bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left Ventricular Mechanics in Adolescents and Young Adults with a History of Kawasaki Disease: Analysis by Three‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography
Authors: Yu Wei , Wong Sophia J. , Cheung Yiu‐fai 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundMyocardial fibrosis and perfusion abnormalities can occur in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD). We explored using the new three‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) the left ventricular (LV) mechanics in adolescents and young adults with a history of KD.MethodsTwenty‐five KD patients (18 males) aged 17.0 ± 5.2 years, 14 with (group I) and 11 without (group II) coronary aneurysms, were studied. The 3D volume datasets were acquired for quantification of LV global 3D strain, global and regional area strain, systolic dyssynchrony index (SDI), twist, twist gradient (twist/LV length), and ejection fraction.ResultsThe results were compared with those of 14 age‐matched controls. Of the 14 group I patients, 6 had left, 2 had right, and 6 had both left and right coronary aneurysms. Compared with controls, group I patients had significantly lower LV systolic global 3D strain (43.7 ± 7.3% vs. 50.4 ± 6.6%, P = 0.02), twist (8.7 ± 1.3° vs. 11.4 ± 2.0°, P < 0.001), and twist gradient (1.5 ± 0.3°/cm vs. 1.9 ± 0.4°/cm, P = 0.01), greater SDI (6.8 ± 1.9% vs. 4.7 ± 1.9%, P < 0.001), and similar ejection fractions. Six patients in group I had perfusion defects, who had global 3DSTE parameters similar to those of the 8 patients without perfusion abnormalities (all P > 0.05). For group II patients, only the global area strain was significantly lower than that of controls (37.6 ± 3.5% vs. 40.7 ± 3.6%, P = 0.038).ConclusionIn adolescents and young adults with a history of KD, impairment of LV mechanics occurs and is worse in patients with than those without coronary complications.
Repeated Neurological Complications during Dialysis – A Case for Echo?
Authors: Groves Danja S. , Harding Ulf , Lanckohr Christian , Gottschalk Antje , Kern John A. , Schmidt Christoph 
Published: November 2013

Mini‐AbstractA 65‐year old woman presented with acute or chronic renal failure and signs of right heart failure. Renal replacement therapy—using a surgically placed dialysis catheter via the left jugular vein—was repeatedly complicated by altered flows of the dialysis unit, impaired consciousness, new onset of seizures and left‐sided hemiparesis. The tip of the dialysis catheter was detected on transesophageal echocardiography within the lumen of the ascending aorta. Further imaging of the neck vessels demonstrated a primary placement of the catheter in the left common carotid artery. This incident underscores the value of ultrasound guidance for placement of intravascular catheters.
The landscape genetics of syntopic topminnows (Fundulus notatus and F. olivaceus) in a riverine contact zone
Authors: Earnest Kate , Scott Jason , Schaefer Jake , Duvernell David 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe metapopulation dynamics of a species are influenced by the spatial arrangement of preferred habitats across a landscape. Increasing habitat patchiness can result in greater population subdivision, leading to more pronounced population genetic structure. Therefore, even subtle differences in habitat preferences among species could lead to substantial differences in genetic structure. Members of the Fundulus notatus species complex of topminnows include a headwater specialist and a large river specialist with broadly overlapping geographical distributions. Both species are often found in the same drainage systems, but partially isolated by divergent habitat preferences. The purpose of this research was to determine whether distribution along a stream continuum in a contact zone influences population genetic patterns in two species of topminnow (Fundulus olivaceus and Fundulus notatus). Fish were collected in the summers of 2010–2012, and habitat data were collected in summer 2012, within all major tributaries of the Saline River in southern Illinois. In total, 523 fish were genotyped using seven microsatellite loci to assess genetic variation. Species distributions in F. notatus and F. olivaceus were associated with habitat factors that covaried with cumulative drainage area. Populations of F. olivaceus showed a greater level of genetic structure reflected in a significant pattern of isolation by distance, while populations of F. notatus showed no such pattern. Spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed that at an individual level, both species became increasingly divergent with waterway distance. Overall, clear interspecific differences in habitat preferences were translated into measurable but relatively subtle differences in population genetic structure.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of preoperative transfusion in patients with sickle cell disease using evidence from the TAPS trial
Authors: Spackman Eldon , Sculpher Mark , Howard Jo , Malfroy Moira , Llewelyn Charlotte , Choo Louise , Hodge Renate , Johnson Tony , Rees David C. , Fijnvandraat Karin , Kirby‐Allen Melanie , Davies Sally , Williamson Lorna 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe study's objective was to assess the cost‐effectiveness of preoperative transfusion compared with no preoperative transfusion in patients with sickle cell disease undergoing low‐ or medium‐risk surgery. Seventy patients with sickle cell disease (HbSS/Sß0thal genotypes) undergoing elective surgery participated in a multicentre randomised trial, Transfusion Alternatives Preoperatively in Sickle Cell Disease (TAPS). Here, a cost‐effectiveness analysis based on evidence from that trial is presented. A decision‐analytic model is used to incorporate long‐term consequences of transfusions and acute chest syndrome. Costs and health benefits, expressed as quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs), are reported from the ‘within‐trial’ analysis and for the decision‐analytic model. The probability of cost‐effectiveness for each form of management is calculated taking into account the small sample size and other sources of uncertainty. In the range of scenarios considered in the analysis, preoperative transfusion was more effective, with the mean improvement in QALYs ranging from 0.018 to 0.206 per patient, and also less costly in all but one scenario, with the mean cost difference ranging from −£813 to £26. All scenarios suggested preoperative transfusion had a probability of cost‐effectiveness >0.79 at a cost‐effectiveness threshold of £20 000 per QALY.
Influence of masticatory hypofunction on the alveolar bone and the molar periodontal ligament space in the rat maxilla
Authors: Denes Balazs J. , Mavropoulos Anestis , Bresin Andrea , Kiliaridis Stavros 
Published: November 2013

Previous studies have established that complete absence of masticatory function results in a narrower alveolar process and periodontal ligament (PDL). The aim of our study was to investigate, for the first time, both the alveolar process and the PDL in masticatory hypofunction. Twenty‐six rats, 3 wk of age, were randomly assigned to either a hard‐ or a soft‐diet group (n = 13 each group). The rats were killed after 6 wk and their skulls were scanned using micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT). We measured the cross‐sectional width of the space occupied by the PDL, as well as the cross‐sectional alveolar socket surface (AS) and the cross‐sectional root surface (RS). We also measured the width of the alveolar process. The alveolar process was narrower, the PDL width was thinner, and the AS was smaller in rats fed a soft diet compared with rats fed a hard diet. The PDL width was correlated to the alveolar process width and the AS. The narrower alveolar process found in rats fed a soft diet is the result of alterations to both the alveolar bone and the PDL. The correlation between them provides evidence that a reduction of occlusal loading induces a simultaneous response in both tissues.
Role ofNMDAreceptors in the trigeminal pathway, and the modulatory effect of magnesium in a model of rat temporomandibular joint arthritis
Authors: Cavalcante André L. C. , Siqueira Rafaelly M. P. , Araujo Joana C. B. , Gondim Delane V. , Ribeiro Ronaldo A. , Quetz Josiane S. , Havt Alexandre , Lima Aldo A. M. , Vale Mariana L. 
Published: November 2013

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis is a common cause of orofacial pain. In the present study, the modulatory effects ofN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDA‐Rs) and magnesium were investigated inTMJarthritis hypernociception. Male Wistar rats received an intra‐articular injection of carrageenan (Cg) in theTMJ, and mechanical hypernociception was measured. TheNMDA‐Rantagonist,MK‐801, and magnesium chloride (MgCl2) were administered before arthritis induction. Magnesium deficiency was promoted by feeding rats a synthetic magnesium‐free diet for 9 d before injection ofCg. TheCg induced mechanical hypernociception that lasted for 120 h. MK‐801 inhibited this hypernociceptive state. MgCl2pretreatment preventedCg‐induced hypernociception and altered the nociceptive threshold in the absence ofCg. Magnesium deficiency increased hypernociception and induced spontaneous hypernociceptive behavior. TMJ arthritis increased the expression ofmRNAfor allNMDA‐Rsubunits and immunostaining of phosphorylatedNR1 (phospho‐NR1). MgCl2inhibited expression ofNR2B mRNAand phospho‐NR1 immunostaining and increased expression of NR3mRNA. Magnesium deficiency increased expression of bothNR1 andNR3mRNAs and phospho‐NR1 immunostaining in the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis. We found that magnesium modulates nociceptive behavior and inducesNMDA‐Rsubunit rearrangement in the subnucleus caudalis. The present results may lead to a better understanding of central processing in the nociceptive trigeminal pathway and the development of new approaches to treat orofacial pain with aTMJorigin.
The specificity and kinetic mechanism of branched‐chain amino acid aminotransferase from Escherichia coli studied with a new improved coupled assay procedure and the enzyme's potential for biocatalysis
Authors: Yu Xuejing , Wang Xingguo , Engel Paul C. 
Published: November 2013

Branched‐chain amino acid aminotransferase (BCAT) plays a key role in the biosynthesis of hydrophobic amino acids (such as leucine, isoleucine and valine), and its substrate spectrum has not been fully explored or exploited owing to the inescapable restrictions of previous assays, which were mainly based on following the formation/consumption of the specific branched‐chain substrates rather than the common amino group donor/acceptor. In our study, detailed measurements were made using a novel coupled assay, employing (R)‐hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase from Acidaminococcus fermentans as an auxiliary enzyme, to provide accurate and reliable kinetic constants. We show that Escherichia coli BCAT can be used for asymmetric synthesis of a range of non‐natural amino acids such as l‐norleucine, l‐norvaline and l‐neopentylglycine and compare the kinetic results with the results of molecular modelling. A full two‐substrate steady‐state kinetic study for several substrates yields results consistent with a bi‐bi ping‐pong mechanism, and detailed analysis of the kinetic constants indicates that, for good 2‐oxoacid substrates, release of 2‐oxoglutarate is much slower than release of the product amino acid during the transamination reaction. The latter is in fact rate‐limiting under conditions of substrate saturation.DatabaseBranched‐chain amino acid aminotransferase EC 2.6.1.42; (R)‐2‐hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase EC 1.1.99.2
Worldwide Reported Use of IV Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Berkowitz Aaron L. , Mittal Manoj K. , McLane Hannah C. , Shen Gordon C. , Muralidharan RajaNandini , Lyons Jennifer L. , Shinohara Russell T. , Shuaib Ashfaq , Mateen Farrah J. 
Published: November 2013

Background and Purpose Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator is the most effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke, and its use may therefore serve as an indicator of the available level of acute stroke care. The greatest burden of stroke is in low- and middle-income countries, but the extent to which intravenous tissue plasminogen activator is used in these countries is unreported. Summary of Review A systematic review was performed searching each country name AND ‘stroke’ OR ‘tissue plasminogen activator’ OR ‘thrombolysis’ using PubMed, Embase, Global Health, African Index Medicus, and abstracts published in the International Journal of Stroke (Jan. 1, 1996–Oct. 1, 2012). The reported use of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator was then analyzed according to country-level income status, total expenditure on health per capita, and mortality and disability-adjusted life years due to stroke. There were 118 780 citations reviewed. Of 214 countries and independent territories, 64 (30%) reported use of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator for acute ischemic stroke in the medical literature: 3% (1/36) low-income, 19% (10/54) lower-middle-income, 33% (18/54) upper-middle-income, and 50% (35/70) high-income-countries (test for trend, P < 0·001). When considering country-level determinants of reported intravenous tissue plasminogen activator use for acute ischemic stroke, total healthcare expenditure per capita (odds ratio 3·3 per 1000 international dollar increase, 95% confidence interval 1·4–9·9, P = 0·02) and reported mortality rate from cerebrovascular disease (odds ratio 1·02, 95% confidence interval 0·99–1·06, P = 0·02) were significant, but reported disability-adjusted life years from cerebrovascular diseases and gross national income per capita were not ( P > 0·05). Of the 10 countries with the highest disability-adjusted life years due to stroke, only one reported intravenous tissue plasminogen activator use. Conclusions By reported use, intravenous tissue plasminogen activator for acute ischemic stroke is available to some patients in approximately one-third of countries. Access to advanced acute stroke care is most limited where the greatest burden of cerebrovascular disease is reported.
Visible Light Transparency for Polycrystalline Ceramics of MgO·2Al2O3 and MgO·2.5Al2O3 Spinel Solid Solutions
Authors: Sutorik Anthony C. , Cooper Christopher , Gilde Gary 
Published: November 2013

Magnesium aluminate spinel solid solutions with the alumina‐rich compositions MgO·2Al2O3 and MgO·2.5Al2O3 have been prepared as polycrystalline ceramics with average in‐line transmissions at 550 nm of 85.5 ± 0.3% and 80.9 ± 0.4%, respectively. Starting powders are prepared from combinations of high purity Mg(OH)2 and γ‐Al2O3 thoroughly mixed in an aqueous slurry, and the solids are collected, dried, calcined, mixed with LiF sintering aid, and sieved. The optimum amount of LiF added varies with the alumina composition of the spinel solid solution. The powders are sintered into dense ceramics by hot pressing at 1600°C under vacuum and 20 MPa uniaxial load followed by hot isostatic pressing at 1850°C under 200 MPa in Ar. Both compositions exhibit exaggerated grain growth with average sizes well over 500 μm. Knoop hardness measurements are 11.2 ± 0.3 GPa for MgO·2Al2O3 and 11.0 ± 0.4 GPa for MgO·2.5Al2O3.
Prevalence of human Papillomavirus DNA in eyebrow hairs plucked from patients with psoriasis treated with TNF inhibitors
Authors: Bellaud G. , Gheit T. , Pugin A. , Prétet J. L. , Tommasino M. , Mougin C. , Aubin F. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundTumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) inhibitors are associated with an increased risk of infections and with a still debatable risk of skin cancer. Furthermore, cutaneous human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may be involved in skin cancer.ObjectivesOur primary objective was to assess the HPV DNA prevalence in psoriasis patients treated with TNF inhibitors and the secondary objective was to assess the same parameter before and during treatment.MethodsPlucked eyebrow hairs were collected from 151 consecutive patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis, including 48 patients treated with anti‐TNF‐α agents, 21 patients treated with methotrexate (MTX) and 82 patients with no previous systemic treatment. Among them, 38 patients were subsequently treated with either MTX or anti‐TNF‐α agents. HPV genotyping was performed using the HPV type‐specific E7 PCR bead‐based multiplex allowing the detection of 27 genus‐α types, 25 genus‐β types, 16 genus‐γ types and one single genus‐μ type. Follow‐up provided a total of 972.7 person‐months of overall exposure for patients treated with TNF inhibitors and 326.9 person‐months for patients treated with MTX.ResultsOur data confirm the high prevalence of β‐HPV infection in healthy skin of psoriasis patients (68.9%), with no significant difference between untreated patients (64.6%), patients treated with MTX (76.2%) and patients treated with anti‐TNF‐α agents (72.9%). The mean number of different HPV types and the distribution of HPV types were similar in different groups of patients. Moreover, in prospectively treated patients, we did not observe any change in the HPV DNA prevalence in the distribution of HPV types and the number of HPV types after a mean duration of treatment of 332 ± 39.8 days.ConclusionDespite the small number of patients in our cohort, our results are quite encouraging in view of the increased use of anti‐TNF‐α agents in different auto inflammatory immune diseases.
Surgical residents' perceptions of patient safety climate in Dutch teaching hospitals
Authors: Martowirono Kartinie , Wagner Cordula , Bijnen A. Bart 
Published: November 2013

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesExplicit attention to patient safety during surgical training is needed to improve patient safety. A positive safety climate is associated with greater patient safety and is a requisite for safety teaching at the workplace. The Safety Climate Survey (SCS) measures perceptions of safety climate. This study aims to take a first step in validating the SCS for use among surgical residents in the Netherlands and to highlight opportunities for safety climate improvement through changes in surgical training in the Netherlands. It therefore assesses (1) if the SCS can be used to assess surgical residents' perceptions of the safety climate in Dutch teaching hospitals; and (2) how, according to SCS results, these residents perceive the safety climate in Dutch teaching hospitals.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study conducted in February 2011, a Dutch translation of the SCS was administered to all general surgical residents in the Netherlands. Face validity and internal consistency were assessed, as were overall mean, means per item and significant differences in means between different groups of respondents.ResultsIn total, 306 of 390 (78%) residents completed the questionnaire. The SCS showed good face validity and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.87). Residents reported an overall mean of 3.95 (standard deviation 0.51) out of a maximum score of 5.00, and 52% reported an overall mean of 4.00 or higher. Women and residents working in university hospitals gave significantly lower scores. Significant differences were also found among hospitals and among regions. Majority of the items scored less than 4.00.ConclusionsThe SCS is potentially useful to measure surgical residents' perceptions of the patient safety climate in Dutch teaching hospitals. There is considerable room for improvement of the patient safety climate. Surgical training should include better feedback, formal patient safety teaching sessions at the workplace and specific attention to patient safety during the introduction in a new hospital, and supervisors should encourage surgical residents to report any patient safety concern they may have.
Comorbidity of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome in an Australian cohort
Authors: Reynolds G. K. , Lewis D. P. , Richardson A. M. , Lidbury B. A. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractObjectivePatients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are frequently diagnosed with comorbid postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), suggesting a shared pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between demographic characteristics, autonomic functioning and fatigue levels amongst CFS patients with and without comorbid POTS.Design and settingAll patients presenting to the CFS Discovery Clinic between 2009 and 2012 completed a 20‐min standing task as part of their initial assessment. Heart rate and pulse pressure were recorded at baseline, at 2‐min intervals poststanding, at the end of the task and following a recovery period. Average heart rate and pulse pressure variability were calculated from this data. Age, gender, length of illness and self‐reported fatigue scores were also recorded. POTS patients were diagnosed by an orthostatic increase in heart rate >30 beats per min, concomitant symptoms of orthostatic intolerance and no orthostatic hypotension. Differences in autonomic functioning between POTS and CFS patients were compared using independent samples t‐tests, whilst logistic and linear regressions were performed to examine the contribution of autonomic functioning to task completion and perceived fatigue, respectively.ResultsComorbidity of CFS and POTS (CFS‐POTS) was observed in 11% (33/306) of patients. CFS‐POTS patients were significantly younger (P < 0.001), had a shorter length of illness (P = 0.034), experienced greater task difficulty (P = 0.002) and were able to stand for significantly shorter periods compared to the CFS‐only patients (P < 0.001). CFS‐POTS patients experienced significantly lower baseline diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.002), significantly higher heart rate and lower pulse pressures at each standing measurement. Early heart rate changes (P = 0.002) and overall heart rate change (P < 0.001) were significant predictors of completion status, whereas heart rate variability (P < 0.001) and female gender (P < 0.001) were significant predictors of increased perceived task difficulty.ConclusionsHaemodynamic and demographic differences between CFS‐POTS and CFS‐only patients suggest that the former group reflects a distinct subgroup of the CFS population. The findings highlight the utility of screening younger patients with fatigue for POTS, and identified heart rate variability as an important marker of fatigue for CFS patients in general.