bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flexible pneumocystoscopy for double J stenting during laparoscopic and robot assisted pyeloplasty: Our experience
Authors: Fiori Cristian , Morra Ivano , Di Stasio Andrea , Grande Susanna , Scarpa Roberto Mario , Porpiglia Francesco 
Published: February 2010

AbstractWe present our results in terms of feasibility, safety and efficacy of flexible pneumocystoscopy during double J stenting in patients undergoing laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP). The patient is placed on the flank at a 45° angle. Laparoscopic pyeloplasty according to the Anderson–Hynes technique is carried out by transperitoneal access. After completing the running suture of the posterior wall of the uretero‐pyelic anastomosis, the double J stent is placed in a retrograde manner with a pneumocystoscopy using flexible cystoscope. Thirty‐six patients were prospectively evaluated; 28 of these were treated with standard LP and 8 with robot‐assisted LP. Mean operative time was 124 min, whereas double J stenting time was 4.2 min (2–6). We observed one case of cranial migration of the stent, forcing us to repeat the procedure, which was completed without complications. No ancillary procedures or X‐ray control were necessary. Retrograde double J stenting using flexible pneumocystoscopy during laparoscopic and robot assisted pyeloplasty is feasible, easy, safe and effective. The procedure can be completed without changing the patient's position and without the use of X‐ray.
VARIETIES OF RELIGIOUS COGNITION: A COMPUTATIONAL APPROACH TO SELF‐UNDERSTANDING IN THREE MONOTHEIST CONTEXTS
Authors: Reimer Kevin S. , Dueck Alvin C. , Neufeld Garth , Steenwyk Sherry , Sidesinger Tracy 
Published: February 2010

Abstract.This study considered representations of divine and human others in the self‐understanding of monotheists from three religions. Self‐understanding was conceptualized on the basis of semantic and episodic knowledge in narrative response data. Given the importance of social context in the formation of cognitive schemas, the project emphasized self‐understanding in a comparative religious design. The sample included sixty nominated religious exemplars who responded to a structured interview. Schemas were subsequently mapped for Jews, Muslims, and Christians by comparison of self and other representations in a computational model known as latent semantic analysis (LSA). Findings indicated that representation of the divine is far removed from parents in cognitive schemas for all participants. Unlike Jews and Christians, Muslims appear to represent human others on the basis of self‐understanding which principally references the divine. When considered in a computational semantic space, exemplars generally represent the self in a manner corresponding with divine and peer figures.
COSMOLOGY FROM ALPHA TO OMEGA: RESPONSE TO REVIEWS
Authors: Russell Robert John 
Published: February 2010

Abstract.I gratefully acknowledge and respond here to four reviews of my recent book, Cosmology from Alpha to Omega. Nancey Murphy stresses the importance of showing consistency between Christian theology and natural science through a detailed examination of my recent model of their creative interaction. She suggests how this model can be enhanced by adopting Alasdair MacIntyre's understanding of tradition in order to adjudicate between competing ways of incorporating science into a wider worldview. She urges the inclusion of ethics in my model and predicts that this would successfully challenge the competing naturalist tradition in contemporary society. John F. Haught weighs the alternatives of viewing divine action as objective versus subjective and of divine action at one level in nature or at all levels. He asks whether physics is fundamental to nature, arguing instead that metaphysics should be considered as fundamental. Michael Ruse assesses occasional versus universal divine action, the problems raised to divine action when it is related to quantum mechanics, and the way these relations exacerbate the challenge of natural theodicy. As an alternative he suggests viewing God as outside time and acting through unbroken natural law. Willem B. Drees discusses my use of the bridge metaphor for the relation between theology and science, the implications when science is inspired by theology, the role of contingency and necessity in the anthropic principle/many‐worlds debate, and the challenge of cosmology to eschatology with the ensuing problem of theodicy.
Thalidomide–dexamethasone as up‐front therapy for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: thrombophilic alterations, thrombotic complications, and thromboprophylaxis with low‐dose warfarin
Authors: Cini Michela , Zamagni Elena , Valdré Lelia , Palareti Gualtiero , Patriarca Francesca , Tacchetti Paola , Legnani Cristina , Catalano Lucio , Masini Luciano , Tosi Patrizia , Gozzetti Alessandro , Cavo Michele 
Published: February 2010

Abstract Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major complication of myeloma therapy recently observed with the increasing use of up‐front thalidomide and dexamethasone (thal–dex). The pathogenesis of thal‐induced VTE is not well recognized, and the role of prothrombotic factors, especially of thrombophilic abnormalities, is not yet determined. Material and methods: Two hundred and sixty‐six patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) were primarily treated with thal–dex in preparation for subsequent high‐dose therapy and autologous stem‐cell transplantation. Out of these 266 patients, 190 were evaluated for thrombophilic alterations at baseline, and 125 of them were also re‐assessed after thal–dex therapy. Results: The presence of genetic thrombophilic polymorphisms among patients with MM was superimposable to that of normal controls and was associated with a twofold increase in the relative risk of VTE. aAPCR and elevated factor VIII levels were frequent, albeit transient, alterations and were not associated with a significant increase in the risk of VTE. Two hundred and forty‐six patients received a thromboprophylaxis with fixed low‐dose warfarin (1.25 mg/day) during thal–dex therapy. Of these patients (or 10.6%), 26 had symptomatic VTE events. Their patients‐years rate of VTE (35.5%) was significantly lower in comparison with the 86.2% rate recorded among the first 19 patients who initially entered the study and did not receive any kind of thromboprophylaxis (P = 0.043). Conclusions: On the basis of these data, a baseline thrombophilic work up is not recommended in patients with receiving up‐front thal–dex. For these patients, fixed low‐dose warfarin may be a valuable prophylaxis against VTE.
Application of Chlorite Geothermometry to Hydrothermal Alteration in Toyoha Geothermal System, Southwestern Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Inoue Atsuyuki , Kurokawa Kyohei , Hatta Tamao 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIn this study, we applied chemical geothermometers to the estimation of formation temperatures of chlorites from various types of hydrothermally altered rocks in the Toyoha geothermal field, using core samples from six drill holes (TH‐2 to TH‐7) together with wasted ore samples from Toyoha vein‐type ore deposit. Based on the preliminary examination of mineral assemblages by X‐ray powder diffraction and optical microscopy, hydrothermal alteration observed through the drill holes was classified into four types of alteration zones: propylitic, mixed‐layer minerals, kaolin minerals, and ore mineralized zones. The mineral assemblage of the ore mineralized zone observed through TH‐2, TH‐4, and TH‐6 is similar to those of Toyoha ore veins reported previously. The Fe3+/ΣFe ratios of chlorites were determined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), in addition to the usual microprobe analyses. The ratios ranged from 0.20–0.26 for chlorites from the propylitic alteration zone and from 0.13 to 0.17 for those from the ore mineralized zone associated with sulfide minerals. After correcting the Fe3+ contents in the octahedral sites of chlorite structures, we obtained acceptable temperatures of the chlorite formation by application of geothermometers, for instance, a similar range of 150–300°C for chlorites from either the propylitic zone or the ore mineralized zone developed through TH‐2, TH‐4, and TH‐6. Chlorites from the ore mineralized zone proximal to the Toyoha deposit are characterized by high Fe and Mn contents compared to the propylitic chlorites, which is similar to the Toyoha vein‐filling chlorites; the formation temperatures were close to both the homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions and the present subsurface temperatures measured through drill holes. Chlorites from the Toyoha ore veins, however, gave slightly higher formation temperatures (180–350°C) than those of chlorites from the ore mineralized zone in the drill cores. This suggests that several types of hydrothermal alteration occurred at different stages in the Toyoha geothermal field and the composition of product chlorite was controlled not only by the temperature but also the composition of fluid related to the formation. Reliable estimation of temperature for the chlorite formation provides basic information on evaluating correctly other physicochemical conditions prevalent at the formation.
Adjunctive antidepressant use and its clinical correlates in patients with schizophrenia: an East Asia multicenter comparative prescribing audit
Authors: Sim Kang , Fujii Senta , Yang Shu‐yu , Chong Mian‐Yoon , Ungvari Gabor S , Si Tianmei , He Yan Ling , Chung Eun Kee , Shinfuku Naotaka , Kua Ee Heok , Tan Chay Hoon 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAims: Previous pharmacoepidemiological studies have highlighted considerable rates of adjunctive psychotropic medication prescriptions in patients with schizophrenia, including the use of adjunctive antidepressants, but this has not previously been studied in East Asia. This study examined the frequency of adjunctive antidepressant prescriptions in patients with schizophrenia and their clinical correlates in six East Asian countries and territories.Methods: Co‐prescription of antidepressants for a sample of 2,136 patients with schizophrenia from six countries and territories (China, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore) were evaluated in 2004 using a standardized protocol.Results: Adjunctive antidepressant prescriptions were found in 6.5% (n=139) of the patients with some intercountry differences. Co‐prescription of antidepressants was significantly associated with younger age, shorter duration of index admission, electroconvulsive therapy in the past month, less likelihood of manifesting disorganized speech, and prescription of first generation antipsychotic drugs. Concomitant antidepressant prescription was associated with greater weight and increased number of adverse events including constipation, sedation and sexual dysfunction. On multivariate analysis, it was found that country, younger age and history of electroconvulsive therapy for the past month were significantly associated with adjunctive antidepressant use.Discussion: Adjunctive antidepressant use for schizophrenia in East Asia was associated with a number of demographic, clinical, and treatment variables. The association with greater weight and more adverse events reinforces the notion that prescription of adjunctive psychotropic medication is not without its costs. The challenge for the clinician is to constantly reevaluate the risk benefit ratio in the process of understanding the patient in a holistic context and to optimize the treatment regimes for patients with schizophrenia.
Duration of untreated psychosis, ethnicity, educational level, and gender in a multiethnic South‐East Asian country: report from Malaysia schizophrenia registry
Authors: Chee K.Y. , Muhammad Dain N.A. , Abdul Aziz S. , Abdullah A.A. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIntroduction: Duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) determines the outcome of schizophrenia. Previously, there was no information about the DUP among patients in Malaysia with schizophrenia. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between DUP and patients' demographic, social cultural background and clinical features.Method: This is a cross‐sectional study on patients who presented with first episode schizophrenia. Data from 74 primary care centers and hospitals between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2007 were included in the analysis. All patients with first‐episode schizophrenia were enrolled in the study.Results: The mean DUP was 37.6 months. The indigenous community appeared to have the shortest DUP compared to the Malay, Chinese and Indian communities. Female, people with lower educational level, and comorbidity with medical illness during contact had longer DUP.Discussion: DUP in this multiethnicity country was found to be significantly short among the indigenous people, which may sugest that traditional values and strong family and community ties shorten the DUP. Educational level may need to be further investigated, because as upgrading the general educational level could lead to shorter DUP among the patients as well.
Comparative Activities of TR-700 (Torezolid) against Staphylococcal Blood Isolates Collected in Spain
Authors: Betriu Carmen , Morales Gracia , Rodríguez-Avial Icíar , Culebras Esther , Gómez María , López-Fabal Fátima , Picazo Juan J. 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT

The
in vitro
activity of TR-700 (torezolid) was evaluated against a collection of 660 staphylococcal blood isolates. TR-700 showed excellent activity against all the staphylococci tested. The MIC
50
and MIC
90
values of TR-700, linezolid, daptomycin, and vancomycin against methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) isolates were 0.25 and 0.5, 2 and 4, 0.5 and 0.5, and 1 and 2 μg/ml, respectively. TR-700 demonstrated greater
in vitro
potency than linezolid against staphylococci, including linezolid-resistant and vancomycin-nonsusceptible strains, and was 32-fold more active than linezolid against the seven
cfr
-positive MRSA strains tested.
Concomitant EnterotoxigenicEscherichia coliInfection Induces Increased Immune Responses toVibrio choleraeO1 Antigens in Patients with Cholera in Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Fahima , Begum Yasmin A. , Alam Mohammad Murshid , Khan Ashraful I. , Ahmed Tanvir , Bhuiyan M. Saruar , Harris Jason B. , LaRocque Regina C. , Faruque Abu S. G. , Endtz Hubert , Ryan Edward T. , Cravioto Alejandro , Svennerholm Ann-Mari , Calderwood Stephen B. , Qadri Firdausi 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTVibrio choleraeO1 and enterotoxigenicEscherichia coli(ETEC) are major bacterial pathogens that cause dehydrating disease requiring hospitalization of children and adults. The cholera toxin (CT) produced byV. choleraeO1 and the heat-labile toxin (LT) and/or heat-stable toxin (ST) of ETEC are responsible for secretory diarrhea. We have observed that about 13% of hospitalized diarrheal patients are concomitantly infected withV. choleraeO1 and ETEC. In order to understand the outcome of such dual infections on the clinical and immunological responses in cholera patients, we studied patients infected withV. choleraeO1 (group VC;n= 25), those infected with bothV. choleraeO1 and ETEC (group VCET;n= 25), and those infected with ETEC only (group ET;n= 25). The VCET group showed more severe dehydration and had a higher intake of intravenous fluid and more vomiting than the ETEC group (P= 0.01 to 0.003). The VCET patients showed higher vibriocidal responses and increased antibody titers to cholera toxin and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in plasma than did theV. choleraeO1 patients (P= 0.02 to <0.001). All responses in theV. choleraeO1 and in the VCET groups were more robust than those seen in the group infected with ETEC only (P= 0.01 to <0.001). We thus show that concomitant colonization with ETEC induces immune responses toV. choleraeantigens that are more robust than those seen withV. choleraeO1 infection alone. It is possible that LT or other factors expressed by ETEC may play a role as a mucosal adjuvant in enhancing the immune responses toV. choleraeO1.
Improving Farmers’ Perception and Use of Climate Predictions in Farming Decisions: A Transition Model
Authors: PytlikZillig Lisa M. , Hu Qi , Hubbard Kenneth G. , Lynne Gary D. , Bruning Roger H. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Despite tremendous efforts to improve weather and climate predictions and to inform farmers about the use of such weather products, farmers’ attitudes toward forecast use remain poor and farmer use of forecasts has not increased. This paper describes features of a new conceptual model for facilitating farmers’ use of weather products and offers preliminary evidence for its effectiveness based on a test-of-concept prototype. The prototype system provides farmers with contextualized information, the opportunity to use that information in relevant farming contexts, and collaborative interaction with other users. In addition, scaffolding and feedback are incorporated in the model to enhance learning and motivation. Surveys before and after use of the prototype system, and focus-group discussion after system use, were conducted to obtain evaluations from 15 farmers in southeastern Nebraska. Farmers’ evaluations of the system were moderately positive and indicated greater intentions to use the products in the future than they had in the past. However, farmers only slightly increased their positive expectancies of various general categories of weather and climate products, supporting the difficulties associated with changing overall attitudes when attempting to transfer scientific improvements into practical uses. It is suggested that multiple exposures to such a system and more individualized and personally relevant use opportunities may further enhance the power of the proposed model.
Barotropic and Baroclinic M2 Tides in the Monterey Bay Region
Authors: Carter G. S. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
A high-resolution (250 m) primitive equation model is used to simulate the depth-averaged and baroclinic M2 tides in the Monterey Bay region. The model shows a high level of skill in comparisons with sea level observations. ADCP current observations within the submarine canyon are reasonably well reproduced. The modeled depth-averaged currents have a complex spatial pattern with magnitudes in excess of 0.1 m s−1 near Moss Landing. During the second half of flood (ebb) tide, the flow is into (out of) the bay through the canyon but out of (into) the bay over the shelf regions. This depth-averaged flow pattern is not evident in a diagnostic run, implying a feedback between the internal tides and the pressure gradient in the bay. The depth-integrated baroclinic (total minus depth-averaged) energy fluxes show a complex beamlike pattern due to the interaction of energy from multiple sources. The beams have magnitudes up to 1 kW m−1 interspersed with regions of near-zero depth-integrated flux. Energy entering the bay propagates northward from generation regions along the continental margins to the south of the bay (notably on the flanks of Sur Platform) and is steered into the canyon. A localized increase in depth-integrated baroclinic flux magnitude (up to 5 times the values elsewhere in the domain) closely follows the canyon axis near the mouth of the bay, presumably due to topographic focusing. Upper ocean velocities from a long-term surface mooring (MBARI M1) are used to assess the temporal variability of the M2 tide outside the canyon.
G-CSF protects motoneurons against axotomy-induced apoptotic death in neonatal mice
Authors: Henriques Alexandre , Pitzer Claudia , Dupuis Luc , Schneider Armin 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a growth factor essential for generation of neutrophilic granulocytes. Apart from this hematopoietic function, we have recently uncovered potent neuroprotective and regenerative properties of G-CSF in the central nervous system (CNS). The G-CSF receptor and G-CSF itself are expressed in α motoneurons, G-CSF protects motoneurons, and improves outcome in the SOD1(G93A) transgenic mouse model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In vitro, G-CSF acts anti-apoptotically on motoneuronal cells. Due to the pleiotrophic effects of G-CSF and the complexity of the SOD1 transgenic ALS models it was however not possible to clearly distinguish between directly mediated anti-apoptotic and indirectly protective effects on motoneurons. Here we studied whether G-CSF is able to protect motoneurons from purely apoptotic cell death induced by a monocausal paradigm, neonatal sciatic nerve axotomy.

Results
We performed sciatic nerve axotomy in neonatal mice overexpressing G-CSF in the CNS and found that G-CSF transgenic mice displayed significantly higher numbers of surviving lumbar motoneurons 4 days following axotomy than their littermate controls. Also, surviving motoneurons in G-CSF overexpressing animals were larger, suggesting additional trophic effects of this growth factor.

Conclusions
In this model of pure apoptotic cell death the protective effects of G-CSF indicate direct actions of G-CSF on motoneurons in vivo. This shows that G-CSF exerts potent anti-apoptotic activities towards motoneurons in vivo and suggests that the protection offered by G-CSF in ALS mouse models is due to its direct neuroprotective activity.
Predictive ability of an early diagnostic guess in patients presenting with chest pain; a longitudinal descriptive study
Authors: Verdon François , Junod Michel , Herzig Lilli , Vaucher Paul , Burnand Bernard , Bischoff Thomas , Pécoud Alain , Favrat Bernard 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
The intuitive early diagnostic guess could play an important role in reaching a final diagnosis. However, no study to date has attempted to quantify the importance of general practitioners' (GPs) ability to correctly appraise the origin of chest pain within the first minutes of an encounter.

Methods
The validation study was nested in a multicentre cohort study with a one year follow-up and included 626 successive patients who presented with chest pain and were attended by 58 GPs in Western Switzerland. The early diagnostic guess was assessed prior to a patient's history being taken by a GP and was then compared to a diagnosis of chest pain observed over the next year.

Results
Using summary measures clustered at the GP's level, the early diagnostic guess was confirmed by further investigation in 51.0% (CI 95%; 49.4% to 52.5%) of patients presenting with chest pain. The early diagnostic guess was more accurate in patients with a life threatening illness (65.4%; CI 95% 64.5% to 66.3%) and in patients who did not feel anxious (62.9%; CI 95% 62.5% to 63.3%). The predictive abilities of an early diagnostic guess were consistent among GPs.

Conclusions
The GPs early diagnostic guess was correct in one out of two patients presenting with chest pain. The probability of a correct guess was higher in patients with a life-threatening illness and in patients not feeling anxious about their pain.