bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of a synthetic androgen on biliary lipid secretion in the female hamster
Authors: Ohshima Akira , Cohen Bertram I. , Ayyad Nariman , Mosbach Erwin H. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThis study was designed to elucidate the effect of the synthetic androgen, methyltestosterone, on bile flow and biliary lipid secretion in female hamsters. Animals were divided into four groups and fed the following diets: group 1, lithogenic diet for three weeks; group 2, lithogenic diet+0.05% methyltestosterone for three weeks; group 3, lithogenic diet for six weeks; group 4, lithogenic diet+0.05% methyltestosterone for six weeks. At the end of each experimental period, the hamsters were operated on to establish external biliary fistulas. During the depletion of the endogenous bile acid pool (for two hours), the basal bile flow of group 4 was significantly smaller than that of group 3. Basal bile acid output was significantly lower in the methyltestosterone‐fed groups 2 and 4 than in control groups 1 and 3. In contrast, groups 2 and 4 secreted more cholesterol than groups 1 and 3. Group 4 had a higher ratio of cholesterol output to phospholipid output than group 3. Increasing doses of taurocholate were infused after the bile acid depletion period, and it was found that methyltestosterone did not change the bile acid independent bile flow. The increments in cholesterol or phospholipid output induced per increments of bile acid output (linkage coefficients) were analyzed by linear regression. The methyltestosterone‐fed groups (groups 2 and 4) had a higher linkage coefficient of cholesterol output to bile acid output than the control groups (groups 1 and 3). The linkage coefficients of phospholipid output to bile acid output of groups 2 and 4 were also higher compared to groups 1 and 3. The linkage coefficient of cholesterol output to phospholipid output of group 2 was higher than that of group 1. These results suggest that methyl‐testosterone stimulated the cosecretion mechanism of cholesterol and phospholipid in bile associated with an increasing ratio of cholesterol to phospholipid. In conclusion, the synthetic androgen, methyltestosterone, caused a decrease in basal bile flow and bile acid secretion, and an increase in basal cholesterol secretion and the biliary cholesterol‐to‐phospholipid ratio. These findings explain, in part, how methyltestosterone intensifies the formation of cholesterol gallstones in female hamsters.
Glucosylceramide transfer from lysosomes—the missing link in molecular pathology of glucosylceramidase deficiency: A hypothesis based on existing data
Authors: Elleder M. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryGaucher disease (GD), deficiency of acid glucosylceramidase (GlcCer‐ase) is characterized by deficient degradation of beta‐glucosylceramide (GlcCer). It is well known that, in GD, the lysosomal accumulation of uncleaved GlcCer is limited to macrophages, which are gradually converted to storage cells with well known cytology—Gaucher cells (GCs). On the basis of previous studies of the disorder and of a comparison with other lysosomal enzymopathies affecting degradation of the GlcCer‐based glycosphingolipid series, it is hypothesized that in other cell types (i.e. non‐macrophage cells) the uncleaved GlcCer, in GlcCer‐ase deficiency, is transferred to other cell compartments, where it may be processed and even accumulated to various degrees. The consequence of the abnormal extralysosomal load may differ according to the cell type and compartment targeted and may be influenced by genetically determined factors, by a number of acquired conditions, including the current metabolic situation. The sequelae of the uncleaved GlcCer extralysosomal transfer may range from probably innocent or positive stimulatory, to the much more serious, in which it interferes with a variety of cell functions, and in extreme cases, can lead to cell death. This alternative processing of uncleaved GlcCer may help to explain tissue alterations seen in GD that have, so far, resisted explanation based simply on the presence of GCs. Paralysosomal alternative processing may thus go a long way towards filling a long‐standing gap in the understanding of the molecular pathology of the disorder. The impact of this alternative process will most likely be inversely proportional to the level of residual GlcCer‐ase activity. Lysosomal sequestration of GlcCer in these cells is either absent or in those exceptional cases where it does occur, it is exceptional and rudimentary. It is suggested that paralysosomal alternative processing of uncleaved GlcCer is the main target for enzyme replacement therapy. The mechanism responsible for GlcCer transfer remains to be elucidated. It may also help in explaining the so far unclear origin of glucosylsphingosine (GlcSph) and define the mutual relation between these two processes.
Global environmental changes in terrestrial ecosystems. International issues and strategic solutions: introduction
Authors: Hong Sun Kee , Lee John A. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractHuman activities are having major impact on biogeochemical cycles and ecosystems worldwide. Rapid urbanization and changes in rural populations are affecting ecosystems in often‐drastic ways. Ecologists are using long term monitoring and experimental studies to understand and to help mitigate the effects of these changes. The collection of 15 papers in this special volume “global changes in terrestrial ecosystems” describes some of these studies, particularly concentrating on effects on terrestrial ecosystems and landscapes, and demonstrating the importance of understanding the problems at both the multi‐scale and international levels.
Dietary fatty acid profile affects endurance in rats
Authors: Ayre Kerry J. , Hulbert A. J. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractTypically, athletes are advised to increase their consumption of carbohydrates for energy and, along with the general population, to reduce consumption of saturated fats. It is now recognized that fats are not identical in their influence on metabolism, and we argue that the composition of the polyunsaturated fat component should not be ignored. The aim of this study was to manipulate the dietary fatty acid profile in a high‐carbohydrate diet in order to investigate the effect of dietary polyunsaturates on submaximal endurance performance in rats. Rats were fed one of three isoenergetic diets containing 22 energy percentage (E%) fat for 9 wk. The diets comprised an essential fatty acid‐deficient diet (containing mainly saturated fatty acids); a diet high in n‐6 fatty acids, High n‐6; and a diet enriched with n‐3 fatty acids, High n‐3. Submaximal endurance in rats fed the High n‐3 diet was 44% less than in rats fed the High n‐6 diet (P<0.02). All rats were then fed a standard commercial laboratory diet for a 6‐wk recovery period, and their performances were reevaluated. Although endurance in all groups was lower than at 9 wk, it was again significantly 50% lower in the High n‐3 group than the High n‐6 group (P<0.005). Although n‐3 fats are considered beneficial for cardiovascular health, they appear to reduce endurance times, and their side effects need to be further investigated.
The development of heart failure in patients with stable angina pectoris
Authors: Sutton George C. , Otterstad Jan Erik , Kirwan Bridget‐Anne , Vokó Zoltán , de Brouwer Sophie , Lubsen Jacobus , Poole‐Wilson Philip A. ,   ACTION (A Coronary disease Trial Investigating Outcome with Nifedipine GITS) investigators
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground:To describe the clinical characteristics of patients with stable angina pectoris who develop heart failure and the events preceding its onset.Methods and results:Of 7665 patients with stable angina in the ACTION trial, which compared long‐acting nifedipine to placebo, 207 (2.7%) developed heart failure (HF) during a mean follow‐up of 4.9years. Those who developed HF were significantly (P<0.05) older, more often had diabetes, had a more extensive history of cardiovascular disease, lower ejection fractions, a higher serum creatinine and glucose, a lower haemoglobin, and were more often on blood pressure lowering drugs. A cardiac event or an intervention (n=155), a significant non‐cardiac infection (n=19) or poor control of hypertension (n=12) preceded the development of HF in 186/207 cases (90%). There was no obvious precipitating factor in the remaining 21 patients (10%). Myocardial infarction increased the risk of the development of new HF within one week more than 100‐fold. Nifedipine reduced the incidence of HF by 29% (P=0.015).Conclusions:The development of heart failure is uncommon in patients with stable angina, and even less so in the absence of an obvious precipitating factor.
Usefulness of bifocal pacing in patients with heart failure and intraventricular conduction delay
Authors: Bulava Alan , Lukl Jan 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground:Bifocal pacing (BFP) has been proposed as a feasible alternative to cardiac resynchronization therapy.Aim:To evaluate BFP in patients with severe heart failure and significant intraventricular conduction delay and to compare it with biventricular pacing (BVP).Methods:Echocardiographic examination including TDI and invasive measurement of haemodynamics was performed under basal conditions, during BFP and during BVP.Results:Fifty patients were included: 29 with ischaemic heart disease (IHD), 21 with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM). LV dp/dtmax increased during BFP compared to the basal state (13.4%, 95% CI 9.2–17.6%, p<0.0001) and a further increase was achieved during BVP (29.5%, 95% CI 23.7–35.4%, p<0.0001). A significant correlation was found between the distance of the right ventricular apical and outflow tract leads and percentage of dp/dtmax increase in IDCM patients (r=0.72), but not in IHD patients. Interventricular mechanical delay (IVMD) decreased in BFP (43±22 ms vs. 53±31 ms, p=0.006), but BVP produced even shorter IVMD (22±19ms, p<0.0001). In all patients, regional systolic contraction times were significantly shortened, corresponding with prolongation of the respective regional diastolic filling times during both BFP (p<0.05 for all segments) and BVP (p<0.001 for all segments).Conclusions:BFP improves LV haemodynamics by decreasing the inter‐ and intraventricular conduction delays. The leads in the right ventricle should be placed at the longest achievable distance. BVP is superior to BFP.
Essure: Hysteroscopic Sterilization
Authors: Hastings‐Tolsma Marie , Nodine Priscilla , Teal Stephanie B. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTEssure, a new female sterilization method approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, offers women a new option for controlling fertility. The technique is done without an incision, is hormone‐free, and can be performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. There are few or no side effects. It is important for providers to understand how the device works, appropriate candidates for use, and requirements for preplacement and postplacement management.
Ultrasound Assessment of the Endometrium for Irregular Vaginal Bleeding
Authors: McFarlin Barbara L. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTIrregular vaginal bleeding is a common symptom of women seeking gynecologic care. Etiologies of irregular vaginal bleeding can be classified into the following categories: pregnancy related (retained products of conception, threatened or missed abortion, or ectopic pregnancy), hormonal (disorders of ovulation, menopause, or hormonal contraceptive use), structural (polyps, myomas, or arteriovenous malformation), neoplasm (endometrial cancer), and infection (endometritis). After the history and physical examination, the initial evaluation of irregular vaginal bleeding has traditionally involved an endometrial biopsy. Transvaginal ultrasound has revolutionized the evaluation of the gynecologic ultrasound examination by providing a minimally invasive means to determine the etiology for the bleeding. Transvaginal ultrasound assessment of the endometrial cavity allows treatment to be tailored to the specific cause of irregular vaginal bleeding, thus saving women time, money, and exposure to unnecessary interventions. The purpose of this article is to give the clinician critical information regarding the capabilities of ultrasound to evaluate women with irregular vaginal bleeding.
Help‐Seeking Behaviors of Women with Urinary Incontinence: An Integrative Literature Review
Authors: Koch Laura Hunter 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTUrinary incontinence (UI) affects approximately 17 million American women. Women with UI have reported a lower quality of life than women who do not experience UI. In many cases, UI affects a woman's ability to take part in a variety of recreational and social activities, and has negative psychological effects including depression, anxiety, and frustration. Studies show that fewer than 50% of women with UI discuss their symptoms with their health care provider. Although researchers have examined help‐seeking behaviors in people with UI, few have examined women of all ages with all types of UI. The purpose of this integrative literature review is to summarize the help‐seeking behaviors for UI symptoms among noninstitutionalized women of all ages with all types of UI. Five studies were reviewed. In all of the studies, less than 38% of women sought help for their UI symptoms. Factors affecting help seeking included quality of life scores, perceptions women had regarding the normalcy of UI, and beliefs about treatment options available for the problem. Age, type of UI, severity of UI, and embarrassment were found to be significantly related to help‐seeking in most, but not all of the studies.
Quality of life outcome analysis in patients undergoing submandibular duct repositioning surgery for sialorrhoea
Authors: Syeda F , Ahsan F , Nunez D A 
Published: November 2006

Bilateral submandibular duct transposition is one of several surgical methods described to control sialorrhoea in the paediatric patient. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of submandibular duct repositioning surgery on the quality of life of children using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory outcome measure. Consecutive children who underwent submandibular duct repositioning surgery were invited to participate in the study. The parents or guardians of children who gave consent were interviewed. The carer's opinion of the change in salivation, responses to the items in the Glasgow Benefit Inventory score and report of the complications were recorded.Nine children aged two and a half to 16 years were studied. The mean follow-up time was four years. The mean Glasgow Benefit Inventory score of +33 related to the procedure demonstrates that submandibular duct repositioning leads to a substantial measurable improvement in the quality of life (QoL) of the drooling child.
Value of Computed Tomography‐Based Tumor Volume as a Predictor of Outcomes in Hypopharyngeal Cancer After Treatment With Definitive Radiotherapy
Authors: Chen Shang‐Wen , Yang Shih‐Neng , Liang Ji‐An , Tsai Ming‐Hsiu , Shiau An‐Cheng , Lin Fang‐Jen 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjectives: To investigate the value of pretreatment computed tomography (CT) volumetric analysis for the prediction of treatment outcome in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC) treated by definitive radiotherapy (RT).Methods: From January 2000 through February 2004, 63 patients with HPC were enrolled for a retrospective analysis. The pyriform sinus was the principle site of involvement in 62 cases. All patients received with 1.8 Gy daily to a total dose of 68.4 to 73.8 Gy (median, 70.2 Gy). Contrast‐enhanced CT images were transferred to a planning system. Tumor volume measurement was derived from summation of the primary and metastatic nodal tumor.Results: With a median follow‐up of 38 (range, 24–68) months, the 5 year local relapse‐free survival (LRFS) was 83% for patients with T1 to T2 disease, 46% for those with T3 disease, and 40% for those with T4 disease (P = .01). The 5 year LRFS was 75% for those with tumors less than 40 mL and 26% when volumes were 40 mL of larger (P = .0001). For patients with T3 to T4 disease, the 5 year LRFS was 70% for those with tumors less than 40 mL and 24% when volumes were 40 mL or larger (P = .0005). Multivariate analyses of local relapse‐free survival revealed two prognostic factors: tumor volume more than 40 mL and the involvement of the larynx.Conclusions: CT‐based tumor volumes are a strong predictor of outcomes for HPC treated using definitive RT. A selected group of patients, mainly those with tumor volumes less than 40 mL, should be considered for laryngeal preservation.
Growth of Benign and Malignant Schwannoma Xenografts in Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Mice
Authors: Chang Long‐Sheng , Abraham Jacob , Lorenz Mark , Rock Jonathan , Akhmametyeva Elena M. , Mihai Georgeta , Schmalbrock Petra , Chaudhury Abhik R. , Lopez Raul , Yamate Jyoji , John Markus R. , Wickert Hannes , Neff Brian A. , Dodson Edward , Welling D Bradley 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjectives: Models for the development of new treatment options in vestibular schwannoma (VS) treatment are lacking. The purpose of this study is to establish a quantifiable human VS xenograft model in mice.Study Design and Methods: Both rat malignant schwannoma cells (KE‐F11 and RT4) and human malignant schwannoma (HMS‐97) cells were implanted near the sciatic nerve in the thigh of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. Additionally, human benign VS specimens were implanted in another set of SCID mice. Three‐dimensional tumor volumes were calculated from magnetic resonance images over the next 6 months.Results: Mice implanted with malignant schwannoma cells developed visible tumors within 2 weeks. Imaging using a 4.7‐tesla magnetic resonance imaging and immunohistopathologic examination identified solid tumors in all KE‐F11 and HMS‐97 xenografts, whereas RT4 xenografts consistently developed cystic schwannomas. VS xenografts demonstrated variability in their growth rates similar to human VS. The majority of VS xenografts did not grow but persisted throughout the study, whereas two of 15 xenografts grew significantly. Histopathologic examination and immunohistochemistry confirmed that VS xenografts retained their original microscopic and immunohistochemical characteristics after prolonged implantation.Conclusions: This study describes the first animal model for cystic schwannomas. Also, we demonstrate the use of high‐field magnetic resonance imaging to quantify VS xenograft growth over time. The VS xenografts represent a model complimentary to Nf2 transgenic and knockout mice for translational VS research.
Management of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage From Cochleostomy During Cochlear Implant Surgery
Authors: Wootten Christopher T. , Backous Douglas D. , Haynes David S. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjectives: The objectives of this retrospective review were to determine the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) otorrhea from the cochleostomy during cochlear implant surgery, to recognize patients at risk, and to determine the appropriate preoperative, postoperative and intraoperative management.Methods: A chart review from two cochlear implant centers was performed to determine the incidence of CSF otorrhea, patients at risk, and appropriate management.Results: The incidence of CSF gusher is low, encountered in approximately 1% of patients undergoing cochlear implant surgery, and is seen in equal incidence in children and adults in our series. Preoperative imaging was predictive in only 50% of cases. Mechanisms for otorrhea in specific cochlear malformations and in those in which no apparent malformation exists are discussed. Successful implantation is expected in most cases. Intraoperative management may require complete packing of the middle ear space in addition to the cochleostomy to control CSF leak. Lumbar drain is rarely necessary. Outpatient management is possible in the majority of cases. Vaccination and antibiotic prophylaxis is essential.Conclusions: CSF otorrhea can be encountered in cochlear malformations and in cochleas without apparent malformation. Successful implantation without short‐term or long‐term complications is expected.
Hearing Loss in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Halligan Christine S. , Bauch Christopher D. , Brey Robert H. , Achenbach Sara J. , Bamlet William R. , McDonald Thomas J. , Matteson Eric L. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjective: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are more likely to have subclinical hearing loss compared with persons without RA.Methods: This is a case‐control cross‐sectional study of 29 patients with RA with disease duration greater than 5 years. Five males and five females were recruited into each decade category (age 40‐49, 50‐59, and 60‐69). These cases were matched in a 1:1 ratio by sex and age to 30 control subjects. A comprehensive set of audiometric and disease severity assessments were performed.Results: Seventeen (59%) of 29 patients with RA had abnormal hearing for at least one frequency (four in one ear, 13 in two ears) by audiometry as did 14 (47%) of 30 control subjects (five in one ear, nine in two ears). The percentage of patients with hearing loss (% RA vs. % control subjects) was: 45% versus 40% sensorineural, 10% versus 7% conductive, and 3% versus 0% mixed hearing loss. In RA versus control subjects, acoustic reflex threshold was abnormal in 17% versus 7%; speech reception threshold was abnormal in 10% versus 3%. Tympanometry and otoacoustic emission findings were similar in both groups. Word recognition did not differ between patients with RA and control subjects. In patients with RA/control subjects, hearing handicap, dizziness, and health assessment questionnaires were abnormal in 28%/7%, 14%/3%, and 72%/7%, respectively.Conclusion: There was no difference found in objective audiometric measurements in patients with RA compared with non‐RA control subjects. Subjectively patients with RA were more likely to perceive themselves as having hearing disturbances, which may be related to overall disease related functional impairment.