bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurological and chest symptoms following sclerotherapy: A single centre experience
Authors: Hill Douglas A 
Published: August 2013

Objectives Documentation and analysis of adverse neurological and chest symptoms in a large single centre series of sclerotherapy treatments. Method In this retrospective study, patient-reported adverse events occurring during liquid or foam sclerotherapy were recorded over a 30 month period and subsequently analyzed. The relevant patient records were reviewed to determine patient characteristics, treatment details and results of subsequent investigations. Results A total of 1744 ultrasound guided sclerotherapy treatments were performed during the study period. Almost all treatments were done with air-based sodium tetradecyl sulphate foam. During the same time period, 6504 direct vision surface vein sclerotherapy treatments were completed. Approximately 1/4 of these utilized air-based foam in varying concentrations. There were 14 adverse events in 14 patients involving neurological or chest symptoms for an incidence of 0.17%. Five patients injected with foam complained of isolated chest discomfort, tightness or shortness of breath. Nine patients reported various brief neurological symptoms. These events occurred with both liquid and foam, although the majority involved foam. More neurological events were associated with direct vision sclerotherapy of smaller superficial veins than with ultrasound guided injection of intrafascial truncular veins. Seven patients who experienced neurological symptoms had a history of migraine. Five of the patients who had neurological events were investigated for right to left shunts and found to be positive. Conclusions These events were uncommon and brief. The incidence of neurological and chest symptoms was higher with foam sclerotherapy than with liquid. A history of migraine with aura was associated with an increased risk of post-treatment neurological symptoms. Events occurred with both large vein and small vein treatment. Some events were associated with liquid sclerotherapy rather than foam and with carbon dioxide based foam as well as air foam. There were no long-term adverse consequences.
The feasibility and validity of the comprehensive ICF core set for stroke in Chinese clinical settings
Authors: Wang Pu , Li Huagang , Guo Yi , Xie Yuxiao , Ge Ruidong , Qiu Zhuoying 
Published: August 2013

Objective: To inspect the feasibility and content validity of the comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) core set for stroke by describing relevant aspects of functioning, disability and environmental factors affected in Chinese patients post stroke. Design: Multicentre, cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of rehabilitation medicine. Subjects: The content validity was evaluated using frequency and percentage of 208 patients with a mean age of 60 years post stroke in China. Outcome measures: Aspects of body function and structure, activity and participation, and environmental factors in the comprehensive ICF core set for stroke. Results: Six ICF categories of body function were identified as a problem in over 90% ( n = 187) of the patients (functions of the cardiovascular system and neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions). Impairments of brain, upper and lower extremity were identified as a problem in over 50% ( n = 104) of the patients. Four ICF categories of activities and participation were documented as a problem in 100% ( n = 208) of the patients (domestic and civic life). In environmental factors, nine ICF categories were documented as barriers by more than 10% ( n = 20) and fewer than 50% ( n = 104) of the patients (products and technology, physical geography, societal attitudes, services, systems and polices). Six ICF categories were identified as facilitators in over 90% ( n = 187) of the patients (support and relationships and attitudes). Conclusion: The findings suggest that it is feasible to apply the comprehensive ICF core set for stroke in the Chinese clinical setting, after the appropriate reduction of some categories according to Chinese patients’ characteristics and culture.
Botulinum toxin injection into the forearm muscles for wrist and fingers spastic overactivity in adults with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial comparing three injection techniques
Authors: Picelli Alessandro , Lobba Davide , Midiri Alessandro , Prandi Paolo , Melotti Camilla , Baldessarelli Silvia , Smania Nicola 
Published: August 2013

Objective: To compare the outcome of manual needle placement, electrical stimulation and ultrasonography-guided techniques for botulinum toxin injection into the forearm muscles of adults with arm spasticity. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: University hospital. Subjects: Sixty chronic stroke patients with wrist and fingers spasticity. Intervention: After randomization into three groups, each patient received botulinum toxin type A in at least two of these muscles: flexor carpi radialis and ulnaris, flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus (no fascicles selection). The manual needle placement group underwent injections using palpation; the electrical stimulation group received injections with electrical stimulation guidance; the ultrasonography group was injected under sonographic guidance. A sole injector was used. Main measures: All patients were evaluated at baseline and four weeks after injection. Outcomes: Modified Ashworth Scale; Tardieu Scale; wrist and fingers passive range of motion. Results: One month after injection, Modified Ashworth Scale scores improved more in the electrical stimulation group than the manual needle placement group (wrist: P = 0.014; fingers: P = 0.011), as well as the Tardieu angle (wrist: P = 0.008; fingers: P = 0.015) and passive range of motion (wrist: P = 0.004). Furthermore, Modified Ashworth Scale scores improved more in the ultrasonography group than in the manual needle placement group (wrist: P = 0.001; fingers: P = 0.003), as well as the Tardieu angle (wrist: P = 0.010; fingers: P = 0.001) and passive range of motion (wrist: P < 0.001; proximal interphalangeal joints: P = 0.009). No difference was found between the ultrasonography and electrical stimulation groups. Conclusions: Instrumental guidance may improve the outcome of botulinum toxin injections into the spastic forearm muscles of stroke patients.
Prediction of nuclear grade of clear cell renal cell carcinoma with MRI: intratumoral susceptibility signal intensity versus necrosis
Authors: Chen Jie , Sun Jun , Xing Wei , Ding Jiule , Chen Tongbing , Dai Yongming , Sun Jingyi , Hu Jiani 
Published: August 2013

Background End-stage renal disease and dialysis patients have a higher incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) than the general population. Preoperatively evaluating the biological behavior of RCC plays an important role in treatment decision-making. Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) can visualize the distribution of microvenous structures and hemorrhage without contrast materials. Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of SWI in grading clear cell RCCs (CRCC) and compare the ability of SWI and necrosis for grading CRCCs. Material and Methods Retrospective reviews of 35 patients with pathologically-proven CRCCs were performed. All patients underwent both conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and SWI examinations. The morphology of the intratumoral susceptibility signal intensities (ITSS) was classified into hemorrhage and microvessels. The differences of ITSSs on SWI and necrosis between low- and high-grade CRCCs were assessed. The diagnostic values of ITSSs and necrosis in differentiating low- from high-grade CRCCs were compared by receiver-operating characteristics. Results ITSSs were seen in 31 of 35 patients. No ITSSs were seen in four patients with low-grade CRCCs. Mean scores of ITSSs on SWI were significantly lower for low-grade CRCCs (1.24 ± 0.72) than that for the high-grade CRCCs (2.70 ± 0.48). No significant necrosis was seen in 10 patients with low-grade CRCCs. There was a significant difference of the presence of intratumoral necrosis between low- and high-grade CRCCs. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were for ITSSs: 70%, 100%, 100%, and 89.3%, respectively; for necrosis: 100%, 40%, 40%, and 100%. Conclusion SWI can evaluate ITSSs without contrast materials and can be an alternative to grading CRCCs preoperatively for some special patients.
The time-less urologic question, “Now why would you do that?” A case series and literature review of self-inserted urethral foreign bodies
Authors: Boyle Alexander , Martinez Daniel R. , Mennie Peter A. , Rafiei Arash , Carrion Rafael 
Published: August 2013

Objective: Self-inserted urethral foreign bodies are relatively uncommon with few cases reported in the literature. Urethral sounding may result in a retained urethral foreign body commonly occurring in men as a form of masturbation. We present a retrospective case review from a single facility over an eight-month period; discuss the limited literature available rationale and management of self-inserted urethral foreign bodies. Material and methods: In an 8-month period of time, there were eight reported cases of intentional self-inserted urethral foreign bodies, involving three male patients. The patient characteristics varied in age, race, and type of foreign body. The reasons for placement also varied, with sexual gratification being most common. All three patients had a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Diagnosis was made using clinical history, physical examination, imaging studies, and confirmation done with endoscopic visualization of the foreign body. Results: All eight cases were successfully treated via minimally-invasive procedures, either with endoscopic removal or by manual expression of the foreign body out of the urethra. None of the eight required open surgery, and most were treated successfully at the bedside in the emergency room. Only two of the cases required endoscopic removal under anesthesia. After removal of the foreign bodies, all of the patients were able void without difficulty, and also underwent psychiatric evaluation prior to discharge. Conclusion: Urethral foreign bodies can be a result of sexual foreplay in the form of urethral sounding. It has been reported that 10% of 2122 men surveyed admitted to recreational urethral sounding. Common motivations were sexual or erotic in nature. Risky behavior including substance abuse was also reported. Psychiatric disorders have also been reported and psychiatric evaluation is recommended in all cases. A minimally invasive approach should always be attempted. Although rarely reported in the literature, self-inserted urethral foreign bodies should be on the differential in a patient with appropriate symptoms. This is especially true if the patient has a history of substance abuse, psychiatric illness, mental retardation or dementia.
Closing the gap between T-cell life span estimates from stable isotope-labeling studies in mice and humans
Authors: Westera Liset , Drylewicz Julia , den Braber Ineke , Mugwagwa Tendai , van der Maas Iris , Kwast Lydia , Volman Thomas , van de Weg-Schrijver Elise H. R. , Bartha István , Spierenburg Gerrit , Gaiser Koos , Ackermans Mariëtte T. , Asquith Becca , de Boer Rob J. , Tesselaar Kiki , Borghans José A. M. 
Published: August 2013

Key Points
Life span estimates can be sensitive to the duration of stable isotope label administration, explaining discrepancies in the literature. Multiexponential models are needed to obtain reliable leukocyte life span estimates.
Accelerated uptake of VWF/platelet complexes in macrophages contributes to VWD type 2B–associated thrombocytopenia
Authors: Casari Caterina , Du Vivian , Wu Ya-Ping , Kauskot Alexandre , de Groot Philip G. , Christophe Olivier D. , Denis Cécile V. , de Laat Bas , Lenting Peter J. 
Published: August 2013

Key Points
Adsorption of VWF type 2B mutants to platelets induces thrombocytopenia in VWD type 2B mice. VWF/platelet complexes are phagocytosed by macrophages in liver and spleen.
A fully human anti-hepcidin antibody modulates iron metabolism in both mice and nonhuman primates
Authors: Cooke Keegan S. , Hinkle Beth , Salimi-Moosavi Hossein , Foltz Ian , King Chadwick , Rathanaswami Palaniswami , Winters Aaron , Steavenson Shirley , Begley C. Glenn , Molineux Graham , Sasu Barbra J. 
Published: August 2013

Key Points
Fully human anti-hepcidin Abs have been generated for use as a potential therapeutic to treat AI. The mechanism of action was shown to be due to an increase in available serum iron leading to enhanced red cell hemoglobinization.
Genome-wide identification, evolutionary and expression analysis of the aspartic protease gene superfamily in grape
Authors: Guo Rongrong , Xu Xiaozhao , Carole Bassett , Li Xiaoqin , Gao Min , Zheng Yi , Wang Xiping 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Aspartic proteases (APs) are a large family of proteolytic enzymes found in almost all organisms. In plants, they are involved in many biological processes, such as senescence, stress responses, programmed cell death, and reproduction. Prior to the present study, no grape AP gene(s) had been reported, and their research on woody species was very limited.

Results
In this study, a total of 50 AP genes (VvAP) were identified in the grape genome, among which 30 contained the complete ASP domain. Synteny analysis within grape indicated that segmental and tandem duplication events contributed to the expansion of the grape AP family. Additional analysis between grape and Arabidopsis demonstrated that several grape AP genes were found in the corresponding syntenic blocks of Arabidopsis, suggesting that these genes arose before the divergence of grape and Arabidopsis. Phylogenetic relationships of the 30 VvAPs with the complete ASP domain and their Arabidopsis orthologs, as well as their gene and protein features were analyzed and their cellular localization was predicted. Moreover, expression profiles of VvAP genes in six different tissues were determined, and their transcript abundance under various stresses and hormone treatments were measured. Twenty-seven VvAP genes were expressed in at least one of the six tissues examined; nineteen VvAPs responded to at least one abiotic stress, 12 VvAPs responded to powdery mildew infection, and most of the VvAPs responded to SA and ABA treatments. Furthermore, integrated synteny and phylogenetic analysis identified orthologous AP genes between grape and Arabidopsis, providing a unique starting point for investigating the function of grape AP genes.

Conclusions
The genome-wide identification, evolutionary and expression analyses of grape AP genes provide a framework for future analysis of AP genes in defining their roles during stress response. Integrated synteny and phylogenetic analyses provide novel insight into the functions of less well-studied genes using information from their better understood orthologs.
Metabolic abnormalities in adult HIV infected population on antiretroviral medication in Malaysia: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Hejazi Nazisa , Rajikan Roslee , Kwok Choong Christopher Lee , Sahar Suzana 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
In the current two decades, dyslipidemia and increased blood glucose as metabolic abnormalities are the most common health threats with a high incidence among HIV/AIDS patients on antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. Scientific investigations and reports on lipid and glucose disorders among HIV infected communities are inadequate especially in those developing such as Malaysia. This cross-sectional survey was mainly aimed to evaluate the prevalence of metabolic abnormalities and associated risk factors among HIV infected population patients on ARV medication.

Methods
In a single reference health center in Malaysia, 2739 adult HIV positive patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) were studied cross-sectionally using medical records. Besides demographic variables and associated health disorders, those factors which can change the lipid and glucose levels were collected. Logistic Regression was used to find the potential risk factors (p < 0.05).

Results
Majority of the studied population were male (81.1%) and aged between 30–49 (68.6%). Mean CD4 count was 474.25 (cells/mm3) while undetectable RNA viral load was common among 83.3 (%) of subjects. Among 1,583 patients with the recent blood lipid and glucose tests, increased levels of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) were frequently prevalent in half of the population as 59 (%) and 54.2 (%) while 28.7 (%), 35.1 (%) and 38.2 (%) had declined level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), raised low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) which were less common. Dyslipidemia was common in 82.3 (%) of the subjects. Notably, medication with protease inhibitor (PI) was a potential risk for elevated triglyceride (odds ratio (OR) = 2.309, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.605–3.324, P = 0.001), high TC (OR = 1.561, 95% CI = 1.123–2.169, P = 0.008) and low HDL (OR = 1.449, 95% CI = 1.037–2.024, P = 0.029). As lifestyle factor, alcohol consumption results as significant risk factor for raised TG (OR = 2.653, 95% CI = 1.353–5.202, P = 0.004). Also having hepatitis raised risk of high FPG level (OR = 1.630, 95% CI = 1.197-2.220, P = 0.002) in this sample population.

Conclusions
Dyslipidemia is highly common in Malaysian HIV subjects receiving ARV medication. Lifestyle modification, changing PI and switch to other ARV regimen can help in reduction of these abnormalities. Also suitable strategies and plans are necessary to prevent cardiovascular diseases in future.
Acceptability and impact on anthropometry of a locally developed Ready-to-use therapeutic food in pre-school children in Vietnam
Authors: Nga Tran T , Nguyen Marie , Mathisen Roger , Hoa Do TB , Minh Nguyen H , Berger Jacques , Wieringa Frank T 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
In South East Asia, concerns exist about the acceptability of peanut-based Ready-to-Use-Therapeutic-Foods (RUTF) for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Therefore, an alternative, culturally acceptable RUTF made from locally available ingredients and complying with local food traditions and preferences was developed. The current study evaluated its acceptability and impact on anthropometry.

Methods
The study was a randomized, two-arm, cross-over intervention trial to test the acceptability of the local product (bar) against a commercially available, peanut-based RUTF paste (Plumpy’nut®). Children (n = 67) from two kindergartens in a rural area of North Vietnam were recruited. The age of the children was between 3 and 5 years.

Results
The Vietnamese RUTF was well-accepted, although overall acceptability was less than of Plumpy’nut®, with the latter scoring higher on palatability (P < 0.05). In contrast, reluctance to eat Plumpy’nut® was higher than for the Vietnamese RUTF (P < 0.05). Impact on anthropmetrical indices was similar for both RUTF. The nutritional status of the children who consumed the two RUTF over a 4 week period improved significantly, with a mean weight gain of 0.64 (SD 0.27) Kg, and increases in WHZ and HAZ z-scores of 0.48 (SD 0.30) and 0.05 (SD 0.13) respectively (P < 0.01 both). Weight gain was similar between the 2 products (0.32 kg per 2 weeks for both).

Conclusions
Both the commercial Plumpy’nut® and the local produced RUTF were accepted although the harder consistency of the local product might have caused the lower overall acceptance. The promising increase in nutritional status needs to be confirmed in a controlled trial in children with SAM.
Cross-talk between HIF and p53 as mediators of molecular responses to physiological and genotoxic stresses
Authors: Obacz Joanna , Pastorekova Silvia , Vojtesek Borek , Hrstka Roman 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAbnormal rates of growth together with metastatic potential and lack of susceptibility to cellular signals leading to apoptosis are widely investigated characteristics of tumors that develop via genetic or epigenetic mechanisms. Moreover, in the growing tumor, cells are exposed to insufficient nutrient supply, low oxygen availability (hypoxia) and/or reactive oxygen species. These physiological stresses force them to switch into more adaptable and aggressive phenotypes. This paper summarizes the role of two key mediators of cellular stress responses, namely p53 and HIF, which significantly affect cancer progression and compromise treatment outcomes. Furthermore, it describes cross-talk between these factors.
Gastric and duodenal squamous cell carcinoma: metastatic or primary?
Authors: Hu Jian-bin , Zhu Yan-hong , Jin Mei , Sun Xiao-nan 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Either metastatic or primary squamous cell carcinoma in the gastrointestinal tract is extremely rare, with very few cases reported in the literature. In this paper, we report a case in which the patient presented with dysphagia during the course of radiotherapy for recurrent lung cancer in a mediastinal lymph node. Although the dysphagia mimicked radiation esophagitis, the ultimate cause proved to be gastric and duodenal metastases from primary lung squamous cell carcinoma. Taking into account the value of identification of metastatic or primary SCC in the stomach and duodenum on the prognosis and treatment options, it is imperative that the correct diagnosis be established. This report is followed by a discussion of the differential diagnosis between metastatic and primary squamous cell carcinoma in the stomach and duodenum.
The impact of missing data on analyses of a time-dependent exposure in a longitudinal cohort: a simulation study
Authors: Karahalios Amalia , Baglietto Laura , Lee Katherine J , English Dallas R , Carlin John B , Simpson Julie A 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Background
Missing data often cause problems in longitudinal cohort studies with repeated follow-up waves. Research in this area has focussed on analyses with missing data in repeated measures of the outcome, from which participants with missing exposure data are typically excluded. We performed a simulation study to compare complete-case analysis with Multiple imputation (MI) for dealing with missing data in an analysis of the association of waist circumference, measured at two waves, and the risk of colorectal cancer (a completely observed outcome).

Methods
We generated 1,000 datasets of 41,476 individuals with values of waist circumference at waves 1 and 2 and times to the events of colorectal cancer and death to resemble the distributions of the data from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. Three proportions of missing data (15, 30 and 50%) were imposed on waist circumference at wave 2 using three missing data mechanisms: Missing Completely at Random (MCAR), and a realistic and a more extreme covariate-dependent Missing at Random (MAR) scenarios. We assessed the impact of missing data on two epidemiological analyses: 1) the association between change in waist circumference between waves 1 and 2 and the risk of colorectal cancer, adjusted for waist circumference at wave 1; and 2) the association between waist circumference at wave 2 and the risk of colorectal cancer, not adjusted for waist circumference at wave 1.

Results
We observed very little bias for complete-case analysis or MI under all missing data scenarios, and the resulting coverage of interval estimates was near the nominal 95% level. MI showed gains in precision when waist circumference was included as a strong auxiliary variable in the imputation model.

Conclusions
This simulation study, based on data from a longitudinal cohort study, demonstrates that there is little gain in performing MI compared to a complete-case analysis in the presence of up to 50% missing data for the exposure of interest when the data are MCAR, or missing dependent on covariates. MI will result in some gain in precision if a strong auxiliary variable that is not in the analysis model is included in the imputation model.