bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reflex threshold assessment methodology for evaluation of central sensitisation is vulnerable to EMG crosstalk
Authors: Jensen Michael B. , Frahm Ken S. , Manresa José Biurrun , Andersen Ole K. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background/aims
The nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) is a robust measure of nociception highly correlated with subjective pain and several studies indicate that identification of reflex thresholds may be a valuable objective tool during diagnosis of chronic pain conditions related to central sensitisation. The NWR involves complex muscle synergies but most methodologies for assessment of human withdrawal reflexes evaluates surface electromyography (sEMG) measured over just one muscle and does not consider the possible interference of crosstalk from adjacent muscles. This study investigated if standardised reflex thresholds are robust with respect to crosstalk.

Methods
Reflexes were elicited by electrical stimulation at the sole of the foot and measured using sEMG and intramuscular electromyography (iEMG) from the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles in 15 healthy subjects. 489 sEMG recordings were evaluated using a standardised reflex threshold parameter (interval peak z-score) proposed by Rhudy and France [1] to detect occurring reflexes. The outcome of this standardised reflex detection were compared to two different visual evaluations: (1) assessing only sEMG and (2) assessing both sEMG and iEMG (enabling distinction between genuine reflexes and crosstalk) for the production of two respective ROC-curves.

Results
The first ROC-curve indicated that interval peak z-score allows reflex detection with high accuracy and has an optimal threshold around z = 12. However, the second ROC-curve based on evaluation 2 revealed that many recordings identified as reflexes were incorrectly categorised reflecting crosstalk. Crosstalk did severely reduce the accuracy of the performed reflex detection – a z-score threshold of 12 was found associated with an extremely poor specificity (0.26).

Conclusion
Crosstalk may severely reduce the accuracy of standardised reflex threshold assessment methodologies. Use of standard sEMG for reflex recording may cause an alarmingly low specificity of reflex detection and should be avoided whenever the presence crosstalk is suspected.
Mirror-image sensory dysfunction in the post-thoracotomy pain syndrome
Authors: Werner Mads U. , Ringsted Thomas K. , Kehlet Henrik , Wildgaard Kim 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background/aims
Mirror-image sensory dysfunction (MISD) has been described in various medical conditions, but has not been systematically characterized following major surgery.

Methods
The presence of MISD was evaluated with standardized thermal and mechanical stimuli, in a group of preoperative patients scheduled for thoracotomy (n = 14) and in patients with post-thoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS = 14). The primary outcome was areas with sensory dysfunction evaluated by dynamic sensory mapping with metal-rollers and a brush. The test procedures were repeated after 2 weeks in PTPS-patients.

Results
The preoperative patients all had normal sensory mapping. In all PTPS-patients sensory dysfunction on the surgical side was observed, while in 12/14 patients MISD was demonstrated. In 5/12 patients, the spatial distribution of MISD areas corresponded to the sensory dysfunction on the surgical side. The total areas of sensory dysfunction (median, [25–75% interquartile range]) were Day 1, on the surgical side 500 cm2 (289–636) and on the non-surgical side 60cm2 (0–379 [P<0.005]), and on Day 2, 355cm2 (266–697) and 81 cm2 (0–202379 [P< 0.0002]), respectively. Area of sensory dysfunction on the surgical side, respectively on the non- surgical side, did not differ significantly between Day 1 and Day 2 (P >0.5).

Conclusions
Mirror-image sensory dysfunction is a prevalent finding in PTPS-patients. The sensory dysfunction does not seem related to the underlying lung neoplasm per se. The study demonstrated a high day-to-day variability both in sensory dysfunction areas in the surgical side and in MISD-areas. The pathophysiological mechanisms behind MISD in chronic post-surgery pain deserve further study.
Mechanical sensitivity in migraine patients during attack, remission, and pain-free periods:A preliminary study
Authors: Jensen A. , Sørensen M.R. , Karshenas A. , Bach F.W. , Cairns B.E. , Arendt-Nielsen L. , Gazerani P. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background/aims
Data on mechanical sensitivity and cutaneous allodynia in different types and phases of migraine headaches are limited. Existence and pattern of such symptoms may advance the understanding of neurophysiological mechanisms, assist clinical evaluation of the patients, and further improve management. Hence, in a large controlled study on migraine patients, mechanical sensitivity and cutaneous allodynia were assessed together with clinical markers.

Methods
Sensitivity to mechanical stimuli was measured in migraine patients during attack (within 2 h of headache onset), within remission phase (48–72 h after headache onset), and in pain-free periods (>5 days pain-free) in comparison with sex-and age-matched healthy controls. Pin-prick stimulation was performed in the temple region in the pain-referred side using weight-calibrated pins (8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256 mN) in a randomized order (3 stimuli lasting 2 s), with the patient rating the sensation on a 10-point numerical scale. Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) was assessed using a handheld algometer (1 cm2 rubber probe) over the anterior aspect of the temporal muscle (30 kPa/s, 3 times).

Results
Preliminary analysis revealed increased mechanical sensitivity to Pin-prick during all phases in migraine patients (n = 4) compared to healthy controls (n = 5), and likewise increased during attack and remission phases compared to pain-free periods within patients. PPT, assessing mainly muscle nociception, showed a tendency to decline during attack and remission phases (89 ± 13% and 82 ± 6%, respectively) compared to pain-free periods, with even higher sensitivity during attack and remission phases (80 ± 12% and 75 ± 11.1%, respectively) compared to healthy controls.

Conclusions
The current preliminary observed tendencies imply the presence of mechanical hypersensitivity in migraine patients with a notable change during attack and remission phases. This study is ongoing and no firm conclusion can be stated. In addition, alteration of mechanical sensitivity in different phases will be correlated to objective assessments of biological markers in serum specimens of the study population.
Comparison between ropivacaine local infiltration analgesia with ketorolac or placebo for total knee replacement surgery
Authors: Andersen K.V. , Nikolajsen L. , Haraldsted V. , Andersen N.T. , Jepsen C.F. , Soeballe K. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background/aims
Optimal pain treatment with minimal side-effects is essential for early mobilization and recovery in patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery. Local infiltration analgesia (LIA) with local anaesthetic might be effective and adjuncts such as ketorolac may provide additional effects on opioid requirements and pain. We tested the hypothesis that adding ketorolac significantly improves analgesia after total knee replacement surgery.

Methods
Sixty patients were enrolled in this prospective double-blinded study and allocated to either group R (placebo) or Group RK (ketorolac 120 mg). All patients received high-volume LIA with 150 ml ropivacaine (300 mg) with epinephrine added either placebo or ketorolac (30 mg) combined with eight 10 ml ropivacaine doses (100 mg) added either placebo or ketorolac (15 mg) administered every 6 h through an intra-articular catheter for 48 h. postoperatively. The primary outcome was patient-controlled morphine consumption from 0–6 and 0–48 h after surgery. Time to first rescue administration, pain intensity (0–100 mm visual analogue scale) at rest and during mobilization and side-effects were recorded until 96 h after surgery.

Results
Six and forty-eight morphine consumption was significantly reduced in group RK compared with group R. Time to first rescue analgesia was significantly prolonged with 4 h in group RK [median (IQR)] 490 min (248–617) compared with 223 min (115–319) group R (P < 0.02). Pain at rest and during movement was significantly reduced for 48 h with the addition of ketorolac. Length of hospital stay was reduced with one day in group RK [median (IQR)] 2 days (2–3) compared with group R3 days (2–3) (P =0.004).

Conclusions
Ketorolac resulted in a 75% reduction in 48 h postoperative morphine requirements. This was also significantly associated with prolonged analgesia, reduced pain intensity scores at rest and during movement and reduced length of hospital stay.
HIV/AIDS in different cultures
Authors: Ayim-Aboagye Desmond 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background/aims
HIV/AIDS is a disease that is taking many lives in Ghana and other countries in Africa. It is a disease that has infected people in Sweden, though not as many as Africa has reported. The present investigation concerns how HIV/AIDS patients in Ghana, a cultural tropic climate, and patients in Sweden, the Nordic region, experience their pain.

Methods
With empirical data from both countries, the research will unveil how these patients cope or adapt to their illness with all the attention they receive from the environments and their native resources. Apart from the theoretical considerations where literature/secondary sources on the subject will be analysed, the investigation will administer Coping Experience Questionnaires (CEQ) and The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF36) to reach a deeper analysis on how they adapt to their illness and wellbeing. The study will also utilise both the Structured Interviewed (SI) and In-depth Interview (IDI) to muster relevant data about their experience with hospital environments, native resources, and human relations.

Results and conclusion
It is estimated that the results of the investigation will firstly, help doctoral students to comprehend coping strategies and differences in conditions with HIV/AID patients in diverse cultures, and secondly, help to understand psychiatry care of patients from different cultural climates.
Cochleovestibular nerve involvement in multifocal fibrosclerosis
Authors: Tsuji R K , Bittencourt A G , Arai M H , Santiago Gebrim E M 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjectives:To report a case of multifocal fibrosclerosis with a nine-year follow up, and to discuss this disease's radiological appearance and management. The disease is a rare systemic disorder of unknown cause characterised by fibrous proliferation involving multiple anatomical sites.Case report:A 50-year-old woman presented with histological findings characterised by similar inflammatory processes involving the meninges, pituitary gland, peritoneum, retroperitoneum and orbits, prompting a search for a common pathophysiology. A diagnosis of multifocal fibrosclerosis was postulated. Symptom improvement was noted after treatment with prednisone and azathioprine.Conclusion:This is the first documented case of involvement of the cochleovestibular nerve in a patient with multifocal fibrosclerosis. The rare association between fibrotic diseases and masses showing various clinical patterns should be kept in mind by otolaryngologists, and imaging performed to investigate for multifocal fibrosclerosis. However, diagnosis can only be confirmed with tissue biopsy and histopathological examination.
Brownian motion with variable drift: 0-1 laws, hitting probabilities and Hausdorff dimension
Authors: PERES YUVAL , SOUSI PERLA 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBy the Cameron–Martin theorem, if a function f is in the Dirichlet space D, then B + f has the same a.s. properties as standard Brownian motion, B. In this paper we examine properties of B + f when fD. We start by establishing a general 0-1 law, which in particular implies that for any fixed f, the Hausdorff dimension of the image and the graph of B + f are constants a.s. (This 0-1 law applies to any Lévy process.) Then we show that if the function f is Hölder(1/2), then B + f is intersection equivalent to B. Moreover, B + f has double points a.s. in dimensions d ≤ 3, while in d ≥ 4 it does not. We also give examples of functions which are Hölder with exponent less than 1/2, that yield double points in dimensions greater than 4. Finally, we show that for d ≥ 2, the Hausdorff dimension of the image of B + f is a.s. at least the maximum of 2 and the dimension of the image of f.
Bordetella holmesiiin children suspected of pertussis in Argentina
Authors: BOTTERO D. , GRIFFITH M. M. , LARA C. , FLORES D. , PIANCIOLA L. , GAILLARD M. E. , MAZZEO M. , ZAMBONI M. I. , SPOLETI M. J. , ANCHART E. , RUGGERI D. , SORHOUET C. , FIORI S. , GALAS M. , TONDELLA M. L. , HOZBOR D. F. 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARYWe describe nine patients (eight aged <1 year) clinically diagnosed with pertussis yet laboratory-confirmed withBordetella holmesiiinfections, a human pathogen normally isolated from blood. Most patients reported cough and cold symptoms. No death was reported. We reportB. holmesiiisolation in infants with respiratory symptoms in Argentina.
The Accuracy of Emergency Medical Dispatcher-Assisted Layperson-Caller Pulse Check Using the Medical Priority Dispatch System Protocol
Authors: Scott Greg , Clawson Jeff , Rector Mark , Massengale Dave , Thompson Mike , Patterson Brett , Olola Christopher H.O. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIntroductionKnowing the pulse rate of a patient in a medical emergency can help to determine patient acuity and the level of medical care required. Little evidence exists regarding the ability of a 911 layperson-caller to accurately determine a conscious patient's pulse rate.HypothesisThe hypothesis of this study was that, when instructed by a trained emergency medical dispatcher (EMD) using the scripted Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) protocol Pulse Check Diagnostic Tool (PCDxT), a layperson-caller can detect a carotid pulse and accurately determine the pulse rate in a conscious person.MethodsThis non-randomized and non-controlled prospective study was conducted at three different public locations in the state of Utah (USA). A healthy, mock patient's pulse rate was obtained using an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor. Layperson-callers, in turn, initiated a simulated 911 phone call to an EMD call-taker who provided instructions for determining the pulse rate of the patient. Layperson accuracy was assessed using correlations between the layperson-caller's finding and the ECG reading.ResultsTwo hundred sixty-eight layperson-callers participated; 248 (92.5%) found the pulse of the mock patient. There was a high correlation between pulse rates obtained using the ECG monitor and those found by the layperson-callers, overall (94.6%, P < .001), and by site, gender, and age.ConclusionsLayperson-callers, when provided with expert, scripted instructions by a trained 911 dispatcher over the phone, can accurately determine the pulse rate of a conscious and healthy person. Improvements to the 911 instructions may further increase layperson accuracy.Scott G, Clawson J, Rector M, Massengale D, Thompson M, Patterson B, Olola CHO. The accuracy of emergency medical dispatcher-assisted layperson-caller pulse check using the Medical Priority Dispatch System protocol. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2012;27(3):1-8.
Food fortification improves the intake of all fortified nutrients, but fails to meet the estimated dietary requirements for vitamins A and B6, riboflavin and zinc, in lactating South African women
Authors: Papathakis Peggy C , Pearson Kerry E 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the impact of fortification by comparing food records and selected biochemical indicators of nutritional status pre- and post-fortification.DesignMean intake from 24 h recalls (n 142) was compared with the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) to determine the proportion with inadequate intake. In a subsample (n 34), diet and serum retinol, folate, ferritin and Zn were compared pre- and post-fortification for fortified nutrients vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, Fe and Zn.SettingSouth Africa.SubjectsBreast-feeding women (ninety-four HIV-infected, forty eight HIV-uninfected) measured at ∼6, 14, 24 weeks, and 9 and 12 months postpartum.ResultsPre-fortification, >80 % of women did not meet the EAR for vitamins A, C, D, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6, B12 and folate and minerals Zn, iodine and Ca. Dietary intake post-fortification increased for all fortified nutrients. In post-fortification food records, >70 % did not meet the EAR for Zn and vitamins A, riboflavin and B6. Serum folate and Zn increased significantly post-fortification (P < 0·001 for both), with no change in ferritin and a reduction in retinol. Post-fortification marginal/deficient folate status was reduced (73·5 % pre v. 3·0 % post; P < 0·001), as was Zn deficiency (26·5 % pre v. 5·9 % post; P < 0·05). Pre- and post-fortification, >93 % were retinol replete. There was no change in Fe deficiency (16·7 % pre v. 19·4 % post; P = 0·728).ConclusionsMicronutrient intake improved with fortification, but >70 % of lactating women did not meet the EAR for Zn, vitamins A, riboflavin and B6. Although 100 % exceeded the EAR for Fe after fortification, Fe status did not improve.
The intestinal microbiome of the pig
Authors: Isaacson Richard , Kim Hyeun Bum 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe intestinal microbiome has been the subject of study for many decades because of its importance in the health and well being of animals. The bacterial components of the intestinal microbiome have closely evolved as animals have and in so doing contribute to the overall development and metabolic needs of the animal. The microbiome of the pig has been the subject of many investigations using culture-dependent methods and more recently using culture-independent techniques. A review of the literature is consistent with many of the ecologic principles put forth by Rene Dubos. Animals develop an intestinal microbiome over time and space. During the growth and development of the pig, the microbiome changes in composition in a process known as the microbial succession. There are clear and distinct differences in the composition of the pig intestinal microbiome moving from the proximal end of the intestinal tract to the distal end. The majority (>90%) of the bacteria in the pig intestinal microbiome are from two Phyla: Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. However, the ileum has a high percentage of bacteria in the phylum Proteobacterium (up to 40%). Perturbations to the microbiome occur in response to many factors including stresses, treatment with antibiotics, and diet.
Introduction to the series of papers on animal microbiomes
Authors: MacInnes Janet I. , Isaacson Richard E. 
Published: July 2012

There is nothing new except that which is forgotten … Marie AntoinetteArguably, the first microbiome study, conducted by Antonie van Leewenhoek with his primitive microscopes, was reported in 1673. For much of the next 300 years, microbiologists worked hard to isolate and study organisms in pure culture. It has only been in the past 30 years that interest has arisen in the study of more complex microbial systems, requiring more powerful methodologies and new approaches.
High throughput sequencing methods for microbiome profiling: application to food animal systems
Authors: Highlander Sarah K. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAnalysis of microbial communities using high throughput sequencing methods began in the mid 2000s permitting the production of 1000s to 10,000s of sequence reads per sample and megabases of data per sequence run. This then unprecedented depth of sequencing allowed, for the first time, the discovery of the ‘rare biosphere’ in environmental samples. The technology was quickly applied to studies in several human subjects. Perhaps these early studies served as a reminder that though the microbes that inhabit mammals are known to outnumber host cells by an order of magnitude or more, most of these are unknown members of our second genome, or microbiome (as coined by Joshua Lederberg), because of our inability to culture them. High throughput methods for microbial 16S ribosomal RNA gene and whole genome shotgun (WGS) sequencing have now begun to reveal the composition and identity of archaeal, bacterial and viral communities at many sites, in and on the human body. Surveys of the microbiota of food production animals have been published in the past few years and future studies should benefit from protocols and tools developed from large-scale human microbiome studies. Nevertheless, production animal-related resources, such as improved host genome assemblies and increased numbers and diversity of host-specific microbial reference genome sequences, will be needed to permit meaningful and robust analysis of 16S rDNA and WGS sequence data.
The rule of synchrotron radiation in the prebiotic evolution
Authors: Naves de Brito A. , da Silva A. Miranda , Mocellin A. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractSynchrotron radiation-based spectroscopic techniques are discussed. Their relevance to obtain information regarding the prebiotic evolution problem is pointed out. We present photoelectron–photoion coincidence (PEPICO) spectra of adenine and glycine obtained using 12 and 21 eV photons. The fragmentation pattern belonging to these molecules was found to present striking differences, which are discussed. Adenine partial ion yield in the energy region 12–21 eV is also presented. The neutral fragments were found to have very simple assignment. The importance of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) as a building block of these molecules is confirmed. A special instrumentation allowing precise comparisons between photon-induced desorption and energetic ion bombardment desorption is described. As an example, we show, for the first time, the frozen CO2ice mass spectra bombarded by photons and energetic ions, under the same experimental conditions. The comparison shows that prebiotic evolution may only be properly understood if more than one particle, as energy source, is considered.
Magnetic feature tracking, what determines the speed?
Authors: Guerrero Gustavo , Rheinhardt Matthias , Dikpati Mausumi 
Published: July 2012

AbstractRecent observations revealed that small magnetic elements abundant at the solar surface move poleward with a velocity which seems to be lower than the plasma velocity U. Guerrero et al. (2011) explained this discrepancy as a consequence of diffusive spreading of the magnetic elements due to a positive radial gradient of |Uθ|. As the gradient's sign (inferred by local helioseismology) is still unclear, cases with a negative gradient are studied in this paper. Under this condition, the velocity of the magnetic tracers turns out to be larger than the plasma velocity, in disagreement with the observations. Alternative mechanisms for explaining them independently are proposed. For the turbulent magnetic pumping it is shown that it has to be unrealistically strong to reconcile the model with the observations.