bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
German Diabetes Disease Management Programs Are Appropriate for Restructuring Care According to the Chronic Care Model
Authors: Szecsenyi Joachim , Rosemann Thomas , Joos Stefanie , Peters-Klimm Frank , Miksch Antje
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE—With the introduction of diabetes disease management programs (DMPs) in Germany, there is a necessity to evaluate whether patients receive care that is congruent to the Chronic Care Model (CCM) and evidence-based behavioral counseling. We examined differences as perceived and experienced by patients with type 2 diabetes between those enrolled in a DMP compared with patients receiving usual care in two federal states of Germany.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A random, heterogeneous sample of 3,546 patients (59.3% female) received a mailed questionnaire from their regional health fund, including the German version of the Patient Assessment of Chonic Illness Care (PACIC) instrument, which had additional items for behavioral advice (5A). Two weeks later, a general reminder was sent out.

RESULTS—A total of 1,532 questionnaires were returned (response rate 42.2%), and valid data could be obtained for 1,399 patients. Mean age of responders was 70.3 years, of which 53.6% were female. Overall, patients enrolled in a DMP scored significantly higher (3.21 of a possible 5) than patients not enrolled in a DMP (2.86) (P < 0.001). Significant differences in the same direction were found on all five subscales of the PACIC. For the 5A scales, similar differences were found for all five subscales plus the sum score (P < 0.001; mean for DMP = 3.08, mean for non-DMP = 2.78).

CONCLUSIONS—DMPs, as currently established in primary care in Germany, may impact provided care significantly. The changes in daily practice that have been induced by the DMPs are recognized by patients as care that is more structured and that to a larger extent reflects the core elements of the CCM and evidence-based counseling compared with usual care.
Liver Enzymes and Incident Diabetes
Authors: Ford Earl S. , Schulze Matthias B. , Bergmann Manuela M. , Thamer Claus , Joost Hans-Georg , Boeing Heiner
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE—We sought to examine the association between plasma concentrations of liver enzymes γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and alanine transaminase (ALT) and incident diabetes, prospectively.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We conducted a case-cohort analysis of data from participants mainly aged 35–65 years in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition–Potsdam Study. The analytic sample included 787 participants with incident diabetes and 2,224 participants without diabetes.

RESULTS—Concentrations of GGT and ALT were significantly associated with incident diabetes after extensive adjustment. Compared with participants in the lowest quintile of GGT, the adjusted hazard ratios for increasing quintiles were 1.13 (95% CI 0.66–1.93), 1.67 (1.01–2.77), 2.77 (1.71–4.49), and 2.67 (1.63–4.37), respectively (P for linear trend <0.001). Compared with participants in the lowest quintile of ALT, the adjusted hazard ratios for incident diabetes were 0.93 (0.56–1.53) for quintile 2, 1.28 (0.83–1.96) for quintile 3, 1.35 (0.88–2.07) for quintile 4, and 1.93 (1.27–2.92) for quintile 5 (P for linear trend = 0.002). The magnitude of the associations were higher among men than women for GGT (P = 0.004) but did not differ significantly between men and women for ALT (P = 0.307).

CONCLUSIONS—Concentrations of GGT and ALT were significant predictors of incident diabetes in this study, even at concentrations still considered to be within the normal range.
Plantar Fascia Thickness, a Measure of Tissue Glycation, Predicts the Development of Complications in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Craig Maria E. , Duffin Anthony C. , Gallego Patricia H. , Lam Albert , Cusumano Janine , Hing Stephen , Donaghue Kim C
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE—Direct measurement of collagen glycation requires skin biopsy, which is invasive. We hypothesized that measurement of plantar fascia thickness (PFT) by ultrasound is an alternative index of tissue glycation and a marker of microvascular disease.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This was a prospective longitudinal study of microvascular complications in 344 adolescents with type 1 diabetes, whose PFT was assessed by ultrasound at baseline. Retinopathy was assessed by seven-field fundal photography, albumin excretion rate (AER) measured from three consecutive timed overnight urine specimens, autonomic neuropathy by pupillometry and cardiovascular tests, and peripheral neuropathy by vibration and thermal thresholds. Longitudinal analysis was performed using generalized estimating equations with baseline PFT, duration, and A1C as explanatory variables.

RESULTS—At first assessment, median (interquartile range) age was 15.1 (13.5–17.2) years and diabetes duration was 8.5 (6.0–11.5) years. Median follow up was 3.2 (2.1–4.5) years with a median of 4 (2–13) complications assessments per patient. In multivariate analysis, baseline PFT (abnormal in 132 subjects, 38%) predicted subsequent development of retinopathy (odds ratio 2.4 [95% CI 1.1–5.0]), elevated AER (2.24 [1.05–5.11]), peripheral neuropathy (2.3 [1.2–4.41]), and autonomic neuropathy (4.94 [2.46–9.91]). Limited joint mobility was present in only 4%.

CONCLUSIONS—PFT is a significant predictor of the subsequent development of complications in type 1 diabetes, suggesting that glycation and oxidation of collagen in soft tissues may be independent risk factors for microvascular complications.
Metabolic Phenotype in the Brothers of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Sam Susan , Coviello Andrea D. , Sung Yeon-Ah , Legro Richard S. , Dunaif Andrea
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE—Hyperandrogenemia, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia demonstrate familial aggregation in the female first-degree relatives of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), suggesting that these defects are heritable. Hyperandrogenemia also appears to be the male reproductive phenotype. We performed this study to test the hypothesis that brothers of women with PCOS have metabolic defects similar to those of their proband sisters.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This was a prospective case-control study performed at four academic medical centers in the U.S. Fasting blood was obtained from 196 non-Hispanic white brothers of women with PCOS and 169 control men of age, BMI, and ethnicity comparable to those of brothers. A separate analysis was performed by study site to assess potential regional variations in metabolic parameters.

RESULTS—Overall, brothers of women with PCOS had significantly higher total (P = 0.001) and LDL cholesterol (P = 0.01) as well as triglyceride levels (P = 0.01) compared with control men, although there were regional variations in these differences. There were significant positive correlations between brothers and their sisters with PCOS for total (ρ = 0.2, P = 0.009) and LDL cholesterol (ρ = 0.3, P = 0.001) and triglyceride (ρ = 0.2, P = 0.05) levels. Brothers also had significantly higher fasting insulin levels and homeostatic index of insulin resistance (P = 0.02 for both comparisons) compared with control men.

CONCLUSIONS—Brothers of women with PCOS have dyslipidemia as well as evidence for insulin resistance similar to that of their proband sisters with PCOS. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that some metabolic abnormalities in PCOS are heritable and are not sex specific.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness as a Feature of Metabolic Syndrome in Older Men and Women
Authors: Hassinen Maija , Lakka Timo A. , Savonen Kai , Litmanen Hannu , Kiviaho Leena , Laaksonen David E. , Komulainen Pirjo , Rauramaa Rainer
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE—We studied the associations of cardiorespiratory fitness with metabolic syndrome in older men and women, because such data are limited in representative population samples.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We studied a population sample of 671 men and 676 women aged 57–79 years at baseline of a randomized controlled intervention study. We assessed maximal oxygen uptake (Vo2max) by respiratory gas analysis during a maximal bicycle exercise test.

RESULTS—Vo2max had a strong, inverse, and graded association with the risk of having metabolic syndrome as defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program criteria. Men and women in the lowest third of Vo2max had 10.2- and 10.8-fold higher risks and those in the middle third had 2.9- and 4.7-fold higher risks (P < 0.001 all) of metabolic syndrome than those with the highest Vo2max after multivariable adjustments. Factor analysis generated a principal factor that was strongly loaded by the main components of metabolic syndrome and Vo2max (−0.68 in men and −0.70 in women).

CONCLUSIONS—Low cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with metabolic syndrome in older men and women. Our findings suggest that low cardiorespiratory fitness could be considered a feature of metabolic syndrome.
A New Zealand Linkage Study Examining the Associations Between A1C Concentration and Mortality
Authors: Brewer Naomi , Wright Craig S. , Travier Noémie , Cunningham Chris W. , Hornell John , Pearce Neil , Jeffreys Mona
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE—To examine associations between A1C concentration and mortality in a New Zealand population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—During a Hepatitis Foundation screening campaign for hepatitis B (1999–2001), participants were offered A1C testing. The participants were anonymously linked to the national mortality collection to 31 December 2004. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs adjusted for age, ethnicity, smoking, and sex were estimated using Cox regression.

RESULTS—There were 47,904 participants (71% Mâori, 12% Pacific, 5% Asian, and 12% other). A1C measurements were categorized as <4.0% (n = 142), 4.0 to <5.0% (reference category; n = 12,867), 5.0 to <6.0% (n = 30,222), 6.0 to <7.0% (n = 2,669), and ≥7.0% (n = 1,596); there were also 408 participants with a previous diabetes diagnosis. During the follow-up period, 815 individuals died. In those without a prior diabetes diagnosis, there were steadily increasing HRs from the A1C reference category to the highest category (≥7.0%; HR 2.36 [95% CI 1.72–3.25]). As well as all-cause mortality, A1C was associated with mortality from diseases of the circulatory system; endocrine, nutritional, metabolic, and immunity disorders; and other and unknown causes. Mortality was also elevated in those with a prior diabetes diagnosis (5.19 [3.67–7.35]), but this was only partially explained by their elevated A1C levels.

CONCLUSIONS—This is the largest study to date of A1C levels and subsequent mortality risk. It confirms previous findings that A1C levels are strongly associated with subsequent mortality in both men and women without a prior diabetes diagnosis.
Effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on long-term pain in calves castrated by use of an external clamping technique following epidural anesthesia
Authors: Stilwell George , Lima Miguel S. , Broom Donald M.
Published: June 2008

Objective—To compare efficacy of flunixin meglumine versus carprofen in controlling pain under field conditions following castration by use of an external clamping technique in calves that received epidural anesthesia.

Animals—40 male 5- to 6-month-old calves.

Procedures—Calves were allocated to 4 groups: castrated only (control calves; n = 8); castrated 5 minutes after epidural injection of 2% lidocaine (epidural-alone treated calves; 8), castrated after epidural anesthesia and SC administration of flunixin meglumine (epidural-flunixin treated calves; 12), and castrated after epidural anesthesia and SC administration of carprofen (epidural-carprofen–treated calves; 11 [1 calf not included]). Plasma cortisol concentration was measured before and 6, 24, and 48 hours after castration. Time of arrival at the feed trough at 24 and 48 hours was observed. Calves were observed at 24 and 48 hours for 4 pain-related behaviors.

Results—At 6 hours, control calves had significantly higher plasma cortisol concentrations, compared with baseline values and those of epidural-flunixin– and epidural-carprofen–treated calves. At 24 hours, epidural-carprofen–treated calves had significantly lower plasma cortisol concentrations, compared with control calves. At 48 hours, epidural-carprofen–treated calves had plasma cortisol concentrations that were similar to baseline values and significantly lower than epidural-flunixin– and epidural-alone–treated calves. At 24 and 48 hours, epidural-carprofen–treated calves were first to arrive at the feed trough and had fewer pain-related behaviors.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—SC administration of carprofen in combination with epidural injection of lidocaine may improve the welfare of calves castrated by use of an external clamping technique for up to 48 hours.
Plasma concentrations of substance P and cortisol in beef calves after castration or simulated castration
Authors: Coetzee Johann F. , Lubbers Brian V. , Toerber Scott E. , Gehring Ronette , Thomson Daniel U. , White Bradley J. , Apley Michael D.
Published: June 2008

Objective—To evaluate plasma concentrations of substance P (SP) and cortisol in calves after castration or simulated castration.

Animals—10 Angus-crossbred calves.

Procedures—Calves were acclimated for 5 days, assigned to a block on the basis of scrotal circumference, and randomly assigned to a castrated or simulated-castrated (control) group. Blood samples were collected twice before, at the time of (0 hours), and at several times points after castration or simulated castration. Vocalization and attitude scores were determined at time of castration or simulated castration. Plasma concentrations of SP and cortisol were determined by use of competitive and chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassays, respectively. Data were analyzed by use of repeated-measures analysis with a mixed model.

Results—Mean ± SEM cortisol concentration in castrated calves (78.88 ± 10.07 nmol/L) was similar to that in uncastrated control calves (73.01 ± 10.07 nmol/L). However, mean SP concentration in castrated calves (506.43 ± 38.11 pg/mL) was significantly higher than the concentration in control calves (386.42 ± 40.09 pg/mL). Mean cortisol concentration in calves with vocalization scores of 0 was not significantly different from the concentration in calves with vocalization scores of 3. However, calves with vocalization scores of 3 had significantly higher SP concentrations, compared with SP concentrations for calves with vocalization scores of 0.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Similar cortisol concentrations were measured in castrated and control calves. A significant increase in plasma concentrations of SP after castration suggested a likely association with nociception. These results may affect assessment of animal well-being in livestock production systems.
Distribution of myofibroblasts, smooth muscle–like cells, macrophages, and mast cells in mitral valve leaflets of dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease
Authors: Han Richard I. , Black Alexander , Culshaw Geoff J. , French Anne T. , Else Roderick W. , Corcoran Brendan M.
Published: June 2008

Objective—To map the cellular distribution and phenotypic alteration of the predominant stromal cell population throughout the entire valve length of dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD).

Sample Population—31 mitral valve complexes (ie, mitral valve leaflets) collected from 4 clinically normal dogs and 27 dogs with MMVD of varying severity.

Procedures—A combination of standard histologic and immunohistochemical techniques was used to identify pathologic changes, the presence of mast cells, and the density and distribution of cells expressing vimentin, desmin, A-smooth muscle actin (A-SMA), smooth muscle myosin, and the macrophage marker MAC387.

Results—Vimentin-positive cells predominated in the mitral valve leaflets from clinically normal dogs and were located throughout the leaflet, but cell density was appreciably decreased with disease progression, and minimal cell numbers were found in distinct myxomatous areas. Cells that were positive for A-SMA were uncommon in the mitral valve leaflets from clinically normal dogs and only seen in appreciable numbers in mitral valves of dogs with severe late-stage disease, in which cells were typically located close to the ventricularis valve surface. A slight increase in mast cell numbers was observed in the distal zone of affected leaflets.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Activated-myofibroblasts (α-SMA–positive cells) were increased and inactive-myofibroblasts (vimentin-positive cells) were reduced in mitral valve leaflets of dogs with MMVD, compared with that of clinically normal dogs.

Impact on Human Medicine—This is the first description of spatial and temporal alterations in mitral valve cells of any species with MMVD and has clinical importance in the understanding of disease development in dogs and humans.
Effects of sampling instrument and processing technique on DNA yield and detection rate for feline herpesvirus-1 via polymerase chain reaction assay
Authors: Westermeyer Hans D. , Kado-Fong Helen , Maggs David J.
Published: June 2008

Objective—To assess effects of disease severity, sampling instrument, and processing technique on extracted DNA yield and detection rate for feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) via PCR assay.

Sample Population—Crandell-Rees feline kidney (CRFK) cells grown in vitro and conjunctival samples from 40 eyes of 20 cats.

Procedures—Samples of CRFK cells (collected by use of a swab or cytology brush, with or without suspension in PBS solution) underwent DNA extraction; DNA yield was quantified spectrophotometrically. In affected cats, signs of herpetic disease were subjectively assessed. Conjunctival swab and brush samples were collected bilaterally for measurement of DNA concentration; a defined mass (DM) of DNA and defined volume (DV) of sample were assessed for FHV-1 via PCR assays.

Results—For CRFK cells, DNA yields from unsuspended swabs and brushes were greater than for suspended swabs and brushes; suspended swab samples yielded less DNA than suspended brush samples. For conjunctival samples, DNA yields from swabs were greater than for brushes. Clinical score was not correlated with double-stranded DNA yield collected via either sampling instrument; however, cats with FHV-1–positive assay results had higher clinical scores than cats with FHV-1–negative results. Detection of FHV-1 in swab and brush samples was similar. Double-stranded DNA yield and FHV-1 detection were inversely related via DM-PCR assay. The DV-PCR assay had a significantly higher FHV-1 detection rate than the DM-PCR assay.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The DV-PCR assay of DNA extracted from an unsuspended swab sample was the preferred method for assessment of conjunctival shedding of FHV-1 in cats.
Nonsurgical resolution of gallbladder mucocele in two dogs
Authors: Walter Romanie , Dunn Marilyn E. , d'Anjou Marc-André , Lécuyer Manon
Published: June 2008

Case Description—A gallbladder mucocele was diagnosed in 2 dogs. In both dogs, the mucocele resolved with medical treatment but without the need for surgical intervention.

Clinical Findings—A 12-year-old spayed female Miniature Schnauzer had a history of signs of gastrointestinal tract disease and high serum liver enzyme activities. Gallbladder mucocele and hypothyroidism were diagnosed. A 6-year-old neutered mixed-breed dog had chronic intermittent diarrhea and recurrent otitis; gallbladder mucocele and hypothyroidism were diagnosed.

Treatment and Outcome—The first dog was treated with S-adenosyl-methionine, omega-3 fatty acids, famotidine, ursodiol, and levothyroxine. Substantial improvement in the gastrointestinal tract condition and complete resolution of the gallbladder mucocele within 3 months were evident, but the dog was not available for further follow-up monitoring. The second dog was treated with fenbendazole, ursodiol, and levothyroxine and fed a hypoallergenic diet. One month after evaluation, abdominal ultrasonography revealed that the gallbladder mucocele was resolving, and treatment was continued. Ultrasonographic evaluation 2 and 4 months later revealed complete resolution of the mucocele.

Clinical Relevance—Review of the clinical course of 2 dogs in which there was nonsurgical resolution of gallbladder mucocele revealed that surgery is not necessary in all dogs with gallbladder mucocele. Hypothyroidism may have resulted in delayed gallbladder emptying, and its role in the pathogenesis of gallbladder mucocele merits investigation. Despite this information, until further prospective trials with a control group and standardized treatments and follow-up monitoring can be performed, the authors recommend surgical intervention for treatment of dogs with gallbladder mucocele.
Clinical and scintigraphic findings in horses with a bone fragility disorder: 16 cases (1980–2006)
Authors: Anderson Jonathan D. C. , Galuppo Larry D. , Barr Bradd C. , Puchalski Sarah M. , MacDonald Melinda M. , Whitcomb Mary Beth , Magdesian K. Gary , Stover Susan M.
Published: June 2008

Objective—To describe clinical and scintigraphic abnormalities in horses with a bone fragility disorder.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—16 horses with scintigraphic evidence of multiple sites of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake (IRU).

Procedures—Medical records were reviewed for information on signalment; history; clinical, clinicopathologic, and diagnostic imaging findings; and treatment. Follow-up information was obtained through telephone interviews with owners.

Results—Horses ranged from 4 to 22 years old; there were 8 castrated males and 8 females. Foci of IRU most commonly involved the scapulae, ribs, sternebrae, sacral tubers, ilia, and cervical vertebrae. Most horses were examined because of chronic intermittent (n = 10) or acute (6) lameness involving a single (10) or multiple (6) limbs that could not be localized by means of regional anesthesia. Cervical stiffness (n = 3), scapular bowing (3), swayback (3), and ataxia (1) were also seen in more advanced cases. Signs of respiratory tract disease and exercise intolerance were evident in 4 horses. Ultrasonographic or radiographic evidence of bone remodeling or degeneration was seen in 19 of 33 affected bones. Histologic examination of bone biopsy specimens revealed reactive bone. Improvement was initially seen with conservative treatment in some horses, but the condition worsened in all horses, and 11 horses were euthanized within 7 years.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that horses may develop a bone fragility disorder characterized clinically by an unlocalizable lameness and scintigraphically by multiple sites of IRU involving the axial skeleton and proximal portion of the appendicular skeleton.
Frequency of thromboembolic events associated with endovascular aneurysm treatment: retrospective case series
Authors: Brooks Nathaniel P. , Turk Aquilla S. , Niemann David B. , Aagaard-Kienitz Beverly , Pulfer Kari , Cook Thomas
Published: June 2008

Object

There is little evidence addressing whether procedures requiring adjunctive devices lead to an increased frequency of thromboembolic complications. The authors report their experience with 155 aneurysms treated with and without adjunctive devices.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed their last 155 aneurysm coil placement procedures. The patients' records were reviewed for the following phenomena: 1) evidence of procedure-related thrombus formation; 2) clinical evidence of stroke; and 3) the presence of acute ischemia in the treated vascular territory on diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging.

Results

Of the 155 aneurysms treated in 132 patients, 66 were treated with coils only, 45 had stent-assisted coil placement, 33 underwent balloon remodeling, and in 11 stents were placed after balloon remodeling. Small DW imaging abnormalities were present in the treated vascular territory in 24% of cases (37 lesions). Specifically, 21 (32%) of 66 lesions in the coil-treated group, 6 (13%) of 45 in the stent-assisted coil treatment group, 8 (24%) of 33 in the balloon remodeling group, and 2 (18%) of 11 in the balloon and stent group showed DW imaging positivity. Furthermore, 25 (68%) of the 37 cases that were positive on DW imaging occurred in patients presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Clinically evident stroke or transient ischemic attack was present in 10 (27%) of 37 cases, with 70% occurring in patients presenting with SAH.

Conclusions

Use of adjunctive devices in treating aneurysms does not appear to increase the frequency of embolic or ischemic events. The presence of DW imaging abnormalities and clinically evident stroke was actually less frequent when adjunctive devices were used and in electively treated cases. This was probably related to perioperative antiplatelet medical management.
Exposure of the vertebrobasilar artery junction with traction of the dentate ligament for the treatment of large vertebral artery aneurysms
Authors: Kashimura Hiroshi , Ogasawara Kuniaki , Kubo Yoshitaka , Kakino Shunsuke , Yoshida Kenji , Sasoh Masayuki , Takahashi Hajime , Suzuki Kenji , Ogawa Akira
Published: June 2008

✓ A technique for exposing the vertebrobasilar junction with traction of the dentate ligament is described for treatment of large vertebral artery (VA) aneurysms via the far lateral suboccipital approach with partial condylar resection. The most rostral attachment of the dentate ligament is divided above the site where the VA pierces the dura mater. A traction suture is placed into the dentate ligament and gently retracted using mosquito forceps. As a result, the medulla oblongata is lifted dorsally and slightly rotated by the divided and retracted dentate ligament, allowing an approach from a more superior or inferior direction. The present technique is useful for the treatment of large thrombosed VA aneurysms.
Rethinking the indications for the ventriculoperitoneal shunt tap
Authors: Miller Jonathan P. , Fulop Steven C. , Dashti Shervin R. , Robinson Shenandoah , Cohen Alan R.
Published: June 2008

Object

Tapping of a suspected malfunctioning ventriculoperitoneal shunt is usually easy, sometimes informative, but also potentially misleading. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a shunt evaluation protocol that does not involve direct shunt tapping except in rare and specific cases.

Methods

The authors adopted a protocol for shunt evaluation that involves shunt tapping only in selected cases of suspected infection or in patients with noncommunicating hydrocephalus and equivocal computed tomography (CT) findings of shunt infection. They then reviewed the clinical characteristics and surgical findings in 373 consecutive assessments of 155 pediatric patients who were evaluated for shunt malfunction and/or infection by using this protocol between January 2003 and December 2005.

Results

Mental status change and headache were the symptoms most concordant with shunt malfunction, but no symptom had a predictive value much better than 50%. Follow-up CT scans demonstrated enlarged ventricles in 72 of 126 cases of shunt revision. Among those with obstruction but without remarkable CT changes, 8 patients had evidence of distal obstruction on x-ray “shunt series” consisting of skull, chest, and abdominal radiographs, and 5 had obvious symptoms that rendered further testing unnecessary; 38 cases of obstruction were diagnosed based on elevated opening pressure on lumbar puncture (mean 34.7 cm H2O). A shunt tap was required in only 8 cases (2%).

Conclusions

The authors have shown that it is possible to evaluate the majority of ventricular shunt malfunctions without tapping the device. Because it is possible to diagnose shunt obstruction correctly by other means, the shunt tap may not be obligatory as a routine test of the device's patency.
Prediction of cognitive sequelae based on abnormal computed tomography findings in children following mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Levin Harvey S. , Hanten Gerri , Roberson Garland , Li Xiaoqi , Ewing-Cobbs Linda , Dennis Maureen , Chapman Sandra , Max Jeffrey E. , Hunter Jill , Schachar Russell , Luerssen Thomas G. , Swank Paul
Published: June 2008

Object

The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of intracranial pathophysiology on computed tomography (CT) scans obtained within 24 hours of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) in children adversely affects neuropsychological outcome during the 1st year postinjury.

Methods

A prospective longitudinal design was used to examine the neuropsychological outcomes in children (ages 5–15 years) who had been treated for MTBI, which was defined as a loss of consciousness for up to 30 minutes and a lowest Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 13–15. Exclusion criteria included any preinjury neurological disorder. Outcome assessments were performed within 2 weeks and at 3, 6, and 12 months postinjury. Outcomes were compared between patients with MTBI whose postinjury CT scans revealed complications of brain pathophysiology (32 patients, CMTBI group) and those with MTBI but without complications (48 patients, MTBI group).

Results

Significant interactions confirmed that the pattern of recovery over 12 months after injury differed depending on the intracranial pathology, presence and severity of injuries to body regions other than the head, preinjury attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and socioeconomic status. Children in the CMTBI group had significantly poorer episodic memory, slower cognitive processing, diminished recovery in managing cognitive interference, and poorer performance in calculating and reading than patients in the MTBI group. Among the patients with mild or no extracranial injury, visuomotor speed was slower in those in the CMTBI group; and among patients without preinjury ADHD, working memory was worse in those in the CMTBI group.

Conclusions

Neuropsychological recovery during the 1st year following MTBI is related to the presence of radiographically detectable intracranial pathology. Children with intracranial pathology on acute CT performed more poorly in several cognitive domains when compared with patients whose CT findings were normal or limited to a linear skull fracture. Depending on the presence of preinjury ADHD and concomitant extracranial injury, working memory and visuomotor speed were also diminished in patients whose CT findings revealed complications following MTBI. Computed tomography within 24 hours postinjury appears to be useful for identifying children with an elevated risk for residual neuropsychological changes.
Mediastinal lymphangioma presenting as an acute epidural hematoma
Authors: McLoughlin Gregory S. , Nuchtern Jed G. , Dauser Robert C. , Sciubba Daniel M. , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Wolinsky Jean-Paul
Published: June 2008

✓ Lymphangiomas are benign collections of blind-ended lymphatic and vascular channels. Lesions typically occur in the soft tissues of the head and neck, although any region of the body can be affected. Involvement of the spine is very rare. A complete resection is generally curative. On rare occasions, these tumors are complicated by infection or hemorrhage. The authors present an unusual case of a hemorrhagic lymphangioma in a 1-year-old male child. The lesion originated in the mediastinum and extended into the cervicothoracic epidural space via a neural foramen. This resulted in an acute epidural hematoma and quadriparesis. Emergency decompression resulted in full neurological recovery. This may be the first report of a lymphangioma resulting in an acute epidural hematoma and quadriparesis.
Sagittal alignment changes after thoracic laminectomy in adults
Authors: Aizawa Toshimi , Sato Tetsuro , Ozawa Hiroshi , Morozumi Naoki , Matsumoto Fujio , Sasaki Hirotoshi , Hoshikawa Takeshi , Kawahara Chikashi , Kokubun Shoichi , Itoi Eiji
Published: June 2008

Object

The increased kyphosis after thoracic laminectomy in adult patients was retrospectively evaluated and various factors affecting this spinal deformity were analyzed.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective study of 58 cases in which laminectomy was performed and more than half of the facet joints were left intact. The study group included 44 men (mean age 59 years) and 14 women (mean age 61 years) with thoracic myelopathy due to ossifications of the ligamentum flavum and/or the posterior longitudinal ligament or due to posterior bone spurs. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 2 years. Their neurological condition was evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale (a full score is 11), and the magnitude of local kyphosis in the laminectomized area was determined using the Cobb angle method.

Results

The mean preoperative JOA score was 5.4; the mean postoperative score was 8.3. No relationship was found between postoperative JOA score and increased kyphotic angle. The mean preoperative kyphotic angle was 7.0°. The mean postoperative kyphotic angle was 10.8°. Thus local kyphosis in the treated area increased by only 3.8°. The mean increase in kyphosis per spinal segment, calculated by dividing the kyphotic angle of the surgically decompressed area by the number of resected laminae, was 1.9°. Female patients with ≥ 3-level laminectomies showed a significant increase of kyphosis in both the laminectomized area and each spinal segment.

Conclusions

The increase in kyphosis after thoracic laminectomy is not large and thus spinal fusion is usually not necessary. In cases involving female patients who undergo long-segment laminectomies, however, careful radiographic follow-up is recommended.
Baumplantagen weltweit – eine Übersicht | Tree plantations worldwide – an overview
Authors: Bemmann Albrecht , Pretzsch Jürgen , Schulte Andreas
Published: June 2008

With increasing population density and industrialization, plantations with various, fast growing tree species have been established in countries where timber resources of primary and secondary forests did not cover the needed supply for the timber industry. Today, tree plantations cover an area of approximately 137 m ha, which equals 3.5% of the worldwide forest area. Dominating tree species are conifers of the genera Pinus (28%), Cunning-hamia (9%), Larix (5%) and Picea (4%) as well as deciduous trees of the genera Eucalyptus (6%), Populus (5%) and Acacia (5%). Since the demand for wood is increasing, many countries such as China, India, Thailand and |apan aim to increase their forest area by the use of plantations. This will lead to an increased competition between the cultivation of crops and the cultivation of biomass for energy and material recovery.

In Europe, economic factors such as the price for land will decide how agriculture and forest areas will be managed in the future. Based on ecological factors such as biodiversity, soil erosion and C-sequestering, national standards will also influence this management.

In the 1970s, the first boom of plantations was coined by numerous problems and undesirable developments. Since then however, new knowledge has been gained. As a benefit, the current multi-disciplinary management methods allow plantations to be ecological and socially acceptable.
Anlage und Ertragsaussichten von Kurzumtriebsplantagen in Ostdeutschland | Establishment and expected yield of short-term rotation plantations in Eastern Germany
Authors: Röhle Heinz , Böcker Lutz , Feger Karl-Heinz , Petzold Rainer , Wolf Heino , Ali Wael
Published: June 2008

Tree species with rapid early growth that can be propagated easily and that show good coppicing ability are the most suitable species for the establishment of short-term rotation plantations. Depending on the site conditions, central European species of the genera Populus L. and Salix L. are recommended. In conditions with a limited water supply, Robinia pseudoacacia L. is more suitable.

The success of short-term rotation plantations depends on optimal site preparation and early spring planting of the cuttings/plants as important preconditions. Primarily, during the first year of the rotation cycle effective weed control, protection from browsing, and other management measures are needed. Due to the productive and fast growing poplar and willow species' requirements for high quality site conditions in respect to radiation, nutrients and soil water availability, former farmland with adequate to good nutrition availability and sufficient water supply is particularly suitable. During the vegetation period, precipitation should reach at least 300 mm; however, less precipitation can be compensated by capillary rise from groundwater into the rooting zone.

Results from test plantations show that growth increments may reach 6 to 10 t/ha/yr (dry biomass) for willow and 6 t/ha/yr for locust on favorable sites. For poplar grown under dense stand conditions, annual growth increments may significantly exceed 10 t/ha/yr.
Kurzumtriebsplantagen – Ergänzung oder Widerspruch zur nachhaltigen Waldwirtschaft? | Short-term rotation plantations – supplement or in contradiction to sustainable forest management?
Authors: Schmidt Peter A. , Gerold Denie
Published: June 2008

Sustainability in forestry does not only cover wood production but it serves all functions of the forest. The increasing demand for wood urges a reconsideration of management concepts. To further ensure the principle of sustainability with the forest as a natural tool for resources, all potentials of the cultural landscape for woody biomass production are to be considered with the strategies for a sustainable development. Such a potential is offered by short-rotation plantations at agricultural sites. Management of such plantations in the agricultural landscape must meet minimum standards in respect to ecology and economy but cannot fulfill all criteria for a sustainable forest management. The less intensive management of such plantations compared to other agricultural land-use systems, has favorable effects on the ecosystem services of the landscape, ecological efficiency of the natural environment and biodiversity. According to a differentiated management strategy for woody stands in forest and agricultural landscapes, short-term rotation plantations as an intensive management strategy for woody ecosystems as well as strictly protected areas for nature conservation and forest regulation consider the concept of partial segregation. The allocation of wood by short-term rotation plantations reduces the pressure on the sustainable, ecologically oriented forest management as an integration strategy which should be implemented on the predominant forested area in the future.
A SAR Observation and Numerical Study on Ocean Surface Imprints of Atmospheric Vortex Streets
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Zheng Weizhong , Zou Cheng-Zhi , Pichel William G.
Published: May 2008

The sea surface imprints of Atmospheric Vortex Street (AVS) off Aleutian Volcanic Islands, Alaska were observed in two RADARSAT-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images separated by about 11 hours. In both images, three pairs of distinctive vortices shedding in the lee side of two volcanic mountains can be clearly seen. The length and width of the vortex street are about 60-70 km and 20 km, respectively. Although the AVS’s in the two SAR images have similar shapes, the structure of vortices within the AVS is highly asymmetrical. The sea surface wind speed is estimated from the SAR images with wind direction input from Navy NOGAPS model. In this paper we present a complete MM5 model simulation of the observed AVS. The surface wind simulated from the MM5 model is in good agreement with SAR-derived wind. The vortex shedding rate calculated from the model run is about 1 hour and 50 minutes. Other basic characteristics of the AVS including propagation speed of the vortex, Strouhal and Reynolds numbers favorable for AVS generation are also derived. The wind associated with AVS modifies the cloud structure in the marine atmospheric boundary layer. The AVS cloud pattern is also observed on a MODIS visible band image taken between the two RADARSAT SAR images. An ENVISAT advance SAR image taken 4 hours after the second RADARSAT SAR image shows that the AVS has almost vanished.
Reflectance Modeling for Real Snow Structures Using a Beam Tracing Model
Authors: Bänninger Dominik , Bourgeois Claude Saskia , Matzl Margret , Schneebeli Martin
Published: May 2008

It is important to understand reflective properties of snow, for example for remote sensing applications and for modeling of energy balances in snow packs. We present a method with which we can compare reflectance measurements and calculations for the same snow sample structures. Therefore, we first tomograph snow samples to acquire snow structure images (6 x 2 mm). Second, we calculated the sample reflectance by modeling the radiative transfer, using a beam tracing model. This model calculates the biconical reflectance (BR) derived from an arbitrary number of incident beams. The incident beams represent a diffuse light source. We applied our method to four different snow samples: Fresh snow, metamorphosed snow, depth hoar, and wet snow. The results show that (i) the calculated and measured reflectances agree well and (ii) the model produces different biconical reflectances for different snow types. The ratio of the structure to the wavelength is large. We estimated that the size parameter is larger than 50 in all cases we analyzed. Specific surface area of the snow samples explains most of the difference in radiance, but not the different biconical reflectance distributions. The presented method overcomes the limitations of common radiative transfer models which use idealized grain shapes such as spheres, plates, needles and hexagonal particles. With this method we could improve our understanding for changes in biconical reflectance distribution associated with changes in specific surface area.
Hemodynamic Differences in Children with Dichotic Listening Deficits: Preliminary Results from an fMRI Study during a Cued Listening Task
Authors: Moncrieff Deborah , McColl Roderick W. , Black Jeffrey R.
Published: May 2008

Functional magnetic resonance images were acquired while children with and without dyslexia identified incongruous words embedded within fairy tale segments in a quasidichotic listening task. All children produced greater activation in the left hemisphere than in the right hemisphere
during the binaural separation listening task. Children with dyslexia, who had a higher incidence of a dichotic left ear deficit from prescanning behavioral tests, produced fewer hits and more misses than control children while monitoring their left ears in the scanner. Control children produced
stronger left hemispheric activation for ipsilateral left ear input than right hemispheric activation for ipsilateral right ear input, but ipsilateral activation patterns in children with dyslexia were symmetrical. Children with dyslexia who monitored their right ears first produced the lowest
left hemispheric activation overall, suggesting that priming of the right ear may have inhibited the ability of children with a left ear deficit to adequately identify target words presented toward their left ears while in the scanner. Se registraron imágenes de resonancia magnética
funcional mientras niños con sin dislexia identificaban palabras incongruentes inmersas en segmentos de un cuento de hadas, durante una tarea de escucha cuasi-dicótica. Todos los niños produjeron una mayor activación en el hemisferio izquierdo que en el derecho
durante dicha tarea de separación auditiva binaural. Los niños con dislexia, quienes mostraban una mayor incidencia de deficiencia dicótica en el oído izquierdo demostrada por pruebas conductuales previas al escaneo, lograron menores aciertos y más fallas
que los niños del grupo control, mientras se monitoreaban sus oídos izquierdos en el equipo. Los niños controles produjeron una activación más fuerte del hemisferio izquierdo para la estimulación ipsilateral del oído izquierdo que activación
del hemisferio derecho para la estimulación ipsilateral del oído derecho, pero los patrones de activación ipsilateral en los niños de dislexia fueron simétricos. Los niños con dislexia que monitorearon primero sus oídos derechos produjeron la
activación global más baja del hemisferio izquierdo, sugiriendo que poner atención al oído derecho puede haber inhibido la capacidad de los niños con una deficiencia del oído izquierdo para identificar adecuadamente palabras clave presentadas hacia
el oído izquierdo mientras eran escaneados.
All Wood‐Based Water Evaporation‐Induced Electricity Generator
Authors: Lin Junyi , Zhang Zhen , Lin Xiaoming , Cai Xiujie , Fu Shiyu , Fang Xiong , Ding Yugao , Wang Xiuli , Sèbe Gilles , Zhou Guofu
Published: April 2024

Water evaporation‐induced electricity generators (WEIGs) are promising as self‐powered electronic devices, as they can harvest green, small‐grade, and ubiquitous hydrovoltaic energy in ambient environment to electricity. Here, biodegradable wood‐based WEIGs with high performance are reported by removing lignin and hemicellulose from balsa wood (BW) with more exposed cellulose nanofibrils. Delignified BW (DBW) and cellulosic BW (CBW) display significant enhance in open circuit potential (Voc) and short circuit current (Isc) due to increased specific surface area, hydrophilicity, and surface charge density. The electricity‐generating performance of CBW‐based WEIG (CBWG) is not stable due to its structural collapse. DBW‐based WEIG (DBWG) shows a steady electricity output and fast responsivity to ambient environments, such as humidity, temperature, light, and wind. Therefore, DBWGs can be employed as self‐powered environmental sensors. The effects of different kinds of electrolytes with varied concentrations on the performance of DBWG are also studied. The DBWG (40 mm × 40 mm × 2 mm) displays a Voc of 0.77 V and Isc of 148 µA in 1.2 m CaCl2 solution. In this study, all wood‐based sustainable WEIGs with high electricity generating performance are facilely prepared and are promising for remote self‐powered environmental sensors and power sources.
Effective H2O2 Photosynthesis in Gas–Liquid–Solid Triphase System with Self‐Floating Conjugated Organic Polymers
Authors: Guo Yingxin , Dong Yuming , Liu Bing , Ni Bangqing , Pan Chengsi , Zhang Jiawei , Zhao Hui , Wang Guangli , Zhu Yongfa
Published: April 2024

Solar‐driven photocatalytic oxygen reduction is a promising pathway for sustainable hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production. However, limited O2 diffusion and low selectivity in the two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction hinder its practical application. Here, a novel conjugated organic polymer material (conjugated triazine‐thiophene polymer, CTTP) based on triazine and thiophene, integrating a favorable mass transfer structure with competent catalytic centers is presented for the first time. Remarkably, under the gas–liquid–solid triphase condition, the self‐floating CTTP can rapidly capture gaseous oxygen, reducing it to superoxide radicals and transferring them to the reaction interface, drastically enhancing H2O2 yield. An excellent H2O2 concentration of 1.85 mm g−1 h−1 is achieved in a triphase system, representing a remarkable 14‐fold improvement compared to the liquid and solid phase reaction. Interestingly, the triphase system based on CTTP demonstrates the potential for large‐scale H2O2 production under 8 h of sunlight irradiation, reaching 293 ppm day−1 m−2. This work opens up a new avenue for the construction of sustainable H2O2 production systems and may stimulate future related research.