bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In the Literature: Dispelling Hallucinations About Birthweight: How Hard Is It?
Authors: Keirse Marc J.N.C. , Master Mandana , Plutzer Kamila 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBirthweight is an important determinant of perinatal outcome and future health well into adulthood. Before weighing newborn infants became enshrined in practice, birthweights tended to be based on an educated guess or, as alleged by Roederer in 1753, on hallucination. Two centuries later, they led to a Babylonic confusion between weight and maturity at birth. Even nowadays, hallucinations about birthweight and its effect on infant health have not entirely disappeared. New hallucinations still emerge and remain as difficult to dispel as they once were. (BIRTH 39:3 September 2012)
Seizure recurrence and remission after switching antiepileptic drugs
Authors: Wang Sophia Pan , Mintzer Scott , Skidmore Christopher T. , Zhan Tingting , Stuckert Erika , Nei Maromi , Sperling Michael R. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryPurpose:  Studies of seizure outcome in patients undergoing serial antiepileptic drug trials have all been uncontrolled, with no account made for the spontaneous changes in disease state that could confound the elucidation of drug effects. In addition, no study has ever looked at outcome following antiepileptic drug switch in seizure‐free patients, despite the fact that this is done routinely in clinical practice. We aimed to address both of these issues using a matched case‐cohort design.Methods:  We followed patients taking phenytoin or carbamazepine in monotherapy for focal epilepsy who were being crossed over to a newer agent as part of studies on the metabolic effects of anticonvulsant therapy. Many had been seizure‐free but were being switched nonetheless due to side effects or concerns about long‐term adverse consequences. Each patient was matched with two controls of the same seizure status who were taking anticonvulsant monotherapy and whose drug was not switched. Seizure freedom over the ensuing 6 months was the primary end point.Key Findings:  There were 43 cases and 86 matched controls. Twenty‐three patients (cases) had been seizure‐free on their old drug; 5 (21.7%) had seizure recurrence after drug switch compared to 2 (4.3%) of 46 matched controls. Twenty patients (cases) were having seizures on their old drug; 6 (30%) entered remission after drug switch, compared to 8 of 40 matched controls (20%). The two groups differed at baseline in number of anticonvulsants previously failed, which was the most important factor for prognosis. After statistical adjustment to account for this, seizure‐free patients had 6.53 times higher odds of seizure recurrence if switched to a new drug (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–61.19; p = 0.06). Non–seizure‐free patients had 1.66 times higher odds of remission if they remained on the same drug compared to switching, although this was not significant (95% CI 0.36–8.42; p = 0.532). Neither dose changes, nor drug mechanism, nor duration of seizure freedom had any bearing upon the results.Significance:  Although the large majority of seizure‐free patients remain so when switched to another agent, about one sixth have a recurrence attributable to the change. Conversely, our study design provides the first evidence to suggest that most improvements in drug‐resistant patients are likely due to spontaneous remissions, not new drug introductions. These findings have conflicting implications for two competing models of comparative antiepileptic drug efficacy, which will require further study to elaborate.
Testing for minimal consciousness in complex partial and generalized tonic–clonic seizures
Authors: McPherson Alison , Rojas Leticia , Bauerschmidt Andrew , Ezeani Celestine C. , Yang Li , Motelow Joshua E. , Farooque Pue , Detyniecki Kamil , Giacino Joseph T. , Blumenfeld Hal 
Published: August 2012

SummaryImpaired consciousness in epilepsy has a major negative impact on quality of life. Prior work suggests that complex partial seizures (CPS) and generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCS), which both cause loss of consciousness, affect similar frontoparietal networks. Milder involvement in CPS than in GTCS may spare some simple behavioral responses, resembling the minimally conscious state. However, this difference in responses has not been rigorously tested previously. During video–electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring, we administered a standardized prospective testing battery including responses to questions and commands, as well as tests for reaching/grasping a ball and visual tracking in 27 CPS (in 14 patients) and 7 GTCS (in six patients). Behavioral results were analyzed in the ictal and postictal periods based on video review. During both CPS and GTCS, patients were unable to respond to questions or commands. However, during CPS, patients often retained minimally conscious ball grasping and visual tracking responses. Patients were able to successfully grasp a ball in 60% or to visually track in 58% of CPS, and could carry out both activities in 52% of CPS. In contrast, during GTCS, preserved ball grasp (10%), visual tracking (11%), or both (7%), were all significantly less than in CPS. Postictal ball grasping and visual tracking were also somewhat better following CPS than GTCS. These findings suggest that impaired consciousness in CPS is more similar to minimally conscious state than to coma. Further work may elucidate the specific brain networks underlying relatively spared functions in CPS, ultimately leading to improved treatments aimed at preventing impaired consciousness.
Increased oxidative stress in foam cells obtained from hemodialysis patients
Authors: Gonçalves Marlene S. B. , Fabris Bruno A. , Brinholi Francis F. , Bortolasci Chiara C. , Watanabe Maria A. E. , Oliveira Karen B. , Delfino Vinícius D. A. , Lavado Edson L. , Barbosa Décio S. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPremature atherosclerosis represents the main cause of mortality among end‐stage renal disease patients (ESRD). Increased inflammation and oxidative stress are involved in initiation and progression of the atherosclerotic plaque. As foam cells are capable of producing significant amounts of inflammatory mediators and free radicals, we hypothesized that foam cells from uremic patients could produce more inflammation and oxidative stress than foam cells from normal people and be, somehow, involved in the accelerated atherosclerosis of uremia. To test this hypothesis, the levels of a few markers of inflammation and oxidative stress: Tumor necrosis factor‐α, inducible nitric oxide synthase, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide by‐products were measured in the supernatants of macrophage‐derived foam cells cultures from 18 hemodialysis patients and 18 apparently healthy individuals controls. Malondialdehyde levels in the supernatant of cell cultures (macrophages stimulated or not with native and oxidized lipoprotein) were significantly increased in uremic patients; no statistically significant difference was found between the supernatant concentrations of nitric oxide by‐products, inducible nitric oxide synthase activity, and tumor necrosis factor‐α between patients and controls. Our results, obtained with human macrophages and macrophage‐derived foam cells, are compatible with the theory that increased cellular oxidative stress and inflammatory activity in ESRD patients could accelerate the atherosclerotic process. The present culture protocol showed it is possible to use human mononuclear cells to evaluate the oxidative metabolism of foam cells, which are considered to be the initial step of atherosclerotic lesions.
Combination hemodialysis and centrifugal therapeutic plasma exchange: 18 years of Canadian experience
Authors: Farah Myriam , Levin Adeera , Kiaii Mercedeh , Vickars Linda , Werb Ron 
Published: August 2012

AbstractHemodialysis (HD) and therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) are extracorporeal treatments that may both be required in the same patient. When provided separately, 7–8 hours of therapy time is required. Simultaneous administration of both therapies can reduce time and personnel requirements. We report our 18‐year institutional experience with combination HD and centrifugal TPE therapy. During combination therapy, the TPE circuit is attached to the HD circuit through an extension blood line connected to the HD venous return line, allowing simultaneous operation of both circuits. The HD circuit is anticoagulated with heparin and the TPE circuit with regional citrate. Blood flow rates through the HD circuit can reach 350 mL/min with plasma removal rates in the TPE circuit up to 60 mL/min. Ninety‐two patients received a total of 621 treatments between December 1993 and July 2011. All treatments were completed within 4 hours. No major treatment‐related adverse events occurred and less than 10% of treatments were complicated by minor events. Main indications for treatment were ANCA (anti‐neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody) vasculitis (n = 25), Goodpasture's/antiglomerular basement membrane disease (n = 24), adult thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (n = 24), and acute antibody‐mediated renal transplant rejection (n = 8). Overall rates of renal recovery, in‐hospital mortality, and overall mortality at 18‐year follow‐up were 45% (41/ 92), 2% (2/92), and 21% (19/ 92), respectively, compatible with published literature. Combination HD and TPE is safe, efficient, and requires less human resources and time than conventional sequential therapy. It should be considered in patients whose treatment regimen includes HD and TPE.
Stability of Serotonin‐Selective Antidepressants in Sterile and Decomposing Liver Tissue,
Authors: Butzbach Danielle M. , Stockham Peter C. , Kobus Hilton J. , Sims D. Noel , Byard Roger W. , Lokan Robert J. , Walker G. Stewart 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIt is well established that bacteria are capable of degrading selected drugs during decomposition. The aim of this study was to investigate the stability of several serotonin‐selective reuptake inhibitor antidepressants and venlafaxine during putrefaction in porcine liver macerate inoculated with porcine cecal contents rich in bacteria. Blank liver matrices, sterile liver macerates, and sterile aqueous controls were included with the experiment performed for 57 days at 20°C under anaerobic conditions. A liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry method was developed for quantitative determination of the drugs investigated in both sterile and decomposed liver matrices. The method was found to encounter matrix effects not detected during the validation stage. Citalopram, paroxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine, and fluoxetine were found to be stable under the experimental conditions; however, fluvoxamine was found to be decreased by c. 50% over 57 days in bacterially inoculated liver macerate. This study suggests that fluvoxamine concentrations in cases with evidence of decomposition/putrefaction should be interpreted with extra caution.
Influence of dietary factors, age and nickel contact dermatitis on nickel excretion
Authors: Darsow Ulf , Fedorov Michael , Schwegler Ursula , Twardella Dorothee , Schaller Karl‐Heinz , Habernegg Renate , Fromme Hermann , Ring Johannes , Behrendt Heidrun 
Published: August 2012

Background. Nickel is a frequently detected cause of allergic contact dermatitis. Ingestion of nickel may lead to flares of nickel contact dermatitis.Methods. We examined nickel excretion in the urine of 164 female patients with and without nickel contact dermatitis. The associations between age, atopic dermatitis, nickel contact dermatitis and nickel exposure through nutrition (e.g. dietary supplements) and by patch tests were investigated prospectively. Nickel was measured with atomic absorption spectrometry with two different standardized methods.Results. A nickel detection limit of 0.2 µg/l was exceeded by all samples. The 95th percentiles of urine nickel concentration were 3.77 µg/l (age 18–30 years) and 3.98 µg/l (age 31–46 years). Bivariate analyses pointed to significantly increased nickel excretion with increasing age, ingestion of dietary supplements, drinking of stagnant tap water, and consumption of nickel‐rich food. In the multivariate analysis, age and dietary supplements remained significant predictors of high nickel excretion. A non‐significant increase in the median concentration of nickel was observed after the administration of conventional nickel patch tests. Patients with atopic eczema showed urine nickel concentrations similar to those in non‐atopic controls.Conclusions. The 95th percentile of nickel excretion in our study population markedly exceeded the actual reference value of 3 µg/l. Age and consumption of dietary supplements are the most important predictors. The use of stagnant tap water and consumption of nickel‐rich food contribute to the total load. These factors should be explicitly mentioned when allergic patients on a low‐nickel diet are counselled. In contrast, existing nickel contact sensitization was not more frequent in subjects with higher nickel excretion. Nickel patch testing may cause transient minor systemic nickel exposure. The findings of this study extend our understanding and management of factors associated with nickel allergy.
Homozygosity for a mutation in the CYP11B2 gene in an infant with congenital corticosterone methyl oxidase deficiency type II
Authors: Jessen Casper L , Christensen Jane H , Birkebæk Niels H , Rittig Soren 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIsolated aldosterone synthase deficiency can be the source of life‐threatening salt wasting and failure to thrive in infancy. We studied an infant with failure to thrive and persistent hyponatremia despite oral sodium supplementation. Initial analyses revealed highly elevated plasma renin but normal values of plasma aldosterone. The biochemical diagnosis of corticosterone methyl oxidase deficiency type II was established by multisteroid analysis, revealing a pathognomonic pattern with a highly elevated ratio of 18‐OH‐corticosterone to aldosterone. This reflects an enzymatic defect in the aldosterone synthase that is responsible for the terminal steps in the aldosterone biosynthesis. Molecular genetic analysis supported the diagnosis revealing homozygosity for a pathogenic c.554C>T (p.T185I) variation in exon 3 of the CYP11B2 gene encoding aldosterone synthase. Homozygosity for two other polymorphic variations c.504C>T (p.F168F) and c.518A>G (p.K173R) were identified as well. Treatment with fludrocortisone resulted in catch‐up growth. Discontinuation of treatment at the age of 9 years was later possible without any clinical or biochemical deterioration.Conclusions:  Isolated deficiency in aldosterone biosynthesis should be considered in neonates and infants with failure to thrive and salt wasting. Normal levels of plasma aldosterone compared with highly elevated levels of plasma renin indicate an impaired aldosterone biosynthesis and suggest the disorder. Recognition of its existence is important as fludrocortisone replacement therapy effectively normalizes sodium balance and growth.
Acute renal failure in Congolese children: a tertiary institution experience
Authors: Aloni Michel N , Nsibu Célestin N , Meeko‐Mimaniye Mobuli , Ekulu Pépé M , Bodi Joseph Mabiala 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAim:  Published data on acute renal failure in children from the Democratic Republic of Congo are rare. The objective of this study was to review clinical manifestations, aetiologies and outcome in hospitalized children with acute renal failure.Methods:  A retrospective study at Pediatric Nephrology Unit of University Hospital of Kinshasa was carried out.Results:  Fifty‐six children with acute renal failure were eligible. There were 31 boys (55.4%) and 25 girls (44.6%) with a sex ratio of 1.24. The median age was 6.7 years (range 1–13 years). Fever (80.3%), oligo‐anuria (73.2%), jaundice (67.9%) were the common clinical presentation. Blackwater fever (42.8%) was the leading cause of Acute Renal Failure. The incidence of severe dehydration because of gastroenteritis was low (5.3%). Around 12.5% of patients’ misused herbal plants. Acute Peritoneal Dialysis was indicated in 15/56 children and only performed in four patients. Fourteen children (25%) died.Conclusion:  A wide spectrum of features was seen in hospitalized Acute Renal Failure children and limited access to Acute Peritoneal Dialysis remained an important mortality risk factor.
The Effect of the Lactobacillus CaseiLock 0900 Probiotic Strain on the Quality of Dry‐Fermented Sausage During Chilling Storage
Authors: Wójciak K.M. , Dolatowski Z.J. , Kołożyn‐Krajewska D. , Trząskowska M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the effect of various levels of the Lactobacillus casei LOCK 0900 probiotic strain on the quality of dry‐fermented sausages after ripening and during long‐term vacuum storage. The experiment involved dry‐fermented sausages divided into three groups (C – control sausages; Lc1 – sausages with 6.0 log cfu/g of L. casei LOCK 0900 added; Lc2 – sausages with 6.3 log cfu/g of L. casei LOCK 0900 added).Instrumental color, oxidation‐reduction potential, thiobarbituric acid reacting substances, peroxide value, conjugated dienes and pH values were determined after 21 days of ripening (0) and after 2, 4 and 6 months of refrigerated storage (4C). Determination of heme pigment concentration and count of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and sensory analysis in meat product were performed after ripening and after 6 months of storage.The samples Lc1 had better quality inclusive color and lipid oxidative stability than sample Lc2. However, sample Lc2 showed the best survivability of LAB at the level exceeding 6.0 log cfu/g and the highest overall quality both after ripening and after 6 months of storage.Practical ApplicationsProbiotics are not widely used in meat products and meat industry. The available global literature presents only information about survival of probiotic strains and sensory quality of fermented meat products. On one hand, using probiotic bacteria contributes to increasing health‐promoting characteristics, but, on the other hand, it can accelerate lipid oxidation as a result of hydroperoxide production, making the shelf life shorter. A crucial element of the tests is the evaluation of the different levels of probiotic on lipid oxidation, which is the main factor that could change quality during the product maturing and storage.
The Antioxidant Activity of Chilean Honey and Bee Pollen Produced in the Llaima Volcano's Zones
Authors: Mejías Enrique , Montenegro Gloria 
Published: August 2012

AbstractChile produces a variety of bee products with different botanical origins and several biological characteristics inherited from specific floral sources. Plants and beehives in areas polluted with metals may increase the levels of these elements in beehive products. Thus, it is expected that products that are produced in such places have higher metal content. Furthermore, all of these honey and bee pollen samples have modified biological properties, but their antioxidant activities are determined by their botanical origin and metal content. The honey and bee pollen samples were produced near the Llaima Volcano (South of Chile) and studied to determine metal contents as well as their antioxidant activities. In honey, the highest values for Cu, Mn and Fe were 0.851, 1.043 and 1.82 μg/g, respectively. In bee pollen samples, the higher metal content was for Fe, with a 194.0 μg/g maximum value. Furthermore, in those samples, Pb (0.17–0.28 μg/g), Cd (0.03–0.05 μg/g) and Cr (0.37–0.47 μg/g) were detected. The total phenolic content ranged from 1,000.0 to 1,255.4 mg/kg in honey and from 347.7 to 1,286.5 mg/kg in bee pollen. The selected beehive products herein had higher metal content as well as lower phenolic content and antioxidant activity.Practical ApplicationsBy determining the metal contents in bee products produced in a potentially polluted zone, it is possible to have a good monitoring of the real impact of natural pollution such as volcano's eruptions. In the same way, these preliminary results allow one to open an alternative option to estimate the impact on the environment of the contaminant activities of humans by using those natural bioindicators, which production occurs in zone exposed to metals. Also, the modification of biological properties of these products can be useful for determining alterations in food compositions of natural products with undesirable presence of toxic elements.
Reduced Risk of Death with Warfarin – Results of an Observational Nationwide Study of 20 442 Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Ischaemic Stroke
Authors: Åsberg Signild , Eriksson Marie , Henriksson Karin M. , Terént Andreas 
Published: August 2012

Background Warfarin is demonstrated to be superior in efficacy over antiplatelet agents for the prevention of stroke, but the relationship between warfarin and mortality is less clear. Our aim was to investigate this relationship in a large cohort of unselected patients with atrial fibrillation and ischaemic stroke. Methods This observational study was based on patients who were discharged alive and registered in the Swedish Stroke Register in 2001 through 2005. Vital status was retrieved by linkage to the Swedish Cause of Death Register. We calculated a propensity score for the likelihood of warfarin prescription at discharge from hospital. The risk of death and 95% confidence intervals were estimated in Cox regression models. Results Out of the 20 442 patients with atrial fibrillation and ischaemic stroke (mean age = 79·5 years), 31% ( n = 6399) were prescribed warfarin. After adjustment for the propensity score, warfarin was associated with a reduced risk of death (0·67; 95% confidence interval, 0·63–0·71). The crude rate (per 100 person-years) of fatal non-haemorrhagic stroke was lower in patients who received warfarin (1·60; 95% confidence interval, 1·34–1·89) compared to those who received antiplatelet (6·83; 95% confidence interval, 6·42–7·25). The rates (per 100 person-years) of fatal haemorrhagic stroke were 0·21 (95% confidence interval, 0·12–0·32) and 0·43 (95% confidence interval, 0·34–0·55) in patients prescribed warfarin and antiplatelet therapy, respectively. Conclusions In addition to its established benefit for stroke prevention, warfarin therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and ischaemic stroke was associated with a reduced risk of death, without an increased risk of fatal haemorrhagic stroke.