bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening for urinary tract infection in women with hyperemesis gravidarum
Authors: Tan Peng Chiong , King Anthonia Siaw Jia , Omar Siti Zawiah 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to evaluate urine microscopy, dipstick analysis and urinary symptoms in screening for urinary tract infection (UTI) in hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).Materials and Methods:  A prospective cross‐sectional study was performed on women at first hospitalization for HG. A clean‐catch mid‐stream urine sample from each recruit was sent for microscopy (for bacteria, leucocytes and erythrocytes), dipstick analysis (for leukocyte esterase, nitrites, protein and hemoglobin) and microbiological culture. The presence of current urinary symptoms was elicited by questionnaire. UTI is defined as at least 105 colony‐forming units/mL of a single uropathogen on culture. Screening test parameters were analyzed against UTI.Results:  UTI was diagnosed in 15/292 subjects (5.1%). Receiver–operator characteristic curve analysis of microscopic urine leucocytes revealed area under the curve = 0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.5–0.79, P = 0.063 and erythrocytes area under the curve = 0.53, 95%CI 0.39–0.67, P = 0.67 for UTI indicating the limited screening utility of these parameters. Microscopic bacteriuria (likelihood ratio [LR] 1.1, 95%CI 0.7–1.5) and urine dipstick leukocyte esterase (LR 1.4, 95%CI 1.1–1.8), nitrites (LR 2.3, 95%CI 0.3–17.2), protein (LR 1.0, 95%CI 0.7–1.6) and hemoglobin (LR 0.8, 95%CI 0.4–1.5) were not useful screening tests for UTI in HG. Elicited symptoms were also not predictive of UTI.Conclusion:  Urine microscopy, dipstick analysis and urinary symptoms were not useful in screening for UTI in HG. UTI should be established by urine culture in HG before starting antibiotic treatment.
When do we need to perform laparotomy for benign uterine disease? Factors involved with conversion in vaginal hysterectomy
Authors: Cho Hye‐Yon , Kim Hong‐Bae , Kang Sung‐Won , Park Sung‐Ho 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim:  To identify the preoperative risk factors affecting the conversion to laparotomy during vaginal hysterectomy (VH) for benign uterine conditions.Material and Methods:  The charts were reviewed for all patients who underwent VH between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2008 at Hallym University Hospital, Seoul.Results:  The rate of conversion to laparotomy was 3.7% (32 cases). Factors that were independently associated with the risk of conversion to laparotomy were found to be low parity (conversion 1.43 vs VH 1.92, P = 0.021), previous abdominal surgery (conversion 0.71 vs, VH 0.26, P = 0.012), pelvic adhesion (conversion 1.25 vs VH 0.04, P = 0.000), and large uterine weight (conversion 345.15 g vs VH 222.38 g, P = 0.005). In the conversion group, the operative time was longer (conversion 144.84 min vs VH 77.67 min, P = 0.000), and estimated blood loss was also greater (conversion 656.25 mL vs VH 358.47 mL, P = 0.00). Postoperative hemoglobin change (conversion 1.65 g/dL vs VH 1.23 g/dL, P = 0.046) and transfusion rate were also greater in the conversion group (conversion 0.75 vs VH 0.01, P = 0.001).Conclusion:  VH is the main procedure for benign uterine disease and is successfully performed in most cases. But several factors, including low parity, previous abdominal surgery, pelvic adhesion and large uterine weight can affect the risk of conversion to laparotomy.
Cardiac performance is impaired in morbidly obese pregnant females
Authors: Abdullah Arif , Hoq Sheikh , Choudhary Ronika , Laifer Steven , Zarich Stuart 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim:  To evaluate the effect of pregnancy on ventricular function in morbidly obese as compared to lean controls.Material and Methods:  We serially studied 33 obese and non‐obese pregnant females with echocardiography during each trimester of pregnancy and after delivery. Two well‐validated, relatively load‐independent indices of contractility (systolic shortening index and systolic velocity index) were assessed, along with more traditional echocardiographic parameters. ANOVA for repeated measures was used to compare data between sequential studies in the normal and obese pregnant groups.Results:  In lean controls, stroke volume increased and contractility was maintained during pregnancy as compared to pre‐pregnancy levels. In contrast, both stroke volume and contractility declined significantly by the third trimester in morbidly obese females.Conclusion:  There is a maladaptive left ventricular contractile response to pregnancy in morbidly obese patients.
Evaluation of air‐QTM intubating laryngeal airway as a conduit for tracheal intubation in infants – a pilot study
Authors: Sinha Renu , Chandralekha  , Ray Bikash Ranjan 
Published: September 2011

SummaryBackground:  Air‐QTM intubating laryngeal airway (ILA) has been used successfully as a conduit for tracheal intubation in pediatric difficult airway. However, its use as an airway device and conduit for intubation in infants is not yet evaluated.Aims:  The primary objective was to evaluate ILA as a conduit for tracheal intubation in infants, and secondary objectives were to evaluate ILA in terms of ease of insertion and ventilation, oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP), glottic view, and complications.Methods:  Twenty infants with normal airway were included. After induction of general anesthesia and neuromuscular blockade, ILA (size 1.0/1.5) was inserted. Fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB)–guided intubation and removal of ILA with the stabilizing stylet was attempted.Results:  The mean age and weight of the infants were 7.5 ± 2.3 months and 7.3 ± 1.8 kg. The ILA sizes 1.0 and 1.5 were inserted in 10 infants each according to the weight of the infants. The mean OLP was 18.5 ± 1.8 cm H2O, and mean time for insertion of ILA was 13.3 ± 3.9 s. Glottic view was grade I in 6, grade II in 1, grade III in 4, and grade IV in nine infants. Tracheal intubation was successful in 19/20 infants. The mean endotracheal tube (ETT) insertion time and mean total time (ILA insertion to the confirmation of ETT placement) were 95.6 ± 32.3 s and 306.42 ± 120.2 s respectively.Conclusion:  The ILA is a safe and easy‐to‐use supraglottic airway device for intubation with FOB in infants with normal airway. Insertion and removal of ILA are easy with satisfactory oropharyngeal seal and ventilation.
Manganese sulfide formation via concomitant microbial manganese oxide and thiosulfate reduction
Authors: Lee Ji‐Hoon , Kennedy David W. , Dohnalkova Alice , Moore Dean A. , Nachimuthu Ponnusamy , Reed Samantha B. , Fredrickson James K. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryThe dissimilatory metal‐reducing bacterium, Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 produced γ‐MnS (rambergite) nanoparticles during the concurrent reduction of MnO2 and thiosulfate coupled to H2 oxidation. To investigate effect of direct microbial reduction of MnO2 on MnS formation, two MR‐1 mutants defective in outer membrane c‐type cytochromes (ΔmtrC/ΔomcA and ΔmtrC/ΔomcA/ΔmtrF) were also used and it was determined that direct reduction of MnO2 was dominant relative to chemical reduction by biogenic sulfide generated from thiosulfate reduction. Although bicarbonate was excluded from the medium, incubations of strain MR‐1 with lactate as the electron donor produced MnCO3 (rhodochrosite) as well as MnS in nearly equivalent amounts as estimated by micro X‐ray diffraction (micro‐XRD) analysis. It was concluded that carbonate released from lactate metabolism promoted MnCO3 formation and that Mn(II) mineralogy was strongly affected by carbonate ions even in the presence of abundant sulfide and weakly alkaline conditions expected to favour the precipitation of MnS. Formation of MnS, as determined by a combination of micro‐XRD, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and selected area electron diffraction analyses was consistent with equilibrium speciation modelling predictions. Biogenic manganese sulfide may be a manganese sink in the Mn biogeochemical cycle in select environments such as deep anoxic marine basins within the Baltic Sea.
Genome of alkaliphilic Bacillus pseudofirmus OF4 reveals adaptations that support the ability to grow in an external pH range from 7.5 to 11.4
Authors: Janto Benjamin , Ahmed Azad , Ito Masahiro , Liu Jun , Hicks David B. , Pagni Sarah , Fackelmayer Oliver J. , Smith Terry‐Ann , Earl Joshua , Elbourne Liam D.H. , Hassan Karl , Paulsen Ian T. , Kolstø Anne‐Brit , Tourasse Nicolas J. , Ehrlich Garth D. , Boissy Robert , Ivey D. Mack , Li Gang , Xue Yanfen , Ma Yanhe , Hu Fen Z. , Krulwich Terry A. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryBacillus pseudofirmus OF4 is an extreme but facultative alkaliphile that grows non‐fermentatively in a pH range from 7.5 to above 11.4 and can withstand large sudden increases in external pH. It is a model organism for studies of bioenergetics at high pH, at which energy demands are higher than at neutral pH because both cytoplasmic pH homeostasis and ATP synthesis require more energy. The alkaliphile also tolerates a cytoplasmic pH > 9.0 at external pH values at which the pH homeostasis capacity is exceeded, and manages other stresses that are exacerbated at alkaline pH, e.g. sodium, oxidative and cell wall stresses. The genome of B. pseudofirmus OF4 includes two plasmids that are lost from some mutants without viability loss. The plasmids may provide a reservoir of mobile elements that promote adaptive chromosomal rearrangements under particular environmental conditions. The genome also reveals a more acidic pI profile for proteins exposed on the outer surface than found in neutralophiles. A large array of transporters and regulatory genes are predicted to protect the alkaliphile from its overlapping stresses. In addition, unanticipated metabolic versatility was observed, which could ensure requisite energy for alkaliphily under diverse conditions.
EHEC/EAEC O104:H4 strain linked with the 2011 German outbreak of haemolytic uremic syndrome enters into the viable but non‐culturable state in response to various stresses and resuscitates upon stress relief
Authors: Aurass Philipp , Prager Rita , Flieger Antje 
Published: September 2011

SummaryVarious non‐spore forming bacteria, including Escherichia coli, enter a dormant‐like state, the viable but non‐culturable (VBNC) state, characterized by the presence of viable cells but the inability to grow on routine laboratory media. Upon resuscitation, these VBNC cells recover both culturability and pathogenicity. In 2011, a large outbreak involving more than 3000 cases of bloody diarrhoea and haemolytic uremic syndrome was caused by an E. coli O104:H4 strain expressing genes characteristic of both enterohaemorrhagic (EHEC) and enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC). The ability of the outbreak strain to enter the VBNC state may have complicated its detection in the suspected sources. In this paper, we investigated the ability of the outbreak strain to enter and subsequently recover from the VBNC state. We found that in a nutrient‐poor micro‐environment, various stresses such as toxic concentrations of copper ions or certain types of tap water are able to render the bacteria unculturable within a few days. Without copper ion stress, the majority of cells remained culturable for at least 40 days. Incubation with the stressors at 23°C compared with 4°C hastened this observed loss of culturability. The integrity of a considerable fraction of copper ion‐ and tap water 1‐stressed bacteria was demonstrated by live/dead staining and microscopy. Relieving stress by copper‐ion chelation facilitated resuscitation of these bacteria while preserving their fitness, major virulence gene markers (stx2, aggR, aggA genes) and specific phenotypes (ESBL resistance, autoaggregation typical for EAEC strains).
Five‐year results of fissurectomy for chronic anal fissure : low recurrence rate and minimal effect on continence
Authors: Schornagel I. L. , Witvliet M. , Engel A. F. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim  The aim of the study was to determine the long‐term outcome, recurrence rate and faecal incontinence score after fissurectomy for chronic anal fissure (CAF) not responding to conservative treatment.Method  Fifty‐three consecutive patients (29 women) who underwent fissurectomy for a medically resistant CAF between 1998 and 2005 were included in the study. At a minimum follow‐up of 5 years a standardized questionnaire was sent to all patients, assessing recurrence, satisfaction with the operation (on a scale of 0–10) and faecal continence (Vaizey score, 0–24). The patients were compared with a control group of 50 healthy volunteers, matched for sex and age, who had never undergone anal surgery.Results  Forty‐three (81%) patients (25 women) returned the questionnaire. The mean age was 40 (SD 12.1) years and median follow up was 8.2 (5.5–12.2) years. Five patients had a recurrent CAF (11.6%). Ninety per cent of patients would have consented to the operation again if necessary. The mean Vaizey score at follow‐up was 2.5 (SD ± 4.2). The mean Vaizey score of the four patients who had had a previous lateral sphincterotomy was 3.8 and for the eight patients who had reported a continence disturbance before fissurectomy it was 8.3. The mean Vaizey score of the 31 patients who were continent before fissurectomy was 0.8 compared with 0.4 in the control group (P = 0.9).Conclusion  At 5 years or more fissurectomy for medically resistant CAF is effective with a low recurrence rate and minimal influence on continence.
Outcome of surgery for colonoscopic perforation
Authors: van der Sluis F. J. , Loffeld R. J. , Engel A. F. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim  The aetiology of colonoscopic perforation and factors related to poor outcome of surgical treatment were studied.Method  A single‐centre review was conducted of all patients who underwent surgical treatment of a colonoscopic perforation, identified from a prospective registry of 21 981 consecutive colonoscopies carried out between 1993 and 2009.Results  There were 29 (eight women) patients of mean age 73 years including 10 who had a nonelective colonoscopy. The perforation was not immediately recognized in 12 patients and in the remaining 17, seven were initially managed conservatively. The causes of perforation were barotrauma (11), mechanical force (14) and polypectomy‐related (3). Barotrauma was more frequent in emergency colonoscopy and mechanical force in elective colonoscopy. The outcome of surgery was as follows: mortality 10%, complications 34.5%, reoperation 14%, secondary surgery 23% and permanent colostomy 3%. The only factor related to in‐hospital mortality was an increased American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score.Conclusion  Colonoscopic perforation requiring surgery is a catastrophic event with high mortality, morbidity and reoperation rates.
Effects of Schisandra chinensis extract on the contractility of corpus cavernosal smooth muscle (CSM) and Ca2+ homeostasis in CSM cells
Authors: Han Deok Hyun , Lee Jun Ho , Kim Hyunjung , Ko Mi Kyeong , Chae Mee Ree , Kim Hye Kyung , So Insuk , Jeon Ju‐Hong , Park Jong Kwan , Lee Sung Won 
Published: September 2011

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Schisandra chinensis extract (SCE) has been known to have relaxative effects on penile smooth muscle. A recent study showed that SCE could enhance slidenafil citrate‐induced relaxation of penile corpus cavernosum.The current study investigated the mechanism of action of SCE and its constituents on corporal smooth muscle cells. And this study shows that SCE induced relaxation of CSM primarily through an endothelium independent pathway and the relaxation effects of SCE on corporal smooth muscle are, in part, due to the activation of K+ channels and inhibition of TRPC6 channels, resulting in decreased [Ca2+].OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the relaxant effects of Schisandra chinensis extract (SCE) on corporal tissue in the penis and to investigate the mechanism of action of SCE and its constituents on corporal smooth muscle (CSM) cells.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The fruit of SC was collected and extracted with ethanol. Six SC lignans (schisandrol A, schisandrol B, schisandrin A, schisandrin B, gomisin N, and schisandrin C) were isolated and purified, and the chemical structures were confirmed by 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and 13C‐NMR data.
Isolated rabbit CSM strips were mounted in an organ‐bath system, and the effects of SCE were evaluated.
To estimate the intracellular Ca2+ level ([Ca2+]i), we used a Fura‐2 fluorescent technique, and a conventional whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique was used to measure the calcium‐sensitive K+ channels (KCa), inward rectifier K+ channels (KIR), and canonical transient receptor potential cation channel 6 (TRPC6) currents.
RESULTS
SCE induced concentration‐dependent relaxation in contracted CSM tissue, and the removal of the endothelium did not significantly affect their relaxation potencies.
In CSM cells, extracellular application of SCE significantly increased whole‐cell KCa currents (117.4%) and KIR currents (110.0%). These effects were completely abolished by charybdotoxin or BaCl2.
In contrast, carbachol‐induced TRPC6 channel activity was significantly inhibited (87.3%) by SCE in green fluorescent protein‐TRPC6 pcDNA transfected HEK 293 cells. [Ca2+]i measurements showed that SCE effectively reduced basal [Ca2+]i in both cell lines (CSM cells and A7r5 cells) and the [Arg8]‐vasopressin (AVP)‐induced [Ca2+]i increase in A7r5 cells.
Among the six SC lignans, schisandrin A and schisandrin B most effectively attenuated the AVP‐induced [Ca2+]i increase.
CONCLUSIONS
SCE induced relaxation of CSM that occurred primarily via an endothelium‐independent pathway.
The relaxation effects of SCE on CSM were, in part, due to the activation of K+ channels and inhibition of TRPC6 channels, resulting in decreased [Ca2+]i.
Current perspectives of insulin resistance and polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Pauli J. M. , Raja‐Khan N. , Wu X. , Legro R. S. 
Published: September 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 1445–1454 (2011)AbstractAims  To review the relationship between insulin resistance and polycystic ovary syndrome.Methods  A literature review.Results  Insulin resistance likely plays a central pathogenic role in polycystic ovary syndrome and may explain the pleiotropic presentation and involvement of multiple organ systems. Insulin resistance in the skeletal muscle of women with polycystic ovary syndrome involves both intrinsic and acquired defects in insulin signalling. The cellular insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome has been further shown to involve a novel post‐binding defect in insulin signal transduction. Treatment of insulin resistance through lifestyle therapy or with a diabetes drug has become mainstream therapy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. However, effects with current pharmacologic treatment with metformin tend to be modest, with limited benefit as an agent to treat infertility. Insulin resistance contributes to increased risk for pregnancy complications, diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk profile in polycystic ovary syndrome, which is further exacerbated by obesity. While numerous studies demonstrate increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, there are limited data showing that women with polycystic ovary syndrome are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease events.Conclusions  Insulin resistance is linked to polycystic ovary syndrome. Further study of lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions that reduce insulin resistance, such as metformin, are needed to demonstrate that they are effective in reducing the risk of diabetes, endometrial abnormalities and cardiovascular disease events in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Gateway‐compatible vectors for high‐throughput gene functional analysis in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and other monocot species
Authors: Mann David G.J. , LaFayette Peter R. , Abercrombie Laura L. , King Zachary R. , Mazarei Mitra , Halter Mathew C. , Poovaiah Charleson R. , Baxter Holly , Shen Hui , Dixon Richard A. , Parrott Wayne A. , Neal Stewart Jr C. 
Published: September 2011

SummarySwitchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a C4 perennial grass and has been identified as a potential bioenergy crop for cellulosic ethanol because of its rapid growth rate, nutrient use efficiency and widespread distribution throughout North America. The improvement of bioenergy feedstocks is needed to make cellulosic ethanol economically feasible, and genetic engineering of switchgrass is a promising approach towards this goal. A crucial component of creating transgenic switchgrass is having the capability of transforming the explants with DNA sequences of interest using vector constructs. However, there are limited options with the monocot plant vectors currently available. With this in mind, a versatile set of Gateway‐compatible destination vectors (termed pANIC) was constructed to be used in monocot plants for transgenic crop improvement. The pANIC vectors can be used for transgene overexpression or RNAi‐mediated gene suppression. The pANIC vector set includes vectors that can be utilized for particle bombardment or Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation. All the vectors contain (i) a Gateway cassette for overexpression or silencing of the target sequence, (ii) a plant selection cassette and (iii) a visual reporter cassette. The pANIC vector set was functionally validated in switchgrass and rice and allows for high‐throughput screening of sequences of interest in other monocot species as well.
Significance of microbleeds in patients with transient ischaemic attack
Authors: Fluri F. , Jax F. , Amort M. , Wetzel S. G. , Lyrer P. A. , Katan M. , Hatz F. , Engelter S. T. 
Published: September 2011

Background and purpose:  The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of microbleeds in TIA‐patients. In patients with a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), the prognostic value of microbleeds is unknown.Methods:  In 176 consecutive TIA patients, the number, size, and location of microbleeds with or without acute ischaemic lesions were assessed. We compared microbleed‐positive and microbleed‐negative patients with regard to the end‐point stroke within 3 months.Results:  Four of the seven patients with subsequent stroke had microbleeds. Microbleed‐positive patients had a higher risk for stroke [odds ratios (OR) 8.91, 95% CI 1.87–42.51, P < 0.01] than those without microbleeds. Microbleed‐positive patients with accompanying acute ischaemic lesions had a higher stroke risk than those with neither an acute ischaemia nor a microbleed (OR 6.20, 95% CI 1.10–35.12; P = 0.04).Conclusion:  Microbleeds alone or in combination with acute ischaemic lesions may increase the risk for subsequent ischaemic stroke after TIA within 3 months.
Assessing Components of Empathy in Sex‐ Offenders with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Ralfs Sonya , Beail Nigel 
Published: September 2011

Background Because of a lack of research investigating empathy in sex offenders with intellectual disabilities, this study explored empathy in sex offenders and non‐offenders with intellectual disabilities. Specific aims were to explore differences between these groups on measures of the components of empathy.Methods The scores of 21 sex‐offenders and 21 non‐offenders with intellectual disabilities, matched by age, gender and IQ, were compared on the Test of Emotional Perception.Results No differences were found between the two groups across the components of empathy. However, sex offenders who had received treatment performed better on tasks of emotion recognition, emotion replication and response decision than the non‐offenders.Conclusions Further research is needed to understand empathy in sex offenders with intellectual disabilities before any recommendations can be made regarding treatment programmes.