bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An assessment of oxidant/antioxidant status in patients with snake envenomation
Authors: Zengin Suat , Al Behcet , Yarbil Pinar , Guzel Remzi , Orkmez Mustafa , Yildirim Cuma , Taysi Seyithan 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate the antioxidant status (TAS), oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) in patients with snake envenomation and to learn more about the pathophysiology of snake envenomation.MethodBetween May 2009 and October 2010, 47 patients were admitted to our emergency department with snake bites, and as a control group 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Serum, plasma, and erythrocyte components were prepared for all patients on admission and at the control after 1 month. Serum TOS/TAS levels were measured.ResultsNo correlation was observed among age, gender and the levels of TAS, TOS and OSI. TAS, TOS and OSI levels were higher in snake envenomation patients upon arrival at the emergency department than in the healthy control group. Upon admission, all levels of patients with snake envenomation were higher than the control levels taken after 1 month.ConclusionsSerum TAS, TOS and OSI levels increase in snake envenomation patients. The results obtained in this study indicate that the snake bite was associated with a shift to an oxidative state, and oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of snake envenomation.
Defibrillation and external pacing in flight: incidence and implications
Authors: Daly Stuart , Milne Helen J , Holmes Dan P , Corfield Alasdair R 
Published: December 2012

IntroductionEmergency electrical intervention for patients in the form of defibrillation, cardioversion and external cardiac pacing can be life saving. Advances in medical technology have enabled electrical intervention to be delivered from small, portable devices. With the rising use of air transport for patients, electrical intervention during aeromedical transfer has an increasing incidence. Our aim was to describe the incidence of electrical intervention in a cohort of critically ill patients undergoing aeromedical transfer and review the risks associated with electrical intervention.MethodsAll secondary retrievals undertaken by a national aeromedical critical care retrieval service were reviewed over a 48-month period.ResultsIn a mixed medical and trauma critical care population, 11 of 967 (1.1%) secondary retrievals required electrical intervention during aeromedical critical care retrieval. The median age of these patients was 77 years (range 32–86) and the median transport time was 70 min (range 40–100 min). All of these patients had an underlying primary cardiac condition and had been identified as high risk for developing an arrhythmia.ConclusionsElectrical intervention in a transport environment brings unique challenges, particularly during aeromedical transport. Our study in a European model shows that there is a small but significant incidence of electrical intervention required during aeromedical flight for critically ill patients. There are potential safety issues with electrical intervention in aeromedical flight; therefore, any service involved in the transport of critically ill patients needs to have a robust procedure in place to deliver this safely.
Selective Involvement of Serum Response Factor in Pressure-Induced Myogenic Tone in Resistance Arteries
Authors: Retailleau Kevin , Toutain Bertrand , Galmiche Guillaume , Fassot Céline , Sharif-Naeini Reza , Kauffenstein Gilles , Mericskay Mathias , Duprat Fabrice , Grimaud Linda , Merot Jean , Lardeux Aurelie , Pizard Anne , Baudrie Véronique , Jeunemaitre Xavier , Feil Robert , Göthert Joachim R. , Lacolley Patrick , Henrion Daniel , Li Zhenlin , Loufrani Laurent 
Published: December 2012

Objective—
In resistance arteries, diameter adjustment in response to pressure changes depends on the vascular cytoskeleton integrity. Serum response factor (SRF) is a dispensable transcription factor for cellular growth, but its role remains unknown in resistance arteries. We hypothesized that SRF is required for appropriate microvascular contraction.

Methods and Results—
We used mice in which SRF was specifically deleted in smooth muscle or endothelial cells, and their control. Myogenic tone and pharmacological contraction was determined in resistance arteries. mRNA and protein expression were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Actin polymerization was determined by confocal microscopy. Stress-activated channel activity was measured by patch clamp. Myogenic tone developing in response to pressure was dramatically decreased by SRF deletion (5.9±2.3%) compared with control (16.3±3.2%). This defect was accompanied by decreases in actin polymerization, filamin A, myosin light chain kinase and myosin light chain expression level, and stress-activated channel activity and sensitivity in response to pressure. Contractions induced by phenylephrine or U46619 were not modified, despite a higher sensitivity to p38 blockade; this highlights a compensatory pathway, allowing normal receptor-dependent contraction.

Conclusion—
This study shows for the first time that SRF has a major part to play in the control of local blood flow via its central role in pressure-induced myogenic tone in resistance arteries.
Risk-Benefit Profile of Warfarin Versus Aspirin in Patients With Heart Failure and Sinus Rhythm
Authors: Lee Meng , Saver Jeffrey L. , Hong Keun-Sik , Wu Hsiu-Chuan , Ovbiagele Bruce 
Published: December 2012

Background—
The risk-benefit profile of warfarin versus aspirin for patients with heart failure in normal sinus rhythm has not been definitively established. Our objective was to evaluate the overall comparative effects of warfarin and aspirin in patients with heart failure and normal sinus rhythm.

Methods and Results—

Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Clinicaltrials.gov from January 1966 to June 2012 were searched to identify relevant studies. We included randomized controlled trials that included comparison of warfarin versus aspirin, and composite end point of death or stroke separately for active treatment and control groups. Summary incidence rates, relative risks (RRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. The search identified 4 randomized controlled trials of warfarin versus aspirin therapy, enrolling 3663 patients. There was no significant difference between the 2 treatments for the primary end point (warfarin versus aspirin: RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.84–1.06;
P
=0.31). Warfarin (versus aspirin) was associated with lower risk of any stroke (RR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.38–0.82;
P
=0.003) and ischemic stroke (RR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.24–0.86;
P
=0.02) but had a neutral effect on death (RR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.89–1.14;
P
=0.89) and a higher risk of major bleeding (RR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.37–2.76;
P
=0.0002).

Conclusions—
Compared with aspirin, warfarin does not provide benefit in the prevention of stroke and death among patients with heart failure in sinus rhythm, but raises the risk of major bleeding; and therefore its use in these patients is not justified.
Family, Duty and Expectation: A Case for the Joint Performance of Pindar’s Isthmian 2 and Pythian 6
Authors: Clear Robert 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
This paper argues that Pythian 6 was reperformed at the premier of Isthmian 2. The audience’s reception of the two performances is explored, as well as the social and performative agenda of Isthmian 2. It is argued that this joint performance had a specific social utility: to direct the audience to construe Thrasyboulos as the heir to his father’s status and honour.
Culture, Reform Politics, and Future Directions: A Review of China’s Animal Protection Challenge
Authors: Li Peter J. , Davey Gareth 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Incidents of animal abuse in China attract worldwide media attention. Is China culturally inclined to animal cruelty, or is the country’s development strategy a better explanation? This article addresses the subject of animal protection in China, a topic that has been ignored for too long by Western China specialists. A review of ancient Chinese thought asks whether China lacks a legacy of compassion for animals. The article then considers how China’s reform politics underlie the animal welfare crisis. Through its discussion of the welfare crisis impacting nonhuman animals in China, this paper sheds light on the enormity of the country’s animal protection challenge. It concludes with an optimistic prediction for the future, despite the obstacles that remain in the way of animal protection policy change.
Cat Person, Dog Person, Gay, or Heterosexual: The Effect of Labels on a Man’s Perceived Masculinity, Femininity, and Likability
Authors: Mitchell Robert W. , Ellis Alan L. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
American undergraduates (192 male, 521 female) rated masculinity, femininity, and likability of two men (one highly masculine and unfeminine, one normally masculine with low femininity) from a videotaped interaction. Participants were informed that both men were cat persons, dog persons, heterosexual, adopted, or gay, or were unlabeled. Participants rated the men less masculine when cat persons than when dog persons or unlabeled, and less masculine and more feminine when gay than when anything else or unlabeled. The more masculine man received lower feminine ratings when a dog person than when a heterosexual, and higher masculine ratings when a dog person than when unlabeled. Labels did not affect likability. Overall, the gay label consistently promoted cross-gender attributions, the dog person label encouraged somewhat heightened gender-appropriate attributions, and the cat person label allowed for normative attributions.
“Support Your Local Invasive Species”: Animal Protection Rhetoric and Nonnative Species
Authors: Seymour Mona 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
This article explores protection efforts that have arisen in the New York City metropolitan area around the monk parakeet, a nonnative bird that has achieved a broad distribution outside its native habitat range. In some urban regions in which populations are established, controversy has developed around the parakeets’ use of utility infrastructure and potential impacts on native species and agricultural crops. This case provides an opportunity to explore animal protection rhetoric about nonnative species, an understudied topic, considering the great extent to which species have become established in ecosystems outside their natural ranges and the persistence of public affinity for nonnative plants and wildlife. This article identifies four major frames through which advocates have delivered the birds to public and legal audiences and considers how they have mobilized and handled notions of “nonnative-ness” in their advocacy work.
Stopping Decisions
Authors: Yu Michael , Gonzalez Cleotilde 
Published: December 2012

Objective: We investigated how the order in which information is presented affects when a person decides to stop performing a task. Background: A stopping decision is a decision to stop performing a task on the basis of a sequence of cues. Previous order-effects models do not account for how these contexts limit available working memory for making such decisions. Method: Participants decided how long to perform a task known as the Work Hazard Game that began by rewarding points but later cost points if work continued after an unannounced “emergency.” An additive sequence of cues indicated the probability of an emergency. Study 1 involved a three-group design with cue sequences that indicated the same risk at each decision point but whose final cue presented a high, medium, or low probability. Study 2 had a 2 × 2 design with high or low final cues and an easy or a challenging task. Results: In Study 1, participants stopped sooner when the most recent cue presented a high rather than low probability ( p = .09), despite the same emergency risk. In Study 2, participants stopped sooner when the most recent cue presented a high rather than low probability for the challenging task but not for the easy task ( p = .08). Conclusion: Stopping decisions appear sensitive to the most recent cue observed while experiencing task load. Participants responded to the same risks differently only on the basis of a change in presentation. Application: Findings may be relevant for research and training for hazardous jobs, such as subsurface coal mining, fishing, and trucking.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss Associated with Neomycin Eardrops and Nonintact Tympanic Membranes
Authors: Winterstein Almut G. , Liu Wei , Xu Dandan , Antonelli Patrick J. 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveUse of neomycin eardrops in nonintact tympanic membranes (NITMs) due to tympanic membrane (TM) perforation or tympanostomy tubes (TTs) is controversial because of the potential for ototoxicity. We sought to compare the risk of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in patients with NITMs who received neomycin with those who received fluoroquinolone eardrops.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingAdministrative claims data analysis, including diagnoses and procedure detail for physician office and hospital visits and pharmacy dispensing events in children eligible for Medicaid fee‐for‐service benefits in 29 states between 1999 and 2006.Subjects and MethodsEligible patients (age <18 years) had to have received a study eardrop within 12 months after first diagnosis of NITM. The follow‐up period started from the first eardrop dispensing.Main Outcome MeasuresWe compared the 12‐month risk of SNHL using Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for SNHL risk factors.ResultsWe found 982 SNHL cases in 134,598 children treated with neomycin or fluoroquinolone eardrops. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for 1, 2, and 3 or more prescriptions of neomycin was 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76‐1.07), 1.45 (1.05‐2.01), and 1.30 (0.71‐2.36), respectively, when adjusted for SNHL risk factors, the interval between initial diagnosis of NITM and eardrop initiation, and total number of eardrop prescriptions. The results remained unchanged for several sensitivity analyses.ConclusionShort‐term use of neomycin eardrops in patients with NITMs is not associated with an increased risk of SNHL; however, repeated doses (ie, ≥2 prescriptions) showed a significant association with an increased risk of SNHL.
Body Mass Index Predicts Risk for Complications from Transtemporal Cerebellopontine Angle Surgery
Authors: Mantravadi Avinash V. , Leonetti John P. , Burgette Ryan , Pontikis George , Marzo Sam J. , Anderson Douglas 
Published: December 2012

ObjectivesTo determine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and risk for specific complications from transtemporal cerebellopontine angle (CPA) surgery for nonmalignant disease.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary‐care academic hospital.Subjects and MethodsRetrospective review of 134 consecutive patients undergoing transtemporal cerebellopontine angle surgery for nonmalignant disease from 2009 to 2011. Data were collected regarding demographics, body mass index, intraoperative details, hospital stay, and complications including cerebrospinal fluid leak, wound complications, and brachial plexopathy.ResultsOne hundred thirty‐four patients were analyzed with a mean preoperative body mass index of 28.58. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant difference in body mass index between patients with a postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak and those without (P =. 04), as well as a similar significant difference between those experiencing postoperative brachial plexopathy and those with no such complication (P =. 03). Logistical regression analysis confirmed that body mass index is significant in predicting both postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak (P =. 004; odds ratio, 1.10) and brachial plexopathy (P =. 04; odds ratio, 1.07). Elevated body mass index was not significant in predicting wound complications or increased hospital stay beyond postoperative day 3.ConclusionRisk of cerebrospinal fluid leak and brachial plexopathy is increased in patients with elevated body mass index undergoing surgery of the cerebellopontine angle. Consideration should be given to preoperative optimization via dietary and lifestyle modifications as well as intraoperative somatosensory evoked potential monitoring of the brachial plexus to decrease these risks.
Completely‐in‐the‐Canal Magnet‐Drive Hearing Device
Authors: Mahboubi Hossein , Malley Melinda J. D. , Paulick Peyton , Merlo Mark W. , Bachman Mark , Djalilian Hamid R. 
Published: December 2012

The magnet‐drive hearing device (MHD) is a small completely‐in‐the‐canal hearing aid prototype that drives the tympanic membrane (TM) through a magnetic interface. A cadaveric temporal bone was prepared. The MHD was coupled to a nickel‐epoxy pellet glued to the umbo. Frequency sweeps between 0.3 and 10 kHz were performed, and the MHD was driven with various levels of current. Displacements of the posterior crus of the stapes were measured using a laser Doppler vibrometer and compared with sound‐induced displacements. The MHD had a linear frequency response and low total harmonic distortion. The pellet placement altered the stapes movements; however, the changes were statistically insignificant. Inputs of 100 and 300 mV produced displacements equivalent to those of the natural sound at 70‐ and 80‐dB sound pressure level, respectively. The coupling of this novel device using a magnetic interface to the umbo had a frequency output wider than air conduction devices, and its actuator was effective in driving the TM.
Micromechanical Properties and Collagen Composition of Ruptured Human Achilles Tendon
Authors: Hansen Philip , Kovanen Vuokko , Hölmich Per , Krogsgaard Michael , Hansson Patrick , Dahl Morten , Hald Martin , Aagaard Per , Kjaer Michael , Magnusson S. Peter 
Published: December 2012

Background: The Achilles tendon is one of the strongest tendons in the human body, and yet it frequently ruptures, which is a substantial clinical problem. However, the cause of ruptures remains elusive. Hypothesis: Ruptured human Achilles tendon displays inferior biomechanical properties and altered collagen composition compared with noninjured tendon. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Biopsy specimens were obtained at the rupture site and the noninjured part of the tendon (internal controls) in 17 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture. Age- and weight-matched human cadaveric Achilles tendons (external controls) were also obtained. Tendon samples were tested micromechanically and biochemically. Results: The mean Young modulus was lower ( P < .01) in ruptured (256.7 ± 100.8 MPa) and internal control tendon (262.4 ± 111.5 MPa) compared with external control tendon (512.9 ± 209.6 MPa; P < .01), whereas failure strength did not display similar differences ( P = .06-.16). Collagen content, lysyl pyridinoline (LP), hydroxylysyl pyridinoline (HP), and pentosidine (PENT) did not display regional differences between ruptured and noninjured tendon. However, collagen content was less in ruptured (0.457 ± 0.093 mg/mg) and noninjured tendon (0.476 ± 0.072 mg/mg) compared with external control tendon (0.585 ± 0.044 mg/mg, P < .001). Pentosidine was similar in all tendon samples and was positively related to age in all samples ( r2 = 0.44-0.72, P < .05). Collagen content was positively related to failure stress but only in ruptured samples ( r2 = 0.36; P < .05). HP, LP, and PENT content were unrelated to failure stress and Young modulus in ruptured, noninjured, and cadaveric tendon. Conclusion: These data imply that there may be a mechanical weakening of the tendon and that a reduced collagen content may be related to the pathophysiological characteristics of Achilles tendon rupture. Clinical Relevance: Earlier studies have demonstrated that specific training regimens to treat tendon injury can improve tendon composition and mechanical properties. This study supports the notion that treatment measures should aim to increase tendon collagen content and improve micromechanical quality of the tendon matrix.
The effect of chemical warfare on respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function tests and their reversibility 23–25 years after exposure
Authors: Boskabady Mrteza , Boskabady Mohammad Hossein , Zabihi Narges Amel , Boskabady Marzie 
Published: December 2012

Pulmonary complications due to mustard gas exposure range from no effect to severe bronchial stenosis. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and respiratory symptoms in chemical war victims were studied 23–25 years after exposure to sulfur mustard (SM). Respiratory symptoms were evaluated in a sample of 142 chemical war victims and 120 control subjects with similar age from the general population using a questionnaire including questions on respiratory symptoms in the past year. PFT values were also measured in chemical war victims before and 15 min after the inhalation of 200 µg salbutamol and baseline PFT in controls. All chemical war victims (100%) reported respiratory symptoms. Wheezing (66.19%), cough (64.78%), and chest tightness (54.4%) were the most common symptoms and only 15.5% of chemical war victims reported sputum ( p < 0.01 for sputum and p < 0.001 for other symptoms compared with control group). In addition, 49.3% of chemical war victims had wheeze in chest examination, which were significantly higher than control group ( p < 0.001). The severity of respiratory symptoms was also significantly higher than control subjects ( p < 0.05 for sputum and p < 0.001 for other symptoms). All the PFT values were also significantly lower in chemical war victims than that in control subjects ( p < 0.001 for all cases). In addition, all the PFT values improved significantly after the inhalation of 200 µg salbutamol ( p < 0.05– p < 0.001). These results showed that chemical war victims, 23–25 years after exposure to chemical warfare have higher frequencies and severity of respiratory symptoms. PFT values were also significantly reduced among chemical war victims, which showed reversibility due to the inhalation of 200 µg salbutamol.
Feasibility of Screening for Intimate Partner Violence at Orthopedic Trauma Hospitals in India
Authors: Sohani Zahra , Shannon Harry , Busse Jason W. , Tikacz Diana , Sancheti Parag , Shende Mangesh , Bhandari Mohit 
Published: December 2012

Background: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) involves behavior that causes physical, psychological, or sexual harm, and has significant health consequences. Given the prevalence of and impact of IPV, various organizations recommend routine IPV screening for women by health-care professionals. Objective: We investigated the feasibility of screening women for IPV at a hospital in India. Specifically, we assessed prevalence of IPV, method of questionnaire administration, response rate, availability of IPV related community services for referrals, environment of screening, and explored perspectives of health professionals regarding in-hospital screening. Study Design: We administered two questionnaires to consenting women; the Composite Abuse Scale (CAS) and Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST). Health professionals involved in conducting the study and in managing care for patients were also interviewed. Results: Forty-seven patients were enrolled in the study. The most reported injury was fractures (39% [CI 25%-54%]) and the greatest proportion involved spine and neck (28% [CI 16%-43%]). Prevalence of IPV was 30% [CI 17%-45%] according to the WAST and 40% [CI 26%-56%] according to the CAS. A majority of the participants used self-report as the method of questionnaire administration. Additionally, the self-report group had greater disclosure than the interview-administered group. The environment at this private hospital was considered adequate for screening and we found several IPV support networks in the community. However, health professionals were reluctant to screen for IPV. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that screening for IPV at an orthopaedic clinic in India is feasible.