bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolated bifid rib: Clinical and radiological findings in children
Authors: Kaneko Hiroshi , Kitoh Hiroshi , Mabuchi Akiyoshi , Mishima Kenichi , Matsushita Masaki , Ishiguro Naoki 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground:  Bifid rib is usually asymptomatic but sometimes occurs associated with other pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical and radiological characteristics in children with bifid rib.Methods:  Nine children with the diagnosis of bifid rib between 2005 and 2010 were reviewed. Chest radiography and computed tomography (CT) were performed in all patients, and 3‐D images were additionally reconstructed in six patients.Results:  Five girls and four boys with a mean age at presentation of 4.2 years had various types of unilateral bifid rib. Seven patients complained of a chest wall mass, whereas two patients whose costal abnormalities were incidentally detected on chest radiography were asymptomatic. Bifid ribs were confirmed on plain radiographs in six patients, while the other three patients were finally diagnosed on reconstruction 3D‐CT. One patient with a flared rib on a radiograph showed bifurcation of the costal cartilage on 3D‐CT. The other two patients with upper rib abnormalities on radiography had downward extension of the cervical or first rib articulating with the upper branch of the bifid first or second rib, respectively.Conclusion:  Reconstruction 3D‐CT can demonstrate complicated thoracic abnormalities in patients with atypical appearance of the rib on plain radiographs. An isolated bifid rib may require no further intervention.
Influence of outdoor NO2 exposure on asthma in childhood: Meta‐analysis
Authors: Takenoue Yukiko , Kaneko Tetsuji , miyamae Takako , Mori Masaaki , Yokota Shumpei 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground:  It has long been assumed that the development of childhood asthma is related to exposure to environmental chemicals, but it has thus far not been possible to unequivocally establish this suspected relationship using individual studies. Moreover, studies of children have been scanty and unreliable due to the large diversity of research environments and subject cohorts. The aim of the current study was to clarify this relationship for one factor by means of a meta‐analysis of studies investigating the influence of NO2 exposure on symptomatology of childhood asthma.Methods:  Two electronic databases (MEDLINE and EMBASE) were searched for literature on relationships between environmental chemical exposure and development of childhood asthma using the MeSH terms ‘nitrogen dioxide’ and ‘asthma’. This was done according to the MOOSE guidelines for meta‐analyses of observational studies.Results:  A total of 130 papers were retrieved, of which 12 met the selection criteria. These papers described observational studies from seven countries. Study subjects were 97 932 ordinary children aged 0–18 years. Using random model analysis, the odds ratio (OR) for asthma development due to an increment of 10 p.p.b. NO2 was 1.135 with a 95% confidence interval [CI] of 1.031–1.251 (P= 0.01), while the OR for wheezing symptoms was 1.052 with a 95%CI of 1.020–1.085 (P= 0.001). It is therefore evident that NO2 exposure does influence the development of asthma in ordinary children.Conclusions:  Exposure to NO2 in the air significantly influences the development of childhood asthma and symptoms of wheezing.
Chronic care model for the management of depression: Synthesis of barriers to, and facilitators of, success
Authors: Holm Anne Lise , Severinsson Elisabeth 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTDepression is a socially‐ and physically‐disabling condition. The Chronic Care Model (CCM) was developed to promote better management of long‐term conditions, such as depression, in primary care settings. The aim of the study was to identify barriers to, and facilitators of, success when implementing the CCM for the management of depression in primary care. A systematic search was conducted in electronic databases from January 2005 to December 2011. Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed by means of a thematic analysis. The barriers were categorized under two themes: lack of organizational, administrative, and professional ability to change and implement the components of the CCM; and lack of clarity pertaining to the responsibility inherent in the role of care manager (often a nurse) when it comes to promoting the patient's self‐management ability. In terms of the facilitators of success, two themes emerged: leadership support and vision, and redesigning the delivery system. When shaping an environment for organizational change, leadership and professionals must work towards a common goal and vision. Such processes require a care manager with a clear role and responsibilities in order for the health‐care system to meet the needs of the person with depression.
Feasibility study of paclitaxel plus carboplatin in patients with endometrial cancer: A Japan Kanto Tumor Board study (JKTB trial)
Authors: Yamada Kyosuke , Tanabe Hiroshi , Imai Manami , Jobo Toshiko , Kudo Kazuya , Fujiwara Hiroyuki , Nagata Chie , Furuya Kenichi , Suzuki Mitsuaki , Ochiai Kazunori , Tanaka Tadao , Yasuda Makoto 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAim:  The optimal chemotherapy regimen for patients with endometrial cancer has not been established. We assessed the feasibility of paclitaxel plus carboplatin (TC) for postoperative chemotherapy in patients with endometrial cancer.Material and Methods:  Patients with newly diagnosed endometrial cancer received TC (paclitaxel 180 mg/m2, carboplatin AUC6 mg/mL/min) every three weeks. Treatment was continued until disease progression or completion of six cycles. Toxicities were evaluated every cycle according to NCI‐CTCAE version 3.0.Results:  Sixty patients were registered from December 2005 through November 2006. Forty‐four of 60 (73.3%) cases completed all of the planned six cycles. Grades 3 and 4 hematologic toxicities were observed as follows: leukopenia (61.7%), neutropenia (95.0%), anemia (21.7%), and thrombocytopenia (5.0%). There were six patients who dropped out from the protocol by neutropenia. Grade 3 non‐hematologic toxicities were observed as follows: nausea (3.3%), vomiting (1.7%), neuropathy (5.0%), myalgia (6.7%) and constipation (1.7%). No grade 4 non‐hematologic toxicity was observed.Conclusion:  This TC regimen is feasible for endometrial cancer patients.
Remote effects of intermittent theta burst stimulation of the human pharyngeal motor system
Authors: Mistry Satish , Michou Emilia , Rothwell John , Hamdy Shaheen 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIntermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) is a novel, non‐invasive form of brain stimulation capable of facilitating excitability of the human primary motor cortex with therapeutic potential in the treatment of neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of iTBS on cortical properties in the human pharyngeal motor system. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)‐evoked pharyngeal motor responses were recorded via a swallowed intra‐luminal catheter and used to assess motor cortical pathways to the pharynx in both hemispheres before and for up to 90 min after iTBS in 15 healthy adults (nine male/six female, 22–59 years old). Active/sham iTBS comprised 600 intermittent repetitive TMS pulses, delivered in a double‐blind pseudo‐randomised order over each hemisphere on separate days at least 1 week apart. Abductor pollicis brevis (APB) recordings were used as control. Hemispheric interventional data were compared with sham using repeated‐measures anova. iTBS was delivered at an average intensity of 43 ± 1% of stimulator output. Compared with sham, iTBS to the hemisphere with stronger pharyngeal projections induced increased responses only in the contralateral weaker projection 60–90 min post‐iTBS (maximum 54 ± 19%, P ≤ 0.007), with no change in stronger hemisphere responses. By contrast, iTBS to weaker projections had no significant effects (P = 0.39) on either hemisphere. APB responses similarly did not change significantly (P = 0.78) across all study arms. We conclude that iTBS can induce remote changes in corticobulbar excitability. While further studies will clarify the extent of these changes, iTBS holds promise as a potential treatment for dysphagia after unilateral brain damage.
Global patterns in the impact of marine herbivores on benthic primary producers
Authors: Poore Alistair G. B. , Campbell Alexandra H. , Coleman Ross A. , Edgar Graham J. , Jormalainen Veijo , Reynolds Pamela L. , Sotka Erik E. , Stachowicz John J. , Taylor Richard B. , Vanderklift Mathew A. , Emmett Duffy J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractDespite the importance of consumers in structuring communities, and the widespread assumption that consumption is strongest at low latitudes, empirical tests for global scale patterns in the magnitude of consumer impacts are limited. In marine systems, the long tradition of experimentally excluding herbivores in their natural environments allows consumer impacts to be quantified on global scales using consistent methodology. We present a quantitative synthesis of 613 marine herbivore exclusion experiments to test the influence of consumer traits, producer traits and the environment on the strength of herbivore impacts on benthic producers. Across the globe, marine herbivores profoundly reduced producer abundance (by 68% on average), with strongest effects in rocky intertidal habitats and the weakest effects on habitats dominated by vascular plants. Unexpectedly, we found little or no influence of latitude or mean annual water temperature. Instead, herbivore impacts differed most consistently among producer taxonomic and morphological groups. Our results show that grazing impacts on plant abundance are better predicted by producer traits than by large‐scale variation in habitat or mean temperature, and that there is a previously unrecognised degree of phylogenetic conservatism in producer susceptibility to consumption.
The latitudinal gradient in dispersal constraints: ecological specialisation drives diversification in tropical birds
Authors: Salisbury Claire L. , Seddon Nathalie , Cooney Christopher R. , Tobias Joseph A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPhysiological and behavioural constraints arising from ecological specialisation are proposed to limit gene flow and promote diversification in tropical lineages. In this study, we use phylogenetic analyses to test this idea in 739 Amazonian bird species. We show that patterns of species and subspecies richness are best predicted by a suite of avian specialisms common in tropical avifaunas but rare in the temperate zone. However, this only applied to niche traits associated with dispersal limitation rather than vagility. These findings are consistent with the view that diversity is promoted by more finely partitioned niches, although not simply by coevolutionary adaptation and niche packing as is often assumed. Instead, they suggest that diversification is driven by dispersal constraints, and that niches characterised by these constraints are biased towards tropical systems. We conclude that specialised tropical niches reduce the likelihood of dispersal across barriers, thereby increasing allopatric diversification and contributing to the latitudinal diversity gradient.
Interplay of RsbM and RsbK controls the σB activity of Bacillus cereus
Authors: Chen Lei‐Chin , Chen Jung‐Chi , Shu Jwu‐Ching , Chen Chien‐Yen , Chen Ssu‐Ching , Chen Shu‐Hwa , Lin Chun‐Yen , Lu Chi‐Yu , Chen Chien‐Cheng 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThe alternative transcription factor σB of Bacillus cereus controls the expression of a number of genes that respond to environmental stress. Four proteins encoded in the sigB gene cluster, including RsbV, RsbW, RsbY (RsbU) and RsbK, are known to be essential in the σB‐mediated stress response. In the context of stress, the hybrid sensor kinase RsbK is thought to phosphorylate the response regulator RsbY, a PP2C serine phosphatase, leading to the dephosphorylation of the phosphorylated RsbV. The unphosphorylated RsbV then sequesters the σB antagonist, RsbW, ultimately liberating σB. The gene arrangement reveals an open reading frame, bc1007, flanked immediately downstream by rsbK within the sigB gene cluster. However, little is known about the function of bc1007. In this study, the deletion of bc1007 resulted in high constitutive σB expression independent of environmental stimuli, indicating that bc1007 plays a role in σB regulation. A bacterial two‐hybrid analysis demonstrated that BC1007 interacts directly with RsbK, and autoradiographic studies revealed a specific C14‐methyl transfer from the radiolabelled S‐adenosylmethionine to RsbK when RsbK was incubated with purified BC1007. Our data suggest that BC1007 (RsbM) negatively regulates σB activity by methylating RsbK. Additionally, mutagenic substitution was employed to modify 12 predicted methylation residues in RsbK. Certain RsbK mutants were able to rescue σB activation in a rsbK‐deleted bacterial strain, but RsbKE439A failed to activate σB, and RsbKE446A only moderately induced σB. These results suggest that Glu439 is the preferred methylation site and that Glu446 is potentially a minor methylation site. Gene arrays of the rsbK orthologues and the neighbouring rsbM orthologues are found in a wide range of bacteria. The regulation of sigma factors through metylation of RsbK‐like sensor kinases appears to be widespread in the microbial world.
Impact of family history of gastric cancer on colorectal neoplasias in young Japanese
Authors: Hata K. , Shinozaki M. , Toyoshima O. , Toyoshima A. , Matsumoto S. , Saisho T. , Tsurita G. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAim  The aim of this study was to elucidate risk factors for the development of colorectal neoplasia in the young population. In particular, we focused on the family history of gastric cancer.Method  Young Japanese subjects aged 30–49 years old who underwent colonoscopy for the first time from August 2007 to August 2008 were included in this study. A total of 300 unselected consecutive patients (mean age 40.5 years) were eligible for analysis, and family history of colorectal cancer and gastric cancer, sex, age, body mass index, positivity of faecal occult blood test and the presence of symptoms were evaluated. Risk factors for developing colorectal adenoma and/or carcinoma were assessed.Results  Colorectal neoplasias were detected in 83 (27.7%) cases. Two were found to have invasive carcinoma. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that family history of gastric cancer (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.12–3.92, P = 0.02) was an independent risk factor for the development of colorectal neoplasia, as well as male sex (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.10–3.27, P = 0.02), older age (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.18–3.55, P = 0.01) and positive faecal occult blood test (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.14–3.48, P = 0.02).Conclusion  In the young population under 50 years of age, a family history of gastric cancer is an independent risk factor for the development of colorectal neoplasia.
Quality of life and sexual function 1 year after laparoscopic rectosigmoid resection for endometriosis
Authors: Kössi J. , Setälä M. , Mäkinen J. , Härkki P. , Luostarinen M. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAim  Endometriosis is relatively common condition in fertile women and may affect the alimentary tract. Laparoscopic rectosigmoid resection for endometriosis has been found to be both feasible and safe. The aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the quality of life and sexual function of patients who have undergone rectosigmoid resection for endometriosis.Method  All patients undergoing rectal or sigmoid resection for endometriosis in two specialist hospitals were prospectively recruited in the study. Details regarding demography, endometriosis‐related symptoms, procedure and postoperative recovery were collected. One year after the operation patients were sent a postal questionnaire asking about endometriosis‐related symptoms, quality of life and sexual functioning. The 15D Questionnaire and McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire were used for this purpose.Results  A total of 26 patients responded to the 15D questionnaire. Endometriosis‐related bowel symptoms decreased significantly after the operation. The responses showed improvements in the overall score and scores for five different dimensions (usual activities, P = 0.04; discomfort and symptoms, P < 0.001; distress, P  < 0.001; vitality, P < 0.001; sexual activity, P < 0.001). Sexual satisfaction was greater 1 year after the operation (P = 0.01). Sexual problems and partner satisfaction scores had not changed significantly.Conclusion  Laparoscopic rectal and sigmoid resection for endometriosis significantly reduce endometriosis‐related symptoms and improve quality of life and sexual well‐being.
Phacoemulsification and +14 diopter intraocular lens placement in a Saddlebred foal
Authors: Harrington Jay T. , McMullen Richard J. , Clode Alison B. , Gilger Brian C. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractA 2‐month‐old, 110‐kg Saddlebred filly presented for evaluation of bilateral cataracts. A hypermature cataract in the left eye (OS) and an incipient nuclear cataract in the right eye (OD) were diagnosed. Electroretinography and ocular ultrasound revealed no contraindications for surgical removal of the cataractous lens OS. Phacoemulsification and implantation of a +14 diopter (D) intraocular lens (IOL) OS were performed at 4 months of age without complication, with the exception of a partial iridectomy performed on a small iris section that prolapsed through the corneal incision. Complete ophthalmic examinations, including ocular ultrasound and streak retinoscopy, were performed 1, 2, 6 weeks, 4 months, 1, and 2 years postoperatively. Diffuse corneal edema and a superficial corneal ulcer developed OS during the early postoperative period and resolved without complication. Dyscoria was identified owing to anterior synechia of the dorsomedial iris at the incision site. Two years after surgery, menace response, palpebral reflex, dazzle reflex, and pupillary light reflexes were present in both eyes (OU). The IOL remained centrally positioned within the capsule, with mild anterior tilting of the superior portion of the IOL and mild fibrosis of the lens capsule. The postoperative net refractive error was +0.31 D OS. Based on this report, a +14 D IOL may be the appropriate choice following lens extraction in a foal to achieve refraction near emmetropia at maturity. To our knowledge, this is the first report of phacoemulsification and IOL implantation in a foal with long‐term follow‐up.
Dacryops of the lacrimal gland in a dog
Authors: Delgado Esmeralda 
Published: May 2012

AbstractA case of congenital lacrimal cyst or dacryops of the lacrimal gland in an 8‐month‐old Neapolitan Mastiff dog is reported. The dog presented with a swelling dorsolateral to the left globe, which had been present since birth. In addition, hyperplasia and prolapse of the superficial gland of the left nictitating membrane, and bilateral macropalpebral fissure and ‘diamond eye’ conformation were apparent. On manual eversion of the upper eyelid, a subconjunctival mass was visible that was translucent and pink and affected the upper conjunctival fornix. B‐mode ultrasonography revealed the presence of an echolucent thin‐walled cystic structure measuring 15 by 12 mm and containing an echodense border and a distended tubular fluid‐filled structure that extended posteriorly. A viscous and transparent fluid was aspirated from the lesion. Surgery was performed to excise the lesion, reposition the nictitans gland, and correct the morphology of the palpebral fissure. Histopathology confirmed the mass to be a cyst and distended duct of the lacrimal gland. Although tear secretion was compromised, resection of the cyst was curative.
Open non‐microsurgical, laparoscopic or open microsurgical varicocelectomy for male infertility: a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ding Hui , Tian Junqiang , Du Wan , Zhang Liyuan , Wang Hanzhang , Wang Zhiping 
Published: May 2012

Study Type – Therapy (systematic review)Level of Evidence 1aWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?There are several surgical techniques for the treatment of varicocele in infertile men, including open non‐microsurgical, laparoscopic and microsurgical varicocelectomy. It is currently unclear, however, which is the most beneficial method for patients.The present meta‐analysis found that microsurgical varicocelectomy is the most effective and least morbid method among the three varicocelectomy techniques for treating varicocele in infertile men.OBJECTIVE
To compare various techniques of open non‐microsurgical, laparoscopic or microsurgical varicocelectomy procedures to describe the best method for treating varicocele in infertile men.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) – Science Citation Index and the Chinese Biomedicine Literature Database up to June 2011. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the present study.
The outcome measures assessed were pregnancy rate (primary), the incidence of recurrent varicocele, time to return to work, the incidence of postoperative hydrocele and operation duration (secondary).
Two authors independently assessed the study quality and extracted data. All data were analysed using Review Manager (version 5.0).
RESULTS
The present study included four randomized controlled trials comprising 1,015 patients in total.
At the follow‐up endpoints, patients who had undergone microsurgery showed a significant advantage over those who had undergone open varicocelectomy in terms of pregnancy rate (odds ratio [OR]= 1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19–2.23].
There was no significant difference between laparoscopic and open varicocelectomy (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.65–1.88) or between microsurgery and laparoscopic varicocelectomy (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 0.84–2.24).
The incidences of recurrent varicocele and postoperative hydrocele were significantly lower after microsurgery than after laparoscopic or open varicocelectomy.
The time to return to work after microsurgery and laparoscopic varicocelectomy was significantly shorter than that after open varicocelectomy.
The operation duration of microsurgical varicocelectomy was longer than that of laparoscopic or open varicocelectomy.
CONCLUSIONS
Current evidence indicates that microsurgical varicocelectomy is the most effective and least morbid method among the three varicocelectomy techniques for treating varicocele in infertile men.
More high‐quality, multicentre, long‐term RCTs are required to verify the findings.