bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recurrence of Common Bile Duct Stones Correlates with Stenosis Following Endoscopic Sphincterotomy
Authors: QIAN Li‐Wu , KONOMI Hirouyki , KIMURA Hiroshi , YOKOHATA Kazunori , OGAWA Yoshiaki , CHUIIWA Kazuo , DEENITCHIN Georgi P. , TANAKA Masao 
Published: August 2007

Abstract:Although stenosis is regarded as one of the causes of recurrence of common bile duct stones after endoscopic sphincterotomy, there is a lack of direct evidence. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and manometry were performed in 131 patients 2.2–111.1 months (mean 29.9 months) after sphincterotomy, either for follow‐up or at presentation of biliary symptoms. Recurrent stones were found in 33 patients (25%) (recurrent group). The remaining 98 patients (75%) proved not to have recurrence (nonrecurrent group). The common bile duct‐to‐duodenum pressure gradient in the recurrent group (3.3 ± 1.4 mmHg, mean ±SEM) did not differ from that in the nonrecurrent group (2.9 ±1.5 mmHg) (p=0.85). However, as judged by endoscopic findings, we found a significantly elevated frequency of stenosis of the spincter‐otomy orifice in the recurrent group (4 of 33 patients) as compared with the nonrecurrent group (none of 98 patients) (p=0.0035). Recurrence of common bile duct stones appears to correlate with stenosis following sphincterotomy, although manometry does not necessarily indicate the presence of stenosis.
Magnifying Observation of Ectopic Gastric Mucosa of the Cervical Esophagus
Authors: URITA Yoshihisa , NISHEVO Mamoru , KURITA Toshio , KOYAMA Hiroshi , MIYAFUJI Yasunori , SASAJIMA Masahiko , KANDA Eiko , ARIKI Hisashi , HOJO Hiroshi , MIURA Fumihiro , YONEYA Takashi , KONDO Eisaku , MATSUZAKI Hiroshi , HACHIYA Akihiko , NARUKI Yukihiko , OTSUKA Sachio 
Published: August 2007

Abstract:We attempted to investigate the fine mucosal patterns of inlet patches using a transparent‐tip‐hood‐fitted magnifying electronic endoscope (Olympus, GIF‐200Z). The prevalence of inlet patch was 10.1%, 26 out of 257 patients undergoing screening endoscopic examination using a GIF‐200Z. This rate was higher than that of previous reports in Japan, higher in the young group than in the aged group, and higher in males than in females. The mean inlet patch size, measured by the new method using a transparent hood, was 5.2 mm. Large inlet patches, above 8.1 mm, were found more frequently in males than in females. The number of inlet patches in one patient was one in 19 patients and two in seven. The inlet patches were oval and had a smooth margin in 23 (69.7%) cases, and irregular in 10 (30.3%). The oval patches with smooth margins were significantly larger than those with an irregular form. The fine mucosal pattern of inlet patches was mixed with B, BC and C type. Inlet patches with acid production were suggested to be fewer in number than expected, and patients with an inlet patch appear to have minimal, if any, complaints. A transparent‐tip‐hood‐fitted magnifying electronic endoscope was thought to facilitate accurate diagnosis of the inlet patch.
Laparoscopic Wedge Resection of the Stomach for Submucosal Tumor
Authors: SASAGAWA Tsuyoshi , SUZUKI Hiroyoshi , KITAMURA Youichi , OGUMA Ffidetoshi , ISHIZUKA Naoki , ENDO Akihiko , SUZUKI Shigeru , TAKASAKI Ken 
Published: August 2007

Abstract:We performed laparoscopic wedge resection of the stomach in two patients with submucosal gastric tumor. Three trocars were inserted in addition to a laparoscope. After the blood vessels surrounding the tumors had been ligated with ENDO CUPs, we used ENDO GIA (a linear endoscopic stapling device) four times and then wedge resection was performed. The operative time was 3h33m in Case 1 and 2.5h in Case 2, and bleeding was minimal in both cases. The postoperative courses were uneventful, and intestinal peristalsis recovered rapidly with minimal wound pain. These results suggest that laparoscopic wedge resection of the stomach, a radical procedure, is indicated for submucosal tumor of the stomach.
Automatic restraint and visual detection of fatigue crack growth by applying an alumina paste
Authors: TAKAHASHI I. , USHIJIMA M. , TAKAHASHI C. , UEMATSU S. , KOTANI N. 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTA paste comprising fine alumina particles was applied on surfaces of steel plate specimens and a welded joint specimen, and the effects of the paste on restraint and visual detection of fatigue crack growth were experimentally investigated by performing fatigue tests with in situ observations by a charge coupled device (CCD) microscope and through various kinds of fractographic observations and elemental analyses using an scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an electron probe microanalyser (EPMA). As a result, the crack growth rate in the plate specimen was drastically retarded by the wedge effect of the alumina particles, and a 311% increase in failure life was produced on an average. The restraint of crack opening displacement (COD) value by the wedge materials was estimated by elastic finite element (FE) analyses, and the results were compared with the experimental data. Similar crack growth restraint effects were also observed on the welded joint specimen, producing a 117% increase in failure life. In the fatigue tests of the specimens on which the alumina paste was applied, a remarkable black colour developed in the white alumina paste along the paths of crack propagation, facilitating the visual detection of the cracks. An analysis using an X‐ray diffractometer showed that the black matter in the paste consists of fine debris derived from the base metal.
Effects of hydrogen charge on microscopic fatigue behaviour of annealed carbon steels
Authors: Uyama H , Nakashima M , Morishige K , Mine Y , Murakami Y 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe effects of hydrogen charge on cyclic stress‐strain properties, slip band morphology and crack behaviour of annealed medium carbon steels (JIS‐S45C) were studied. The total strain range of the stress‐strain hysteresis loop in the hydrogen‐charged specimen was smaller than that in the uncharged specimen. Localized slip bands were observed in the hydrogen‐charged specimen, while the slip bands were widely and uniformly distributed in the uncharged specimen. It is presumed that the decrease in the total strain range of the hysteresis loop is due to the slip localization caused by the hydrogen charge and cyclic loading. The sites of fatigue crack initiation were mostly at grain boundaries in the uncharged specimen. The sites of crack initiation in the hydrogen‐charged specimen were not only at grain boundaries but also at slip bands inside ferrite grains. These results imply that hydrogen enhances dislocation mobility along slip bands and results in slip localization. These slip bands then attract hydrogen. This mechanism of hydrogen ‐ slip band interaction may play an important role in the hydrogen‐ influenced metal fatigue.
Distinct movement parameters are represented by different neurons in the motor cortex
Authors: Stark Eran , Drori Rotem , Asher Itay , Ben‐Shaul Yoram , Abeles Moshe 
Published: August 2007

AbstractRecent studies suggested that a single motor cortical neuron typically encodes multiple movement parameters, but parameters often display strong temporal interdependencies. To address this issue, we recorded single‐unit activity while macaque monkeys made continuous movements and employed an analysis that explicitly considered temporal correlations between several kinematic parameters; hand position, velocity, and acceleration. We found that while the activity of almost all motor cortical neurons was modulated during movement, most neurons were related only to a single dominant parameter. The activity of different neurons covaried with different parameters with similar strength, but neurons related to velocity were far more common than neurons related to any other parameter. These results were obtained for neurons recorded in the primary motor (M1) and dorsal premotor (PMd) cortices. Although neural activity tended to precede movement and PMd activity tended to precede M1 activity, time lags were widely dispersed. Shoulder and elbow muscles had the same properties as neurons, but their activity strictly preceded movement. These results demonstrate single neuron specificity and heterogeneity within a population of neurons with respect to movement parameters and time lags. Our results suggest that distinct subsets of motor cortical neurons are involved in computations related to distinct movement parameters.
Misfolded transthyretin causes behavioral changes in a Drosophila model for transthyretin‐associated amyloidosis
Authors: Pokrzywa Malgorzata , Dacklin Ingrid , Hultmark Dan , Lundgren Erik 
Published: August 2007

AbstractFamilial amyloidotic polyneuropathy is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by accumulation of mutated transthyretin (TTR) amyloid fibrils in different organs and prevalently around peripheral nerves. We have constructed transgenic flies, expressing the clinical amyloidogenic variant TTRL55P and the engineered variant TTR‐A (TTRV14N/V16E) as well as the wild‐type protein, all in secreted form. Within a few weeks, both mutants but not the wild‐type TTR demonstrated a time‐dependent aggregation of misfolded molecules. This was associated with neurodegeneration, change in wing posture, attenuation of locomotor activity including compromised flying ability and shortened life span. In contrast, expression of wild‐type TTR had no discernible effect on either longevity or behavior. These results suggest that Drosophila can be used as a disease‐model to study TTR amyloid formation, and to screen for pharmacological agents and modifying genes.
Sensory nerves have altered function contralateral to a monoarthritis and may contribute to the symmetrical spread of inflammation
Authors: Kelly Sara , Dunham James Philip , Donaldson Lucy Frances 
Published: August 2007

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA) and rat models of RA exhibit symmetrical mirror‐image spread. Many studies have sought to understand the underlying mechanisms and have reported contralateral effects that are manifested in many different forms. It is now well accepted that neurogenic mechanisms contribute to the symmetrical spread of inflammation. However, very few investigators have directly assessed changes in contralateral nerve function and there is a paucity of data. In the present study our aim was to investigate whether there are changes, in particular in the nervous system but also in the vascular system contralateral to an inflamed rat knee joint, that might precede overt inflammation and symmetrical spread. Three to five days following Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) injection we found spontaneous antidromic (away from the CNS) activity in the homologous sensory nerve contralateral to the inflamed joint. Antidromic activity of this nature is known to result in the peripheral release of pro‐inflammatory and vasoactive neuropeptides. Importantly, this activity was modulated by systemic analgesic treatment. Furthermore, levels of Evans blue dye extravasation were significantly increased in the joint contralateral to inflammation, indicating altered vascular function. These data suggest that contralateral increases in sensory neural activity and vascular function may account for the symmetrical spread of RA, and that early analgesic treatment may prevent or delay the spread of this debilitating disease.
The impact of chronic network hyperexcitability on developing glutamatergic synapses
Authors: Swann John W. , Le John T. , Lam Trang T. , Owens James , Mayer Adam T. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe effects recurring seizures have on the developing brain are an important area of debate because many forms of human epilepsy arise in early life when the central nervous system is undergoing dramatic developmental changes. To examine effects on glutamatergic synaptogenesis, epileptiform activity was induced by chronic treatment with GABAa receptor antagonists in slice cultures made from infant rat hippocampus. Experiments in control cultures showed that molecular markers for glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses recapitulated developmental milestones reported previously in vivo. Following a 1‐week treatment with bicuculline, the intensity of epileptiform activity that could be induced in cultures was greatly diminished, suggesting induction of an adaptive response. In keeping with this notion, immunoblotting revealed the expression of NMDA and AMPA receptor subunits was dramatically reduced along with the scaffolding proteins, PSD95 and Homer. These effects could not be attributed to neuronal cell death, were reversible, and were not observed in slices taken from older animals. Co‐treating slices with APV or TTX abolished the effects of bicuculline suggesting that effects were dependent on NMDA receptors and neuronal activity. Neurophysiological recordings supported the biochemical findings and demonstrated decreases in both the amplitude and frequency of NMDA and AMPA receptor‐mediated miniature EPSCs (mEPSCs). Taken together these results suggest that neuronal network hyperexcitability interferes with the normal maturation of glutamatergic synapses, which could have implications for cognitive deficits commonly associated with the severe epilepsies of early childhood.
High incidence of plant growth‐stimulating bacteria associated with the rhizosphere of wheat grown on salinated soil in Uzbekistan
Authors: Egamberdieva Dilfuza , Kamilova Faina , Validov Shamil , Gafurova Laziza , Kucharova Zulfiya , Lugtenberg Ben 
Published: August 2007

SummarySoil salinization is increasing steadily in many parts of the world and causes major problems for plant productivity. Under these stress conditions, root‐associated beneficial bacteria can help improve plant growth and nutrition. In this study, salt‐tolerant bacteria from the rhizosphere of Uzbek wheat with potentially beneficial traits were isolated and characterized. Eight strains which initially positively affect the growth of wheat plants in vitro were investigated in detail. All eight strains are salt tolerant and have some of the following plant growth‐beneficial properties: production of auxin, HCN, lipase or protease and wheat growth promotion. Using sequencing of part of the 16S rDNA, the eight new isolates were identified as Acinetobacter (two strains), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Bacillus cereus, Enterobacter hormaechei, Pantoae agglomerans and Alcaligenes faecalis. All these strains are potential human pathogens. Possible reasons for why these bacteria present in the rhizosphere and establish there are discussed.
Glucose inhibits the formation of gas vesicles in Haloferax volcanii transformants
Authors: Hechler Torsten , Frech Miriam , Pfeifer Felicitas 
Published: August 2007

SummaryThe effect of glucose on the formation of gas vesicles was investigated in Haloferax mediterranei and Hfx.volcanii transformants containing the mc‐gvp gene cluster of Hfx. mediterranei (mc‐vac transformants). Increasing amounts of glucose in the medium resulted in a successive decrease in the amount of gas vesicles in both species, with a complete inhibition of their formation at glucose concentrations of > 70 mM in mc‐vac transformants, and 100 mM in Hfx. mediterranei. Maltose and sucrose imposed a similar inhibitory effect, whereas xylose, arabinose, lactose, pyruvate and 2‐deoxy‐glucose had no influence on the gas vesicle formation in mc‐vac transformants. The activities of the two mc‐vac promoters were strongly reduced in mc‐vac transformants grown in the presence of > 50 mM glucose. The gas vesicle overproducing ΔD transformant (lacking the repressing protein GvpD) also showed a glucose‐induced lack of gas vesicles, indicating that GvpD is not involved in the repression. The addition of glucose was useful to block gas vesicle formation at a certain stage during growth, and vice versa, gas vesicle synthesis could be induced when a glucose‐grown culture was shifted to medium lacking glucose. Both procedures will enable the investigation of defined stages during gas vesicle formation.
Stress and burnout among colorectal surgeons and colorectal nurse specialists working in the National Health Service
Authors: Sharma A. , Sharp D. M. , Walker L. G. , Monson J. R. T. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground  It has been suggested that changes to the organization of the National Health Service (NHS) and clinical practices in dealing with cancer are associated with increased stress and burnout in healthcare professionals. The aim of this study, therefore, was to evaluate stress and burnout in colorectal surgeons (surgeons) and colorectal clinical nurse specialists (nurses) working in the NHS.Method  A list of all consultant surgeons and nurses was obtained from The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland. Participants were sent a questionnaire booklet consisting of standardized measures [General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Coping Questionnaire] and various ad hoc questions to obtain information about demographics, cancer workload and job satisfaction. Independent predictors of clinically significant distress and burnout were identified using logistic regression.Results  Four hundred and fifty‐five surgeons and 326 nurses were sent booklets. The response rate was 55.6% in surgeons and 54.3% in nurses. The mean age of the nurses was lower than that of surgeons (42.8 vs 47.7, P < 0.001). Psychiatric morbidity was similar in the surgeons and nurses as assessed using the GHQ (30.2% and 30.3% respectively). On the MBI, compared with nurses, surgeons had significantly higher levels of depersonalization (17.4%vs 7.4%, P = 0.003) and lower personal accomplishment (26.6%vs 14.2%, P = 0.002). Seventy‐seven per cent of surgeons and 63.4% of nurses stated their intention to retire before the statutory retirement age.Coping strategies, especially those in which respondents isolated themselves from friends and family, were associated with higher psychiatric morbidity and burnout. Dissatisfaction with work, intention to retire early, intention to retire as soon as affordable and poor training in communication and management skills were also significantly associated with high GHQ scores and burnout in both groups.Discussion  We found high levels of psychiatric morbidity and burnout in this national cohort of surgeons and nurses working in the NHS. However, psychiatric morbidity and burnout were unrelated to cancer workload. Nurses have lower burnout levels than surgeons and this may be related to their different working practices, responsibilities and management structure.
Molecular phylogenetic investigations of Bulinus (Gastropoda: Planorbidae) in Lake Malawi with comments on the topological incongruence between DNA loci
Authors: Jørgensen Aslak , Jørgensen Louise V. Gersdorff , Kristensen Thomas K. , Madsen Henry , Stothard J. Russell 
Published: August 2007

Freshwater snails of the genus Bulinus, subfamily Bulininae, are widespread in Africa and the Middle East. Several species are intermediate hosts for schistosomes, mammalian blood flukes that cause schistosomiasis. The genus is split into four species groups and without recourse to further molecular DNA studies, phylogenetic relationships within and between species‐groups remain obscure. For example, the Bulinus truncatus/tropicus species complex, which cannot be adequately defined with morphological characters, appears to be monophyletic but increased taxon sampling is warranted for confirmation when this group appears to contain species with limited sequence divergence in either mitochondrial 16S rRNA or Cytochome Oxidase subunit I (COI) loci. In the present study, taxonomic sampling is increased through addition of several taxa, including B. nyassanus and B. succinoides both endemic to Lake Malawi. From DNA analyses, these two species appear basal within the B. truncatus/tropicus species complex which provides an interesting evolutionary insight into its origins. The relationship of the B. truncatus/tropicus species complex with the three other groups, however, is more problematic as incongruence between loci and computational methodologies exist. This phenomenon is likely due to mutational saturation of the COI as evidenced by the transition : transversion ratio which also results in placement of the discoidal Indoplanorbis exustus, a member of the Bulininae, within the ingroup. To resolve these more basal incongruencies between species groups inspection of more evolutionary conserved molecular loci is needed, for example, the nuclear histone H3 gene, and 18S and 28S rDNA. Louise V. Gersdorff Jørgensen, Thomas K. Kristensen and Henry Madsen, The Mandahl‐Barth Research Centre for Biodiversity and Health, DBL — Centre for Health Research and Development, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jægersborg Allé 1D, DK‐2920 Charlottenlund, Denmark. E‐mails: lgj@life.ku.dk, tkk@life.ku.dk, hmad@life.ku.dk J. Russell Stothard, Biomedical Parasitology Division, Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK. E‐mail: R.Stothard@nhm.ac.uk
Erectile dysfunction, discrepancy between high prevalence and low utilization of treatment options: results from the ‘Cottbus Survey’ with 10 000 men
Authors: May Matthias , Gralla Oliver , Knoll Nina , Fenske Stephan , Spivak Inna , Rönnebeck Claudia , Hoffmann Marga , Lenk Severin , Hoschke Bernd 
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVETo investigate the age‐stratified prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and its comorbidities, and to assess the population’s knowledge, utilization, and general attitude towards the treatment for ED.SUBJECTS AND METHODSIn all, 10 000 men received a 35‐item questionnaire including the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and sociodemographic questions regarding life style, comorbidities, quality of sexual life and knowledge or experience of ED therapy. In all, 3124 responses were included (31.2%), 2499 men lived in well established partnerships and were assessed as the basic study group.RESULTSIn the entire population the prevalence rate of ED was 40.1%. However, although known, medical treatment for ED is used only by a minority of affected men. The prevalence of ED was independently associated with age, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and liver diseases. Correlations between sexual quality of life (QoL) and ED were statistically significant (P < 0.01) and moderate to strong (absolute values: Spearman’s ρ 0.35–0.76). Although 96% of the study population knew at least one phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor by name, only 53% considered taking the medication and only 9% of the men with ED had had experience with available PDE5 inhibitors.CONCLUSIONSThe sexual QoL was significantly reduced by ED. Despite high levels of awareness and general acceptance of oral medication for ED, experience with PDE5 inhibitors was low. Further investigation is required to evaluate the general impact of ED on sexual QoL and the need or wish for treatment.