bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thoracic ultrasound prior to medical thoracoscopy improves pleural access and predicts fibrous septation
Authors: MEDFORD Andrew R.L. , AGRAWAL Sanjay , BENNETT Jonathan A. , FREE Catherine M. , ENTWISLE James J. 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTBackground and objective: Medical thoracoscopy (MT) is indicated for the investigation of unexplained pleural exudates. Not all MT units create artificial pneumothoraces because of time. Difficult pleural space access and thick fibrous adhesions may prevent MT and pleurodesis, respectively. The potential role of thoracic ultrasound (TUS) pre‐MT has not been fully evaluated. We hypothesized TUS would reduce failure to access the pleural space and enable detection of thick fibrous adhesions.Methods: Thirty patients underwent single port MT consecutively for investigation of pleural exudates without pre‐MT TUS over a 6‐month period. Over the following 6 months, 30 consecutive patients underwent TUS immediately prior to MT. Pleural access rate and thick fibrous adhesionn detection at both MT and TUS were recorded.Results: In the non‐TUS cohort, pleural space access failure occurred in 16.7% (leading to five extra procedures), versus no failures in the TUS cohort (P = 0.0522). There were no differences in prevalence of MT fibrous adhesions between cohorts. TUS identified all cases of fibrous septation versus only 12.5% identified by CT in the non‐TUS cohort (P = 0.001). All identified cases of thick fibrous septation on TUS did not receive pleurodesis at MT. TUS detected useful ancillary features in 43% of cases.Conclusions: A strong trend to reduction in single port MT pleural access failure was noted with pre‐MT TUS thus reducing extra procedures and the need for artificial pneumothoraces. Pre‐MT TUS also reliably detects thick fibrous adhesions at MT. TUS may also detect useful ancillary features. This study provides a rationale for ultrasound‐guided single port MT if a pneumothorax is not created.
Clinical guidelines for nocturia
Authors:   The Committee for Establishment of the Clinical Guidelines for Nocturia of the Neurogenic Bladder Society
Published: April 2010

AbstractNocturia is a bothersome condition, defined as a complaint whereby the individual has to wake one or more times per night in order to void. Nocturia that occurs twice or more per night can have a substantial adverse effect on the patient's quality of life (QOL), and in many cases treatment may be required.These guidelines provide a treatment algorithm for use by primary care physicians.The initial assessment is conducted through a history taking interview. With a clear understanding of symptoms, patients can be classified into three broad categories: (1) nocturia only, (2) nocturia and diurnal pollakisuria without other lower urinary tract symptoms, and (3) nocturia and diurnal pollakisuria accompanying other lower urinary tract symptoms.For treatment, the literature supporting each form of drug therapy was ranked and a recommendation grade was determined for each form of therapy. A grade of ‘F (pending)’ was applied to any drug not currently approved for use in Japan or for which the efficacy and safety in Japanese patients was unconfirmed at the time of evaluation.We recommend instruction and guidance on water intake that will generally result in 24‐h urine volume of 20 to 25 mL/kg. This corresponds to a daily water intake of 2.0% to 2.5% of body weight. In Japan, desmopressin is indicated for central diabetes insipidus and nocturnal enuresis, but not indicated for nocturia.The therapeutic mechanism of the anticholinergic drugs for nocturia may depend on the action of the sensory nerve mediated by the muscarinic receptors.
Analysis of the complications after radical hysterectomy for stage IB, IIA and IIB uterine cervical cancer patients
Authors: Kashima Katsunori , Yahata Tetsuro , Fujita Kazuyuki , Tanaka Kenichi 
Published: April 2010

AbstractAim:  This study was undertaken to assess whether radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy could be carried out within acceptable complications in uterine cervical cancer patients.Material & Methods:  One hundred and forty‐six patients of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IB, IIA and IIB cervical cancer treated by radical hysterectomy or combined with postoperative radiation therapy were enrolled in this study. The study population was 41 women over the age of 60 and 105 women under the age of 59. Complications after the treatment of all patients were examined.Results:  The complications were significantly high with the patients over the age of 60 (53.7%) in comparison with the patients under the age of 59 (24.8%). Especially, the cases combined with radiation therapy had higher complication rate. The most commonly recorded complications were lymphedema (13.7%) and small bowel obstruction (8.2%).Conclusion:  We conclude that the complications influenced on the quality of life were more frequent in patients over the age of 60.
Successful treatment of a heterotopic tubal pregnancy by gasless laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Phupong Vorapong , Bunyavejchevin Suvit 
Published: April 2010

AbstractHeterotopic pregnancy is a rare event and management is by either laparotomy or laparoscopic surgery to remove the extrauterine pregnancy. As there has been no report detailing the use of gasless laparoscopy for management of heterotopic pregnancy, the authors herein report a case of heterotopic pregnancy that was successfully managed by gasless laparoscopic surgery. The subsequent antenatal course was unremarkable. The intrauterine pregnancy carried to term with uneventful maternal and fetal outcomes. Thus, gasless laparoscopy can be used as an alternative method for the management of heterotopic pregnancy.
The availability of vaginal hysterectomy in benign gynecologic diseases: A prospective, non‐randomized trial
Authors: Guvenal Tevfik , Ozsoy A. Zeki , Kilcik M. Ali , Yanik Ali 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjective:  To determine whether vaginal hysterectomy can be performed in patients with benign gynecologic diseases regardless of uterine size, uterine mobility and previous pelvic surgery and to compare with abdominal hysterectomy.Study Design:  Between 2003 and 2008, we compared 47 vaginal hysterectomies (VH) with 61 abdominal hysterectomies (AH). We excluded from the study the clinical conditions that mandate abdominal exploration and standard indications for VH such as uterovaginal prolapse. Large, immobile uterus and previous pelvic surgery were not accepted as a contraindication for VH. Demographic characteristics, primary diagnosis, uterine weight, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, complications, and hospital stay and cost in both groups were compared.Results:  Groups were similar with respect to demographic features and primary indications. Mean uterine weight and mean operation time were similar in VH and AH groups (258.0 g vs 293.9 g and 93.7 min vs 101.4 min, respectively). Oopherectomy was performed in 44.7% of VH and in 83.6% of AH. Colporrhaphies and/or anti‐incontinence surgery were performed in 15 patients in the VH group (31.9%). The intraoperative blood loss was lower in the VH group than the AH group (245.0 mL vs 408.6 mL, P < 0.001). Perioperative complications were increased with AHs. The mean hospital stay and operation cost in the VH group were significantly less than the AH group (P < 0.001).Conclusion:  This study indicates that vaginal hysterectomy could be performed with less morbidity in patients with benign gynecologic diseases even in large, immobile uterus and previous pelvic surgery
Clinical characteristics of perforated pyometra and impending perforation: Specific issues in gynecological emergency
Authors: Ou Yu‐Che , Lan Kuo‐Chung , Lin Hao , Tsai Ching‐Chou , ChangChien Chan‐Chao 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjective:  To evaluate the clinical characteristics of pyometra and the differences between perforated pyometra and early‐drained pyometra in order to prevent morbidity.Material and Methods:  Retrospective study of 14 patients diagnosed between 1998 and 2008 with early‐drainage pyometra and six patients with perforated pyometra were included. In addition, a review of the literature yielded another 30 perforated pyometra cases for comparison.Results:  Of 20 women with pyometra, the main presented symptoms at admission were abdominal pain (80%), fever (45%) and vaginal discharge (25%). The majority of organisms isolated were Bacteroides fragilis (seven cases), Streptococcus species (six cases) and Escherichia coli (five cases). Of the 36 cases with spontaneous uterine perforation to date, 35 cases (97%) had abdominal pain, 11 cases (31%) had fever, and 10 cases (27%) had vomiting. Hypoalbuminemia was found in seven patients (five cases in the perforation group and two cases in the drainage group).Conclusion:  Early diagnosis of pyometra before perforation can avoid surgical exploration and decrease morbidity and mortality. Perforated pyometra should be considered as a differential diagnosis in women with pneumoperitoneum and fever. Hypoalbuminemia should be considered as a predisposing factor for pyometra perforation.
Choice of Estimators Based on Different Observations: Modified AIC and LCV Criteria
Authors: LIQUET BENOIT , COMMENGES DANIEL 
Published: April 2010

Abstract.  It is quite common in epidemiology that we wish to assess the quality of estimators on a particular set of information, whereas the estimators may use a larger set of information. Two examples are studied: the first occurs when we construct a model for an event which happens if a continuous variable is above a certain threshold. We can compare estimators based on the observation of only the event or on the whole continuous variable. The other example is that of predicting the survival based only on survival information or using in addition information on a disease. We develop modified Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Likelihood cross‐validation (LCV) criteria to compare estimators in this non‐standard situation. We show that a normalized difference of AIC has a bias equal to o(n−1) if the estimators are based on well‐specified models; a normalized difference of LCV always has a bias equal to o(n−1). A simulation study shows that both criteria work well, although the normalized difference of LCV tends to be better and is more robust. Moreover in the case of well‐specified models the difference of risks boils down to the difference of statistical risks which can be rather precisely estimated. For ‘compatible’ models the difference of risks is often the main term but there can also be a difference of mis‐specification risks.
THE SUBURBANISATION OF POLITICAL REPRESENTATION IN A CONTEXT OF PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION: THE CASE OF BELGIUM
Authors: DE MAESSCHALCK FILIP 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTResearch on political representation of population groups is mostly based upon individual characteristics such as class, race and gender. This paper explicitly focuses on place characteristics. In particular, it deals with the changing places of residence of the Belgian members of parliaments in historical perspective, emphasising the suburbanisation of representation in a system of proportional representation. Spatial representation is analysed on both the municipality and neighbourhood levels, and a pronounced suburbanisation of political representation is identified, although the poorest central city neighbourhoods have never been well represented. However, there are significant differences between the political parties; while suburbanisation has been evident for all political parties since the 1970s, in recent years a distinction is developing between suburban parties and re‐urbanising parties which is consistent with the development of the respective party ideologies.
A novel MRI‐biomarker candidate for Alzheimer’s disease composed of regional brain volume and perfusion variables
Authors: Luckhaus C. , Jänner M. , Cohnen M. , Flüß M. O. , Teipel S. J. , Grothe M. , Hampel H. , Kornhuber J. , Rüther E. , Peters O. , Supprian T. , Gaebel W. , Mödder U. , Wittsack H.‐J. 
Published: April 2010

Background:  Earlier evidence indicates that regional cerebral volume (rVOL) and blood flow (rCBF) variables carry independent information on incipient and early Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and combining these modalities may increase discriminant performance. We compared single variables and combinations regarding their power for optimizing diagnostic accuracy.Methods:  Twelve cognitively normal elderly controls (CN), 30 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 15 with mild AD were examined by structural and perfusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in single sessions at 1.5 Tesla. rVOLs were measured by manual volumetry, and rCBFs were calculated with a ROI‐based co‐localization technique.Results:  Applying single MRI variables for the differentiation of AD versus CN, the area under curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCCs) was highest for rVOL variables (maximum of 0.972 for right amygdala). A composite marker selected and weighted by logistic regression containing left amygdalar rCBF, left hippocampal and right amygdalar rVOLs gave a diagnostic accuracy for AD versus CN of 100%. Internal cross‐validation revealed a reliability of 88.9%.Conclusions:  Whilst external revalidation is mandatory employing a naturalistic sample containing disease controls, our phase I/II findings demonstrate that deducing composite markers from multimodal MRI acquisitions can optimize diagnostic accuracy for AD.
The value of agri‐environment schemes for macro‐invertebrate feeders: hedgehogs on arable farms in Britain
Authors: Hof A. R. , Bright P. W. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractAgri‐environment schemes have been introduced in countries throughout the world in an attempt to reverse the negative impacts of agricultural intensification on biodiversity and the environment. There have been some investigations into the effectiveness of such schemes, which show mixed outcomes but little is known with regard to mammals. The hedgehog is a generalist predator and preys on, among others, an array of macro‐invertebrates, prey important for many other taxa. For a non‐volant species, it is highly mobile in the environment and should thus be less susceptible to negative effects of habitat fragmentation caused by agricultural intensification. However, it has recently been included in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, as a result of evidence of a significant decline. We studied the importance of agri‐environment schemes for hedgehogs using radio‐tracking on arable farms. Both agri‐environment field margins and hedgerows appear to be very valuable for hedgehogs. Both habitat types were intensively utilized by hedgehogs; higher food availability/accessibility on agri‐environment field margins and higher food or nest site availability along edges and/or lower predation risk by badgers in arable areas may explain these preferences. Badger predation of hedgehogs was high in the study site and the main cause of death. Our study emphasizes the importance of natural habitat in an agricultural landscape and shows that agri‐environment schemes can be beneficial to this generalist macro‐invertebrate feeder. The implementation of agri‐environment schemes that include wide field margins and dense, well‐established hedgerows on farmland could significantly contribute to the viability of hedgehog populations in intensive arable‐farming landscapes, and by implication benefit other macro‐invertebrate feeders.
Excitotoxicity of TNFα derived from KA activated microglia on hippocampal neurons in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zhu Wei , Zheng Honghua , Shao Xinli , Wang Wei , Yao Qing , Li Zhengli 
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 386–396.AbstractHighly activated microglia and followed excessive expression of inflammatory cytokines are associated with neuroexcitotoxic injuries. We use electrophysiological techniques, ELISA, western‐blot, RT‐PCR assay and TUNEL method to explore whether over‐produced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) released from activated microglia results in neuronal injuries, and further causes apoptosis through increasing excitotoxicity of hippocampal neurons. Our data showed that kainic acid (KA) activated microglia highly expressed TNFα, mRNA and protein. KA activated microglia conditioned media ((KA‐MCM) significantly enhanced the amplitude of the population spike at rat’s hippocampal CA3 region. It also increased the Ca2+ current amplitude and density in cultured hippocampal neurons, as well as the high expression of NMDAR1, iNOS, and caspase 3 mRNA and protein at both hippocampal neurons and tissues. KA‐MCM also increased TUNEL‐positive cells in hippocampal neurons, whereas addition of anti‐TNFα to the KA‐MCM before its application significantly reduced those effects. These studies suggest that TNFα derived from KA activated microglia increases excitotoxicity of hippocampal neurons, and might induce neuronal apoptosis in vitro and in vivo.
Acetyl‐l‐carnitine ameliorates mitochondrial dysfunction following contusion spinal cord injury
Authors: Patel Samir P. , Sullivan Patrick G. , Lyttle Travis S. , Rabchevsky Alexander G. 
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 291–301.AbstractIn the present study, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of acetyl‐l‐carnitine (ALC) administration on mitochondrial dysfunction following tenth thoracic level contusion spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. Initial results from experiments in vitro with naïve mitochondria showed that, in the absence of pyruvate, ALC can be used as an alternative substrate for mitochondrial respiration. Additionally, when added in vitro to mitochondria isolated from 24 h injured cords, ALC restored respiration rates to normal levels. For administration studies in vivo, injured rats were given i.p. injections of saline (vehicle) or ALC (300 mg/kg) at 15, 30 or 60 min post‐injury, followed by one booster after 6 h. Mitochondria were isolated 24 h post‐injury and assessed for respiration rates, activities of NADH dehydrogenase, cytochrome c oxidase and pyruvate dehydrogenase. SCI significantly (p < 0.05) decreased respiration rates and activities of all enzyme complexes, but ALC treatment significantly (p < 0.05) maintained mitochondrial respiration and enzyme activities compared with vehicle treatment. Critically, ALC administration in vivo at 15 min and 6 h post‐injury versus vehicle, followed once daily for 7 days, significantly (p < 0.05) spared gray matter. In summary, ALC treatment maintains mitochondrial bioenergetics following contusion SCI and, thus, holds great potential as a neuroprotective therapy for acute SCI.
Induction of FosB/ΔFosB in the brain stress system‐related structures during morphine dependence and withdrawal
Authors: Núñez Cristina , Martín Fátima , Földes Anna , Luisa Laorden M. , Kovács Krisztina J. , Victoria Milanés M. 
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)114, 475–487.AbstractThe transcription factor ΔFosB is induced in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) by drugs of abuse. This study was designed to evaluate the possible modifications in FosB/ΔFosB expression in both hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic brain stress system during morphine dependence and withdrawal. Rats were made dependent on morphine and, on day 8, were injected with saline or naloxone. Using immunohistochemistry and western blot, the expression of FosB/ΔFosB, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) and pro‐dynorphin (DYN) was measured in different nuclei from the brain stress system in morphine‐dependent rats and after morphine withdrawal. Additionally, we studied the expression of FosB/ΔFosB in CRF‐, TH‐ and DYN‐positive neurons. FosB/ΔFosB was induced after chronic morphine administration in the parvocellular part of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), NAc‐shell, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, central amygdala and A2noradrenergic part of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS‐A2). Morphine dependence and withdrawal evoked an increase in FosB/ΔFosB‐TH and FosB/ΔFosB‐CRF double labelling in NTS‐A2and PVN, respectively, besides an increase in TH levels in NTS‐A2and CRF expression in PVN. These data indicate that neuroadaptation to addictive substances, observed as accumulation of FosB/ΔFosB, is not limited to the reward circuits but may also manifest in other brain regions, such as the brain stress system, which have been proposed to be directly related to addiction.
VEGF protects spinal motor neurons against chronic excitotoxic degeneration in vivo by activation of PI3‐K pathway and inhibition of p38MAPK
Authors: Tovar‐y‐Romo Luis B. , Tapia Ricardo 
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 1090–1101.AbstractVascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protects spinal motor neurons in models of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We previously demonstrated that VEGF also prevents motor neuron death and hindlimb paralysis in rats subjected to α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐isoxazolepropionate (AMPA)‐induced chronic excitotoxic motor neuron degeneration. Here, we show that tyrosine kinase receptor‐2 for VEGF (VEGFR2) is expressed in spinal motor neurons of the adult rat, and that its blockade impedes the VEGF‐mediated protection against motor neuron death and paralysis. In addition, inhibition of phosphatidyl‐inositol‐3‐kinase, which is activated by VEGFR2, completely prevented this protection, whereas blockade of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinases resulted only in a partial prevention. We show as well that AMPA induces an increased p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) phosphorylation and that VEGF blocks this effect. Furthermore, inhibition of p38MAPK prevents the paralysis induced by AMPA. These results shed light into the mechanisms of the protective effect of VEGF against excitotoxic motor neuron death in vivo and suggest that VEGFR2 and activation of phosphatidyl‐inositol‐3‐kinase or inhibition of p38MAPK might be important therapeutic targets for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Acute spinal cord injury persistently reduces R/G RNA editing of AMPA receptors
Authors: Barbon Alessandro , Fumagalli Fabio , Caracciolo Luca , Madaschi Laura , Lesma Elena , Mora Cristina , Carelli Stephana , Slotkin Theodore A. , Racagni Giorgio , Di Giulio Anna Maria , Gorio Alfredo , Barlati Sergio 
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)114, 397–407.AbstractSpinal cord injury (SCI) triggers a complex ischemic and inflammatory reaction, involving activation of neurotransmitter systems, in particular glutamate, culminating in cell death. We hypothesized that SCI might lead to alteration in the RNA editing of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) receptors that govern critical determinants of neuronal survival. To this end, we examined the molecular changes set in motion by SCI that affect the channel properties of AMPA receptors. SCI strongly reduced the level of AMPA receptor R/G editing, involving not only the site of the lesion but also adjacent areas of the cord spared by the lesion. The effects, with changes for some subunits and loci, were observed as long as 30 days after lesioning and may correlate with a partial decrease in enzymatic activity of adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 2 (ADAR2), as deduced from the analysis of ADAR2 self‐editing. The reduced editing at the R/G site of glutamate receptor subunits (GluRs) is likely to reduce post‐synaptic excitatory responses to glutamate, thus limiting the progression of cell death; however, prolonged suppression of GluR function in later stages may hinder synaptic plasticity. These observations provide the first direct evidence of the potential contribution of RNA editing to excitatory neural injury and recovery after SCI.