bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence, Event Rates, and Early Outcome of Stroke in Dublin, Ireland
Authors: Kelly Peter J. , Crispino Gloria , Sheehan Orla , Kelly Lisa , Marnane Michael , Merwick Aine , Hannon Niamh , Ní Chróinín Danielle , Callaly Elizabeth , Harris Dawn , Horgan Gillian , Williams Emma B. , Duggan Joseph , Kyne Lorraine , McCormack Patricia , Dolan Eamon , Williams David , Moroney Joan , Kelleher Cecily , Daly Leslie 
Published: June 2012

Background and Purpose—
The World Health Organization has emphasized the importance of international population-based data for unbiased surveillance of stroke incidence and outcome. To date, few such studies have been conducted using recommended gold-standard ascertainment methods. We conducted a large, population-based stroke study in Dublin, Ireland.

Methods—
Using gold-standard ascertainment methods, individuals with stroke and transient ischemic attack occurring over a 12-month period (December 1, 2005–November 30, 2006) in North Dublin were identified. Disability was assessed using the modified Rankin score and stroke severity (<72 hours) by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Stroke-related deaths were confirmed by review of medical files, death certificates, pathology, and coroner's records. Crude and standardized (to European and World Health Organization standard populations) rates of incidence, risk factors, severity, and early outcome (mortality, case-fatality, disability) were calculated, assuming a Poisson distribution for the number of events.

Results—

Seven hundred one patients with new stroke or transient ischemic attack were ascertained (485 first-ever stroke patients, 83 recurrent stroke patients, 133 first-ever transient ischemic attack patients). Crude frequency rates (all rates per 1000 person-years) were: 1.65 (95% CI, 1.5–1.79; first-ever stroke), 0.28 (95% CI, 0.22–0.35; recurrent stroke), and 0.45 (95% CI, 0.37–0.53; first-ever transient ischemic attack). Age-adjusted stroke rates were higher than those in 9 other recent population-based samples from high-income countries. High rates of subtype-specific risk factors were observed (atrial fibrillation, 31.3% and smoking, 29.1% in ischemic stroke; warfarin use, 21.2% in primary intracerebral hemorrhage; smoking, 53.9% in subarachnoid hemorrhage;
P
<0.01 for all compared with other subtypes). Compared with recent studies, 28-day case-fatality rates for primary intracerebral hemorrhage (41%; 95% CI, 29.2%–54.1%) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (46%; 95% CI, 28.8%–64.5%) were greater in Dublin.

Conclusions—
Using gold-standard methods for case ascertainment, we found high incidence rates of stroke in Dublin compared with those in similar high-income countries; this is likely explained in part by high rates of subtype-specific risk factors.
Cerebral Hemodynamic Changes in Stroke During Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Authors: Pizza Fabio , Biallas Martin , Kallweit Ulf , Wolf Martin , Bassetti Claudio L. 
Published: June 2012

Background and Purpose—
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) negatively impacts stroke outcome. Near-infrared spectroscopy showed the acute cerebral hemodynamic effects of SDB.

Methods—
Eleven patients (7 men, age 61±13 years) with acute/subacute middle cerebral artery stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 10±7) and SDB (apnea–hypopnea index 32±28/hour) were assessed with nocturnal polysomnography and bilateral near-infrared spectroscopy recording. Cerebral oxygenation and hemoglobin concentration changes during obstructive and central apneas were analyzed.

Results—
During SDB, near-infrared spectroscopy showed asymmetrical patterns of cerebral oxygenation and hemoglobin concentrations with changes significantly larger on the unaffected compared with the affected hemisphere. Brain tissue hypoxia was more severe during obstructive compared with central apneas.

Conclusions—
Profound cerebral deoxygenation effects of SDB occurred in acute/subacute stroke. These changes may contribute to poor outcome, arising in the possibility of a potential benefit of SDB treatment in stroke management.
Propranolol Reduces Infantile Hemangioma Volume and Vessel Density
Authors: Bingham Matthew M. , Saltzman Babette , Vo Nghia‐Jack , Perkins Jonathan A. 
Published: June 2012

ObjectiveTo evaluate changes in infantile hemangioma tissue before and after propranolol therapy, using gray‐scale and color Doppler ultrasound imaging.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary pediatric hospital.Subjects and MethodsMedical records and image studies of head and neck infantile hemangioma patients treated with propranolol, identified in a quality improvement database, were reviewed. Patients with imaging before and at least 4 weeks following the initiation of treatment were included. Data collected included sex, age, location, and concurrent treatment. Student t tests were used to evaluate change in cutaneous lesion area, volume, and vessel density. Logistic regression was used to compare lesion area, volume, and vessel density.ResultsOf the 177 patients identified, 19 met inclusion criteria. Fourteen of 19 were female, and 5 of 19 were older than 1 year. Mean lesion area change with treatment was 13.0 cm2 (range, −2.8 to 28.9 cm2, P =. 05). Measured volume change was a mean of 10.3 cm3 (range, 1.5‐19.2 cm3, P =. 01). Mean vessel density change was 4.4 vessels per cm2 (range, 2.5‐6.3 vessels per cm2, P <. 01). Treatment decreased clinically determined hemangioma area proportionately less than gray‐scale and color Doppler ultrasound measured lesion volume. Gray‐scale and color Doppler ultrasound measured treatment response did not differ with sex, lesion location, or age at propranolol initiation.ConclusionGray‐scale and color Doppler ultrasound imaging of propranolol‐treated infantile hemangiomas detected a significant reduction in lesion volume and vessel density. Patient age at propranolol treatment and concomitant corticosteroid use did not affect lesion volume change.
Double-Bundle Versus Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Suomalainen Piia , Järvelä Timo , Paakkala Antti , Kannus Pekka , Järvinen Markku 
Published: June 2012

Background: Surgical technique is essential in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Purpose: This randomized 5-year study tested the hypothesis that double-bundle ACL reconstruction with hamstring autografts and aperture screw fixation has fewer graft ruptures and rates of osteoarthritis (OA) and better stability than single-bundle reconstruction. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Ninety patients were randomized: double-bundle ACL reconstruction with bioabsorbable screw fixation (DB group; n = 30), single-bundle ACL reconstruction with bioabsorbable screw fixation (SBB group; n = 30), and single-bundle ACL reconstruction with metallic screw fixation (SBM group; n = 30). The following evaluation methods were used: clinical examination, KT-1000 arthrometer measurement, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm knee scores. Additionally, radiographic evaluation was made by a musculoskeletal radiologist who was unaware of the patients’ clinical and surgical data. A single orthopaedic surgeon performed all the operations, and clinical follow-up assessments were made in a blinded manner by an independent examiner. Results: Preoperatively, there were no differences between the groups. Eleven patients (7 in the SBB group, 3 in the SBM group, and 1 in the DB group) had a graft failure during the follow-up and went on to ACL revision surgery ( P < .043). Of the remaining 79 patients, a 5-year follow-up was performed for 65 patients (20 in the DB group, 21 in the SBB group, and 24 in the SBM group) who had their grafts intact. At 5 years, there was no statistically significant difference in the pivot-shift or KT-1000 arthrometer tests. In the DB group, 20% of the patients had OA in the medial femorotibial compartment and 10% in the lateral compartment, while the corresponding figures were 33% and 18% in the single-bundle groups, again an insignificant finding. Further, no significant group differences were found in the knee scores. Conclusion: The double-bundle surgery resulted in significantly fewer graft failures and subsequent revision ACL surgery than the single-bundle surgeries during the 5-year follow-up. Knee stability and OA rates were similar at 5 years. In view of the size of the groups, some caution should be exercised when interpreting the lack of difference in the secondary outcomes.
Biomechanical Properties of Porcine Flexor Tendon Fixation With Varying Throws and Stitch Methods
Authors: Sakaguchi Katsunobu , Tachibana Yomei , Oda Hiromi 
Published: June 2012

Background: The well-known suture technique configurations used for hamstring tendon autograft preparation in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are the Krackow locking stitch and nonlocking stitch, such as a baseball stitch and a whipstitch. However, there are few data in the literature regarding biomechanical comparisons of suture techniques. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the properties of several current techniques of tendon graft suture employed in ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Forty-two fresh-frozen porcine flexor digitorum tendons were used. Three stitch configurations (Krackow stitch [group K], baseball stitch [group B], and whipstitch [group W]) were assessed with varying suture throws (6 throws, group×6; 10 throws, group×10) using No. 5 Ethibond sutures. Each group was tested at 1500 loading cycles between 50 and 200 N. After loading cycles, the surviving tendons underwent a load-to-failure test. Results: During the loading cycles, 3 of 7 specimens in group B×6 and all specimens in group W×6 failed by suture pullout. Four of 7 specimens in group B×10 and all specimens in group W×10 showed partial tearing of the tendon. Elongation of group B×10 and group W×10 showed significantly greater elongation than other groups ( P < .05). Maximum loads at failure showed significant differences between group K and the other groups (K×6, 436 ± 52 N; K×10, 419 ± 34 N; P < .05). Most specimens failed by rupture of the suture thread in group K. Pullout of the suture from the tendon was observed most in groups B and W. Conclusion: The Krackow stitch was superior to other stitch methods. There was, however, no significant effect of the number of throws on the holding strength. Clinical Relevance: The Krackow stitch could prevent suture slippage by a locking mechanism. The whipstitch is not suitable for clinical application even with an increased number of throws.
The biocompatibility of a polyelectrolyte vitreous body substitute on a high resistance in vitro model of the blood-retinal barrier
Authors: Strotmann Falko , Wolf Isabel , Galla Hans-Joachim 
Published: June 2012

The vitreous body can be regarded as a fascinating simple but important tissue, since it represents the main compartment of the eye and plays a crucial role for proper vision. Several diseases require its removal with following substitution using a liquid artificial vitreous body replacement. We explore the biocompatibility of a poly(AMPS-Na+)-graft-poly(NIPAAm) polyelectrolyte following the innovative concept of thermo-responsive behaviour, exhibiting enhanced shear viscosity at physiological temperatures. As a powerful model for the blood-retinal barrier, we use the well-established in vitro cell culture model based on highly differentiated porcine brain capillary endothelial cells. Via the quantification of the transendothelial electrical resistance and immunocytochemical staining of tight junction proteins, we are able to show that a barrier integrity affecting impact of the polyelectrolyte was only transient and nearly reversible. Furthermore, the polyelectrolyte hydrogel is characterized by the absence of any acute cell morphology, cell vitality or proliferation affecting impacts. It does not trigger acute apoptotic processes, as can be substantiated via caspase-3 activity and DNA fragmentation assays. In view of the results of this study, it is shown that the polyelectrolyte does not affect the vitality parameters of our porcine brain capillary endothelial cells. It can be suggested that the tested thermo-responsive polyelectrolyte does not affect the sensitive retinal barrier integrity. Thus from the cellular tolerance it might serve as a potential liquid artificial vitreous body replacement to overcome the most prominent difficulties of common vitreal endotamponades.
Study of the catalytic activity of Al-Fe pillared clays in the Baeyer–Villiger oxidation
Authors: Belaroui L. S. , Bengueddach A. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThree types of AlFePILCs pillared clays have been prepared from Algerian clay precursors. They have been characterized and tested in the Baeyer–Villiger oxidation of cyclohexanone to caprolactone using benzaldehyde and oxygen as oxidant at room temperature. The structural and textural properties of the catalyst have been determined by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms and Mössbauer spectroscopy.The different activities of the clays have been related to their Fe contents and accessible surface areas. The induction period observed before the reaction started has been attributed to the dissolution of a portion of the Fe3+ cations, mediated by either the perbenzoic acid intermediate or the benzoic acid co-product. The reaction was indeed catalysed by a few ppm of dissolved iron cations and the catalysis of the Baeyer–Villiger oxidation reaction should mechanistically be considered as homogeneous.
Overexpression of TCL1 activates the endoplasmic reticulum stress response: a novel mechanism of leukemic progression in mice
Authors: Kriss Crystina L. , Pinilla-Ibarz Javier A. , Mailloux Adam W. , Powers John J. , Tang Chih-Hang Anthony , Kang Chang Won , Zanesi Nicola , Epling-Burnette Pearlie K. , Sotomayor Eduardo M. , Croce Carlo M. , Del Valle Juan R. , Hu Chih-Chi Andrew 
Published: June 2012

AbstractChronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) represents 30% of adult leukemia. TCL1 is expressed in ∼ 90% of human CLL. Transgenic expression of TCL1 in murine B cells (Eμ-TCL1) results in mouse CLL. Here we show for the first time that the previously unexplored endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response is aberrantly activated in Eμ-TCL1 mouse and human CLL. This includes activation of the IRE-1/XBP-1 pathway and the transcriptionally up-regulated expression of Derlin-1, Derlin-2, BiP, GRP94, and PDI. TCL1 associates with the XBP-1 transcription factor, and causes the dysregulated expression of the transcription factors, Pax5, IRF4, and Blimp-1, and of the activation-induced cytidine deaminase. In addition, TCL1-overexpressing CLL cells manufacture a distinctly different BCR, as we detected increased expression of membrane-bound IgM and altered N-linked glycosylation of Igα and Igβ, which account for the hyperactive BCR in malignant CLL. To demonstrate that the ER stress-response pathway is a novel molecular target for the treatment of CLL, we blocked the IRE-1/XBP-1 pathway using a novel inhibitor, and observed apoptosis and significantly stalled growth of CLL cells in vitro and in mice. These studies reveal an important role of TCL1 in activating the ER stress response in support for malignant progression of CLL.
How I manage pulmonary nodular lesions and nodular infiltrates in patients with hematologic malignancies or undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Wingard John R. , Hiemenz John W. , Jantz Michael A. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPulmonary nodules and nodular infiltrates occur frequently during treatment of hematologic malignancies and after hematopoietic cell transplantation. In patients not receiving active immunosuppressive therapy, the most likely culprits are primary lung cancer, chronic infectious or inactive granulomata, or even the underlying hematologic disease itself (especially in patients with lymphoma). In patients receiving active therapy or who are otherwise highly immunosuppressed, there is a wider spectrum of etiologies with infection being most likely, especially by bacteria and fungi. Characterization of the pulmonary lesion by high-resolution CT imaging is a crucial first diagnostic step. Other noninvasive tests can often be useful, but invasive testing by bronchoscopic evaluation or acquisition of tissue by one of several biopsy techniques should be performed for those at risk for malignancy or invasive infection unless contraindicated. The choice of the optimal biopsy technique should be individualized, guided by location of the lesion, suspected etiology, skill and experience of the diagnostic team, procedural risk of complications, and patient status. Although presumptive therapy targeting the most likely etiology is justified in patients suspected of serious infection while evaluation proceeds, a structured evaluation to determine the specific etiology is recommended. Interdisciplinary teamwork is highly desirable to optimize diagnosis and therapy.
Voluntary wheel running in mice increases the rate of neurogenesis without affecting anxiety-related behaviour in single tests
Authors: Garrett Lillian , Lie D Chichung , Hrabé de Angelis Martin , Wurst Wolfgang , Hölter Sabine M 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe role played by adult neurogenesis in anxiety is not clear. A recent study revealed a surprising positive correlation between increased anxiety and elevated neurogenesis following chronic voluntary wheel running and multiple behavioural testing in mice, suggesting that adult hippocampal neurogenesis is involved in the genesis of anxiety. To exclude the possible confounding effect of multiple testing that may have occurred in the aforementioned study, we assessed (1) the effects of mouse voluntary wheel running (14 vs. 28 days) on anxiety in just one behavioural test; the open field, and (2), using different markers, proliferation, differentiation, survival and maturation of newly born neurons in the dentate gyrus immediately afterwards. Effects of wheel running on anxiety-related behaviour were confirmed in a separate batch of animals tested in another test of anxiety, the light/dark box test.ResultsRunning altered measures of locomotion and exploration, but not anxiety-related behaviour in either test. 14 days running significantly increased proliferation, and differentiation and survival were increased after both running durations. 28 day running mice also exhibited an increased rate of maturation. Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between the amount ofproliferation, but not maturation, and anxiety measures in the open field of the 28 day running mice.ConclusionsOverall, this evidence suggests that without repeated testing, newly bornmature neuronsmay not be involved in the genesis of anxietyper se.
Downregulation of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in two-kidney one-clip hypertensive rats
Authors: Chen Ji-Kuai , Zhao Ting , Ni Min , Li Dong-Jie , Tao Xia , Shen Fu-Ming 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Inflammation processes are important participants in the pathophysiology of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The role of the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) in inflammation has recently been identified. Our previous study has demonstrated that the α7nAChR-mediated cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway is impaired systemically in the genetic model of hypertension. In this work, we investigated the changes of α7nAChR expression in a model of secondary hypertension.

Methods
The 2-kidney 1-clip (2K1C) hypertensive rat model was used. Blood pressure, vagus nerve function, serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and both the mRNA and protein levels of α7nAChR in tissues from heart, kidney and aorta were measured at 4, 8 and 20 weeks after surgery.

Results
Compared with age-matched control, it was found that vagus nerve function was significantly decreased in 2K1C rats with the development of hypertension. Serum levels of TNF-α were greater in 2K1C rats than in age-matched control at 4, 8 and 20 weeks. α7nAChR mRNA in the heart was not altered in 2K1C rats. In the kidney of 2K1C rats, α7nAChR expression was significantly decreased at 8 and 20 weeks, but markedly increased at 4 weeks. α7nAChR mRNA was less in aorta of 2K1C rats than in age-matched control at 4, 8 and 20 weeks. These findings were confirmed at the protein levels of α7nAChR.

Conclusions
Our results suggested that secondary hypertension may induce α7nAChR downregulation, and the decreased expression of α7nAChR may contribute to inflammation in 2K1C hypertension.
A classical phenotype of Anderson-Fabry disease in a female patient with intronic mutations of the GLA gene: a case report
Authors: Pisani Antonio , Imbriaco Massimo , Zizzo Carmela , Albeggiani Giuseppe , Colomba Paolo , Alessandro Riccardo , Iemolo Francesco , Duro Giovanni 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Fabry disease (FD) is a hereditary metabolic disorder caused by the partial or total inactivation of a lysosomal hydrolase, the enzyme α-galactosidase A (GLA). This inactivation is responsible for the storage of undegraded glycosphingolipids in the lysosomes with subsequent cellular and microvascular dysfunction. The incidence of disease is estimated at 1:40,000 in the general population, although neonatal screening initiatives have found an unexpectedly high prevalence of genetic alterations, up to 1:3,100, in newborns in Italy, and have identified a surprisingly high frequency of newborn males with genetic alterations (about 1:1,500) in Taiwan.

Case presentation
We describe the case of a 40-year-old female patient who presented with transient ischemic attack (TIA), discomfort in her hands, intolerance to cold and heat, severe angina and palpitations, chronic kidney disease. Clinical, biochemical and molecular studies were performed.

Conclusions
Reported symptoms, peculiar findings in a renal biopsy – the evidence of occasional lamellar inclusions in podocytes and mesangial cells – and left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, which are considered to be specific features of FD, as well as molecular evaluations, suggested the diagnosis of a classical form of FD.
We detected four mutations in the GLA gene of the patient: -10C>T (g.1170C>T), c.370-77_-81del (g.7188-7192del5), c.640-16A>G (g.10115A>G), c.1000-22C>T (g.10956C>T). These mutations, located in promoter and intronic regulatory regions, have been observed in several patients with manifestations of FD. In our patient clinical picture showed a multisystemic involvement with early onset of symptoms, thus suggesting that these intronic mutations can be found even in patients with classical form of FD.