bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urgency of micturition and detrusor contractility in men with prostatic obstruction and overactive bladders
Authors: Cucchi A. , Quaglini S. , Giannantoni A. , Guarnaschelli C. , Rovereto B. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractAimsIn men with prostatic obstruction and detrusor overactivity (DO), to ascertain whether urgency of micturition affects bladder contractility.Materials and MethodsWe urodynamically assessed five groups of 20 men each who had bladder outflow obstruction (BOO) from benign prostatic enlargement—Groups 1 (with no DO and no urgency), 2 (with DO and no urgency), 3A (with DO and moderate urgency), 3B (with DO and severe urgency), and 4 (with DO, severe urgency and chronic ischemic cerebral lesions). Urgency was graded as moderate or severe by the ability to avert an urgent void at cystometry for ≥2 or <2 min, respectively. BOO was assessed by the “Abrams–Griffiths number” (AG) and bladder contractility by the parameters PIP and WFmax.ResultsAG did not differ significantly in Groups 2, 3A, and 3B, proved higher in such groups than in Group 1, and was nearly the same in Groups 1 and 4. PIP and WFmax were significantly higher in Groups 2, 3A, and 3B than in Groups 1 and 4, had the highest levels in Group 3B, and did not differ significantly in Groups 1–4 and 2–3A.ConclusionsIn DO patients with prostatic obstruction there seems to be a DO‐related facilitation of bladder contractility. In the same patients, severe urgency of micturition might over‐amplify (i.e., enhance a DO‐related facilitation of) bladder contractility, provided there are no neurogenic (chronic ischemic cerebral) lesions. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pelvic floor muscle training is effective in women with urinary incontinence after stroke: A randomised, controlled and blinded study
Authors: Tibaek Sigrid , Gard Gunvor , Jensen Rigmor 
Published: March 2005

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) in women with urinary incontinence (UI) after ischemic stroke.Materials and MethodsThree hundred and thirty‐nine medical records of stroke patients were searched. Twenty‐six subjects were randomised to a Treatment Group (14 subjects) or a Control Group (12 subjects) in a single blinded, randomised study. The intervention included 12 weeks of standardised PFMT. The outcome measures were: (1) diary recording the frequency of voiding, the number of incontinence episodes and used pads; (2) 24‐hr home pad test; and (3) vaginal palpation of pelvic floor muscle evaluating function, strength, static and dynamic endurance.ResultsTwenty‐four subjects with urge, stress and mixed stress/urge incontinence, completed the study, 12 in each group. A significant improvement in frequency of voiding in daytime (Treatment Group/Control Group: 7/8 at pre‐test, 6/9 at post‐test (median values), P = 0.018), 24‐hr pad test (Treatment Group/Control Group: 8/12 to 2/8 g P = 0.013) and dynamic endurance of pelvic floor muscle (Treatment Group/Control Group: 11/20 to 20/8 contractions of Pelvic Floor Muscle, P = 0.028) was demonstrated in the Treatment Group compared to the Control Group. A significant improvement in frequency of voiding in daytime (decreased from seven to six, P = 0.036), pelvic floor muscle function (P = 0.034), strength (P = 0.046), static endurance increased from 9 to 30 sec (P = 0.028) and dynamic endurance increased from 11 to 20 contractions (P = 0.020) was also demonstrated within the Treatment Group, but not in the Control Group.ConclusionPFMT had a significant effect in women with UI after stroke measured by diaries, pad tests and vaginal palpation. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alzheimer's disease and immune activation: A translational perspective
Authors: Bossù Paola , Ciaramella Antonio , Moro M. Luisa , Spalletta Gianfranco , Caltagirone Carlo 
Published: March 2005

AbstractAlzheimer's Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by abnormal fibrillar deposits of amyloid beta peptides (Aβ), which are suggested to play a pivotal role in driving disease pathogenesis. Although the aetiology of AD is still unknown, a perturbation of the immune system has been widely demonstrated in both animal experimental models and patients. The most studied aspect of immune reaction in AD is inflammation, which has been described to be implied in its pathogenic processes. Moreover, a growing body of evidence, indicating that the triggering of the specific Aβ immune response can be effective in reducing AD sympotoms, suggest that a dysregulated network of innate and adaptive immune mechanismsm could be critical in AD pathogenic process. The present short review, aimed to summarise some of the principal research studies on immune activation in AD, has the intent to provide suggestions useful to formulate new immune‐therapeutic strategies for pathology treatment.
Oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease: a selective status report
Authors: Mecocci Patrizia , Mangialasche Francesca , Polidori M. Cristina 
Published: March 2005

AbstractAge has a powerful effect on enhanced susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases, stroke, cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases and a condition of increased oxidative stress status seems to be the link factor. In this paper we briefly reviewed the more recently reports on the role of oxidative stress in aging and age‐related diseases with a specific focus on mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The role of antioxidant therapy and/or supplementation and the importance of an antioxidant rich diet are then discussed.
Ectrodactyly‐ectodermal dysplasia‐clefting (EEC) syndrome presenting with a large nephrogenic cyst, severe oligohydramnios and hydrops fetalis: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Chuangsuwanich Tuenjai , Sunsaneevithayakul Prasert , Muangsomboon Kobkun , Limwongse Chanin 
Published: March 2005

AbstractObjectivesTo report a case of EEC syndrome with a large nephrogenic cyst detected by prenatal ultrasonography.MethodsPrenatal ultrasonographic detection, genetic counselling, termination of pregnancy, radiographic study, autopsy and ultrastructural study of scalp hair. The literature on EEC syndrome with genitourinary anomalies and prenatal diagnosis was also reviewed.ResultsA 6‐cm cyst in the right side of abdominal cavity was detected in a fetus of 24 weeks' gestational age with severe oligohydramnios and hydrops fetalis. The autopsy revealed bilateral renal dysplasia with a large nephrogenic cyst at the right side and markedly hypoplastic urinary bladder and pulmonary hypoplasia. The fetus also had ectrodactyly and syndactyly of hands and feet and ectodermal dysplasia and left cleft lip and palate. Ultrastructure of hair from scanning electron microscopy revealed no obvious abnormality.ConclusionThis is a rare case of fetal malformation partly detected prenatally. In order to detect this syndrome, careful ultrasound search for acral anomalies should be performed in cases with renal malformation or obstructive uropathy. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lack of correlation between elevated maternal serum hCG during second‐trimester biochemical screening and fetal congenital anomaly
Authors: Celentano Claudio , Guanciali‐Franchi Paolo Emilio , Liberati Marco , Palka Chiara , Fantasia Donatella , Morizio Elisena , Calabrese Giuseppe , Stuppia Liborio , Rotmensch Siegfried 
Published: March 2005

AbstractObjectiveIsolated elevations in midtrimester maternal serum human chorionic gonadotrophin concentrations (MShCG) have been reported to be associated with a substantially increased likelihood of fetal congenital malformations. The reported malformations included a wide range of organ systems, originating at different embryologic developmental stages. The purpose of our study was to determine the significance of an isolated elevated MShCG (>2.5 MoM) in midtrimester for the detection of fetal structural anomalies in a large population.MethodsAmong 10 144 women who underwent a biochemical triple screen at 15 to 18 weeks' gestation, 463 patients, who had an elevated MShCG, but normal α‐fetoprotein (AFP) and unconjugated estriol (uE3) levels, were identified. Patients with an integrated calculated Down syndrome risk above 1:250 were excluded. Only nonsmokers, at ages <35 years, without a history of prior fetal anomalies were included. The control group consisted of 463 patients with normal serum analyte concentrations and Down syndrome risks below 1:250, who were matched for maternal age and date of biochemical screen. All patients underwent a detailed genetic sonogram in which an anatomic survey and multiple ‘soft markers’ for aneuploidy were looked for. Newborns were examined by a senior pediatrician trained in dysmorphology.ResultsMShCG levels were 3.18 ± 0.72 versus 0.99 ± 0.43 MoM (p < 0.0001) in study and control groups respectively. Sonography revealed 8 versus 6 cases of major congenital anomalies among the 463 patients of their respective groups, and 39 versus 36 sonographic ‘soft markers’ for aneuploidy. Fetal karyotyping and neonatal examination for dysmorphology revealed 6 chromosomal anomalies (4 Down syndrome; 2 Turner syndrome) among the 8 major malformations in the study group, but none in the controls (p < 0.0001). Three of the 39 fetuses with ‘soft markers’ and elevated MShCG were found to have trisomy 21.ConclusionIsolated elevation of MShCG does not confer an increased risk of fetal congenital anomalies other than chromosomal abnormalities. However, elevated MShCG levels in combination with sonographic ‘soft markers’ for aneuploidy were associated with a high incidence of chromosomal anomalies, despite a normal biochemical triple screen risk estimate. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term psychological consequences of pregnancy termination for fetal abnormality: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Korenromp M. J. , Christiaens G. C. M. L. , van den Bout J. , Mulder E. J. H. , Hunfeld J. A. M. , Bilardo C. M. , Offermans J. P. M. , Visser G. H. A. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractObjectiveWe examined women's long‐term psychological well‐being after termination of pregnancy (TOP) for fetal anomaly in order to identify risk factors for psychological morbidity.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was performed in 254 women, 2 to 7 years after TOP for fetal anomaly before 24 weeks of gestation. We used standardised questionnaires to investigate grief, posttraumatic symptoms, and psychological and somatic complaints.ResultsWomen generally adapted well to grief. However, a substantial number of the participants (17.3%) showed pathological scores for posttraumatic stress. Low‐educated women and women who had experienced little support from their partners had the most unfavourable psychological outcome. Advanced gestational age at TOP was associated with higher levels of grief, and posttraumatic stress symptoms and long‐term psychological morbidity was rare in TOP before 14 completed weeks of gestation. Higher levels of grief and doubt were found if the fetal anomaly was presumably compatible with life.ConclusionTermination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly is associated with long‐lasting consequences for a substantial number of women. Clinically relevant determinants are gestational age, perceived partner support, and educational level. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of Corona Plasma Techniques for Industrial Applications: HPPS and DC/AC Systems
Authors: Winands Hans G. J. J. , Yan Keping , Nair Sreejit A. , Pemen Guus A. J. M. , van Heesch Bert E. J. M. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractSummary: This paper discusses some critical issues of developing industrial streamer corona plasma systems for gas cleaning. Based on streamer generation and interaction between power sources and reactors, two energization methods, namely hybrid‐pulsed power source (HPPS) and DC‐superimposed, high‐frequency AC oscillation (DC/AC), were developed for industrial applications. As an example, a result of an industrial investigation on odor emission abatement is presented. The data available is sufficient enough for the commercial‐scale design of a corona plasma system for DeNOx, DeSO2, deodorization and dust removal. We foresee that by retrofitting available ESPs, plasma‐based gas‐cleaning systems will be applied in the near future to simultaneously remove polluting gases, heavy metals, and particles.Schematic overview of the HPPS system.magnified imageSchematic overview of the HPPS system.
Influence of a Bias Voltage on the Characteristics of Surface Discharges in Dry Air
Authors: Sokolova Marina , Hulka Lutz , Pietsch Gerhard J. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractSummary: Surface discharges (SDs) in a three‐electrode system have been investigated. The electrode system consisted of an upper plane electrode (to apply a bias voltage) and a SD arrangement with metallic strip electrodes on the upper side of a dielectric plate, while the reverse side was covered with a metallic layer. When high voltage was applied to the metallic layer with grounded strip electrodes, SDs appeared in between the strips on the dielectric. The characteristics of SDs have been already the subject of a number of investigations with respect to different plasma technologies. In the present work, the influence of a dc bias voltage on the SD characteristics has been investigated, especially on current, active power, discharge structure and ozone formation in a flow of dry air. When applying dc voltages up to 20 kV of both polarities, a rising direct current appeared with densities up to more than 50 μA · cm−2. This effect was more pronounced with negative polarity. An influence of the air flow rate on the direct current was also registered. The structure of the SD observed with a CCD camera became more diffuse with a dc bias voltage. Furthermore, it depended on the kind of dielectric material under investigation. With negative dc voltages of more than 7 to 9 kV, filamentary discharge structures appeared in the gap between the plates. The structure of these discharges and the conditions of their appearance also depended on the dielectric material.Image of discharges on a rough pyroceramic surface (the dark strips mark the position of the electrode).magnified imageImage of discharges on a rough pyroceramic surface (the dark strips mark the position of the electrode).
Elastic and absorption cross sections for electron–carbon monosulfide collisions
Authors: Sobrinho A. M. C. , Lee M.‐T. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractWe report a theoretical study of electron collisions on carbon monosulfide molecules in the low and intermediate energy range. Calculated differential, integral, and momentum–transfer cross sections for elastic e−–CS scattering as well as the total absorption cross sections are reported in the 1–500‐eV range. A complex optical potential composed by static, exchange, correlation–polarization, plus absorption contributions, derived from a fully molecular wave function, is used to describe the electron–molecule interaction dynamics. The Schwinger variational iterative method combined with the distorted‐wave approximation is applied to calculate the scattering amplitudes. Our calculated data are compared with the calculated and experimental results for electron scattering by an isoelectronic molecule N2O. Remarkable similarity in the cross sections is seen for these targets at incident energies of >50 eV. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Concomitant anomalies in 100 children with unilateral multicystic kidney
Authors: Damen‐Elias H. A. M. , Stoutenbeek P. H. , Visser G. H. A. , Nikkels P. G. J. , de Jong T. P. V. M. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the incidence and type of associated urogenital anomalies in children with a unilateral multicystic kidney and to assess in children with nephrectomy the additional diagnostic value of cystoscopy and, in girls, of colposcopy.MethodsThis was a follow‐up study of 100 fetuses with antenatally detected unilateral multicystic kidneys. After ultrasound confirmation of the diagnosis within a few days after birth voiding cystourethrography and isotope scan were performed in 83 of the surviving children to exclude vesicoureteral reflux and to establish renal function. Eighty‐one children underwent nephrectomy and, prior to surgery, all underwent cystoscopy and girls also underwent colposcopy.ResultsSeventy‐five children had one or more additional urogenital anomalies: 39 had anomalies of the contralateral kidney, 40 had anomalies of the ipsilateral kidney and 30 had one or more anomalies of the lower urogenital tract. With cystoscopy 54 anomalies of the genitourinary tract were detected in 48 children and with colposcopy three anomalies were detected in 35 girls. Eighty‐one children had a nephrectomy or heminephrectomy and 33 of them needed other urological intervention. Thirteen fetuses died (mostly from agenesis of the contralateral kidney) and six infants had no surgery at all.ConclusionChildren with a unilateral multicystic kidney are at considerable risk of having other urogenital anomalies. When cystoscopy and colposcopy are added to routine investigations the rate of detection of anomalies is 75%, twice that reported in the literature. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of a right ventricular diverticulum complicated by pericardial effusion in the first trimester
Authors: Del Río M. , Martínez J. M. , Bennasar M. , Palacio M. , Figueras F. , Puerto B. , Mortera C. , Cararach V. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractA ventricular diverticulum associated with a large pericardial effusion was diagnosed at 13 weeks of gestation. The pericardial effusion resolved spontaneously by 20 weeks and the diverticular size remained the same during pregnancy. In the postnatal period the neonate underwent surgical correction of both the diverticulum and associated ventricular and atrial septal defects. Our case indicates that congenital ventricular diverticulum may be associated with a good perinatal outcome. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cellular endotoxin desensitization in patients with severe chronic heart failure
Authors: Sharma Rakesh , Bolger Aidan P. , Rauchhaus Mathias , von Haehling Stephan , Doehner Wolfram , Adcock Ian M. , Barnes Peter J. , Poole‐Wilson Philip A. , Volk Hans‐Dieter , Coats Andrew J.S. , Lim Sam , Anker Stefan D. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractBackgroundIncreased levels of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) have been demonstrated in chronic heart failure (CHF). LPS can induce cellular desensitization, with specific down‐regulation of LPS‐mediated cellular tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α) production which does not affect other cytokine parameters. It is not known if LPS desensitization occurs in CHF.Methods and resultsMononuclear cells from 24 CHF patients (mean age 70±2 years, age range 58 to 78 years, NYHA class 3.0±0.2) and 11 healthy controls (mean age 53±3 years, age range 39 to 75 years) were separated from venous blood and cultured for 24 h with LPS (E. coli, 0−10 ng/mL). Culture supernatants were tested for TNF‐α and interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1RA). Patients were subgrouped into mild (n=10), moderate (n=5), and severe (n=9) CHF. Independently of age, mononuclear cells from patients with severe heart failure produced less TNF‐α than controls (p<0.05) and patients with mild (p<0.001) or moderate CHF (p<0.05). IL‐1RA release was higher for CHF patients as a group, compared with controls (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in IL‐1RA release between CHF patient subgroups.ConclusionsMononuclear cells from patients with severe heart failure produce significantly less TNF‐α than healthy controls or patients with mild to moderate disease. Production of IL‐1RA is not affected. This resembles a picture indicative of LPS desensitization occurring in patients with severe CHF.
Alveolar‐capillary membrane conductance is the best pulmonary function correlate of exercise ventilation efficiency in heart failure patients
Authors: Guazzi Marco , Reina Giuseppe , Tumminello Gabriele , Guazzi Maurizio D. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractBackgroundIn heart failure (HF), changes in lung mechanics and gas diffusion are limiting factors to exercise. Their contribution to an increased exercise ventilation to CO2 production (VE/VCO2) slope is undefined.MethodsA total of 67 stable HF patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise and pulmonary function tests, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV), total lung capacity (TLC) and alveolar diffusing capacity with its subcomponents (alveolar‐capillary membrane conductance (Dm) and capillary blood volume (Vc)).Results:Patients showed a mild restrictive pattern (FEV1=85±15% and FVC=75±13% of normal predicted) and a moderate Dm reduction (32±12 ml min−1 mm Hg−1). Average peak VO2 was 15.6±4.0 ml min−1 kg−1 and the VE/VCO2 slope was 39.6±11.0. At simple Spearman correlation analysis, all variables, but Vc, correlated with peak VO2; only Dm correlated with VE/VCO2 slope. At partial Spearman correlation, all variables lost the peak VO2 correlation, and Dm still inversely correlated with VE/VCO2 slope (r=−0.35; p=0.005). In patients with a high VE/VCO2 slope (cutoff value 34), despite comparable lung volumes, Dm was significantly more depressed (30±13 vs. 35±10 ml min−1 mm Hg−1; p<0.01).Conclusions:Pulmonary function tests and alveolar gas diffusing capacity poorly correlate with peak VO2. Dm impairment rather than lung volumes correlates with exercise ventilation efficiency. This finding further adds to the pathophysiological relevance of an abnormal gas exchange in HF patients.
Evaluation of average length as an estimator of exploitation status for the Florida coral-reef fish community
Authors: Ault Jerald S. , Smith Steven G. , Bohnsack James A. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractSimulation and empirical analyses were conducted to evaluate the utility and robustness of average length (Lbar) of animals in the exploited population as an estimator of fishing mortality (F), and therefore as an indicator of exploitation status for Florida coral-reef fish. Simulation results showed that the Lbar estimator of fishing mortality was relatively insensitive to trends in recruitment, and demonstrated favourable properties for detecting statistical differences between sustainable and non-sustainable rates of exploitation. Rates of F estimated from fishery-dependent size composition data were comparable to F estimates from catch-and-effort time-series. Average length was also estimated from fishery-independent diver surveys for 22 species in the exploited snapper–grouper complex. A majority of snapper–grouper species are currently fished unsustainably in the Florida Keys, though overfishing appears most severe for long-lived, slow-growing fish.
Monitoring pelagic ecosystems using plankton indicators
Authors: Beaugrand Grégory 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Planktonic organisms are an important food resource of pelagic ecosystems, but they also serve as an integrator of hydroclimatic forcing. Four types of recently developed plankton indicator, based on the Continuous Plankton Recorder survey, are summarized here: indicators based on individual taxa; indicators based on functional attributes of the ecosystem (diversity); species assemblage indicators; and indicators of larval fish survival. All provide information on the state of a pelagic ecosystem, but have different limitations. Therefore, their combined application provides the most accurate diagnosis of ecosystem state. In most of the examples described, statistical analyses help to identify major spatial and temporal patterns, and may allow future ecosystem changes to be anticipated.