bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural and functional changes in spastic skeletal muscle
Authors: Lieber Richard L. , Steinman Suzanne , Barash Ilona A. , Chambers Hank 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThis review summarizes current information regarding the changes in structure or function that occur in skeletal muscle secondary to spasticity. Most published studies have reported an increase in fiber size variability in spastic muscle. There is no general agreement regarding any shift in fiber type distribution secondary to spasticity. Mechanical studies in whole limbs as well as in isolated single cells support the notion of an intrinsic change in the passive mechanical properties of muscle after spasticity in addition to the more widely reported neural changes that occur. Evidence is presented for changes within both the muscle cell and extracellular matrix that contribute to the overall changes in the tissue. Taken together, the literature supports the notion that, although spasticity is multifactorial and neural in origin, significant structural alterations in muscle also occur. An understanding of the specific changes that occur in the muscle and extracellular matrix may facilitate the development of new conservative or surgical therapies for this problem. Muscle Nerve 29: 615–627, 2004
Variation in urological practice amongst spinal injuries units in the UK and Eire
Authors: Bycroft John , Hamid Rizwan , Bywater Helen , Patki Prasad , Craggs Michael , Shah Julian 
Published: April 2004

AbstractAimsTo investigate variations in common urological practice between the Spinal Injuries Units (SIU) of UK and Eire.MethodsIn December 2002, each of the 12 SIU in the UK and Eire were sent a questionnaire addressing basic practice relating to urological outpatient follow‐up, management of urinary tract infection, upper tract surveillance, and urodynamic studies.ResultsRegarding frequency of urological review, two units only saw patients when specifically required. One unit reviewed patients every 6 months and six centres reviewed patients annually. The remaining three units had a patient‐specific follow‐up protocol. Regarding urinary tract infection, only five units had a unified departmental management protocol. Four units advocated antibiotic prophylaxis for recurrent UTI. Only one unit would routinely treat asymptomatic UTI in individuals using catheters. The range of recommended duration of treatment for symptomatic UTI was 3–14 days (mean 6.3). All units performed routine upper tract screening, ranging from annually to every 3 years. Six units did not perform routine urodynamic studies; in other units the range of frequency of urodynamics was from annually to every 3 years.ConclusionsThe variation in urological practice amongst SIU in the UK and Eire is considerable. This finding supports the need for an increase in the level of collaboration and research. Neurourol. Urodynam. 23:252–256, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trans vaginal tape readjustment after unsuccessful tension‐free vaginal tape operation
Authors: Neuman Menahem 
Published: April 2004

AbstractAimsThis study is aimed at evaluating a new surgical technique to deal with tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) failure. The TVT operation, described by Ulmsten in 1995, is based on a mid urethral Prolene tape support. TVT is accepted as an easy‐to‐learn and safe minimal invasive surgical technique. Yet, as with other surgical methods for correction of female urinary stress incontinence, therapeutic failures occur with TVT also.Materials and MethodsDescribed here is a new approach for addressing this issue. Out of 344 women who underwent TVT and who were followed for up to 55 months, four (1.2%) requested to be reoperated on the grounds of a diagnosis of operative failure. These four women were treated by trans vaginal readjustment of the tape.ResultsThree out of the four reoperated patients reported subjective continence, subsequently confirmed clinically. The fourth patient, although suffering residual minor urinary leakage, declined further interventions. Urodynam.ConclusionsThe readjustment technique seems effective, easy, and safe for the treatment of failed TVT operations. More experience is needed prior to suggesting this technique as a recommended approach. Neurourol. Urodynam. 23:282–283, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Does magnetic stimulation of sacral nerve roots cause contraction or suppression of the bladder?
Authors: Bycroft J.A. , Craggs M.D. , Sheriff M. , Knight S. , Shah P.J.R. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was to resolve the paradox as to whether magnetic stimulation of sacral nerve roots results in contraction or suppression of the bladder, in both normal individuals and patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).Materials and MethodsSeven males with complete SCI and neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) and five normal males were investigated. Bladder capacity and maximum cystometric capacity were determined, respectively, in these groups. Magnetic stimulation was applied to sacral nerve roots using a multi‐pulse magnetic stimulator and coil. Stimulation was applied at half capacity, near‐full capacity, and during NDO or voiding (in normal individuals). Single and intermittent bursts of stimulation were applied.ResultsNeither single nor intermittent bursts of magnetic stimulation of the sacral nerve roots resulted in significant bladder pressure rises. Occasionally, following cessation of the magnetic stimulation bladder contractions were seen in patients with NDO. These contractions had an unpredictable and variable latency. As previously reported, magnetic stimulation suppressed NDO in patients with SCI, and suppressed voiding in normal individuals.ConclusionsBladder contractions are occasionally observed in patients with NDO following withdrawal of stimulation. This phenomenon hypothetically arises as a result of removal of the bladder suppression provided by magnetic stimulation, rather than direct motor pathway stimulation (as has been reported by others). The ability of sacral magnetic stimulation to suppress detrusor contractions is reaffirmed. Neurourol. Urodynam. 23:241–245, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical evaluation of pelvic floor muscle function in continent and incontinent women
Authors: Devreese Annemie , Staes Filip , De Weerdt Willy , Feys Hilde , Van Assche André , Penninckx Freddy , Vereecken Raoul 
Published: April 2004

AbstractAimsThe aim of the study was to investigate the reliability of a scoring system for the investigation of voluntary and reflex co‐contractions of abdominal and pelvic floor muscles in lying, sitting, and standing positions in continent and incontinent women.MethodsA visual inspection and digital (strength, tone, speed, and endurance) palpation scale was developed to measure the coordination of the lower abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. Inter‐observer reliability of the scales was investigated in 40 continent and 40 incontinent women. Differences between the continent and incontinent group were analysed.ResultsInter‐observer reliability for the visual inspection scale showed kappa values between 0.91 and 1.00, for tone percentage of agreement ranged from 95 to 100% (superficial) and 95 to 98% (deep muscle). Weighted Kappa (Kw) varied from 0.77 to 0.95 for strength and 0.75 to 0.98 for the inward movement of superficial and deep pelvic floor muscles. Kw for coordination between the superficial and deep part of the pelvic floor muscles groups was from 0.87 to 0.88 and 0.97 to 1.00 for endurance and global speed of the pelvic floor contraction. The continent women exhibited significantly better coordination between the pelvic floor and lower abdominal muscles during coughing in all three positions. Also the superficial part of the inward movement, the feeling and the coordination of the pelvic floor muscles were significantly better in the continent group.ConclusionsVisual inspection and digital tests are easy and reliable methods by which insight can be gained into the multi‐muscular activity and coordination of the pelvic floor and lower abdominal muscles in continent and incontinent women. Neurourol. Urodynam. 23:190–197, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stop test or pressure‐flow study? Measuring detrusor contractility in older females
Authors: Tan Thai Lian , Bergmann Margaret A. , Griffiths Derek , Resnick Neil M. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractAimsImpaired detrusor contractility is common in older adults. One aspect, detrusor contraction strength during voiding, can be measured by the isovolumetric detrusor pressure attained if flow is interrupted mechanically (a stop test). Because interruption is awkward in practice, however, simple indices or nomograms based on measurements made during uninterrupted voiding are an appealing alternative. We investigated whether such methods, originally developed for males, might be applicable in female subjects, and attempted to identify a single best method.MethodsWe compared stop‐test isovolumetric pressures with estimates based on pressure‐flow studies in a group of elderly women suffering from urge incontinence. Measurements were made pre‐ and post‐treatment with placebo or oxybutynin, allowing investigation of test–retest reliability and responsiveness to small changes of contractility.ResultsExisting methods of estimating detrusor contraction strength from pressure‐flow studies, including the Schäfer contractility nomogram and the projected isovolumetric pressure PIP, greatly overestimate the isovolumetric pressure in these female patients. A simple modification provides a more reliable estimate, PIP1, equal to pdet.Qmax + Qmax (with pressure in cmH2O and Qmax in ml/sec). Typically PIP1 ranges from 30 to 75 cmH2O in this population of elderly urge‐incontinent women. PIP1, however, is less responsive to a small change in contraction strength than the isovolumetric pressure measured by mechanical interruption.ConclusionsThe parameter PIP1 is simple to calculate from a standard pressure‐flow study and may be useful for clinical assessment of detrusor contraction strength in older females. For research, however, a mechanical stop test still remains the most reliable and responsive method. The Schäfer contractility nomogram and related parameters such as DECO and BCI are not suitable for use in older women. Neurourol. Urodynam. 23:184–189, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of high frequency deep brain stimulation on urine storage and voiding function in conscious minipigs
Authors: Dalmose A.L. , Bjarkam C.R. , Sørensen J.C. , Djurhuus J.C. , Jørgensen T.M. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractAimsSuprapontine neural integration during the storage phase is decisive for the timing of voiding. Neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease are thus frequently complicated by bladder dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of high frequency deep brain stimulation on the urine storage and voiding function in conscious Parkinsonian minipigs.Materials and MethodsFive Goettingen minipigs had a Parkinsonism‐like state induced by intoxication with 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). An electrode for chronic stimulation was placed unilaterally in the subthalamic nucleus. The effect of stimulation was determined by the outcome of transurethral cystometries performed with the stimulation in on‐ and off‐mode.ResultsOf 20 planned cystometry‐sessions 18 were completed. Six incomplete voidings occurred in stimulation on‐mode and five in off‐mode. Interruption of the stimulation for 2 days was followed by a significant increase in pressure rise on filling to cystometric capacity, from 7 to 21 cmH2O (P = 0.005), and an insignificant reduction in cystometric capacity from 30 to 26 ml/kg bodywt. (P = 0.370), leading to a significant decrease in bladder compliance from 124 to 34 ml/cmH2O (P = 0.013).ConclusionsTransurethral cystometry was a feasible examination technique in pigs. The findings demonstrate that high frequency deep brain stimulation changes the bladder characteristics in the storage phase. Since bladder pressure and capacity responded differently to interruption of stimulation distinct neural mechanisms must be involved in the modulation of sensory information on bladder tension and stretch. Neurourol. Urodynam. 23:265–272, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nutrient composition of the diet and the development of overactive bladder: A longitudinal study in women
Authors: Dallosso Helen M. , McGrother Catherine W. , Matthews Ruth J. , Donaldson Madeleine M.K. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractAimsEvidence for an association between diet and the symptom syndrome overactive bladder (OAB) would be valuable in understanding its aetiology. The present study investigates prospectively the association between the nutrient composition of the diet and the onset of OAB.MethodsA random sample of community dwelling women aged 40 years or over was studied. Baseline data on urinary symptoms and diet were collected from 6,371 women using a postal questionnaire and food frequency questionnaire. Follow‐up data on urinary symptoms were collected from 5,816 of the women in a postal survey 1 year later. Logistic regression was used to investigate the association of diet (daily intakes of energy, macro and micronutrients) with 1 year incidence of OAB.ResultsThere was evidence that three nutrients may be associated with OAB onset. Higher intakes of vitamin D (P = 0.008), protein (P = 0.03), and potassium (P = 0.05) were significantly associated with decreased risks of onset. Although overall the associations with vitamin B6 and niacin were not significant (P = 0.08 and P = 0.13), there was some evidence of a decreased risk of onset with higher intakes.ConclusionsThe results from this prospective study suggest possible aetiological associations between certain nutrients and OAB onset. The findings need confirmation and possible mechanisms to explain these associations need further investigation. Neurourol. Urodynam. 23:204–210, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alteration of urothelial‐mediated tone in the ischemic bladder: Role of eicosanoids
Authors: Azadzoi Kazem M. , Heim Vanessa K. , Tarcan Tufan , Siroky Mike B. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractAimsPreviously we showed that ischemia alters bladder smooth muscle contractility in the rabbit. This study investigates the role of urothelium and eicosanoid‐release in ischemic bladder smooth muscle instability.Materials and MethodsMale New Zealand white rabbits were divided into treated (n = 12) and age‐matched control (n = 10) groups. The treated group underwent balloon endothelial injury of the iliac arteries, and then received 4 weeks of cholesterol diet, followed by 4 weeks of regular diet. The control group received a regular diet for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, blood flow for both the iliac arteries and the bladder as well as bladder oxygen tension were recorded. In one‐half of each ischemic and control bladder, the urothelium was removed. Bladder tissues were processed for organ bath and enzyme‐immunoassay (EIA) of prostaglandins (PGs) and leukotrienes (LTs).ResultsA significant decrease in iliac arterial blood flow, bladder wall blood flow, and bladder oxygen tension was found in the treated group. Bladder ischemia increased the frequency and amplitude of baseline spontaneous smooth muscle contractility. Ischemic tissues with urothelium (Uro+) demonstrated significant increases in the contractile response to electrical field stimulation (EFS) and carbachol relative to control Uro+ tissues. Urothelial removal increased smooth muscle contraction in the control tissues but had no significant effect in the ischemic/hypoxic tissues. Contraction of control tissues without urothelium (Uro−) was similar to contraction of ischemic Uro+ tissues. Contractions of ischemic Uro+ and control Uro− tissues were unchanged after treatment with the cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor indomethacin, while they were significantly reduced by the 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LO) inhibitor NDGA. EIA showed no change in PGs release from the ischemic urothelium, but significant increase in PGF2‐α and thromboxane A2 release from the ischemic suburothelial tissue. Ischemia increased the release of LTB4, LTC4, and LTE4 from both urothelium and suburothelial tissue.ConclusionsOur studies suggest loss of urothelial‐mediated tone and LTs‐mediated smooth muscle instability in the chronically ischemic/hypoxic bladder. Neurourol. Urodynam. 23:258–264, 2004. Published 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Topographic abnormalities in event‐related potentials in children with monosyptomatic nocturnal enuresis
Authors: Karlidag Rifat , Isin Ozisik Handan , Soylu Ahmet , Kizkin Sibel , Sipahi Birsen , Unal Suheyla , Ozcan Cemal 
Published: April 2004

AbstractAimsA functional maturational delay in the central nervous system is dwelled upon in the pathogenesis of monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE). In this study we studied whether according to controls N200 and P300, components of the event‐related potential (ERP), which is related to aspects of cognitive processing, showed any difference in its topographic distribution in children within the age group 10–13 with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis and discussed its relation to the pathogenesis of MNE.MethodsWe performed P300 in 18 patients with MNE and in 16 age‐matched healthy subjects. P300 were evoked by an auditory oddball paradigm consisting of 150 tone bursts (80% 1 kHz; 20% 2 kHz). The latencies of the N200 and the P300 waves and the amplitude of the P300 wave were measured.ResultsThere was no statistical difference between the enuretic group and the controls in N200 and P300 latency and amplitude in the midline frontal (Fz), central (Cz), and parietal (Pz) recording site of the 10–20 International System. In the enuretic group while P300 amplitude in the Fz site was significantly less than the P300 amplitude in the Cz site, there was no statistical difference between the Fz and Pz P300 amplitude values.ConclusionsWhen different levels of maturational delay are considered in MNE, it may be claimed that maturational delay in children whose enuresis lasts until older ages will be different from those whose enuresis ends at an early age. The determination of P300 amplitude in parietal records being less in enuretics when compared to the controls may show that there are regional differences in stimuli processing rate/quality. Neurourol. Urodynam. 23:237–240, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A study on preconditioning iterative methods and relativity of pressure in the numerical calculation of fluid flow
Authors: Hirano Hiroyuki , Yoshida Hideto , Ozoe Hiroyuki , Okamoto Naotaka 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThis article presents the effect of preconditioning iterative methods on boundary conditions of the pressure‐correction in the numerical computation of fluid flow with known velocity components on all boundaries using the SIMPLE algorithm. In such computation, a set of solutions of the pressure‐correction is indefinite, because only the Neumann condition is imposed on all boundaries. However, solutions become unique if the value of pressure‐correction is fixed at least on one boundary point, and the Dirichlet condition is additionally imposed. Though both conditions must give exactly the same velocity and temperature fields, this problem arises from the relativity of the pressure. The mathematical illustration for this problem is provided using the numerical computation of the natural convection in an enclosure. It is concluded that the preconditioner adopted and the condition that only the Neumann condition on all boundaries is given are effective to reduce the number of iterations in solving the linear system of equations of the pressure‐correction at the computation of the natural convection. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2004
Error analysis of the L2 least‐squares finite element method for incompressible inviscid rotational flows
Authors: Tsai Chiung‐Chiou , Yang Suh‐Yuh 
Published: April 2004

AbstractIn this article we analyze the L2 least‐squares finite element approximations to the incompressible inviscid rotational flow problem, which is recast into the velocity‐vorticity‐pressure formulation. The least‐squares functional is defined in terms of the sum of the squared L2 norms of the residual equations over a suitable product function space. We first derive a coercivity type a priori estimate for the first‐order system problem that will play the crucial role in the error analysis. We then show that the method exhibits an optimal rate of convergence in the H1 norm for velocity and pressure and a suboptimal rate of convergence in the L2 norm for vorticity. A numerical example in two dimensions is presented, which confirms the theoretical error estimates. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2004
Characterization of a rigid silicone resin
Authors: Chan‐Park M. B. , Katsoulis D. E. , Baney R. H. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractSilicone resins have been used as binders for ceramic frit coatings and can withstand temperatures of 650°C to 1260°C. Conceptually, silicone resins can potentially be used as matrices for high temperature fiber‐reinforced composites. The mechanical and thermal properties of a commercially available silicone resin, Dow Corning® 6‐2230, were characterized. Neat 6‐2230 resin was found to have inferior room temperature mechanical properties such as flexural, tensile and fracture properties when compared to epoxy. The room temperature flexural properties and short beam shear strength of the silicone/glass composites were also found to be lower than those of epoxy/glass composite with similar glass content. However, the silicone resin had better elevated temperature properties. At an elevated temperature of 316°C, the retentions of flexural modulus and strength were 80% and 40% respectively of room temperature values; these were superior to those of phenolic/glass. Unlike the carbon‐based resins, the drop in flexural properties of the silicon/glass laminates with temperature leveled off with increase in temperature beyond 250°C. The resin weight loss at 316°C in 100 cm3/min of flowing air was small compared to other carbon‐based resins such as PMR‐15 and LaRC TPI. Only Avimid‐N appeared comparable to Dow Corning® 6‐2230.
Determination of in‐plane permeability of fiber preforms by the gas flow method using pressure measurements
Authors: Kim Sun K. , Opperer Jeremy G. , Kim Dae‐Hwan , Daniel Isaac M. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractA method is described for measuring the in‐plane permeability of orthotropic fibrous preforms using gas flow. The method is based on an optimization process between computed and measured pressures at various locations in the mold during steady state gas flow through the enclosed preform. The computed pressure is obtained by the control volume finite element method (CVFEM). This method was demonstrated by using a specially designed mold with multiple ports for gas injection and pressure measurement and it was shown that it can be implemented easily and yields consistent and reliable results.
Development of high‐pressure composite butt‐weld joints
Authors: Li Guoqiang , Helms Jack E. , Pang Su‐Seng 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThere is currently a need to develop High‐pressure composite butt‐weld joints to meet the needs of deepwater activities. In this study, a tapered butt‐weld composite joint configuration is proposed. Finite element analysis was conducted to validate the proposed structural configuration through stress‐strain distribution analysis. Test samples were assembled using the hand lay‐up technique. The prepared specimens were hydro‐tested. The test results justified the proposed joint configurations. An approximate 35.7% increase in bursting pressure in the tapered butt‐weld composite joint was observed over currently used composite butt‐weld joints.