bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Caval variations in neurologically diseased patients
Authors: Akinola Rachael A , Idowu Olufemi E , Nelson-Paseda Adedolapo O 
Published: June 2014

Background The import of the cavum variation and its prevalence rate in healthy individuals is still not clear, likewise in neurologically diseased patients. Purpose To evaluate the frequency and pattern of caval variations in neurologically diseased patients. Material and Methods The presence or absence of the cavum septum pellucidum (CSP), cavum vergae (CV), or cavum velum interpositum (CVI) was reviewed from successive cranial computerized tomography (CT) images of patients who were aged 6 months and above. Two hundred and seventeen cranial CT images were reviewed. Results At least a cavum variation was noted in 130 (59.9%) of the CT scan images reviewed. The CV, CVI, and CSP were noted in 86 (39.6%), 53 (24.4%), and 50 images (23%), respectively. Caval multiplicity was noted in 102 patients (47%). There was no significant difference in the rate of occurrence of cavum variations in patients with congenital brain diseases and acquired brain conditions ( P = 0.484), neither was there a significant difference in the frequency of cavum variation in children aged older than 6 months compared to adults ( P = 0.101). Conclusion Cava variations are relatively common in neurological brain diseases. Patients with congenital brain diseases did not have a higher frequency of cava variation when compared with those that had acquired lesions. The most common type of cavum variation noted in this study was the vergae variety, while the CSP is the rarest.
Economically affordable anatomical kidney phantom with calyxes for puncture and drainage training in interventional urology and radiology
Authors: Ristolainen Asko , Ross Peeter , Gavšin Juri , Semjonov Eero , Kruusmaa Maarja 
Published: June 2014

Background Trends in interventional radiology and urology training are orientated towards reducing costs and increasing efficiency. In order to comply with the trends, we propose training on inexpensive patient-specific kidney phantoms. Purpose To develop a new kidney phantom for puncture and drainage training in interventional urology and radiology, and to evaluate their anatomical correctness and suitability for training compared to the traditional way of training on home-made phantoms. Material and Methods A case study for validation of kidney phantoms was conducted with nine radiology students divided into two groups: one trained on standard home-made training phantom ( n = 4) and the other on our kidney phantoms ( n = 5). Another test phantom was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the training of the two groups. The tests were video recorded and analyzed. Duration of the procedure was used as the primary indicator of procedure’s quality. Comparison tests were also conducted with professional radiologists. Anatomical correctness of the kidney phantom was evaluated by comparing the post mortem kidney scans with reconstructed models from CT scans. Subjective feedback was also collected from the participants. Wider use of kidney phantoms was analyzed. Results The average volumetric difference between post mortem kidney scans and reconstructed CT kidney models was 4.70 ± 3.25%. All five students practicing on the kidney phantom improved their performance and the results were almost equal to the results of the professional radiologist while in the other group two students out of four trained on standard home-made training phantoms failed to improve their performance. However, the small number of test subjects prevents us from drawing general conclusions about the efficiency of the new practice. The kidney phantoms were found usable also for nephrostomy catheter placement training under fluoroscopy. Conclusion The feedback from radiologists showed that the anatomically correct features of the phantom is an added value for the training and has a potential to increase the quality of minimally invasive procedures in general.
FOLFOX as second-line chemotherapy in patients with pretreated metastatic pancreatic cancer from the FIRGEM study
Authors: Zaanan Aziz , Trouilloud Isabelle , Markoutsaki Theofano , Gauthier Mélanie , Dupont-Gossart Anne-Claire , Lecomte Thierry , Aparicio Thomas , Artru Pascal , Thirot-Bidault Anne , Joubert Fanny , Fanica Daniella , Taieb Julien 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Background
FOLFOX second-line treatment seems to be a validated option for patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) progressing after gemcitabine chemotherapy. However, other therapeutics strategy has developed in first-line therapy, as the FIRGEM phase II study that evaluated gemcitabine alone versus FOLFIRI.3 alternating with gemcitabine every two months. The present study assessed the efficacy and safety of FOLFOX after failure of the first-line therapy used in the FIRGEM study.

Methods
In this prospective observational cohort study, we analysed all consecutive patients who received second-line chemotherapy with FOLFOX among 98 patients with metastatic PC included in the FIRGEM study. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated from the start of second-line chemotherapy using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results
Among 46 patients who received second-line chemotherapy, 27 patients (male, 55%; median age, 61 years; performance status (PS) 0–1, 44%) were treated with FOLFOX after progression to first-line gemcitabine alone (n = 20) or FOLFIRI.3 alternating with gemcitabine (n = 7). Grade 3 toxicity was observed in 33% of patients (no grade 4 toxicity). At the end of follow-up, all patients had progressed and 25 had died. No objective response was observed, and disease control rate was 36%. Median PFS and OS were 1.7 and 4.3 months, respectively. In multivariate analysis, PS was the only independent prognostic factor. For patients PS 0–1 versus 2–3, median PFS was 3.0 versus 1.2 months (log rank, p = 0.002), and median OS was 5.9 versus 2.6 months (log rank, p = 0.001).

Conclusions
This study suggests that FOLFOX second-line therapy offered interesting efficacy results with an acceptable toxicity profile in metastatic PC patients with a good PS.
Case report: bipolar disorder as the first manifestation of CADASIL
Authors: Park Soyeon , Park Boram , Koh Min Kyung , Joo Yeon Ho 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Background
Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is an inherited cerebrovascular disease, clinically characterized by variable manifestations of migraine, recurrent transient ischemic attack or lacunar strokes, cognitive decline, and mood disturbances. However, manic episodes have rarely been documented as an initial symptom of CADASIL and bipolar disorder presenting as the first manifestation in CADASIL has not been reported previously from evaluations by psychiatrists or psychological testing by psychologists.

Case presentation
A 53 year old woman developed symptoms of mania in her 50s leading to a personality change involving a continuously labile mood and irritability over a number of years. Neuropsychological testing revealed an intact memory, but impairment in attention and executive function. In the Rorschach test, she showed a high level of cognitive rigidity. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were very consistent with a diagnosis of CADASIL, which was confirmed by genetic testing for NOTCH3 mutations. Atypical antipsychotics proved to be helpful in treating her manic symptoms and for behavior control.

Conclusion
We present a novel case of CADASIL that first presented as bipolar disorder. We contend that when patients show a late onset personality change or chronically irritable mood that deteriorates over many years, an organic cause such as CADASIL must be considered. Further studies are needed to better understand the exact impacts of cerebral tissue lesions and psychiatric symptoms in CADASIL patients.
Tuning oxygen impurities and microstructure of nanocrystalline silicon photovoltaic materials through hydrogen dilution
Authors: Wen Chao , Xu Hao , He Wei , Li Zhengping , Shen Wenzhong 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
As a great promising material for third-generation thin-film photovoltaic cells, hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si:H) thin films have a complex mixed-phase structure, which determines its defectful nature and easy residing of oxygen impurities. We have performed a detailed investigation on the microstructure properties and oxygen impurities in the nc-Si:H thin films prepared under different hydrogen dilution ratio treatment by the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and optical transmission spectroscopy have been utilized to fully characterize the microstructure properties of the nc-Si:H films. The oxygen and hydrogen contents have been obtained from infrared absorption spectroscopy. And the configuration state of oxygen impurities on the surface of the films has been confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, indicating that the films were well oxidized in the form of SiO2. The correlation between the hydrogen content and the volume fraction of grain boundaries derived from the Raman measurements shows that the majority of the incorporated hydrogen is localized inside the grain boundaries. Furthermore, with the detailed information on the bonding configurations acquired from the infrared absorption spectroscopy, a full explanation has been provided for the mechanism of the varying microstructure evolution and oxygen impurities based on the two models of ion bombardment effect and hydrogen-induced annealing effect.
Effects of environmental conditions on inducing charge structures of thunderstorms over Eastern India
Authors: Pawar Sunil Dnyandeo , Gopalakrishnan Venkatachalam , Murugavel Palani , Sinkevich Andrei , Lal Deen Mani 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
It is well known that environmental conditions like convective instability, aerosol loading, and availability of moisture content affect the polarity of charge structures of thunderstorms. The electrical characteristics of thunderstorms observed during the pre-monsoon season of year 2009, over Eastern India were studied to identify the effects of different environmental conditions on charge structures of thunderstorms occurring over this region. Electric field and Maxwell current data suggest that at least one of these thunderstorms had an inverted charge structure. Doppler RADAR, radiosonde, and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) data have been used to compare the microphysical and dynamical characteristics of these thunderstorms. The thermo dynamical structure observed by radiosonde during the day on which an inverted polarity thunderstorm was observed showed very high CAPE in the mixed-phase region compared to other thunderstorm days. Furthermore, the AOD peaked 1 day before this thunderstorm. The back trajectories of winds also suggest that the aerosols might have been transported from a desert region on that day. It has been proposed that the large ice nuclei concentration can produce dominant positive charge in the lower portion of the mixed-phase region by maintaining ice saturation.
Fractalkine (CX3CL1), GM‐CSF and VEGF‐a levels are reduced by statins in adult patients
Authors: Cimato Thomas R , Palka Beth A 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundFractalkine (CX3CL1) promotes migration and adhesion of lymphocytes and monocytes to inflamed tissues. Prior studies show a role for CX3CL1 in atherosclerosis. The relationship between inflammatory cytokines, cholesterol, and CX3CL1 levels in human subjects without known coronary artery disease is not well characterized. The goal of our study was to assess baseline CX3CL1 levels, and after modulation of cholesterol levels by statins to determine if CX3CL1 is linked to cholesterol levels or inflammatory stimuli.MethodsWe performed a blinded, randomized hypothesis generating study in human subjects without known coronary artery disease treated sequentially with three statins of differing potencies. Fractalkine (CX3CL1), GM‐CSF, VEGF‐A, other chemokines, and lipid levels were measured. Mechanistic studies of CX3CL1 induction by LDL cholesterol and TNFα in cultured human endothelial cells were performed using real‐time PCR.ResultsTherapy with statins reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels as expected. CX3CL1 levels were significantly reduced from no statin control levels (89.9 ± 18.5 pg/mL) after treatment with atorvastatin (60.0 ± 7.8 pg/mL), pravastatin (54.2 ± 7.0 pg/mL) and rosuvastatin (65.6 ± 7.3 pg/mL) (χ2(2) = 17.4, p ≤ 0.001). Cholesterol is not a known regulator of CX3CL1. We found GM‐CSF (r2 = 0.524; p < 0.005) and VEGF‐A (r2 = 0.4; p < 0.005) levels were highly and positively correlated with CX3CL1. Total (r2 = 0.086) and LDL cholesterol (r2 = 0.059) levels weakly correlated with CX3CL1 levels. Finally, we tested whether LDL cholesterol could induce CX3CL1, GM‐CSF, and VEGF‐A in human endothelial cells, versus TNFα. LDL cholesterol alone resulted in small, non‐significant increases in CX3CL1 and GM‐CSF, while TNFα resulted in > 10‐fold induction.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that while statins suppress CX3CL1 levels, inflammatory cytokines may be the major regulator of CX3CL1 levels rather than cholesterol itself. Additional studies in a larger patient population are needed to confirm these findings, determine if CX3CL1 levels reflect inflammation levels, and potentially add to standard risk factors in prediction of atherosclerotic disease events.
Cardiovascular medication burden in dementia disorders: a nationwide study of 19,743 dementia patients in the Swedish Dementia Registry
Authors: Cermakova Pavla , Fereshtehnejad Seyed-Mohammad , Johnell Kristina , Winblad Bengt , Eriksdotter Maria , Religa Dorota 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Administration of several cardiovascular drugs has an effect on dementia. We aimed to investigate whether there are differences in the use of cardiovascular medication between different dementia disorders.

Methods
We obtained information about dementia patients from the Swedish Dementia Registry. Patients were diagnosed with one of these dementia disorders: Alzheimer’s disease (n = 8,139), mixed dementia (n = 5,203), vascular dementia (n = 4,982), Lewy body dementia (n = 605), frontotemporal dementia (n = 409) and Parkinson’s disease dementia (n = 405). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between use of cardiovascular medication and dementia disorders, after adjustment for age, gender, living alone, cognitive status and total number of drugs (a proxy for overall co-morbidity).

Results
Seventy percent of all the dementia patients used cardiovascular medication. Use of cardiovascular drugs is common in patients with vascular and mixed dementia. Male gender, higher age, slightly better cognitive status and living with another person was associated with use of cardiovascular medication.

Conclusions
Cardiovascular medication is used extensively across dementia disorders and particularly in vascular and mixed dementia. Future research should investigate the tolerability and effectiveness of these drugs in the different dementia disorders.
Coagulopathy following major trauma hemorrhage: lytic, lethal and a lack of fibrinogen
Authors: Davenport Ross 
Published: June 2014

AbstractTrauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) is present soon after injury and is associated with increased transfusion requirements and worse outcomes. The pathophysiological mechanisms, which result in the widespread derangements of hemostasis following major trauma hemorrhage, are as yet not fully defined. Profound activation of fibrinolytic pathways and fibrinogen depletion appear to be fundamental processes in the development of TIC and offer potential therapeutic targets. Collaborative and multi-disciplinary scientific study is thus a research priority in order to characterize the primary drivers of TIC and develop targeted and efficacious treatment strategies.
Rescue bedside laparotomy in the intensive care unit in patients too unstable for transport to the operating room
Authors: Schreiber Joerg , Nierhaus Axel , Vettorazzi Eik , Braune Stephan A , Frings Daniel P , Vashist Yogesh , Izbicki Jakob R , Kluge Stefan 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Introduction
The prognoses of critically ill patients with a requirement for emergency laparotomy and severe respiratory and/or hemodynamic instability precluding transport to the operating room (OR) are often fatal without surgery. Attempting emergency surgery at the bedside might equally result in an adverse outcome. However, risk factors and predictors that could support clinical decision making have not been identified so far. This study describes the clinical characteristics, indicative pathophysiology and outcomes in patients undergoing resuscitative laparotomy in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods
This was a retrospective observational study of all critically ill adult patients undergoing resuscitative laparotomy in the ICUs of a German university hospital from January 2005 to July 2013. Clinical characteristics, risk factors, and treatments were compared between survivors and non-survivors. The primary endpoint was 28-day survival.

Results
A total of 41 patients with a median age of 64 (21 to 83) were included. The most frequent reasons for ICU admission were sepsis, pneumonia, and pancreatic surgery. All patients were mechanically ventilated, receiving vasopressors, and were in multiple organ failure. Twenty-nine patients (70.7%) were on renal replacement therapy and two patients (4.9%) on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The main reasons for surgery were suspected intra-abdominal bleeding (39.0%), suspected intestinal ischemia (24.4%) or abdominal compartment syndrome (24.4%). Twenty-eight-day, ICU and hospital mortalities were 75.6%, 80.5%, and 82.9%, respectively. In six out of ten patients (60%) who survived surgery for more than 28 days, bedside laparotomy was rated as a life-saving procedure by an interdisciplinary group of the investigators.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that in selected critically ill patients with a vital indication for emergency laparotomy and severe cardiopulmonary instability precluding transport to the OR, a bedside resuscitative laparotomy in the ICU can be considered as a rescue procedure, even though very high mortality is to be expected.
A high frequency of MDSCs in sepsis patients, with the granulocytic subtype dominating in gram-positive cases
Authors: Janols Helena , Bergenfelz Caroline , Allaoui Roni , Larsson Anna-Maria , Rydén Lisa , Björnsson Sven , Janciauskiene Sabina , Wullt Marlene , Bredberg Anders , Leandersson Karin 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTThe causative microorganisms dictate the type of MDSC generated in sepsis patients, and a large proportion of PMN-MDSCs in gram-positive sepsis includes immunosuppressive myeloid blasts. MDSCs constitute a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells that potently suppress immune responses. They were identified originally in cancer patients and have since been reported to occur also in chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, and even bacterial infections. Human MDSCs are commonly divided into Mo-MDSCs and granulocytic (PMN-MDSCs) subtypes. To what extent the bona fide cancer MDSCs are representative of the proposed MDSCs found in other diseases is not well known. PMN-MDSCs have been found previously to be enriched among LDGs in density gradient-centrifuged blood. In this study, we analyzed potential MDSCs in sepsis patients with different causative microorganisms, using total peripheral blood compared with density gradient-centrifuged blood. We found a high frequency of typical CD14+HLA-DRlow Mo-MDSCs in all sepsis patients, whereas the typical PMN-MDSCs, as well as a prominent CD14low PMN-MDSC-like population, appeared preferentially in gram-positive cases. The CD14low PMN-MDSC variant was demonstrated to suppress T cell proliferation in vitro via a ROS-dependent mechanism, to display an increased IL-10:TNF-α ratio, and to present with signs of immaturity: blast morphology and low cytokine levels. We conclude that a spectrum of cells with MDSC features is enriched in sepsis and that the microbial origin of sepsis contributes to the substantial interindividual patient variation in the MDSC pattern.
Pancreatic β-Cell–specific Ablation of TASK-1 Channels Augments Glucose-stimulated Calcium Entry and Insulin Secretion, Improving Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Dadi Prasanna K. , Vierra Nicholas C. , Jacobson David A. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractCalcium entry through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs) is required for pancreatic β-cell insulin secretion. The 2-pore-domain acid-sensitive potassium channel (TASK-1) regulates neuronal excitability and VDCC activation by hyperpolarizing the plasma membrane potential (Δψp); however, a role for pancreatic β-cell TASK-1 channels is unknown. Here we examined the influence of TASK-1 channel activity on the β-cell Δψp and insulin secretion during secretagogue stimulation. TASK-1 channels were found to be highly expressed in human and rodent islets and localized to the plasma membrane of β-cells. TASK-1–like currents of mouse and human β-cells were blocked by the potent TASK-1 channel inhibitor, A1899 (250nM). Although inhibition of TASK-1 currents did not influence the β-cell Δψp in the presence of low (2mM) glucose, A1899 significantly enhanced glucose-stimulated (14mM) Δψp depolarization of human and mouse β-cells. TASK-1 inhibition also resulted in greater secretagogue-stimulated Ca2+ influx in both human and mouse islets. Moreover, conditional ablation of mouse β-cell TASK-1 channels reduced K2P currents, increased glucose-stimulated Δψp depolarization, and augmented secretagogue-stimulated Ca2+ influx. The Δψp depolarization caused by TASK-1 inhibition resulted in a transient increase in glucose-stimulated mouse β-cell action potential (AP) firing frequency. However, secretagogue-stimulated β-cell AP duration eventually increased in the presence of A1899 as well as in β-cells without TASK-1, causing a decrease in AP firing frequency. Ablation or inhibition of mouse β-cell TASK-1 channels also significantly enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, which improved glucose tolerance. Conversely, TASK-1 ablation did not perturb β-cell Δψp, Ca2+ influx, or insulin secretion under low-glucose conditions (2mM). These results reveal a glucose-dependent role for β-cell TASK-1 channels of limiting glucose-stimulated Δψp depolarization and insulin secretion, which modulates glucose homeostasis.