bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of a bipolar resectoscope in subfertile women with submucous myomas and menstrual disorders
Authors: Makris Nikolaos , Vomvolaki Eleftheria , Mantzaris George , Kalmantis Kostas , Hatzipappas John , Antsaklis Aris 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAim:  To evaluate the role of the Gynecare (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ, USA) bipolar resectoscope in resecting fibroids, and the effect of hysteroscopic myomectomy on infertility and pregnancy outcomes.Methods:  From January 2000 to December 2005, we studied 59 women of reproductive age with menorrhagia, submucous myomas and one or more infertility factors. All women who participated had been subfertile for over 2 years. Fifteen of the 59 women displayed submucous myoma type O (intracavitary), 34 displayed submucous myoma type I (less than 50% within the myometrium) and the remaining 10 women displayed myoma type II (over 50% being within the myometrium).The mean age and standard deviation of these patients was 34.6 ± 4.4 years and the average size of myomas was 15 ± 10 mm. Treatment of these myomas was by hysteroscopic resection using a bipolar resectoscope.Results:  Menorrhagic incidents improved in 20 of 32 women (62.5%). Twenty‐five women (42.4%) succeeded in becoming pregnant. The pregnancy rate was notably higher when the sole reason of subfertility was the presence of myoma (54.16%), and when the size of the myoma was equal to 2.5 cm (75%) or more.Conclusion:  The use of the bipolar resectoscope in hysteroscopic removal of small submucous myomas is shown to be both feasible and effective in controlling menorrhagia and increasing the pregnancy rate in subfertile women, when submucous myomas are the only reason of infertility.
Laparoscopic salpingectomy in tubal pregnancy: Prospective randomized trial using endoloop versus electrocautery
Authors: Lim Yun‐Hsuen , Ng Soon P. , Ng Paul H. O. , Tan Ay E. , Jamil Muhammad A. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAim:  Ectopic pregnancy is conventionally managed by laparoscopic salpingectomy. Electrocautery has been used widely to secure hemostasis during salpingectomy. However, this method is associated with a risk of thermal injury to the visceral organs. Endoloop, a pre‐tied suture used in laparoscopic surgery may be an alternative treatment tool and its potential use in the management of ectopic pregnancy is explored here. Our study aims to compare the effectiveness of the endoloop technique to electrocautery during laparoscopic salpingectomy for tubal pregnancy.Methods:  A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted over 24 months at the Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. One hundred and two patients with tubal pregnancy were randomized into two treatment groups: those treated with endoloop and those treated with electrocautery during laparoscopic salpingectomy.Results:  The use of an endoloop was associated with a shorter operating time (48.85 min ± 21.019 vs 61.14 min ± 22.603, 95% CI −20.864 to −3.724), lower visual analog scores for postoperative pain at day 1 (2.02 ± 0.960 vs 2.74 ± 0.828, 95% CI −1.074 to −0.368) and day 7 (0.85 ± 0.802 vs 1.44 ± 0.837, 95% CI −0.916 to −0.272), and lesser total analgesia required by patients at day 7 after the operation (7.65 ± 6.119 vs 15.32 ± 8.326, 95% CI −10.529 to −4.804). There was no significant difference in the ability to secure hemostasis when both techniques were compared. Duration of hospitalization (2.37 days ± 0.817 vs 2.34 days ± 0.519, 95% CI −0.245 to −0.296) and interval from operation to discharge were similar.Conclusion:  The endoloop appeared to be as effective as electrocautery and is a safe alternative to electrocautery for laparoscopic salpingectomy in tubal pregnancy.
Effect of propofol on emergence behavior in children after sevoflurane general anesthesia
Authors: ABU‐SHAHWAN IBRAHIM 
Published: November 2007

SummaryBackground:  Emergence agitation (EA) is a postoperative behavior that may occur in children undergoing general anesthesia with inhaled agents.Objectives:  The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of propofol administered at the end of sevoflurane anesthesia on the incidence and severity of EA in children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Methods:  Eighty‐four children, 2–7 years old, undergoing MRI were enrolled in this randomized double‐blind study. No sedative premedication was administered prior to anesthesia induction. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane in N2O/O2. Group P received propofol 1 mg·kg−1 and group S received saline. Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale (PAEDs) was used to evaluate recovery characteristics upon awakening and during the first 30 min after emergence from anesthesia. Children with PAEDs >16 were considered agitated. EA was analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U‐test. Demographic data and other side effects were analyzed using the Student’s t‐test.Results:  Eighty‐three children completed the study. There were 42 children in group P. EA was diagnosed in two children in the propofol group (4.8%) and in 11 children in the placebo group (26.8%, P < 0.05). Time to achieving postanesthesia care unit discharge criteria was not different between the two groups.Conclusions:  The addition of propofol 1 mg·kg−1 can significantly decrease the incidence of EA after sevoflurane general anesthesia in children undergoing nonpainful procedures.
Do not mask the mask: use it as a premedicant
Authors: AYDIN TAYFUN , SAHIN LEVENT , ALGIN CEM , KABAY SAHIN , YUCEL MEHMET , HACIOGLU ALPER , YAYLAK FAIK , KILICOGLU ALEV 
Published: November 2007

SummaryBackground:  Preoperative anxiety frequently causes resistance to mask application and prolongs induction. Anesthesia masks resembling popular heroes or toys was used to deal with this problem. An anesthesia mask given on a preoperative visit to play with at home, may aid to establish a familiarity with the mask and alleviate mask fear, possibly making a gaseous induction more acceptable.Methods:  After approval of the ethical committee, 50 children were randomly assigned into two groups. Both groups received conventional verbal information about the anesthetists, materials and equipment to be used for the procedure, description of gaseous induction via mask and transportation to the operating room. Additionally transparent anesthesia masks were given to children in the mask group after conventional verbal information. Both groups were premedicated with 0.3 mg·kg−1 midazolam. Anxiety was assessed during separation from parents and induction of anesthesia by a modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale. Mask acceptance quality and total mask time (TMT; time between the introduction of mask anesthesia and the loss of lid reflex) were also determined.Results:  Anxiety levels in the informed group were statistically higher than in the mask group during induction of anesthesia (26 ± 1.8 vs 30 ± 2.9, P < 0.05). Mask acceptance quality was better in the mask group than in the informed group (IG). TMTs were 5.1 ± 1.3 and 7 ± 0.9 min in the mask group and in the IG, respectively.Conclusions:  Playing with an anesthesia mask given during a preanesthesia visit relieved anxiety, improved mask acceptance quality and shortened the induction period. We believe that this type of premedication would be feasible in gaseous induction of anesthesia in children.
Heterologous expression of the TsVP gene improves the drought resistance of maize
Authors: Li Bei , Wei Aiying , Song Chunxia , Li Ning , Zhang Juren 
Published: November 2007

SummaryIn this study, it was shown that the TsVP gene [vacuolar H+‐pyrophosphatase (V‐H+‐PPase) gene from a dicotyledonous halophyte Thellungiella halophila] could be transferred into the monocotyledonous crop maize (Zea mays L.), and that the heterologous expression of the transgene improved the drought resistance of transgenic plants. Polymerase chain reaction amplification and Southern blotting confirmed the existence of the foreign gene in transformed plants and their progeny. Expression differences of the TsVP gene in different transgenic lines were monitored by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. The measurement of isolated vacuolar membrane vesicles from the TsVP transgenic and wild‐type (WT) plants demonstrated that the transgenic plants had higher V‐H+‐PPase activity, and the performance of maize‐expressed TsVP in response to osmotic/drought stress was better in lines with higher V‐H+‐PPase activity. Transgenic plants showed a higher percentage of seed germination, better developed root systems and greater biomass, greater solute accumulation and less cell membrane damage relative to WT plants under osmotic stress. After drought stress treatment, transgenic plants showed less growth retardation and shorter anthesis–silking interval, and produced much larger grain yields, than WT plants. It was concluded that the high V‐H+‐PPase activity of transgenic maize improved the drought resistance of plants. This report provides a feasible approach to increase monocotyledonous crop yields under conditions of soil water deficit by the heterologous expression of TsVP.
Homologous recombination: a basis for targeted genome optimization in crop species such as maize
Authors: D’Halluin Kathleen , Vanderstraeten Chantal , Stals Ellen , Cornelissen Marc , Ruiter Rene 
Published: November 2007

SummaryIn an attempt to understand the feasibility of future targeted genome optimization in agronomic crops, we tested the efficiency of homologous recombination‐mediated sequence insertion upon induction of a targeted DNA double‐strand break at the desired integration site in maize. By the development of an efficient tissue culture protocol, and with the use of an I‐SceI gene optimized for expression in maize, large numbers of precisely engineered maize events were produced in which DNA integration occurred very accurately. In a subset of events examined in detail, no additional deletions and/or insertions of short filler DNA at the integration site were observed. In 30%–40% of the recovered events, no traces of random insertions were observed. This was true for DNA delivery by both Agrobacterium and particle bombardment. These data suggest that targeted double‐strand break‐induced homologous recombination is a superior method to generate specific desired changes in the maize genome, and suggest targeted genome optimization of agronomic crops to be feasible.
The Barcelona Process and the Political Economy of Euro‐Mediterranean Trade Integration*
Authors: MONTANARI MARCO 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe Barcelona Process aims to create a free trade area between the EU and its Mediterranean neighbours by 2010. This article uses two‐level game theory to analyse the negotiations leading to the signature of the Euro‐Mediterranean Association Agreements. It argues that conflicts of interests between the actors involved in the bargaining process are responsible for the restrictive nature of the agreements, characterized by agricultural protectionism, long transition periods and small amounts of financial support allocated by the EU to its partners. These provisions have prevented the Barcelona Process from significantly boosting Euro‐Mediterranean bilateral trade in the last few years.
Trait‐Based Filtering of the Regional Species Pool to Guide Understory Plant Reintroductions in Midwestern Oak Savannas, U.S.A.
Authors: Brudvig Lars A. , Mabry Catherine M. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractA common first step during ecological restoration is reestablishing the local species pool through active reintroduction of individual plant species. Unfortunately, the regional species pool is often far too large to be of practical use during restoration. Methods are needed to produce manageable lists of key species for directed reintroduction. We used life history traits to target species from the regional species pool (n= 900) for reintroduction to degraded Midwestern oak savanna remnants (n= 8) in central Iowa, U.S.A. Beginning with the full regional species pool, we first used a priori filters to remove exotic species, species that live in permanently wet habitats, and species already present at the degraded remnant savannas. Next, we created a set of filters to target species with high priority for reintroduction, based on comparisons between the degraded and regional species pools. By this process, we identified perennial forbs and grasses that may be dispersal limited (ant, passive, or heavy wind‐dispersed seeds) and are conservative in habitat requirement or have affinities for high‐light environments. By applying these filters, we were able to winnow down the regional species pool to a manageable number of species (n= 111) that we recommend for initial reintroduction efforts to the degraded savanna remnants. Furthermore, we specifically targeted members of the regional species pool that could fill under‐represented ecological niches at the degraded savanna remnants and discuss potential benefits of adding these species for restoring ecosystem function.
Langerhans cells in squamous cell carcinoma vs. pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia of the skin
Authors: Galan Anjela , Ko Christine J. 
Published: November 2007

Background:  In clinical and histopathological practice, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia (PEH) from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin. Several studies have shown a low density of Langerhans cells in SCC of the skin, and recent research on cervical SCCs has suggested that the decreased density of dendritic cells is secondary to low E‐cadherin expression. SCCs of the head and neck similarly have decreased E‐cadherin expression, but E‐cadherin expression is preserved in PEH. We hypothesized that PEH of the skin would have an increased number of Langerhans cells compared with SCC.Methods:  We studied immunohistochemical expression of CD1a on paraffin‐embedded tissue in 12 cases of SCC and 11 cases of PEH of the skin.Results:  The number of Langerhans cells in SCCs vs. PEH was similar; in both types of lesions, the Langerhans cells were decreased in density compared with the normal flanking epidermis.Conclusions:  PEH has a decreased number of Langerhans cells compared with the normal epidermis. As SCCs also have decreased numbers of CD1a‐positive cells, this stain is not useful in differentiating these two entities.
Clinical Decision Rules in the Diagnostic Work‐Up of Patients with Clinically Suspected Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Douma R. A. , Kamphuisen P. W. , Büller H. R. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryPulmonary embolism (PE) is challenging to diagnose because of the low sensitivity and specificity of individual clinical signs and symptoms. Increasing emphasis is put on excluding the diagnosis in a safe, efficient and non‐invasive manner by determining the pre‐test probability of PE. Clinical variables of patients with suspected PE can be combined, either by implicit judgement or by explicit, more standardized clinical decision rules. An ‘unlikely’ probability according to the Wells rule or a ‘low’ clinical probability according to the Geneva rule, in combination with a normal d‐dimer test, results in a substantial reduction of the necessity for further diagnostic testing in patients with suspected PE. Interobserver variability is similar for the different clinical decision rules, but is higher for implicit judgement. Comparative studies of the different methods show similar accuracy in the determination of pre‐test probability. Using a standardized clinical decision score has advantages over implicit judgement, as even less experienced physicians can adequately assess clinical probability. Modified scores have recently been introduced with clear advantages over the more customary score, but these need further validation.
The Role of D‐Dimer in the Diagnosis of Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Haas F. J. L. M. , Kamphuisen P. W. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryThe use of the D‐dimer concentration for the exclusion of venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been evaluated circumstantially in many clinical studies and meta‐analyses with different kinds of assays and tests. The sensitivity and specificity depend upon the prevalence of the VTE in the patient population and this explains the variety of results of the different studies. With a combination of studies in meta‐analyses, more reliable results and conclusions can be obtained. The quantitative assays have a higher sensitivity, but a lower specificity than the qualitative tests, but no assay or test is sensitive enough for a safe exclusion of VTE.
Postpartum mood disorders and maternal perceptions of infant patterns in well‐child follow‐up visits
Authors: Orhon Filiz Simsek , Ulukol Betul , Soykan Atilla 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAims: The aims of this study were to evaluate the associations between postpartum depressive symptoms and maternal perceptions of infant patterns with 1‐year follow‐up examinations, and to assess the impacts of treatment on these perceptions.Methods: One hundred three mother‐infant pairs were evaluated. Data on maternal reports of infant feeding, sleeping and temperament patterns were collected at each well‐child visit. The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale was used to assess depressive symptoms. A psychiatrist interviewed the mothers with depressive symptoms, and psychiatric treatments were administered accordingly. The associations between depressive symptoms and maternal perceptions at each visit were analyzed by taking into account the entire follow‐up period.Results: Thirty‐five mothers (34%) scored within the clinical range of the EPDS during the follow‐up period. Mothers with elevated depressive symptoms were more inclined to report infant cry‐fuss, sleeping and temperamental problems through the follow‐up. Such complains on infant cry‐fuss and temperament problems and maternal sleeping problems improved after treatment in compliant mothers. The dropout rate was high (58.3%) in noncompliant mothers.Conclusion: Postpartum depressive symptoms may lead to negative maternal perceptions of infant patterns. Earlier management of these disorders and maternal compliance to psychiatric suggestions may provide a better care for the mother‐infant pairs.
Circulating apelin concentrations in mother/infant pairs at term
Authors: Malamitsi‐Puchner Ariadne , Gourgiotis Dimitrios , Boutsikou Maria , Baka Stavroula , Hassiakos Dimitrios , Briana Despina D. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAim: To prospectively investigate circulating concentrations of the adipokine and angiogenic factor apelin in mother/infant pairs and correlate them with respective insulin concentrations.Methods: Plasma apelin concentrations were determined in 40 mothers and their singleton full‐term foetuses and neonates on day 1 (N1) and 4 (N4) of life.Results: Maternal apelin concentrations were lower compared to foetal, N1 and N4 ones (p < 0.001 in all cases). N1 apelin concentrations were lower compared to foetal and N4 ones (p = 0.002 and p = 0.005, respectively). Maternal apelin concentrations positively correlated with foetal, N1 and N4 concentrations (r= 0.663, p < 0.001, r= 0.486, p = 0.003, r= 0.484, p = 0.003, respectively). Foetal apelin concentrations positively correlated with N1 and N4 ones (r= 0.337, p = 0.044 and r= 0.574, p < 0.001, respectively). N1 apelin concentrations positively correlated with N4 ones (r= 0.513, p = 0.001). No association was found between apelin concentrations and birthweight, gender, parity or mode of delivery. No significant correlations were observed between apelin and insulin concentrations.Conclusions: Concentrations of apelin are high in the foetus, possibly suggesting its potential role in intrauterine development. Apelin expression in placental tissue could account for its higher foetal concentrations and for its down‐regulation soon after birth. The postnatal increase of apelin concentrations could presumably point to a gradual initiation of ex utero angiogenesis.
Missed opportunities—adolescents with a chronic condition (insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus) describe their cigarette‐smoking trajectories and consider health risks
Authors: Regber Susann , Kelly Kristina Berg 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAim: To enhance our knowledge on why adolescents with a chronic condition (insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus, IDDM) choose to smoke despite possible awareness of health risks.Methods: Twelve patients aged 15–20 with IDDM who smoked cigarettes volunteered to participate in qualitative interviews. The results were analyzed with content analysis according to Miles and Huberman 1994.Results: One set confirmed what is earlier known on cigarette smoking among adolescents, such as plain exploring, needs to conform with group norms, identity needs and denial of risks. Other themes gave new insights. One was the emotional attitudes—or lack of emotions—expressed by important others, which exerted strong influences on the smoking trajectories. These emotions affected both initiation and motivation for quitting cigarette smoking and seemed crucial as means of meaningful communications concerning smoking. One theme was a flow path of cigarette smoking, which demonstrated opportunities for secondary prevention. Finally, developmental reasons for smoking and motivation for quitting could be described.Conclusions: There are several windows of opportunities to lower the risk of adolescents with IDDM and other chronic conditions from becoming and remaining smokers, as reported by young people themselves.
Comparing the efficacy of mandibular implant‐retained overdentures and conventional dentures among elderly edentulous patients: satisfaction and quality of life
Authors: Assunção Wirley Gonçalves , Zardo Gláucia Glowacki , Delben Juliana Aparecida , Barão Valentim Adelino Ricardo 
Published: November 2007

Objectives:  The aim of this study was to compare the satisfaction and the quality of life in an elderly population using either mandibular conventional dentures or implant‐retained overdentures.Materials and methods:  A total of 34 patients were divided into two groups: group I – complete dentures users; group II – users of upper complete dentures opposed by implant‐retained overdentures. The subjects were submitted to a questionnaire based on Oral Health Impact Profile and oral health related quality of life to evaluate their satisfaction levels and quality of life with their prostheses. Data were evaluated using a non‐parametric statistical analysis (Fischer test) with significant difference at α = 0.05.Results:  There were no significant differences between the groups in relation to comfort, aesthetics, chewing ability, overall satisfaction, pain, functional, phonetic, social, and psychological limitations (p > 0.05). Comparing the stability of mandibular dentures, group II presented the better results (p < 0.05).Conclusion:  Although the stability of the mandibular implant‐retained overdenture was enhanced compared to a conventional denture, the quality of life and satisfaction levels were similar for both the groups.