Design. This is a cross-sectional study.

Setting. AZD4547 in vivo No study has previously investigated peripheral and central sensitization mechanisms in a clinical acute pain model such as inversion ankle sprain.

Patients. Twenty individuals with unilateral inversion ankle sprain (10 women/10 men, age: 31 +/- 7 years) and 19 comparable healthy controls (11 women/8 men,

age: 30 +/- 6 years) participated in this study.

Outcomes. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) over anterior talofibular, calcaneofibular, and deltoid ligaments; the lateral and medial malleolus; the tibialis anterior muscle; second metacarpal; and median, radial, and ulnar nerves were bilaterally assessed.

Results. The analysis of

variance (ANOVA) revealed that PPT levels over the affected anterior talofibular (P = 0.048) and calcaneofibular (P = 0.002) selleck kinase inhibitor ligaments, and over the affected lateral malleolus (P < 0.001) were lower compared with the non-affected side within patients and both sides in controls. The patients also showed bilateral lower PPT levels over the deltoid ligament than controls (P < 0.05). No significant differences for PPT over the medial malleolus; the second metacarpal; the tibialis anterior muscle; and the median, ulnar, radial nerves were found. Significant negative correlations between intensity of ongoing pain and PPT over the anterior talofibular and deltoid ligaments were found: the higher the pain intensity, the lower the PPT.

Conclusions.

This study showed the presence of localized pressure pain hypersensitivity over ABT-737 ankle ligaments in patients with unilateral acute inversion ankle sprain, confirming the presence of localized peripheral sensitization.”
“Background: Partial trisomy of the short arm of chromosome 9 is among the most common autosomal structural chromosomal anomalies leading to chromosomal imbalance in human. Clinical characteristics are craniofacial dysmorphism including hypertelorism, prominent nose, deep-set eyes, and down-slanting palpebral fissures. The degree of clinical severity in partial trisomy 9p roughly correlates with the size of the chromosomal imbalance. Therefore, breakpoints as well as clinical findings need to be precisely defined for differential diagnosis.

Results: Chromosomes of a young female were analyzed due to primary amenorrhea, short stature, developmental delay and a characteristic facial appearance. Cytogenetic analysis using GTG banding identified a karyotype 46, XX, add(9pter). Surprisingly the application of high resolution molecular cytogenetic techniques characterized a partial trisomy 9p24.2-p22 and partial monosomy 9pter-p24.2. To the best of our knowledge only four similar case were reported by now.

The Hugoniot data is in accord with the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory (LASL) shock Hugoniot data and shows a good linearity over 21 GPa. Polymorphic phase transitions were identified by the kinks in the measured T-H-P-H and C-P-H relationships. The onset pressures of the transformations are similar to 75 and similar to 128 GPa, respectively. A thermodynamic calculation suggests that the phase transition at 75 GPa is its disproportionation to massicot (high pressure phase of PbO) and melted silica

while the transition at 128 GPa is from the melting of massicot. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3601115]“
“The benefit of biological therapies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment is well known, but their role in amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis secondary to RA is unclear.

The aim of this study Selleckchem Ilomastat was to clarify the clinical benefit of etanercept in RA patients with AA amyloidosis. We treated 14 RA patients who had serum amyloid A protein (SAA) 1.3 allele, with biopsy-confirmed AA amyloidosis with etanercept and investigated the efficacy of etanercept treatment, focusing on renal function retrospectively. The AA amyloidosis improved and stabilized after 89.1 +/- 27.2 weeks. Proteinuria decreased from 2.24 +/- 0.81 to 0.57 +/- 0.41 g/day (P<0.01) and SAA fell from 250 +/- 129 to 26 +/- 15 mu g/ml (P<0.01), respectively. Diarrhea secondary to gastrointestinal AA Selleck MEK inhibitor amyloidosis selleck was less. Overall, the serum creatinine levels did not benefit with treatment, but in those with a creatinine values <2.0 mg/dl the creatinine level continued to fall (P=0.021).

Serum albumin increased following 96 weeks of etanercept treatment (P=0.003). Etanercept treatment led to clinical improvement in proteinuria and serum albumin levels accompanied by a fall in SAA levels.”
“This study compares the properties of a highly conductive polymer based on polypyrrole and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) grafted with poly (styrenesulfonic acid) (PPy/MWCNT-gr-PSSA) prepared for flexible indium tin oxide-free organic solar cell (OSC) anode with those of PH500 poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) : poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT : PSS) in various solvents. Hydrophilic poly(styrenesulfonic acid) (PSSA) was grafted on the MWCNT surfaces to improve dispersion of the MWCNT in an aqueous solution. MWCNT-gr-PSSA was added because MWCNT acts as a conductive additive and a template for the polymerization of PPy. Polymerization yields increased as the amount of MWCNT-gr-PSSA increased and reached a maximum when 50% of MWCNT-gr-PSSA was added. The conductivity of PPy/MWCNT-gr-PSSA composite was further improved and the value reached similar to 152 S/cm with the addition of a toluenesulfonic acid (TSA)/HCl dopant mixture.

Materials and Methods: NSC-23766 Electronic library search for current evidence in the world literature was conducted, and relevant articles were selected, scrutinized, and the findings were compared.

Results: Seven articles were most relevant, and the results of the comparison of the selected articles showed that demographic variable, age; operative variables: surgeon procedure type and number of teeth extracted; and ratiographic variable, depth angulation;

and root morphology, are the most consistent determinants of difficulty.

Conclusion: Current evidence is in support of 3 categoreis of variables strongly associated with surgical diffulty of impacted third molars. The most important variables in each of these categories have been identified. (C) 2009 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons”
“Background: Knowledge gaps have contributed to considerable variation (between 0 and 15 mu g/d) in international dietary recommendations for vitamin D in adolescents.

Objective:

We aimed to establish the distribution of dietary vitamin D required to maintain serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations above several proposed cutoffs (25, 37.5, 40, and 50 nmol/L) during wintertime in adolescent white girls.

Design: BIBF 1120 Protein Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor Data (baseline and 6 mo) from 2 randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, 12-mo intervention

studies in Danish (55 degrees N) and Finnish (60 degrees N) girls (n = 144; mean age: 11.3 y; mean vitamin D intake: 3.7 mu g/d) at vitamin D(3) supplementation amounts of 0, 5, and 10 mu g/d were used. Serum 25(OH) D was measured with an HPLC assay in a centralized laboratory.

Results: Clear dose-related increments (P < 0.0001) in serum 25(OH)D with increasing supplemental vitamin D(3) were observed. The slope of the relation between vitamin D intake and serum 25(OH)D at the end of winter was 2.43 nmol . L(-1) . mu g intake(-1), and no difference in the slopes between Finnish and Danish girls was observed. The vitamin D intakes that maintained serum 25(OH)D concentrations at > 25, > 37.5, SNX-5422 cost and > 50 nmol/L in 97.5% of the sample were 8.3, 13.5, and 18.6 mu g/d, respectively, whereas an intake of 6.3 mu g/d maintained a serum 25(OH)D concentration > 40 nmol/L in 50% of the sample.

Conclusion: The vitamin D intakes required to ensure that adequate vitamin D status [defined variably as serum 25(OH)D > 25 and > 50 nmol/L] is maintained during winter in the vast majority (. 97.5%) of adolescent girls (mean age: 11.3 y) at northern latitudes (> 55 degrees N) are 8.3 and 18.6 mu g/d, respectively. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00267540. Am J Clin Nutr 2011; 93: 549-55.

We describe a patient with follicular porokeratosis with a distinctive clinical presentation. We believe that follicular porokeratosis is a unique histopathologic variant of porokeratosis, with cornoid lamellae centered in follicular infundibula. Further, this is the only report of follicular porokeratosis involving the face exclusively.”
“Background: The ventriculophasic response (VR) refers to shortening of atrial cycle length during heart block when a QRS complex is interposed between P waves. No selleck formal quantitative definition has heretofore been proposed, nor have its potential clinical correlations

been studied.

Hypothesis: We hypothesized that VR is present in selected patients who are distinguished by clinical features from those who lack VR.

Methods: Pacing devices were temporarily programmed to VVI mode at 30 ppm as electrocardiogram and intracardiac electrograms were recorded at 50 mm/sec paper speed. We measured the percentage decrease in a P-P interval (A-A interval on the atrial electrogram) containing a QRS, compared to the preceding P-P interval. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was measured by echocardiogram.

Results: LY2606368 research buy Shortening of P-P interval was observed chiefly when the interposed

QRS occurred early in the anticipated P-P interval (as judged by the preceding P-P interval). P-P shortening of 0% to 3% occurred randomly. learn more Defining VR as being a > 3% P-P interval shortening when an interposed QRS occurred in the first 60% of the anticipated P-P interval, we found that VR was present in 28 (55%) of our patients. It was quite reproducible, was more common in women (81% vs 37% of men; P = 0.004), and positively correlated

with LVEF (r = 0.41, P = 0.004). It did not correlate with age, diabetes, or beta-blocker use.

Conclusions: Using our newly derived definition of VR, we found the phenomenon was present in 55% of our patients. It was reproducible and more commonly seen in women and patients with LVEF = 40%.”
“We report the diagnostic evaluation, management, and intermediate-term outcomes of a rare variant of bladder cancer and concomitant Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. A 62 year old male with gross haematuria and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm was admitted to our hospital. Cystoscopy revealed a large bulky mass occupying the posterior bladder wall. The tumor was transurethrally resected and its histology showed a Sarcomatoid Carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Due to the aggressive behavior of the tumor and the risk of aneurysm rupture, concomitant endovascular exclusion of Aneurysm, total cystectomy with urinary diversion was performed. 12 months after radical surgery the patient was alive without any local recurrence, distant metastasis, and thrombosis of iliac axis.

“
“In this research, a new flexible polyimide (PI) foams was successfully prepared and characterized based on precursor

powder foaming. This foams were derived from 3,3′,4,4′-oxydiphethalic anhydride (ODPA), 3,3′, 4,4′-oxydiphethalic tetraacid (ODPA-tetraacid), and 4,4′-oxydianiline (4,4′-ODA). this website With varying molar percentage of ODPA-tetraacid in (ODPA vertical bar ODPA-tetraacid), the changes of properties of PI precursor powders and PI foams were comparatively investigated. The foaming processes of PI foams were observed by a self-made visualization device. The decomposition products of precursor powders were analyzed by thermogravimetry- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR). The crystallinity of precursor powders was investigated by wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WXRD). The chemical structure of PI precursor powders and foams was analyzed by FTIR. The thermal properties of PI foams were tested by the methods of dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and TG/differential thermogravimetry (DTG) analysis. The cell structure of PI foams was observed by a scanning electron microscopy. The rebound resilience of PI foams was studied by a self-made drop-ball instrument. With the increasing of ODPA-tetraacid, the inflation onset temperatures and inflation degrees of PI foams decreased from 210 degrees C to 118 degrees C and increased from 10 to 14.8 times, respectively. CAL-101 chemical structure The crystallinity

of PI precursor powders increased. The thermal stability of PI foams decreased. The cell structure of PI foams became more uniform and the rebound rates increased linearly. Besides, ODPA-tetraacid did not yield any negative effect on the complete imidization of the PI precursor powder by the FTIR spectra. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 119: 3253-3263, 2011″
“Study Design. Review of the available literature, authors’ opinion.

Objective. To review the literature

on minimally invasive lateral approach for interbody fusion in treatment of adult deformity. To describe the key points of pertinent surgical anatomy and outline the results of our experience with Bucladesine nmr this technique.

Summary of Background Data. Minimally invasive surgery in the management of adult spinal deformity has been introduced to minimize the postoperative morbidity and facilitate earlier recovery in a group of medically fragile patients.

Methods. Literature review.

Results. Both patient-centered outcome measures (including Oswestry Disability Index, Visual Analogue Scale, and SRS-22) and objective results (correction of coronal and sagittal deformity) are significantly improved in most studies. Reported complication rates differ from one study to another but major complications are low. Infrequent neurologic complications occurred; however, most surgical sequelae were transient and had resolved at later follow-up.

05).

ConclusionEmotional distress, altered vigilance capacity, and pain are associated with CRF in postsurgical breast cancer. In addition, emotional distress and pain are related to diminished physical function, which, in turn, has no significant impact on CRF. The current model should be examined in subsequent

phases of the treatment (chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy) when side effects are more pronounced and may lead to increased intensity of CRF and low physical function. Copyright (c) 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.”
“Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations of epitaxial graphene, grown on on-axis and 8 degrees off-axis C-terminated 4H-SiC (000 (1) over bar) surfaces are presented. The TEM results provide evidence that buy AZD0530 the first carbon layer is separated by 3.2 angstrom from the C-terminated SiC surface. It was also found that thick graphene layers grown on on-axis SiC (000 (1) over bar) are loosely bound to the SiC substrate. Moreover, the structural observations reveal a certain degree of disorder between the graphene planes, which manifests itself in a rotation of the layers and in an increase in the interplanar spacing between certain carbon layers from 3.35 angstrom, which is characteristic for graphite, up to 3.7 angstrom. Graphene grown on 8 degrees off-axis SiC (000 (1) over bar) substrates covers the steps of SiC and as selleckchem a result disorder seems to be not as pronounced as it is

on the on-axis SiC (000 (1) over bar) substrate. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3445776]“
“Aim:

We reviewed our experience with adult T-cell leukemia

(ATL), describing the clinical manifestations and outcome in order to facilitate case recognition in the future.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 17 patients with ATL diagnosed from January 1996 to September 2009 at Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

Results:

The overall survival of the whole study group was 138 days. The medial survival of the 10 patients who received chemotherapy is 204 days. The other six patients who did not receive any chemotherapy had a median survival of 28 days. The co-infection rate with HTLV-1 and HBV or HCV is 47% and 35% respectively.

Conclusion:

ATL in Taiwan is a rare malignant T-cell lymphoma with a very poor prognosis. Nutlin-3 research buy Our series raised the interesting possibility of an association with chronic hepatitis B or C.”
“After institutional review board approval and informed consent were obtained for this HIPAA-compliant investigation, a three-dimensional electrocardiographically gated variable flip angle (VFA) fast spin-echo magnetic resonance (MR) angiography technique was evaluated as an unenhanced method for imaging hand arteries in 13 subjects ( including four patients) at 3.0 T; this included evaluation of vessel visualization with warming and cooling in seven subjects. Examinations were evaluated for image quality and vessel conspicuity.

“
“Objectives: To determine if canting of the occlusal plane click here influences esthetic evaluation of the smile among orthodontists, dentists and laypersons.

Study Design: A frontal photo of a smile with 0 degrees occlusal plane canting in relation to the bipupillary plane was modified using Adobe Photoshop

C3 (Adobe Systems Inc, San Jose, California) to generate two images with occlusal plane inclinations of 2 degrees and 4 degrees. The three images were evaluated esthetically by orthodontists (n=40) general dentists (n=40) and laypersons (n=40). Each image was awarded a score as follows: 1=esthetically acceptable; 2=moderately acceptable; 3=esthetically unacceptable. Evaluators also placed the three images in order

in preference. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis (p<0.05) Ganetespib purchase and the Mann-Whitney tests, applying the Bonferroni Correction (p<0.016).

Results: No significant differences (p>0.05) were found between the three groups for 0 degrees and 2 degrees cants (median for orthodontists=1; general dentists=1; laypersons=1). Orthodontists (median score=3) made evaluations of the image with 4 degrees occlusal plane that were significantly different from general dentists (median=2) and laypersons (median=2). All three groups put the 0 degrees image in first place in order of esthetic acceptability, the 2 degrees Selisistat chemical structure image in second place and the 4 degrees image in third place. Orthodontists placed the 0 degrees image in first place with significantly greater frequency (p<0.016)

than laypersons.

Conclusions: Occlusal plane canting of 0 degrees and 2 degrees were evaluated as esthetically acceptable by the three groups. The 4 degrees occlusal plane cant was evaluated more negatively by orthodontists than by general dentists and laypersons. All three groups placed the 0 degrees image in first place of esthetic acceptability, 2 degrees in second place and 4 degrees in third. Orthodontists put the 0 degrees image in first place with significantly greater frequency than laypersons.”
“Objective: The aim of the study is to summarise our experience of endovascular stent grafting for Stanford type A aortic dissection.

Design: Retrospective analysis at single centre.

Methods: From January 2001 to January 2009, we treated 45 cases of Stanford type A aortic dissection with endovascular stent grafting. The entry tear was located at the ascending aorta in 10 cases (DeBakey type I), the aortic arch in 14 cases and the distal aortic arch or proximal descending aorta in 21 cases in which the ascending aorta was also involved by the dissection.

Results: The surgical success rate was 97.8% (44/45) and 30-day mortality rate was 6.7% (3/45).

(C) RSNA, 2010″
“In this work we present a complete characterization and magnetic study of vanadium oxide/hexadecylamine nanotubes (VO(x)/Hexa NT’s) doped with Co(2)+ and Ni(2+) ions. The morphology of the NT’s has

been characterized by transmission Blebbistatin electron microscopy, while the metallic elements have been quantified by the instrumental neutron activation analysis technique. The static and dynamic magnetic properties were studied by collecting data of magnetization as a function of magnetic field and temperature and by electron paramagnetic resonance. At difference of the majority reports in the literature, we do not observe magnetic dimers in vanadium oxide nanotubes. Also, we observed that the incorporation of metallic ions (Co(2+), S = 3/2 and Ni(2+), S = 1) decreases notably the amount of V(4+) ions in the system, from 14-16% (nondoped case) to 2%-4%, with respect to the

total vanadium atoms (fact corroborated by XPS experiments) anyway preserving the tubular nanostructure. The method to decrease the amount of V(4+) in the nanotubes improves considerably their potential technological applications as Li-ion batteries cathodes. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3580252]“
“Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is characterized by a reversible segmental and multifocal vasoconstriction of cerebral arteries, and severe headaches with or without focal neurologic selleck kinase inhibitor deficits or seizures. A 15-year-old boy presented with thunderclap headache. He had severe hypertension, although his neurologic examination was normal. Initial workup for thunderclap headache to exclude subarachnoid or intracranial hemorrhage, meningitis, pituitary apoplexy, or venous sinus thrombosis was negative. Brain magnetic

resonance angiography and cerebral angiography demonstrated bilateral anterior and posterior circulation diffuse, multifocal, vascular irregularities (beading and stenosis) Torin 1 solubility dmso suggestive of underlying vasculopathy or vasculitis. He was started on verapamil. There was complete reversal of the vascular abnormalities in 6 weeks evident by magnetic resonance angiography, with resolution of headache and normalization of blood pressure. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome has been rarely reported in children. This case report highlights the diagnostic dilemma and management of the rare childhood presentation of this condition.”
“Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of dual-energy computed tomography (CT) in the differentiation of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) from iodinated contrast material in patients who received contrast material via intraarterial or intravenous delivery.

The novel PU material

was characterized by H-1 NMR, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). This facile “”click”" reaction provides a useful tool for the development of novel functional polyurethanes for biomedical applications. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 122: 1251-1257, 2011″
“Background: Choline is essential for infant nutrition, and breast milk is a rich source of this nutrient. Common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) change dietary requirements for choline intake.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether total choline intake and/or SN-38 molecular weight SNPs influence concentrations of choline and its metabolites in human breast milk and plasma.

Design: https://www.selleckchem.com/products/MS-275.html We gave a total of 103 pregnant women supplemental choline or a placebo from 18 wk gestation to 45 d postpartum and genotyped the women for 370 common SNPs. At 45 d postpartum, we measured choline metabolite concentrations in breast milk and plasma and assessed the dietary intake of choline by using a 3-d food record.

Results: On average, lactating

women in our study ate two-thirds of the recommended intake for choline (Adequate Intake = 550 mg choline/d). Dietary choline intake (no supplement) correlated with breast-milk phosphatidylcholine and plasma choline concentrations. A supplement further increased breast-milk https://www.selleckchem.com/products/Staurosporine.html choline, betaine, and phosphocholine concentrations and increased plasma choline and betaine concentrations. We identified 5 SNPs in MTHFR that altered the slope of the intake-metabolite concentration relations, and we identified 2 SNPs in PEMT that shifted these curves upward. Individuals who shared sets of common SNPs were outliers in plots of intake-metabolite concentration

curves; we suggest that these SNPs should be further investigated to determine how they alter choline metabolism.

Conclusion: Total intake of choline and genotype can influence the concentrations of choline and its metabolites in the breast milk and blood of lactating women and thereby affect the amount of choline available to the developing infant. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00678925. Am J Clin Nutr 2010; 92: 336-46.”
“In this article, an analytical model for current-induced vortex core displacement is developed. By using this model, one can solve the equations of motion analytically to determine the effects of the adiabatic and nonadiabatic spin-torque terms. The final displacement direction of the vortex core due to the two torque terms mirrors their relative strengths. The resulting vortex core displacement direction combined with the amplitude of the displacement is thus a measure for both torque terms. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.

3607271]”
“Overactive bladder (OAB) is highly prevalent

and associated with considerable impact on patient health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Assessment of HRQoL can reveal the burden of disease and KPT-8602 mw post-intervention improvement. This review aims to highlight the importance of HRQoL assessment and outline the tools available for use in clinical trials and real-world clinical practice. A number of validated measures of HRQoL specific to OAB have been developed, offering greater sensitivity and responsiveness over generic instruments. These condition-specific, multi-dimensional and single-item global questionnaires are particularly useful for the multiple and varied symptoms of OAB, as they reflect the patient’s needs, concerns and values. Measurements for lower urinary tract symptoms, e. g. bladder diaries, are being

selleck chemicals compared with HRQoL instruments to provide greater understanding of the disease and treatment from the patient’s perspective. Therapeutic interventions to improve OAB symptoms should also be evaluated for their effect on the patient’s HRQoL.”
“We present a rigorous comparison between resistivity data and theoretical predictions involving the theory of Palasantzas [G. Palasantzas and J. Barnas, Phys. Rev. B 56, 7726 (1997)], and the modified Sheng, Xing, and Wang-fractal theory [R. C. Munoz et al., Phys. Rev. B 66, 205401 (2002)], regarding the resistivity arising from electron scattering by a self-affine fractal surface on gold films using no adjustable parameters. We find that both theories lead to an approximate description of the temperature dependence of the resistivity data. However, the description of charge transport based upon fractal scaling seems oversimplified, and the predicted increase in resistivity arising from electron-surface scattering seems at variance with other

experimental results. If the samples ITF2357 research buy are made up of grains such that the mean grain diameter D > l(0)(300), the electronic mean free path in the bulk at 300 K, then the predicted increase in resistivity at 4 K is of the order of a few percent. This contradicts published measurements of magnetomorphic effects arising from size effects where electron-surface scattering is the dominant electron scattering mechanism at 4 K. On the contrary, if the samples are made out of grains such that D < l(0)(300), then the dominant electron scattering mechanism controlling the resistivity is not electron-surface scattering but rather electron-grain boundary scattering, and the latter electron scattering mechanism is not included in either theory. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3607974]“
“Introduction and hypothesis The aims of this study are (1) to assess the reliability (test-retest) of the Urgency Severity and Life Impact Questionnaire (USIQ) and (2) to test the effect of extended-release tolterodine on symptoms of urinary urgency using this validated instrument.