bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Z‐shaped ileal neobladder after radical cystectomy: an 18 years experience with 329 patients
Authors: Neuzillet Yann , Yonneau Laurent , Lebret Thierry , Herve Jean‐Marie , Butreau Martine , Botto Henry 
Published: January 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo evaluate the results in terms of functional results and morbidity of Z‐shaped ileal neobladder performed in a single center.PATIENTS AND METHODS329 consecutive male patients who had an orthotopic bladder replacement using the Z‐shaped ileal neobladder between May 1990 and January 2009.RESULTSThe mean age of the patients was 64.4 ± 9.6 years, with a mean follow‐up of 59.4 ± 55 months.Eighty‐three early complications in 80/294 patients (27.2%) occurred. The average Clavian rate of these early complications was 2.24. Among these, 12 complications in 12 patients (4.1%) were pouch‐related, and 3 reoperations were required. Two patients died from cardiac complications. Sixty‐three late complications in 60/294 patients (20.4%) were recorded. The average Clavian rate of these late complications was 2.98. Among these, 47 complications in 45/294 patients (15.3%) were pouch‐related, and 18 reoperations were required, essentially for ureteral anastomosis stricture.Satisfactory daytime urinary continence was achieved in 92% of patients. Daytime continence was obtained within, on average, 6.8 ± 16.4 months. The interval between each daytime urination was 2.6 ± 0.8 h (median = 2.5 [1–5] h). Forty‐four (15%) patients developed metabolic acidosis which only required oral medication.Satisfactory nocturnal urinary continence was achieved in 87% of patients. Night‐time continence was obtained within, on average, 10.8 ± 22.4 months.Hyper‐continence with subsequent need for CISC was observed in 4%.CONCLUSIONIn our series of 329 patients, compared with the other techniques, the Z‐shaped ileal neobladder had an ‘expected’ complication rate for this high risk surgery with satisfactory daytime and night‐time continence in nine out of ten patients.
The effect of corporate governance on firm’s credit ratings: further evidence using governance score in the United States
Authors: Alali Fatima , Anandarajan Asokan , Jiang Wei 
Published: January 2011

AbstractWe investigate whether corporate governance affects firms’ credit ratings and whether improvement in corporate governance standards is associated with improvement in investment grade rating. We use the Gov‐score of Brown and Caylor (2006), the Gomper’s G index and an entrenchment score of Bebchuk et al. (2009) to proxy for corporate governance. Using a sample of US firms, we find that firms characterized by stronger corporate governance have a significantly higher credit rating, and that this association is accentuated for smaller firms relative to larger firms. We find that an improvement in corporate governance is associated with improvement in bond rating.
SPATIAL HOMOGAMY: THE GEOGRAPHICAL DIMENSIONS OF PARTNER CHOICE
Authors: HAANDRIKMAN KAREN 
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACTIndividuals tend to find life partners who are similar to themselves, a phenomenon known as homogamy. This study focuses on spatial homogamy, which is the similarity regarding the geographical origin of partners. Adopting a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods, the geographical dimension of partner choice is explored for the Netherlands. Distance decay is highly pertinent for Dutch cohabitation partners: half of them meet within a 6 kilometre distance. The level of spatial homogamy not only varies by demographic and socio‐economic characteristics of individuals, but also exhibits a spatial distribution. The spatial variation can be explained by a combination of cultural, geographical and socio‐economic factors. In a case study in a rural area in eastern Netherlands, villagers indicated that a partner from close by is seen as convenient, familiar and trustworthy. The distance at which partners are found is influenced by the perceived mentality and culture of neighbouring places.
Evaluation of the properties of components prepared and stored after holding of whole blood units for 8 and 24 hours at ambient temperature
Authors: Moroff Gary , AuBuchon James P. , Pickard Constance , Whitley Pamela H. , Heaton W. Andrew , Holme Stein 
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND: The capability of holding whole blood (WB) units at ambient temperature, overnight, should help in platelet (PLT) concentrate preparation logistics. We summarize the results of a study conducted in the early 1990s that compared, in particular, PLT and red blood cell (RBC) in vivo viability properties following storage after preparation after 8‐ and 24‐hour WB hold periods.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Individuals donated units of WB on two occasions. Centrifugation at 20 to 24°C to separate PLTs and additive system RBC placement at 1 to 6°C was completed 8 hours after phlebotomy or after 24 hours in randomized order. Components were not leukoreduced. Studies including in vitro biochemical and hematologic analyses and autologous in vivo RBC and PLT evaluations were conducted at two sites.RESULTS: RBC 24‐hour in vivo (mean ± SD) recoveries (single‐label approach), after 35 days of storage, were 79.2 ± 4.3 and 79.4 ± 3.9% (n = 9; p > 0.05), with WB holding periods of 8 and 24 hours, respectively. With 42 days of storage, recovery after a 24‐hour hold was slightly less than with an 8‐hour hold (72.9 ± 6.5% vs. 76.0 ± 5.4%; n = 17; p < 0.05). RBC 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate acid levels were substantially less after the 24‐hour hold compared to after the 8‐hour hold (n = 18; p < 0.05). PLT recovery after 5 days of storage with 8‐ and 24‐hour hold periods were similar, 51.1 ± 14.9 and 50.6 ± 17.7%, respectively (n = 18; p > 0.05). The PLT survival variable and in vitro properties reflecting storage quality also showed no significant difference.CONCLUSION: RBC and PLT in vivo variables, and most in vitro variables, were not significantly different after storage with WB holding times of 8 and 24 hours except for a slight diminution of RBC recovery with the 24‐hour hold after 42 days of storage.
Improving the predictive value of red blood cell storage trials: lessons from the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative Trial 41
Authors: Hess John R. 
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND: Storage system trials are conducted for the development and licensure of new red blood cell (RBC) storage systems or to validate new ways of using existing systems. Results from one laboratory are often difficult to reproduce in another laboratory, leading to confusion.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A large international trial was designed to test the warm overnight hold using common donor collection systems and pooling of units to reduce interlaboratory variability of measures of RBC storage. Methods of measurement were left to the individual laboratories. pH was measured on both laboratory pH meters and clinical blood gas machines. Adenosine 5′‐monophosphate (ATP) was measured by a variety of methods.RESULTS: Intralaboratory variability of measures of pH and ATP were small compared to interlaboratory variability. Initial pH measures between laboratories varied over 0.4 pH units, while RBC ATP concentrations varied 2 to 10 µMol/g hemoglobin. pH variability was partly related to temperature of measurement, but the variability in ATP measures was a problem of both methods and standards.CONCLUSIONS: Common methods and shared standards between laboratories would improve the interpretation of RBC storage measurements. Improved comparability between major laboratories would speed the development of better RBC storage systems.
Coagulation factor content of plasma produced from whole blood stored for 24 hours at ambient temperature: results from an international multicenter BEST Collaborative study
Authors: Cardigan R. , Van der Meer P.F. , Pergande C. , Cookson P. , Baumann‐Baretti B. , Cancelas J.A. , Devine D. , Gulliksson H. , Vassallo R. , de Wildt‐Eggen J. 
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND: There is increasing international interest in producing components from blood that has been stored at room temperature for 24 hours. The lack of comprehensive data on the quality of plasma produced from blood stored in this way led to this international study.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 128 units of whole blood were pooled in groups of four and split to produce 32 sets of four identical blood units that were processed either within 8 hours of blood collection or after 24‐hour storage at 18 to 25°C.RESULTS: Storage of whole blood for 24 hours resulted in a 23% decrease in the activity of Factor (F)VIII, but not significant loss of activity of coagulation factors FV, FVII, FXI, FXII, fibrinogen, antithrombin, or von Willebrand factor. There was a small, but significant decrease in levels of FII, FIX, and FX (all <5%) as well as protein C (6%) and free protein S activity (14%). The ability of plasma to generate thrombin after 24‐hour storage as whole blood was unaltered, as assessed by real‐time thrombin generation tests as was the rate and strength of clot formation by rotational thombelastometry. Levels of all coagulation factors measured were above 0.50 U/mL in plasma produced from whole blood stored for 24 hours.CONCLUSION: These data show that there is minimal effect of storing whole blood at ambient temperature for 24 hours on the coagulation activity of plasma and that this is an acceptable alternative to producing plasma on the day of blood collection.
Increased L‐[1–11C] Leucine Uptake in the Leptomeningeal Angioma of Sturge‐Weber Syndrome: A PET Study
Authors: Alkonyi Bálint , Chugani Harry T. , Muzik Otto , Chugani Diane C. , Sundaram Senthil K. , Kupsky William J. , Batista Carlos E. , Juhász Csaba 
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEWe used L‐[1–11C]leucine (LEU) positron emission tomography (PET) to measure amino acid uptake in children with Sturge‐Weber syndrome (SWS), and to relate amino acid uptake measures with glucose metabolism.METHODSLEU and 2‐deoxy‐2[18F]fluoro‐D‐glucose (FDG) PET were performed in 7 children (age: 5 months‐13 years) with unilateral SWS. Asymmetries of LEU uptake in the posterior brain region, underlying the angioma and in frontal cortex, were measured and correlated with glucose hypometabolism. Kinetic analysis of LEU uptake was performed in 4 patients.RESULTSIncreased LEU standard uptake value (SUV, mean: 15.1%) was found in the angioma region in 6 patients, and smaller increases in LEU SUV (11.5%) were seen in frontal cortex in 4 of the 6 patients, despite normal glucose metabolism in frontal regions. High LEU SUV was due to both increased tracer transport (3/4 patients) and high protein synthesis rates (2/4). FDG SUV asymmetries in the angioma region were inversely related to LEU SUV asymmetries (r=–.83, P= .042).CONCLUSIONSIncreased amino acid uptake in the angioma region and also in less affected frontal regions may provide a marker of pathological mechanisms contributing to chronic brain damage in children with SWS. J Neuroimaging 2012;22:177‐183.
Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes Changes in Collagen Type
Authors: Al‐Zaid N. S. , Gumaa K. A. , Bou‐Resli M. N. , Ibrahim M. E. A. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractCollagen from the chorioamnion units from premature and term pregnancies was solubilized by limited pepsin digestion and subjected to SDS‐PAG electrophoresis. Collagen types were quantitated by densitometry. It was found that collagen type III decreases and collagen type V tends to increase as gestational age advances. Investigating the relative abundance of collagen types at various membrane sites from term pregnancies revealed that type V decreases in the amnion as the rupture site is approached. It is concluded that since type V collagen is more resistant to collagenases, its decrease may predispose that particular site to rupture.
Correlation of Cerebral Function Monitoring with Non‐Reactive Non‐Stress Test
Authors: Shiffrnan Rebecca , Tejani Nergesh , Verma Urna 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe cerebral function monitor, a system which records integrated electroencephalograms, was used to assess neurological status of newborns who had a non‐reactive non‐stress test prior to delivery. Babies born within 24 h of a non‐reactive tracing had a significant lack of sleep cycling and persistence of immature patterns when compared with controls matched for gestational age.
The Clinical Significance of Asymptomatic Mid‐Trimester low Placentation Diagnosed by Ultrasound
Authors: Andersen Erik Søgaard , Søe Steinke Niels Martin 
Published: January 2011

AbstractA prospective investigation of the problem of low placentation in mid‐trimester, in uncomplicated pregnancies was performed. 773 pregnant women were included and 70 (9.1%) had a low‐positioned placenta, defined as a placenta reaching or partially covering the cervical 08, diagnosed by ultrasound between the 19th and 21st week of pregnancy. In no case did the placenta completely cover the cervical 0s. By repeat ultrasound examination in the 36th week of pregnancy, all low placentations had converted to normal position. Low placentation in mid‐trimester was not associated with pregnancy complications or neonatal complications. A placenta reaching or partially covering the cervical os, in early pregnancy, seems to be normal, not influencing the subsequent course of pregnancy.
Cytological Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer and Preinvasive Endometrial Lesions
Authors: Bistoletti Peter , Hjerpe Anders , Möllerström Gunnar 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe value of the Endo‐Pap endometrial cell sampling device in the cytological assessment of the endometrium was compared with fractional curettage. 318 symptomatic women were studied consecutively, among whom were 42 with malignant tumors of the uterus. Satisfactory material for cytological diagnosis of the endometrial state was obtained in 96%, whereas only 91% of the histopathological material was suitable for interpretation. 35 of 36 women with primary cancers of the corpus uteri had atypical endometrial cytology (sensitivity 0.97). Of 42 uterine cancers, including one metastatic ovarian carcinoma, two adenocarcinomas and three squamous carcinomas of the cervix, 40 were detected by endometrial cytology (sensitivity 0.95). All 5 cases of high grade cytological atypia in endometrial polyps or endometrial hyperplasia could be diagnosed by abnormal endometrial cytology and 4 of 5 patients with adenomatous endometrial hyperplasia were diagnosed correctly. Endometrial cytology obtained with the Endo‐Pap sampler is a simple and cheap diagnostic method with which to detect endometrial cancer. It is also effective for diagnosis of preinvasive endometrial lesions with high grade cytological atypia. Clinicians should recognize that out‐patient investigation of the endometrial state by endometrial cell sampling with the Endo‐Pap is reliable and can usually replace fractional curettage.
Seventeen Week Pregnancy IN a Rudimentary Uterine Horn Revealed at Routine Ultrasonography
Authors: Andolf Ellika , Helm Göran , Svalenius Elisabeth , Weström Lars 
Published: January 2011

AbstractPregnancy in a rudimentary horn of a bicornuate uterus is a rare and often fatal event. A case is presented of such a pregnancy detected in the second trimester routine ultrasonographic examination.
The association between physical illness and major depressive episode in general practice
Authors: Østergaard S. D. , Foldager L. 
Published: January 2011

Østergaard SD, Foldager L. The association between physical illness and major depressive episode in general practice.Objective:  Physical illness and depression are associated. However, it remains unclear whether this association is sufficiently strong to merit systematic screening for depression among primary care patients suffering from physical illness. In the present study, we investigated the strength of the association between physical illness and depression among patients in general practice.Method:  Four thousand two hundred and seventy‐one consecutive primary care patients completed a diagnostic depression questionnaire. The general practitioner evaluated the patients’ physical health, which was then compared to their diagnostic status of depression.Results:  Physical illness was associated with the presence of depression. Two hundred and thirty‐six patients (5.5%) fulfilled diagnostic criteria for depression. Fourteen of these suffered from extreme physical illness, 27 from at least severe physical illness and 96 from at least moderate physical illness. The number needed to screen decreased with increasing severity and chronicity of the physical illness.Conclusions:  Depression is relatively common in primary care patients suffering from physical illness, particularly if the illness is severe and chronic. However, relatively few depressed patients suffer from a comorbid physical illness. Screening for depression among patients with physical illness may therefore only have a modest impact on the under‐recognition of depression in general practice.
Validation of the de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) with older community care recipients
Authors: de Morton Natalie A , Meyer Claudia , Moore Kirsten J , Dow Briony , Jones Carolyn , Hill Keith 
Published: January 2011

Aim:  To validate the de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) in community‐dwelling older adults who require informal care.Methods:  Thirty‐five consecutively recruited older adults (>65 years) living in the community who required informal care were included from Melbourne and regional Victoria, Australia. Participants were assessed using a battery of questionnaires, the Falls Risk for Older People (Community version), modified Barthel Index, Geriatric Depression Scale, the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form 36, the Assessment of Quality of Life and the DEMMI. The DEMMI consists of 15 mobility items that are administered by therapist observation of physical performance. Each participant was assessed in their home.Results:  The DEMMI is without floor or ceiling effects for community‐dwelling older adults who require informal care, and evidence of convergent, discriminant and known groups validity was obtained for the DEMMI. DEMMI data fitted the Rasch model and the minimal clinically important difference was 11 points.Conclusions:  The DEMMI has suitable clinimetric properties for application in community‐dwelling older adults who require informal care.
High-z massive clusters as a test for dynamical coupled dark energy
Authors: Baldi Marco , Pettorino Valeria 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
The recent detection by Jee et al. of the massive cluster XMMU J2235.3−2557 at a redshift z≈ 1.4, with an estimated mass M324= (6.4 ± 1.2) × 1014 M⊙, has been claimed to be a possible challenge to the standard ΛCDM cosmological model. More specifically, the probability to detect such a cluster has been estimated to be ∼0.005 if a ΛCDM model with Gaussian initial conditions is assumed, resulting in a 3σ discrepancy from the standard cosmological model. In this Letter we propose to use high-redshift clusters as the one detected in Jee et al. to compare the cosmological constant scenario with interacting dark energy models. We show that coupled dark energy models, where an interaction is present between dark energy and cold dark matter, can significantly enhance the probability to observe very massive clusters at high redshift.
Exercise and exercise intentions among obese and overweight individuals
Authors: Smith Deborah Walton , Griffin Quinn , Fitzpatrick Joyce 
Published: January 2011

Abstract Purpose: To determine the relationship between exercise stage and decisional balance in overweight and obese individuals seeking advanced practice nurse (APN) care. Data sources: A convenience sample of 175 persons aged 40 or above with the values of body mass index (BMI) exceeding 25. Conclusions: One fourth of the respondents were considering beginning exercise within the next month; 23% had exercised regularly for more than 6 months and 39% indicated that they exercised regularly. Most respondents believed the pros of exercise outweighed the cons, and as the pros increased, so did the likelihood of exercising. Implications for practice: In approaching the subject of exercise among obese and overweight individuals it is important for the APN to understand behavioral change. Thus, it would be more fruitful to ask, “What would it take to move those who intend to begin exercising to the next stage?” For health behavior change to occur, the pros must be twice as numerous as the cons. In clinical practice, reviewing and adding to the pros of exercise as outlined by the patient might tip the decisional balance in favor of exercise.
A Numeric Model to Simulate Solar Individual Ultraviolet Exposure
Authors: Vernez David , Milon Antoine , Francioli Laurent , Bulliard Jean‐Luc , Vuilleumier Laurent , Moccozet Laurent 
Published: January 2011

AbstractExposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) light is the main causative factor for skin cancer. UV exposure depends on environmental and individual factors. Individual exposure data remain scarce and development of alternative assessment methods is greatly needed. We developed a model simulating human exposure to solar UV. The model predicts the dose and distribution of UV exposure received on the basis of ground irradiation and morphological data. Standard 3D computer graphics techniques were adapted to develop a rendering engine that estimates the solar exposure of a virtual manikin depicted as a triangle mesh surface. The amount of solar energy received by each triangle was calculated, taking into account reflected, direct and diffuse radiation, and shading from other body parts. Dosimetric measurements (n = 54) were conducted in field conditions using a foam manikin as surrogate for an exposed individual. Dosimetric results were compared to the model predictions. The model predicted exposure to solar UV adequately. The symmetric mean absolute percentage error was 13%. Half of the predictions were within 17% range of the measurements. This model provides a tool to assess outdoor occupational and recreational UV exposures, without necessitating time‐consuming individual dosimetry, with numerous potential uses in skin cancer prevention and research.
The importance of β globin deletion analysis in the evaluation of patients with β thalassemia
Authors: MIKULA M. , BULLER‐BURCKLE A. , GALLIVAN M. , SUN W. , FRANKLIN C. R. , STROM C. M. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryIntroduction:  Beta globin deletion/duplication analysis may serve as a useful adjunct to sequence analysis. Our purpose was to develop a robust assay for beta globin deletion/duplication analysis and determine its role in evaluating patients with beta thalassemia.Methods:  A single tube semi‐quantitative fluorescent PCR assay capable of detecting deletions and duplications in the beta globin cluster and the associated locus control region (LCR) was developed and validated.Results:  Six hundred seventy one de‐identified samples submitted for beta globin sequence analysis were tested for deletions and duplications of the beta globin cluster. Twenty‐two deletions were detected (3%, 22/671). Seventeen of the 22 (82%) deletion samples were negative for mutations in the whole gene sequencing assay. For 5 of the samples, homozygous point mutations were inferred by beta globin sequencing. Among the deletions detected, 11 (50%) involved only the beta globin gene (5 covering the entire gene, 2 spanning the 5′ end of the gene and 4 encompassing the 3′ end of the gene). Ten samples (45%) were heterozygous delta‐beta deletions spanning both the delta globin and beta globin genes. One patient with a single deletion had Hb Lepore.Conclusion:  Beta globin deletion/duplication analysis is necessary to correctly identify the genotype in some patients being evaluated for beta thalassemia.