bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infrahyoid Myocutaneous Flap for Medium‐Sized Head and Neck Defects
Authors: Peng Hanwei , Wang Steven J. , Yang Xihong , Guo Haipeng , Liu Muyuan 
Published: September 2012

ObjectivesTo evaluate the surgical outcomes associated with infrahyoid myocutaneous flaps used in the reconstruction of medium‐sized defects following head and neck cancer resection, as well as to discuss a novel technique modification.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingUniversity cancer hospital.Subjects and MethodsA total of 20 patients with oral or hypopharyngeal carcinoma who underwent infrahyoid myocutaneous flap reconstruction between June 2005 and December 2011 were retrospectively studied. A novel technical modification of flap harvest, preservation of the cranial portion of the anterior jugular vein, was attempted in 15 flaps and was successful in 13 flaps. Functional evaluation was performed in all patients 3 to 6 months after the operation or postoperative radiation.ResultsTotal flap necrosis, marginal skin paddle necrosis, and total skin paddle loss were observed in 1, 2, and 1 patient(s), respectively. Pharyngocutaneous fistula without flap problem occurred in 1 patient. No flap complications occurred in 13 cases where the cranial portion of the anterior jugular vein was successfully preserved. Functional results were excellent in 16 patients, good in 3 patients, and fair in 1 patient.ConclusionThe infrahyoid myocutaneous flap is a reliable and convenient technique that can serve as an alternative to free flaps in the reconstruction of medium‐sized defects of the oral cavity or hypopharynx. Preservation of the cranial portion of the anterior jugular vein is a novel technical modification of harvesting this flap, which may result in better venous return of the skin paddle and reduce skin paddle necrosis.
Intervention dose estimation in health promotion programmes: a framework and a tool. Application to the diet and physical activity promotion PRALIMAP trial
Authors: Legrand Karine , Bonsergent Emilie , Latarche Clotilde , Empereur Fabienne , Collin Jean François , Lecomte Edith , Aptel Evelyne , Thilly Nathalie , Briançon Serge 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Although the outcomes of health promotion and prevention programmes may depend on the level of intervention, studies and trials often fail to take it into account. The objective of this work was to develop a framework within which to consider the implementation of interventions, and to propose a tool with which to measure the quantity and the quality of activities, whether planned or not, relevant to the intervention under investigation. The framework and the tool were applied to data from the diet and physical activity promotion PRALIMAP trial.

Methods
A framework allowing for calculation of an intervention dose in any health promotion programme was developed. A literature reviews revealed several relevant concepts that were considered in greater detail by a multidisciplinary working group. A method was devised with which to calculate the dose of intervention planned and that is actually received (programme-driven activities dose), as well as the amount of non-planned intervention (non-programme-driven activities dose).

Results
Indicators cover the roles of all those involved (supervisors, anchor personnel as receivers and providers, targets), in each intervention-related groups (IRG: basic setting in which a given intervention is planned by the programme and may differ in implementation level) and for every intervention period. All indicators are described according to two domains (delivery, participation) in two declensions (quantity and quality). Application to PRALIMAP data revealed important inter- and intra-IRG variability in intervention dose.

Conclusions
A literature analysis shows that the terminology in this area is not yet consolidated and that research is ongoing. The present work provides a methodological framework by specifying concepts, by defining new constructs and by developing multiple information synthesis methods which must be introduced from the programme's conception. Application to PRALIMAP underlined the feasibility of measuring the implementation level. The framework and the tool can be used in any complex programme evaluation. The intervention doses obtained could be particularly useful in comparative trials.

Trial registration
PRALIMAP is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under NCT00814554
Peritoneal adhesion: it can be life-threatening, and life-saving
Authors: Huang Jiun-Chi , Chen Szu-Chia , Yang Tsung-Kun , Yu Fang-Jung , Ou-Yang Fu , Chang Jer-Ming 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
The inevitable post-inflammatory fibrosis and adhesion often compromises future treatment in peritoneal dialysis patients. Here, we describe a patient who experienced an unusual form of peritoneal adhesion that made her give up peritoneal dialysis. However, its unique pattern also saved her from infection caused by bowel perforation.

Case presentation
The female patient discontinued peritoneal dialysis due to gradual dialysis inadequacy. Two months after shifting to hemodialysis with generally improved sense of well-being and no sign of abdominal illness, she was admitted to remove the Tenckhoff catheter. The procedure was smooth, but fever and abdominal pain not at the site of operation developed the next day. Abdominal ultrasound showed the presence of ascites and aspiration revealed slimy, green-yellowish pus that gave a negative result on bacterial culture. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) with oral contrast medium was performed, but failed to demonstrate the suspected bowel perforation. The examination, however, did show accumulation of pus inside the abdomen but outside the peritoneal cavity. We drained the pus with two 14-F Pig-tail catheters and the total amount of drainage approached 4000 ml. The second CT was performed with double dose of the contrast medium and found a leak of the contrast from the jejunum. She then received laparotomy and had the perforation site closed.

Conclusions
In summary, this uremic patient suffered from pus accumulation inside her abdomen without obvious systemic toxic effect. The bowel perforation and pus formation might be caused by repeated peritonitis, but the peritoneal adhesion itself might also isolate her peritoneal cavity from the anticipated toxic injuries of bowel perforation.
Molecular surveillance for drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum in clinical and subclinical populations from three border regions of Burma/Myanmar: cross-sectional data and a systematic review of resistance studies
Authors: Brown Tyler , Smith Linda S , Oo Eh Kalu Shwe , Shawng Kum , Lee Thomas J , Sullivan David , Beyrer Chris , Richards Adam K 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundConfirmation of artemisinin-delayed parasite clearance inPlasmodium falciparumalong the Thai-Myanmar border has inspired a global response to contain and monitor drug resistance to avert the disastrous consequences of a potential spread to Africa. However, resistance data from Myanmar are sparse, particularly from high-risk areas where limited health services and decades of displacement create conditions for resistance to spread. Subclinical infections may represent an important reservoir for resistance genes that confer a fitness disadvantage relative to wild-type alleles. This study estimates the prevalence of resistance genotypes in three previously unstudied remote populations in Myanmar and tests thea priorihypothesis that resistance gene prevalence would be higher among isolates collected from subclinical infections than isolates collected from febrile clinical patients. A systematic review of resistance studies is provided for context.MethodsCommunity health workers in Karen and Kachin States and an area spanning the Indo-Myanmar border collected dried blood spots from 988 febrile clinical patients and 4,591 villagers with subclinical infection participating in routine prevalence surveys. Samples positive forP. falciparum18 s ribosomal RNA by real-time PCR were genotyped forP. falciparummultidrug resistance protein (pfmdr1)copy number and thepfcrtK76T polymorphism using multiplex real-time PCR.ResultsPfmdr1copy number increase and thepfcrtK76 polymorphism were determined for 173 and 269 isolates, respectively. Meanpfmdr1copy number was 1.2 (range: 0.7 to 3.7).Pfmdr1copy number increase was present in 17.5%, 9.6% and 11.1% of isolates from Karen and Kachin States and the Indo-Myanmar border, respectively.Pfmdr1amplification was more prevalent in subclinical isolates (20.3%) than clinical isolates (6.4%, odds ratio 3.7, 95% confidence interval 1.1 - 12.5). PfcrtK76T prevalence ranged from 90-100%.ConclusionsCommunity health workers can contribute to molecular surveillance of drug resistance in remote areas of Myanmar. Marginal and displaced populations under-represented among previous resistance investigations can and should be included in resistance surveillance efforts, particularly once genetic markers of artemisinin-delayed parasite clearance are identified. Subclinical infections may contribute to the epidemiology of drug resistance, but determination of gene amplification from desiccated filter samples requires further validation when DNA concentration is low.
A new feasible technique of mesh-reinforced pancreatojejunostomy and pancreatogastrostomy: retrospective analysis of 61 cases
Authors: Xianfa Wang , Ying Xin , Junhai Pan , Nengyun Zhang , Wei Zhou 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Pancreatic leak was the major concern after pancreatoduodenectomy.

Methods
A total of 61 patients who underwent mesh-reinforced pancreatojejunostomy or pancreatogastrostomy from August 2005 to November 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results
The mean anastomosis time of mesh-reinforced pancreatojejunostomy was 25 minutes ranging from 22 to 35 minutes. In mesh-reinforced pancreatogastrostomy, the mean anastomosis time ranged from 20 to38 minutes with an average of 30 minutes. Blood loss was 200 to 4,000 ml with an average of 710 ml in all patients. There was one case of pancreatic leak of Class A, three cases of pancreatic leak of Class B, one case of pancreatic leak of Class C, one case of choledochojejunostomy leakage, one case of gastrojejunostomy leakage, and three cases of abdominal bleeding.

Conclusion
As a new technique, mesh-reinforced pancreatojejunostomy and pancreatogastrostomy might be a safe and feasible procedure to prevent postoperative pancreatic leak.

Trial registration
This research is waivered from trial registration because it was a retrospective analysis of medical records.
Evaluation of different conductive nanostructured particles as filler in smart piezoresistive composites
Authors: Stassi Stefano , Canavese Giancarlo , Cauda Valentina , Marasso Simone L , Pirri Candido Fabrizio 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
This work presents a comparison between three piezoresistive composite materials based on nanostructured conductive fillers in a polydimethylsiloxane insulating elastomeric matrix for sensing applications. Without any mechanical deformation upon an applied bias, the prepared composites present an insulating electric behavior, while, when subjected to mechanical load, the electric resistance is reduced exponentially. Three different metal fillers were tested: commercial nickel and copper spiky-particles and synthesized highly-pointed gold nanostars. These particles were chosen because of their high electrical conductivity and especially for the presence of nanosized sharp tips on their surface. These features generate an enhancement of the local electric field increasing the tunneling probability between the particles. Different figures of merit concerning the morphology of the fillers were evaluated and correlated with the corresponding functional response of the composite.
Therapeutic efficacy of CXCR3 blockade in an experimental model of severe sepsis
Authors: Herzig Daniela S , Guo Yin , Fang Geping , Toliver-Kinsky Tracy E , Sherwood Edward R 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Introduction
In our previous studies we demonstrated that CXC chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) participates in the regulation of lymphocyte trafficking during cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis. In this study, we evaluated the effects of treatment with anti-CXCR3 immunoglobulin (IgG) and antibiotics on outcome during septic shock caused by CLP.

Methods
C57BL/6J mice were treated with neutralizing IgG against CXCR3 plus Primaxin either 24 hours prior to, 2 hours after or 6 hours after CLP. Control mice received nonspecific IgG plus Primaxin in the same regimen. Survival, core body temperature, bacterial clearance and systemic cytokine production were evaluated.

Results
Our results show that treatment with anti-CXCR3 IgG plus Primaxin significantly improved survival when administered 24 hours prior to CLP (50% vs. 10%), 2 hours after CLP (55% vs. 10%) or 6 hours after CLP (55% vs. 25%) compared with mice receiving nonspecific IgG plus Primaxin. Treatment with anti-CXCR3 plus Primaxin 24 hours prior to CLP attenuated hypothermia and IL-6 and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2) production but did not alter bacterial clearance. Treatment with anti-CXCR3 IgG and Primaxin 2 hours after CLP did not improve bacterial clearance and systemic cytokine production compared with mice treated with IgG and Primaxin, whereas 6 hours after CLP the bacterial clearance and IL-6 and MIP-2 concentrations, both in plasma and peritoneal lavage fluid, were significantly improved in mice receiving anti-CXCR3 IgG and Primaxin compared with mice that only received nonspecific IgG and Primaxin.

Conclusion
The results from this study indicate that neutralization of CXCR3 prior to, 2 hours after or 6 hours after the initiation of CLP-induced septic shock improves survival and attenuates CLP-induced inflammation and physiologic dysfunction.
The CCLM contribution to improvements in quality and patient safety
Authors: Plebani Mario 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Clinical laboratories play an important role in improving patient care. The past decades have seen unbelievable, often unpredictable improvements in analytical performance. Although the seminal concept of the brain-to-brain laboratory loop has been described more than four decades ago, there is now a growing awareness about the importance of extra-analytical aspects in laboratory quality. According to this concept, all phases and activities of the testing cycle should be assessed, monitored and improved in order to decrease the total error rates thereby improving patients’ safety. Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM) not only has followed the shift in perception of quality in the discipline, but has been the catalyst for promoting a large debate on this topic, underlining the value of papers dealing with errors in clinical laboratories and possible remedies, as well as new approaches to the definition of quality in pre-, intra-, and post-analytical steps. The celebration of the 50th anniversary of the CCLM journal offers the opportunity to recall and mention some milestones in the approach to quality and patient safety and to inform our readers, as well as laboratory professionals, clinicians and all the stakeholders of the willingness of the journal to maintain quality issues as central to its interest even in the future.
The combined use of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and brain natriuretic peptide improves risk stratification in pediatric cardiac surgery
Authors: Cantinotti Massimiliano , Storti Simona , Lorenzoni Valentina , Arcieri Luigi , Moschetti Riccardo , Murzi Bruno , Spadoni Isabella , Passino Claudio , Clerico Aldo 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis whether the combined use of a cardio-specific biomarker, the brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and a marker of early renal damage, the assay of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL), may improve risk stratification in pediatric cardiac surgery.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled 135 children [median age 7 (interquartile range 1–49) months] undergoing to cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease. All biomarkers were evaluated pre- and post-operatively at different times after cardiopulmonary-bypass (CPB): uNGAL at 2, 6 and 12 h; BNP at 12 and 36 h; serum creatinine at 2, 6, 12, and 36 h. Primary endpoints were development of acute kidney injury (AKI) (defined as 1.5 serum creatinine increase) and intubation time.

Results: AKI occurred in 39% of patients (65% neonates and 32% older children, p=0.004). The peak of uNGAL values occurred more frequently at 2 h. uNGAL values at 2 h [median 28.2 (interquartile range 7.0–124.6) ng/L] had a good diagnostic accuracy for early diagnosis of AKI with an AUC (area under the curve) ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve of 0.85 (SE 0.034). Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, development of AKI was significantly associated with uNGAL values at 2 h after CPB [OR=1.88 (1.30–2.72, p=0.001)], together with the CPB time and Aristotle score, as an index of complexity of the surgical procedure, while pre-operative BNP values were not. Furthermore, uNGAL and pre-operative BNP values (together with Aristotle score) were significantly associated with adverse outcome (longer intubation time and mortality).

Conclusions: Pre-operative BNP and uNGAL values after surgery (together with the Aristotle score) were independently associated with a more severe course and worse outcome in children undergoing cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease.
Tensile creep and recovery of Norway spruce influenced by temperature and moisture
Authors: Engelund Emil Tang , Salmén Lennart 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The time-dependent mechanical behaviour (TDMB) of wood is important when using the material for structural purposes. Recently, a new method for predicting the TDMB by numerical modelling was established based on the assumption that TDMB is caused by the sliding of the microfibrils past each other. In this study, the TDMB is examined via creep experiments on small specimens of Norway spruce latewood. The results of these are compared with results from numerical modelling. The experiments include results at two levels of moisture content and three levels of temperature, enabling an investigation of these two climatic factors on TDMB of wood. It was found that the mechanical response of wood tissue is the sum of responses from both tracheids and middle lamella, with only the previous being reversible. The effect of moisture and temperature differed in that the latter affected the elastic and time-dependent responses equally. Moisture, on the other hand, reduced both the elastic properties and the activation energy barrier for sliding of the microfibrils, but furthermore changed the microfibril angle of the sample as a result of swelling. Hereby, moisture had a larger effect on the time-dependent response than the elastic. All of these effects were predicted by numerical modelling.
Pregnancy and neonatal outcome following an antenatal diagnosis of cleft lip and palate
Authors: Michel Bénédicte , Debauche Christian , Hutchings Graham , Bernard Pierre , Biard Jean-Marc , François Geneviève , Bayet Bénédicte , Williams Olivia 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Aim: To identify the significance of associated antenatal ultrasound findings on long-term prognosis following the antenatal diagnosis of cleft lip/palate [CL(P)].

Patients and methods: Retrospective case note analysis of patients seen at a single tertiary referral centre with a diagnosis of CL(P). The patients were classified as those with unilateral or bilateral clefts and then further subdivided according to the presence of associated anomalies, and these were related to pregnancy and neonatal outcome.

Results: A total of 125 singleton pregnancies were seen at the antenatal diagnostic unit, 14 of which were subsequently lost to follow-up. Eighty-two (65.6%) had a diagnosis of unilateral CL(P) and 43 (34.4%) a bilateral CL(P). Seventy-five foetuses (67.5%) had no other anomalies detected on antenatal ultrasound. Seventeen patients (15%) underwent a termination of pregnancy. A normal postnatal outcome was seen in 79% of liveborn infants overall. Only 50% of foetuses diagnosed with a single minor anomaly and 4% of the foetuses in whom more than two minor anomalies or one major anomaly had been detected on ultrasound had a normal postnatal outcome. Infants with bilateral CL(P) had a significantly reduced incidence of a normal postnatal course (60% vs. 87.5%, P<0.01).

Conclusion: In cases of CL(P), there is a high incidence of associated anomalies detected on antenatal ultrasound and these significantly increase the risk of poor neonatal outcome.
Crystal structure of mullite-type PbMn0.5Al0.5BO4 determined by combined X-ray and neutron diffraction data
Authors: Murshed M. Mangir , Nénert Gwilherm , Gesing Thorsten M. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
PbMn0 . 5 Al0 . 5 BO4, orthorhombic, Pnam ( n o . 6 2 ) , a = 6.88207(22) Å, b = 8.26813(31) Å, c = 5.84767(20) Å, V = 332.74 Å3, Z = 1, Rp = 0.0381(i), 0.0458(ii), 0.0505(iii), Rwp = 0.0491(i), 0.0676(ii), 0.0677(iii), T = 298 K.
ENDOCRINE DISORDERS IN CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE: Natural history of subclinical hypothyroidism in children and adolescents and potential effects of replacement therapy: a review
Authors: Monzani Alice , Prodam Flavia , Rapa Anna , Moia Stefania , Agarla Valentina , Bellone Simonetta , Bona Gianni 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveSubclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is quite common in children and adolescents. The natural history of this condition and the potential effects of replacement therapy need to be known to properly manage SH. The aim of this review is to analyze: i) the spontaneous evolution of SH, in terms of the rate of reversion to euthyroidism, the persistence of SH, or the progression to over hypothyroidism; and ii) the effects of replacement therapy, with respect to auxological data, thyroid volume, and neuropsychological functions.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE (1990–2012) and identified 39 potentially relevant articles of which only 15 articles were suitable to be included.Results and conclusionsSH in children is a remitting process with a low risk of evolution toward overt hypothyroidism. Most of the subjects reverted to euthyroidism or remained SH, with a rate of evolution toward overt hypothyroidism ranging between 0 and 28.8%, being 50% in only one study (nine articles). The initial presence of goiter and elevated thyroglobulin antibodies, the presence of celiac disease, and a progressive increase in thyroperoxidase antibodies and TSH value predict a progression toward overt hypothyroidism. Replacement therapy is not justified in children with SH but with TSH 5–10 mIU/l, no goiter, and negative antithyroid antibodies. An increased growth velocity was observed in children treated with levothyroxine (l-T4; two articles). l-T4 reduced thyroid volume in 25–100% of children with SH and autoimmune thyroiditis (two studies). No effects on neuropsychological functions (one study) and posttreatment evolution of SH (one study) were reported.