bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ileosigmoid knotting: clinical appearance of 73 cases over 45.5 years
Authors: Atamanalp Sabri Selçuk 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundIleosigmoid knotting (ISK) is the wrapping of the ileum around the base of the sigmoid colon. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of 73 patients with ISK over 45.5 years.MethodsThe clinical records were reviewed retrospectively.ResultsThe age range was 7–92 years (mean 46.7 years), and 54 patients (74.0%) were male. Forty‐two patients (57.5%) experienced shock. The symptom duration range was 12–120 h (mean 46.5 h). The most common clinical features were abdominal pain and tenderness in 73 patients (100.0%), obstipation in 72 patients (98.6%), distention in 70 patients (95.9%) and vomiting in 61 patients (83.6%). The rate of correct diagnosis was 4.1% when based on clinical and X‐ray findings (3/73) and 100.0% when based on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging findings (4/4 and 2/2, respectively). The diagnosis of ISK was confirmed by surgery in all cases.ConclusionISK is a rare disease that occurs most commonly in adult men. The disease is generally associated with shock, and the clinical features generally present as a mechanical bowel obstruction. Although X‐rays may aid diagnosis, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are more reliable diagnostic tools. However, the diagnosis is made at laparotomy in some cases.
Multi‐length or 24 cm ureteric stent? A multicentre randomised comparison of stent‐related symptoms using a validated questionnaire
Authors: Calvert Robert C. , Wong Kee Y. , Chitale Sudhanshu V. , Irving Stuart O. , Nagarajan Muthuswamy , Biyani Chandra S. , Browning Anthony J. , Young James G. , Timoney Anthony G. , Keeley Francis X. , Burgess Neil A. 
Published: August 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
One of the suggested factors for stent‐related symptoms is that excess distal intravesical stent mass may cause bladder irritation. There is a lack of studies investigating this in a randomised controlled fashion using a validated questionnaire.
This study compared two of the most commonly used length of stents (a 30 cm multi‐length vs a 24 cm long stent) and showed no significance difference in stent‐related symptoms in patients with either of these stents.
Objective
To investigate whether excessive redundant intravesical stent component contributes to the severity of stent‐related symptoms in patients with a ureteric stent. We compared stent‐related symptoms in patients who had either a standard 24 cm or multi‐length ureteric stent.
Patients and Methods
In all, 162 patients with upper urinary tract calculi requiring ureteric stent insertion were randomised to receive either a 6 F × 24 cm ContourTM or multi‐length 6 F × 22–30 cm Contour VLTM stent.
Patients were requested to complete the validated Bristol Ureteric Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) at 1 and 4 weeks after stent insertion and 4 weeks after removal.
The mean scores for each domain of the USSQ for both groups were compared using the Student's t‐test.
Any adverse events, e.g. stent migration, early removal of stent due to stent‐related symptoms and failure of stent insertion, were also recorded.
Results
In all, 153 patients who had successful stent insertion were requested to complete the USSQ and 74% of patients returned at least the week 1 questionnaire.
At 1 and 4 weeks with the stent in situ, comparison of the mean scores showed no significant difference in urinary symptoms, pain, general health, work performance, sexual dysfunction and number of days patients stayed in bed or reduced their routine activities.
Three (2%) patients had their stent removed early due to stent‐related symptoms and five (3%) had failed stent insertion.
Conclusions
This study did not find any difference in symptoms between the 24 cm or multi‐length Contour stents. However, the study was not powered to detect small differences particularly for the pain symptom domain.
Stents should only be used sparingly and the stent dwell‐time should be minimised.
The regulation of ATP release from the urothelium by adenosine and transepithelial potential
Authors: Dunning‐Davies Bryony M. , Fry Christopher H. , Mansour Dina , Ferguson Douglas R. 
Published: August 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
Stretch of the urothelium, as occurs during bladder filling, is associated with a release of ATP that is postulated to act as a sensory neurotransmitter. The regulation of ATP release is poorly understood and in particular if there is a feedback mechanism provided by ATP itself.
Adenosine, a breakdown product of ATP, is a potent inhibitor of stretch‐induced ATP release, acting through and A1 receptor; endogenous levels are about 0.6μM. Data are consistent with ATP release relying on the rise of intracellular Ca2+. Transepithelial potential also controls ATP release, also acting via an A1 receptor‐dependent pathway.
Objectives
To test the hypothesis that distension‐induced ATP release from the bladder urothelium is regulated by adenosine as well as changes to transurothelial potential (TEP).
To examine the role of changes to intracellular [Ca2+] in ATP release.
Materials and Methods
Rabbit urothelium/suburothelium membranes were used in an Ussing chamber system. Distension was induced by fluid removal from the chamber bathing the serosal (basolateral) membrane face.
The TEP and short‐circuit current were measured. ATP was measured in samples aspirated from the serosal chamber by a luciferin–luciferase assay.
Intracellular [Ca2+] was measured in isolated urothelial cells using the fluorochrome Fura‐2. All experiments were performed at 37°C.
Results
Distension‐induced ATP release was decreased by adenosine (1–10 μm) and enhanced by adenosine deaminase and A1‐ (but not A2‐) receptor antagonists. Distension‐induced ATP release was reduced by 2‐APB, nifedipine and capsazepine; capsaicin induced ATP release in the absence of distension.
ATP and capsaicin, but not adenosine, generated intracellular Ca2+ transients; adenosine did not affect the ATP‐generated Ca2+ transient.
ATP release was dependent on a finite transepithelial potential. Changes to TEP, in the absence of distension, generated ATP release that was in turn reduced by adenosine.
Conclusion
Adenosine exerts a powerful negative feedback control of ATP release from the urothelium via A1 receptor activation.
Distension‐induced ATP release may be mediated by a rise of the intracellular [Ca2+].
Modulation of distension‐induced ATP release by adenosine and TEP may have a common pathway.
Prognostic factors for recent‐onset interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome
Authors: Warren John W. , Clauw Daniel J. , Langenberg Patricia 
Published: August 2012

Study Type – Prognosis (case series)Level of Evidence 4What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) comprises pain perceived to be from the bladder, urinary urgency and frequency, and nocturia. As diagnosed at present, it is primarily identified in adult women. It is a chronic disease yet its natural history has not been well studied.In a prospective study of 304 incident female IC/PBS cases followed for a median of 33 months after onset, women with baseline chronic fatigue syndrome had a worse prognosis for IC/PBS. Mild IC/PBS at baseline was the only variable that was directly associated with a good prognosis.OBJECTIVE
To identify baseline variables that predict the prognosis of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) in women seeking medical care for recent onset of this syndrome.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
In a prospective study of women with incident IC/PBS (≤12 months of symptoms), we contacted patients at intervals and asked standardized questions about IC/PBS symptoms in the previous week.
Logistic regression analyses assessed baseline variables as predictors of mild vs more severe IC/PBS at the last follow‐up.
RESULTS
Median length of follow‐up was 33 months after onset of IC/PBS; 304 (97%) patients had at least one follow‐up assessment.
Mild IC/PBS at baseline was the only variable that was directly associated with a mild IC/PBS endpoint.
Conversely, a history of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) was inversely associated with a mild endpoint of IC/PBS (i.e. individuals with CFS had a worse prognosis for their IC/PBS symptoms).
CONCLUSIONS
At a median of nearly 3 years after onset, baseline mild IC/PBS was directly associated with a milder disease severity.
Baseline co‐morbid CFS was associated with more severe disease.
Whether CFS was uniquely associated or represented several co‐morbid non‐bladder syndromes (NBSs) could not be determined.
Consolidation of vocabulary is associated with sleep in children
Authors: Henderson Lisa M. , Weighall Anna R. , Brown Helen , Gareth Gaskell M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAlthough the acquisition of a novel word is apparently rapid, adult research suggests that integration of novel and existing knowledge (measured by engagement in lexical competition) requires sleep‐associated consolidation. We present the first investigation of whether a similar time‐course dissociation characterizes word learning across development. Consistent with previous research but counter to adults, 7–12‐year‐olds showed sleep‐associated consolidation effects in declarative but not procedural memory. Nevertheless, the relationship between sleep and word learning in children was remarkably similar to the pattern for adults. Following exposure to nonword competitors (e.g. biscal) in the a.m. or p.m., children’s ability to recognize and recall the nonwords improved only after sleep (after approximately 12‐hrs for the p.m. group and 24‐hrs for the a.m. group), with performance stable 1 week later. Novel nonwords only induced lexical competition effects after sleep. These findings suggest that children utilize a dual memory system when acquiring and integrating new vocabulary and highlight sleep as integral to this process. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mm8SDUXw_0&feature=plcp.
A Material Flow‐based Approach to Enhance Resource Efficiency in Production and Recycling Networks
Authors: Fröhling Magnus , Schwaderer Frank , Bartusch Hauke , Schultmann Frank 
Published: August 2012

SummaryResource and energy efficiency are key strategies for production and recycling networks. They can contribute to more sustainable industrial production and can help cope with challenges such as competition, rising resource and energy prices, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and scarce and expensive landfill space. In pursuit of these objectives, further enhancements of single processes are often technologically sophisticated and expensive due to past achievements that have brought the processes closer to technical optima. Nevertheless, the potential for network‐wide advancements may exist. Methods are required to identify and assess the potential for promising resource and energy efficiency measures from technical, economic, and ecological perspectives. This article presents an approach for a material flow‐based techno‐economic as well as ecological analysis and assessment of resource efficiency measures in production and recycling networks. Based on thermodynamic process models of different production and recycling processes, a material and energy flow model of interlinked production and recycling processes on the level of chemical compounds is developed. The model can be used to improve network‐wide resource efficiency by analyzing and assessing measures in scenario and sensitivity analyses. A necessary condition for overcoming technical and economic barriers for implementing such measures can be fulfilled by identifying strategies that appear technologically feasible and economically and ecologically favorable. An exemplary application to a production and recycling network of the German steel and zinc industry is presented. From a methodological point of view, the approach shows one way of introducing thermodynamics and further technological aspects into industrial planning and assessment.
Morphologies of the Atria and Pulmonary Veins in Relation to Lone Atrial Fibrillation Progression: A Dual‐Source Computed Tomography Scan Study
Authors: LIU XING‐PENG , XU XIA , TIAN YING , TANG RI‐BO , YU RONG‐HUI , LONG DE‐YONG , SANG CAI‐HUA , JIANG CHEN‐XI , NING MAN , DONG JIAN‐ZENG , MA CHANG‐SHENG 
Published: August 2012

Atrial Remodeling and Lone Atrial Fibrillation. Background: We sought to investigate the role of anatomic remodeling of the atria and pulmonary veins (PVs) in the progression of lone atrial fibrillation (AF) using dual‐source computed tomography (DSCT).Methods and Results: From 1,308 consecutive patients referred for an index ablation procedure for AF, we prospectively enrolled 29 consecutive patients with recently developed (<3 months) lone persistent AF (PsAF) and 23 consecutive patients with short‐lasting (6–12 months) lone PsAF, all of whom had a history of paroxysmal AF (PAF). The control group consisted of 33 patients with lone PAF. On DSCT, the recently developed PsAF group showed more extensive atrial anatomic remodeling than the PAF group as shown by ∼40% higher spot biatrial volume, even though the mean duration of continuous AF was only 6 weeks. In contrast, the DSCT variables in the recently developed PsAF group and the short‐lasting PsAF group were comparable, despite the fact that the mean duration of continuous AF in the latter group was 8 months. Series of cross‐sectional areas of the ostial 1.5 cm of PV trunks were comparable in the PAF and PsAF groups in all but 3 ostial planes. A higher spot left atrial volume was the only independent factor associated with the progression of lone PAF to PsAF (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03–1.09, P<0.0001) on logistic regression.Conclusions: Prominent anatomic remodeling of the atria, rather than the PVs, underlies the mechanism of recent progression of lone paroxysmal AF to the persistent variety. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. S29‐S35, November 2012)
Dermal hypersensitivity reaction: a PCR‐confirmed pattern of herpetic dermatitis
Authors: Kinonen Christopher L. , Gleason Briana C. , Thomas Antoinette B. , Kaul Karen L. , Cibull Thomas L. 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundHerpetic dermatitis due to herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) can present with similar clinical and histopathologic features. Further confounding matters, viral cytopathic changes are not always observed in biopsy specimens. Therefore, use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis can play an integral role in the definitive diagnosis of herpetic dermatitis and in the distinction of HSV‐1/HSV‐2 from VZV.MethodsForty patients with skin biopsies (2004–2011) had PCR analysis performed to detect HSV‐1/2 or VZV. Patient demographics, clinical impression and histopathologic characteristics were reviewed and correlated with PCR findings.ResultsOverall, there was complete correlation between clinical impression, histopathology and PCR results in 21 of 40 cases. In 19 cases, clinical impression and histopathology were discrepant and in 15 of these cases PCR confirmed HSV or VZV infection. We also describe 3 cases of herpetic dermatitis without viral change that histopathologically demonstrate the pattern of a dermal hypersensitivity reaction.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that routine use of PCR for definitive diagnosis of herpetic dermatitis should be considered when there is a clinical suspicion of herpes virus infection, even when there is a lack of specific histopathologic findings. Additionally, a dermal hypersensitivity reaction should be recognized as one histopathologic manifestation of herpes incognito.
Leaf functional traits for the assessment of succession following management in semi‐natural grasslands: a case study in the North Apennines, Italy
Authors: Targetti Stefano , Messeri Alessandro , Staglianò Nicolina , Argenti Giovanni 
Published: August 2012

AbstractQuestionDo leaf functional traits describe variation in the intensity of management in semi‐natural grasslands?LocationMugello, North Apennines, Italy.MethodsIn an ecologically homogeneous area, we identified four grassland management practices (three different stocking rates and abandonment for 10 or more years). We measured leaf functional traits (LFT) of three dominant grass species – leaf dry matter content (LDMC), specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf N concentration (LNC) – in two permanent sampling plots per treatment for two consecutive years. Statistical tests and multivariate analysis were employed to compare the traits and analyse their sensitivity in responding to the different management intensities.ResultsThe robustness of LDMC and SLA in grass species ranking was confirmed. Weighted LDMC and SLA were able to differentiate the most intensely managed site from the others.ConclusionsThe results of the weighted LDMC and the weighted SLA encourage further studies aimed at the development of a LFT database for the most common grass species of Apennine semi‐natural grasslands. This could be of great help in the development of indicators able to support the formulation of rational management plans for conservation and sustainable animal production.
Colorless Green Ideas Learn Furiously
Authors: Norvig Peter 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Language recognition programs use massive databases of words, and statistical correlations between those words, to translate or to recognise speech. But correlation is not causation. Do these statistical data-dredgings give any insight into how language works? Or are they a mere big-number trick, useful but adding nothing to understanding? One who holds the latter view is the theorist of language Noam Chomsky. Peter Norvig disagrees.
Low and high surface brightness galaxies at void walls
Authors: Ceccarelli L. , Herrera-Camus R. , Lambas D. G. , Galaz G. , Padilla N. D. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
We study the relative fraction of low and high surface brightness galaxies (LSBGs and HSBGs) at void walls in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Data Release 7. We focus on galaxies in equal local density environments. We assume that the host dark matter halo mass (for which we use SDSS group masses) is a good indicator of local density. This analysis allows us to examine the behaviour of the abundance of LSBGs and HSBGs at a fixed local density and distinguish the large-scale environment defined by the void geometry. We compare galaxies in the field and in the void walls; the latter are defined as the volume of void shells of radius equal to that of the void. We find a significant decrement, a factor of ∼4, of the relative fraction of blue, active star-forming LSBGs in equal-mass groups at the void walls and the field. This decrement is consistent with an increase of the fraction of blue, active star-forming HSBGs. In contrast, red LSBGs and HSBGs show negligible changes. We argue that these results are consistent with a scenario where LSBGs with blue colours and strong star formation activity at the void walls are fuelled by gas from the expanding void regions. This process could lead to LSBG to HSBG transformations.
A Longitudinal Study of Survival in Belgian Shepherds with Genetic Epilepsy
Authors: Gulløv C.H. , Toft N. , Berendt M. 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundBelgian Shepherds have focal genetic epilepsy. The prevalence of epilepsy has been estimated as 9.5% in the breed and as 33% in the family investigated. Dogs with epilepsy might have an increased risk of premature death.Objective/HypothesisTo investigate survival and selected risk factors for premature death in a Belgian Shepherd family with genetic epilepsy.AnimalsOne hundred ninety‐nine related Belgian Shepherds.MethodsLongitudinal observational study, 2009–2011. Follow‐up telephone interviews were all conducted using a structured questionnaire addressing epilepsy, including seizure history and phenomenology, possible remission, possible death, and cause of death.ResultsThe life span of epileptic dogs was not significantly shortened by the presence of epilepsy (P = .87). Epilepsy was the predominant cause of death in the population (19/75 = 25%) and epilepsy‐related deaths accounted for 70% (19/27) of all deaths in the group of dogs with epilepsy. Two probable sudden unexpected deaths related to epilepsy occurred in dogs with generalized seizures. Cluster seizures occurred in 33% (17/51) but did not significantly influence the life span of epileptic dogs. Dogs with epilepsy had an epilepsy remission proportion of 13.7%.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceThe Belgian Shepherds investigated in the present study display a focal genetic epilepsy with an overall benign course. The life span was not significantly affected by the presence of epilepsy.
Serum IgM Antibodies Contribute to High Levels of Opsonophagocytic Activities in Toddlers Immunized with a Single Dose of the 9-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
Authors: Simell Birgit , Nurkka Anu , Ekström Nina , Givon-Lavi Noga , Käyhty Helena , Dagan Ron 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTIn immunogenicity trials of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs), only IgG antibody concentrations to pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides (PPSs) are usually determined, along with the opsonophagocytic activity (OPA) of antipneumococcal antibodies. We aimed to determine the role of both IgG and IgM in OPA in toddlers receiving one dose of 9-valent PCV (PCV9). The IgG and IgM antibody concentrations to PPSs of serotypes 6A, 9V, 14, 19F, and 23F were measured by enzyme immunoassay in sera from toddlers (ages 18 to 35 months) 1 month after a single PCV9 dose. The OPA for the same serotypes was measured by multiplexed opsonophagocytosis assay (MOPA). Further, IgG and IgM concentrations and MOPA were measured to PPS of serotypes 6A, 14, and 19F in sera collected 12 months after vaccination. The detected MOPA titers were high in comparison to the IgG concentrations 1 month after immunization. The IgM concentrations were higher than IgG concentrations for serotypes 6A and 14 (P< 0.001) and as high as IgG for serotypes 9V, 19F, and 23F. Correlation of the IgM antibody concentrations with MOPA (r= 0.35 to 0.65) was stronger compared to that of the IgG antibodies (r= 0.07 to 0.41). The depletion of IgG antibodies in three sets of pooled sera only slightly decreased the OPA activity against serotype 14. At 12 months after immunization, 50 to 100% of serum samples still showed detectable MOPA activity against serotypes 6A, 14, and 19F. Our results suggest that IgM contributes to OPA 1 month after a single PCV9 vaccination in toddlers and that functionally active IgM and IgG antibodies persist for at least a year.
Cooperative Role of Antibodies against Heat-Labile Toxin and the EtpA Adhesin in Preventing Toxin Delivery and Intestinal Colonization by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Roy Koushik , Hamilton David J. , Fleckenstein James M. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTEnterotoxigenicEscherichia coli(ETEC) is an important cause of diarrheal disease in developing countries, where it is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. Vaccine development for ETEC has been hindered by the heterogeneity of known molecular targets and the lack of broad-based sustained protection afforded by existing vaccine strategies. In an effort to explore the potential role of novel antigens in ETEC vaccines, we examined the ability of antibodies directed against the ETEC heat-labile toxin (LT) and the recently described EtpA adhesin to prevent intestinal colonizationin vivoand toxin delivery to epithelial cellsin vitro. We demonstrate that EtpA is required for the optimal delivery of LT and that antibodies against this adhesin play at least an additive role in preventing delivery of LT to target intestinal cells when combined with antibodies against either the A or B subunits of the toxin. Moreover, vaccination with a combination of LT and EtpA significantly impaired intestinal colonization. Together, these results suggest that the incorporation of recently identified molecules such as EtpA could be used to enhance current approaches to ETEC vaccine development.