bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bronchial and non‐bronchial systemic arteries: Value of multidetector CT angiography in diagnosis and angiographic embolisation feasibility analysis
Authors: Lin Yuning , Chen Ziqian , Yang Xizhang , Zhong Qun , Zhang Hongwen , Yang Li , Xu Shangwen , Li Hui 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of multidetector CT angiography (CTA) in depicting bronchial and non‐bronchial systemic arteries in patients with haemoptysis and to assess whether this modality helps determine the feasibility of angiographic embolisation.Materials and MethodsFifty‐two patients with haemoptysis between January 2010 and July 2011 underwent both preoperative multidetector CTA and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) imaging. Diagnostic performance of CTA in depicting arteries causing haemoptysis was assessed on a per‐patient and a per‐artery basis. The feasibility of the endovascular treatment evaluated by CTA was analysed. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for those analyses were determined.ResultsFifty patients were included in the artery‐presence‐number analysis. In the per‐patient analysis, neither CTA (P = 0.25) nor DSA (P = 1.00) showed statistical difference in the detection of arteries causing haemoptysis. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 94%, 100%, 100%, and 40%, respectively, for the presence of pathologic arteries evaluated by CTA, and 98%, 100%, 100%, and 67%, respectively, for DSA. On the per‐artery basis, CTA correctly identified 97% (107/110). Fifty‐two patients were included in the feasibility analysis. The performance of CTA in predicting the feasibility of angiographic embolisation was not statistically different from the treatment performed (P = 1.00). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 96%, 80%, 98% and 67%, respectively, for CTA.ConclusionsMultidetector CTA is an accurate imaging method in depicting the presence and number of arteries causing haemoptysis. This modality is also useful for determining the feasibility of angiographic embolisation for haemoptysis.
Clinical analysis of Gefitinib in the treatment of stage IV lung adenocarcinoma with unknown EGFR gene mutations
Authors: Li Rong , Lou Yuqing , Zhang Yanwei , Shi Chunlei , Xiong Liwen , Gu Aiqin , Han Baohui 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundAs it is difficult to obtain enough histopathological data for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene detection, it is necessary for us to explore how to perform EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy in patients with unknown EGFR gene mutations.MethodsWe analyzed the efficacy of Gefitinib treatment and the clinical characteristics of 214 patients with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma.ResultsObjective response rates (ORR) and overall survival (OS) of women were higher than men; ORR of patients with rash, diarrhea, or rash associated with diarrhea, was higher than patients without those side effects. Progression‐free survival (PFS) of patients with performance status (PS) scores of 1, 2, and 3 points was 8.0 ± 1.699, 7.3 ± 0.419, and 6.0 ± 2.010, respectively; OS was 26.0 ± 1.536, 16.3 ± 1.262, and 14.3 ± 2.389, respectively. PFS and OS of patients with rash and diarrhea were better than for those without these side effects. In males, the PFS of patients >65 years old versus ≤65 years old was 13.0 ± 2.7 months versus 5.5 ± 0.197 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that PS score, diarrhea, and rash affected the patients' PFS, while gender, PS score, and rash affected the patients' OS.ConclusionsIn patients with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma and unknown EGFR gene mutations treated with Gefitinib, our findings suggest a better prognosis for female patients and those with low PS scores.
Stroke volume‐directed administration of hydroxyethyl starch or Ringer's acetate in sitting position during craniotomy
Authors: LINDROOS A.‐C. B. , NIIYA T. , SILVASTI‐LUNDELL M. , RANDELL T. , HERNESNIEMI J. , NIEMI T. T. 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundTo determine the volumes required for stable haemodynamics and possible effects on the coagulation, we studied stroke volume (SV)‐directed administration of hydroxyethyl starch (HES 130 kDa/0.4) and Ringer's acetate (RAC) in neurosurgical patients operated on in a sitting position.MethodsThirty craniotomy patients were randomised to receive either HES or RAC. Before positioning, SV, measured by arterial pressure waveform analysis, was maximised by boluses of fluid until SV did not increase more than 10%. SV was maintained by repeated administration of fluid. RAC 3 ml/kg/h was infused in both groups during surgery.ResultsComparable haemodynamics were achieved with the mean [standard deviation (SD)] cumulative doses of HES or RAC 271 (47) or 264 (50) ml (P = 0.699) before the sitting position. Mean (SD) doses of HES or RAC at 30 min after the positioning were 343 (94) or 450 (156) ml (P = 0.036), and at the end of surgery 464 (284) or 707 (425) ml, respectively (P = 0.087). The intraoperative fluid balance was more positive in the RAC than in the HES group [P = 0.044, 95% confidence interval (CI) −978 to −14]. Cardiac and stroke volume indexes [CI and stroke volume index (SVI)] increased in the HES group (P < 0.05) but not in the RAC group [non significant (N.S.)]. Neither coagulation profile nor blood loss differed between the groups.ConclusionFluid filling with HES boluses resulted in a positive response in CI and SVI during the sitting position. The 34% smaller volume of HES than crystalloid and less positive fluid balance in the HES group might be important in craniotomy patients with decreased brain compliance.
Development of sensitization to methamphetamine in offspring prenatally exposed to morphine, methadone and buprenorphine
Authors: Chiang Yao‐Chang , Hung Tsai‐Wei , Ho Ing‐Kang 
Published: April 2013

AbstractHeroin use among young women of reproductive age has drawn much attention around the world. However, there is lack of information on the long‐term effects of prenatal exposure to opioids on their offspring. Our previous study demonstrated that prenatally buprenorphine‐exposed offspring showed a marked change in the cross‐tolerance to morphine compared with other groups. In the current study, this animal model was used to study effects of methamphetamine (METH)‐induced behavioral sensitization in the offspring at their adulthood. The results showed no differences in either basal or acute METH‐induced locomotor activity in any of the groups of animals tested. When male offspring received METH injections of 2 mg/kg, i.p., once a day for 5 days, behavioral sensitization was induced, as determined by motor activity. Furthermore, the distance and rate of development (slope) of locomotor activity and conditioned place preference induced by METH were significantly increased in the prenatally buprenorphine‐exposed animals compared with those in other groups. The dopamine D1R in the nucleus accumbens of the prenatally buprenorphine‐exposed offspring had lower mRNA expression; but no significant changes in the μ‐, κ‐opioid, nociceptin, D2R and D3R receptors were noted. Furthermore, significant alterations were observed in the basal level of cAMP and the D1R agonist enhanced adenylyl cyclase activity in the prenatally buprenorphine‐exposed group. Overall, the study demonstrates that D1R and its downregulated cAMP signals are involved in enhancing METH‐induced behavioral sensitization in prenatally buprenorphine‐exposed offspring. The study reveals that prenatal exposure to buprenorphine caused long‐term effects on offspring and affected the dopaminergic system‐related reward mechanism.
A Novel Mutation in FGD4/FRABIN Causes Charcot Marie Tooth Disease Type 4H in Patients from a Consanguineous Tunisian Family
Authors: Boubaker Chokri , Hsairi‐Guidara Inès , Castro Christel , Ayadi Ines , Boyer Amandine , Kerkeni Emna , Courageot Joël , Abid Imen , Bernard Rafaëlle , Bonello‐Palot Nathalie , Kamoun Fatma , Cheikh Hassen Ben , Lévy Nicolas , Triki Chahnez , Delague Valérie 
Published: April 2013

SummaryCharcot‐Marie‐Tooth (CMT) disease constitutes a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of hereditary neuropathies characterized by progressive muscular and sensory loss in the distal extremities with chronic distal weakness, deformation of the feet, and loss of deep tendon reflexes. CMT4H is an autosomal recessive demyelinating subtype of CMT, due to mutations in FGD4/FRABIN, for which nine mutations are described to date. In this study, we describe three patients from a consanguineous Tunisian family, presenting with severe, early onset, slowly progressive, autosomal recessive demyelinating CMT, complicated by mild to severe kyphoscoliosis, consistent with CMT4H. In these patients, we report the identification of a novel homozygous frameshift mutation in FGD4: c.514_515insG; p.Ala172Glyfs*27. Our study reports the first mutation identified in FGD4 in Tunisian patients affected with CMT. It further confirms the important clinical heterogeneity observed in patients with mutations in FGD4 and the lack of phenotype/genotype correlations in CMT4H. Our results suggest that FGD4 should be screened in other early‐onset CMT subtypes, regardless of the severity of the phenotype, and particularly in patients of consanguineous descent. In Tunisians, as in other populations with high consanguinity rates, screening of genes responsible for rare autosomal recessive CMT subtypes should be prioritized.
Wilson Disease Mutation Pattern with Genotype‐Phenotype Correlations from Western India: Confirmation of p.C271* as a Common Indian Mutation and Identification of 14 Novel Mutations
Authors: Aggarwal Annu , Chandhok Gursimran , Todorov Theodor , Parekh Saloni , Tilve Sharada , Zibert Andree , Bhatt Mohit , Schmidt Hartmut H.‐J. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryWilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting from mutations in the ATP7B gene, with over 600 mutations described. Identification of mutations has made genetic diagnosis of WD feasible in many countries. The heterogeneity of ATP7B mutants is, however, yet to be identified in the Indian population. We analyzed the mutational pattern of WD in a large region of Western India. We studied patients (n = 52) for ATP7B gene mutations in a cohort of families with WD and also in first‐degree relatives (n = 126). All 21 exon–intron boundaries of the WD gene were amplified and directly sequenced. We identified 36 different disease‐causing mutations (31 exonic and five intronic splice site variants). Fourteen novel mutations were identified. Exons 2, 8, 13, 14, and 18 accounted for the majority of mutations (86.4%). A previously recognized mutation, p.C271*, and the novel mutation p.E122fs, were the most common mutations with allelic frequencies of 20.2% and 10.6%, respectively. Frequent homozygous mutations (58.9%) and disease severity assessments allowed analysis of genotype–phenotype correlations. Our study significantly adds to the emerging data from other parts of India suggesting that p.C271* may be the most frequent mutation across India, and may harbor a moderate to severely disabling phenotype with limited variability.
Postnatal steroids in extremely low birth weight infants: betamethasone or hydrocortisone?
Authors: Ben Said Mohamed , Hays Stéphane , Loys Claire‐Marie , Coletto Ludivine , Godbert Isabelle , Picaud Jean‐Charles 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimTo compare the efficacy and tolerance of betamethasone (BTM) and hydrocortisone (HC) in weaning extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) from the ventilator.MethodsMonocentric, retrospective, cohort analysis based on prospective, standardized collection of data between 2005 and 2011 in ELBW receiving postnatal steroids (PS) after the second week of life. We used BTM for the first 4 years, and thereafter HC. We compared extubation rates, growth, glycaemia and blood pressure.ResultsSixty‐seven infants received PS: 35 BTM and 32 HC. Most infants (83% BTM vs. 72% HC) were extubated during treatment (p = 0.281). During PS, the need for insulin was similar. Mean arterial blood pressure was similar at day 3 of PS, but was significantly lower in infants treated by BTM 30 days after the end of treatment. The z‐scores for body weight and head circumference indicated significantly greater loss in BTM than HC group. This persisted only for body weight after adjustment for differences in energy intake and corticosteroid dose.ConclusionOur study suggests that HC may be as efficient as BTM in facilitating the extubation of ELBW infants, without short‐term adverse effects. Blood pressure monitoring and investigation of long‐term neurodevelopment are nevertheless needed.
Assessing the use of haemostatic sealants in tubeless percutaneous renal access and their effect on renal drainage and histology: an experimental porcine study
Authors: Rigopoulos Christos , Kyriazis Iason , Kallidonis Panagiotis , Kalogeropoulou Christina , Koumoundourou Dimitra , Georgiopoulos Ioannis , Petsas Theodore , Karnabatidis Dimitrios , Constantinides Costantinos , Liatsikos Evangelos 
Published: April 2013

Objective
To evaluate the mid‐term effects of haemostatic sealant application during tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) on renal drainage and histology in an in vivo porcine study.
Materials and Methods
Bilateral percutaneous access was established in 28 porcine renal units. At the end of the procedure, a type 1 absorbable fish origin collagen powder, a human fibrinogen‐ and thrombin‐coated sponge or a cross‐linked gelatin granule/topical thrombin matrix were randomly placed on the nephrostomy tracts. Four nephrostomy accesses were left intact and served as controls. No percutaneous tube, ureteric stent or bladder catheter was left in place postoperatively.
Computed tomography urography on postoperative days 1, 15, 30 and 40 was used to access renal drainage.
On postoperative day 40, all animals were killed and both kidneys from each animal were harvested for histological evaluation.
Results
Evidence of risk for drainage occlusion after sealant application was found.
The use of haemostatic sealants was associated with significant histological lesions in the renal parenchyma, regardless of which sealant was used.
No sealant was identified as superior to the others.
Nephrostomy tracts that were left without sealant application (control group) were associated with no morbidity and fewer histopathological changes.
Conclusions
Based on these experimental results, the safety of the application of haemostatic sealants in tubeless PCNL should be reassessed, focusing not only on the potential of such materials to occlude urinary drainage but also on their effect on renal histology.
Further investigation is considered necessary.
Specialized Seed Dispersal in Epiphytic Cacti and Convergence with Mistletoes
Authors: de C. Guaraldo André , de O. Boeni Bruna , Pizo Marco A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractMistletoes represent the best example of specialization in seed dispersal, with a reduced assemblage of dispersal agents. Specific dispersal requirements mediated by the specificity of seed deposition site have apparently led to the evolution of such close relationships between mistletoes and certain frugivores. Here, we provide evidences for another case of specialization involving epiphytic cacti in the genusRhipsalis, and small Neotropical passerinesEuphoniaspp., which also act as the main seed dispersers of mistletoes in the family Viscaceae. With field observations, literature search, and observations on captive birds, we demonstrated thatRhipsalishave specific establishment requirements, and euphonias are the most effective dispersers ofRhipsalisseeds in both quantitative and qualitative aspects, potentially depositing seeds onto branches of host plants. We interpret the similar dispersal systems ofRhipsalisand Viscaceae mistletoes, which involve the same dispersal agents, similar fruit morphologies, and fruit chemistry as convergent adaptive strategies that enable seeds of both groups to reach adequate microsites for establishment in host branches.
Adolescent inhalant use and executive cognitive functioning
Authors: Scott K. D. , Scott A. A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThis study investigates the association between inhalant use and executive cognitive functioning (ECF) and processing speed (PS) in 754 adjudicated poly‐substance users on a series of neuropsychological tests. Poly‐substance users who used inhalants (PSI = 262) and poly‐substance users who did not use inhalants (PSO = 492) neuropsychological tests scores were compared. Hispanic Americans comprised 72% of the participants; European Americans, African Americans and Asian Americans comprised 28% of the participants.MethodsStandardized neuropsychological tests were used to assess ECF and PS. Psychosocial and substance abuse standardized surveys were used to assess drug use severity and psychosocial problems associated with substance use.ResultsMultiple Analysis of Covariance shows that PSI users who used inhalants performed worse on ECF and PS measures in comparison to non‐inhalant poly‐substance users (PSO). PSI users were younger, used more drugs and had more psychiatric admissions than PSO users.ConclusionPSI users initiate substances at a younger age and experienced more ECF and PS deficits, and behavioural problems in comparison to PSO users. The results of this study suggest that PS has direct effect on ECF and psychosocial outcomes in PSI users.
Advances in Fetal Echocardiography: Early Imaging, Three/Four Dimensional Imaging, and Role of Fetal Echocardiography in Guiding Early Postnatal Management of Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Rogers Lindsay , Li Jun , Liu Liwen , Balluz Rula , Rychik Jack , Ge Shuping 
Published: April 2013

In this article, we review a number of topics that we believe reflect new and exciting aspects of fetal echocardiography. These new advances include early fetal cardiovascular imaging around 14 weeks, the utility of three/four dimensional imaging technology for the fetus, and finally the utility of fetal echocardiography for antenatal and perinatal care of congenital heart diseases to improve and optimize outcome. Finally, we briefly discussed future directions in fetal cardiac intervention.
Potential role for anti‐angiogenic therapy in abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Vijaynagar Badri , Bown Matt J. , Sayers Robert D. , Choke Edward 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveAbdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a condition that mainly affects elderly men. At present, there is no effective medical therapy that can retard aneurysm growth or prevent aneurysm rupture. There is evidence that angiogenesis within the wall of an aortic aneurysm may play key roles in aneurysm progression as well as rupture. The use of anti‐angiogenic therapy as potential medical therapy in AAA is a promising strategy but has never been studied in detail.DesignThis paper discusses the basic mechanisms of angiogenesis, the role played by angiogenesis in aortic aneurysms and the potential therapeutic role of anti‐angiogenic drugs against aneurysm expansion or rupture.ResultsAngiogenesis is a multi‐step process which is fundamental for growth and differentiation of various tissues within a multi‐cellular organism. Hypoxia and inflammation are key stimuli for activation of neoangiogenesis. Investigations in both human tissues and animal models of AAA have shown that angiogenesis is a pathological hallmark of AAA and appears to play a role in the development and progression of the condition. Pre‐clinical studies have shown that anti‐angiogenic drugs can potentially be effective in reducing the intensity of aneurysm formation, suggesting that such drugs may potentially be useful as novel drug therapy for AAA in humans.ConclusionCurrent evidence suggests that angiogenesis contributes to the destructive processes within aneurysmal aortic wall. As novel drug therapy for aortic aneurysms (for use in humans) is still eluding researchers, anti‐angiogenic pathway appears to be an attractive approach.
Policy Intensions and the Folds of the Self
Authors: Webb P. Taylor , Gulson Kalervo N. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIn this essay, P. Taylor Webb and Kalervo N. Gulson argue that educational policy is a spatial process and that implementation processes in particular produce crucial emergent geographies for policy research. Webb and Gulson describe how emergent geographies are produced when policy folds actors through senses and enactments of policy. The idea that policy is sensed and enacted is developed into the concept of a policy intension that extends approaches to spatial and, in particular, micropolitical analyses in policy research. Webb and Gulson conclude by discussing cartographical methods that better map the geographies of subjectivity produced through policy intensions.
The Open Courseware Movement in Higher Education: Unmasking Power and Raising Questions about the Movement's Democratic Potential
Authors: Rhoads Robert A. , Berdan, Jennifer , Toven‐Lindsey Brit 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIn this essay Robert Rhoads, Jennifer Berdan, and Brit Toven‐Lindsey examine some of the key literature related to the open courseware (OCW) movement (including the emergence and expansion of massive open online courses, or MOOCs), focusing particular attention on the movement's democratic potential. The discussion is organized around three central problems, all relating in some manner or form to issues of power: the problem of epistemology, the problem of pedagogy, and the problem of hegemony. More specifically, the authors raise issues related to the narrow notion of knowledge typically conveyed in the OCW movement, a limited understanding of what constitutes empowering pedagogy, and the lack of treatment of inequities associated with the production of courseware materials. The authors go on to argue that the lack of critical analysis of the OCW movement is tied to its relative alignment with educational reforms driven by neoliberal ideology and that such alignment serves to limit the movement's democratic possibilities.
Blood alcohol concentration as a determinant of outcomes after traumatic spinal cord injury
Authors: Furlan J. C. , Fehlings M. G. 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundPre‐clinical studies indicate a potential detrimental effect of ethanol on tissue sparing and locomotor recovery in animal models of spinal cord injury (SCI). Given this, an examination of whether blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is a potential determinant of survival and neurological and functional recovery after acute traumatic SCI was carried out.MethodsAll patients who were enrolled in the Third National Spinal Cord Injury Study (NASCIS‐3) were included. The study population was divided into ‘non‐alcohol’ (BAC equal to 0‰), ‘legal’ (BAC greater than 0 up to 0.8‰) and ‘illegal’ (BAC greater than 0.8‰) subgroups. Outcome measures included survival, NASCIS motor and sensory scores, NASCIS pain scores and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) determinants at baseline and at 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year post‐SCI. Analyses were adjusted for major potential confounders: age, sex, ethnicity, trial protocol, Glasgow coma score, and cause, level and severity of SCI.ResultsAmong 499 patients (423 males and 76 females; ages from 14 to 92 years), the mean BAC was 0.054 ± 0.006‰ (range 0–1). The survival at 1 year (94.4%) was not associated with the BAC (P = 0.374). Moreover, BAC was not significantly correlated with motor recovery (P > 0.166), sensory recovery (P > 0.323), change in pain score (P > 0.312) or functional recovery (P > 0.133) at 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year post‐SCI.ConclusionsOur results, for the first time, show that the BAC at emergency admission does not adversely affect the patients' mortality, neurological impairment or functional disability over the course of the first year after SCI.