bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of mechanical rhizome cutting, rhizome drying and burial at different developmental stages on the regrowth of Calystegia sepium
Authors: RASK A M , ANDREASEN C 
Published: January 2007

SummaryThe regrowth of Calystegia sepium was studied in three types of experiments during spring 2003 and spring 2004. In one glasshouse experiment, rhizome fragments were planted in pots and either harvested at six different developmental stages to assess their undisturbed development and growth or harvested at 420 day degrees after burial to measure their regenerative capacity. Regrowth gradually declined as the plants had more expanded leaves at the time of burial. Minimum regenerative capacity was found when plants had four to eight fully expanded leaves and this coincided with the growth stage of minimum dry weight of underground regenerative organs. The effects of burial depth and rhizome fragment length were studied in outdoor container experiments. Burial at 15 or 25 cm reduced above‐ and below‐ground biomass in 2004, while 25 cm deep burial was necessary to reduce regrowth in 2003. Fragmentation had generally little effect on production of above‐ and below‐ground biomass, whereas burial and fragmentation delayed emergence time. Sensitivity of rhizomes to drying was studied in a growth chamber. Drying periods of 12 or 24 h did not have an influence on the production of aerial shoots, whereas 48 or 96 h reduced production of above‐ground biomass significantly. The experiments indicated that the minimum regenerative capacity would be at about 5–6 leaf stage and that mechanical disturbance at this stage would optimise weed control.
Efficacy of Sclerotinia minor for dandelion control: effect of dandelion accession, age and grass competition
Authors: ABU‐DIEYEH M H , WATSON A K 
Published: January 2007

SummaryControl of Taraxacum officinale (common dandelion) and other broad‐leaved weeds in temperate turfgrass has been readily achieved with phenoxy herbicides. The herbicide option has been revoked through municipal and provincial legislation in many regions of Canada, necessitating alternative approaches. We examined the effects of dandelion accessions, age and grass competition on the performance of Sclerotinia minor (IMI 344141) as a biological control for dandelion in turfgrass. Disease symptoms were identical on all 14 different accessions of dandelion and the above‐ and below‐ground biomass were reduced by 94% and 96%, respectively, with no difference among accessions. Foliar damage and dandelion mortality caused by S. minor was affected by plant age and the presence of grass competition. Dandelions of all ages were more severely affected by S. minor in the presence of grass competition. Grass competition had greater impact on foliar biomass, whereas the fungus had a greater impact on root biomass of newly established dandelions. In addition to competition for resources, we were hypothesised that the grass sward provides a microenvironment favouring the success of S. minor as a biological control agent of dandelion. Thus, proper management of the turfgrass environment may be complementary to the efficacy of S. minor as a biocontrol for dandelion.
Root exudation of diclofop‐methyl and triasulfuron from foliar‐treated durum wheat and ryegrass
Authors: DINELLI G , BONETTI A , MAROTTI I , MINELLI M , BUSI S , CATIZONE P 
Published: January 2007

SummaryIn this study, we evaluated the release of diclofop‐methyl and triasulfuron from the roots of foliar‐treated ryegrass and wheat. The study with 14C‐diclofop‐methyl indicated a basipetal translocation of foliar‐applied herbicide in wheat and ryegrass. No root exudation from 14C‐diclofop‐methyl‐treated wheat plants was observed, while 20 days after treatment (DAT) 0.2–0.9% of radioactivity absorbed by ryegrass was found exuded in the growing medium. Root exudation was stimulated three to six times by the presence of untreated wheat or ryegrass sharing the growing medium with diclofop‐methyl‐treated ryegrass. No subsequent uptake of exuded radiolabel by untreated plants (ryegrass or wheat) in the same pot with 14C‐diclofop‐methyl‐treated ryegrass was observed. The study with 14C‐triasulfuron indicated a basipetal translocation of foliar‐applied herbicide in wheat and ryegrass and also into the growing medium. By 20 DAT, 0.5–4.2% of radioactivity absorbed by wheat or ryegrass was found exuded in the growing medium. The presence of untreated plants (wheat or ryegrass) in the same pot as triasulfuron‐treated ryegrass or wheat induced exudation seven to 32 times more. The study also revealed a subsequent uptake of exuded compounds by untreated wheat or ryegrass sharing the medium of 14C‐triasulfuron‐treated plants. This study has demonstrated for the first time that the root exudation of exogenous compounds can be related to plant arrangement in pots. The implication is that herbicide root exudation and transfer, a form of allelopathy, could be significant in the field. A precise estimation of environmental fate, unexpected ecological side effects and residual activity of herbicides may require quantification of such exudation.
Establishment of a stroke unit in a district hospital: review of experience
Authors: Chiu A. , Shen Q. , Cheuk G. , Cordato D. , Chan D. K. Y. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground: The experience and outcomes of co‐locating acute stroke and stroke rehabilitation care in a district hospital were reviewed.Method: Information for patients admitted to Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospitals before and after setting up an acute stroke unit (SU) (12 months data for each period), including mortality and length of stay (LOS) at the hospital were obtained from various sources, including the diagnosis‐related group and subacute and non‐acute casemix databases.Results: There was a significant reduction of mortality (18 vs 10%; P = 0.01) and reduced total LOS (46 vs 39 days; P = 0.01) with similar functional outcomes in the post‐SU period. Fifty per cent of patients were unable to access the acute SU. Patients admitted into the SU had lower mortality (5 vs 14%; P = 0.01) and were also discharged from hospital earlier (35 vs 54 days; P = 0.01) than patients admitted into general wards during the post‐SU period. Thirty‐four per cent of patients received rehabilitation within the rehabilitation facility in the post‐SU period compared with 19% in the pre‐SU period.Conclusion: The Blacktown experience showed the feasibility of establishing a co‐located SU within rehabilitation facility with good outcomes as illustrated by the significant reduction in the stroke mortality, a reduction in the total LOS and an increase in the number of patients receiving rehabilitation post‐stroke.
Allogeneic bone marrow transplant for refractory mediastinal germ cell tumour: possible evidence of graft‐versus‐tumour effect
Authors: Goodwin A. , Gurney H. , Gottlieb D. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractMediastinal germ cell tumours (GCT) carry a poor prognosis, particularly after relapse. We have reviewed the published reports of current treatments and describe a case with a cure after an allogeneic bone marrow transplant, which is not reported in the current published data. We believe that GCT may be susceptible to a graft‐versus‐tumour effect and suggest that patients with relapsed GCT be considered for allogeneic transplantation.
Yam bean seed poisoning mimicking cyanide intoxication*
Authors: Hung Y.‐M. , Hung S.‐Y. , Olson K. R. , Chou K.‐J. , Lin S.‐L. , Chung H.‐M. , Tung C.‐N. , Chang J.‐C. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground: Yam bean is a common food in southern Taiwan. However, its seeds are rarely consumed. We describe five patients of yam bean seed poisoning in Taiwan, one of them life‐threatening.Clinical presentation: The five patients presented with perioral numbness, nausea and vomiting after eating a same soup made from yam bean seeds. One of them, a 54‐year‐old woman, had difficulty breathing and lost consciousness. Physical examination showed dilated pupils and coma with no focal neurological signs. The initial blood pressure was normal. Laboratory data showed a severe anion gap metabolic acidosis, with a serum lactate level of 185 mg/dL. An initial diagnosis of cyanide intoxication was considered and she was given sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate i.v. Hypotension ensued shortly afterwards and pulmonary artery catheterization showed a decreased cardiac index. Aggressive fluid and inotropic therapy were given and the patient eventually recovered. The other four patients suffered only minor gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms and received supportive treatment. Cyanide levels were negative in all five patients.Conclusion: Yam bean seed poisoning can cause acute metabolic acidosis and altered mental status, which could be confused with acute cyanide intoxication from a cyanogenic glycoside‐containing plant. To our knowledge, this is the first outbreak of yam bean seed poisoning reported in the English published work.
Effect of leflunomide on the peripheral nerves in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Richards B. L. , Spies J. , McGill N. , Richards G. W. , Vaile J. , Bleasel J. F. , Youssef P. P. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground: The objective of this study was to determine the neurophysiological effects of leflunomide on peripheral nerves in rheumatoid arthritis.Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort trial of 32 patients with rheumatoid arthritis with 16 patients receiving leflunomide treatment and 16 receiving other disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drug therapies. Clinical, laboratory and neurophysiological measurements were used to determine the presence of a peripheral neuropathy in these patients at study entry and then after a further 3 and 6 months.Results: Fifty‐four per cent of the leflunomide group and 8% of the control group had an increase in their neuropathy symptom score 6 months into the study (P = 0.01). No correlation was found between the electrophysiological findings and the clinical symptoms. There was no significant difference between the two groups in upper and lower limb sensory and motor amplitudes and conduction velocities recorded at 3 and 6 months. One patient developed both clinical and neurophysiological evidence of a peripheral neuropathy 5 months into the study that improved after cessation of leflunomide therapy and cholestyramine washout.Conclusion: After 6 months of exposure we found that leflunomide was associated with an apparent increase in the clinical symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These symptoms did not correlate with neurophysiological studies.
Cardiovascular, metabolic and hormonal responses to the progressive exercise performed to exhaustion in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with metformin or glyburide
Authors: Cunha M. R. , Silva M. E. R. , Machado H. A. , Fukui R. T. , Correia M. R. S. , Santos R. F. , Wajchenberg B. L. , Rocha D. M. , Rondon M. U. P. B. , Negrão C. E. , Ursich M. J. M. 
Published: January 2007

Objectives:  To evaluate the effects of Metformin and Glyburide on cardiovascular, metabolic and hormonal parameters during progressive exercise performed to exhaustion in the post‐prandial state in women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Design and Methods:  Ten T2DM patients treated with Metformin (M group), 10 with Glyburide (G group) and 10 age‐paired healthy subjects exercised on a bicycle ergometer up to exercise peak. Cardiovascular and blood metabolic and hormonal parameters were measured at times ‐60 min, 0 min, exercise end, and at 10 and 20 minutes of recovery phase. Thirty minutes before the exercise, a standard breakfast was provided to all participants. The diabetic patients took Metformin or Glyburide before or with meal.Results:  Peak oxygen uptake (VO2) was lower in patients with diabetes. Plasma glucose levels remained unchanged, but were higher in both diabetic groups. Patients with diabetes also presented lower insulin levels after meals and higher glucagon levels at exercise peak than C group. Serum cortisol levels were higher in G than M group at exercise end and recovery phase. Lactate levels were higher in M than G group at fasting and in C group at exercise peak. Nor epinephrine, GH and FFA responses were similar in all 3 groups.Conclusion:  Progressive exercise performed to exhaustion, in the post‐prandial state did not worsen glucose control during and after exercise. The administration of the usual dose of Glyburide or Metformin to T2DM patients did not influence the cardiovascular, metabolic and hormonal response to exercise.
Use of oxidized cellulose for corporal body grafting and suture‐less correction of severe penile chordee: an experimental study in rabbits
Authors: El‐Assmy Ahmed , Eassa Waleed , El‐Hamid Mohamed Abd , Nour Eman M. , Hafez Ashraf T. 
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of oxidized cellulose, SurgicelTM (Johnson & Johnson Medical, New Brunswick, NJ, USA) for patching defects in the tunica albuginea in a rabbit model, with a future application to correct chordee.MATERIALS AND METHODSThe study comprised nine New Zealand white male rabbits; a rectangular 15 × 5‐mm defect was created in the ventral tunica albuginea that was covered by Surgicel. The skin was closed with no catheters left in situ after the procedure. The rabbits were killed in groups of three at 2, 6 and 12 weeks after surgery. The evaluation included cavernosography and histopathological examination of sections of the penis stained with haematoxylin and eosin, and Masson’s trichrome.RESULTSNo deaths were caused by the procedure, and none of the rabbits developed bleeding or haematoma after surgery. Cavernosography at 2 weeks showed contrast medium leaking from the site of the Surgicel, but at 6 and 12 weeks all rabbits had a straight erection with patent corpora and no evidence of narrowing or venous leak. Histopathological evaluation revealed evidence of the remnants of Surgicel surrounded by acute inflammatory cell infiltrate with early neovascularization at 2 weeks. At 6 and 12 weeks, there was complete normal regeneration of the tunica albuginea with no foreign‐body reaction.CONCLUSIONSIn this pilot study, Surgicel had a clear haemostatic effect when covering a defect in the tunica albuginea. Moreover, normal tunica albuginea regenerated by 6 weeks and was maintained at 12 weeks. These results suggest that Surgicel might be considered a safe and effective grafting material for tunica albuginea substitution, including the surgical management of penile chordee.
A prospective comparison of transperitoneal and retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy in the extremely obese patient
Authors: Berglund Ryan K. , Gill Inderbir S. , Babineau Denise , Desai Mihir , Kaouk Jihad H. 
Published: January 2007

Associate EditorAsh TewariEditorial BoardRalph Clayman, USAInderbir Gill, USARoger Kirby, UKMani Menon, USAOBJECTIVETo prospectively compare the outcomes of transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy (TLN) and retroperitoneal LN (RLN) in extremely obese patients, as LN in such patients (body mass index, BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) is an accepted but technically challenging undertaking, and either approach to the kidney can be used.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween July 1998 and August 2005, 51 consecutive patients with extreme obesity had 53 LNs at our institution (13 TLN and 40 RLN). Peri‐operative data were collected prospectively in a database approved by the Institutional Review Board.RESULTSThere were no statistically significant differences between the two approaches for several variables, including baseline BMI (44 vs 45; P = 0.23), muscle‐splitting extraction incision length (7.0 vs 7.7 cm; P = 0.53), and intraoperative complications (none vs 5%; P = 0.99). RLN tended to cause less estimated blood loss (EBL, 150 vs 100 mL; P = 0.31), a shorter operation (190 vs 180 min; P = 0.11), larger specimen weight (682 vs 938 g; P = 0.078), lower intraoperative open conversion rate (15% vs 0%; P = 0.06), and a shorter hospital stay (53.6 vs 37.5 h; P = 0.33), although none of these variables was statistically significant at P < 0.05.CONCLUSIONSIn the extremely obese patient, RLN tended to have advantages in EBL, operative duration, specimen weight, open conversion rate, and duration of hospital stay. RLN provides direct access to the renal hilum, and avoids the pannus and voluminous intra‐abdominal fat encountered during TLN. These data and our experience support RLN as the technique of choice for LN in the extremely obese patient.
Bilateral synchronous posterior prone retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy with simultaneous peritoneal dialysis: a new management for end‐stage renal disease in children
Authors: Gundeti Mohan S. , Taghizaedh Arash , Mushtaq Imran 
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVETo describe a laparoscopic approach for bilateral synchronous posterior prone retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy (BSPPRN) which allows for immediate peritoneal dialysis (PD) in children with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), as PD is the treatment of choice in these children with ESRD who are awaiting renal transplantation.PATIENTS AND METHODSTraditionally, children requiring bilateral native nephrectomy have been managed on haemodialysis before being converted to PD at a later stage, but this approach incorporates a conventional open transperitoneal nephrectomy, which had associated morbidity. Between May 2001 and December 2005, 20 children had BSPPRN with initiation or return to PD immediately afterward (mean age at surgery 8.5 years, range 0.5–17). The indications for surgery included steroid‐resistant proteinuria in 14, drug‐resistant hypertension in four, proteinuria and hypertension in one and intractable polyuria in one. BSPPRN used either three or two ports, or the ‘single‐instrument port’ technique. A PD catheter was placed simultaneously in eight children, whilst 10 were already established on PD.RESULTSBSPPRN was successful in 19 children; one developed a peritoneal tear, which necessitated conversion to open nephrectomy. The mean (range) operative duration was 160 (110–180) min. There were no major complications and no child required a blood transfusion. PD was established immediately after surgery in 17 children; one had a dialysate leak requiring a period of haemodialysis.CONCLUSIONIn children who require bilateral native nephrectomy before renal transplantation, BSPPRN maintains the integrity of the peritoneal cavity, allowing for immediate PD after surgery. The technique is safe and has all the added advantages of minimally invasive surgery.
Relevance of the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) nanotest compared to the classical PSA test in the organized mass screening of prostate cancer
Authors: Azzouzi Abdel‐Rahmene , Larre Stéphane , Cormier Luc , Roupret Morgan , Valeri Antoine , Mangin Philippe , Berthon Philippe , Villette Jean‐Marie , Fiet Jean , Cussenot Olivier 
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVETo assess the reliability of a new measurement of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) using a blotting‐paper assay (nanotest) compared to the standard PSA immunoassay.SUBJECTS AND METHODSThe PSA level was measured in 205 men volunteers (median age 70 years, range 41–75) using a nanotest and a standard PSA immunoassay, collected at the same time; 30 µL of capillary blood placed on to a blotting paper were collected for the nanotest and sent by mail to the same laboratory for the two assays. The results were compared statistically using the Spearman test, the intraclass correlation coefficient and the Bland‐Altman test.RESULTSThe nanotest threshold for an abnormal PSA level was 78 pg/mL, which corresponded to a standard PSA value of 3 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 100%. There was a significant correlation (r = 0.98, Spearman test; P < 0.001) between the nanotest and the standard PSA assay. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.87. The Bland‐Altman test showed a good agreement between the nanotest and the standard PSA assay, but there was an increasing proportional difference with increasing PSA value.CONCLUSIONThere was a very high correlation between the nanotest and the standard PSA assay, especially for standard PSA levels of <5 ng/mL. Economic and clinical studies are indicated to confirm the utility of the nanotest in organized mass screening of prostate cancer.
Side‐effects of treatment for localized prostate cancer: are they valued differently by patients and healthy controls?
Authors: Korfage Ida J. , De Koning Harry J. , Habbema J. Dik F. , Schröder Fritz H. , Essink‐Bot Marie‐Louise 
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVESTo determine how men treated for localized prostate cancer and who had permanent side‐effects, and healthy controls, would value five descriptions of health states associated with side‐effects of treatment for localized prostate cancer, hypothesising that patients would value the health states as less detrimental than men with no prostate cancer.PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODSIn previous research, patients with prostate cancer reported high generic quality‐of‐life scores after primary treatment, despite side‐effects; it was suggested that these patients accepted the side‐effects, i.e. urinary, bowel and sexual dysfunction, as ‘part of the bargain’ because they felt they were saved from a life‐threatening disease. Thus, we asked 54 men who had been treated for localized prostate cancer and had permanent side‐effects, and 53 healthy controls, to value five descriptions of health states. All respondents valued all descriptions using two valuation methods, a visual analogue scale (VAS, range 0–100) and time trade‐off (TTO, range 0–1). The respondent functioning was assessed using the EuroQol‐5D, completed with items on urinary, bowel and sexual function.RESULTSPatients and healthy controls had similar valuations for nine of the 10 comparisons (five health states by two methods). Valuations in both groups resulted in the same ranking order of states on the TTO and one exchange in rank order on the VAS.CONCLUSIONSWhen asked to value five health states associated with side‐effects of treatment for localized prostate cancer, there was no difference in the valuation of erectile, urinary and bowel dysfunction between patients with permanent side‐effects after treatment and healthy controls. More likely explanations for the high generic quality‐of‐life scores after primary treatment for prostate cancer are a response shift and insensitivity of generic health‐related quality‐of‐life measures.