bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transnational Cigar-Makers: Cross-Border Labour Markets, Strikes, and Solidarity at the Time of the First International (1864–1873)
Authors: Knotter Ad 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSeveral authors have argued that one of the main goals of the International Working Men's Association was to control transnational labour markets. In the eyes of trade unionists, especially in Britain, uncontrolled cross-border migratory movements threatened to undermine wage standards and working conditions. Their solution was to organize internationally, both to prevent strike-breaking and wage-cutting by workers from abroad, and to support unions elsewhere to raise wage standards in their home countries. Cigar-makers operated on a cross-border labour market and were very prominent in the First International. In this article I describe the connections between the German, British, Dutch, Belgian, and American cigar-makers as migratory workers, and their actions to stimulate, support, and coordinate trade unions internationally. I argue that the international cooperation of cigar-makers was primarily motivated by a wish to regulate their cross-border labour market, not so much by an abstract ideal of international solidarity.
Correlation of Neurologic Dysfunction with CT Findings in Early Acute Stroke
Authors: Scott J.N. , Buchan A.M. , Sevick R.J. 
Published: December 2014

Objective:To determine the frequency of early computed tomographic (CT) findings of ischemia and their relationship to symptom duration and neurologic dysfunction within 3 hours of ischemic stroke.Methods:The CT scans of 39 acute stroke patients were evaluated for signs of early ischemic change within 3 hours of symptom onset and without knowledge of the patient’s neurologic deficit or results of a 24 hour follow-up post-thrombolysis CT. Early CT signs of acute ischemic change or thromboembolism were hypoattenuation of the insular ribbon, obscuration of the lentiform nucleus, cortical hypodensity/effacement, and hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign.Results:Signs of acute ischemic change were seen on the baseline scan in 25/39 patients (64%). Hypoattenuation of the insular ribbon was seen in 11 patients, obscuration of the lentiform nucleus in 13, cortical hypodensity/effacement in 13, and hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign in 7. The prevalence of early ischemic signs was directly associated with increasing neurologic disability at the time of presentation. No clear relationship existed between symptom duration and the presence of CT signs.Conclusion:Evidence of cerebral ischemia is frequently seen on CT within 3 hours of symptom onset. The degree of neurologic disability correlates with CT signs of ischemia.
Historical and Clinical Features of Psychogenic Tremor: a Review of 70 Cases
Authors: Kim Yun J. , Pakiam Anthony S.-I. , Lang Anthony E. 
Published: December 2014

Objectives:To review the clinical characteristics and associated features found in patients with psychogenic tremor.Methods:Ten-year retrospective review of charts of all patients and videotapes of fifty-one patients diagnosed by the senior author as having psychogenic tremor.Results:Seventy patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for clinically definite psychogenic tremors. Psychogenic tremors usually started abruptly (73%), often with the maximal disability at onset (46%), and then took static (46%) or fluctuating (17%) courses. Psychogenic tremors usually started in one limb and spread rapidly to a generalized or mixed distribution. Spontaneous resolution and recurrence, easy distractibility together with entrainment and response to suggestion were characteristic features. Presence of functional symptoms and signs and refractoriness to conventional antitremor drugs were common.Conclusion:Psychogenic tremor is generally not a diagnosis of exclusion. The presence of characteristic features on history and especially clinical examination can permit an accurate diagnosis and avoid unnecessary investigations.
Topiramate in Intractable Childhood Onset Epilepsy - A Cautionary Note
Authors: Dooley J.M. , Camfield P.R. , Smith E. , Langevin P. , Ronen G. 
Published: December 2014

Objectives:To study the effectiveness and safety of topiramate in clinical practice, for a group of patients with childhood onset epilepsy.Methods:All patients treated with topiramate at the three study centers between November 1995 and December 31, 1997 were analyzed retrospectively, using a standardized study protocol. Data were gathered on demographic features, seizure response and medication related adverse events.Results:Eighty-seven patients were treated with topiramate. Over 90% seizure reduction was achieved in 8 (9%) patients, 50%-90% in 21 (24%), <50% in 54 (62%) patients. Four patients (5%) had a deterioration in seizure control. Adverse events required topiramate discontinuation in 36 (41%). Of these 27 (31%) complained of unacceptable cognitive dulling. The rate of dose escalation and final dose in mg/kg were similar in those who remained on topiramate and those who were intolerant because of cognitive side effects.Conclusion:Although topiramate resulted in >50% seizure reduction in 29 (33%) of this group of patients with difficult epilepsy, its usefulness was limited by a high incidence of adverse effects. Adverse events prevented ongoing therapy for 36 (41%) and cognitive dulling resulted in topiramate discontinuation by 27 (31%) of the group.
Treatment with Interferon Beta-1b Improves Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Rice G.P. , Oger J. , Duquette P. , Francis G.S. , Bélanger M. , Laplante S. , Grenier J.F. 
Published: December 2014

Background:The Canadian Burden of Illness Study Group reported that the quality of life (QoL) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients falls drastically, early in the disease. With disability progression, the physical functioning scales of the Short Form 36 (SF-36) showed further decreases in QoL. The objective of this study is to describe the QoL of MS patients treated with interferon beta-1b (IFNB-1b) and to compare it to the QoL observed in a group of patients who had not been treated with IFNB-1b.Methods:Treated patients were prospectively recruited and were seen at their regular visit to the MS clinic. They self-completed the SF-36 questionnaire and their QoL was described and retrospectively compared to that of historical controls.Results:When IFNB-1b treated patients were compared to historical control patients with the same relapsing forms of MS, the treated patients with an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score lower than 3.0 had a significantly better QoL. This was significant for four of the eight SF-36 domains: Physical Function (+22%, p=0.0102), Role-Physical (+100%, p=0.0022), General Health (+27%, p=0.0070) and Social Function (+19%, p=0.0287). The average QoL difference was 8% in the EDSS 3.0-6.0 group and 10% in the EDSS >6 group.Conclusion:Patients with relapsing forms of MS treated with IFNB-1b have better QoL than patients who are not treated, especially those with an EDSS < 3.0.
Age-Related Changes in Muscle Fatigue Resistance in Humans
Authors: Chan K. Ming , Raja Asim J. , Strohschein Fay J. , Lechelt Katherine 
Published: December 2014

Objective:The goal of this study was to compare the relative contributions from the muscle and the central nervous system to muscle fatigue resistance in aging.Methods:Each subject carried out 90 s of sustained maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) of the thumb using the thenar and forearm thumb muscles. Contractile capacity of the thenar muscles was assessed through tetanic stimulation of the median nerve. Interpolated doublets delivered during an MVC represented the overall voluntary activation level while transcranial cortical stimulation with an electromagnetic stimulator was used to assess motor output upstream from the corticomotoneuronal pathway.Results:Nine elderly subjects [four females and five males, 70±9 years old (mean±SD)] and 10 younger subjects (five females and five males, 30±6 years old) were tested. After the fatiguing exercise, the elderly group's MVC declined by 29% as opposed to 47% in the younger group (p<0.01). The elderly group's greater fatigue resistance was accounted for by increased fatigue resistance at the muscle level as well as in the central nervous system. At least some of the decline in the central motor drive was upstream from the corticomotoneuronal pathway.Conclusion:The higher muscle fatigue resistance in the elderly group was attributable to differences in both the peripheral and central nervous systems.
A Prospective Randomized Comparison of CT and MRI Pre-operative Localization for Pallidotomy
Authors: Honey Christopher R. , Nugent Robert A. 
Published: December 2014

Objective:During the pallidotomy procedure, is pre-operative localization with MRI more accurate than CT and does it result in a significant difference in surgical outcome?Methods:Twenty-four Parkinson's Disease patients received a unilateral pallidotomy for their motor symptoms. Dyskinesia was scored pre- and six weeks postoperatively. All patients had a pre-operative CT scan and MRI to calculate the target co-ordinates. Patients were then randomly selected to proceed with either the CT or MRI coordinates. The final position for the lesion was determined with intraoperative macrostimulation and impedance measurements. The percentage improvement of dyskinesia was noted for each patient and the two groups compared by the Mann-Whitney test. The distance from the final target to the MRI and CT pre-operative co-ordinates were calculated for each patient. The mean distance for each modality was then compared by Student's t-test. The number of electrode repositionings was also recorded for each patient and the two groups compared by the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test.Results:Although the MRI co-ordinates were significantly (p<0.023) closer to the final target, this did not translate into a significant reduction in electrode repositionings. There was no significant difference in the improvement in dyskinesia between the two groups.Conclusion:The pre-operative MRI co-ordinates were significantly (p=0.023) closer to the final target than those from the CT. The potential advantages and disadvantages of both imaging modalities are reviewed. There was no significant difference in surgical outcome using either MRI or CT for pre-operative localization in pallidotomy.
A Six Year Review of Odontoid Fractures: The Emerging Role of Surgical Intervention
Authors: Ziai Wendy C. , Hurlbert R. John 
Published: December 2014

Background:Traditionally, odontoid fractures have been treated with different bracing techniques resulting in variable degrees of successful healing. Surgical intervention is becoming more widely practiced as a primary intervention. The purpose of this report was to survey our recent experience in southern Alberta to determine potential outcome differences in management strategies.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 520 patients diagnosed with cervical spine fractures over a six-year period from January 1990, through December 1996. Patients were identified through the medical records database of the two Level 1 trauma facilities, on the basis of ICD-9 diagnostic coding.Results:Ninety-three fractures of the odontoid process were identified, of which 85 were acute and eight were chronic. There were 57 Type II (67%) and 27 Type III (32%) acute odontoid fractures. Of these, 64 were managed conservatively (bracing), whereas 20 were treated surgically. Thirteen patients underwent anterior screw fixation, seven patients had posterior cervical fusion. Eleven patients died in the acute phase, two as a result of their high cervical cord injury and nine from unrelated medical causes. Fifty-six of the remaining 82 patients (68%) were located with a minimum of three months follow-up (range three months to eight years). Satisfactory results were obtained in 76% of all acute patients treated by bracing, but only 50% in those over the age of 65. In the surgically managed group, all patients (100%) went on to develop stable fusions.Conclusion:Our results indicate that while conservative management of odontoid fractures with external bracing results in fracture healing in most cases, surgical fusion may provide superior rates of bony union with acceptable morbidity. This difference in outcome lends itself to formal investigation through a prospective randomized trial.
Idiopathic Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis: A Report of Two Patients and Review of the Literature
Authors: Dumont Aaron S. , Clark Arthur W. , Sevick Robert J. , Myles S. Terence 
Published: December 2014

Purpose:We report the treatment and follow-up, including MRI, of two patients with idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis and review the English language literature, with emphasis on management and outcome in this rare disorder.Methods and Materials:The files of two patients were reviewed, with relevant histopathology and imaging (MRI). The first patient has been followed for sixteen years (the longest MRI-documented postoperative course reported for this condition) and the second for two years. The English language literature was reviewed, including a summary of all reported patients that have been followed with MRI or CT imaging.Results:Despite extensive investigation, no underlying etiology was determined in either patient. Histopathological studies revealed a chronic inflammatory dural infiltrate in both patients, with granulomas in the first but not the second patient. The first patient underwent surgery twice and has remained stable for sixteen years, despite persistent neurologic deficits. The second patient was managed with dexamethasone after a surgical biopsy, and experienced complete resolution of all neurological deficits and abnormalities seen with MRI.Conclusion:Although prompt and extensive surgery has been recommended for this condition, the results from our second patient indicate that complete remission can be achieved in some patients with biopsy and steroid therapy. This also supports the view that autoimmune mechanisms underlie idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis. The first patient illustrates that extensive laminectomies may be an effective therapeutic option but chronic discomfort may result. If extensive surgery must be performed, laminoplasty should be done because of the potential for reduced pain and improved long-term spinal stability.
The Recognition, Assessment and Management of Dementing Disorders: Conclusions from the Canadian Consensus Conference on Dementia
Authors: Patterson C. , Grek A. , Gauthier S. , Bergman H. , Cohen C. , Feightner J.W. , Feldman H. , Hogan D.B. 
Published: December 2014

Objective:i) To develop evidence based consensus statements on which to build clinical practice guidelines for primary care physicians towards the recognition, assessment and management of dementing disorders; ii) to disseminate and evaluate the impact of these statements and guidelines built on these statements.Options:Structured approach to assessment, including recommended laboratory tests, choices for neuroimaging and referral; management of complications (especially behaviour problems and depression) and use of cognitive enhancing agents.Potential outcomes:Consistent and improved clinical care of persons with dementia; cost containment by more selective use of laboratory investigations, neuroimaging and referrals; appropriate use of cognitive enhancing agents.Evidence:Authors of each background paper were entrusted to: perform a literature search, discover additional relevant material including references cited in retrieved articles; consult with other experts in the field and then synthesize information. Standard rules of evidence were applied. Based upon this evidence, consensus statements were developed by a group of experts, guided by a steering committee of eight individuals from the areas of Neurology, Geriatric Medicine, Psychiatry, Family Medicine, Preventive Health Care and Health Care Systems.Values:Recommendations have been developed with particular attention to the context of primary care and are intended to support family physicians in their ongoing assessment and care of patients with dementia.Benefits, harms and costs:Potential for improved clinical care of individuals with dementia. A dissemination and evaluation strategy will attempt to measure the impact of the recommendations.Recommendations:See text.Validation:Four other sets of consensus statements and/or guidelines have been published recently. These recommendations are generally congruent with our own consensus statements. The consensus statements have been endorsed by relevant bodies in Canada.Sponsors:Funding was provided by equal contributions from seven pharmaceutical companies and by a grant from the Consortium of Canadian Centres for Clinical Cognitive Research (C5R). Contributions were received from two Canadian universities (McGill, McMaster). Several societies supported delegates to the conference.
Disclosing a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease: Patient and Family Experiences
Authors: Smith André P. , Beattie B. Lynn 
Published: December 2014

Background:Informing patients and families about the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex ethical and practical issue. This qualitative study explores the psychosocial impact of disclosing a diagnosis of AD on patients and family members.Methods:This study identified 14 patients and their accompanying family members undergoing a multidisciplinary assessment for dementia at an outpatient clinic for AD and related disorders. Of the group, three patients had probable AD and five had possible AD as per NINCDS-ADRDAcriteria. Six patients were not demented as per DSM IIIR criteria. Disclosure of diagnosis occurred, in a family conference, within six to eight weeks of the assessment. Data collection methods included observation of the assessment and the family conference as well as in-depth home interviews with family members and with each patient whenever feasible. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded for recurrent themes.Results:A total of 40 individuals across 14 families participated in this study. Only two families chose not to have the patient attend the family conference. The disclosure of a diagnosis of probable AD brought on an experience of relief in three families, marking the end of a lengthy period of confusion about the nature of memory problems. Patients diagnosed with possible AD and their families interpreted how indicative the diagnosis was of the presence of the disease with varying degrees of certainty depending on pre-assessment beliefs about the cause of memory problems. In the group diagnosed as not demented, four patients had complaints of forgetfulness likely related to minor depression. The disclosure of a diagnosis of no dementia did not produce the anticipated relief. Two patients continued to believe their memory problems were caused by the early onset of AD or some other “organic” problem.Interpretation:This study reveals that disclosure of the diagnosis of AD to patients and family members is generally beneficial but that there are variations in the understanding of the diagnostic information, particularly in instances where the assessment results are ambiguous.
Recommendations of the Canadian Consensus Conference on Dementia - Dissemination, Implementation, and Evaluation of Impact
Authors: Hogan David B. , Jennett Penny , Freter Susan , Bergman Howard , Chertkow Howard , Gold Susan , Clarfield A. Mark 
Published: December 2014

Background:Subsequent to the development of consensus statements on a clinical topic, it is vital to establish a plan for dissemination, implementation and evaluation of impact. Consensus statements can be used for both guiding continuing medical education (CME) and producing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). Insufficient attention to dissemination can lead to a failure to change physician behaviour and improve patient outcomes.Methods:A plan to disseminate the conclusions of the Canadian Consensus Conference on Dementia (CCCD) was developed. This plan was based on a literature review of CME and CPGs. A Medline search was performed on the dissemination and evaluation of the 1989 Canadian Consensus Conference on the Assessment of Dementia (CCCAD) and other published guides for physicians on dementia care. CCCD dissemination that has occurred to date (June, 2000) was reviewed in this paper.Results:Lectures and unsolicited printed material are weak forms of CME. Small-group interactive CME that provides practice opportunities appears to be the most effective way to change physician behaviour. The ability of CPGs to change physician behaviour is uncertain. It appears that inadequate attention has been placed on CPG dissemination and implementation. The CCCAD had a modest impact on clinical practice in Canada. While dissemination of the conclusions of the CCCD has taken place, evaluation of the impact of the CCCD has yet to be done. Local initiatives utilizing the conclusions of the CCCD are on-going.Conclusion:Further work is needed on how to optimize the impact of consensus statements and CPGs. While dissemination of the CCCD has occurred, it is currently unknown whether it has led to any change in physician practices.
Neurocognitive Symptoms and Impairment in an HIV Community Clinic
Authors: Kim D.H. , Power C. , Gill M.J. , Jewison D.L. , Milner G.R. , Rourke S.B. 
Published: December 2014

Background:Neurocognitive impairment is a frequent complication of HIV infection and heralds a poor survival prognosis. With the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), survival times for HIV-infected patients have markedly increased although the effects of HAART on the prevalence of neurocognitive impairment remain uncertain.Objective:To determine the relationship between self-reported neurocognitive symptoms and neuropsychological (NP) performance together with the impact of HAART among HIV-infected patients.Methods:A cross-sectional study was performed in which patients without previously documented neurocognitive impairment attending an HIV community clinic were questioned about neurocognitive symptoms and a NP test battery was administered.Results:Of the eighty-three patients examined, neurocognitive symptoms were reported by 34% of patients and were associated with a shorter duration of HAART and higher viral loads. Patients reporting neurocognitive symptoms were also more likely to exhibit impaired NP performance (p<0.005) with NP impairment being detected in 46% of all patients examined (12% with HIV-associated dementia). Neuropsychological impairment was directly correlated with age (p<0.001), plasma viral load (p<0.005) and inversely correlated with the number of prescribed antiretroviral drugs (p<0.01).Conclusion:These results suggest that neurocognitive symptoms are predictive of impaired NP performance and that NP impairment remains a frequent finding among older patients with higher viral loads. An increased number of antiretroviral drugs may be neuroprotective.
Endovascular Treatment of a Lenticulostriate Artery Aneurysm with N-butyl Cyanoacrylate
Authors: Larrazabal Ramiro , Pelz David , Findlay J. Max 
Published: December 2014

Background:Aneurysms arising from lenticulostriate artery branches in moyamoya-type disease are challenging lesions to treat, due to their fragility and deep location. Surgery is difficult and endovascular options may be limited.Methods:A 57-year-old woman presented with a right ganglionic parenchymal hemorrhage due to a ruptured lenticulostriate artery aneurysm associated with ipsilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion. The aneurysm and parent feeding artery were occluded using endovascular injection of N-butyl cyanoacrylate.Results:The aneurysm was successfully obliterated and although some glue did enter the more distal middle cerebral artery, there was no change in the patient's neurologic status.Conclusion:In highly selected cases where lenticulostriate aneurysms cannot be directly accessed for surgery or endovascular coiling, obliteration with liquid acrylic glue may be considered as a therapeutic option.