bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What Hospital Inpatient Services Contributed the Most to the 2001–2006 Growth in the Cost per Case?
Authors: Maeda Jared Lane K. , Raetzman Susan O. , Friedman Bernard S. 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveTo demonstrate a refined cost‐estimation method that converts detailed charges for inpatient stays into costs at the department level to enable analyses that can unravel the sources of rapid growth in inpatient costs.Data SourcesHealthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Databases and Medicare Cost Reports for all community, nonrehabilitation hospitals in nine states that reported detailed charges in 2001 and 2006 (n = 10,280,416 discharges).Study DesignWe examined the cost per discharge across all discharges and five subgroups (medical, surgical, congestive heart failure, septicemia, and osteoarthritis).Data Collection/Extraction MethodsWe created cost‐to‐charge ratios (CCRs) for 13 cost‐center or department‐level buckets using the Medicare Cost Reports. We mapped service‐code‐level charges to a CCR with an internally developed crosswalk to estimate costs at the service‐code level.Principal FindingsSupplies and devices were leading contributors (24.2 percent) to the increase in mean cost per discharge across all discharges. Intensive care unit and room and board (semiprivate) charges also substantially contributed (17.6 percent and 11.3 percent, respectively). Imaging and other advanced technological services were not major contributors (4.9 percent).ConclusionsPayers and policy makers may want to explore hospital stay costs that are rapidly rising to better understand their increases and effectiveness.
Determination of carcinoembryonic antigen and cancer antigen (CA 15‐3) in bitches with tumours on mammary gland: preliminary report
Authors: Valencakova‐Agyagosova A. , Frischova Z. , Sevcikova Z. , Hajurka J. , Lepej J. , Szakallova I. , Kredatusova G. , Nagy V. , Ledecky V. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe aim of this work was to determine levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen (CA 15‐3) in the blood serum of 45 bitches. A modified procedure was used to determine the CEA and CA 15‐3 markers with the human kits using the radioimmunoassay method. Samples collected from extirpated tumour of mammary glands were histologically processed and classified as per WHO guidelines. The average age of animals with tumour was 10.00 ± 2.2 years; for healthy bitches average age was 4.2 ± 3.2 years. Values of CEA and CA 15‐3 were considered positive, if they exceeded 0.23 ng mL−1 and 7 IU mL−1, respectively. Average levels of CEA in the tumour group were 0.25 ± 0.06 versus 0.20 ± 0.03 in healthy bitches (P = 0.0001). The average CA 15‐3 value in bitches with tumour was 8.58 ± 1.27 versus 5.14 ± 1.34 in healthy animals (P < 0.0001).
Benign childhood focal epilepsies
Authors: Guerrini Renzo , Pellacani Simona 
Published: September 2012

SummaryThe idiopathic focal epilepsies comprise a group of syndromes characterized by focal‐onset seizures for which there is no detectable structural brain abnormality and for which there is a proposed functional mechanism for the epilepsy and electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities. This group includes benign rolandic epilepsy (BRE), benign epilepsy with occipital paroxysms (both early onset and late‐onset types), idiopathic photosensitive occipital lobe epilepsy, and some less well‐defined syndromes. The limits of the early onset idiopathic occipital epilepsy syndrome are not clear, and perhaps this entity represents part of a larger syndrome group of “autonomic” age‐related epilepsies. The term “idiopathic” implies absence of a structural brain lesion and a genetic propensity to seizures. The term “benign” implies that the epileptic seizures are easily treated or require no treatment, show remission without sequelae with ultimate and definitive remission before adulthood, do not have severe or exceedingly disturbing seizures, and have no associated serious intellectual or behavioral disturbances. It may be that a syndrome is benign only when it can be recognized early with reasonable certainty, thereby avoiding unnecessary investigations, overtreatment, and lifestyle restrictions. Although BRE has such characteristic clinical and EEG features to make early recognition possible, this is less constantly so in the other focal idiopathic epilepsy syndromes, where the term “benign” may be inappropriate. Mild and selective neuropsychological impairment may occur even in those with typical syndromes but it is unclear whether such selective deficits outlast the active phase of epilepsy. Sometimes the clinical course may be complicated by obvious cognitive and language impairments. In such cases, the term benign is obviously inappropriate, even when seizures are rare. In most patients with the typical focal idiopathic epilepsy syndromes, medication is not necessary.
Autoimmune and inflammatory epilepsies
Authors: Nabbout Rima 
Published: September 2012

SummaryThe role of immunity and inflammation in epilepsy have long been suggested by the anticonvulsant activity of steroids in some infancy and childhood epilepsies. The role of fever and infection in exacerbating seizures due to possible proinflammatory molecules, the increased frequency of seizures in systemic autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematous, and, recently, the detection of autoantibodies in some unexplained epilepsies reinforced the causal place of immunity and inflammation in epilepsies with unknown etiology. In this article, we summarize epilepsies where clinical and biologic data strongly support the pathogenic role of autoantibodies (e.g., limbic encephalitides,N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate [NMDA] encephalitis) and epilepsies where immune‐mediated inflammation occurs, but the full pathogenic cascade is either not clear (e.g., Rasmussen’s encephalitis) or only strongly hypothesized (idiopathic hemiconvulsion–hemiplegia syndrome [IHHS] and fever‐induced refractory epilepsy in school‐aged children [FIRES]). We emphasize the electroclinical features that would help to diagnose these conditions, allowing early immunomodulating therapy. Finally, we raise some questions that remain unclear regarding diagnosis, mechanisms, and future therapies.
Causes of status epilepticus
Authors: Trinka Eugen , Höfler Julia , Zerbs Alexander 
Published: September 2012

SummaryStatus epilepticus (SE) is the most extreme form of epilepsy. It describes a prolonged seizure that may occur in patients with previous epilepsy or in acute disorders of the central nervous system. It is one of the most common neurologic emergencies, with an incidence of up to 41 per 100,000 per year and an estimated mortality is 20%. The three major determinants of prognosis are the duration of SE, patient age, and the underlying cause. Common and easily recognized causes of SE include cerebrovascular disorders, brain trauma, infections, and low antiepileptic drug levels in patients with epilepsy. Less common causes present a clinical and diagnostic challenge, but are major determinants of prognosis. Among them, inflammatory causes and inborn errors of metabolism have gained wide interest; recent insights into these causes have contributed to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of SE and its appropriate treatment. This review focuses on the different etiologies of SE and emphasizes the importance of prompt recognition and treatment of the underlying causes.
A Systematic Review of the Clinical Performance of Tooth‐Retained and Implant‐Retained Double Crown Prostheses with a Follow‐Up of ≥3 Years
Authors: Verma Rohini , Joda Tim , Brägger Urs , Wittneben Julia‐Gabriela 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPurpose: The objective of this review was to systematically screen the literature for data related to the survival and complication rates observed with dental or implant double crown abutments and removable prostheses under functional loading for at least 3 years.Materials and Methods: A systematic review of the dental literature from January 1966 to December 2009 was performed in electronic databases (PubMed and Embase) as well as by an extensive hand search to investigate the clinical outcomes of double crown reconstructions.Results: From the total of 2412 titles retrieved from the search, 65 were selected for full‐text review. Subsequently, 17 papers were included for data extraction. An estimation of the cumulative survival and complication rates was not feasible due to the lack of detailed information. Tooth survival rates for telescopic abutment teeth ranged from 82.5% to 96.5% after an observation period of 3.4 to 6 years, and for tooth‐supported double crown retained dentures from 66.7% to 98.6% after an observation period of 6 to 10 years. The survival rates of implants were between 97.9% and 100% and for telescopic‐retained removable dental prostheses with two mandibular implants, 100% after 3.0 and 10.4 years. The major biological complications affecting the tooth abutments were gingival inflammation, periodontal disease, and caries. The most frequent technical complications were loss of cementation and loss of facings.Conclusions: The main findings of this review are: (I) double crown tooth abutments and dentures demonstrated a wide range of survival rates. (II) Implant‐supported mandibular overdentures demonstrated a favorable long‐term prognosis. (III) A greater need for prosthetic maintenance is required for both tooth‐supported and implant‐supported reconstructions. (IV) Future areas of research would involve designing appropriate longitudinal studies for comparisons of survival and complication rates of different reconstruction designs.
Clinical Impact of an Open‐Irrigated Radiofrequency Catheter with Direct Force Measurement on Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Authors: MARTINEK MARTIN , LEMES CHRISTINE , SIGMUND ELISABETH , DERNDORFER MICHAEL , AICHINGER JOSEF , WINTER SIEGMUND , NESSER HANS‐JOACHIM , PÜRERFELLNER HELMUT 
Published: September 2012

Background: Electrode‐tissue contact is crucial for adequate lesion formation in radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA).
Objective: We assessed the impact of direct catheter force measurement on acute procedural parameters during RFCA of atrial fibrillation (AF).
Methods: Fifty consecutive patients (28 male) with paroxysmal AF who underwent their first procedure of circumferential pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) were assigned to either RFCA using (1) a standard 3.5‐mm open‐irrigated‐tip catheter or (2) a catheter with contact force measurement capabilities. Using the endpoint of PVI with entry and exit block, acute procedural parameters were assessed.
Results: Procedural data showed a remarkable decline in ablation time (radiofrequency time needed for PVI) from 50.5 ± 15.9 to 39.0 ± 11.0 minutes (P = 0.007) with a reduction in overall procedure duration from 185 ± 46 to 154 ± 39 minutes (P = 0.022). In parallel, the total energy delivered could be significantly reduced from 70,926 ± 19,470 to 58,511 ± 14,655 Ws (P = 0.019). The number of acute PV reconnections declined from 36% to 12% (P = 0.095).
Conclusions: The use of contact force sensing technology is able to significantly reduce ablation and procedure times in PVI. In addition, energy delivery is substantially reduced by avoiding radiofrequency ablation in positions with insufficient surface contact. Procedural efficacy and safety of this new feature have to be evaluated in larger cohorts. (PACE 2012; 35:1312–1318)
Electrocardiographic Patterns during Left Ventricular Epicardial Pacing
Authors: JASTRZEBSKI MAREK , FIJOREK KAMIL , CZARNECKA DANUTA 
Published: September 2012

Background: There is a paucity of data concerning the use of QRS morphology patterns for identifying pacing sites during left ventricle (LV)‐only epicardial pacing in patients with a biventricular device. The objective of this study was to identify QRS patterns during LV‐only pacing, and to establish their relationship with LV lead position. In addition, to validate the diagnostic performance of such electrocardiogram (ECG) patterns for predicting posterolateral versus anterior and apical versus nonapical LV pacing site.
Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed data from 376 cardiac resynchronization therapy device patients. Data analyzed included ECGs registered during LV‐only VVI pacing, fluoroscopic projections, and lateral chest roentgenograms that documented postimplantation LV lead position. Phase one of the study involved categorization of the ECG patterns of the first 66 study cases. Phase two of the study examined the association between ECG pattern and different LV lead positions.
Results: As the LV epicardial pacing site became more anteroapical, the LV‐only paced QRS complexes in the precordial leads became more negative. Three ECG patterns were identified (posterolateral, intermediate, and anteroapical), and their distribution was found to be associated with LV lead position (P < 0.001). The posterolateral ECG pattern was mostly observed in cases where the LV lead was in the posterolateral area (diagnostic accuracy of 89.1% for predicting a nonapical LV lead position). The anteroapical ECG pattern was associated with LV leads in anteroapical segments (specificity of 98.5%, accuracy of 89.1% for predicting an anteroapical pacing site).
Conclusions: Posterolateral and anteroapical ECG patterns are highly predictive of LV lead position. (PACE 2012; 35:1361–1368)
Clinical Observations and Outcome of Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: HERWEG BENGT , ILERCIL ARZU , KRISTOF‐KUTEYEVA OLGA , RINDE‐HOFFMAN DEBBIE , CALDEIRA CHRISTIANO , MANGAR DEVANAND , KARLNOSKY RACHEL , BAROLD S. SERGE 
Published: September 2012

Background: Ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) is challenging and not well documented. This report describes our experience with endocardial VT ablation in six patients with an LVAD.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of LVAD patients who underwent an ablation procedure for refractory VT.
Results: A total of eight ablation procedures were performed in six patients who, during the last 2 weeks before the ablation procedure, received a total of 101 appropriate shocks for VT. A closed aortic valve (n = 2) or aortic atheroma (n = 1) required a transseptal catheterization in three of six patients. The apical LVAD cannula served as a VT substrate in two of six patients. VT was eliminated in four patients and markedly reduced in two others. The latter two patients experienced a total of only four implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shocks during a follow‐up of 130 and 493 days. Intravenous antiarrhythmic medications used in five of six patients before ablation were discontinued in all. The ablation procedures permitted hospital discharge in four of six patients. Five patients died during follow‐up (228 ± 207 days after the procedure). The cause of death was unrelated to cardiac arrhythmias. One patient is still alive 1,205 days after the procedure.
Conclusion: Ablation of VT in LVAD patients is feasible and can result in a markedly decreased VT burden with a reduction of ICD shocks. The subsequent discontinuation of intravenous antiarrhythmic medications may facilitate hospital discharge. (PACE 2012; 35:1377–1383)
Reversal of subcellular remodelling by losartan in heart failure due to myocardial infarction
Authors: Babick Andrea , Chapman Donald , Zieroth Shelley , Elimban Vijayan , Dhalla Naranjan S. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis study tested the reversal of subcellular remodelling in heart failure due to myocardial infarction (MI) upon treatment with losartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Twelve weeks after inducing MI, rats were treated with or without losartan (20 mg/kg; daily) for 8 weeks and assessed for cardiac function, cardiac remodelling, subcellular alterations and plasma catecholamines. Cardiac hypertrophy and lung congestion in 20 weeks MI‐induced heart failure were associated with increases in plasma catecholamine levels. Haemodynamic examination revealed depressed cardiac function, whereas echocardiographic analysis showed impaired cardiac performance and marked increases in left ventricle wall thickness and chamber dilatation at 20 weeks of inducing MI. These changes in cardiac function, cardiac remodelling and plasma dopamine levels in heart failure were partially or fully reversed by losartan. Sarcoplasmic reticular (SR) Ca2+‐pump activity and protein expression, protein and gene expression for phospholamban, as well as myofibrillar (MF) Ca2+‐stimulated ATPase activity and α‐myosin heavy chain mRNA levels were depressed, whereas β‐myosin heavy chain expression was increased in failing hearts; these alterations were partially reversed by losartan. Although SR Ca2+‐release activity and mRNA levels for SR Ca2+‐pump were decreased in failing heart, these changes were not reversed upon losartan treatment; no changes in mRNA levels for SR Ca2+‐release channels were observed in untreated or treated heart failure. These results suggest that the partial improvement of cardiac performance in heart failure due to MI by losartan treatment is associated with partial reversal of cardiac remodelling as well as partial recovery of SR and MF functions.
Rho‐kinase mediates diphosphorylation of myosin regulatory light chain in cultured uterine, but not vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Aguilar Hector N. , Tracey Curtis N. , Zielnik Barbara , Mitchell Bryan F. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPhosphorylation of myosin regulatory light chain (RLC) triggers contraction in smooth muscle myocytes. Dephosphorylation of phosphorylated RLC (pRLC) is mediated by myosin RLC phosphatase (MLCP), which is negatively regulated by rho‐associated kinase (ROK). We have compared basal and stimulated concentrations of pRLC in myocytes from human coronary artery (hVM), which has a tonic contractile pattern to myocytes from human uterus (hUM), which has a phasic contractile pattern. Our studies reveal fundamental differences between hVM and hUM regarding the mechanisms regulating phosphorylation RLC. Whereas hVM responded to stimulation by phosphorylation of RLC at S19, hUM responded by forming diphosphorylated RLC (at T18 and S19; ppRLC), which, compared to pRLC, causes two to threefold greater activation of myosin ATPase that provides energy to power the contraction. Importantly, the conversion of pRLC to ppRLC is mediated by ROK. In hUM, MLCP has high activity for ppRLC and this is inhibited by ROK through phosphorylation of the substrate targeting subunit (MYPT1) at T853. Inhibitors of ROK significantly reduce contractility in both hVM and hUM. We demonstrated that inhibition of ppRLC in phasic myocytes (hUM) is 100‐fold more sensitive to ROK inhibitors than is pRLC in tonic myocytes (hVM). We speculate that these differences in phosphorylation of RLC might reflect evolution of different contractile patterns to perform distinct physiological functions. Furthermore, our data suggest that low concentrations of ROK inhibitors might inhibit uterine contractions with minimal effects on vascular tone, thus posing a novel strategy for prevention or treatment of conditions such as preterm birth.
Immunolocalization and expression of small‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels in human myometrium
Authors: Rosenbaum Sofia T. , Svalø Julie , Nielsen Karsten , Larsen Torben , Jørgensen Jørgen C. , Bouchelouche Pierre 
Published: September 2012

AbstractSmall‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium (SK3) channels have been detected in human myometrium and we have previously shown a functional role of SK channels in human myometrium in vitro. The aims of this study were to identify the precise localization of SK3 channels and to quantify SK3 mRNA expression in myometrium from pregnant and non‐pregnant women. Myometrial biopsies were obtained from pregnant (n = 11) and non‐pregnant (n = 11) women. The expression of SK3 channels was assessed using immunohistochemistry and SK3 mRNA was determined by qRT‐PCR. In non‐pregnant myometrium SK3 immunoreactivity was observed in CD34 positive (CD34+) interstitial Cajal‐like cells (ICLC), now called telocytes. Although CD34+ cells were also present in pregnant myometrium, they lacked SK3 immunoreactivity. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical results showed that SK3 expression in vascular endothelium was similar between the two groups. CD117 immunoreactivity was only detected in small round cells that resemble mast cells. Compared to non‐pregnant myometrium we found significantly less SK3 mRNA in pregnant myometrium. We demonstrate that SK3 channels are localized solely in CD34+ cells and not in smooth muscle cells, and that the molecular expression of SK3 channels is higher in non‐pregnant compared to pregnant myometrium. On the basis of our previous study and the present findings, we propose that SK3 activators reduce contractility in human myometrium by modulating telocyte function. This is the first report to provide evidence for a possible role of SK3 channels in human uterine telocytes.
Influence of Beet Sugar, Calcium Lactate, and Staphylococcus xylosus (with Nitrate Reductase Activity) on the Chemical, Microbiological, and Sensorial Properties of Persian Uncured Frankfurters
Authors: Tahmouzi Saeed , Razavi Seyed Hadi , Safari Mohammad , Emam‐Djomeh Zahra 
Published: September 2012

Abstract:  This study investigated the effects of beet sugar (BS), calcium lactate (CL), and Staphylococcus xylosus (SX) on the general characteristics of uncured frankfurters. Minimum residual nitrite was observed in samples with a high level of BS and S. xylosus (8log10 l0 viable cfu/g) after 2 mo. There was an increase in total aerobic counts in frankfurters after 4 wk. Samples containing higher BS and CL had no Clostridium perfringens at storage time. Histamine content was similar for all treatments except SX. No differences were observed in textural properties among the treatments. Water activity was decreased significantly in treatment CL1+BS2. The results indicated that samples treated with BS or CL had (P < 0.05) taste and sensory attributes considered appropriate by a tasting panel.Practical Applications:  Frankfurters are among the most popular meat products in many countries. Health problems (such as cancer) associated with the overconsumption of cured meat have led to searches for new, alternative methods of preservation. Hurdle technology (combinations of beet sugar, calcium lactate, and Staphylococcus xylosus in different concentrations) can be developed for frankfurter processing. Results of this research will be useful for meat manufacturers; however, any new process may affect the strategies chosen for marketing these products.