bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transumbilical single incision laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for benign disease
Authors: Bucher P. , Pugin F. , Morel P. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground  Transumbilical single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) has made its initial forays into clinical minimally invasive surgery. SILS combines in part the cosmetic advantage and decrease parietal trauma of natural orifice surgery, but allow operative realization with standard and validated laparoscopic instruments. We report here the first clinical transumbilical SILS sigmoidectomy for benign disease.Method  Preliminary experience with transumbilical single incision laparoscopic surgery (or embryonic natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery) sigmoidectomy in a female patient (34 years, BMI 22 kg/m2) with sigmoid stenosis caused by nodular endometriosis was reported. Transumbilical SILS treatment of pelvic endometriosis was performed during the same operation through cauterization.Results  Transumbilical single incision laparoscopic sigmoidectomy was feasible with conventional laparoscopic instruments. The combined uses of straight and articulated laparoscopic instruments allow the avoidance of transparietal sling suture for exposition. Operative time for sigmoidectomy and endometriosis therapy was 125 min. No intra‐operative or postoperative complications were recorded. SILS achieved excellent cosmetic results and may be associated with accelerated recovery.Conclusion  Transumbilical single incision laparoscopic sigmoidectomy is feasible by experienced laparoscopic surgeons using conventional laparoscopic instruments and staplers. The combined uses of strait and articulated instruments allow transumbilical SILS sigmoidectomy without the need for additional incision or transparietal sling suture. SILS sigmoidectomy may have the clinical advantage over NOTES of offering the safety of laparoscopic colectomy and the avoidance of vaginal access. It has to be determined if SILS offers benefit to the patient, except in cosmesis, compared with standard laparoscopic sigmoidectomy.
Hand‐assisted laparoscopic versus open approach in colorectal surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Aalbers A. G. J. , Doeksen A. , Van Berge Henegouwen M. I. , Bemelman W. A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAim  This systematic review was performed to answer the question whether hand‐assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) can preserve the advantages of laparoscopic compared with open surgery in colorectal disease.Method  Eligible studies were identified from electronic databases (Medline, Embase Cochrane) and cross‐reference search. The database search, quality assessment and data extraction were independently performed by two reviewers. Outcome criteria were operative time, number of trocars used, conversion rate, incision length, blood loss, time to passage of flatus, use of analgesia, postoperative morbidity, in‐hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, number of lymph nodes and costs.Results  Out of 162 publications seven publications were selected for comprehensive review. Three randomized controlled trials (RCT) and four non‐RCTs, comprising 571 patients, met the inclusion criteria. Because of heterogeneity, the data could not be pooled. The operative time was significantly longer in HALS in four of the seven studies (addition in median operative time of 13–81 min). The conversion rate varied from 0 to 10%. Two of the four reporting studies demonstrated a significantly shorter time to passage of flatus in HALS (averagely one day in advance). Length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in HALS in four of the seven studies (average gain between 2 and 4 days).Conclusions  Hand‐assisted laparoscopic surgery has the advantages of laparoscopic surgery over open surgery while reducing some of the disadvantages of laparoscopic surgery (shorter operative time, lower conversion rates). Especially for indications in which an incision to extract the resection specimen is required, HALS provides an excellent treatment option.
Is obesity becoming a public health problem in India? Examine the shift from under‐ to overnutrition problems over time
Authors: Wang Y. , Chen H.‐J. , Shaikh S. , Mathur P. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThis study aimed to examine the prevalence and trends of overweight, obesity and undernutrition in recent decades in India. Based on a systematic literature search on PubMed and other data sources, most published studies were regional or local surveys in urban areas, while good representative data from the India National Family Health Surveys (NFHS, 1992–1993, 1998–1999 and 2005–2006) allowed for examining the trends at the national level. Overall, the available data showed that in India, prevalence of overweight was low while that of undernutrition remained high. Overweight was more prevalent among female, urban and high‐socioeconomic‐status (SES) groups. NFHS data showed that the prevalence of overweight in women and pre‐school children did not increase much in the last decade: 10.6% and 1.6% in 1998–1999 to 12.6% and 1.5% in 2005–2006 respectively. As for underweight, NFHS 2005–2006 showed high prevalence among ever‐married women (about 35%) and pre‐school children (about 42%). The prevalence of overweight and obesity had increased slightly over the past decade in India, but in some urban and high‐SES groups it reached a relatively high level. Factors associated with undernutrition need closer examination, and prevention of obesity should be targeted at the high‐risk groups simultaneously.
What Is It About Organic Milk? An Experimental Analysis
Authors: Bernard John C. , Bernard Daria J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAuction experiments were used to examine demand relationships and willingness to pay (WTP) for organic, rBST‐free, no antibiotics used, and conventional milk. Elasticities showed strong substitute and complement relationships between organic, rBST‐free, and no antibiotics varieties. The sum of the latter two's premiums were not significantly different than the organic premium, suggesting diminishing marginal utility for added attributes. Results from a two‐stage heteroskedastic tobit model demonstrated that WTP premiums for the varieties differ significantly by demographics and beliefs regarding the conventional version. These suggest market segments for rBST‐free and no antibiotics versions could succeed alongside organic, benefiting consumers and producers.
Frameworks Underpinning Corporate Governance: Evidence on Ugandan Perceptions
Authors: Wanyama Simeon , Burton Bruce , Helliar Christine 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTManuscript Type:EmpiricalResearch Question/Issue:This paper sets out to investigate perceptions about corporate governance practices in the developing African nation of Uganda. The study employs interview and questionnaire analysis to examine the part played by a range of factors in supporting effective governance.Research Findings/Results:The findings suggest that pervasive corruption and weaknesses in underlying frameworks have hampered attempts to improve practice. The results indicate that the mere emergence of detailed governance codes in developing countries does not necessarily mean that de facto practices will improve.Theoretical Implications:The results suggest that corporate governance standards in developing countries may appear on paper to be broadly similar to those in developed countries. However, a widespread perception exists that Ugandan frameworks are not yet strong enough to support what might normally be considered to be “good” practice. Sound corporate governance is seen as being a multi‐faceted notion, with a range of political and social frameworks requiring strengthening before meaningful improvements can be made.Practical Implications:The evidence indicates that attempts to improve governance standards in a particular nation require more than the simple publication of codes of best practice. Root and branch changes in a wide‐range of contextual factors, including at political and cultural levels, are required to provide the conditions in which meaningful improvements in corporate governance will occur.
Hybridization instead of Clustering: Transformation Processes of Welfare Policies in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Hacker Björn 
Published: March 2009

Abstract Welfare state theories tend to use concepts of clustering for defining the affiliation of national social security systems to overarching worlds of welfare. A closer look at the transformation processes of welfare policies in Central and Eastern Europe shows a great variability among those countries in approximating their welfare states to Western European standards. In the design of their pension systems, their health care provision and their unemployment protection, Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) follow different reform paths. Welfare clusters in Western Europe are used as reference models, but no single example applies to all sectors of social security. Thus, a generalizing picture of welfare provision cannot be drawn for Central and Eastern Europe. Instead of constituting a new individual type of welfare arrangement, a hybridization process is observable.
Seborrhoeic keratoses in patients with internal malignancies: a case–control study with prospective accrual of patients
Authors: Fink AM , Filz D , Krajnik G , Jurecka W , Ludwig H , Steiner A 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground  The association between the eruption of numerous seborrhoeic keratoses as a result of an underlying malignancy is controversially discussed. The aim of this case–control study with prospective accrual of patients was to determine whether a direct association exists between the number seborrhoeic keratoses and internal malignancies.Methods  The numbers and sites of seborrhoeic keratoses were counted in 150 oncological patients and 150 matched controls. Additionally, the presence or absence of pruritus, acanthosis nigricans, and the sudden appearance of seborrhoeic keratoses were assessed.Results  Seborrhoeic keratoses did not differ significantly between patients with internal malignancies and controls. Only two patients fulfilled the criteria of the Leser‐Trélat sign, defined as the eruption of numerous seborrhoeic keratoses as a cutaneous marker of an underlying internal malignancy.Conclusion  No association was found between seborrhoeic keratoses and cancer. Furthermore, our data did not provide support to the validity of the Leser‐Trélat sign in patients with internal malignancies.
Hepatoprotective effects of misoprostol and silymarin on carbon tetrachloride‐induced hepatic damage in rats
Authors: Salam Omar M.E. Abdel , Sleem Amany A. , Omara Enayat A. , Hassan Nabila S. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of misoprostol, silymarin or the co‐administration of misoprostol + silymarin on the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced hepatic injury in rats. Misoprostol (10, 100, 1000 μg/kg), silymarin (25 mg/kg) or misoprostol (100 μg/kg) + silymarin (25 mg/kg) was given once daily orally simultaneously with CCl4and for 15 days thereafter. The results showed that misoprostol (10, 100 or 1000 μg/kg) conferred significant protection against the hepatotoxic actions of CCl4in rats, reducing serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels by 24.7%, 42.6% and 49.4%, respectively compared with controls. Misoprostol, given at 100 or 1000 μg/kg, decreased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) by 28 and 43.6% and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) by 19.3% and 53.4% respectively. Meanwhile, silymarin reduced ALT, AST and ALP levels by 62.7%, 66.1% and 65.1% respectively. The co‐administration of misoprostol (100 μg/kg) and silymarin (25 mg/kg) resulted in 61.4%, 66.1% and 57.5% reduction in ALT, AST and ALP levels respectively. Histopathological alterations and depletion of hepatocyte glycogen and DNA content by CCl4were markedly reduced after treatment with misoprostol, silymarin or misoprostol + silymarin. Image analysis of liver specimens revealed a marked reduction in liver necrosis; area of damage: 32.4%, 24% and 10.2% after misoprostol (10, 100 or 1000 μg/kg), 7.2% after silymarin and 10.9% after treatment with misoprostol 100 μg/kg + silymarin, compared with CCl4control group (46.7%). These results indicate that treatment with misoprostol protects against hepatocellular necrosis induced by CCl4. This study suggests a potential therapeutic use for misoprostol in liver injury.
Effects of detraining on muscle strength and mass after high or moderate intensity of resistance training in older adults
Authors: Tokmakidis Savvas P. , Kalapotharakos Vasilios I. , Smilios Ilias , Parlavantzas Andreas 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThis study examined the effects of a 12 weeks detraining period on muscle strength and mass in older adults who had previously participated in a 12 weeks resistance training programme of high [80% of one repetition maximum (1‐RM)] or moderate (60% of 1‐RM) intensity. Twenty older adults (60–74 years), separated into a high (HI; n = 10; age: 65 ± 5 years) and a moderate (MI; n = 10; age: 66 ± 4 years) intensity resistance training group, were measured in the 1‐RM knee extension and flexion strength, and the midthigh cross sectional areas (CSAs) of quadriceps, hamstrings and total thigh before and after a 12 weeks training period as well as after a 12 weeks detraining period. Maximum knee extension and flexion strength and the CSAs of all muscles decreased significantly (P<0·05) with detraining but remained higher (P<0·05) than pretraining levels for both groups. The HI group had a greater decrement (P<0·05) in maximum strength and the CSA of total thigh compared to the MI group but strength levels and the CSA following detraining were higher (P<0·05) for the HI group. The above data suggest that after a short detraining period of 12 weeks, muscle strength and hypertrophy levels of older adults decrease but remain greater than pretraining irrespective of training intensity. Greater declines in muscle strength are observed following HI training but still muscular strength and muscle mass are retained at a higher level than with MI probably due to the higher gains achieved during the training period.
Ethanol Blocks Adenosine Uptake via Inhibiting the Nucleoside Transport System in Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Allen‐Gipson Diane S. , Jarrell Justin C. , Bailey Kristina L. , Robinson James E. , Kharbanda Kusum K. , Sisson Joseph H. , Wyatt Todd A. 
Published: March 2009

Background: Adenosine uptake into cells by nucleoside transporters plays a significant role in governing extracellular adenosine concentration. Extracellular adenosine is an important signaling molecule that modulates many cellular functions via 4 G‐protein‐coupled receptor subtypes (A1, A2A, A2B, and A3). Previously, we demonstrated that adenosine is critical in maintaining airway homeostasis and airway repair and that airway host defenses are impaired by alcohol. Taken together, we hypothesized that ethanol impairs adenosine uptake via the nucleoside transport system.Methods: To examine ethanol‐induced alteration on adenosine transport, we used a human bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS‐2B). Cells were preincubated for 10 minutes in the presence and absence of varying concentrations of ethanol (EtOH). In addition, some cells were pretreated with S‐(4‐Nitrobenzyl)‐6‐thioinosine (100 μM: NBT), a potent adenosine uptake inhibitor. Uptake was then determined by addition of [3H]‐adenosine at various time intervals.Results: Increasing EtOH concentrations resulted in increasing inhibition of adenosine uptake when measured at 1 minute. Cells pretreated with NBT effectively blocked adenosine uptake. In addition, short‐term EtOH revealed increased extracellular adenosine concentration. Conversely, adenosine transport became desensitized in cells exposed to EtOH (100 mM) for 24 hours. To determine the mechanism of EtOH‐induced desensitization of adenosine transport, cAMP activity was assessed in response to EtOH. Short‐term EtOH exposure (10 minutes) had little or no effect on adenosine‐mediated cAMP activation, whereas long‐term EtOH exposure (24 hours) blocked adenosine‐mediated cAMP activation. Western blot analysis of lysates from unstimulated BEAS‐2B cells detected a single 55 kDa band indicating the presence of hENT1 and hENT2, respectively. Real‐time RT‐PCR of RNA from BEAS‐2B revealed transcriptional expression of ENT1 and ENT2.Conclusions: Collectively, these data reveal that acute exposure of cells to EtOH inhibits adenosine uptake via a nucleoside transporter, and chronic exposure of cells to EtOH desensitizes the adenosine transporter to these inhibitory effects of ethanol. Furthermore, our data suggest that inhibition of adenosine uptake by EtOH leads to an increased extracellular adenosine accumulation, influencing the effect of adenosine at the epithelial cell surface, which may alter airway homeostasis.
Association Between Personality Traits and ALDH2 Polymorphism in Japanese Male Alcoholics
Authors: Kimura Mitsuru , Sawayama Toru , Matsushita Sachio , Higuchi Susumu , Kashima Haruo 
Published: March 2009

Background:  Alcoholics who have developed alcoholism despite a strong negative risk factor, that is, the inactive form of aldehyde dehydrogenase‐2 (ALDH2), are considered advantageous for studying predisposing factors for alcoholism. This study aimed to compare personality profiles and clinical characteristics between alcoholics with active and inactive ALDH2.Methods:  Subjects were 460 male Japanese alcoholics hospitalized in Kurihama Alcoholism Center. All patients underwent Cloninger’s Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire and semi‐structured interviews 4 to 8 weeks after admission to obtain data on personalities and clinical characteristics. ALDH2 genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method. Sixty‐six patients had the inactive form of ALDH2 (ALDH2*1/2*2) and 394 had the active form (ALDH2*1/2*1).Results:  Alcoholics with inactive ALDH2 had significantly higher novelty‐seeking (NS) and lower harm‐avoidance (HA) scores compared with those with active ALDH2. The inactive ALDH2 group experienced delirium tremens significantly less frequently than the active ALDH2 group.Conclusions:  These results suggest that high NS and low HA scores in alcoholics with inactive ALDH2 are associated with an increased risk for developing alcoholism, despite a low enzymatic ability to eliminate toxic acetaldehyde in these subjects. A study of alcoholics with inactive ALDH2 is useful for detecting environmental or personality factors related to alcoholism.
Lack of correlation between constitutive and induced resistance to a herbivore in crucifer plants: real or flawed by experimental methods?
Authors: Zhang Peng‐Jun , Shu Jin‐Ping , Wu Zhi‐Yi , Dicke Marcel , Liu Shu‐Sheng 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe correlation between constitutive and induced resistance to herbivores in plants has long been of interest to evolutionary biologists, and various approaches to determining levels of resistance have been used in this field of research. In this study, we examined the relationship between constitutive and induced resistance to the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), in 11 closely related species of wild crucifers. We assessed the survival, development, and reproduction of the test insects and calculated their intrinsic rate of increase as an indicator of constitutive and induced resistance for the plants. We used larvae of P. xylostella and jasmonic acid as elicitors of the induced response. We failed to find a correlation between constitutive and induced resistance in these crucifer plants when the induction of resistance was initiated by either herbivory or jasmonic acid application. Analysis of the results suggests that the failure to detect a relationship between the two types of resistance could be caused by flaws in measuring constitutive resistance, which was apparently confounded with induced resistance. We discuss the difficulties and pitfalls in measuring constitutive resistance and ways to improve the methodology in investigating the relationships between constitutive and induced resistance in plants.
Maternal cardiovascular disease risk in relation to the number of offspring born small for gestational age: national, multi‐generational study of 2.7 million births
Authors: Nilsson Peter M , Li Xinjun , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAim: To investigate the risk of small for gestational age (SGA) births in relation to maternal history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) across two generations and additionally to analyse maternal CVD risk based on number of SGA offspring.Methods: We used register data from 1.4 million women and 2.7 million offspring. The outcome measures were risk of being SGA in relation to maternal total CVD (n = 10 436) across two generations, as well as risk of CVD in mothers in relation to the number of their SGA offspring, stratified by educational level.Results: Compared to no family history of CVD (reference) the hazard ratio (HR) for being SGA in female offspring was 1.11 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09–1.13) for a positive maternal history of CVD. The highest risk was shown in daughters when both the mother and the grandmother had a history of CVD (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.24–1.39). There was a stepwise increased risk of CVD events in mothers in relation to the number of their SGA offspring (HR 1.41–1.86) when ‘no SGA offspring’ was used as reference. The risk of CVD in relation to SGA status was increased in the least educated group (HR 2.7–5.0) compared to the group with the highest level of education with no SGA offspring.Conclusion: The risk of SGA offspring and the risk of maternal CVD are mutually interdependent and both conditions increased in women with a low level of education.
Fixed sporotrichosis as a cause of a chronic ulcer on the knee
Authors: Roldán‐Marín Rodrigo , Contreras‐Ruiz José , Arenas Roberto , Vazquez‐del‐Mercado Elsa , Toussaint‐Caire Sonia , Vega‐Memije María Elisa 
Published: March 2009

AbstractChronic wounds are a major health care problem worldwide. Wound healing is a holistic endeavour that requires an accurate identification of the specific entities interfering with wound healing in a particular patient. We present a case of fixed sporotrichosis as the cause of a chronic ulcer in the knee. Although a culture of Sporothrix schenckii could not be obtained, a positive response to the sporotrichin skin test, a skin biopsy showed a suppurative granuloma and an adequate response to oral administration of potassium iodide confirmed the diagnosis. The identification and correction of the underlying aetiology of any chronic wound is the first and most important step to restore wound healing.