bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison between transvaginal sonography after diagnostic hysteroscopy and laparoscopic chromopertubation for the assessment of tubal patency in infertile women
Authors: Habibaj Julian , Kosova Halim , Bilali Sokol , Bilali Valbona , Qama Diana 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPurpose.Diagnostic hysteroscopy has become a well‐established modality for evaluating the uterine cavity, but provides no information regarding tubal patency. The aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic value of transvaginal sonography (TVS), performed directly after diagnostic hysteroscopy, for assessing tubal patency in infertile women, and to compare the findings with those obtained by means of laparoscopic chromopertubation.Methods.A total of 56 infertile patients were referred to our endoscopic unit for laparoscopic chromopertubation in the period from September 2008 to January 2010. Diagnostic hysteroscopy, followed by TVS, was carried out prior to laparoscopic chromopertubation. The collection of free fluid in the pouch of Douglas was accepted as evidence of tubal patency. The findings of TVS and laparoscopic chromopertubation were compared. The data were analyzed for the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive‐predictivevalue, and negative‐predictive value of the combination of hysteroscopy and TVS in detecting unilateral or bilateral tubal patency.Results.The presence of fluid in the pouch of Douglas was observed in 37 of the 56 cases. In 36 of these cases, unilateral or bilateral tubal patency was confirmed by laparoscopic chromopertubation. In 17 of the remaining 19 cases (without fluid in the pouch of Douglas during ultrasound), bilateral tubal occlusion was confirmed by laparoscopic chromopertubation. Diagnostic hysteroscopy followed by TVS showed a high sensitivity and specificity for the assessment of tubal patency.Conclusions.TVS performed directly after diagnostic hysteroscopy in infertile patients provides additional nformation regarding tubal patency. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 40:68–73, 2012
Zirconium complexes to overcome oxygen inhibition in free‐radical photopolymerization of acrylates: Kinetic, mechanism, and depth profiling
Authors: Courtecuisse François , Belbakra Abdelhalim , Croutxé‐Barghorn Céline , Allonas Xavier , Dietlin Céline 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe photopolymerization process of acrylate coatings initiated by visible light (λ > 380 nm) and performed in air was studied in the presence of zirconium complexes. Depth profiling experiments were performed using confocal Raman microscopy showing that the conversion, which is low at the surface of the sample, increases with increasing depth and reaches a full conversion close to the substrate. RT‐FTIR spectroscopy corroborates Raman results in evidencing the efficiency of some zirconium compounds to reduce oxygen inhibition. Finally, laser flash photolysis experiments revealed that the beneficial effect in air is attributable to the reaction of the zirconium complex on the peroxyl radicals formed from the reaction of oxygen with radicals. Therefore, the oxygen present in the medium is depleted, allowing a better efficiency of the photopolymerization process. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Assessing dietary intake during the transition to adulthood: a comparison of age-appropriate FFQ for youth/adolescents and adults
Authors: Larson Nicole , Harnack Lisa , Neumark-Sztainer Dianne 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectiveAssessing changes in dietary intake during the transition from adolescence to adulthood is challenging given the need for age-appropriate tools at different developmental stages. The present study investigated the comparability of intake estimates as assessed with the youth/adolescent and adult forms of Willett's FFQ.DesignYoung adults were first asked to complete the adult FFQ as part of a larger study, Project EAT-III (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults). A stratified random sample of respondents was invited to complete the youth/adolescent FFQ by mail within a 3-week period.SettingParticipants were members of a longitudinal cohort who completed baseline surveys (including the adolescent FFQ) at schools in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota and completed Project EAT-III surveys online or by mail in 2008–2009.SubjectsThere were ninety-one men and 103 women (median age = 24·6 years) who completed both forms of the FFQ.ResultsThe adolescent and adult forms did not provide comparable absolute intake estimates. However, with few exceptions, correlation coefficients between intake estimates were moderate (r = 0·4–0·6). Furthermore, the percentage of individuals classified into the same quartile rank category based on their responses to the adolescent and adult forms was ≥50 % for fibre, vitamins A and E, and servings of fruit (excluding juice), vegetables, dairy, whole grains and soft drinks.ConclusionsAlthough responses on the adolescent and adult FFQ cannot be compared to describe changes in absolute intake over time, these tools provide comparable intake rankings and may be used together in longitudinal studies to investigate influences on diet.
The Danish Cartoon Controversy and the Challenges of Multicultural Politics
Authors: Laborde Cécile 
Published: September 2011

Jytte Klausen's The Cartoons That Shook the World offers an interesting political science account of the Danish cartoon controversy and of a broader set of tensions between multiculturalism, civility, and freedom of expression. The book is also a fascinating case study of how political science can itself become the object of dispute, due to Yale University Press' decision to publish the book without any reproductions of the controversial cartoons.We have thus asked a range of political scientists to comment on the Danish cartoon imbroglio, the book's analysis of it, and the controversy over the book itself.—Jeffrey C. Isaac, Editor
Applicability of radiocolloids, blue dyes and fluorescent indocyanine green to sentinel node biopsy in melanoma
Authors: UHARA Hisashi , YAMAZAKI Naoya , TAKATA Minoru , INOUE Yuji , SAKAKIBARA Akihiro , NAKAMURA Yasuhiro , SUEHIRO Keisuke , YAMAMOTO Akifumi , KAMO Riei , MOCHIDA Kosuke , TAKENAKA Hideya , YAMASHITA Toshiharu , TAKENOUCHI Tatsuya , YOSHIKAWA Shusuke , TAKAHASHI Akira , UEHARA Jiro , KAWAI Mikio , IWATA Hiroaki , KADONO Takafumi , KAI Yoshitaka , WATANABE Shoichi , MURATA Satoru , IKEDA Tetsuya , FUKAMIZU Hidekazu , TANAKA Toshihiro , HATTA Naohito , SAIDA Toshiaki 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPatients with primary cutaneous melanoma underwent sentinel node (SN) mapping and biopsy at 25 facilities in Japan by the combination of radiocolloid with gamma probe and dye. Technetium‐99m (99mTc)‐tin colloid, 99mTc‐phytate, 2% patent blue violet (PBV) and 0.4% indigo carmine were used as tracers. In some hospitals, 0.5% fluorescent indocyanine green, which allows visualization of the SN with an infrared camera, was concomitantly used and examined. A total of 673 patients were enrolled, and 562 cases were eligible. The detection rates of SN were 95.5% (147/154) with the combination of tin colloid and PBV, 98.9% (368/372) with the combination of phytate and PBV, and 97.2% (35/36) with the combination of tin colloid or phytate and indigo carmine. SN was not detected in 12 cases by the combination method, and the primary tumor was in the head and neck in six of those 12 cases. In eight of 526 cases (1.5%), SN was detected by PBV but not by radiocolloid. There were 13 cases (2.5%) in which SN was detected by radiocolloid but not by PBV. In 18 of 36 cases (50%), SN was detected by radiocolloid but not by indigo carmine. Concomitantly used fluorescent indocyanine green detected SN in all of 67 cases. Interference with transcutaneous oximetry by PVB was observed in some cases, although it caused no clinical trouble. Allergic reactions were not reported with any of the tracers. 99mTc‐tin colloid, 99mTc‐phytate, PBV and indocyanine green are useful tracers for SN mapping.
CO2‐caused change in plant species composition rivals the shift in vegetation between mid‐grass and tallgrass prairies
Authors: Polley H. Wayne , Jin Virginia L. , Fay Philip A. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAtmospheric CO2 enrichment usually changes the relative contributions of plant species to biomass production of grasslands, but the types of species favored and mechanisms by which change is mediated differ among ecosystems. We measured changes in the contributions of C3 perennial forbs and C4 grasses to aboveground biomass production of tallgrass prairie assemblages grown along a field CO2 gradient (250–500 μmol mol−1) in central Texas USA. Vegetation was grown on three soil types and irrigated each season with water equivalent to the growing season mean of precipitation for the area. We predicted that CO2 enrichment would increase the forb contribution to community production, and favor tall‐grasses over mid‐grasses by increasing soil water content and reducing the frequency with which soil water fell below a limitation threshold. CO2 enrichment favored forbs over grasses on only one of three soil types, a Mollisol. The grass fraction of production increased dramatically across the CO2 gradient on all soils. Contribution of the tall‐grass Sorghastrum nutans to production increased at elevated CO2 on the two most coarse‐textured of the soils studied, a clay Mollisol and sandy Alfisol. The CO2‐caused increase in Sorghastrum was accompanied by an offsetting decline in production of the mid‐grass Bouteloua curtipendula. Increased CO2 favored the tall‐grass over mid‐grass by increasing soil water content and apparently intensifying competition for light or other resources (Mollisol) or reducing the frequency with which soil water dipped below threshold levels (Alfisol). An increase in CO2 of 250 μmol mol−1 above the pre‐industrial level thus led to a shift in the relative production of established species that is similar in magnitude to differences observed between mid‐grass and tallgrass prairies along a precipitation gradient in the central USA. By reducing water limitation to plants, atmospheric CO2 enrichment may alter the composition and even structure of grassland vegetation.
Local and landscape influences on plant communities in playa wetlands
Authors: Tsai Jo‐Szu , Venne Louise S. , McMurry Scott T. , Smith Loren M. 
Published: September 2011

Summary1. Hydroperiod, wetland size and land use of watersheds surrounding wetlands have important individual influences on plant communities in wetlands. Our objectives were to determine the effect and relative importance of local and landscape factors on plant species richness, diversity and composition of different functional groups (i.e. total, wetland‐dependent, perennial, annual and exotic species) in recently inundated playa wetlands.2. We surveyed plant communities in 80 wet playas in the Southern High Plains, USA, and measured local factors: water depth, playa volume loss, sediment depth and playa area. We included landscape variables within 3 km: number of playas, edge density, percentage urban area and percentage Conservation Reserve Program area (CRP; conversion from highly erodible cropland to mostly introduced perennial grassland). We also recorded dominant land use as native grassland or cropland.3. Water depth negatively influenced all plant community metrics (i.e. richness, diversity and cover) while playa volume loss (sediment eroded from watershed filling the basin) had a negative influence on total, wetland‐dependent and perennial richness and cover. Playas with more cropland within their watersheds had greater annual and exotic richness and cover, suggesting that agricultural activities within playa watersheds have changed plant composition and facilitated biological invasion.4. Playa area was less important in predicting plant community metrics in playas. Although not as dominant as local variables, edge density had a positive influence on species richness. Other landscape factors such as number of playas, percentage urban area and percentage CRP area were less important and consistent among different plant community metrics.5. Synthesis and applications. Our results show that continued unsustainable sedimentation will result in loss of perennial species and promotion of exotic and annual species in playas. Watershed management to limit unsustainable sedimentation has the potential to maintain original playa plant communities dominated by perennial/native species and should also reduce the loss of playa functionality.
From broadscale patterns to fine‐scale processes: habitat structure influences genetic differentiation in the pitcher plant midge across multiple spatial scales
Authors: RASIC GORDANA , KEYGHOBADI NUSHA 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe spatial scale at which samples are collected and analysed influences the inferences that can be drawn from landscape genetic studies. We examined genetic structure and its landscape correlates in the pitcher plant midge, Metriocnemus knabi, an inhabitant of the purple pitcher plant, Sarracenia purpurea, across several spatial scales that are naturally delimited by the midge’s habitat (leaf, plant, cluster of plants, bog and system of bogs). We analysed 11 microsatellite loci in 710 M. knabi larvae from two systems of bogs in Algonquin Provincial Park (Canada) and tested the hypotheses that variables related to habitat structure are associated with genetic differentiation in this midge. Up to 54% of variation in individual‐based genetic distances at several scales was explained by broadscale landscape variables of bog size, pitcher plant density within bogs and connectivity of pitcher plant clusters. Our results indicate that oviposition behaviour of females at fine scales, as inferred from the spatial locations of full‐sib larvae, and spatially limited gene flow at broad scales represent the important processes underlying observed genetic patterns in M. knabi. Broadscale landscape features (bog size and plant density) appear to influence oviposition behaviour of midges, which in turn influences the patterns of genetic differentiation observed at both fine and broad scales. Thus, we inferred linkages among genetic patterns, landscape patterns and ecological processes across spatial scales in M. knabi. Our results reinforce the value of exploring such links simultaneously across multiple spatial scales and landscapes when investigating genetic diversity within a species.
Single nut or total nut avoidance in nut allergic children: outcome of nut challenges to guide exclusion diets
Authors: Ball Heidi , Luyt David , Bravin Kristian , Kirk Kerrie 
Published: September 2011

To cite this article: Ball H, Luyt D, Bravin K, Kirk K. Single nut or total nut avoidance in nut allergic children: outcome of nut challenges to guide exclusion diets. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011: 22: 808–812.AbstractBackground:  Children with diagnosed nut allergy are typically advised by health professionals to exclude all nuts from their diets, irrespective of the outcome of allergy testing, to avoid inadvertent contact through contamination or the possible development of new allergies.Methods:  In our service, as we feel greater diagnostic accuracy prevents dietary risk taking, we provide the facility for children with nut allergy the opportunity of controlled exposure to ‘other’ nuts irrespective of whether their allergy prick test (PT) results are positive or negative. We performed open food challenges on our paediatric day ward. The challenge food was administered by way of a homemade biscuit containing 8 g of each nut challenged and given in increasing visually measured doses.Results:  Over the 5‐year period from 2006, we challenged 145 children diagnosed as peanut allergic or tree nut allergic. In those with peanut allergy challenged to tree nuts, none of the 72 with negative PTs to tree nuts reacted on challenge whilst 7 of 22 (31.2%) with positive PTs did. In patients with tree nut allergy challenged to peanuts and/or other tree nuts, 3 of 38 (7.9%) with negative PT results and 5 of 13 (38.4%) with positive PT results reacted.Conclusion:  Children allergic to peanuts with negative allergy tests to tree nuts had no co‐existing allergy, but were at risk of tree nut allergy where PTs were positive. Children with tree nut allergy were at risk of co‐existing peanut or other tree nut allergy whether PTs were positive or negative. Oral challenges to clarify allergy status in all nuts show co‐existing allergies even in young children and in so doing may reduce anxiety, minimize unnecessary dietary restrictions and prevent later episodes of anaphylaxis through uninformed exposure.
Taurine suppresses oxidative stress‐potentiated expression of lectin‐like oxidized low‐density lipoprotein receptor and restenosis in balloon‐injured rabbit iliac artery
Authors: Gokce G , Ozsarlak‐Sozer G , Oran I , Oktay G , Ozkal S , Kerry Z 
Published: September 2011

Summary1. In endothelial cells, the major receptor for the binding and internalization of oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) is the lectin‐like oxidized LDL receptor (LOX‐1). The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of taurine on intimal thickening and LOX‐1 expression under normal and oxidative conditions.2. The iliac artery of rabbits were subjected to balloon injury and oxidative stress was induced by 14 days treatment of rabbits with 75 mg/kg, s.c., buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), a specific inhibitor of glutathione synthesis. Taurine was administered in drinking water (1%, w/v) for 14 days in the presence (BSO + Taurine group) and in the absence of BSO treatment (Taurine group). In taurine and placebo groups, rabbits were injected with 4 mL, s.c., 0.9% NaCl (vehicle for BSO) for 14 days.3. Taurine (1% in drinking water, w/v) preserved plasma levels of anti‐oxidants and lowered the increased blood pressure induced by BSO. The stenosis rate of 29.92% in the placebo group increased to 72.20% in the BSO group, which was significantly reduced to 42.21% by taurine (P < 0.001; n = 5). Localization of LOX‐1 to the intima and media of the iliac artery was demonstrated in the present study. Taurine treatment reduced the BSO‐induced increase in LOX‐1 expression at both the protein and mRNA levels (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively).4. The results demonstrate that the stenosis rate and LOX‐1 expression correlate well with oxidative status. Manipulation of LOX‐1 expression by taurine may have therapeutic benefits in preventing restenosis.
A prospective, randomized pilot study evaluating the effects of metformin and lifestyle intervention on patients with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy
Authors: Nobes Jenny P. , Langley Stephen E.M. , Klopper Tanya , Russell‐Jones David , Laing Robert W. 
Published: September 2011

Study Type – Therapy (RCT)Level of Evidence 1bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Men with prostate cancer have higher rates of non‐cancer mortality and CV morbidity and some of that excess risk has been attributed to the treatment they receive. ADT is an established treatment option for men with locally‐advanced and metastatic prostate cancer and, although it has been shown to confer a disease‐free survival advantage, it has also been associated with an increased incidence of CV disease and the metabolic syndrome (characterized by a cluster of CV risk factors, including insulin resistance). The benefits of the insulin sensitizer metformin and lifestyle intervention for reducing the incidence of metabolic syndrome have been shown in patients with impaired glucose tolerance.At the time of writing, the present study is the first to use metformin and lifestyle intervention in men with prostate cancer with the aim of reducing the risk of developing ADT‐related CV morbidity and the metabolic syndrome. The study shows that lifestyle changes and metformin may indeed reduce the complications of androgen suppression in these men. Although further investigations are needed to establish which of the two interventions may be most beneficial, the favourable effects of a combination of these interventions on patients' quality of life and the potential for improved overall survival are of clinical significance.OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of metformin and lifestyle changes on the development of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)‐related metabolic syndrome.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Men with prostate cancer due to receive ADT were recruited and randomized.
Controls received ADT alone.
Men in the intervention arm received ADT with 6 months of metformin, a low glycaemic index diet and an exercise programme.
All patients were investigated pretreatment and at 6 months for the metabolic syndrome, as well as for related biochemical and physical parameters.
RESULTS
In total, 40 men were recruited and randomized (20 to each arm).
After 6 months, significant improvements in abdominal girth (P= 0.05), weight (P < 0.001), body mass index (P < 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (P= 0.01) were seen in the intervention arm compared to controls.
Biochemical markers of insulin resistance did not differ significantly.
CONCLUSIONS
The present study shows the potential benefits of metformin and lifestyle changes in ADT‐treated men.
Further studies will aim to determine which intervention is most important, and may show that overall survival can be improved.
Characterization of Sialic Acid Index of Plasma Apolipoprotein J and Phosphatidylethanol During Alcohol Detoxification—A Pilot Study
Authors: Wurst Friedrich M. , Thon Natasha , Weinmann Wolfgang , Tippetts Scott , Marques Paul , Hahn Judith A. , Alling Christer , Aradottir Steina , Hartmann Susanne , Lakshman Raj 
Published: September 2011

Background:  Apolipoprotein J (ApoJ) is a component of plasma high‐density lipoproteins. Previous studies have shown progressive recovery of ApoJ sialic acid content with increased duration of alcohol abstinence. Therefore, the sialic acid index of plasma apolipoprotein J (SIJ) seems to be a promising alcohol biomarker. Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is a direct ethanol metabolite and has recently attracted attention as a biomarker of prolonged intake of higher amounts of alcohol. The aim of the pilot study was to explore sensitivity, specificity, and normalization of SIJ and PEth in comparison with traditional and emerging biomarkers.
Methods:  Five male alcohol‐dependent patients (International Classification of Diseases 10, F 10.25) were included (median: 40 years old; Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test value, 30; alcohol consumption in the previous 7 days, 1,680 g). SIJ, PEth, urinary ethyl glucuronide (UEtG), urinary ethyl sulfate (UEtS), and gamma glutamyl‐transpeptidase (GGT) were determined at days 1, 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28.
Results:  At study entry, SIJ, PEth, UEtG, and UEtS were positive in all subjects, whereas GGT and mean corpuscular volume were positive in 3 of 5 (60%) of the subjects.Individual SIJ levels increased between day 1 and 28 between 13.7 and 44.3%, respectively. For SIJ and PEth, the ANOVA (p < 0.005) showed a significant trend with the average subject’s SIJ and PEth changing 1.22 and 1.02, respectively, per week.
Conclusions:  Our preliminary data suggest that SIJ and PEth might hold potential as markers of heavy ethanol intake.