bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testicular Morphology and Function in Varicocele Patients: Pre‐operative and Post‐operative Histopathology
Authors: ABDELRAHIM F. , MOSTAFA A. , HAMDY A. , MABROUK M. , EL‐KHOLY M. , HASSAN O. 
Published: November 2008

Summary The organic effects of varicocele on testicular histology were studied in bilateral testicular biopsies obtained from 30 infertile men during varicocele repair and 3 to 6 months postoperatively, using light microscopy.Before surgery and at follow‐up, semen analyses were performed. The results showed a substantial improvement in semen quality in 22 cases post‐operatively.Pre‐operative biopsies showed depressed spermatogenesis with a predominant picture of maturation arrest, sloughing of spermatogenic epithelium, an increase in Leydig cells, thickening of tubular basement membranes and interstitial blood vessel walls with narrowing of their lumina, and increased deposition of interstitial fibrous tissue.Post‐operatively, spermatogenesis improved in 22 cases, with increased mean tubular scores together with diminution in epithelial cell sloughing. The increased prominence of Leydig cells reverted to normal in 18 cases. The changes in tubular basement membranes, interstitium and interstitial blood vessels were unaffected.
Response of Isolated Human Neurogenic Detrusor Smooth Muscle to Intramural Nerve Stimulation
Authors: SAITO M. , KONDO A. , KATO T. , LEVIN R. M. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThe effect of intramural nerve stimulation of isolated strips of human detrusor was investigated and compared with the response of isolated detrusor strips of control bladders. All patients with neurogenic bladder underwent ileocystoplasty in order to resolve intractable incontinence and/or vesicoureteric reflux due to low compliance or severe detrusor uninhibited contractions. The response of isolated strips of neurogenic bladder to field stimulation was significantly greater than the response of isolated strips of control bladders. Tetrodotoxin virtually eliminated the response to field stimulation for both groups. Atropine (10‐6M) almost completely inhibited the response of control bladder strips to field stimulation (4% of the response remaining), whereas the responses of the strips from neurogenic bladders were inhibited by approximately 70%.Low dose KCI (5 and 10 mM) significantly enhanced the detrusor contractility of control bladders, whereas the response of neurogenic bladders was unchanged. The responses of both groups were significantly inhibited in the presence of 20 mM KCI. The dose response curves and the ED50values for KCI were similar for both neurogenic and control bladders. The rate of reduction of the response to field stimulation in the presence of zero calcium medium was significantly smaller for the isolated strips of neurogenic bladders than for the control bladders.
Continent urinary diversion using the Mitrofanoff principle
Authors: HASAN S.T. , MARSHALL C. , NEAL D.E. 
Published: November 2008

Objective To review the clinical and symptomatic outcome of patients undergoing cystectomy and continent urinary diversion using the Mitrofanoff principle.Patients and methods There were seven men and five women (median age 62 + 21 years: range 21–79). The underlying diagnoses were: bladder carcinoma (8), neuropathic bladder disease (1), bladder exstrophy (1), tuberculosis (1) and interstitial cystitis (1). An ileo‐caecal segment was used for construction of the reservoir. The appendix was used as a catheterizable conduit in 11 patients and a narrowed ileal tube in one patient. Symptomatic outcome was assessed by using a modified Visick grading. The median follow‐up period was 15 + 10 months (range 6–39).Results The median hospital stay was 22 days. There were no post‐operative deaths, but major postoperative complications developed in three patients and included intra‐abdominal lymphocele (1), intraabdominal abscess formation (1) and prolonged ileus (1). In the late post‐operative period (> 30 days), four patients developed stenosis of the mucocutaneous junction and required dilatation. The overall symptomatic outcome was satisfactory in 11 patients. There were no deaths in the peri‐operative period and none of the patients has since required revision. Urinary continence was achieved in all 12 patients during the day. One patient reported minimal, occasional leakage at nights. The median catheterization interval was 4 + 1 hours during the day (range 3–5) and 7+1 hours at night (range 6–9).Conclusion Our experience with the Mitrofanoff procedure has been limited to a small number of patients. Despite this, the clinical outcome of the procedure was satisfactory. The procedure potentially offers an effective continence mechanism with acceptable postoperative morbidity.
Intermuscular bupivacaine infusion for control of pain after renal surgery: a preliminary report
Authors: CHEN T.F. , CLARKE N. , BOWMAN R. , HARPER N.J.N. , PAYNE S.R. 
Published: November 2008

Objective To assess the value of continuous bupivacaine wound infusion for post‐operative pain relief after renal surgery.Patients and methods The analgesic efficacy of continuous intermuscular wound infusion with 0.2 5% bupivacake was studied in 10 patients (four men, six women), with a mean age of 47.5 years (range 25–71) and a mean weight of 71.2 kg (range 44–99), after renal surgery in a single‐blind randomized trial. The results were compared with those of an age‐ and weight‐matched control group of 10 patients (five men. five women) with a mean age of 47.7 years (range 27–73) and a mean weight of 67.3 kg (range 5 1–8 5). Post‐operative pain was studied objectively by assessing individual patient's morphine requirements administered via a patient controlled analgesia system, and subjectively with pain scores. Patient mobility was assessed by ward nursing staff using mobility score charts.Results There was a lower demand for post‐operative analgesia in the bupivacaine group compared with the control. Although there was no significant difference in the pain scores between the two groups, the bupivacaine group was significantly more mobile than the control group after surgery. There was no significant difference in the mean post‐operative hospital stay between the two groups.Conclusion Continuous intermuscular bupivacaine wound infusion is a simple and safe procedure which lowers the patients' post‐operative analgesic requirements, allows for earlier mobility and may promote more rapid discharge from hospital.
Androgenic status in patients with lepromatous leprosy
Authors: SAPORTA L. , YUKSEL A. 
Published: November 2008

Objective To assess the incidence of testicular atrophy by evaluation of hormonal status, testicular histology and sperm production in chronic lepromatous patients.Patients and methods Forty‐one male patients with a mean age of 39.5 years (range 16–57) were studied at the Leprosy Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, and were compared with 15 age‐matched controls with proven fertility.Results Reduced testicular size was observed in 51% and gynaecomastia in 27%. Of the 31 patients who were married, 15 were primarily or secondarily infertile. Twelve of 16 patients had oligospermia or azoospermia. The mean basal luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and oestradiol levels were significantly elevated and the level of testosterone significantly reduced when compared with the control group.Conclusion Whenever leprosy is diagnosed patients should be informed of the need for treatment of an acute attack and the need for routine assessment of FSH, LH, testosterone and oestradiol levels to detect hypogonadism and potential infertility.
Message Design Strategies to Raise Public Awareness of Social Determinants of Health and Population Health Disparities
Authors: NIEDERDEPPE JEFF , BU Q. LISA , BORAH PORISMITA , KINDIG DAVID A. , ROBERT STEPHANIE A. 
Published: November 2008

Context:Raising public awareness of the importance of social determinants of health (SDH) and health disparities presents formidable communication challenges.Methods:This article reviews three message strategies that could be used to raise awareness of SDH and health disparities: message framing, narratives, and visual imagery.Findings:Although few studies have directly tested message strategies for raising awareness of SDH and health disparities, the accumulated evidence from other domains suggests that population health advocates should frame messages to acknowledge a role for individual decisions about behavior but emphasize SDH. These messages might use narratives to provide examples of individuals facing structural barriers (unsafe working conditions, neighborhood safety concerns, lack of civic opportunities) in efforts to avoid poverty, unemployment, racial discrimination, and other social determinants. Evocative visual images that invite generalizations, suggest causal interpretations, highlight contrasts, and create analogies could accompany these narratives. These narratives and images should not distract attention from SDH and population health disparities, activate negative stereotypes, or provoke counterproductive emotional responses directed at the source of the message.Conclusions:The field of communication science offers valuable insights into ways that population health advocates and researchers might develop better messages to shape public opinion and debate about the social conditions that shape the health and well‐being of populations. The time has arrived to begin thinking systematically about issues in communicating about SDH and health disparities. This article offers a broad framework for these efforts and concludes with an agenda for future research to refine message strategies to raise awareness of SDH and health disparities.
Waste in the U.S. Health Care System: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: BENTLEY TANYA G.K. , EFFROS RACHEL M. , PALAR KARTIKA , KEELER EMMETT B. 
Published: November 2008

Context: Health care costs in the United States are much higher than those in industrial countries with similar or better health system performance. Wasteful spending has many undesirable consequences that could be alleviated through waste reduction. This article proposes a conceptual framework to guide researchers and policymakers in evaluating waste, implementing waste‐reduction strategies, and reducing the burden of unnecessary health care spending. Methods: This article divides health care waste into administrative, operational, and clinical waste and provides an overview of each. It explains how researchers have used both high‐level and sector‐ or procedure‐specific comparisons to quantify such waste, and it discusses examples and challenges in both waste measurement and waste reduction. Findings: Waste is caused by factors such as health insurance and medical uncertainties that encourage the production of inefficient and low‐value services. Various efforts to reduce such waste have encountered challenges, such as the high costs of initial investment, unintended administrative complexities, and trade‐offs among patients', payers', and providers' interests. While categorizing waste may help identify and measure general types and sources of waste, successful reduction strategies must integrate the administrative, operational, and clinical components of care, and proceed by identifying goals, changing systemic incentives, and making specific process improvements. Conclusions: Classifying, identifying, and measuring waste elucidate its causes, clarify systemic goals, and specify potential health care reforms that—by improving the market for health insurance and health care—will generate incentives for better efficiency and thus ultimately decrease waste in the U.S. health care system.
Geological background of the Kairei and Edmond hydrothermal fields along the Central Indian Ridge: Implications of their vent fluids’ distinct chemistry
Authors: KUMAGAI H. , NAKAMURA K. , TOKI T. , MORISHITA T. , OKINO K. , ISHIBASHI J.‐i. , TSUNOGAI U. , KAWAGUCCI S. , GAMO T. , SHIBUYA T. , SAWAGUCHI T. , NEO N. , JOSHIMA M. , SATO T. , TAKAI K. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractHydrogen‐rich hydrothermal areas, such as those in the Indian Ocean, may have had an influence on early evolution of life on Earth and thus have attracted interest because they may be a proxy for ancient ecosystems. The Kairei and Edmond hydrothermal fields in the Indian Ocean are separated by 160 km, but exhibit distinct fluid chemistry: Kairei fluids are hydrogen‐rich; Edmond fluids are hydrogen‐poor. At this region, the Central Indian Ridge shows an intermediate spreading rate, 48 mm year−1 as full rate, where the hydrothemal fields occur. Kairei field vent fluids show persistently high concentrations of H2. The Kairei field seems to be unique among hydrogen‐enriched hydrothermal regions: most similar hydrogen‐rich hydrothermal activity occurs along slowly spreading ridge, <40 mm year−1. The geological and tectonic aspects of the Kairei and Edmond hydrothermal fields were studied to try to elucidate geological constraints on hydrogen production. Visual observations of the seafloor near Kairei from a submersible revealed olivine‐rich plutonic rocks with olivine gabbro‐troctolite‐dunite assemblages exposed within 15 km of the vent field, with serpentinized ultramafic mantle rocks on the Oceanic Core Complex (OCC). The OCC area might be a recharge zone of Kairei hydrothermal activity producing H2‐rich vent fluids. The chaotic seafloor within 30 km of the Kairei field reflects a magma‐starved condition persisting there for 1 Myr. Asymmetric geomagnetic and gravity anomalies near the Kairei field can be used to infer that patchy olivine‐rich intrusions are scattered within mantle ultramafics, where infiltrated seawater reacts with magma and ultramafic rocks or olivine‐rich rocks. The heterogeneous uppermost lithosphere containing shallow olivine‐rich rock facies surrounding the Kairei field provides abundant H2 into the vent fluid through serpentinization. The hydrogen‐rich Kairei field is hosted by basalt, with mafic‐ultramafic olivine‐rich lithology; the ordinary, hydrogen‐poor Edmond field is hosted by a normal basaltic lithology. The contrasting geochemical signatures of the two fields reported here can also be found in ancient rocks from a juvenile Earth. This suggests that lithology‐controlled generation of hydrogen may have operated for a long time and be relevant to the origin of life on Earth.
Characterizing organic matter in marine sediments associated with gas hydrate and oil seepage from the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: SONG Z. , WANG L. , LIU J. , WANG C. , CHEN D. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSix marine sediments from the seafloor of the Gulf of Mexico were studied in terms of the abundance, composition and distribution of organic matter as well as biomarker chemistry. The results show that there are great spatial variations in terms of organic matter abundance and hydrocarbon composition among these samples. The S‐7 and S‐9 samples show the characteristics of modern organic matter that has been modified by biodegradation, while the S‐8, S‐10 and S‐11 samples are clearly contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons from oil seepage beneath the seafloor. The lack of n‐alkanes in samples S‐8 and S‐11 is indicative of severe biodegradation. Only sample S‐1 contains methanogenic archaea‐sourced lipid biomarkers, in particular 2,6,10,15,19‐pentamethylicosenes containing 1–5 unsaturated double bonds. These compounds are distributed between n‐C22 and n‐C24 in the aliphatic fraction and have very depleted 13C values ranging from −86.7‰ to −115.5‰, compared to the δ13C values of adjacent n‐alkanes ranging from −28.4‰ to −34.6‰. The occurrence and carbon isotopic compositions of these compounds suggest that the S‐1 sample site is likely to be associated with a gas venting system or a gas hydrate setting.
New evidence for a mixed inorganic and organic origin of the Olympic Chimaera fire (Turkey): a large onshore seepage of abiogenic gas
Authors: HOSGORMEZ H. , ETIOPE G. , YALÇIN M. N. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe Chimaera gas seep, near Antalya (SW Turkey), has been continuously active for thousands of years and it is known to be the source of the first Olympic fire in the Hellenistic period. New and thorough molecular and isotopic analyses including methane (approximately 87% v/v; δ13C1 from −7.9‰ to −12.3‰; δ13D1 from −119‰ to −124‰), light alkanes (C2 + C3 + C4 + C5 = 0.5%; C6+: 0.07%; δ13C2 from −24.2‰ to −26.5‰; δ13C3 from −25.5‰ to −27‰), hydrogen (7.5–11%), carbon dioxide (0.01–0.07%; δ13CCO2: −15‰), helium (approximately 80 ppmv; R/Ra: 0.41) and nitrogen (2–4.9%; δ15N from −2‰ to −2.8‰) converge to indicate that the seep releases a mixture of organic thermogenic gas, related to mature type III kerogen occurring in Palaeozoic and Mesozoic organic‐rich sedimentary rocks, and abiogenic gas produced by low‐temperature serpentinization in the Tekirova ophiolitic unit. Methane is not related to mantle or magma degassing. The abiogenic fraction accounts for about half of the total gas released, which is estimated to be well beyond 50 ton year−1. Ophiolites and limestones are in contact along a tectonic dislocation leading to gas mixing and migration to the Earth’s surface. Chimaera represents the biggest emission of abiogenic methane on land discovered so far. Deep and pressurized gas accumulations are necessary to sustain the Chimaera gas flow for thousands of years and are likely to have been charged by an active inorganic source.
Integrating Soil Ecological Knowledge into Restoration Management
Authors: Heneghan Liam , Miller Susan P. , Baer Sara , Callaham Mac A. , Montgomery James , Pavao‐Zuckerman Mitchell , Rhoades Charles C. , Richardson Sarah 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe variability in the type of ecosystem degradation and the specificity of restoration goals can challenge restorationists’ ability to generalize about approaches that lead to restoration success. The discipline of soil ecology, which emphasizes both soil organisms and ecosystem processes, has generated a body of knowledge that can be generally useful in improving the outcomes of restoration despite this variability. Here, we propose that the usefulness of this soil ecological knowledge (SEK) for restoration is best considered in the context of the severity of the original perturbation, the goals of the project, and the resilience of the ecosystem to disturbance. A straightforward manipulation of single physical, chemical, or biological components of the soil system can be useful in the restoration of a site, especially when the restoration goal is loosely defined in terms of the species and processes that management seeks to achieve. These single‐factor manipulations may in fact produce cascading effects on several ecosystem attributes and can result in unintended recovery trajectories. When complex outcomes are desired, intentional and holistic integration of all aspects of the soil knowledge is necessary. We provide a short roster of examples to illustrate that SEK benefits management and restoration of ecosystems and suggest areas for future research.
Seedling Growth and Heavy Metal Accumulation of Candidate Woody Species for Revegetating Korean Mine Spoils
Authors: Seo Kyung Won , Son Yowhan , Rhoades Charles C. , Noh Nam Jin , Koo Jin Woo , Kim Jeong‐Gyu 
Published: November 2008

Abstract Selecting plant species that can overcome harsh soil and microclimatic conditions and speed the recovery of degraded minelands remains a worldwide restoration challenge. This study evaluated the potential of three woody species and various organic and inorganic fertilization treatments for revegetating abandoned metalliferous mines in Korea. We compared survival, growth, and heavy metal uptake of species common to Korean minelands in two spoil types and a reference forest soil. Substrate type and fertilization both influenced seedling growth and metal concentrations substantially, but they had little effect on seedling survival. Fertilization increased the growth of all three species when grown in mine spoils but influenced the growth of seedlings grown in forest soil only marginally. Initial seedling survival and growth indicate that the study species can tolerate the heavy metal concentrations and other soil constraints of metalliferous spoil types. We estimate that plants can stabilize 2–22% of various heavy metals contained in spoil materials into plant biomass during 20 years of plantation growth. Combined with the erosion control and site amelioration benefits of mineland reforestation, stabilization of heavy metals in forest biomass justifies this treatment on abandoned Korean metalliferous mines.
Multicentric occurrence and spread of hepatocellular carcinoma in whole explanted end‐stage liver
Authors: Hidaka Masaaki , Eguchi Susumu , Okudaira Sadayuki , Takatsuki Mitsuhisa , Tokai Hirotaka , Soyama Akihiko , Nagayoshi Shigeki , Mochizuki Satoshi , Hamasaki Koji , Tajima Yoshitsugu , Kanematsu Takashi 
Published: November 2008

Aim:  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) arising from the end stages of liver cirrhosis is a fair indication for liver transplantation (LT). To pathologically investigate the multicentric occurrence of relatively early staged HCC in cirrhosis, we studied whole explanted livers.Methods:  Fourteen explanted livers from patients undergoing living donor LT (LDLT) were examined. The stage of the HCCs was judged to be within the Milan criteria (M‐C; a single HCC less than 5 cm or three HCCs less than 3 cm). Histological examination was performed using serially sectioned specimens 5–7 mm in width. Characterization of preoperatively detectable and undetectable lesions was also performed.Results:  In nine patients (64.3%), a total of 34 nodules were found after whole liver histological examination (WLHE). In five patients (31%), the results exceeded the M‐C. The characteristics of undetectable HCCs included a minute (median size 6 mm), well‐differentiated appearance (80%), with indistinct margins (85.3%) and without vascular invasion (94%). There was no recurrence in any patients at the time of follow up (median follow‐up period, 30.1 months).Conclusion:  A multicentric occurrence of HCCs was demonstrated in cirrhotic livers with HCCs within the M‐C. Undetectable HCCs in cirrhotic livers may have no impact on recurrence after LT.
Everyday Violence and the Persistence of Grief: Wandering and Loss Among Honduran Youths
Authors: Wolseth Jon 
Published: November 2008

RESUMENEste artículo examina el proceso en cual los jóvenes hondureños de la clase popular manejan la pena individual y colectiva. Las muertes comunes de sus pares debido a la violencia con armas y de las maras se suman al sentimiento de descontento de los jóvenes por sus posibilidades económicas y sociales. Como los jóvenes luchan contra la violencia que los rodea, también ellos reconocen que sus propias oportunidades se ven disminuidas, agravadas por las muertes de sus amigos y por la incapacidad de tener un futuro productivo en Honduras. Para ellos, la migración es la única opción para escapar tanto, de la muerte física como de la muerte social. Por la apropiación y consumo del tiempo y del espacio, los jóvenes ofrecen su pena no resuelta como una demanda moral a los fracasos de la nación.This paper examines how young working class men in a Honduran colonia manage collective and individual grief. The commonplace deaths of their peers due to gun and gang violence parallels young men's own deep‐rooted dissatisfaction with economic and social possibilities. As young men struggle with the randomness of the violence around them, they are also acutely aware of their own diminished opportunities, linking together the murders of their friends with the inability to have a productive future in Honduras. For them, migration is the only viable option to escape both physical and social death. Through the appropriation and consumption of time and space, young men offer their unresolved grief as a moral claim to the failures of the nation.