bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Left Atrial Function in Patients with Celiac Disease
Authors: Bayar Nermin , Çekin Ayhan Hilmi , Arslan Şakir , Çağırcı Göksel , Erkal Zehra , Çay Serkan , Köklü Erkan , Küçükseymen Selçuk 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundThere is some evidence suggesting increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with celiac disease (CD). Impaired left atrial function plays a significant role in the development of AF. This study aimed at assessing the electrical and mechanical functions of the left atrium in patients with CD.MethodsA total of 71 patients with biopsy‐proven, antibody‐positive CD and 52 age‐matched healthy controls were included in this prospective study. P‐wave dispersion (PWD) was measured to assess the electrical functions of the left atrium through the use of surface electrocardiography. A tissue Doppler echocardiography was performed to determine the atrial conduction and electromechanical delay (EMD) time. To evaluate the mechanical functions of the left atrium, maximum, minimum, and presystolic atrial volumes were estimated to calculate the contractile, conduit, and reservoir functions.ResultsIn terms of transthoracic echocardiographic parameters, CD and control subjects were not significantly different. However, as compared to controls, patients with CD had significantly increased PWD (median 52 ms [interquartile range 46–58 ms] vs. 38 [36–40], P < 0.001). Also, significantly higher interatrial (49 ms [32–60] vs. 26 ms [22–28], P < 0.001), intra‐left atrial (26 ms [17–44] vs. 14 ms [12–18], P < 0.001), and intra‐right atrial (15 ms [8–22] vs. 10 ms [8–14], P < 0.001) EMD was found among CD subjects than controls. Despite an increase in the left atrial volume in patients with CD, conduit and reservoir functions were comparable.ConclusionsAlthough atrial mechanical functions are preserved in patients with CD, a slower electrical conduction was found, suggesting an increased risk of AF in this group of patients.
Automatic representation of a visual stimulus relative to a background in the right precuneus
Authors: Uchimura Motoaki , Nakano Tamami , Morito Yusuke , Ando Hiroshi , Kitazawa Shigeru 
Published: April 2015

AbstractOur brains represent the position of a visual stimulus egocentrically, in either retinal or craniotopic coordinates. In addition, recent behavioral studies have shown that the stimulus position is automatically represented allocentrically relative to a large frame in the background. Here, we investigated neural correlates of the ‘background coordinate’ using an fMRI adaptation technique. A red dot was presented at different locations on a screen, in combination with a rectangular frame that was also presented at different locations, while the participants looked at a fixation cross. When the red dot was presented repeatedly at the same location relative to the rectangular frame, the fMRI signals significantly decreased in the right precuneus. No adaptation was observed after repeated presentations relative to a small, but salient, landmark. These results suggest that the background coordinate is implemented in the right precuneus.
Using boosted regression trees to explore key factors controlling saturated and near‐saturated hydraulic conductivity
Authors: Jorda H. , Bechtold M. , Jarvis N. , Koestel J. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryHydraulic conductivity at and near saturation is difficult to predict. We investigated, for the first time, the potential of boosted regression trees to identify the key factors that determine saturated and near‐saturated hydraulic conductivities in undisturbed soils with a global meta‐database of tension infiltrometer measurements. Our results demonstrate that pedotransfer functions developed from meta‐databases may strongly over‐estimate prediction performance unless they are validated against each individual data source separately. For such a source‐wise cross‐validation, we estimated the hydraulic conductivity at a tension of 10 cm (K10) and the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) with coefficients of determination of 0.36 and 0.15, respectively. The most important predictors for K10 were the average annual precipitation and temperature at the measurement location, which are key variables for pedogenesis and constrain soil management. More research is required for the in‐depth interpretation of their influence on hydraulic conductivity. The soil clay and organic carbon contents were also important predictors of K10, with hydraulic conductivity decreasing as organic carbon contents increased up to 1.5% and as clay contents increased between about 10 and 40%. The direction of the tension‐sequence with which the infiltrometer data were collected was also a significant predictor. Land use and bulk density were the most important predictors for Ks. The direction of the tension‐sequence and the soil texture class were also important, with both coarse and fine‐textured soils generally having larger Ks values than medium‐textured soils.
Diffusion of radiodense contrast medium after perineural injection of the palmar digital nerves
Authors: Nagy A. , Malton R. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryLimited information exists on distribution of local anaesthetic solution following palmar digital nerve blocks. The aim of this study was to demonstrate potential distribution of local anaesthetic solution following perineural injection of the palmar digital nerves using 2 different volumes of contrast medium and 2 different injections sites. Twelve mature horses were used. Perineural injection of the palmar digital nerves were performed at the level of or 2 cm proximal to the proximal aspect of the ipsilateral ungular cartilage, using 1.5 or 2.5 ml radiopaque contrast medium. In total, 96 injections were performed. Four standard radiographic views of the pastern were obtained immediately after injections and 10 and 20 min later. Images were analysed subjectively and objectively. After distal injections, the contrast medium was more localised around the injection site; after proximal injections the contrast patch had greater proximal–distal length. The greatest proximal diffusion was to 31.7% of the length of the proximal phalanx (from the level of the proximal interphalangeal joint) after distal injections and to 70% after proximal injections. The larger volume resulted in significantly greater proximal diffusion than the smaller volume at the distal, but not at the proximal injection site (P<0.01). There was significant proximal diffusion with time after proximal and distal injections (P<0.01). In most limbs, numerous radiopaque lines of various thickness extended proximally from the contrast patches; subjectively, their number and thickness were greater at the distal injection site. In conclusion, palmar digital nerve blocks at the level of the ungular cartilage using ≤2.5 ml local anaesthetic solution may improve proximal interphalangeal joint and pastern region pain. If using a more proximal site, distal fetlock region pain may be improved. Due to diffusion into lymphatic vessels, too small a volume at the distal injection site may not provide sufficient analgesia.
Parathyroidectomized patients have impaired capacity of peripheral vascular constriction during hemodialysis
Authors: Silva Bruno C. , Moysés Rosa M. A. , Silva Vitor B. , Freitas Geraldo R. R. , Elias Rosilene M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractParathyroidectomy (PTx) seems to improve cardiovascular outcomes and reduce blood pressure levels. However, the effect of PTx on hemodynamic changes during hemodialysis (HD) is still overlooked. This was a prospective cohort design. Patients with end‐stage renal disease on maintenance HD were included. Diabetes and nonsinusal rhythm were exclusion criteria. History of PTx was recorded. Finometer monitor was used to access parameters immediately pre‐ and post‐HD sessions. Cardiac index (CI) variation (ΔCI) and peripheral arterial resistance variation (ΔPAR) were the variables of interest. Biochemical and echocardiographic data were also obtained. PTx patients (n = 11) were matched to non‐PTx patients (n = 20). ΔPAR was lower in PTx group in comparison with non‐PTx group (P = 0.039), which was independent of parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. Multiple regression analysis showed that PTx, ΔCI, and dialysate calcium remained independently associated with PAR variation and even adjusted for ultrafiltration rate (adjusted r2 = 0.64). In conclusion, parathyroidectomized patients have impaired capacity of vasoconstriction in response to ultrafiltration, an effect independent of serum PTH levels. Further studies are needed to elucidate mechanisms explaining the interaction between PTx and systemic vascular tonus.
Topical adenosine increases thick hair ratio in Japanese men with androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Watanabe Y. , Nagashima T. , Hanzawa N. , Ishino A. , Nakazawa Y. , Ogo M. , Iwabuchi T. , Tajima M. 
Published: April 2015

SynopsisObjectiveHair thickness is more important than hair density in the appearance of baldness in male with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Adenosine improves hair loss by stimulating hair growth and by thickening hair shafts in women. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hair growth efficacy and safety of topical adenosine in men with AGA.MethodsA lotion containing either adenosine or niacinamide was administered to the scalps of 102 Japanese men twice daily for 6 months in a double‐blind, randomized study. Efficacy was evaluated by dermatologists who assessed the quality of the hair and by calculating the percentages of vellus‐like and thick hairs among the vertex hairs, as well as hair density.ResultsAdenosine was significantly (P < 0.05) superior to niacinamide in terms of global improvement of AGA, increase in the percentage of thick hairs (at least 60 μm) and self‐assessment of hair thickness by the study participants. No causal adverse event due to the adenosine lotion was observed.ConclusionThese data indicate that adenosine increases thick hair ratio in Japanese men with AGA, and this compound is useful for the improvement of AGA.
A BISACODYL SUPPOSITORY AS AN ENEMA SUBSTITUTE
Authors: PHILLIPS ROSWELL W. 
Published: April 2015

Despite the availability of numerous effective laxatives, a certain number of patients still require enemas for satisfactory evacuation of the contents of the lower gastrointestinal tract. Many are debilitated and chronically ill. This report describes our experience with a local‐contact type of suppository as an enema substitute in such patients.Bisacodyl, or bis (p‐acetoxyphenyl)‐2‐pyridylmethane1, is said to exert its laxative effect in the colon through reflex action upon contact with the mucosal nervous plexi (1). Its action is said to be independent of intestinal tone (2) and can be abolished by anesthetizing the rectosigmoid mucosa (3). The suppository contains 10 mg of the drug.
DELAYED THROMBOPHLEBITIS AND SYSTEMIC COMPLICATIONS AFTER VASECTOMY: POSSIBLE ROLE OF DIABETOGENIC HYPEREVSULINISM*
Authors: ROBERTS H. J. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract:The development of unexplained thrombophlebitis and puzzling systemic disorders within one to several years after elective vasectomy is reported. The systemic features included prolonged fever, generalized lymph node enlargement, various skin eruptions, arthropathy, recurrent infections, glomerulonephritis, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, neuropsychiatric features, increased BSP retention, an elevated level of circulating globulins, and a biologic false‐positive serologic reaction. The frequency of concomitant severe reactive hypoglycemia due to diabetogenic hyperinsulinism in these patients also was noteworthy. The possible pathogenetic mechanisms are discussed, including induced hormonal imbalances, autosensitization to testicular nucleoproteins, and altered blood coagulation in the hyperinsulinized‐diabetic state.These observations challenge the presumed innocuousness of elective vasectomy. The challenge assumes even greater significance in view of the current wholesale performance of vasectomy in an affluent society that is increasingly stigmatized by the hyperinsulinized‐diabetic state. If catastrophic iatrogenic damage is to be averted, it appears mandatory to ascertain the true incidence of delayed systemic complications in the large numbers of vasectomized American men who have chosen this procedure for the purpose of family limitation.
BODY WEIGHT AS AN INDEX OF THERAPEUTIC EFFECT IN ANABOLIC STEROID THERAPY*
Authors: WOLPERT ARTHUR , SHEPPARD CHARLES , MERLIS SIDNEY 
Published: April 2015

Abstract:The efficacy of anabolic steroid therapy has often been challenged because of equivocal clinical evidence of weight gain. In view of this challenge, 21 chronically underweight, geriatric patients in a state hospital were chosen for a study to determine the effect of a new synthetic anabolic preparation, norbolethone. Long‐term weight charts were used to determine confidence limits. After a one‐month placebo trial, placebo responders were identified; then the active preparation was given for fourteen weeks. The data indicated that spurious results can be obtained if strict criteria are not used for changes in body weight. Of the 21 study patients, as many as 18 could have been reported as showing a weight gain if only a short pre‐study period had been used for the baseline. However, when the placebo responders and yearly weight fluctuations were accounted for, only 4 patients showed significant gains in weight, and only 2 of these maintained their gains until the completion of the anabolic phase of the study.Unless stringent criteria are applied, gross body weight alone cannot be used as a reliable index of the therapeutic effect of anabolic steroids.
INTRA‐ARTERIAL APPROACH TO INTERNAL CAROTID ANEURYSMS: PRELIMINARY REPORT OF THE CONCEPT AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES
Authors: COOPER I. S. , SAMRA K. , YAGHMAI M. 
Published: April 2015

Absteact:Studies were made on human cadavers and on living dogs whereby the bleeding of experimental aneurysms of the internal carotid artery was stopped by distending a balloon at the mouth of the aneurysm. The balloon was introduced intra‐arterially at a point distant from the aneurysm and guided to the bleeding site via a system of catheters.Although many obvious technical problems remain to be surmounted, these preliminary observations support the feasibility of an intra‐arterial approach to the therapy of aneurysms of the internal carotid artery. The concept of temporary occlusion of the aneurysmal mouth by intra‐arterial inflation of a cannula‐borne balloon merits further investigation.
CRYOGENIC ARTERIAL THROMBOLYSIS
Authors: COOPER IRVING S. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract:Twenty experiments were performed in dogs upon frozen thrombosed segments of the femoral artery. The special cryogenic technique is described. The results are demonstrated by arteriograms.The walls of major arteries have a peculiar ability to withstand the effects of extreme cold, relative to other tissues. Freezing and thawing a major artery in the dog, within the time‐temperature parameters described, has thus far not produced rupture or necrosis of the vessel, within a two‐month period of observation. Moreover, blood which is frozen solid within the artery does not clot, but rather is lysed when the vessel thaws, and is carried off as circulation is resumed. This differential effect of extreme cold upon the arterial wall and the circulating blood accounts for the fact that a relatively fresh thrombus within an artery can be lysed by freezing the artery and permitting it to thaw.These observations indicate the possible future application of cryogenic arterial thrombolysis in selected clinical situations. However, many aspects need further experimental investigation. The long‐range effects of extreme cold upon major arteries and veins remain to be elucidated. The possibility of late aneurysm formation or other anatomic changes must be objectively evaluated. The effect of extreme cold upon chronic organized thrombi needs experimental study. In addition, the possible variation of effect upon thrombi of varying etiology, some of which produce pathologic lesions in the arterial wall, must be evaluated. On the basis of our present findings, the technique of cryogenic arterial thrombolysis merits continued investigation.
CAROTID‐FEMORAL PULSE WAVE VELOCITY*
Authors: Nielsen B. Lyager , Nielsen J. Straede , Roin J. , Fabricius J. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractSimultaneous records of the pulse waves were obtained from the right common carotid artery and the right femoral artery by means of piezo‐electric microphones in 26 persons whose ages ranged from 15 to 92 years. The time difference between the foot points of the waves from these two sites was termed TCF.A significant correlation was found between TCF and age, between TCF and the systolic blood pressure and between TCF and pulse pressure. After exclusion of 2 patients with systolic blood pressure values of 250 and 270 mm Hg respectively, it was demonstrated that the multiple coefficient of correlation between TCF and age and systolic blood pressure was not significantly higher than the coefficient of correlation between TCF and age, whereas this was the case when no such exclusion was made.With the method used, it is not possible to estimate the exact length of the arterial segments under study. However, TCF values appear to be usable as an expression for the aortic pulse wave velocity, inasmuch as the coefficients of correlation demonstrated between TCF and age, systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure were of the same magnitude as previously found between T50 (the time difference between intra‐arterially recorded aortic pressure waves when the length of the arterial segment during all the measurements was 50 cm) and the same parametres.
POSTMORTEM OBSERVATIONS ON THE THYROID IN ATHEROSCLEROSIS
Authors: Gáspár István A. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn this preliminary study, an attempt was made to correlate atherosclerotic vascular changes with pathological changes in the thyroid observed post mortem in 55 patients (chiefly in the 61 to 90 year age bracket) who died of atherosclerotic disease of the coronary or other arteries. In the 55 cases, 71 per cent of the thyroids were smaller than normal, weighing from 2 to 18 grams, and 29 per cent were in the accepted normal range of 20 to 40 grams. For the purposes of this study, a small thyroid weight was considered significant only when it was 10 grams or less. The histological picture was more revealing. In one group of 24 patients the thyroids showed varying degrees of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, fibrosis and degenerative changes strongly indicative of impaired thyroid function. In another group of 31 patients the thyroids did not show any thyroiditis but there were several pathological changes such as great variation in the size of the acini, a reduction in their total number, atrophy of the acini, thinning and flattening of the epithelium with degeneration, swelling and desquamation of the cells, thick colloid in the follicles, and perifollicular fibrosis. The 4 patients who served as controls (age range, 51 to 76 years) showed no atherosclerosis or only slight changes and their thyroid glands were practically normal.There appeared to be a correlation between thyroid deficiency and atherosclerosis. Therefore, treatment of atherosclerosis with thyroid seems rational. If it prevents the development of hypothyroidism when given early in the course of atherosclerosis, it may help to reverse the high death rate from atherosclerotic cardiac and vascular disease.
THYROID FUNCTION AND CORONARY ATHEROSCLEROSIS
Authors: Wren James C. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractFor the purpose of determining the effect of thyroid function on the course of atherosclerosis (particularly coronary), 74 patients (32 males and 42 females, mean age 61.6 years) with the disease were treated in two groups—37 with desiccated thyroid plus B vitamins, and 37 with periodic intravenous injections of levo‐thyroxine in addition. The study lasted two years.Seventy patients reported subjective benefit, 2 were unchanged, and 2 died. Nineteen of 22 patients with angina noted alleviation of the pain. Electrocardiographic patterns improved in 22 of the 74 cases after one year. In 51 patients with hypercholesterolemia, the level of serum cholesterol was reduced by 17 per cent. For controls, 48 conventionally treated atherosclerotic patients were matched with 48 of the thyroid‐treated group; during the two‐year period, 12 of the conventionally treated group died, but only 2 of the thyroid‐treated group.No firm conclusions can be drawn from a study of this limited size, but the following tentative conclusions can be made:

There is some failure of thyroid function with advancing age and in the presence of severe atherosclerosis, as supported by reports in the literature.
The usual laboratory indicators of thyroid function may not accurately measure this change in thyroid function.
Thyroid therapy deserves more extensive trial as a possible means of modifying the effects of the atherosclerotic process.
RHEUMATOLOGY AND THE LUNGS
Authors: PIERCE JOHN A. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract: The relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and lung disease is discussed. A case is presented of a young woman with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in whom the lung disease progressed from a highly cellular lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis (biopsy) to dense diffuse fibrosis within five years. A survey of the records of 702 patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed that 8 had diffuse lung fibrosis. The arthritis usually preceded the pulmonary lesion. There was no correlation between the severity of the arthritis and the severity of the lung fibrosis.Rheumatoid lung disease encompasses a wide range of pathologic alterations, varying from insignificant fibrous pleural adhesions to progressive and fatal diffuse fibrosis. The high frequency of lung disease in rheumatoid patients suggests that the rheumatoid process is essential or at least important to its causation, but the lack of correlation between the intensity of the arthritis and the severity of the lung disease suggests that the rheumatoid process alone is not responsible for the lung involvement.The exceptional reactivity of the lung tissue in patients with rheumatoid disease makes it reasonable to propose that ordinary pathogenic stimuli, particularly viral and bacterial infections, may provoke an intense response and, ultimately, severe lesions of the lung in the rheumatoid patient.
ART THERAPY IN THE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL*
Authors: Wagner Ann , Lerner Joseph 
Published: April 2015

AbstractExperiences with art therapy in Hawaii State Hospital are illustrated by 2 case reports. Such experiences should engender more widespread use of this modality to help fulfill the needs of elderly persons. Painting, drawing and other forms of art therapy are being used by an ever‐increasing number of institutions for the care of psychiatric patients. Art therapy, by providing outlets for self‐expression, is a valuable adjunct to the spectrum of activities available to the older citizens of our country.