bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative assessment of brain microvascular and tissue oxygenation during cardiac arrest and resuscitation in pigs
Authors: Yu J. , Ramadeen A. , Tsui A. K. Y. , Hu X. , Zou L. , Wilson D. F. , Esipova T. V. , Vinogradov S. A. , Leong‐Poi H. , Zamiri N. , Mazer C. D. , Dorian P. , Hare G. M. T. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryCardiac arrest is associated with a very high rate of mortality, in part due to inadequate tissue perfusion during attempts at resuscitation. Parameters such as mean arterial pressure and end‐tidal carbon dioxide may not accurately reflect adequacy of tissue perfusion during cardiac resuscitation. We hypothesised that quantitative measurements of tissue oxygen tension would more accurately reflect adequacy of tissue perfusion during experimental cardiac arrest. Using oxygen‐dependent quenching of phosphorescence, we made measurements of oxygen in the microcirculation and in the interstitial space of the brain and muscle in a porcine model of ventricular fibrillation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Measurements were performed at baseline, during untreated ventricular fibrillation, during resuscitation and after return of spontaneous circulation. After achieving stable baseline brain tissue oxygen tension, as measured using an Oxyphor G4‐based phosphorescent microsensor, ventricular fibrillation resulted in an immediate reduction in all measured parameters. During cardiopulmonary resuscitation, brain oxygen tension remained unchanged. After the return of spontaneous circulation, all measured parameters including brain oxygen tension recovered to baseline levels. Muscle tissue oxygen tension followed a similar trend as the brain, but with slower response times. We conclude that measurements of brain tissue oxygen tension, which more accurately reflect adequacy of tissue perfusion during cardiac arrest and resuscitation, may contribute to the development of new strategies to optimise perfusion during cardiac resuscitation and improve patient outcomes after cardiac arrest.
A 12‐year experience of the Trendelenburg perineal approach for abdominoperineal resection
Authors: Toshniwal Sumeet , Perera Marlon , Lloyd David , Nguyen Hung 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe abdominoperineal resection (APR) is the current accepted surgical technique for low rectal cancers. Negative circumferential surgical margins are an important prognostic indicator and are best obtained by producing a cylindrical specimen. The ‘ideal’ approach to produce such specimen is debated between a standard lithotomy position and turning the patient in the prone position in the later stages of the procedure. We aimed to assess results of perineal morbidity and oncological outcomes following the lithotomy approach at a single institution.MethodsData were collected retrospectively at a single institution. All patients undergoing the APR for low rectal cancers were included in the current study. Patients underwent this procedure in the standard lithotomy position and a mucocutaneous flap was not routinely used for closure of the perineal wound. The primary outcome measures in this study were local and systemic tumour recurrence and overall patient survival.ResultsFifty‐three patients undergoing APR were included in the current study. Majority of patients (87%) received neoadjuvant therapy. Perineal morbidity was observed in 11% of patients loco‐regional recurrence occurred in 4% at 5 years. One‐, 3‐ and 5‐year survival was 87, 75 and 66%, respectively. Patients with T3/4 disease and positive circumferential surgical margins had significantly poorer survival outcomes.ConclusionAPR can be performed in the lithotomy position with acceptable perineal morbidity and oncological safety. Negative circumferential margins can be achieved reliably by producing a cylindrical specimen with this position.
Can transabdominal ultrasound identify women at high risk for short cervical length?
Authors: Friedman Alexander M. , Schwartz Nadav , Ludmir Jack , Parry Samuel , Bastek Jamie A. , Sehdev Harish M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether transabdominal cervical length screening could identify women at high risk for having a short cervix on transvaginal ultrasound.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingTertiary referral center.PopulationA total of 703 patients with a singleton pregnancy at 18 to 23+6 weeks of gestation who underwent transabdominal and transvaginal cervical length assessment during anatomy ultrasound at a single institution between January 2007 and October 2011.MethodsElectronic medical records were reviewed to identify women who met the study criteria.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was the number of women with a short transabdominal cervical length (defined as ≤30 mm) who needed to undergo transvaginal ultrasound to detect one woman with a short transvaginal cervical length of ≤20 mm.ResultsIn all, 703 patients were included in the primary analysis; 3.42 women with transabdominal cervical length ≤30 mm needed to undergo transvaginal ultrasound to detect one woman with transvaginal ultrasound cervical length ≤20 mm. Of women with short transvaginal cervical length ≤20 mm, 89.8% had a transabdominal measurement ≤30 mm and 96.7% had a transabdominal measurement ≤33 mm.ConclusionsScreening of transabdominal cervical length may represent a useful strategy for detecting women with short cervix on transvaginal ultrasound.
MicroRNA expression differs in cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas and healthy skin of immunocompetent individuals
Authors: Bruegger Christelle , Kempf Werner , Spoerri Iris , Arnold Andreas W. , Itin Peter H. , Burger Bettina 
Published: April 2013

AbstractCutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of the most common skin cancers, but the influence of microRNA (miRNA) expression has only been sporadically analysed. We hypothesized that miRNAs are differentially expressed in cSCC and hence influence its development. We therefore isolated total miRNA from well‐differentiated cSCCs and from controls without SCC. Expression analyses of 12 miRNAs showed three significantly differentially expressed miRNAs. We identified a significant upregulation of the miR‐21 and the miR‐31, a proto‐oncogene like miR‐21. While the upregulated expression of miR‐21 has been known for some time, the increased expression of miR‐31 was never shown so clearly. Furthermore, we showed the upregulation of miRNA‐205, which has never been described before. The miR‐205 induces specific keratinocyte migration and could be a characteristic marker for cSCC. It has to be determined in following studies whether these upregulated expressions are specific for cSCC and if so, for which cSCC stages.
Acceptability of digital anal cancer screening examinations in HIV‐positive homosexual men
Authors: Read TRH , Vodstrcil L , Grulich AE , Farmer C , Bradshaw CS , Chen MY , Tabrizi S , Hocking JS , Anderson J , Fairley CK 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesAnal cancer is more common in HIV‐positive homosexual men than in HIV‐negative homosexual men and the general population. Earlier diagnosis leads to improved prognosis. We aimed to determine if regular anal inspection and digital examination of asymptomatic homosexual men attending for routine HIV care were acceptable and to record the rate of referral for diagnosis of potentially malignant anal lesions.MethodsWe offered anal examinations to consecutive homosexual men with HIV infection aged ≥ 35 years during their routine HIV clinic visits, aiming to complete three examinations over a 12‐month period. Acceptability questionnaires were completed at baseline and after each examination and doctors recorded examination findings and all resulting interventions. Hospital referral outcomes were collected and interventions were costed using the Australian Medical Benefits Schedule.ResultsOf 142 men who were offered enrolment in the study, 102 [72%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 64–79%] participated. Following the initial anal examinations, four men were referred to surgeons. Cancer was excluded in three men (3%; 95% CI 1–8%) and one was diagnosed with anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Three men had anoscopy performed at the time and two were referred for colonoscopy. Ninety‐eight per cent (95% CI 93–100%) of respondents said that they would probably have the examination next time. The intervention was estimated to cost approximately Australian $16 per examination.ConclusionsRegular anal digital examinations are an acceptable and inexpensive addition to the routine care of homosexual men with HIV infection.
Glass Crystallization Research — A 36‐Year Retrospective. Part I, Fundamental Studies
Authors: Zanotto Edgar D. 
Published: April 2013

Over the past 36 years, our research has mainly focused on the crystallization kinetics and properties of glasses and glass‐ceramics. A sampling of the most conclusive papers are reviewed here and include the following topics: the effects of liquid phase separation on crystal nucleation; tests and development of models of crystal nucleation, growth, and overall crystallization; metastable phase formation; surface crystallization; glass stability against devitrification; glass‐forming ability; possible correlations between the molecular structure and the nucleation mechanism; sintering with concurrent surface crystallization; and diffusional processes that control crystallization. We conclude that despite significant advancement in the knowledge about several aspects of phase transformations in glasses that resulted from our own research and of other groups, which is not described in this review, glass crystallization remains an open, rich field to be explored.
Distribution of KIR genes in Han population in Yunnan Province: comparison with other Han populations in China
Authors: Shi L. , Zhang H. , Shen Y. , Dong Y. , Li Y. , Dong Z. , Guo C. , Shi L. , Yao Y. , Yu J. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryKiller cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs) show extensive variation among different populations. In this study, 404 unrelated individuals in Han population in Yunnan Province, China, were genotyped for the presence or the absence of 16 KIR genes using the multiplex PCR‐SSP method. Our data showed that the inhibitory gene frequency of genes KIR2DL1, KIR2DL3, KIR3DL1, KIR2DL5 and KIR2DL2 was 0.930, 0.889, 0.789, 0.206 and 0.095, respectively, and the activating gene frequency of KIR2DS4, KIR3DS1, KIR2DS1, KIR2DS5, KIR2DS2 and KIR2DS3 was 0.795, 0.218, 0.196, 0.165, 0.095 and 0.087, respectively. In all, 44 distinct KIR genotypes were identified; genotype 1 was predominant with a frequency of 0.478, followed by genotypes 2 and 8 with a frequency of 0.121 and 0.077, respectively. Haplotype A outnumbered haplotype B by 2.39:1. In addition, phylogenetic tree and multidimensional scaling analysis (MDS) based on KIR genes in populations including Asian, African and Caucasians have been performed. Neighbour‐joining tree analysis and the MDS plot showed that Han populations were clustered together with Asian and were separate from other populations. The Han populations in China were separated into northern and southern groups; the Yunnan Han population investigated in this study was clustered in the southern group. These results implied that the difference between northern and southern Han populations might reflect responses to a variety of locally acting epidemiological challenges.
Prenatal and newborn screening for hemoglobinopathies
Authors: Hoppe C. C. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThe hemoglobinopathies encompass a heterogeneous group of disorders associated with mutations in both the alpha‐globin and beta‐globin genes. Increased immigration of high‐risk populations has prompted the implementation of prenatal and newborn screening programs for hemoglobinopathies across Europe and North America. In Canada, the UK, and other European countries, prenatal screening to identify hemoglobinopathy carriers and offer prenatal diagnostic testing to couples at risk is linked to newborn screening, while in the United States, it is still not universally performed. The structure of screening programs, whether prenatal or postnatal, universal or selective, varies greatly among these countries and within the United States. The laboratory methods used to identify hemoglobinopathies are based on the prevalence of hemoglobinopathies within the population and the type of screening performed.Advances in molecular testing have facilitated the diagnosis of complex thalassemias and sickling disorders observed in ethnically diverse populations. This review summarizes the current approaches and methods used for carrier detection, prenatal diagnosis, and newborn screening.
Body Temperature, Blood Infection Parameters, and Outcome of Thrombolysis-Treated Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Tiainen Marjaana , Meretoja Atte , Strbian Daniel , Suvanto Joel , Curtze Sami , Lindsberg Perttu J. , Soinne Lauri , Tatlisumak Turgut ,   for the Helsinki Stroke Thrombolysis Registry Group‡
Published: April 2013

Background and Aims Body temperature, inflammation, and infections may modify response to thrombolytic therapy. We studied their associations with clinical improvement after intravenous thrombolysis and three-month outcome. Methods We included 985 consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis at the Helsinki University Central Hospital during 1995–2008. Body temperature, blood leukocyte count, and C-reactive protein levels were analyzed on arrival and at day one. Clinical improvement was defined as National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score decrease of ≥4 points or a score of 0 at 24 h. Functional outcome was assessed at three-months with the modified Rankin Scale dichotomized at 0–2 (good) vs. 3–6 (poor). Associations were tested with multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results Of the baseline variables, lower C-reactive protein independently predicted clinical improvement at 24 h (odds ratio 0·94 per 5 mg/L; 95% confidence interval 0·89–1·00; P = 0·03), whereas higher leukocyte count (odds ratio 1·10 per E9/L; 1·03–1·17; P < 0·01) and C-reactive protein (odds ratio 1·07 per 5 mg/L; 1·01–1·14; P = 0·02) were associated with poor three-month outcome. When body temperature increased over the first 24 h, clinical improvement after thrombolysis was unlikely (odds ratio 0·66 per °C; 0·45–0·95; P = 0·03) and poor outcome more common (odds ratio 1·63 per °C; 1·24–2·14; P < 0·001). Elevated leukocytes at baseline increased the risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (odds ratio 1·07 per E9/L; 1·00–1·13; P= 0·04). Conclusion A lower level of systemic inflammation at time of thrombolysis may be associated with clinical improvement and good outcome at three-months. Increase in body temperature during the first 24 h associates with lack of clinical improvement and worse patient outcome.
Use of oxybutynin for treating plantar hyperhidrosis
Authors: Wolosker Nelson , de Campos José Ribas Milanez , Kauffman Paulo , Yazbek Guilherme , Neves Samantha , Puech‐Leao Pedro 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate the effectiveness and patient satisfaction with the use of oxybutynin at low doses for treating plantar hyperhidrosis.MethodsFrom January 2007 to December 2010, 35 consecutive patients with plantar hyperhidrosis were treated with oxybutynin. Data were collected from 30 patients (five patients were lost to follow‐up). During the first week, patients received 2.5 mg of oxybutynin once a day, 2.5 mg twice a day from the eighth to the 42nd day, and from the 43rd day to the end of the 12th week, 5 mg twice a day. All of the patients underwent two evaluations: before and after the oxybutynin treatment, using a clinical questionnaire, and a clinical protocol for quality of life.ResultsMore than 70% of patients experienced an improvement in plantar hyperhidrosis. Most of the patients showed improvements in quality of life (66.6%). The side effects were minor, the most frequent being dry mouth (76.7%).ConclusionTreatment of plantar hyperhidrosis with oxybutynin presents good results and improves quality of life. We believe that this therapeutic alternative is an excellent choice for the initial treatment of plantar hyperhidrosis.
Cost‐effectiveness of pharmacotherapy forCOPDin ambulatory care: a review
Authors: Simoens Steven 
Published: April 2013

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesThis article conducts a literature review about the cost‐effectiveness of pharmacotherapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in ambulatory care.MethodsRelevant economic evaluations were identified by searching Medline (PubMed) and the National Health Service (NHS) Economic Evaluation Database. The search strategy focused on literature reviews and primary economic evaluations. Economic evaluations were included, which compared pharmacotherapy forCOPD, chronic bronchitis or pulmonary emphysema with an alternative in terms of costs and health outcomes.ResultsThe majority of economic evaluations show that pharmacotherapy forCOPDin ambulatory care is cost‐effective. Cost‐effectiveness derives from an improvement in lung function and a reduction in the number of exacerbations, which translates into cost savings from fewer hospitalizations. Pharmacotherapy also tends to be more cost‐effective in patients with more severeCOPD. When applying these results to a specific country or setting, the cost‐effectiveness of pharmacotherapy will depend on the distribution ofCOPDseverity among patients, the alternative with which pharmacotherapy is compared, the impact of pharmacotherapy on exacerbations, costs and treatment patterns of exacerbations, and price of pharmacotherapy. Economic evaluations tended to suffer from short‐time horizons, restricted scope of included costs and use of various health outcome measures.ConclusionsThere is a case to be made in favour of economic evaluations from the societal perspective that are based on a decision‐analytic model to allow for extrapolation beyond the duration of clinical trials and that use generic health outcome measures such as quality‐adjusted life years.
Design and Construction of a Batch Oven for Investigation of Industrial Continuous Baking Processes
Authors: Andresen Mette Stenby , Risum Jørgen , Adler‐Nissen Jens 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA new batch oven has been constructed to mimic industrial convection tunnel ovens for research and development of continuous baking processes. The process parameters (air flow, air temperature, air humidity, height of baking area and the baking band velocity) are therefore highly controllable and adjustable over a wide range of settings. It is possible to monitor the product weight and temperature continuously during baking. The simultaneous measuring of mass and a window allowing for visual (e.g., by video recording) control is unique for this experimental batch oven. Two validation steps have been carried out. The uniformity of heating in the oven was assessed by measurements of local heat transfer coefficients and confirmed by baking tests. The methods showed that the oven is able to heat and bake uniformly across the baking area. Hereafter, the oven was validated against a commercial 10‐m tunnel oven, with a butter cookie as the test product. The investigated quality parameters for the butter cookies were mass loss and surface browning, where the uniformity of browning was evaluated subjectively against a scale of standards and objectively by L* value measurements. Good reproducibility of the baking was documented over a range of temperatures (160C to 190C).Practical ApplicationsThe purpose of this paper is to describe a new specially designed pilot scale batch oven. The batch oven is designed and constructed to imitate the baking processes in continuous tunnel ovens with forced convection. Experimental work in the new batch oven will increase knowledge of how the environment and baking conditions influence the quality of bakery products in continuous tunnel ovens.
Divergent successional pathways of stand development following fire in aCalifornia closed‐cone pine forest
Authors: Harvey Brian J. , Holzman Barbara A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractQuestionsWhat are the major trends in vegetation community structure and forest stand structure over a 14‐yr post‐fire period in aCalifornia closed‐cone pine forest? Which biotic and abiotic factors best explain variation in stand structure at different stages of post‐fire succession, and does the relative importance of these factors remain constant? Is there evidence of multiple successional pathways of forest stand development?LocationPost‐firePinus muricata(bishop pine) forests atPointReyesNationalSeashore,CA,USA.MethodsWe quantified post‐fire vegetation change from field data collected 1, 2, 6 and 14 yr following stand‐replacing wildfire that occurred in 1995. General linear models were used to assess trends in composition (plant functional groups and species diversity) and generalized linear models were used to assess trends in stand structure (post‐fireP. muricatadensity) and determine the relative importance of abiotic and biotic factors on stand structure in different early‐successional post‐fire years.ResultsSpecies richness and diversity peaked in the first 2 yr following fire, and then declined through year 14. Initial post‐fireP. muricatatree regeneration was high (mean 249 750 stems·ha−1in year 1) and remained well above pre‐fire stand density levels by year 14 (mean 15 179 stems·ha−1). Post‐fireP. muricataseedling density was associated with topographic factors in years 1 and 2, negatively associated with cover of a non‐native herb in year 2, and negatively associated with cover of an early/mid‐successional shrub and positively associated with slope in years 6 and 14. Two alternative pathways of post‐fire stand development have emerged by year 14. A high‐density, closed‐canopy pathway (mean 40 875 stems·ha−1) with early intra‐specific thinning resulted on steep slopes and ridges with low shrub cover. In contrast, a low‐density, open‐canopy pathway (mean 1250 stems·ha−1) resulted on gentle slopes and where shrub cover was high.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence of divergent successional pathways and illustrates the importance of early‐successional species interactions and topography on longer‐term stand development trajectories in serotinous conifer forests. Early heterogeneity in vegetation establishment set the course for variability in stand structure in mid‐seral stages and may persist into later stages.