bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Tai Chi training on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Pan Lei , Yan JunHong , Guo YongZhong , Yan JunHe 
Published: October 2012

AimWhether Tai Chi (TC) is effective in the cardiac rehabilitation of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) remains controversial. We performed a meta‐analysis to examine the effects of TC on exercise capacity and quality of life (QoL) in CHF patients.Methods and resultsPubMed and EMBASE databases were searched (up to May 2012) for relevant studies. Studies including participants with reduced left ventricular systolic function (ejection fraction ≤45%) were selected. Interventions considered were TC with or without comparisons (education or usual care). Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (n = 242) met the inclusion criteria. TC significantly improved QoL (WMD –14.54 points; 95% CI –23.45 to –5.63). TC was not associated with a significant reduction in N‐terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (WMD –61.16 pg/mL; 95% CI –179.27 to 56.95), systolic blood pressure (WMD –1.06 mmHg; 95% CI –13.76 to 11.63), diastolic blood pressure (WMD –0.08 mmHg; 95% CI –3.88 to 3.73), improved 6 min walking distance (WMD 46.73 m; 95% CI –1.62 to 95.09), or peak oxygen uptake (WMD 0.19 mL/kg/min; 95% CI –0.74 to 1.13).ConclusionsTC may improve QoL in patients with CHF and could be considered for inclusion in cardiac rehabilitation programmes. However, there is currently a lack of evidence to support TC altering other important clinical outcomes. Further larger RCTs are urgently needed to investigate the effects of TC.
Epileptogenic Effect of Sevoflurane
Authors: Gibert Stephanie , Sabourdin Nada , Louvet Nicolas , Moutard Marie-Laure , Piat Veronique , Guye Marie-Laurence , Rigouzzo Agnes , Constant Isabelle 
Published: October 2012

Background
Sevoflurane has become the gold standard for inhalation induction in children. However in children as in adults, epileptiform electroencephalographic signs have been described under high concentrations of sevoflurane. The aim of this study was to determine the minimal alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane associated with the occurrence of major epileptiform signs (MES) in 50% children under steady-state conditions. The MAC of MES (MAC MES) was determined in 100% oxygen and with the addition of 50% nitrous oxide or after the injection of alfentanil (ALFENTA).

Methods
Seventy-nine children (3-11 yr), undergoing elective surgery and premedicated with hydroxyzine were included. After induction by inhalation and tracheal intubation, a 10-min period with a stable expired fraction of sevoflurane was obtained. The MES were defined as rhythmic polyspikes or epileptiform discharges. Electroencephalographic recordings were blindly analyzed by two independent experts. The MAC MES were determined by the Dixon method: the concentration of sevoflurane was determined by the result from the previous patient: increase of 0.2% if MES were absent or decrease of 0.2% if MES were present. Three consecutive series were performed: (1) in 100% oxygen (MAC MESO2); (2) in 50% oxygen and 50% nitrous oxide (MAC MESN2O); and (3) in 100% oxygen with a bolus of alfentanil (MAC MESALFENTA).

Results
The MAC MESO2 was 4.3±0.1% (mean±SD), the MAC MESN2O and the MAC MESALFENTA were higher, respectively: 4.6±0.2% (P=0.01) and 4.6±0.2% (P=0.02).

Conclusions
In children premedicated with hydroxyzine, the MAC MES of sevoflurane calculated in 100% O2 corresponded to 1.75 surgical MAC. In addition, our results have demonstrated a moderate effect of nitrous oxide and alfentanil in raising the threshold of MES.
Detection and Quantitation of Trace Phenolphthalein (in Pharmaceutical Preparations and in Forensic Exhibits) by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry, a Sensitive and Accurate Method
Authors: Sharma Kakali , Sharma Shiba P. , Lahiri Sujit C. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPhenolphthalein, an acid–base indicator and laxative, is important as a constituent of widely used weight‐reducing multicomponent food formulations. Phenolphthalein is an useful reagent in forensic science for the identification of blood stains of suspected victims and for apprehending erring officials accepting bribes in graft or trap cases. The pink‐colored alkaline hand washes originating from the phenolphthalein‐smeared notes can easily be determined spectrophotometrically. But in many cases, colored solution turns colorless with time, which renders the genuineness of bribe cases doubtful to the judiciary. No method is known till now for the detection and identification of phenolphthalein in colorless forensic exhibits with positive proof. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry had been found to be most sensitive, accurate method capable of detection and quantitation of trace phenolphthalein in commercial formulations and colorless forensic exhibits with positive proof. The detection limit of phenolphthalein was found to be 1.66 pg/L or ng/mL, and the calibration curve shows good linearity (r2 = 0.9974).
Fatal Intoxications in a Forensic Autopsy Material from Epirus, Greece, During the Period 1998‐2010
Authors: Boumba Vassiliki A. , Georgiadis Minas , Mirescu Nikolae , Vougiouklakis Theodore 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn this retrospective study, we report the epidemiological characteristics of all poisoning deaths in Epirus, Greece, from 1998 to 2010; we present the toxicological findings and the statistical evaluation of the results. This is the first detailed scientific report on all the officially certified poisoning deaths concerning part of the Greek population. A total of 126 poisoning fatalities were recorded, 67 of them being mono‐intoxications (53.2%). The cause of poisoning was as follows: drugs of abuse (60%); carbon monoxide (19.8%); pesticides (9.5%); corrosives (4.8%); pharmaceuticals (4.8%); and spider bite (0.8%). The most frequently detected poisonous substances were as follows: heroin (65 cases), ethanol (55), benzodiazepines (42), carbon monoxide (25), cocaine (17), cannabinoids (17) and pesticides (12). Increasing tendency in poisoning death rates was recorded, due to an increase in accidental poisoning deaths attributed mainly to drugs of abuse (total, accidental, and drugs‐of‐abuse poisoning death rates per 100,000 inhabitants per year were 1.87, 1.19, and 0.79, respectively, in the period 1998–2002 and 3.97, 3.41, and 2.55, respectively, in the period 2007–2010).
Effect of Forensic Evidence on Criminal Justice Case Processing
Authors: Peterson Joseph L. , Hickman Matthew J. , Strom Kevin J. , Johnson Donald J. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis study examined the role and impact of forensic evidence on case‐processing outcomes in a sample of 4205 criminal cases drawn from five U.S. jurisdictions. Regression analyses demonstrated that forensic evidence played a consistent and robust role in case‐processing decisions. Still, the influence of forensic evidence is time‐ and examination‐dependent: the collection of crime scene evidence was predictive of arrest, and the examination of evidence was predictive of referral for charges, as well as of charges being filed, conviction at trial, and sentence length. The only decision outcome in which forensic evidence did not have a general effect was with regard to guilty plea arrangements. More studies are needed on the filtering of forensic evidence in different crime categories, from the crime scene to its use by investigators, prosecutors, and fact‐finders, and to identify factors that shape decisions to collect evidence, submit it to laboratories, and request examinations.
Columnar‐lined esophagus in Chinese patients with proximal gastric carcinomas
Authors: Sun Qi , Huang Qin , Feng An Ning , Fan Xiang Shan , Wu Hong Yan , Mashimo Hiroshi , Zhou Qiang , Chen Jin , Lauwers Gregory Y. 
Published: October 2012

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinicopathological features of columnar‐lined esophagus (CLE) in Chinese patients.MethodsAmong 182 consecutive resections of proximal gastric cancer with residual esophageal tissue, 114 were eligible for the study. The maximal lengths of CLE and superficial esophageal glands (SEG) and the presence or absence of chronic inflammation (CI), lymphoid follicles (LF), Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, intestinal metaplasia (IM), pancreatic metaplasia (PM) and dysplasia were analyzed and compared with those in the adjacent proximal gastric mucosa.ResultsSEG were present in 110 cases with a mean length of 5.4 mm (range 1–16 mm, 90% equal to or under 10 mm and 10% between 11–16 mm). These glands were associated with CI (95%), LF (85%), H. pylori infection (42%), IM (25%), PM (36%) and dysplasia (10%). CLE was found in 65% of the cases and was associated with SEG (mean length of 4.0 mm, range 1–13 mm, 97% within 10 mm and 3% between 11–13 mm). The frequencies of CI (97%), LF (86%), H. pylori infection (65%) and PM (46%) in CLE were similar to those in the proximal stomach (CI 90%, LF 54%, H. pylori infection 58%, PM 39%). In contrast, the frequencies of IM (37%) and dysplasia (15%) in CLE were significantly lower than those in the proximal stomach (66% and 31%, respectively; P < 0.01).ConclusionsCLE in Chinese patients was within 10 mm in length in 97% of cases, and with SEG and H. pylori infection‐related changes similar to those in the proximal stomach.
Exercise therapy improves mental and physical health in schizophrenia: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Scheewe T. W. , Backx F. J. G. , Takken T. , Jörg F. , van Strater A. C. P. , Kroes A. G. , Kahn R. S. , Cahn W. 
Published: October 2012

ObjectiveThe objective of this multicenter randomised clinical trial was to examine the effect of exercise versus occupational therapy on mental and physical health in schizophrenia patients.MethodSixty‐three patients with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to 2 h of structured exercise (n = 31) or occupational therapy (n = 32) weekly for 6 months. Symptoms (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) and cardiovascular fitness levels (Wpeak and VO2peak), as assessed with a cardiopulmonary exercise test, were the primary outcome measures. Secondary outcome measures were the Montgomery and Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, Camberwell Assessment of Needs, body mass index, body fat percentage, and metabolic syndrome (MetS).ResultsIntention‐to‐treat analyses showed exercise therapy had a trend‐level effect on depressive symptoms (P = 0.07) and a significant effect on cardiovascular fitness, measured by Wpeak (P < 0.01), compared with occupational therapy. Per protocol analyses showed that exercise therapy reduced symptoms of schizophrenia (P = 0.001), depression (P = 0.012), need of care (P = 0.050), and increased cardiovascular fitness (P < 0.001) compared with occupational therapy. No effect for MetS (factors) was found except a trend reduction in triglycerides (P = 0.08).ConclusionExercise therapy, when performed once to twice a week, improved mental health and cardiovascular fitness and reduced need of care in patients with schizophrenia.
Methylation of IL‐2 promoter at birth alters the risk of asthma exacerbations during childhood
Authors: Curtin J. A. , Simpson A. , Belgrave D. , Semic‐Jusufagic A. , Custovic A. , Martinez F. D. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryBackgroundEpigenetic modifications may have a role in asthma susceptibility.ObjectiveTo investigate whether epigenetic modification at birth of a CpG site necessary for the regulation of IL‐2 transcription (IL‐2 Site1) is associated with the development of asthma during childhood.MethodsMethylation of IL‐2 Site1 was assessed in cord blood from 303 children (225 with atopic mothers); as controls, we measured methylation of a site not important in the transcription of IL‐2 (IL‐2 Site7) and methylation of the LINE‐1 repetitive element. Children were followed to the age of 8 years. Information on severe asthma exacerbations and hospital admissions was collected from child's primary care medical record. To account for potential confounding by bronchiolitis, we used exacerbations/hospitalizations after age 1 year as primary outcomes.ResultsThere were 49 severe exacerbations amongst 33 children, and 22 hospital admissions amongst 11 children. The risk of asthma exacerbation increased 1.07‐fold (95% CI 1.01–1.14, P = 0.03) and the risk of hospital admission increased 1.12‐fold (95% CI 1.04–1.20, P = 0.002) for each one per cent increase in IL‐2 Site1 methylation. Children who were admitted to hospital at any time‐point had significantly higher IL‐2 Site1 methylation than children not admitted to hospital (P = 0.007). There was a significant interaction between age at exacerbation (P = 0.03) or hospital admission (P = 0.02) and methylation, with the effect of methylation increasing with increasing age. Methylation of the control IL‐2 Site7 or LINE‐1 was not a significant predictor of asthma exacerbations/hospital admission, and we found no association between IL‐2 Site1 methylation and hospital admissions for other reasons (0.99 [0.92–1.06]). Cord blood mononuclear cell phytohemagglutinin‐stimulated lymphoproliferative responses decreased significantly with increasing IL‐2 Site1 methylation (P < 0.001).ConclusionsIncreasing methylation in cord blood of a functional CpG site in the IL‐2 promoter is associated with increased likelihood of severe asthma exacerbations and hospital admissions for asthma/wheeze between ages of 2 and 8 years.
Differential effects of topical corticosteroid and calcineurin inhibitor on the epidermal tight junction
Authors: Lee Sang E. , Choi Yuri , Kim Song‐Ee , Noh Eun B. , Kim Soo‐Chan 
Published: October 2012

AbstractTight junction (TJ) is one of the functional barriers present in the skin. Although topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors are used widely for atopic dermatitis, the effect of these agents on TJs has not been reported. We investigated the structural changes of TJs in mice skin after application of 0.05% clobetasol propionate or 0.1% tacrolimus ointment for 10 days. Clobetasol caused epidermal thinning and decreased collagen density. Basal transepidermal water loss was significantly increased in clobetasol‐treated versus vehicle‐ or tacrolimus‐treated skin. Confocal immunofluorescence showed that clobetasol altered the structure of claudin‐1,‐4 and occludin. Tacrolimus also caused morphological alteration of occludin. Western blot and real‐time PCR revealed that clobetasol significantly decreased claudin‐1,‐4 and occludin, whereas tacrolimus did not significantly affect claudin‐1 and ‐4 but downregulated occludin to a lesser extent compared to clobetasol. In conclusion, we suggest that downregulation of TJ proteins expression is another pathomechanism of corticosteroid‐induced permeability barrier disruption.
Climate warming and precipitation redistribution modify tree–grass interactions and tree species establishment in a warm‐temperate savanna
Authors: Volder Astrid , Briske David D. , Tjoelker Mark G. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSavanna tree–grass interactions may be particularly sensitive to climate change. Establishment of two tree canopy dominants, post oak (Quercus stellata) and eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), grown with the dominant C4 perennial grass (Schizachyrium scoparium) in southern oak savanna of the United States were evaluated under four climatic scenarios for 6 years. Tree–grass interactions were examined with and without warming (+1.5 °C) in combination with a long‐term mean rainfall treatment and a modified rainfall regime that redistributed 40% of summer rainfall to spring and fall, intensifying summer drought. The aim was to determine: (1) the relative growth response of these species, (2) potential shifts in the balance of tree–grass interactions, and (3) the trajectory of juniper encroachment into savannas, under these anticipated climatic conditions. Precipitation redistribution reduced relative growth rate (RGR) of trees grown with grass. Warming increased growth of J. virginiana and strongly reduced Q. stellata survival. Tiller numbers of S. scoparium plants were unaffected by warming, but the number of reproductive tillers was increasingly suppressed by intensified drought each year. Growth rates of J. virginiana and Q. stellata were suppressed by grass presence early, but in subsequent years were higher when grown with grass. Quercus stellata had overall reduced RGR, but enhanced survival when grown with grass, while survival of J. virginiana remained near 100% in all treatments. Once trees surpassed a threshold height of 1.1 m, both tiller number and survival of S. scoparium plants were drastically reduced by the presence of J. virginiana, but not Q. stellata. Juniperus virginiana was the only savanna dominant in which neither survival nor final aboveground mass were adversely affected by the climate scenario of warming and intensified summer drought. These responses indicate that climate warming and altered precipitation patterns will further accelerate juniper encroachment and woody thickening in a warm‐temperate oak savanna.
Diagnostic tests in urology: urine cytology
Authors: Lavallée Luke T. , Fergusson Dean , Dahm Philipp , Scales Jr Charles D. , Witiuk Kelsey , Breau Rodney H. 
Published: October 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Urine cytology is frequently used by urologists to evaluate patients with microscopic or gross haematuria. The results of urine cytology can be used as impetus to perform or triage further diagnostic studies, e.g. cystoscopy.The impact of urine cytology results on patient care warrants clarifying. This evidence‐based medicine article explores how positive or negative urine cytology will impact the probability that a patient has urothelial carcinoma of the bladder before cystoscopy.
Penile length and girth restoration in severe Peyronie's disease using circular and longitudinal grafting
Authors: Egydio Paulo H. , Kuehhas Franklin E. , Sansalone Salvatore 
Published: October 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?The association between Peyronie's disease (PD) and erectile dysfunction (ED) is reported to be 20–70%. Frequently, men who suffer from both ED and PD do not respond to erectogenic medication. In such cases, a simple straightening operation does not provide any benefit to the patient, as inadequate rigidity still impedes sexual intercourse. For these patients, surgical correction of the curvature should be performed with simultaneous penile prosthesis implantation. Penile prosthesis implantation guarantees a functional straight penis. Almost all patients report adequate rigidity for sexual intercourse postoperatively; however, in up to 50% of cases, patients are dissatisfied with the postoperative penile length. In cases of penile prosthesis implantation for PD, a simultaneous penile lengthening procedure should be performed to increase postoperative satisfaction rates.We report our experience using a novel method for restoration of penile length and girth in patients with PD by grafting. Our study shows that penile prosthesis implantation with concomitant penile lengthening and girth restoration based on circumferential tunica albuginea incision is highly effective for extensive penile shaft reconstruction to correct severe penile shortening and narrowing, resulting in maximum penile length gain and girth restoration, regardless of plaque characteristics.OBJECTIVE
To report patient outcomes and satisfaction with our technique for penile length and girth restoration in severe Peyronie's disease (PD).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Between November 2006 and November 2011, 105 men with severe PD and erectile dysfunction (ED) underwent surgical correction using our new approach.
The technique consists of penile prosthesis implantation with concomitant penile lengthening and girth restoration through circular and longitudinal incisions in the tunica albuginea according to geometric principles.
RESULTS
The overall patient satisfaction rate was 89.4%.
The mean (sd; range) functional penile length gain was 3.6 (0.7; 2–5) cm. Patient satisfaction with penile length gain was 95.2%.
Three patients (2.9%) developed retraction with residual curvature of up to 30°, but no re‐operation was necessary.
In one (1%) patient, the prosthesis had to be removed because of wound infection.
At a mean (sd; range) follow‐up of 18.2 (5.9; 6–46) months, 104 patients (99%) were able to have sexual intercourse.
CONCLUSIONS
Our surgical approach for penile length and girth restoration leads to high patient satisfaction rates and excellent functional outcomes.
Our surgical approach is a safe and valid therapeutic method for the treatment of severe PD associated with ED.
Drawing the Necessary Line: A Review of Dating Domestic Violence Statutes around the United States
Authors: Greenlees Geoffrey Thomas 
Published: October 2012

Orders of protection help combat dating violence by ensuring a period of separation between the victim and the abuser. The prevalence of dating violence is similar to that of spousal abuse and the effects on the nonmarried victims are just as severe. Some jurisdictions in the United States do not offer victims in dating relationships protective orders and two states restrict orders for same‐sex couples only. Other state statutes are inadequate. A uniform statute that permits participants in dating relationships access to protective orders should be implemented across the country.
Key Points for the Family Court Community:
See and understand the changes in dating domestic violence statutes
Up to date as of 2011 with 2012 amendments to state statutes
Viability and Activity of Bifidobacteria During Refrigerated Storage of Yoghurt ContainingMangifera pajangFibrous Polysaccharides
Authors: Al‐Sheraji Sadeq Hasan , Ismail Amin , Manap Mohd Yazid , Mustafa Shuhaimi , Yusof Rokiah Mohd 
Published: October 2012

Abstract: The viability and activity ofBifidobacterium pseudocatenulatumG4,B. longumBB 536 and yoghurt cultures (Lactobacillus delbrueckiissp.bulgaricusandStreptococcus thermophilus) were studied in yoghurt containing 0.75%Mangefira pajangfibrous polysaccharides (MPFP) and inulin. Growth of probiotic organisms, their proteolytic activities, the production of short chain fatty acids (lactic, acetic and propionic) and the pH of the yoghurt samples were determined during refrigerated storage at 4 °C for 28 d.B. pseudocatenulatumG4 andB. longumBB 536 showed better growth and activity in the presence of MPFP and inulin, which significantly increased the production of short chain fatty acids as well as the proteolytic activity of these organisms.Practical Application: This is the first study reported on produce synbiotic yoghurt as a functional food for specified health uses contains bifidobacteria andM. pajangfibrous polysaccharides.M. pajangfibrous polysaccharides can be used as a prebiotic particularly in dairy products to increase the viability and activity of bifidobacteria which can be used as probiotic to exert health benefit to the human by yoghurt that is considered common use in society; thus, the benefits of synbiotic yoghurt are readily accessible to the member of society.