mice
Authors: Baratz Renana , Tweedie David , Rubovitch Vardit , Luo Weiming , Yoon Jeong Seon , Hoffer Barry J. , Greig Nigel H. , Pick Chaim G. 
Published: July 2011

J. Neurochem.(2011)118, 1032–1042.AbstractMild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients do not show clear structural brain defects and, in general, do not require hospitalization, but frequently suffer from long‐lasting cognitive, behavioral and emotional difficulties. Although there is no current effective treatment or cure for mTBI, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), a cytokine fundamental in the systemic inflammatory process, represents a potential drug target. TNF‐α levels increase after mTBI and may induce or exacerbate secondary damage to brain tissue. The present study evaluated the efficacy of the experimental TNF‐α synthesis inhibitor, 3,6′‐dithiothalidomide, on recovery of mice from mTBI in a closed head weight‐drop model that induces an acute elevation in brain TNF‐α and an impairment in cognitive performance, as assessed by the Y‐maze, by novel object recognition and by passive avoidance paradigms at 72 h and 7 days after injury. These impairments were fully ameliorated in mice that received a one time administration of 3,6′‐dithiothalidomide at either a low (28 mg/kg) or high (56 mg/kg) dose provided either 1 h prior to injury, or at 1 or 12 h post‐injury. Together, these results implicate TNF‐α as a drug target for mTBI and suggests that 3,6′‐dithiothalidomide may act as a neuroprotective drug to minimize impairment.
Intracellular distribution of functional M1‐muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in N1E‐115 neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Uwada Junsuke , Anisuzzaman Abu Syed Md , Nishimune Atsushi , Yoshiki Hatsumi , Muramatsu Ikunobu 
Published: July 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 958–967.AbstractSignaling by muscarinic agonists is thought to result from the activation of cell surface acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) that transmit extracellular signals to intracellular systems. In N1E‐115 neuroblastoma cells, we detected both plasma membrane and intracellular M1‐mAChRs using both biochemical and pharmacological methods. In intact cells, both plasma membrane and intracellular M1‐mAChRs were detected by the hydrophobic ligand probe, 1‐quinuclidinyl‐[phenyl‐4‐3H]‐benzilate ([3H]‐QNB) whereas the hydrophilic probe, 1‐[N‐methyl‐3H] scopolamine ([3H]‐NMS), detected only cell surface receptors. These probes detected comparable numbers of receptors in isolated membrane preparations. Immunohistochemical studies with M1‐mAChR antibody also detected both cell‐surface and intracellular M1‐mAChRs. Carbachol‐stimulated phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis and Ca2+ mobilization were completely inhibited by a cell‐impermeable M1 antagonist, muscarinic toxin ‐7 and the Gq/11 inhibitor YM‐254890. However, carbachol‐stimulated extracellular‐regulated kinase 1/2 activation was unaffected by muscarinic toxin‐7, but was blocked by the cell‐permeable antagonist, pirenzepine. extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation was resistant to blockade of Gq/11 (YM‐254890) and protein kinase C (bisindolylmaleimide I). Our data suggest that the geographically distinct M1‐mAChRs (cell surface versus intracellular) can signal via unique signaling pathways that are differentially sensitive to cell‐impermeable versus cell‐permeable antagonists. Our data are of potential physiological relevance to signaling that affects both cognitive and neurodegenerative processes.
Silencing of P2Y2 receptors reduces intraocular pressure in New Zealand rabbits
Authors: Martin‐Gil Alba , de Lara María Jesús Perez , Crooke Almudena , Santano Concepción , Peral Assumpta , Pintor Jesus 
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEP2 receptors are involved in the regulation of ocular physiological processes like intraocular pressure (IOP). In the present study, the involvement of P2Y2 receptors in the hypertensive effect of nucleotides was investigated by use of antagonists and of a siRNA designed for the P2Y2 receptor.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHAgonists of the P2Y2 receptor a as well as P2 antagonists were applied to eyes of New Zealand rabbits, and the changes in IOP were followed for up to 6 h. Cloning of the P2Y2 receptor cDNA was done using a combination of degenerate reverse transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). siRNA was synthesized and tested by immunohistochemistry.KEY RESULTSSingle doses of 2‐thioUTP, UTP‐γ‐S and UTP increased IOP. This behaviour was concentration‐dependent and partially antagonized by reactive blue 2. Silencing the P2Y2 receptor was observed in the ciliary body by immunohistochemistry labelling, where a reduction in the immunofluorescence was observed. This reduction in the expression of the P2Y2 receptor was concomitant with a reduction in IOP, which was measurable 24 h after treatment with the siRNA, maximal after 2 days, followed by a slow increase towards control values for the following 5 days. Application of the P2Y2 agonists after pretreatment of the animals with this siRNA did not produce any change in IOP.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSP2Y2 receptors increase IOP in New Zealand rabbits. The application of a siRNA for this receptor significantly reduced IOP, suggesting that this technology might be used for the treatment of glaucoma.
Use of inotropes and vasopressor agents in critically ill patients
Authors: Bangash Mansoor N , Kong Ming‐Li , Pearse Rupert M 
Published: July 2011

Inotropes and vasopressors are biologically and clinically important compounds that originate from different pharmacological groups and act at some of the most fundamental receptor and signal transduction systems in the body. More than 20 such agents are in common clinical use, yet few reviews of their pharmacology exist outside of physiology and pharmacology textbooks. Despite widespread use in critically ill patients, understanding of the clinical effects of these drugs in pathological states is poor. The purpose of this article is to describe the pharmacology and clinical applications of inotropic and vasopressor agents in critically ill patients.LINKED ARTICLES This article is commented on by Bracht et al., pp. 2009–2011 and De Backer and Scolletta, pp. 2012–2014 of this issue. To view Bracht et al. visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01776.x and to view De Backer and Scolletta visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01746.x
Exploring till bed kinematics using AMS magnetic fabrics and pebble fabrics: the Weedsport drumlin field, New York State, USA
Authors: GENTOSO MATTHEW J. , EVENSON EDWARD B. , KODAMA KENNETH P. , IVERSON NEAL R. , ALLEY RICHARD B. , BERTI CLAUDIO , KOZLOWSKI ANDREW 
Published: July 2011

Gentoso, M. J., Evenson, E. B., Kodama, K. P., Iverson, N. R., Alley, R. B., Berti, C. & Kozlowski, A. 2012 (January): Exploring till bed kinematics using AMS magnetic fabrics and pebble fabrics: the Weedsport drumlin field, New York State, USA. Boreas, Vol. 41, pp. 31–41. 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2011.00221.x. ISSN 0300‐9483.Thick, relatively homogeneous basal tills exposed in the drumlins and flutes of the Weedsport drumlin and flute field in New York State exhibit anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) and pebble fabrics that are consistently oriented parallel to the streamlined bedforms. The pebble fabrics and AMS fabrics are concordant. In this study, six drumlins and five flutes were sampled. Thermally induced, incremental reduction of isothermal remanent magnetization indicates that AMS is caused by primarily elongate maghaemite grains. The orientations of principal axes of maximum susceptibility (k1) are generally parallel to pebble long‐axis orientations, and tend to plunge mildly up‐glacier. Fabric directions are generally parallel to drumlin long‐axis orientations, but deviate by 12°–23° from flute directions. Fabrics of the flutes are stronger and more unidirectional than those of the drumlins. These results support the use of AMS as a fast and objective method for characterizing fabrics in tills, and suggest hypotheses about basal processes linked to glacially streamlined landforms.
The cognitive consequence of resecting nonlesional tissues in epilepsy surgery—Results from MRI‐ and histopathology‐negative patients with temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Helmstaedter Christoph , Petzold Inga , Bien Christian G. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryPurpose:  Because more selective and individual versus extended standard surgery in the treatment of epilepsy appears to result in similar seizure outcomes, the issue of sparing nonlesional and hypothetically still‐functioning tissues has become a central topic in epilepsy surgery. Within this framework we hypothesized that surgery in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐ and histopathologically negative patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) may serve as a proof of principle about the negative cognitive consequences of resecting nonlesional tissue.Methods:  Verbal and figural memory outcomes after temporal lobe surgery in 15 MRI‐ and histopathologically negative patients (MRH−) were compared to those obtained in 15 MRI‐ and histopathologically positive patients (MRH+). In the MRH− group, 53% were male, 66% were resected on the left side, 13% underwent selective amygdalohippocampectomy, and 20% became seizure‐free. MRH+ patients were selected from >1,000 TLE patients, and provided matched pairs in regard to chronological age, sex, IQ, attention performance, onset of epilepsy, side and type of surgery, age at surgery, and seizure outcome. Individual and combined standardized scores for verbal/figural memory were evaluated.Key findings:  Preoperatively, memory was significantly better and less frequently impaired in MRH− as opposed to MRH+ patients. Postoperatively, memory losses in MRH− were more severe as opposed to MRH+ patients who did not change, on average. Losses in individual test parameters were seen in between 27% and 80% in MRH− patients as compared to between 13% and 47% in MRH+ patients. After surgery, outcomes for both groups were at comparably poor performance levels.Significance:  Preoperative group differences in memory and the finding that, after surgery, both groups had comparably poor performance levels indicate a major relevance of morphologic structural lesions for memory impairment in TLE. The findings in particular confirm the negative impact of the resection of nonlesional functional tissue for cognitive surgical outcome. Absence of MRI lesion and unimpaired memory appear as significant risk factors for postoperative memory loss in temporal lobe surgery.
Form Over Matter: Differences in the Incentives to Convert Using Full Versus Partial Demutualization in the U.S. Life Insurance Industry
Authors: Erhemjamts Otgontsetseg , Phillips Richard D. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractWe explore the recent wave of demutualizations in the U.S. life insurance industry and analyze if the motives were similar for mutual life insurers that fully demutualized versus those that converted to mutual holding company (MHC) form. We find that fully demutualizing insurers were primarily motivated by a desire to gain access to external capital markets while those that chose MHC were motivated by other incentives including a tax‐based incentive. We also document that after conversion, fully demutualizing insurers more aggressively increase their exposure to risks they have a comparative advantage to bear than do firms that convert to MHC.
The age of Calluna stands moderates post‐fire regeneration rate and trends in northern Calluna heathlands
Authors: Velle Liv G. , Nilsen Liv S. , Vandvik Vigdis 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Questions: Does stand age influence the direction and rate of post‐fire successional dynamics in coastal Calluna heaths and can old degraded heath vegetation be restored through reintroduction of fire?
Location: Coastal heaths in the Tarva archipelago, central Norway.
Methods: We investigated revegetation dynamics after experimental fires set in young (8 years since last fire) and old (>50 years since last fire) grazed heath stands. A repeated measures design was used, with floristic data recorded in permanent plots in the post‐fire successions (n=12) over a 7‐year period. The data were analysed using multivariate ordination techniques (PCA, RDA and PRC) and mixed effects models.
Results: The age of Calluna stands strongly influenced post‐fire succession, different trends due to age explained 10.4% of variation in floristic data. Young heath showed faster succession towards pre‐fire community composition than old heath, and this could partially be explained by succession‐related factors: young heath had lower cover of mosses and lichens in the pre‐burned vegetation, and lower cover of litter early in succession. Young heath had a less pronounced overall community response to fire than old heath. Vegetative regeneration of C. vulgaris was absent in both old and young heath, but Calluna still re‐established as the dominant species within 5–7 years in both young and old stands. Regeneration dynamics were also affected by habitat conditions, different trends due to habitat explained 6% of variation.
Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that old stands do develop characteristic heathland vegetation and structure after fire, and while potential invasives into the system such as trees and rhizomatous species are present, they do not impair Calluna regeneration or vegetation development towards the target heathland community composition and structure. Further, as our young stands are only in their second fire rotation after restoration, we suggest that characteristic dynamics of managed heathlands can re‐establish relatively rapidly, even in severely degenerated sites (>50 years since last fire). Site‐specific factors also need to be considered. We conclude that there is restoration potential in old heaths, despite slow dynamics in the first rotation.