bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcatheter Management of Neonates With Pulmonary Atresia With Intact Ventricular Septum: A Single Center Experience From Turkey
Authors: Odemis Ender , Ozyilmaz Isa , Guzeltas Alper , Erek Ersin , Haydin Sertac , Bakır İhsan
Published: January 2013

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS) is characterized by a broad spectrum of heterogeneous morphologies. Perforation of the atretic valve, balloon dilatation, and stenting of the patent ductus arteriosus are the percutaneous techniques that are used with increasing frequency in our clinic as well. They have some advantages over surgery, including short hospital stay and short intensive care unit stay. The main goal of the primary interventional approach is to avoid surgery. However, a group of patients with PAIVS still need surgery due to poor right ventricular growth. Therefore, the final achievement of the initial percutaneous treatment strategies is still debatable. In this article, we present the early‐ and mid‐term results of the percutaneous approach utilized at our clinic in order to investigate the final effects of interventional therapy according to initial morphology. Between May 2010 and May 2012, 15 neonates diagnosed with PAIVS underwent transcatheter intervention. Detailed echocardiographic examination focused on right ventricle size, and tricuspid valve morphology and coronary sinusoids were performed in all the patients before the intervention. Nine of the patients were boys and six were girls. The mean age was 11.40 ± 12.87 days and mean weight was 3.34 ± 0.46 kg. Only one procedure‐related mortality occurred. The mean follow‐up period was 10.05 ± 3.42 months (1–26 months). The mean duration of intensive care was 7.19 ± 5.14 days. The mean follow‐up time was 10.05 ± 3.42 months. After this period, survival rate was 66% (10/15). Two of the patients achieved biventricular physiology after pulmonary valve perforation. Two patients still have univentricular physiology. Six patients have been followed as a one and half ventricle repair candidate. Five out of 15 patients had stent patency during 6 months of follow‐up, while restenosis developed in one patient (1/5, 20%), who had undergone the Glenn operation at 5 months of age. Transcatheter management for PAIVS is a feasible, safe, and effective primary palliative treatment in newborns. Shunt surgery may be considered in cases where cyanosis occurs despite transcatheter intervention. Right ventricular size determines the type of intervention. The early outcomes can be comparable with surgical palliation. However, a group of PAIVS, particularly with severe right ventricular hypoplasia, needs surgery even after a successful primary percutaneous intervention.
Morphology of the carpal region in some rodents with special emphasis on hystricognaths
Authors: Prochel Jan , Begall Sabine , Burda Hynek
Published: January 2013

We examined the morphology of the wrist (carpal region) skeleton using histological serial sections and cleared and stained forelimbs of representatives of three rodent clades: ‘Hystricomorpha’ (Caviomorpha:Ctenomys opimus,C. talarum,Cuniculus taczanowskii,Erethizon dorsatum,Galeasp.,Lagostomus maximus,Spalacopus cyanus;Phiomorpha:Fukomys mechowii,Heliophobius argenteocinereus,Hystrix cristata,H. africaeaustralis;Ctenodactylids (Ctenodactylus gundi)), ‘Myomorpha’ (Arvicola amphibius,Ondatra zibethicus,Meriones unguiculatus,Myodes glareolus,Spalaxsp.) and ‘Sciuromorpha’ (Eliomys quercinus,Glis glis,Marmota marmota). We describe the arrangement of the carpal bones and identify several variable traits, some of which represent convergent evolution. One element, theOs posthamatum, lies in the carpal region and has not been recorded before. We interpret this bone as a putative autapomorphy ofHystricognathi but not of ‘Hystricomorpha’.
Through the looking glass: Focusing on long‐term goals increases immanent justice reasoning
Authors: Callan Mitchell J. , Harvey Annelie J. , Dawtry Rael J. , Sutton Robbie M.
Published: January 2013

Immanent justice reasoning involves causally attributing a negative event to someone's prior moral failings, even when such a causal connection is physically implausible. This study examined the degree to which immanent justice represents a form of motivated reasoning in the service of satisfying the need to believe in a just world. Drawing on a manipulation that has been shown to activate justice motivation, participants causally attributed a freak accident to a man's prior immoral (vs. moral) behaviour to a greater extent when they first focused on their long‐term (vs. short‐term) goals. These findings highlight the important function believing in a just world plays in self‐regulatory processes by implicating the self in immanent justice reasoning about fluke events in the lives of others.
Forces and Motion: How Young Children Understand Causal Events
Authors: Göksun Tilbe , George Nathan R. , Hirsh‐Pasek Kathy , Golinkoff Roberta M.
Published: January 2013

How do children evaluate complex causal events? This study investigates preschoolers' representation of force dynamics in causal scenes, asking whether (a) children understand how single and dual forces impact an object's movement and (b) this understanding varies across cause types (Cause, Enable, Prevent). Three‐and‐a half‐ to 5.5‐year‐olds (n = 60) played a board game in which they were asked to predict the endpoint of a ball being acted upon by one or two forces. Children mostly understood the interactions of forces underlying each type of cause; only 5.5‐year‐olds could integrate two contradictory forces. Children perceive force interactions underlying causal events, but some concepts might not be fully understood until later in childhood. This study provides a new way of thinking about causal relations.
Immunological biomarkers: Catalysts for translational advances in autoimmune diabetes
Authors: Ahmed S T , Akirav E , Bradshaw E , Buckner J , McKinney E , Quintana F J , Waldron-Lynch F , Nepom J
Published: January 2013

In a recent workshop organized by the JDRF focused on the ‘Identification and Utilization of Robust Biomarkers in Type1 Diabetes’, leaders in the field of type 1 diabetes (T1D)/autoimmunity and assay technology came together from academia, government and industry to assess the current state of the field, evaluate available resources/technologies and identify gaps that need to be filled for moving the field of T1D research forward. The highlights of this workshop are discussed in this paper, as well as the proposal for a larger, planned consortium effort, incorporating a JDRF Biomarker Core, to foster collaboration and accelerate progress in this critically needed area of T1D research.
A tangled web: parental contact with children in kinship care
Authors: Kiraly Meredith , Humphreys Cathy
Published: January 2013

Contact between parents and children in care is a contested area. Parental contact is recognized to be important, yet may present protective issues; in the kinship care environment, it brings the particular challenges of complex family relationships. Seeking the parents' perspective in a child protection context is difficult and therefore under‐researched. This paper describes a nested study within an Australian research project on family contact in kinship care in which the perspectives of 18 mothers and 2 fathers were sought via in‐depth interviews. Mothers and fathers described strong feelings of disempowerment in the context both of their family and the child protection system. The relationship between parent and caregiver emerged as a significant issue. All of the parents wished to remain in contact with their children in a meaningful way, whether or not they were likely to resume their children's care; however, contact arrangements presented many difficulties for them. Mothers articulated the need for services that are more empowering and respectful, rather than oriented towards them as failed parents. In order to build appropriate models of support and intervention, we argue for a more inclusive conceptual frame for family life that gives greater recognition to the role of non‐custodial parents in the lives of their children.
Immediate Loading of Implants Placed Simultaneously with Sinus Membrane Elevation in the Posterior Atrophic Maxilla: A Two‐Year Follow‐Up Study on 10 Patients
Authors: Cricchio Giovanni , Imburgia Mario , Sennerby Lars , Lundgren Stefan
Published: January 2013

Background

Clinical studies on immediate loading of implants in the posterior atrophic maxilla are rare.

Purpose

The study aims to evaluate immediate loading of implants placed with sinus membrane elevation without additional grafting material for bone augmentation of the maxillary sinus floor.

Materials and Methods

The study group comprised of 10 patients in whom a total of 10 maxillary sinus floor augmentations were performed. A total of 21 dental implants (1 to 4) were inserted through the residual bone to protrude into the maxillary sinus under the elevated sinus membrane. The implant site was underprepared to improve primary stability. All the implants were inserted with a torque insertion no less than 20 Ncm. Implants were loaded immediately after surgery with a screw‐retained temporary acrylic restoration. Intraoral X‐rays were taken at implant insertion, after 6 months loading, and after 1st and 2nd year of loading. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was performed at the time of initial placement and after 6 months of functional loading.

Results

RFA after implant insertion gave an implant stability quotient (ISQ) level with a range from 62 to 72. All implants remained clinically stable during the follow‐up period of 2 years. Radiography demonstrated on average 5.7 ± 3.4 mm of intrasinus new bone formation after 6 months of implant loading. RFA measurements showed ISQ mean values of 67 (range: 62–72) and 68 (range: 62–71) at placement and after 6 months of loading, respectively.

Conclusion

Within the limits of this case series report, it is concluded that maxillary sinus membrane elevation with simultaneous placement and immediate loading of implants without the use of any additional grafting material shows predictable results after 2 years of functional loading. Moreover, evidence of intrasinus bone formation around the implants was found in all patients. Further studies are needed to study the influence of immediate loading on the mineralization of bone forming at dental implant sites.
Implant and Prosthodontic Survival Rates with Implant Fixed Complete Dental Prostheses in the Edentulous Mandible after at Least 5 Years: A Systematic Review
Authors: Papaspyridakos Panos , Mokti Muizzaddin , Chen Chun‐Jung , Benic Goran I. , Gallucci German O. , Chronopoulos Vasilios
Published: January 2013

Background

The treatment of mandibular edentulism with implant fixed complete dental prostheses (IFCDPs) is a routinely used treatment option.

Purpose

The study aims to report the implant and prosthodontic survival rates associated withIFCDPsfor the edentulous mandible after an observation period of a minimum 5 years.

Materials and Methods

An electronicMEDLINE/PubMEDsearch was conducted to identify randomized controlled clinical trials and prospective studies withIFCDPsfor the edentulous mandible. Clinical studies with at least 5‐year follow‐up were selected. Pooled data were statistically analyzed and cumulative implant‐ and prosthesis survival rates were calculated by meta‐analysis, regression, and chi‐square statistics. Implant‐related and prosthesis‐related factors were identified and their impact on survival rates was assessed.

Results

Seventeen prospective studies, including 501 patients and 2,827 implants, were selected for meta‐analysis. The majority of the implants (88.5% of all placed implants) had been placed in the interforaminal area. Cumulative implant survival rates for rough surface ranged from 98.42% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 97.98–98.86) (5 years) to 96.86% (95%CI: 96.00–97.73) (10 years); smooth surface implant survival rates ranged from 98.93% (95%CI: 98.38–99.49) (5 years) to 97.88% (95%CI: 96.78–98.98) (10 years). The prosthodontic survival rates for 1‐pieceIFCDPsranged from 98.61% (95%CI: 97.80–99.43) (5 years) to 97.25% (95%CI: 95.66–98.86) (10 years).

Conclusion

Treatment with mandibularIFCDPsyields high implant and prosthodontic survival rates (more than 96% after 10 years). Rough surface implants exhibited cumulative survival rates similar to the smooth surface ones (p > .05) in the edentulous mandible. The number of supporting implants and the antero‐posterior implant distribution had no influence (p > .05) on the implant survival rate. The prosthetic design and veneering material, the retention type, and the loading protocol (delayed, early, and immediate) had no influence (p > .05) on the prosthodontic survival rates.
Reflections on Communicating Science through Art
Authors: Friedman Alan J.
Published: January 2013

If science can inspire art, can art inspire interest and learning about science? There is widespread experimentation in using the arts as tools for communicating science in science museums and other settings. When the arts work well in communicating important aspects of science, they can be powerful tools. Three artworks are discussed: Particle Fever, a film in development about particle physicists and the hunt for the mysterious Higgs Boson; The Great Immensity, a National Science Foundation‐supported musical about climate change: and Guardians, a ballet co‐produced by and performed in an aquarium. These three art‐and‐science hybrids have given this writer some understanding of at least one way to sift the successful from the unsuccessful ventures.
Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony Is an Early Manifestation of Heart Involvement in Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Karakaş Mehmet Fatih , Büyükkaya Eyüp , Kurt Mustafa , Çelik Murat , Karakaş Esra , Büyükkaya Şule , Akçay Adnan Burak , Sen Nihat
Published: January 2013

Background

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is the most common inherited anemia. Although heart involvement in SCA is well‐established, there is no data about changes of contraction synchrony in SCA. Therefore, we aimed to study the left ventricular contraction synchrony in SCA patients with narrow QRS and normal ejection fraction (EF).

Methods

Thirty‐six patients with SCA and 37 age‐ and gender‐matched control subjects were included in the study. Left ventricular dyssynchrony was investigated by color‐coded tissue Doppler imaging.

Results

The SCA patients had lower hemoglobin (Hb) and higher ferritin, left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter, left ventricular end‐systolic diameter, left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and pulmonary artery pressure. Peak A velocity, Dt, and E/E′ values were higher in the SCA group however, E/A ratio and average Em were higher in the control group. LV systolic dyssynchrony parameters including Ts‐SD‐12, Ts‐12, Ts‐SD‐6, and Ts‐6 were found to be higher in SCA group when compared with controls. In addition to that, the patients with ventricular dyssynchrony (a Ts‐SD‐12 > 34.4 msec) were higher in the SCA group than the control group (55.6% vs. 8.1%, P < 0.001). In the correlation analysis, systolic dyssynchrony parameters were found to be correlated with Hb, ferritin, LVMI, E/A, Dt, Em.

Conclusion

Our results revealed that in SCA patients with normal EF and narrow QRS, left ventricular systolic dyssynchrony was an early manifestation of heart involvement and might be coexisted with or preceding diastolic dysfunction.
Ascending Aortic Diameters in Congenital Aortic Stenosis: Cardiac Magnetic Resonance versus Transthoracic Echocardiography
Authors: van der Linde Denise , Rossi Alexia , Yap Sing C. , McGhie Jackie S. , van den Bosch Annemien E. , Kirschbaum Sharon W.M. , Russo Brunella , van Dijk Arie P.J. , Moelker Adriaan , Krestin Gabriel P. , van Geuns Robert‐Jan M. , Roos‐Hesselink Jolien W.
Published: January 2013

Objectives/Background

Congenital aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common obstructive left heart lesion in the young adult population and often complicated by aortic dilatation. Our objective was to evaluate accuracy of aortic imaging with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) compared with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).

Methods

Aortic diameters were measured at 4 levels by CMR and TTE. Agreement and concordance were assessed by Pearson's correlation and Bland–Altman analysis.

Results

Fifty‐nine patients (age 33 ± 8 years; 66% male) with congenital AS and a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) were included. Aortic diameters were generally smaller with TTE than with CMR. The best correlation was found at the level of the sinotubular junction (R2 = 0.78) with a bias of 1.46 mm (limits of agreement: −5.47 to +8.39 mm). In patients with an aortic aneurysm >40 mm (n = 29) the correlation and agreement between TTE and CMR were found to be less good when compared with patients with normal aortic diameters, especially at the level of the proximal ascending aorta. The correlation and agreement between both imaging modalities were better in patients with type 1 BAV compared with type 2 BAV. Intra‐ and interobserver variability was smaller with CMR (1.8–5.9%) compared with TTE (6.9–15.0%).

Conclusions

CMR was found to be superior to TTE for imaging of the aorta in patients with congenital AS, especially at the level of the proximal ascending aorta when an aortic aneurysm is present. Therefore, ideally CMR should be performed at least once to ensure an ascending aortic aneurysm is not missed.
Two‐ and Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography in the Assessment of Aortic Arch Vasum Vasi to Pulmonary Artery Fistula
Authors: Sadat Kamel , Pradhan Manish , Nanda Navin C. , Joshi Deepak , Diddi Hari Prakash
Published: January 2013

We report an elderly patient presenting with a stroke and also hemolytic anemia secondary to mitral and tricuspid valve repair 3 years earlier, in whom two‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2DTEE) suspected a fistula into the pulmonary artery (APAF) from the posterior wall of the aortic arch. For further assessment, two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2DTTE) and live/real time three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3DTTE) were performed. 2DTTE showed findings similar to 2DTEE. Color Doppler guided continuous‐wave Doppler showed continuous flow throughout the cardiac cycle with systolic preponderance across the fistula with a small peak pressure gradient of 22 mmHg. Sequential systematic cropping of the 3D datasets obtained from 3DTTE confirmed that the flow signals originated from the posterior wall of the aortic arch and not the lumen. Thus, 3DTTE served to increase the confidence level that the fistula most likely originated from a vasum vasi in the wall of the aortic arch. To our knowledge, this type of fistula has not been reported previously. Fistulas from the aortic lumen to the pulmonary artery are also rare and so far only 24 cases have been reported in the literature. These are also reviewed by us.
Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiographic Images of Platypnea‐Orthodeoxia Due to Patent Foramen Ovale
Authors: Sasaki Toshiharu , Miyasaka Yoko , Suwa Yoshinobu , Senoo Takeshi , Ohtagaki Munemitsu , Maeba Hirofumi , Tsujimoto Satoshi , Shiojima Ichiro
Published: January 2013

Mini‐Abstract

We present echocardiographic images of a patient with platypnea‐orthodeoxia syndrome associated with the patent foramen ovale that was successfully diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiogram in the sitting position. The postural changes of the patent foramen ovale, which is difficult to detect with transthoracic echocardiography, were dynamically detected by real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography. Because patients with interatrial communication are not rare, this syndrome might be overlooked in patients with unexplained dyspnea. Therefore, it is necessary to enter this entity in differential diagnosis when one sees alteration of oxygen saturation by posture change.
An Unusual Left Atrial Mass in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: The Role of Multimodality Imaging
Authors: Vanichakarn Pantila , Beaver Timothy A. , Costa Salvatore P. , Czum Julianna M. , Palac Robert T.
Published: January 2013

Mini‐Abstract

We present a case of a 57‐year‐old man with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and an incidental finding of a left atrial mass. The case highlights the use of multimodality imaging to help characterize the mass. These included cardiac MRI, transthoracic echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) with three‐dimensional imaging. The use of three‐dimensional TEE best defined the morphologic appearance and attachment of the mass.
Four‐Dimensional Visualization of Accessory Mitral Valve Tissue and Cleft Mitral Valve Movement
Authors: Mizuno Atsushi , Koike Yoko , Niwa Koichiro
Published: January 2013

Mini‐Abstract

A 26‐year‐old woman was referred to our department due to cardiac tumor. She was asymptomatic, and transthoracic echocardiography showed accessory mitral valve tissue (AMVT) associated with cleft mitral valve. There was no left ventricular outflow obstruction, but we could identify the three‐dimensional movement of AMVT and cleft mitral valve. Four‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography enabled us to reveal the real time movement of these structures precisely. In particular, en face visualization of cleft mitral valve and accessory mitral valve cannot be obtained by two‐dimensional echocardiography.
Influence of mouthguards on the physical performance of soccer players
Authors: Queiróz Adriana Franco Vieira Rodrigues , de Brito Jr Rui Barbosa , Ramacciato Juliana Cama , Motta Rogério Heládio Lopes , Flório Flávia Martão
Published: January 2013

Aim

To evaluate the influence of different types of mouthguard (MG) on physical performance of female soccer players.

Material and methods

The sample was composed of 25 female soccer players from ‘Guarani Futebol Clube’, age range 18–22 years. For data collection, two tests were performed: agility test (shuttle run) and aerobic capacity and VO2 (Cooper test), in addition to application of a perception questionnaire after wearing mouthguards during the tests.

Results

Data analysis showed that mouthguard type III presented better results in the VO2 and aerobic capacity tests (P < 0.05). In relation to difficulties experienced when wearing MGs, there were no reports of pain, discomfort, or nausea. However, 100% of athletes affirmed that it was not possible to speak with MG type I, 80% (n = 20) with type II, and no athlete found difficulty in speaking when wearing MG type III. Distractions were reported by 35% (n = 6) only when athletes wore MG types I and II.

Conclusions

Among the three types evaluated, the customized MG (type III) presented better results in the athletes' physical performance evaluation, even taking into account physical tests performed without the use of mouthguards.
A report of an impacted primary maxillary central incisor tooth
Authors: Anthonappa Robert P. , Ongtengco Kristine L. , King Nigel M.
Published: January 2013

– Primary tooth impaction is a rare phenomenon when compared to permanent teeth impaction. The purpose of this report is to present a 5‐year‐old Chinese girl who exhibited impaction of tooth 51, its unusual consequence on the permanent successor tooth and its comprehensive management. Her parents revealed that at 6 months of age, the patient had fallen from her bed and struck her face on the floor; however, there were no teeth present in the oral cavity. The intraoral examinations identified a bony‐like projection on the buccal aspect of the alveolus in the 51 region. Radiographic examination revealed that tooth 51 exhibited an unfavourable orientation, with the crown directed towards the palate. Therefore, the impacted tooth 51 was surgically removed, and two years later tooth 11 erupted into the oral cavity with an indentation on its incisal aspect, which resembled the crown of the primary teeth, thus giving the appearance of a tooth within a tooth or ‘dens in dente’. Subsequently, enameloplasty and composite resin build‐up was performed on tooth 11 for aesthetic reasons. It is very unusual to have the clinical crowns of both primary and permanent teeth in such close proximity within the alveolar bone, and the present case is a good example to emphasize that trauma to the primary teeth is of considerable importance due to the close proximity of the primary teeth to permanent tooth germs.
996 and all that: the Norman peasants' revolt reconsidered
Authors: Gowers Bernard
Published: January 2013

Early in the reign of Richard II of Normandy (996–1026), a peasant movement, usually described as a revolt, was suppressed. This paper re‐examines the evidence of William of Jumièges, Wace and an anonymous history of Fécamp. It argues that the movement cannot be securely dated to 996, was not a military enterprise, and was not revolutionary. Peasants attempted to mobilize quasi‐Carolingian assembly practices in order to gain concessions concerning specific economic issues, but did not seek to re‐order their society. The movement probably affected the Seine valley, rather than encompassing all of Normandy.
Atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis parameters in stroke patients associate with paraoxonase polymorphism and esterase activities
Authors: Shenhar‐Tsarfaty S. , Waiskopf N. , Ofek K. , Shopin L. , Usher S. , Berliner S. , Shapira I. , Bornstein N. M. , Ritov Y. , Soreq H. , Ben Assayag E.
Published: January 2013

Background and purpose

Polymorphic paraoxonase (PON1) variants can variably prevent low‐ and high‐density lipoprotein oxidation, but their role in provoking atherosclerosis remained unclear. We addressed this issue by profiling PON1 polymorphisms and enzymatic activities, and assessing atherosclerosis and cerebral arteriosclerosis severity in post‐stroke patients.

Methods

Carotid artery intima‐media‐thickness (IMT), cerebral white matter lesions (WML), serum PON1 ‐108C/T, Q192R and L55M polymorphisms, and PON and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activities were determined in 237 patients.

Results

Genetic variation at the PON1 locus showed a strong influence on PON1 activity in ischaemic stroke patients, but lacked direct influence on IMT. Stroke patients with PON1 QQ192 or MM55 genotypes demonstrated lower PON and arylesterase activities at both Day 1 and 12 months post‐stroke than patients with either RQ/RR192 or LM/LL55 genotypes (P < 0.001). Furthermore, patients with carotid atherosclerosis and/or cerebral arteriosclerosis expressed as IMT, carotid plaques and WML had lower 12 months PON1 activity than patients without (P = 0.02, P = 0.027 and P = 0.001, respectively), and PON and AChE hydrolysis rates were more tightly correlated in patients carrying the PON1 192R compared with the 192QQ allele, in a gene dose‐dependent manner (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings show inverse PON1 activity–carotid atherosclerosis and –cerebral arteriosclerosis association in stroke patients: the lower the PON1 activity the more progressed is the atherosclerotic process and the weaker is the association with AChE activity. Extending previous PON1 genetic studies in stroke populations, our study emphasizes the PON1 activity as a potential anti‐atherogenic element and proposes involvement of cholinesterase activities in its effects.
Angioarchitectural features of brain arteriovenous malformations associated with seizures: a single Center retrospective series
Authors: Sturiale C.L. , Rigante L. , Puca A. , Di Lella G. , Albanese A. , Marchese E. , Di Rocco C. , Maira G. , Colicchio G.
Published: January 2013

Background and purpose

Epileptic seizures account for 24–40% of all clinical onsets in patients with brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the angioarchitectural features of AVMs associated with seizures in 168 patients admitted to our Department from 1997 to 2012. Patients were dichotomized according to demographic characteristics, type of treatment, bleeding occurrence, and morphological and topographic features. Clinical status at admission and discharge was also recorded. The association of each one of these variables with seizures occurrence was statistically tested. Continuous variables and outcome were compared with Student's t‐test, whereas categorical ones were compared using Fisher's exact test. The independent contribution of some seizures predictors was assessed with a logistic regression model. Associations were considered significant for P < 0.05.

Results

About 29% patients showed seizures and 47% bleeding. No significant difference in age and sex was observed between patients with and without seizures. AVMs > 4 cm (P = 0.001) and those fed by dilated arterial feeders (P = 0.02) were associated with increased risk of seizures. A higher risk of seizures occurrence was also observed in cortical AVMs compared with deeper ones (75.5% vs. 55.4%; P = 0.01), and in AVMs fed by middle and posterior cerebral arteries branches compared with the other vessels (81.6% vs. 45.3%; P < 0.001 and 48.9% vs. 23.5%; P = 0.002, respectively). No lobar predisposition was observed. A nidus > 4 cm also appeared as an independent risk factor of seizures occurrence (OR 2.82; 95% CI, 1.26–6.31; P = 0.009) at logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions

AVM morphology, especially nidus dimension, appeared to more significantly influence seizures occurrence than their topography.
A cohort study of equine laminitis inGreatBritain 2009–2011: Estimation of disease frequency and description of clinical signs in 577 cases
Authors: Wylie C. E. , Collins S. N. , Verheyen K. L. P. , Newton J. R.
Published: January 2013

Reasons for performing study

A previous systematic review highlighted a lack of good evidence regarding the frequency of equine laminitis inGreatBritain.

Objectives

To estimate the frequency of veterinary‐diagnosed active laminitis in the general horse population ofGreatBritain and to describe the clinical signs present in cases.

Study design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Data on active episodes of equine laminitis were collected from veterinary practitioners.

Results

The prevalence of veterinary‐diagnosed active laminitis was 0.47% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.42–0.52%) for the veterinary‐attended population and 0.49% (95%CI0.43–0.55%) for the veterinary‐registered population, suggesting that active episodes of laminitis accounted for nearly one in 200 equine visits and occurred in nearly one in 200 horses registered with veterinary practices. The incidence of veterinary‐diagnosed active laminitis was 0.5 cases per 100 horse‐years at risk (95%CI0.44–0.57). Laminitis occurred in all limbs, but most commonly affected the forelimbs bilaterally (53.5%, 95% CI 49.4–57.7%) and was most severe in the front feet. The most common clinical signs were increased digital pulses, difficulty turning and a short, stilted gait at walk.

Conclusions and potential relevance

The frequency of veterinary‐diagnosed active laminitis was considerably lower than previously published estimates, which is probably due to differences in geographical setting, study period, case definition, study design and study populations.
The antihistamines clemastine and desloratadine inhibit STAT3 and c‐Myc activities and induce apoptosis in cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma cell lines
Authors: Döbbeling Udo , Waeckerle‐Men Ying , Zabel Franziska , Graf Nicole , Kündig Thomas M. , Johansen Pål
Published: January 2013

Mycosis fungoides and its leukaemic counterpart Sézary syndrome are the most frequent cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas (CTCL), and there is no cure for these diseases. We evaluated the effect of clinically approved antihistamines on the growth of CTCL cell lines. CTCL cell lines as well as blood lymphocytes from patients with Sézary syndrome were cultured with antihistamines, and the cell were analysed for proliferation, apoptosis and expression of programmed death molecules and transcription factors. The two antihistamines clemastine and desloratadine, currently used for symptom alleviation in allergy, induced potent reduction of the activities of the constitutively active transcription factors c‐Myc, STAT3, STAT5a and STAT5b in mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome cell lines. This inhibition was followed by apoptosis and cell death, especially in the Sézary syndrome‐derived cell line Hut78 that also showed increased expression of the programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) after clemastine treatment. In lymphocytes isolated from Sézary syndrome patients, the CD4‐positive fraction underwent apoptosis after clemastine treatment, while CD4‐negative lymphocytes were little affected. Because both c‐Myc and STAT transcription factors are highly expressed in proliferating tumours, their inhibition by clemastine, desloratadine and other inhibitors could complement established chemotherapies not only for cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas but perhaps also other cancers.
A Rational Approach to the Management of Chronic Migraine
Authors: Evans Randolph W.
Published: January 2013

About 2% of the adult population has chronic migraine with only 20% diagnosed with this disorder. Those with medication overuse may improve with withdrawal of overuse medications. The intravenous dihydroergotamine regimen usually produces short‐term benefit for those with medically refractory chronic migraine. OnabotulinumtoxinA and topiramate have shown efficacy in large placebo‐controlled randomized trials. Sodium valproate, gabapentin, tizanidine, amitriptyline, fluoxetine, zonisamide, and possibly memantine may be alternative or possibly combined treatment options but with lesser levels of evidence supporting their use. Preliminary evidence suggests that nerve blocks might be beneficial. Acupuncture, biofeedback, relaxation therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy might be of benefit. Surgical treatments including bariatric and deactivation of trigger points are of growing interest but not appropriate for most sufferers. Occipital nerve stimulation is a promising treatment with ongoing studies defining its use.
Clinical Outcomes of Two‐Week Sequential and Concomitant Therapies for Helicobacter pylori Eradication: A Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Lim Ji Hyun , Lee Dong Ho , Choi Chiun , Lee Seong Tae , Kim Nayoung , Jeong Sook Hyang , Kim Jin Wook , Hwang Jin Hyeok , Park Young Soo , Lee Sang Hyub , Shin Cheol Min , Jo Hyun Jin , Jang Eun Sun , Song In sung , Jung Hyun Chae
Published: January 2013

Background

The eradication rate with PPI‐based standard triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection has fallen considerably. One recent innovation is sequential therapy with PPI and three antibiotics, but the complexity of this regimen may reduce its usability. Concomitant administration of nonbismuth quadruple drugs (concomitant therapy) is also an effective treatment strategy. To investigate which regimen is a reasonable choice for Korean population, we performed two pilot studies with sequential and concomitant therapies.

Methods

A total of 164 patients with proven H. pylori infection randomly received 14 days of sequential (n = 86) or concomitant (n = 78) therapies. The sequential group received 20 mg rabeprazole and 1 g amoxicillin (first week), followed by 20 mg rabeprazole, 500 mg clarithromycin, and 500 mg metronidazole (second week). The concomitant group received 20 mg rabeprazole, 1 g amoxicillin, 500 mg clarithromycin, and 500 mg metronidazole for 2 weeks. All drugs were administered BID. Helicobacter pylori status was confirmed 4 weeks later, after completion of treatment by 13C‐urea breath test.

Results

The intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol eradication rates were 75.6% (95% CI, 66.3–84.9) and 76.8% (95% CI, 67.1–85.5) in the sequential group, and 80.8% (95% CI, 71.8–88.5) and 81.3% (95% CI, 71.6–90.7) in the concomitant group. There were no significant between‐group differences, in regard to the eradication rates, compliance, or side effects. The most common side effects were bitter taste, epigastric soreness, and diarrhea.

Conclusions

Two‐week concomitant and sequential therapies showed suboptimal efficacies. However, considering high antibiotics resistance, either of these two regimens may be a reasonable choice for Korean population.
Girls in Grey: Surveying Australian Military Nurses in World War I
Authors: Harris Kirsty
Published: January 2013

This essay surveys Australian military nursing history during World War I, providing an overview of this emerging historical field, a sub section of nursing history. It traces contributions made by both academic and non‐professional historians to the historical contextualisation of the experience of military nursing, and points to new directions for future investigation.
The History of Time in Colonial Latin America
Authors: O’Hara Matthew D.
Published: January 2013

Historians, like many academics, are increasingly specialized in their topics, research questions, and methods. While some defend this as a healthy development, the natural byproduct of a vigorous community of experts engaged in pure research, many both inside and outside the academy consider it more of a pathology, a symptom of a balkanized discipline whose practitioners find it difficult to exchange ideas across the boundaries of their various subfields. In this context, the history of time might seem like another tiny piece in the mosaic of historiographical hyper‐specialization. I want to propose, however, that time history could in fact play a useful role as a bridge between communities of historians, since the history of time is found in various subfields, draws eclectically on different historical methods, and prompts interesting comparative questions. This article reviews works on colonial Latin America that include elements of time history, paying special attention to their methodology.
Oxidation Behavior of Hot Pressed ZrB2‐ZrC‐SiC Ceramic Composites
Authors: Zhang Yue , Gao Dong , Xu Chunlai , Song Yang , Shi Xiaobin
Published: January 2013

Dense ZrB2‐SiC ceramics containing 40 vol% ZrC particles are fabricated via hot pressing method. Then the sintered ceramics are oxidized in air up to 1500°C, and the oxidation kinetics of the ceramic composites is deduced in combination with the reacted fraction curves. As indicated by the experimental results, the oxidation kinetics changes from reaction‐controlled process to diffusion‐controlled one with increasing of oxidation temperature. In addition, the oxidation kinetics parameters are obtained, which indicates that the oxidation resistance decays at elevated temperatures. Furthermore, the evolution of surface morphology and oxide scale during oxidation process is clarified.
Prenatal distress in Turkish pregnant women and factors associated with maternal prenatal distress
Authors: Yuksel Fatma , Akin Semiha , Durna Zehra
Published: January 2013

Aims and objectives

To assess: (1) the prenatal distress level in Turkish pregnant women and (2) to examine the association between prenatal maternal distress and personal and pregnancy‐specific factors.

Background

Pregnant women experience stress originating from a variety of pregnancy‐specific issues, including physical symptoms and changes, changes in body image, physiological, social and emotional changes, parenting concerns, changes in relationships with significant others, medical problems, anxiety about labour and delivery, concerns about birth and the baby's health.

Design

A descriptive cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This study was conducted at a gynaecology clinic of a private hospital in Istanbul, Turkey within a 12‐month period. The study sample comprised 522 pregnant women continuing their regular visits for prenatal care. Pregnancy Description Form and Turkish Version of Revised Version of Prenatal Distress Questionnaire [(NUPDQ)‐17 Item Version] were used for data collection.

Results

Study sample was moderately distressed. Turkish pregnant women were mostly distressed and concerned about premature delivery, having an unhealthy baby, labour and delivery, feeling tired and having low energy during pregnancy. Prenatal distress in Turkish pregnant women was associated with personal and pregnancy‐related characteristics.

Conclusions

This study found that pregnant women need to be supported emotionally, physically and socially. A better understanding of prenatal maternal distress could assist in informing healthcare professionals about the provision of physically, emotionally, socially and behaviourally appropriate support for achieving a healthy pregnancy.

Relevance to clinical practice

It is crucial for pregnant women to be regularly assessed and educated for dealing successfully with concerns and fears about prenatal period, birth and postnatal period and about difficulties that women may encounter during their pregnancy.
Using meta‐ethnography to understand the emotional impact of caring for people with increasing cognitive impairment
Authors: Grose Jane , Frost Julia , Richardson Janet , Skirton Heather
Published: January 2013

The majority of people with degenerative neurological conditions are cared for within their own families. Cognitive impairment can be a significant and increasing symptom of these conditions. In this article we report how a team of experienced researchers carried out a meta‐ethnography of qualitative research articles focusing on the impact of caring for a loved one with cognitive impairment. We followed the seven‐step process outlined by Noblit and Hare. Synthesized findings from 31 papers suggest emotional impact is complex and uncertain and varies from day to day. The benefit of using meta‐ethnography is that the results represent a larger sample size and a reinterpretation of multiple studies can hold greater application for practice. The results of this study offer an opportunity for nurses to be aware of both the positive and negative sides of caring and being cared for. This knowledge can be used to discuss with patients and carers how best to prepare for decreasing cognition and still maintain a worthwhile quality of life.
Clinical Outcome of Patients in a Start‐Up Congenital Heart Surgery Program in Turkey
Authors: Onan Ismihan Selen , Erek Ersin , Haydin Sertac , Onan Burak , Kocyigit Ozgen Ilgaz , Topuz Ufuk , Odemis Ender , Yeniterzi Mehmet , Bakir Ihsan
Published: January 2013

This study summarizes the clinical outcome data of a start‐up congenital heart surgery program in Turkey. Between December 2009 and February 2012, 616 operations have been performed in 132 newborns (22%), 260 infants (42%), and 224 children/adolescents (36%). Risk adjustment analysis was performed using the risk adjustment in congenital heart surgery (RACHS‐1) risk assessment model. There were 66 mortalities (10.7%). According to the RACHS‐1 categories, there were 51 cases in level I (8.2%) with no mortality (0%), 250 in level II (40.6%) with 11 (4.4%) mortalities, 199 in level III (32.3%) with 33 (16.5%) mortalities, 53 in level IV (8.6%) with 10 (18.8%) mortalities, 14 in level V and VI (2.2%) with 11 (78.5%) mortalities, and 49 cases (7.9%) out of the RACHS‐1 categories with one (2.0%) mortality. Mortality was higher in neonates compared to infants, and in infants compared to children/adolescents. Mortality was higher in palliative procedures compared to corrective procedures. The data demonstrate that a start‐up program with a relatively loaded surgical volume may achieve acceptable clinical results with a good teamwork. Collaboration of anesthesiologists, perfusionists, pediatric cardiologists, intensivists, and cardiovascular surgeons is necessary to provide a better outcome in congenital heart surgery.
Response of Six‐Lined Racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineata) to Habitat Restoration in Fire‐Suppressed Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris) Sandhills
Authors: Steen David A. , Smith Lora L. , Morris Gail , Mike Conner L. , Litt Andrea R. , Pokswinski Scott , Guyer Craig
Published: January 2013

Six‐lined racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineata) is an indicator species of frequently burned Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) forests. To evaluate how the species responded to forest restoration, we conducted a mark‐recapture study in formerly fire‐suppressed Longleaf pine forests exposed to prescribed fire or fire surrogates (i.e. mechanical or herbicide‐facilitated hardwood removal) as well as in fire‐suppressed control sites and reference sites, which represented the historic condition. After initial treatment, all sites were exposed to over a decade of prescribed burning with an average return interval of approximately 2 years. We used population‐level response of A. sexlineata as an indicator of the effectiveness of the different treatments in restoring habitat. Specifically, we compared mean numbers of marked adults and juveniles at treatment sites to that of reference sites. After 4 years, restoration objectives were met at sites treated with burning alone and at sites treated with mechanical removal of hardwoods followed by fire. After over 10 years of prescribed burning, restoration objectives were met at all treatments. We conclude that prescribed burning alone was sufficient to restore fire‐suppressed Longleaf pine sandhills for A. sexlineata populations.
What is beyond a qRT‐PCR study on mesenchymal stem cell differentiation properties: how to choose the most reliable housekeeping genes
Authors: Ragni Enrico , Viganò Mariele , Rebulla Paolo , Giordano Rosaria , Lazzari Lorenza
Published: January 2013

In the last years, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been identified as an attractive cell population in regenerative medicine. In view of future therapeutic applications, the study of specific differentiation‐related gene expression is a pivotal prerequisite to define the most appropriate MSC source for clinical translation. In this context, it is crucial to use stable housekeeping genes (HGs) for normalization of qRT‐PCR to obtain validated and comparable results. By our knowledge, an exhaustive validation study of HGs comparing MSCs from different sources under various differentiation conditions is still missing. In this pivotal study, we compared the expression levels of 12 genes (ACTB, Β2M, EF1alpha, GAPDH, GUSB, PPIA, RPL13A, RPLP0, TBP, UBC, YWHAZ and 18S rRNA) to assess their suitability as HGs in MSCs during adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. We demonstrated that many of the most popular HGs including 18S rRNA, B2M and ACTB were inadequate for normalization, whereas TBP/YWHAZ/GUSB were frequently identified among the best performers. Moreover, we showed the dramatic effects of suboptimal HGs choice on the quantification of cell differentiation markers, thus interfering with a reliable comparison of the lineage potential properties among various MSCs. Thus, in the emerging field of regenerative medicine, the identification of the most appropriate MSC source and cell line is so crucial for the treatment of patients that being inaccurate in the first step of the stem cell characterization can bring important consequences for the patients and for the promising potential of stem cell therapy.