bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MINERAL DEFICIENCY STRESS: Reflectance Properties, Leaf Photosynthesis and Growth of Nitrogen Deficient Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
Authors: Kakani V. G. , Reddy K. R. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractA pot‐culture experiment was conducted under outdoor conditions to determine effects of nitrogen (N) deficiency on big bluestem (Andropogon gerardiiVitman, cv Bonelli) growth, photosynthesis and leaf reflectance (R) properties. Big bluestem was seeded on 14 May 2004 and grown in 120 twelve‐litre pots filled with fine sand and irrigated with Hoagland’s nutrient solution (with 81 mg L−1as N). Treatments initiated at 60 days after sowing (DAS) included: (1) the control (100N) continued receiving the Hoagland’s nutrient solution; (2) reduced N to 20 % of the control (20N); and (3) withheld N from the solution (0N). Chlorophyll (Chl) and N, and reflectance of the uppermost fully expanded leaves were determined at 10‐d intervals from 60 to 115 DAS during the N treatments. Plant growth and developmental parameters were measured at the end of the experiment, 115 DAS. Nitrogen deficiency caused a reduction in leaf Chl content, rate of photosynthesis (A), and dry weight (DW) of biomass components. Deficit N increased leaf reflectance at 555 (R555) and 715 (R715) nm and caused a shift in red‐edge (685–745 nm) to shorter wavelengths. Leaf N and Chl concentrations were linearly correlated with not only the reflectance ratios of R545/R1605 (r2 = 0.82) and R555/R405 (r2 = 0.81), respectively, but also the first derivatives of the reflectance (dR/dλ) in red‐edge centred 690 or 700 nm (r2 = 0.74–0.83). Leaf and panicle DW had the greatest, while root DW had the smallest decrease under N deficiency. It was concluded that the specific reflectance ratios or dR/dλ may be used for rapid and non‐destructive estimation of leaf Chl and plant N status of big bluestem to detect changes in N for appropriate nitrogen management strategies during the growing season.
Membrane Lipids of the Stallion Spermatozoon in Relation to Sperm Quality and Susceptibility to Lipid Peroxidation
Authors: Macías García B , González Fernández L , Ortega Ferrusola C , Salazar‐Sandoval C , Morillo Rodríguez A , Rodríguez Martinez H , Tapia JA , Morcuende D , Peña FJ 
Published: April 2010

ContentsLipids were extracted from ejaculated spermatozoa from seven individual stallions to distinguish neutral lipids (NL) and polar lipids (PL) and determine their variation among stallions and their relationship with sperm quality and sperm susceptibility to lipid peroxidation. The isolated fatty acids were correlated with sperm quality (membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and expression of active caspases) and the sensitivity of the sperm plasma membrane to LPO. The miristic (C14: 0), palmitic (C16: 0), stearic (C18: 0) and oleic (C18: 1n9) acids were predominant among the NLs. Within the phospholipid fraction, the docosapentanoic acid (C22: 5n6) was dominant, albeit varying among stallions. Surprisingly, the percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids was positively correlated with sperm quality and a low propensity for LPO, probably because these particular fatty acids provide a higher fluidity of the plasma membrane. The stallion showing the poorest sperm membrane integrity plus a high level of LPO in his ejaculate had a lower percentage (p < 0.05) of this fatty acid in his sperm plasma membranes.
Reproductive Features and Faecal Progesterone Metabolite Profile in Female Ferrets
Authors: Proháczik A , Kulcsár M , Glávits R , Driancourt MA , Huszenicza Gy 
Published: April 2010

ContentsElevated post‐partum progesterone metabolite (P4‐met) levels have been recently postulated to occur in lactating lynxes. The aims of this study were to monitor reproductive features in female ferrets, changes in the faecal P4‐met concentrations throughout the breeding season and ovarian activity in post‐partum lactating and non‐lactating (NL) female ferrets. Our results indicate that coinciding with the results described in the lynx, elevated faecal P4‐met concentrations occur in lactating ferrets, furthermore, that the duration of elevated secretion of P4 seems to be dependant on the duration of lactation (P4‐met at delivery, n = 47: <500 ng/g; 5–7 days after delivery, during lactation, n = 47: ≥500–800 ng/g; in females weaned at delivery, n = 4: baseline levels). Three days after ovariohysterectomy of lactating females, P4‐met concentrations decreased to baseline levels. In lactating females, the ovarian stroma is more active than that in NL ones implicating that the ovary is at least in part responsible for the elevated P4‐met concentrations. Ovaries of lactating females contained many luteinized cells either as luteinized granulose cells in the wall of late pre‐antral/early antral follicles or as corpus luteum (CL)‐like structures. Early resumption of the entire ovarian activity (developed follicles and oestrus) occurs in NL post‐partum females, while final follicular development is blocked (follicles stalls at antral stage) in the lactating ones (however, occasionally lactational oestrus may occur). We suppose that the elevated faecal P4‐met during lactation together with suckling and other hormonal effects may contribute to prevention of early returning to oestrus in nursing female ferrets.
Basement membrane zone and dermal extracellular matrix of the vulva, vagina and amnion: An immunohistochemical study with comparison with non‐reproductive epithelium
Authors: Chi Ching‐Chi , Wang Shu‐Hui , Prenter Andrew , Cooper Susan , Wojnarowska Fenella 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTBackground/Objectives:  The basement membrane zone (BMZ) is an anatomically defined region present in all types of skin and mucosa, linking the epithelium to the mesenchyme with a complex structure to provide adhesion. Altered antigenic expression of the BMZ is implicated in interface dermatoses, and the BMZ is targeted by autoantibodies in subepidermal immunobullous dermatoses. This study aims to compare the antigenic expression of the BMZ and the dermal extracellular matrix in female genital skin and mucosa and amnion, with non‐reproductive skin and mucosa.Methods:  An indirect immunofluorescence technique was used to compare the antigenic expression of hemidesmosome, lamina lucida, anchoring filaments, lamina densa, anchoring fibrils and extracellular matrix in samples of non‐reproductive skin (three), oral mucosa (three), vulval skin (two), vagina (three) and amnion (four).Results:  Antigenic expression was similar in the stratified epithelium of reproductive and non‐reproductive skin and mucosa, but differed in the simple cuboidal epithelium of amnion, which had reduced expression of dermal‐associated antigens.Conclusions:  The BMZ and dermal extracellular matrix of vagina and vulva are very similar to those of non‐reproductive skin and mucosa despite their various functions, but differs from amnion. Their antigenic expression does not fully account for the anatomical distribution of immunobullous and interface dermatoses.
Patient‐related violence against emergency department nurses
Authors: Pich Jacqueline , Hazelton Michael , Sundin Deborah , Kable Ashley 
Published: April 2010

AbstractIn a finding that reflects international experiences, nurses in Australia have been identified as the occupation at most risk of patient‐related violence in the health‐care sector. A search of the literature was undertaken to explore this concept, with a focus on the emergency department and triage nurses. Significant findings included the fact that nurses are subjected to verbal and physical abuse so frequently that, in many instances, it has become an accepted part of the job. This attitude, combined with the chronic under‐reporting of violent incidents, perpetuates the normalization of violence, which then becomes embedded in the workplace culture and inhibits the development of preventative strategies and the provision of a safe working environment. Nurses are entitled to a safe workplace that is free from violence under both the occupational health and safety legislation and the zero‐tolerance policies that have been adopted in many countries including Australia, the UK, Europe, and the USA. Therefore, policy‐makers and administrators should recognize this issue as a priority for preventative action.
Efficacy of endoscopic subureteral injection for vesicoureteral reflux in adults with decreased bladder compliance
Authors: Lee Kyu Sung , Han Deok Hyun , Jeong Jae Yong , Lee Young Suk , Ko Jae Wook 
Published: April 2010

Objective:  To evaluate the outcome of endoscopic subureteral injection (ESI) in adults with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) associated with decreased bladder compliance (D‐BC).Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 46 consecutive patients who underwent ESI for VUR at a single tertiary academic center. Fourteen patients (17 ureter units) who had underlying neurological disease with decreased bladder compliance, as determined by filling cystometry, were grouped as D‐BC. Thirty‐two patients (47 units) who had no signs or symptoms that suggested neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunctions were grouped as normal bladder compliance (N‐BC). We compared the cure rates for ESI between groups, defining cure as complete resolution of reflux on voiding cystourethrogram.Results:  In 70.6% of the D‐BC group and 70.2% of the N‐BC group, VUR resolved completely after the first injection (P = 0.977). One failed unit of D‐BC was cured after second ESI, and seven failed units of N‐BC were cured after additional treatments (second ESI, two patients; ureteroneocystostomy, five patients). No additional treatments were applied to three units of D‐BC or seven units of N‐BC without symptoms. No complications related to the ESI were observed.Conclusions:  The ESI was found to be effective in adults with VUR regardless of the bladder compliance. As a minimally invasive procedure with a favorable outcome, ESI may represent the first choice for treatment of VUR even in adults with D‐BC.
LOC387715/HTRA1 polymorphisms, smoking and combined effects on exudative age‐related macular degeneration in a Korean population
Authors: Lee Soo J , Kim Na R , Chin Hee S 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground:  This study was to investigate the association of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in LOC387715 and HTRA1 with exudative age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) in a Korean population and the gene–gene and gene–environment interactions in the development of AMD.Methods:  We genotyped two SNPs that are located in the LOC387715 locus (rs10490924) and HTRA1 (rs11200638) in 137 cases of exudative AMD and 187 controls.Results:  Both two SNPs were significantly associated with AMD (P = 0.0001). Homozygotes for the risk allele at LOC387715 and HTRA1 had a 3.80‐fold and a 4.03‐fold increased risk of exudative AMD, respectively, compared with homozygotes for the wild‐type allele (P = 0.0001). The joint effects for complement factor H (CFH) Y402H and 10q26 variants indicated an increased risk of exudative AMD. The odds ratios (ORs) of AMD for individuals carrying one‐, two‐ and three‐copy risk alleles of CFH Y402H and LOC387715 were 1.08, 3.49 and 3.64, respectively. Also, the combination effect of the CFH Y402H risk alleles with HTRA1 risk alleles was dose‐dependent. The interaction analysis between gene and environmental factors showed that among several factors, smoking synergistically increased the susceptibility of AMD for variants of LOC387715 and HTRA1, with OR 8.33 (3.05–22.74) and OR 8.50 (3.07–23.51), respectively.Conclusion:  This study demonstrated the significant association of the 10q26 SNPs (HTRA1 and LOC387715) in an AMD cohort from Korea and was consistent with previous studies from other populations. Also, a statistically significant interaction between genetic and environmental factors was found.
Changes of fundus autofluorescence, photoreceptor inner and outer segment junction line, and visual function in patients with retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Aizawa Sayaka , Mitamura Yoshinori , Hagiwara Akira , Sugawara Takeshi , Yamamoto Shuichi 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground:  To determine whether a significant correlation exists among the changes in the size of the abnormal parafoveal autofluorescence ring, the length of the photoreceptor inner and outer segment (IS/OS) junction, and the visual function in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.Methods:  Retrospective observational case series. A total of 50 eyes of 26 patients with typical retinitis pigmentosa and an autofluorescence ring were examined by optical coherence tomography and microperimetry. During the follow‐up period of >2 years, the changes in the diameter and area of the autofluorescence ring, the length of the IS/OS line, the best‐corrected visual acuity and mean retinal sensitivity in the central 10° were determined.Results:  The diameter and area of the autofluorescence ring, and the length of the IS/OS line decreased significantly during the follow‐up period (all, P < 0.0001). The decrease in autofluorescence ring diameter was significantly correlated with the decrease in retinal sensitivity, visual acuity and IS/OS length (P = 0.0105, P = 0.0252 and P < 0.0001, respectively). The decrease in autofluorescence ring area was significantly correlated with the decrease in retinal sensitivity, visual acuity and IS/OS length (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0026 and P = 0.0011, respectively).Conclusion:  During the progression of retinitis pigmentosa, the progressive constriction of the autofluorescence ring reflects the morphological changes of the photoreceptors, and is associated with a worsening of visual function.
Preliminary report of a new technique for temporary faecal diversion after extraperitoneal colorectal anastomosis
Authors: Rondelli F. , Mariani L. , Boni M. , Federici M. T. , Cappotto F. P. , Mariani E. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractAim  Loop ileostomy is a suitable procedure for transitory faecal diversion after colorectal or coloanal anastomosis. We describe here an easy alternative technique for ileostomy construction that does not require reintervention for the closure.Method  In twenty patients undergoing anterior resection of the extraperitoneal rectum with colorectal and/or coloanal anastomosis, loop ileostomy was performed using a modified jejunotomy tube inflated with 10 ml of normal saline. The tube was deflated on the eighth post‐operative day and removed on day 11 after a radiological contrast enema of the anastomosis.Results  Radiological control carried out on day 11 evidenced a premature dislocation of the jejunostomy tube in 1 patient, thus the tube was correctly removed without any complications. In another patient a delayed closure of the ileo cutaneous fistula was recorded that required simple medication over 15 days in the out patient clinic. No signs of anastomotic leakage, either clinical or radiological were evidenced.Conclusion  We have described here a safe alternative technique for loop ileostomy with negligible complications related to construction as demonstrated in our results.
Limited shock wave therapy vs sham treatment in men with Peyronie’s disease: results of a prospective randomized controlled double‐blind trial
Authors: Chitale Sudhanshu , Morsey Mohammed , Swift Louise , Sethia Krishna 
Published: April 2010

Study Type – Therapy (RCT) Level of Evidence 1bOBJECTIVETo assess the role of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (SWT), in a prospective randomized controlled trial, comparing limited SWT vs sham therapy in men with Peyronie’s disease.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 36 men were randomized to six sessions of SWT or sham treatment. Geometrical measurements of penile length and deformity, and the abridged International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score and visual analogue score (VAS) were recorded and re‐evaluated at 6 months. The patient and assessor were unaware of the treatment type. Standard nonparametric tests were used for the statistical analysis.RESULTSA full set of outcome data was obtained for 16 patients in the intervention group and 20 in the sham/control group (mean age 58 and 60 years, respectively, mean duration of symptoms 15 and 33 months). There was no significant difference in the mean change between the control and intervention groups on any outcome measure. There were improvements in the mean (sd) dorsal and lateral angle, of 5.3 (11.66)° and 3.5 (17.38)° in the control group, and a deterioration of 0.9 (16.01)° and 0.9 (15.56)° in SWT group. Mean improvements in curved and straight lengths were 0.2 (0.58) and 0.1 (0.8) cm in the control and mean reductions of 0.1 (0.9) and 0.1 (1.49) cm in the SWT group. The mean changes in the IIEF and VAS scores were 0.1 (3.32) and −0.8 (1.77) for control and 0.56 (2.6) and −1.05 (1.79) for SWT group.CONCLUSIONThere were no significant differences in changes of variables in Peyronie’s disease treated with short‐term SWT.
Incidence of bladder neck contracture after robot‐assisted laparoscopic and open radical prostatectomy
Authors: Breyer Benjamin N. , Davis Cole B. , Cowan Janet E. , Kane Christopher J. , Carroll Peter R. 
Published: April 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo evaluate the incidence and risk factors for bladder neck contracture (BNC) in men treated with robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) and open radical prostatectomy (ORP), as BNC is a well‐described complication of ORP and may be partially attributable to technique.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe University of California San Francisco Urologic Oncology Database was queried for patients undergoing RALP or ORP from 2002 to 2008. Patient demographics, prostate cancer‐specific information, surgical data, and follow‐up were collected. For each surgical approach, multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to evaluate associations of demographics and clinical characteristics with BNC. Time to BNC after RP was evaluated using life table and Kaplan–Meier methods.RESULTSFrom 2002 to 2008, 988 patients underwent RP as primary treatment and had at least 12 months of follow‐up. Of these men, 695 underwent ORP and 293 underwent RALP. The mean (sd) age was 59.3 (6.80) years and 91% of men were Caucasian. D’Amico risk groups at diagnosis were low (38%), intermediate (38%), and high (24%). The BNC incidence was 2.2% (22 cases) overall, 1.4% (four) for RALP, and 2.6% (18) for ORP (P= 0.12). Patients with BNC were diagnosed a median (range) of 4.7 (1–15) months after surgery. At 18 months after surgery, the BNC‐free rate was 97% for ORP and 99% for RALP (log‐rank P= 0.13). The most common presenting complaint was slow stream, followed by urinary retention. In Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, earlier year of surgery, older age at diagnosis and higher PSA level at diagnosis were significantly associated with BNC among ORP patients. In the RALP group, none of the covariates were associated with BNC.CONCLUSIONSThe overall incidence of BNC was low in both RALP and ORP groups. Technical factors such as enhanced magnification and a running bladder anastomosis may explain the lower BNC incidence in the RALP group.
Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting a positive repeat prostate biopsy in patients with a previous negative biopsy session in the era of extended prostate sampling
Authors: Moussa Ayman S. , Jones J. Stephen , Yu Changhong , Fareed Khaled , Kattan Michael W. 
Published: April 2010

Study Type – Prognosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo create a nomogram for predicting the probability of a positive biopsy in men with one or more previous negative biopsies, as the false‐negative rate of prostate biopsy in contemporary series remains substantial, and there is a need to identify those with a negative result but with a high risk of having unrecognized prostate cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe study included 408 patients from Cleveland Clinic who had one or more repeat biopsies after an initial negative biopsy from 1999 to 2008. Another 470 men with the same criteria were used to validate the nomogram. Nomogram variables included age, family history of prostate cancer, body mass index, findings on a digital rectal examination, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level, PSA slope, total prostate volume, months from initial negative biopsy session, months from previous negative biopsy, cumulative number of negative cores previously taken and history of high‐grade intraepithelial neoplasia or atypical small acinar proliferation. We calculated the nomogram predicted probability in each patient. These predicted outcomes were compared with the actual biopsy results. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated as a measure of discrimination.RESULTSThe mean number of previous negative biopsies was 1.5, and the mean number of cores per session was 19.1. Of the original development data, 129 men (31.6%) had prostate cancer. A nomogram was constructed that had a concordance index of 0.72, which was greater than any single risk factor. In the validation group the area under the ROC curve was 0.62.CONCLUSIONSOur nomogram for predicting a positive repeat biopsy can provide important additional information to aid the urologist and patient with a negative biopsy in evaluating clinical options.
The use of high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging in the management of patients presenting with priapism
Authors: Ralph David J. , Borley Nigel C. , Allen Clare , Kirkham Alex , Freeman Alex , Minhas Suks , Muneer Asif 
Published: April 2010

Study Type – Diagnosis (exploratory cohort) Level of Evidence 2bOBJECTIVE To investigate the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the penis during an episode of priapism and assess the viability of the corpus cavernosum (CC) smooth muscle, as prolonged ischaemic priapism is associated with a high rate of long‐term erectile dysfunction (ED), and the viability of CC smooth muscle influences the subsequent management in ischaemic priapism.PATIENTS AND METHODS The study was set in a single centre based in a large university teaching hospital. We investigated the correlation of T2‐weighted gadolinium‐ enhanced MRI with the histology from CC biopsies in the same patients. In all, 38 patients (mean age 42 years) presenting with priapism over a 3‐year period had MRI of the penis. The scans were reported by two dedicated uro‐radiologists who graded the MR images as showing viable or nonviable erectile tissue. One pathologist assessed the CC biopsies for necrosis. The findings were then correlated. Where no biopsies were taken a clinical follow‐up was used to assess erectile function.RESULTS In 23 patients undergoing both a CC biopsy and MRI, the sensitivity of MRI in predicting nonviable smooth muscle was 100%. In a further 10 patients MRI showed nonviable CC smooth muscle, but no biopsy was taken in these patients; on clinical follow‐up all of these patients subsequently developed ED. In a further five patients the imaging showed viable smooth muscle and these patients subsequently maintained erectile function on clinical follow up.CONCLUSIONS Penile MRI provides an accurate imaging method to assess smooth muscle viability in patients presenting with priapism.