bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of geological, geochemical, and biogenic habitat heterogeneity on seep biodiversity
Authors: Cordes Erik E. , Cunha Marina R. , Galéron Joëlle , Mora Camilo , Olu‐Le Roy Karine , Sibuet Myriam , Van Gaever Saskia , Vanreusel Ann , Levin Lisa A. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractCold seeps are among the most heterogeneous of all continental margin habitats. Abiotic sources of heterogeneity in these systems include local variability in fluid flow, geochemistry, and substrate type, which give rise to different sets of microbial communities, microbial symbiont‐bearing foundation species, and associated heterotrophic species. Biogenic habitats created by microbial mats and the symbiotic species including vesicomyid clams, bathymodiolin mussels, and siboglinid tubeworms add an additional layer of complexity to seep habitats. These forms of habitat heterogeneity result in a variety of macrofaunal and meiofaunal communities that respond to changes in structural complexity, habitat geochemistry, nutrient sources, and interspecific interactions in different ways and at different scales. These responses are predicted by a set of theoretical metacommunity models, the most appropriate of which for seep systems appears to be the ‘species sorting’ concept, an extension of niche theory. This concept is demonstrated through predictable patterns of community assembly, succession, and beta‐level diversity. These processes are described using a newly developed analytical technique examining the change in the slope of the species accumulation curve with the number of habitats examined. The diversity response to heterogeneity has a consistent form, but quantitatively changes at different seep sites around the world as the types of habitats present and the size‐classes of fauna analyzed change. The increase in beta diversity across seep habitat types demonstrates that cold seeps and associated biogenic habitats are significant sources of heterogeneity on continental margins globally.
Quantification of Connexin43 Gap Junctions in Porcine Myometrium by Confocal Microscopy and Stereology
Authors: Romek M , Karasinski J 
Published: November 2009

ContentsThe aim of this study was to quantify the number and size of connexin43 (Cx43) gap junctions in the circular and longitudinal layers of myometrium of the non‐pregnant pig. We developed a novel approach to measure the mean surface area (), numerical density (Nv) and surface density (Sv) of gap junctions using confocal microscopy and stereological analysis. Immunolabelled Cx43 gap junctions were measured in the subendometrial and deep regions of the circular layer and in the longitudinal layer of the myometrium of pre‐pubertal pig and mature pig at pre‐ovulatory and secretory stages of the oestrous cycle. In the circular subendometrial region, all investigated stereological parameters of Cx43 gap junctions (, Nv and Sv) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of the circular deep region and the longitudinal layer in all three groups of animals. These results indicate the large‐scale heterogeneity of the number and size of Cx43 gap junctions across the myometrium in non‐pregnant pig and emphasize the existence of functional diversity among myometrial cells.
Risk factors of mortality in non‐trauma exsanguinating patients that require damage control laparotomy
Authors: Zhang Wen‐bo , Wang Wei‐ya , Wang Ge‐fei , Li Ning , Li Jie‐shou 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground:  Since introduction of damage control (DC) approach to non‐trauma setting is relatively late, the risk factors associated with this procedure remain undefined. This study was aimed at identifying factors responsible for the mortality.Methods:  Over a 5‐year period (from February 2002 to February 2007), consecutive non‐trauma patients who required DC laparotomy (DCL) with gauze packing for control of indomitable abdominal haemorrhage in our institute were included. Clinical, laboratorial and operative factors influencing in‐hospital or 30‐day mortality were analysed.Results:  A total of 26 patients underwent DCL with packing in an attempt to control severe abdominal haemorrhage. There were seven (26.9%) deaths in hospital or within 30 days of DCL. Increase in age, higher initial physiological score and operative severity score assessed by the Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity scoring system, lower initial body temperature, lower initial platelet (PLT) counts, greater intra‐operative blood loss, presence of perioperative multiple organ dysfunction syndrome were all associated with increased risk of mortality on univariate analysis (P < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, only decrease in PLT counts (P= 0.042, OR = 0.969, 95% CI = 0.940∼0.999) and increase in age (P= 0.035, OR = 1.152, 95% CI = 1.010∼1.313) were significant independent factors affecting mortality.Conclusions:  Decrease in PLT counts and increase in age are the independent risk factors related to death in non‐trauma series that require DCL with packing. DCL should be performed early as for patients with these risk factors.
Laparoscopic revision of gastric band surgery
Authors: Bardsley Stephanie , Hopkins George 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAim:  To identify the outcome of laparoscopic revision of gastric band surgery with respect to percentage of excess weight lost (%EWL).Methods:  Analysis of a prospective database was then performed and %EWL was plotted with respect to time from initial procedure and also time from revision procedure.Results:  All revision operations were performed laparoscopically. There were no patient deaths, but two serious complications. Percentage excess weight loss after replacement of the band because of prosthetic failure or dysphagia was 57% at an average follow‐up of 19 months. For repositioning of the band due to slippage, the %EWL was 72% at an average of 15 months follow‐up for those who had the existing band repositioned, and 42% at an average of 23 months follow‐up for those who had a new band repositioned.Conclusion:  Revision laparoscopic gastric band surgery is a safe option for patients, and results in good %EWL at an average follow‐up period of 19 months.
Gyrus PlasmaKinetic bipolar coagulation device for liver resection
Authors: Tan Jeremy , Hunt Andrew , Wijesuriya Ruwan , Delriviere Luc , Mitchell Andrew 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground:  Liver parenchymal transection can be associated with significant blood loss and morbidity. We present our initial experience with the Gyrus PlasmaKinetic coagulation device in liver parenchymal resection in both cirrhotic and non‐cirrhotic patients.Methods:  Liver resections were performed in 51 consecutive patients, from 20 July 2005 to 31 August 2007, using the Gyrus PlasmaKinetic coagulator. Requirement for blood transfusions, operating time, duration of hospital stay and major complications were evaluated initially for the group as a whole. Subsequently, the 11 patients with histologically confirmed cirrhosis (nine men, two women, median age 54 years, range 24–74 years) were compared with 40 patients without cirrhosis (25 men, 15 women, median age 57 years, range 24–87 years).Results:  There were 34 men and 17 women. The median age was 56 (range 24–87 years). There were 48 open procedures and 3 laparoscopic procedures. There were 30 major resections (>2 segments) and 21 minor resections (one to two segments). The overall median operating time was 260 min (range 90–690). Length of stay had a median of 9 days, range 4–50 days. Twenty‐one patients (41%) required a blood transfusion. Two biliary leaks were observed in non‐cirrhotic patients initially before the settings of the Gyrus device were optimized.Conclusions:  The Gyrus PlasmaKinetic coagulation device is a novel instrument for hepatic parenchymal transection in liver resection, which can be safely used in cirrhotic and non‐cirrhotic patients.
Single‐port laparoscopic right colonic resection
Authors: Keshava Anil , Mackenzie Scott , Al‐Kubati Waheeb 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground:  The laparoscopic approach is a recognized treatment option for colonic resection. We present the first single‐port operation for colonic resection using standard laparoscopic equipment and techniques.Methods:  A single‐port laparoscopic right colonic resection was successfully performed using GelPort (Applied Medical, Orange County, CA, USA) and a standard laparoscopic approach.Results:  The procedure was completed in 105 min through a single periumbilical incision. There was minimal blood loss and no post‐operative problems.Conclusion:  Single‐port laparoscopic techniques can be applied to colonic surgery. It negates morbidity associated with trochar insertion and port sites. It should be performed by surgeons familiar with laparoscopic colorectal techniques.
Molecular neuroimaging in rodents: assessing receptor expression and function
Authors: Mueggler Thomas , Baltes Christof , Rudin Markus 
Published: November 2009

AbstractMultimodal non‐invasive neuroimaging in rodents constitutes an attractive tool for studying neurobiological processes in vivo. At present, imaging studies of brain anatomy and function as well as the investigation of structure–function relationships belong to the standard repertoire of neuroscientists. Molecular imaging adds a new perspective. The mapping of the receptor distribution and receptor occupancy can nowadays be complemented by specific readouts of receptor function either by visualizing the activity of signaling pathways or mapping the physiological consequences of receptor stimulation. Molecular information is obtained through the use of imaging probes that combine a target‐specific ligand with a reporter moiety that generates a signal that can be detected from outside the body. For imaging probes targeting the central nervous system, penetration of the intact blood–brain barrier constitutes a major hurdle. Molecular imaging generates specific information and therefore has a large potential for disease phenotyping (diagnostics), therapy development and monitoring of treatment response. Molecular imaging is still in its infancy and major developments in imaging technology, probe design and data analysis are required in order to make an impact. Rodent molecular neuroimaging will play an important role in the development of these tools.
A Fellowship programme in reconstructive urological surgery: what is it and what is it for?
Authors: Andrich Daniela E. , Mundy Anthony R. 
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVETo report our experience of a 3‐year Fellowship in reconstructive urology for its content and duration, with particular reference to what can be achieved each year.METHODSOver the 3‐year period October 2004 to October 2007 the Fellow worked full‐time in a specialist reconstructive urological centre as principal assistant to the trainer in the care of outpatients and inpatients, and in the performance of the various surgical procedures. Using a prospectively constructed logbook it was possible to compare the developing surgical experience of the Fellow in terms of both the frequency and complexity of the cases undertaken and the surgical outcomes, compared with similar data for the trainer.RESULTSOver the 3‐year period the Fellow progressively took on more cases and of increasing complexity, and the trainer progressively adopted the role of assistant, except for particularly complex cases. Throughout this period the complication rate of the trainer and the Fellow remained the same.CONCLUSIONSEven at the end of 3 years the Fellow was still limited in what she could deal with as an independent practitioner. Fellowship training should be goal directed in content and duration, and based around hands‐on experience.
Purification of human muscle‐derived cells using an immunoselective method for potential use in urological regeneration
Authors: Lu Shing‐Hwa , Yang An‐Hang , Chen Kuang‐Kuo , Chiang Han‐Sun , Chang Luke S. 
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVETo purify human muscle‐derived cells (hMDCs) that could be used for managing urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction and for bladder reconstitution.MATERIALS AND METHODShMDCs isolated by a modified preplate technique (MPT) from skeletal muscles of limbs were purified by CD34 antibody and magnetic Dynabeads cell selection system (MDCSS). The growth‐doubling time of the hMDCs and purified hMDCs was measured. The purified hMDCs were characterized by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy.RESULTSThe growth‐doubling time of hMDCs was ≈24 h, which increased to 35 h after purifying using the MDCSS. There were scanty fibroblasts after purification and the MDCSS‐purified hMDCs were identified by high expression of stem cell markers and myoblast markers. The expression proportion of the stem cell marker CD34 and myoblast marker CD56 in the hMDCs was higher after purification (MDCSS) than before (MPT), at 32.13% vs 4.12% and 21.56% vs 8.60%, respectively.CONCLUSIONSThe purification of hMDCs showing high expression of stem cell and myoblast markers is feasible. These purified hMDCs could potentially be used for urological regeneration.
Patient‐reported reasons for discontinuing overactive bladder medication
Authors: Benner Joshua S. , Nichol Michael B. , Rovner Eric S. , Jumadilova Zhanna , Alvir Jose , Hussein Mohamed , Fanning Kristina , Trocio Jeffrey N. , Brubaker Linda 
Published: November 2009

Study Type – Symptom prevalence (prospective cohort) Level of Evidence 1bOBJECTIVETo evaluate patient‐reported reasons for discontinuing antimuscarinic prescription medications for overactive bladder (OAB).PATIENTS AND METHODSA phase 1 screening survey was sent to a representative sample of 260 000 households in the USA to identify patients using antimuscarinic agents for OAB. A detailed phase‐2 follow‐up survey was sent to 6577 respondents with one or more antimuscarinic prescriptions for OAB in the 12 months before the phase 1 survey. The follow‐up survey included questions about demographics, clinical characteristics, antimuscarinic use, beliefs about OAB, treatment expectations, OAB symptom bother, and pre‐coded reasons for discontinuation. Patients who reported discontinuing one or more OAB medication during the 12 months before phase 2 were grouped by reason, using latent class analysis (LCA); the Lo‐Mendell‐Rubin likelihood statistical test was used to determine the number of classes. Conditional probabilities of reasons for discontinuation were calculated for each class. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the influence of demographic and clinical characteristics on class assignment.RESULTSIn all, 162 906 (63%) and 5392 (82%) useable responses were returned in phases 1 and 2, respectively; the demographics were similar in respondents and nonrespondents in both phases. In all, 1322 phase 2 respondents (24.5%) reported discontinuing one or more antimuscarinic drugs during the 12 months before phase 2. LCA identified two classes (Lo‐Mendell‐Rubin statistic, P = 0.01) based on reasons for discontinuation. Most respondents (89%) reported discontinuing OAB medication primarily due to unmet treatment expectations and/or tolerability; many respondents in this class switched to a new antimuscarinic agent. A smaller group (11%) indicated a general aversion to taking medication. Age, sex, race, income, and history of incontinence were not predictive of class assignment.CONCLUSIONSExpectations about treatment efficacy and side‐effects are the most important considerations in discontinuing OAB medications for most patients. Interventions to promote realistic expectations about treatment efficacy and side‐effects might enhance adherence.
Differences and associations between nocturnal voiding/nocturia and sleep disorders
Authors: Yoshimura Koji , Oka Yasunori , Kamoto Toshiyuki , Yoshimura Kenichi , Ogawa Osamu 
Published: November 2009

Study Type – Symptom prevalence (prospective cohort) Level of Evidence 1bOBJECTIVETo determine the differences and associations between nocturnal voiding (NV)/nocturia and sleep disorders.SUBJECTS AND METHODSUsing an epidemiological survey, we compared residents with non‐bothersome NV (NNV) and bothersome NV (BNV) to those with sleep disorders, including insomnia, obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), restless leg syndrome (RLS), and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), for patient background, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), sleep status, and general health‐related quality of life (HRQL). Furthermore, we investigated associations between BNV and sleep disorders using multivariate analyses. In all 2271 (38%) answers were available, of which 729 (32%), 966 (43%) and 546 (24%) subjects had no NV, NNV and BNV, respectively, and 348 (15%), 52 (2%), 172 (8%) and 62 (3%) were determined as having insomnia, OSAS, RLS and PLMD, respectively.RESULTSFor LUTS, subjects with BNV were significantly worse than those with OSAS, but better than those with RLS and PLMD. Total sleep status in the BNV group was better than that in the insomnia group, but worse than that in the OSAS and RLS groups. General HRQL in the BNV group was worse than that in the OSAS group, and better than that in the RLS and PLMD groups for physical aspects. In mental aspects, subjects with BNV were better than those with insomnia. Insomnia and OSAS had a close correlation with NNV/BNV (P < 0.001–0.022), and PLMD had a significant correlation with BNV (P = 0.031). However, RLS was not associated with NV (P = 0.42) nor with BNV (P = 0.09).CONCLUSIONNV/nocturia is closely related to sleep disorders, but obviously different from them in several aspects.
Urinary urgency outcomes after propiverine treatment for an overactive bladder: the ‘Propiverine study on overactive bladder including urgency data’
Authors: Lee Kyu‐Sung , Lee Hye Won , Choo Myung‐Soo , Paick Jae‐Seung , Lee Jeong Gu , Seo Ju Tae , Lee Jeong Zoo , Lee Young‐Suk , Yoon Hana , Park Choal Hee , Na Yong‐Gil , Jeong Young Beom , Lee Jong Bouk , Park Won Hee 
Published: November 2009

Study Type – Therapy (RCT) Level of Evidence 1bOBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of a daily regimen of propiverine 20 mg in patients with an overactive bladder (OAB), focused on improving urgency, as the clinical efficacy of treatment for OAB should be measured in terms of urgency, the cornerstone symptom of OAB.PATIENTS AND METHODSEligible patients aged ≥18 years with symptoms of OAB were enrolled in this multicentre, prospective, parallel, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Of 264 patients (mean age 52.2 years), 221 who had efficacy data available from baseline and at least one on‐treatment visit with >75% compliance with medication were analysed (142 in the propiverine group and 79 in the placebo group). All patients were randomized to receive a placebo or 20 mg propiverine once daily in a 12‐week study. They completed a 3‐day voiding diary before visits during the study period, including the severity of urgency associated with every voiding, using the Indevus Urgency Severity Scale and the Urgency Perception Score. The patients’ overall self‐evaluation of treatment benefits at the end of the study, and safety data, were also collected.RESULTSThe daily urgency episodes reduced significantly from baseline to 12 weeks on propiverine treatment, compared with placebo (−46.0% vs −31.3%, P = 0.005). Secondary endpoints, including sum of urgency severity per 24 h, urgency severity per void, and daytime voiding frequency, were also improved significantly in the propiverine group. Overall, of those patients treated with propiverine, 38.7% rated their treatment as providing ‘much benefit’, compared with 15.2% of the placebo group (P = 0.025). Adverse events reported by 32 (22.5%) and 10 (12.7%) patients in the propiverine and placebo group were all tolerable. However, this is a short‐term study using only one fixed regimen.CONCLUSIONSPropiverine 20 mg once‐daily could be an effective treatment for patients with OAB, by improving urgency.
How Law Changes the Environmental Mind: An Experimental Study of the Effect of Legal Norms on Moral Perceptions and Civic Enforcement
Authors: Feldman Yuval , Perez Oren 
Published: November 2009

This paper examines how different legal instruments affect people's moral intuitions and willingness to engage in social enforcement in the field of environmental law. These instruments vary in terms of their governance technique, the process through which they were enacted, and their allocation of enforcement responsibilities. Their effect on citizens' moral evaluation and emotional reaction to corporate polluting behaviour are examined, based on an experimental survey of a representative sample of 1400 individuals in Israel.Our findings demonstrate that their design influences people's level of moral and emotional resentment when faced by environmentally problematic behaviour, as well as their motivation to engage in private enforcement. The design of the regulatory instrument could thus generate biases in social reactions to polluting behaviour, irrespective of its actual ecological adverse effect. We analyse the moral and psychological mechanisms which underlie these effects and explore their various policy implications.
IS THERE A RIGHT TO PRIVACY?
Authors: DAVIS STEVEN 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIt is widely held that there is a legal right to privacy that plays such a central role in a number of important US Supreme Court decisions. There is however a great deal of dispute about whether there is a moral right to privacy and if there is, what grounds the right. Before this can be determined, we must be clear about the nature of privacy, something that is not clearly understood and that, as we shall see, is often confused with the right to privacy. I shall begin with a critical discussion of various views about the nature of privacy. I shall then present my own account, and show how it meets the objections that have been raised against other views. Lastly, I shall close with a discussion about whether privacy is a moral right.
‘Cultural Defence’ of Nations: Cultural Citizenship in France, Germany and the Netherlands
Authors: Orgad Liav 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis article presents a new development in European immigration policy. Focusing on France, Germany and the Netherlands, I describe a process of ‘culturalisation’ of admission and citizenship rules in Europe intended to reinforce liberal values and national identity. I then suggest a two‐stage set of immigration‐regulation principles: in the first stage, immigrants would have to accept some structural liberal‐democratic principles as a prerequisite for admission. While Europe has criteria for state admission, anchored by the Copenhagen Criteria, Europe has not yet formalised definite criteria for immigrants' admission. In the second stage, as part of the naturalisation process, immigrants would be expected to recognise and respect constitutional principles essential for obtaining citizenship of a specific state. I call this concept ‘National Constitutionalism’.