bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non‐transecting anastomotic bulbar urethroplasty: a preliminary report
Authors: Andrich Daniela E. , Mundy Anthony R. 
Published: September 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)Level of Evidence 4What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Excision of a stricture and end‐to‐end anastomosis of the two ends is thought to be the best form of treatment for short strictures of the proximal bulbar urethra but involves transecting the main blood supply of the corpus spongiosum and the urethra.This is a preliminary report of achieving the same goal but without transecting the blood supply of the corpus spongiosum of the urethra.OBJECTIVE
To report our early experience with a novel approach to the excision and end‐to‐end anastomotic repair of bulbar urethral strictures.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A total of 22 patients underwent excision and end‐to‐end anastomosis of a proximal bulbar urethral stricture using a technique in which the corpus spongiosum is not transected, so as to maintain its blood supply intact.
The range of follow‐up was 6–21 months and for 16 patients the follow up was ≥1year.
RESULTS
At 1 year of follow‐up there was no evidence of a recurrent stricture on symptomatic assessment or uroflowmetry in the 16 patients.
On urethrography one patient has a urethral calibre 80% of normal. In the other 15 the calibre is normal or greater than normal.
CONCLUSION
The non‐transecting anastomotic bulbar urethroplasty technique used appears to give results that are as good as those of traditional anastomotic urethroplasty with less surgical trauma.
Comparison of outcomes between pure laparoscopic vs robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a study of comparative effectiveness based upon validated quality of life outcomes
Authors: Willis Daniel L. , Gonzalgo Mark L. , Brotzman Michelle , Feng Zhaoyong , Trock Bruce , Su Li‐Ming 
Published: September 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)Level of Evidence 4What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Few studies exist comparing functional outcomes between RALP and LRP using validated questionnaires.This single surgeon study utilizes data from the EPIC questionnaire that was collected prospectively to compare urinary and sexual function after prostatectomy. In this comparison, return of post‐prostatectomy continence was similar between groups while RALP patients demonstrated earlier return of sexual function.OBJECTIVE
To compare perioperative, oncological and functional outcomes of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) and robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) with emphasis on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) data as few studies exist.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Patients underwent RALP or LRP by a single, fellowship trained surgeon with a standard clinical care pathway.
HRQOL data using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) were collected at 0, 3, 6 and 12 months after 175 consecutive LRP and 174 RALP procedures.
Urinary and sexual function outcomes were compared using two methods: (1) EPIC summary/subscale analyses described as percent return to baseline function and (2) traditional single‐question analysis.
RESULTS
The two groups were statistically similar with respect to demographics, clinical stage, perioperative outcomes, stage‐specific surgical margin rates, and baseline urinary and sexual function scores.
There was no statistical difference in postoperative urinary function between RALP and LRP using EPIC or single‐question analyses at 3, 6 and 12 months.
EPIC questionnaire data showed a greater return to baseline sexual function over time (mixed model analysis) in RALP than in LRP patients who had a bilateral nerve sparing procedure (Sexual Summary Score, P= 0.005; Sexual Function and Bother Subscales, P= 0.007).
Using EPIC, RALP patients receiving a bilateral nerve sparing procedure showed improved percent return to baseline potency at 3 and 6 months (P < 0.025) compared with LRP patients, but had similar outcomes at 12 months (73.7% vs 66.2%, P= 0.3).
Single‐question analysis suggested improved potency after RALP compared with LRP, with a greater percentage of RALP patients reporting successful sexual intercourse in the past 4 weeks (87.5% vs 66.7% at 12 months, P= 0.06).
CONCLUSIONS
When comparing surgical techniques, RALP and LRP groups showed statistically similar postoperative urinary function outcomes.
RALP patients had an earlier return of sexual function when compared with LRP patients after a bilateral nerve sparing procedure.
In vivo comparison of norepinephrine and dopamine release in rat brain by simultaneous measurements with fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry
Authors: Park Jinwoo , Takmakov Pavel , Wightman R. Mark 
Published: September 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 932–944.AbstractBrain norepinephrine and dopamine regulate a variety of critical behaviors such as stress, learning, memory, and drug addiction. In this study, we demonstrate differences in the regulation of in vivo neurotransmission for dopamine in the anterior nucleus accumbens (NAc) and norepinephrine in the ventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (vBNST) of the anesthetized rat. Release of the two catecholamines was measured simultaneously using fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry at two different carbon‐fiber microelectrodes, each implanted in the brain region of interest. Simultaneous dopamine and norepinephrine release was evoked by electrical stimulation of a region where the ventral noradrenergic bundle, the pathway of noradrenergic neurons, courses through the ventral tegmental area/substantia nigra, the origin of dopaminergic cell bodies. The release and uptake of norepinephrine in the vBNST were both significantly slower than for dopamine in the NAc. Pharmacological manipulations in the same animal demonstrated that the two catecholamines are differently regulated. The combination of a dopamine autoreceptor antagonist and amphetamine significantly increased basal extracellular dopamine whereas a norepinephrine autoreceptor antagonist and amphetamine did not change basal norepinephrine concentration. α‐Methyl‐p‐tyrosine, a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor, decreased electrically evoked dopamine release faster than norepinephrine. The dual‐microelectrode fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry technique along with anatomical and pharmacological evidence confirms that dopamine in the NAc and norepinephrine in the vBNST can be monitored selectively and simultaneously in the same animal. The high temporal and spatial resolution of the technique enabled us to examine differences in the dynamics of extracellular norepinephrine and dopamine concurrently in two different limbic structures.
Evaluation of the effect of one large dose of erythropoietin against cardiac and cerebral ischemic injury occurring during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass: a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled pilot study
Authors: Joyeux‐Faure Marie , Durand Michel , Bedague Damien , Protar Daniel , Incagnoli Pascal , Paris Adeline , Ribuot Christophe , Levy Patrick , Chavanon Olivier 
Published: September 2011

AbstractCardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) induce ischemia–reperfusion and subsequent cellular injury with inflammatory reaction. Clinical and experimental studies suggest that recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) independently of its erythropoietic effect may be used as a cytoprotective agent against ischemic injury. We tested the hypothesis that one large dose of EPO administered shortly before CPB prevents the elevation of cardiac and cerebral ischemic blood markers as well as the systemic inflammatory response induced by cardiac surgery with CBP through this randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled pilot trial. Fifty patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery with CPB were randomly allocated to EPO or control groups. EPO (800 IU/kg intravenously) or placebo (saline) was administered before CPB. The primary end point was to study the effect of EPO administration on several blood markers of myocardial and cerebral ischemia in relation to CABG with CPB. In both groups, surgery increased plasma concentrations of cardiac (troponin T, NT‐proBNP, and creatine kinase MB) and cerebral (S100β protein) markers ischemic as well as the pro‐inflammatory marker interleukin‐6. Compared with the placebo, EPO administration before CPB did not prevent an increase of all these markers following CPB. In conclusion, one large dose of EPO, given shortly before CPB, did not protect against cardiac and cerebral ischemia and inflammatory response occurring during CABG surgery with CPB. Although the long‐term clinical implications remain unknown, the findings do not support use of EPO at this dose as a cytoprotective agent in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Factors associated with seizure freedom in the surgical resection of glioneuronal tumors
Authors: Englot Dario J. , Berger Mitchel S. , Barbaro Nicholas M. , Chang Edward F. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryPurpose:  Gangliogliomas (GGs) and dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNETs) are low‐grade brain tumors of glioneuronal origin that commonly present with seizures. Achieving seizure control in patients with glioneuronal tumors remains underappreciated, as tumor‐related epilepsy significantly affects patients’ quality‐of‐life.Methods:  We performed a quantitative and comprehensive systematic literature review of seizure outcomes after surgical resection of GGs and DNETs associated with seizures. We evaluated 910 patients from 39 studies, and stratified outcomes according to several potential prognostic variables.Key Findings:  Overall, 80% of patients were seizure‐free after surgery (Engel class I), whereas 20% continued to have seizures (Engel class II–IV). We observed significantly higher rates of seizure‐freedom in patients with ≤1 year duration of epilepsy compared to those with >1 year of seizures [odds ratio (OR) 9.48; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.26–39.66], and with gross‐total resection over subtotal lesionectomy (OR 5.34; 95% CI 3.61–7.89). In addition, the presence of secondarily generalized seizures preoperatively predicted a lower rate of seizure‐freedom after surgery (OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.24–0.66). Outcomes did not differ significantly between adults and children, patients with temporal lobe versus extratemporal tumors, pathologic diagnosis of GG versus DNET, medically controlled versus refractory seizures, or with the use of electrocorticography (ECoG). Extended resection of temporal lobe tumors, with hippocampectomy and/or corticectomy, conferred additional benefit.Significance:  These results suggest that early operative intervention and gross‐total resection are critically important factors in achieving seizure‐freedom, and thus improving quality‐of‐life, in patients with glioneuronal tumors causing epilepsy.
Pre‐engraftment syndrome after unrelated donor umbilical cord blood transplantation in patients with hematologic malignancies
Authors: Wang Xingbing , Liu Huilan , Li Lailing , Geng Liangquan , Ding Kaiyang , Liu Xin , Tong Juan , Zhu Weibo , Sun Zimin 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPre‐engraftment syndrome (PES) after umbilical cord blood transplantation (CBT) remains poorly characterized, and the prognosis and appropriate management are unclear. Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed the incidence, risk factors, manifestations, and clinical outcomes of PES in CBT recipients, who had been treated for hematologic malignancies at our transplantation center. PES was defined as unexplained fever higher than 38.3°C that is not associated with documented infection and unresponsive to antimicrobial manipulations and/or unexplained erythematous skin rash occurring prior to neutrophil engraftment. A total of 81 patients (median 18 yr, range 3–48) received either myeloablative (n = 72) or non‐myeloablative (n = 9) conditioning. Neutrophil engraftment was achieved in 69 of the 81 cases [86.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 78.9–94.1%], and the median time to more than 0.5 × 109/L ANC was 19 d (range, 12–39). Fifty‐one patients (63.0%) developed PES at a median of 7 d (range 3–15) post‐transplant: 46 patients had both rash and unexplained fever; one patient had unexplained fever alone; and four patients had rash only. Forty‐seven patients (92.2%) received IV methylprednisolone (MP) at a median dose of 1 mg/kg (range 0.4–3). All patients treated with MP responded as evidenced by fever resolution combined with resolution of rash. All patients with PES had high serum levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP), which were significantly reduced after effective steroid treatment. Univariate analysis identified myeloablative conditioning and younger age as significant risk factors for developing PES. Cumulative incidence of grade II–IV acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) in the PES+ and PES− groups was 51.5% (95% CI = 38.0–70.0%) and 17.0% (95% CI = 6.9–41.7%), respectively. In a multivariate analysis, we found significantly increased risk of grade II–IV aGVHD among PES patients (P = 0.041). However, PES was not associated with sustained donor engraftment, the day to neutrophil recovery, chronic graft‐versus‐host disease, transplant‐related mortality at day 180, and overall survival. Despite of the inherent limitations of this small retrospective study, PES seemed to be common after CBT and associated with high incidence of aGVHD.
Vegetation dynamics of endemic‐rich quartz fields in the Succulent Karoo, South Africa, in response to recent climatic trends
Authors: Schmiedel Ute , Dengler Jürgen , Etzold Sophia 
Published: September 2011

AbstractQuestionHow do species composition and abundance change in the medium term and can the detected fluctuations and trends be attributed to weather conditions or climate change?LocationQuartz fields of the Knersvlakte, Succulent Karoo, South Africa, a plant diversity hotspot.MethodsWe monitored vascular plant composition and abundance of all taxa on 12 permanent plots (25 m²) over a period of 12 yr. With multiple regressions, we tested the effect of rainfall in different periods on species richness and abundance.ResultsThe plots showed significant inter‐annual changes in population size, species richness and species composition. In general, plant populations showed a significant positive trend over the 12 yr analysed, while therophytes decreased significantly. Number of chamaephyte and geophyte individuals was positively influenced by rainfall of the preceding year, whereas therophytes were significantly positively influenced by rainfall of the same year.ConclusionsWe conclude that the increase in inter‐annual variability of rainfall has so far had no negative effects on the quartz field vegetation. However, observations of recent climatic trends and climate change projections suggest that there will be much stronger changes in rainfall and temperature patterns in the next decades. Continuous long‐term monitoring of biodiversity is thus crucial to understand potential impacts of climate change in the Knersvlakte.
HYDROCARBON HABITAT OF THE SEDANO TROUGH, BASQUE‐CANTABRIAN BASIN, SPAIN
Authors: Beroiz C. , Permanyer A. 
Published: September 2011

This paper analyzes the hydrocarbon habitat and potential of the Sedano trough in the SW sector of the Basque‐Cantabrian Basin (northern Spain). The study is based on regional geological data, geochemical analyses, basin modelling simulations and play analysis techniques, and attempts to quantify by volumetric resource appraisal the volume of hydrocarbons generated, expelled and migrated from the main Sedano trough depocentre.A Lower Jurassic shale source rock has been identified and is responsible for the oil at Ayoluengo field, for the oil shows at the Polientes and Tozo wells, and for the Zamanzas and Basconcillos de Tozo tar sands which outcrop at the NE and SW margins of the Sedano trough respectively. Thermal history modelling indicates that petroleum generation and expulsion from the Lower Jurassic source rock started in the Sedano trough in the Early Cretaceous, with the main oil generation phase occurring in latest Cretaceous to Paleogene times.GC, GC‐MS and isotopic analyses of oils, tar sands and source rock extracts from the Sedano trough indicate good correlations between the Lower Jurassic source rock and the Ayoluengo oil, and tar sands from the basin margins.Petroleum plays and traps are abundant and are a result of a complex polyphase geological history. They can be grouped into:(i) early salt‐induced structural plays; (ii) later structural plays associated with a mid‐Tertiary compressional phase; and (iii) stratigraphic plays within the Upper Jurassic – Lower Cretaceous siliciclastic succession.A volumetric resource appraisal of the Lower Jurassic source rock indicates that a total of 11 billion bbl of oil could have been generated and expelled in the Sedano trough, and around 880 million bbl of oil have migrated into potential traps in 15 identified drainage areas. This results in a generation‐accumulation efficiency of 7%. Undiscovered resources have been estimated at 154 million bbl of oil, indicating that there is still moderate undiscovered hydrocarbon potential in the area.
Alpha‐actinin‐3 deficiency does not significantly alter oxidative enzyme activity in fast human muscle fibres
Authors: Vincent B. , Windelinckx A. , Van Proeyen K. , Masschelein E. , Nielens H. , Ramaekers M. , Van Leemputte M. , Hespel P. , Thomis M. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Aim:  In Western European populations, about 18% of all individuals have a complete deficiency of the alpha‐actinin‐3 protein owing to homozygosity for a stop codon mutation (R577X) in the ACTN3 gene. Actn3−/− knock‐out mice show increased activity of multiple enzymes in the aerobic metabolic pathway in fast muscle fibres. Whether this observation is also present in human XX genotype carriers compared to RR carriers has not been studied in a fibre‐type‐specific approach in humans. The purpose of this study was therefore to compare fibre‐type‐specific oxidative enzyme activity in humans with a different ACTN3 R577X genotype.
Methods:  Vastus lateralis muscle biopsy samples of 17 XX and 16 RR subjects were used to measure markers of oxidative capacity [cytochrome c oxidase (CYTOX) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)] in a fibre‐type‐specific assay using enzyme histochemistry.
Results:  Cytochrome c oxidase staining showed no significant genotype group differences in type I or type II muscle fibres. Also, we found no significant differences in SDH staining of fast fibres comparing XX and RR carriers.
Conclusion:  In conclusion, the increase in oxidative enzyme activity of fast muscle fibres, as reported in an Actn3−/− knock‐out mouse, was not observed in our human samples. Known differences in metabolic characteristics of muscle fibres in rodents compared to humans may in part explain this discrepancy in findings.
Internal Transcribed Spacer as a Target to Assess Yeast Biodiversity in Italian Taleggio PDO Cheese
Authors: Giannino Maria L. , Buffoni Joanna N. , Massone Elisabetta , Feligini Maria 
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  Three batches of soft smear‐ripened Taleggio PDO cheese were made in Northern Italy during the summertime 2010. A total of 129 isolates cultured from cheese surface were examined by using PCR‐based methods and sequencing of both the ITS1 region and D1 and D2 domains of the 26S rRNA gene. Sequence analysis of isolates brought to the identification of 6 species: Debaryomyces hansenii, Kluyveromyces lactis, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Yarrowia lipolytica, Pichia guilliermondii, and Torulaspora delbrueckii. Analysis of DNA directly extracted from 45 cheese surfaces permitted to detect 2 additional species Candida sake and Candida etchellsii. D. hansenii was predominant and widespread whereas the other yeast species were detected less frequently. To determine the relationships between yeast community and the environment, 39 isolates from wooden boxes used for dry salting of cheese were analyzed as well. Sequencing of ITS1 region allowed to identify D. hansenii, T. delbrueckii, and K. lactis. ITS1 multiple sequence alignments of D. hansenii detected in wooden boxes showed an in‐del polymorphism at position 169. ITS1 secondary structures of yeasts were modeled to explore new applications of this region for molecular identification purposes.Practical Application:  This study used molecular analysis to identify adventitious yeast population present in the surface of Taleggio smear‐ripened cheese. D. hansenii was found predominant in pasteurized milk, in dry salting equipment, and in all cheese samples until the end of ripening.
Effect of γ‐Irradiation on Bioactivity, Fatty Acid Compositions and Volatile Compounds of Clary Sage Seed (Salvia sclarea L.)
Authors: Yalcin Hasan , Ozturk Ismet , Tulukcu Eray , Sagdic Osman 
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  Clary sage seeds (Salvia sclarea L.) were obtained from plants cultivated, and 2.5, 4.0, 5.5, and 7.0 kGy doses of γ‐irradiation were applied to the clary sage seeds. They were then analyzed for their protein, ash, oil and dry matter contents, and fatty acid composition. Additionally, the total phenolic contents, antiradical, antioxidant activities, and volatile compounds of the clary sage seed extract were determined. There was no significant difference in protein content. However, the moisture, oil, and ash contents of the samples were affected by irradiation. While the 7 kGy dose had a positive effect on the total phenolic content and antiradical activity of the sage seed extract, all doses have negative effects on the antioxidant activity of the sage seed. The main fatty acid of the sage seed was remarkably found as α‐linolenic acid. The four irradiation levels caused significant differences in fatty acid composition by affecting all fatty acids except palmitic, palmitoleic, and eicosenoic acids. The dominant volatile compounds of control sage seed were found as β‐pinene (18.81%) and limonene (15.60%). Higher doses of the irradiation decreased volatile components of sage seed. Clary sage seed including high omega‐3 can be irradiated with low doses (≤2.5 kGy) of γ‐irradiation.Practical Application:  Clary sage is one of the most popular Salvia species in Turkey and many countries. Clary sage seed has approximately 29% oil content and this oil contains >50% of α‐linolenic acid. γ‐Irradiation is widely applied in the preservation of spice quality. The present study shows that the antioxidant activity of the clary sage seed is decreased by γ‐irradiation. Additionally, higher doses of irradiation also decreased the volatile components of sage seed. Therefore, we suggest that clary sage seed which includes high levels of omega‐3 should be irradiated with low doses (≤2.5 kGy) of γ‐irradiation.