bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HEAD‐TO‐HEAD COMPARISON OF PRACTICE WITH ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY COMPUTER AND MECHANICAL SIMULATORS BY EXPERIENCED ENDOSCOPISTS AND TRAINEES
Authors: LEUNG JOSEPH , LIM BRIAN , NGO CATHERINE , LAO WAI‐CHEUNG , WING LUK YIU , HUNG IVAN , LI MICHAEL , LEUNG FELIX W 
Published: November 2011

Background and Aim:  The endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) mechanical simulator (EMS) and computer simulator (ECS) are described herein. No direct hands‐on comparison has been reported to reflect the perception of trainers and trainees regarding the efficacy of each model for trainee ERCP education. We compared the trainers' and trainees' assessments of the EMS and ECS for trainee education.Methods:  Eighteen gastrointestinal trainees and 16 trainers with varying ERCP experience completed a questionnaire survey before and after practice with each simulator at hands‐on ERCP practice workshops. They carried out scope insertion, selective bile duct cannulation, guidewire negotiation of a bile duct stricture, biliary papillotomy and insertion of a single biliary stent using both simulators. Main outcome measurement was respondents' assessments of comparative efficacy of EMS and ECS practice for trainee education.Results:  Compared to pre‐practice evaluation, both EMS and ECS received higher scores after hands‐on practice. Both trainers and trainees showed significantly greater increases in scores for EMS when compared with ECS in facilitating understanding of ERCP procedure, enhancing confidence in carrying out ERCP and the simulator as a credible option for supplementing clinical ERCP training (P < 0.05). Participants also scored EMS significantly higher in realism and usefulness as an instructional tool.Conclusions:  Both computer and mechanical simulators are accepted modalities for ERCP training. The current data (based on a head‐to‐head comparison of hands‐on practice experience) indicate EMS practice is rated higher than ECS practice in supplementing clinical ERCP training. EMS offers the additional advantage of coordinated practice with real equipment and accessories.
Penile lichen sclerosus (balanitis xerotica obliterans)
Authors: Clouston David , Hall Anthony , Lawrentschuk Nathan 
Published: November 2011

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?The clinical presentation and complications of lichen sclerosus are well known. What is less well known is the true incidence of the condition. The published figures are all based on attendance at general medical clinics or specialist clinics, but it is likely that the true incidence is much higher than this reported incidence as many men will not present to the doctor for treatment. The other uncertainty is the relationship of lichen sclerosus to the subsequent development of cancer of the penis. As pointed out in the paper, it is likely that between 4% and 8% of men with this condition will develop squamous cell cancer of the penis. However, it is unclear if lichen sclerosus itself causes the development of squamous cell cancer or if it is due to coexistent infection with human papillomavirus.This review provides a concise summary of the clinical and pathological features of the disease and describes its current medical and surgical treatment. It brings together a number of papers which have addressed the association of lichen sclerosus with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis and shows that the likely incidence of carcinoma is approximately 4–8% in men with this condition.SUMMARYPenile lichen sclerosus, also known as balanitis xerotica obliterans, is a chronic inflammatory condition of the penis which can occur at all ages. The inflammation leads to the formation of white plaques most commonly on the foreskin or penis, and can lead to inability to retract the foreskin or blockage to the flow of urine. Cancer may occur rarely.Penile lichen sclerosus is a progressive, sclerosing, inflammatory dermatosis of the glans penis and foreskin which is of uncertain aetiology. Recent studies have shown a link between lichen sclerosus and squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. In this review, we discuss the clinical presentation, pathology and current approach to treatment of this condition.
Population‐based study of erectile dysfunction and polypharmacy
Authors: Londoño Diana C. , Slezak Jeff M. , Quinn Virginia P. , Van Den Eeden Stephen K. , Loo Ronald K. , Jacobsen Steven J. 
Published: November 2011

Study Type – Symptom prevalence (population cohort)Level of Evidence 1bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?It is known that medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and prescribed medications cause erectile dysfunction (ED). This has been studied at the molecular level and reported in population studies. The present study shows that, after accounting for known medical problems, there is a dose–response relationship, in which worsening degrees of ED are seen when a greater number of medications are taken, regardless if they are prescribed or over the counter.The study can help primary care doctors and urologists to make a differential diagnosis of ED and it can also help improve patient's erectile function by tailoring and curtailing current medication use to maximize therapeutic benefit but minimize ED side effects in men, thus improving health‐related quality of life.OBJECTIVE
To study the association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and polypharmacy use in a large, ethnically and racially diverse cohort of men enrolled in the California Men's Health Study (CMHS).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Men from the Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) health plan, enrolled in the CMHS in 2002, had an age range of 45–69 years. ED and comorbidities of these subjects were identified by questionnaire responses.
The number of drugs taken was determined from the year before enrollment through electronic pharmacy records and questionnaire responses.
RESULTS
Among the 37 712 (KPSC) subjects, 10 717 (29%) reported moderate or severe ED.
Across all age groups, ED was more prevalent as the number of medications increased.
In men taking 0–2, 3–5,6–9 and ≥10 medications, the percentage of men reporting moderate ED was 15.9, 19.7, 25.5 and 30.9%, respectively (P < 0.001).
With adjustment for age, race, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, peripheral vascular disease, coronary artery disease and body mass index, men taking >10 drugs were more likely to have ED (odds ratio = 2.32, 95% confidence interval 2.14–2.52) with evidence of a dose–response relationship.
CONCLUSION
These data suggest that the number of medications a man takes is associated with worse ED, even after comorbidities have been taken into account.
120‐W 2‐µm thulium:yttrium–aluminium–garnet vapoenucleation of the prostate: 12‐month follow‐up
Authors: Netsch Christopher , Pohlmann Laura , Herrmann Thomas R.W. , Gross Andreas J. , Bach Thorsten 
Published: November 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)Level of Evidence 4What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Thulium VapoEnucleation of the prostate (ThuVEP) has been introduced as a minimally invasive treatment modality of benign prostate obstruction (BPO). This study reports the largest series of patients with symptomatic BPO undergoing ThuVEP. Efficacy of this procedure was confirmed by prostate volume and PSA measurements at 12‐month follow up, which have not been reported after ThuVEP so far.OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of 120‐W 2‐µm thulium:yttrium–aluminium–garnet (YAG) vapoenucleation of the prostate (ThuVEP) for patients with symptomatic benign prostatic obstruction.
METHOD
In total, 207 consecutive patients undergoing ThuVEP at our institution were evaluated prospectively. ThuVEP was carried out using the 120‐W 2‐µm continuous‐wave Tm:YAG laser. The enucleated tissue was then morcellated within the bladder.
Patient demographic, perioperative and 12‐month follow‐up data were analysed. The complications were assessed.
RESULTS
Mean preoperative prostate volume was 57.8 ± 31.5 mL. Total operation duration averaged 64.9 ± 29.9 min, and the enucleation time was 36.5 ± 20.1 min. The mean catheter time was 2.2 ± 0.6 days.
Thirteen (6.28%) patients required a second‐look operation in the immediate postoperative course (failed morcellation n= 1, clot retention n= 4, residual tissue at the apex of the prostate n= 8). Four patients needed blood transfusions (1.93%) postoperatively. In all, 147 (71%) patients were available for review at the 12‐month follow‐up mark.
Quality of life (4.4 ± 1.3 vs 1.2 ± 1.1), international prostate symptom score (21.9 ± 7.2 vs 5.1 ± 4), maximum urinary flow rate (9.4 ± 3.8 vs 23.5 ± 10.9 mL/s), postvoiding residual urine (159.2 ± 153.2 vs 26.7 ± 38.3 mL), prostate‐specific antigen (5.0 ± 5.2 vs 0.6 ± 0.5 ng/mL) and prostate volume (57.8 ± 31.5 vs 10.7 ± 4.4 mL) changed significantly (P= 0.000).
Median prostate‐specific antigen reduction and prostate volume reduction were 87% and 80% respectively at follow‐up. Urethral stricture and bladder neck contracture developed in 1.45% and 1.93% respectively of the patients.
CONCLUSION
120‐W ThuVEP is a safe and efficacious procedure for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic obstruction. The incidence of complications with ThuVEP was low.
Anti‐melanoma, tyrosinase inhibitory and anti‐microbial activities of gold nanoparticles synthesized from aqueous leaf extracts of Teraxacum officinale
Authors: Tettey C. O. , Nagajyothi P. C. , Lee S. E. , Ocloo A. , Minh An T. N. , Sreekanth T. V. M , Lee K. D. 
Published: November 2011

SynopsisThere has been a tenacious search for pharmaceuticals of natural origin, as they are cost‐effective and are noted for having little or no side effects. The rate at which diseases are developing resistance to synthetic drugs is quite alarming, and the side effects of these drugs remain an excruciating agony to the pharmaceutical industry. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have wide applications in current technology. However, their use in medicine has not been adequately explored. Chemical methods for the synthesis are associated with environmental benignity and tissue toxicity on in vivo administration. For the first time, we have synthesized AuNPs from leaf extracts of Teraxacum officinale that were found to have significant anti‐melanoma, tyrosinase inhibitory and anti‐microbial effects, and hence stand as promising candidates for use in cosmetics medical and food industries.
Anti‐oxidant defence mechanism in vitiliginous skin increases with skin type
Authors: Briganti S. , Caron‐Schreinemachers A.‐L.D.B. , Picardo M. , Westerhof W. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground  Vitiligo skin shows different burning capacity in people with different phototype. In normal skin antioxidant status is correlated to skin phototype, but unexpectedly it appears that there is a gradual decrease in burning susceptibility of depigmented skin of individuals with increasing phototype (II→VI).Objective  To assess if the antioxidant response in the lesional vitiligo skin is involved in those protection mechanisms. Moreover, a possible correlation between cutaneous and systemic endogenous antioxidants in vitiligo patients has been investigated.Methods  We enrolled in the study 29 patients with active vitiligo, divided into five groups according to skin type (II to VI). We analysed reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG, respectively), ubiquinone (CoQ10), catalase (Cat), superoxide dismutases (Cu/Zn‐SOD and Mn‐SOD), GSH peroxidase (GSH‐Px), as indexes of chemical and enzymatic antioxidants, in suction blister roofs as well as in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs).Results  The vitiligo patients showed an imbalance of antioxidant network, both in depigmented skin and PBMNCs. Interestingly, in vitiligo skin a phototype‐related increase of antioxidant enzyme activities (Cat, Mn‐SOD and GPx) and GSH amount have been observed. Similarly in PMBNCs Cat and total SOD activities, as well as GSH content progressively increased from skin type II to skin type VI. Endogenous antioxidants in vitiligo skin are correlated to those in PBMNCs, suggesting that systemic and epidermal antioxidant network functionalities are connected.Conclusions  The correlation between antioxidant levels and clinical phototype confirmed the hypothesis that other factors than melanin determine largely the minimal erythema dose values in vitiligo lesional skin.
The effectiveness of social stories™ to develop social interactions with adults with characteristics of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Samuels Rachel , Stansfield Jois 
Published: November 2011

Accessible summary
Social Stories™ were used to help three adults with autism and one with Prader–Willi syndrome to change their behaviour.
The Social Stories were helpful for each person for a short time.
The adults and staff helpers enjoyed using the Social Stories.
SummaryMost research into the effectiveness of Social Stories has focused on children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This study examines the use of Social Stories with four adults with learning disabilities and social communication impairments characteristic of ASD. This study employed an N = 1 multiple‐baseline, across‐participant, AB design with fade and maintenance probe stages. Each participant was involved in two Social Story interventions. The intervention and data collection was carried out by support staff who knew the participants. Results found that all target behaviours showed positive change during at least one phase of the study, although data indicated a return towards baseline levels across all behaviours into the probe phase. Social Stories had positive effect on improving social interaction in adults with social interaction impairments, even though this effect was short‐lived. As the behaviours targeted were long standing, longer intervention which is context‐specific may enable more permanent changes to occur.
Biomass allocation to leaves, stems and roots: meta‐analyses of interspecific variation and environmental control
Authors: Poorter Hendrik , Niklas Karl J. , Reich Peter B. , Oleksyn Jacek , Poot Pieter , Mommer Liesje 
Published: November 2011

SummaryWe quantified the biomass allocation patterns to leaves, stems and roots in vegetative plants, and how this is influenced by the growth environment, plant size, evolutionary history and competition. Dose–response curves of allocation were constructed by means of a meta‐analysis from a wide array of experimental data. They show that the fraction of whole‐plant mass represented by leaves (LMF) increases most strongly with nutrients and decreases most strongly with light. Correction for size‐induced allocation patterns diminishes the LMF‐response to light, but makes the effect of temperature on LMF more apparent. There is a clear phylogenetic effect on allocation, as eudicots invest relatively more than monocots in leaves, as do gymnosperms compared with woody angiosperms. Plants grown at high densities show a clear increase in the stem fraction. However, in most comparisons across species groups or environmental factors, the variation in LMF is smaller than the variation in one of the other components of the growth analysis equation: the leaf area : leaf mass ratio (SLA). In competitive situations, the stem mass fraction increases to a smaller extent than the specific stem length (stem length : stem mass). Thus, we conclude that plants generally are less able to adjust allocation than to alter organ morphology.

Contents

Summary
30

I.
Allocation in perspective
31

II.
Topics of this review
32

III.
Methodology
32

IV.
Environmental effects
33

V.
Ontogeny
36

VI.
Differences between species
40

VII.
Physiology and molecular regulation
41

VIII.
Ecological aspects
42

IX.
Perspectives
45

Acknowledgements
45

References
45

Appendices A1–A4
49
Mode of delivery and postpartum emotional distress: a cohort study of 55 814 women
Authors: Adams SS , Eberhard‐Gran M , Sandvik ÅR , Eskild A 
Published: November 2011

Please cite this paper as: Adams S, Eberhard‐Gran M, Sandvik Å, Eskild A. Mode of delivery and postpartum emotional distress: a cohort study of 55 814 women. BJOG 2011; DOI: 10.1111/j.1471‐0528.2011.03188.xObjective  To assess the association between mode of delivery and maternal postpartum emotional distress.Design  A prospective study of women from 30 weeks of gestation to 6 months postpartum.Setting  Pregnant women in Norway during the period 1998–2008.Population  A total of 55 814 women from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study.Methods  Emotional distress was reported in a short form of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist‐25 (SCL‐8) at 30 weeks of gestation and at 6 months postpartum. Information on mode of delivery was obtained from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway.Main outcome measures  Changes in SCL‐8 score from 30 weeks of gestation to 6 months postpartum and presence of emotional distress at 6 months postpartum.Results  Women with instrumental vaginal, emergency caesarean or elective caesarean deliveries had similar changes in SCL‐8 score between 30 weeks of gestation and 6 months postpartum, as compared with women with unassisted vaginal delivery (adjusted regression coefficient, 0.00, 95% CI –0.01 to 0.01; 0.01, 95% CI 0.00−0.02; and −0.01, 95% CI −0.02 to 0.00, respectively). The corresponding odds ratios (ORs) associated with the presence of emotional distress at 6 months postpartum (SCL‐8 ≥ 2.0) were: OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.86−1.18; OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.97−1.32; and OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.79−1.16, respectively. These estimates were adjusted for emotional distress during pregnancy and other potential confounding factors. Emotional distress during pregnancy showed the strongest association with the presence of emotional distress at 6 months postpartum (adjusted OR 14.09, 95% CI 12.77−15.55).Conclusions  Mode of delivery was not associated with a change in SCL‐8 score from 30 weeks of gestation to 6 months postpartum or with the presence of emotional distress postpartum.
Upper abdominal cytoreduction and thoracoscopy for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: unanswered questions and the impact on treatment
Authors: Fleury AC , Kushnir CL , Giuntoli II RL , Spirtos NM 
Published: November 2011

Please cite this paper as: Fleury A, Kushnir C, Giuntoli R, Spirtos N. Upper abdominal cytoreduction and thoracoscopy for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: unanswered questions and the impact on treatment. BJOG 2012;119:202–206.Gynaecological oncologists, by conducting Phase II and III chemotherapy trials, have sought to improve survival in women with epithelial ovarian cancer. The greatest impact on survival has been the use of intraperitoneal chemotherapy in women who have had all visible disease removed. No change in drug regimen has had an impact on survival equivalent to that associated with complete cytoreduction or the use of intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Interestingly, these two treatment modalities (complete cytoreduction and intraperitoneal chemotherapy) have not been universally adopted. Most often it is the inability to achieve optimal cytoreduction in the upper abdomen that defines the limit of the cytoreductive effort, and ultimately the integration of intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The importance of identifying disease outside the abdominal cavity, along with achieving complete cytoreduction, is paramount, if the use of intraperitoneal chemotherapy is to be logically integrated in treatment algorithms for women with advanced‐stage epithelial ovarian cancer. This report summarises pertinent literature on upper abdominal cytoreduction, discusses surgical techniques and introduces new data on women with epithelial ovarian cancer undergoing thoracoscopy, suggesting consideration of its incorporation into the surgical management of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.
Biliary dysplasia in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis: additional value of DNA ploidity
Authors: Halme Leena , Arola Johanna , Numminen Kirsti , Krogerus Leena , Mäkisalo Heikki , Färkkilä Martti 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundDetection of biliary dysplasia in PSC is essential for proper timing of liver transplantation to prevent the development of cholangiocancer, which is considered a contraindication for liver transplantation in most centres. In patients with PSC, differential diagnosis of benign, premalignant and malignant biliary strictures is difficult.AimsThis prospective study aimed to evaluate the role of DNA analysis in combination with brush cytology, scored ERCP findings, and tumour markers to detect hepatobiliary dysplasia and malignancy.Material and methodsBrush samples for cytology and for evaluation of DNA content analysed with flow cytometry came from 102 consecutive PSC patients referred for ERCP. Symptoms, serum Ca19‐9 and CEA were determined at the time of index biliary examination. ERCP findings were scored for intra‐ and extrahepatic changes. The end‐points were liver transplantation or diagnosis of malignancy or dysplasia.ResultsMost of the patients were asymptomatic at the time of ERCP: 73% had no symptoms, and 12% had only mild symptoms. An aneuploid DNA content was evident in 20 (20%) patients, and cells suspected for malignancy in 22 (21%). Seven patients had both aneuploidity and cytology (7%) suspicious for malignancy. An end‐point, diagnosis of malignancy or liver transplantation was achieved in 42 patients. Combining DNA ploidity and cytology in patients at the end‐point, sensitivity was 72%, specificity 82%, positive predictive value 86% and negative predictive value 67%.Discussion and conclusionIn this mostly asymptomatic PSC‐patient population, 33% demonstrated abnormal brush cytology or aneuploidity. Determining DNA ploidy and brush cytology during ERCP offers a useful tool for identifying those PSC patients who are at high risk of developing cholangiocancer.
A Randomized Trial of a Web‐Based Intervention to Improve Migraine Self‐Management and Coping
Authors: Bromberg Jonas , Wood Mollie E. , Black Ryan A. , Surette Daniel A. , Zacharoff Kevin L. , Chiauzzi Emil J. 
Published: November 2011

Objective.— To test the clinical efficacy of a web‐based intervention designed to increase patient self‐efficacy to perform headache self‐management activities and symptom management strategies, and reduce migraine‐related psychological distress.Background.— In spite of their demonstrated efficacy, behavioral interventions are used infrequently as an adjunct in medical treatment of migraine. Little clinical attention is paid to the behavioral factors that can help manage migraine more effectively and improve the quality of care and quality of life. Access to evidenced‐based, tailored, behavioral treatment is limited for many people with migraine.Design.— The study is a parallel group design with 2 conditions: (1) an experimental group exposed to the web intervention; and (2) a no‐treatment control group that was not exposed to the intervention. Assessments for both groups were conducted at baseline (T1), 1‐month (T2), 3‐months (T3), and 6‐months (T4).Results.— Compared with controls, participants in the experimental group reported significantly: increased headache self‐efficacy, increased use of relaxation, increased use of social support, decreased pain catastrophizing, decreased depression, and decreased stress. The hypothesis that the intervention would reduce pain could not be tested.Conclusions.— Demonstrated increases in self‐efficacy to perform headache self‐management, increased use of positive symptom management strategies, and reported decreased migraine‐related depression and stress suggest that the intervention may be a useful behavioral adjunct to a comprehensive medical approach to managing migraine.