bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Colpocystodefecography in obstructed defecation: is it really useful to the surgeon?
Authors: Finco C. , Savastano S. , Luongo B. , Sarzo G. , Vecchiato M. , Gasparini G. , Merigliano S. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjective  Colpocystodefecography images the pelvic floor with the dynamics of defecation, but various authors claim that it overestimates clinical findings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pre‐ and postoperative consistency between clinical and colpocystodefecographic findings in patients undergoing surgery for obstructed defecation.Method  Between June 2001 and September 2003, 20 patients underwent transvaginal posterior colpoperineorrhaphy and rectal mucosal prolapsectomy with one circular stapler for symptomatic rectocele and concomitant anorectal prolapse. They were prospectively evaluated both before surgery by designed questionnaire on constipation and incontinence, proctological, gynaecological and urological examinations, colpocystodefecography and anorectal manometry, and after operation at 6 months by questionnaire and a proctological check‐up.The mean follow‐up was 30 months (24–48 months).Results  At 6 months the questionnaire revealed a major response in terms of symptoms. The proctological visit confirmed the absence of rectocele in 19 (95%) patients, while the anorectal prolapse had completely disappeared in 17 (85%) patients. Postoperative colpocystodefecography demonstrated a general reduction in the dimensions of the rectocele, which had completely disappeared in five (25%) patients; 40% of the patients had a persistent anorectal prolapse.Conclusion  Preoperative data analysis showed a statistically significant correlation between clinical and radiological findings. Postoperatively the global clinical assessment correlated well with patient satisfaction, while there was evidence of a statistically significant difference between the radiological and clinical findings. Routine postoperative use of colpocystodefecography is unjustified unless there is clinical evidence of surgical failure.
Prognostic value of syndecan‐1 expression in patients treated with radical prostatectomy
Authors: Shariat Shahrokh F. , Svatek Robert S. , Kabbani Wareef , Walz Jochen , Lotan Yair , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Roehrborn Claus G. 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association of syndecan‐1 expression with pathological features and disease progression in patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) as syndecan‐1 plays a role in the regulation of cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation and its expression is altered in various malignancies.PATIENTS AND METHODSSyndecan‐1 immunostaining was performed on a tissue microarray containing cores from 232 consecutive patients treated with RP and bilateral lymphadenectomy for clinically localized prostatic adenocarcinoma. Patients were categorized as having features of aggressive progression if they had evidence of metastases, an after progression prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) doubling time of <10 months, and/or failure to respond to local salvage radiation therapy. Expression was defined as ≥ 10% cells staining for syndecan‐1.RESULTSSyndecan‐1 was expressed in 86 patients (37.1%). Expression of syndecan‐1 was associated with higher PSA levels (P = 0.004), higher pathological Gleason sum (P = 0.027) and lymph nodes metastases (P = 0.027). Patients with syndecan‐1 expression were at significantly greater risk of PSA‐progression after surgery (P = 0.034) in univariate but not in multivariate analysis. Patients with features of aggressive progression (n = 22) were more likely to express syndecan‐1 than those with features of nonaggressive progression (63.6% vs 36.4%, P = 0.010). Patients with syndecan‐1 expression were at significantly greater risk of aggressive progression after surgery (P = 0.005) in univariate but not in multivariate analysis.CONCLUSIONSExpression of syndecan‐1 was associated with established features of biologically aggressive prostate cancer and PSA‐progression in univariate analysis. These findings suggest a role for syndecan‐1 in prostate carcinogenesis and progression.
China or the United States: which threatens energy security?
Authors: Lei Wu , Xuejun Liu 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAs the global energy market undergoes profound changes with price of oil reaching record highs and China emerging as a major force in world energy and global energy geo‐politics, a debate on what has been described as ‘China energy threat’ seems to be gaining ground in western strategic circles. However, this is an illusion that is now somewhat exaggerated and overrated. As a matter of fact, the effect of the United States on global energy security affairs is far greater than that of China, and Washington is also not always the defender of the energy security as it claims to be.
Changes in brain levels of N‐acylethanolamines and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol in focal cerebral ischemia in mice
Authors: Degn Matilda , Lambertsen Kate L , Petersen Gitte , Meldgaard Michael , Artmann Andreas , Clausen Bettina H , Hansen Steen H , Finsen Bente , Hansen Harald S , Lund Trine M 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe N‐acylethanolamines (NAEs) and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) are bioactive lipids that can modulate inflammatory responses and protect neurons against glutamatergic excitotoxicity. We have used a model of focal cerebral ischemia in young adult mice to investigate the relationship between focal cerebral ischemia and endogenous NAEs. Over the first 24 h after induction of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion, we observed a time‐dependent increase in all the investigated NAEs, except for anandamide. Moreover, we found an accumulation of 2‐AG at 4 h that returned to basal level 12 h after induction of ischemia. Accumulation of NAEs did not depend on regulation of N‐acylphosphatidylethanolamine‐hydrolyzing phospholipase D or fatty acid amide hydrolase. Treatment with the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 (cyclohexyl carbamic acid 3′‐carbamoyl‐biphenyl‐3‐yl ester; 1 mg/kg; i.p.) 1.5 h before arterial occlusion decreased the infarct volume in our model system. Our results suggest that NAEs and 2‐AG may be involved in regulation of neuroprotection during focal cerebral ischemia in mice.
Intracellular signaling mechanisms mediating catecholamine release upon activation of NPY Y1receptors in mouse chromaffin cells
Authors: Rosmaninho‐Salgado Joana , Araújo Inês M. , Álvaro Ana Rita , Duarte Emília P. , Cavadas Cláudia 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe adrenal chromaffin cells synthesize and release catecholamine (mostly epinephrine and norepinephrine) and different peptides, such as the neuropeptide Y (NPY). NPY stimulates catecholamine release through NPY Y1receptor in mouse chromaffin cells. The aim of our study was to determine the intracellular signaling events coupled to NPY Y1receptor activation that lead to stimulation of catecholamine release from mouse chromaffin cells. The stimulatory effect of NPY mediated by NPY Y1receptor activation was lost in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. On the other hand, inhibition of nitric oxide synthase and guanylyl cyclase also decreased the stimulatory effect of NPY. Moreover, catecholamine release stimulated by NPY or by the nitric oxide donor (NOC‐18) was inhibited by mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and protein kinase C inhibitors. In summary, in mouse chromaffin cells, NPY evokes catecholamine release by the activation the NPY Y1receptor, in a Ca2+‐dependent manner, by activating mitogen‐activated protein kinase and promoting nitric oxide production, which in turn regulates protein kinase C and guanylyl cyclase activation.
Primary human astrocytes produce 24(S),25‐epoxycholesterol with implications for brain cholesterol homeostasis
Authors: Wong Jenny , Quinn Carmel M. , Guillemin Gilles , Brown Andrew J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractCholesterol is an essential component of the CNS and its metabolism in the brain has been implicated in various neurodegenerative diseases. The oxysterol produced from cholesterol, 24(S)‐hydroxycholesterol, is known to be an important regulator of brain cholesterol homeostasis. In this study, we focussed on another oxysterol, 24(S),25‐epoxycholesterol (24,25EC), which has not been studied before in a neurological context. 24,25EC is unique in that it is synthesized in a shunt in the mevalonate pathway, parallel to cholesterol and utilizing the same enzymes. Considering that all the cholesterol present in the brain is derived from de novo synthesis, we investigated whether or not primary human neurons and astrocytes can produce 24,25EC. We found that astrocytes produced more 24,25EC than neurons under basal conditions, but both cell types had the capacity to synthesize this oxysterol when the enzyme 2,3‐oxidosqualene cyclase was partially inhibited. Furthermore, both added 24,25EC and stimulated cellular production of 24,25EC (by partial inhibition of 2,3‐oxidosqualene cyclase) modulated expression of key cholesterol‐homeostatic genes regulated by the liver X receptor and the sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐2. Moreover, we found that 24,25EC synthesized in astrocytes can be taken up by neurons and exert downstream effects on gene regulation. In summary, we have identified 24,25EC as a novel neurosterol which plays a likely role in brain cholesterol homeostasis.
PERMANENT GENETIC RESOURCES: Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the cichlid fish in Lake Victoria, Haplochromis chilotes
Authors: MAEDA K. , TAKESHIMA H. , MIZOIRI S. , OKADA N. , NISHIDA M. , TACHIDA H. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractTwelve short tandem repeat markers were successfully isolated from a cichlid, Haplochromis chilotes, in Lake Victoria, and characterized in Haplochromis pyrrhocephalus. The microsatellite regions of these markers were found to have between two and 48 alleles with heterozygosity ranging from 0.07 to 0.97. No loci showed significant departures from the Hardy–Weinberg or linkage equilibrium after the Bonferroni correction (P > 0.05). Cross‐species amplification in other cichlids of Lake Victoria, Haplochromis laparogramma, Lithochromis rubripinnis, L. rufus and Haplochromis sp. ‘rockkribensis’, was successful.
Isotopic and chemical investigations of Fe (III) reduction by Shewanella putrefaciens strain 200R
Authors: GEBREHIWET TSIGABU A. , KRISHNAMURTHY R. V. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTExperiments were conducted using the Fe+3‐reducing bacterium Shewanella putrefaciens strain 200R to determine the stable carbon isotope fractionation during dissimilatory Fe (III) reduction and associated lactate oxidation at circum‐neutral pH. Previous studies used equilibrium fractionation factors (~14.3‰) between bacterial biomass and synthesized fatty acids to identify the predominant carbon fixation pathways for some of the most frequently isolated microbes including Shewanella under anaerobic conditions. We investigated the carbon isotope disproportionation among organic carbon substrate (lactate), biomass and respired carbon dioxide at the lag to stationary phase of the growth curve. Ferric citrate and sodium lactate were used as electron acceptor and donor, respectively. Sodium bicarbonate or potassium phosphate was used as buffering agent. Iron (II), iron (III), dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and carbon isotope ratios were measured for both bicarbonate‐ and phosphate‐buffered systems. Carbon isotope ratio measurements were made on the respired CO2 (as DIC) and microbial biomass for both buffering conditions. The fraction of lactate consumed was estimated using DIC as a proxy and was verified by direct measurement using HPLC. Our result showed that bicarbonate‐buffered system has an enhancing effect in the reduction process compared to the phosphate system. Both systems resulted in carbon isotope fractionations between the lactate substrate and DIC that could be modelled as a Rayleigh process. The biomass produced under both buffer conditions was depleted on average by ~2‰ relative to the substrate and enriched by ~5‰ relative to the DIC. This translates to an overall isotopic fractionation of 10–12‰ between the biomass and respired CO2 in both buffering systems.
The Use of Questions to Determine the Presence of Photophobia and Phonophobia During Migraine
Authors: Evans Randolph W. , Seifert Tad , Kailasam Jayasree , Mathew Ninan T. 
Published: September 2007

Objective.— To investigate whether the use of more detailed close‐ended questions as part of the routine headache history is helpful when patients initially deny that they are sensitive to light and noise during migraine headaches.Background.— According to the International Headache Society 2004 criteria, the diagnosis of migraine requires the presence of at least one of the following during a headache: (1) nausea and/or vomiting, (2) photophobia and phonophobia. Evans anecdotally noted that many patients answer the question, “does light or noise bother you during a headache,” with a “no” when the answer is really “yes” if they are asked more detailed close‐ended questions.Methods.— Consecutive patients fulfilling International Headache Society 2004 criteria for migraine or probable migraine presenting to a headache clinic and a neurology clinic were asked the following questions: “does light bother you during a headache?” If “no,” they were then asked, “during a headache, would you prefer to be in bright sunlight or in a dark room?”“does noise bother you during a headache?” If “no,” they were then asked, “during a headache, would you prefer to be in a room with loud music or in a quiet room?”Results.— Eighty‐five consecutive patients with migraine or probable migraine were questioned, 71 females (83.5%) and 14 males (16.5%). There was denial of light and sound sensitivity in 24% of patients with routine questioning and then awareness of sensitivity in 93% with the further questioning. A total of 7.1% of the patients were diagnosed with probable migraine. However, if the additional questions were not asked, 8% more of the patients with definite migraine would have been incorrectly diagnosed as probable migraine.Conclusion.— When patients initially deny light and noise sensitivity during migraine headaches, additional questions should be asked to ensure that their answer is accurate. Not asking the additional questions may result in the over‐diagnosis of probable migraine.
Migraine and Topiramate Induced Dyspnea
Authors: Delpirou‐Nouh Claire , Gelisse Philippe , Chanez Pascal , Carlander Bertrand 
Published: September 2007

Topiramate is effective in migraine headache prophylaxis. Pulmonary symptoms are rarely described as adverse effects. We report the case of a 42‐year‐old woman with migraine headaches who developed chronic shortness of breath while taking topiramate.Our patient experienced hand paresthesiae at a dose of 25 mg daily, and exercise induced dyspnea at doses above 50 mg daily; these symptoms worsened with increasing topiramate doses.Physical exam and chest x‐ray were normal. Blood gas revealed a metabolic acidosis. Symptoms resolved after discontinuation of topiramate.Topiramate induces a lowering of blood carbon dioxide, which is usually asymptomatic. This is due to inhibition of carbonic anhydrase at the proximal renal tubule resulting in impaired proximal bicarbonate reabsorption. The decrease in CO2 blood level facilitates the occurrence of metabolic acidosis. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of topiramate‐induced dyspnea in a patient with migraine headaches.
The Search for Mechanisms of Behavior Change in Evidence‐Based Behavioral Treatments for Alcohol Use Disorders: Overview
Authors: Huebner Robert B. , Tonigan Jeffery Scott 
Published: September 2007

Background:  Over the past three decades, the main question of interest to alcohol treatment researchers has concerned the main effects of a particular behavioral intervention or what works. Increasingly, alcohol treatment researchers are turning their attention to the underlying psychological, social, and even neurophysiologic processes or “active ingredients” that are driving therapeutic change.Method:  The articles contained in this supplement to Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research grew out of invited presentations given at a one‐day satellite session immediately preceding the 28th Annual Meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism (RSA). The conference was a collaborative effort of the Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addiction at the University of New Mexico, the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, Brown University, and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health.Results:  The conference featured a mix of full‐length presentations on conceptual and methodological issues, reports of original research findings, and lively discussion among speakers and conference participants. Understanding mechanisms of behavior change will benefit the field by identifying the key aspects of therapy that must be present for maximum effect, irrespective of the specific technique being applied; provide a new way to approach patient–treatment interactions; and lay the groundwork for understanding how change is affected by social and other extratreatment factors.Conclusions:  Although not a new topic to the field, understanding mechanisms of behavior change has begun to capture the interest of an increasing number of alcohol treatment researchers. Understanding behavior change is an exceedingly complex enterprise and innovative thinking and creative research designs will be required to advance the field.
Mechanisms, Determinants and Processes of Change in the Modification of Drinking Behavior
Authors: DiClemente Carlo C. 
Published: September 2007

Background:  This article explores the conceptual foundations of the search for mechanisms of change in psychotherapy and behavior change approaches.Method:  We examine historical and recent attempts to identify mechanisms and discuss results of research studies that examine the modification of drinking and other behaviors. Finally, we describe potential mechanisms of change and offer direction for the future of research.Results:  A series of key questions is addressed. The first critical question is, Where are the appropriate places to look for mechanisms of change in the modification of drinking behavior: person, provider, intervention, or environment? The second questions what we know about change mechanisms from recent research. The third addresses the appropriate methods and designs to isolate and understand these mechanisms. The final question is, How should we proceed to advance our understanding of the critical mechanisms that drive the process of the modifying drinking and recovery from alcoholism?Conclusions:  We propose a dynamic, life course and an interactive, multidimensional perspective that focuses on personal mechanisms of change and how they interact with interventions, providers, policies, and other life context factors that facilitate or act as barriers to engaging these mechanisms of change.
A Role for Spiritual Change in the Benefits of 12‐Step Involvement
Authors: Zemore Sarah E. 
Published: September 2007

Background:  Emerging evidence implies a role for spirituality in recovery from substance abuse. The current study examines the hypothesis that spiritual change helps mediate (or explain) effects for involvement in 12‐step groups on recovery outcomes among substance‐abusing populations.Methods:  Participants (baseline N = 733) received treatment at 1 of 5 day hospital and 7 residential substance abuse treatment programs in California. Assessments included a baseline interview and 1‐year follow‐up; analyses incorporated regressions informed by Baron and Kenny (1986) and Sobel’s (1982) test. To assess spirituality, measures included (1) the Religious Background and Behaviors scale and (2) an item assessing whether or not participants had had a spiritual awakening through their involvement with 12‐step groups.Results:  Results confirmed the hypothesis. Increases in 12‐step involvement from baseline to follow‐up predicted higher odds of total abstinence at follow‐up, and this relationship was partially explained by increases in spirituality. Results held in multivariate analyses and regardless of which spirituality measure was analyzed.Conclusions:  The present study provides further evidence that spiritual change contributes to recovery, at least within the context of 12‐step involvement. The study also deepens our understanding of how 12‐step involvement works.
Silicone Index: An Alternative Approach for Tooth Fragment Reattachment
Authors: ÁLVARES ISANA , SENSI LUIS GUILHERME , ARAUJO EDSON MEDEIROS , ARAUJO ELITO 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTTooth fragment reattachment is a simple, conservative, fast, and affordable treatment option for fractured teeth when the fragment is available. However, this technique can present some difficulties, among which is the possibility of the fragment being positioned and bonded inadequately. To avoid this situation, it is necessary to establish a reference for the adequate positioning of the fragment using a silicone index.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThis article presents an alternative approach for better handling of tooth fragments resulting from trauma by using a silicone index as a guide to proper positioning and bonding.(J Esthet Restor Dent 19:240–246, 2007)
Surface Roughness of Nanofill and Nanohybrid Resin Composites after Polishing and Brushing
Authors: SENAWONGSE PISOL , PONGPRUEKSA PONG 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTPurpose:  The purpose of this study was to compare the surface roughness of nanofill (Filtek Supreme XT dentin shade and transparent shade, Filtek Z350, and Estelite Sigma), nanohybrid (Tetric EvoCeram, Ceram X, and Premise), and microhybrid resin composites (Filtek Z250, Tetric Ceram, and Clearfil AP‐X) with the materials after polishing or brushing.Materials and Methods:  Forty specimens of each resin composite were polymerized for 40 seconds under a matrix strip in cylindrical molds. Each type of polymer was divided into four subgroups: unpolished, polished with abrasive disks (Sof‐Lex), polished with silicone‐impregnated polishing devices (Astropol), and brushed with a toothbrush (Oral B) and toothpaste (Colgate). The surface roughness of each specimen was determined using a contact stylus profilometer and by observation under a scanning electron microscope.Results:  No significant differences in surface roughness among the materials were found on unpolished surfaces. For the nanofill resin composites, there were no significant differences in surface roughness between the two polishing methods or among the unpolished surfaces. After brushing, the surfaces of all materials, except those made from Filtek Z350 and Filtek Supreme XT (dentin), had greater roughness than unpolished surfaces and surfaces polished with either abrasive disks or silicone devices. The scanning electron microscope studies revealed that the surface irregularities of the materials corresponded to the results obtained using the surface roughness tester.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThe use of nanofill resin composites made with nanoclusters demonstrated the smoothest surfaces after polishing and brushing.(J Esthet Restor Dent 19:265–275, 2007)