bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pleural controversy: Pleurodesis versus indwelling pleural catheters for malignant effusions
Authors: MACEACHERN PAUL , TREMBLAY ALAIN 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTMalignant pleural effusions (MPE) are a common complication of advanced malignancy. The treatment of MPE should be focused on palliation of associated symptoms. The traditional approach to MPE has been to attempt pleurodesis by introducing a sclerosant into the pleural space. A more recent development in the treatment of MPE has been the use of indwelling pleural catheters (IPC) for ongoing drainage of the pleural space. Controversy exists as to which approach is superior. Pleurodesis approaches will have the advantage of a time‐limited course of treatment and high pleurodesis rate at the cost of a more invasive procedure requiring a general anaesthetic or conscious sedation (for thoracoscopic approaches) and an inpatient hospital stay. Use of IPC will allow the patient to be treated on an outpatient basis with a minimally invasive procedure, at the cost of long‐term need for catheter drainage and care. Symptom control appears similar between techniques. Complication rates between the two approaches cannot be easily compared, but studies suggest more frequent severe complications such as respiratory failure, arrhythmias and even mortality following pleurodesis, with infection rates similar between the two approaches. IPC will likely see increasing utilization in the future but patient preference and local resources and expertise will continue to play a significant part in treatment decisions. Randomized trials directly comparing the two approaches are needed and some are underway. Novel combination approaches utilizing both IPC and pleurodesis agents have the potential to further improve the care of these patients.
Outcome, risk, and error and the child with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Brown Karen A. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryAdenotonsillectomy is the mainstay of treatment for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). However, there is evidence that the child with severe OSAS is at increased risk of respiratory compromise. The most difficult risk factor to assess is the severity of OSAS, and these difficulties are reviewed.
Disentangling the effects of geographic distance and environmental dissimilarity on global patterns of species turnover
Authors: Qian Hong , Ricklefs Robert E. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTAim  To distinguish the effects of geographic distance and environmental dissimilarity on global patterns of species turnover in four classes of terrestrial vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians).Location  Six hundred and sixty terrestrial ecoregions across the globe.Methods  We calculated species turnover between each pair of ecoregions, using the Jaccard index (J). We selected seven variables to quantify environment in each ecoregion, and subjected the environmental values to a principal components analysis. For each realm, we applied multiple regression analysis relating the natural logarithm of the Jaccard index (lnJ) to geographic distance alone and in combination with differences in the environment variables measured as principal components (PC). We used partial correlations to partition variance in lnJ between unique contributions of distance and environmental PC scores, the covariation between distance and environment, and unexplained variance. To examine the latitude and species turnover relationship, we regressed lnJ on latitude with distance between ecoregions being included as a covariate.Results  The natural logarithm of the Jaccard index (lnJ) decreased significantly with increasing geographic distance for all vertebrate classes in each zoogeographic realm, and the slopes of the relationships per 1000 km ranged from −0.251 to −1.043. With environmental differences included in the analysis, both geographic distance and environmental differences were substantial predictors of lnJ for every combination of taxon and realm. On average, the unique contribution of geographic distance to variation in species turnover between ecoregions was about 1.4 times that of the environmental differences between ecoregions. Species turnover generally decreased with increasing latitude when controlling for geographic distance. The value of lnJ for each vertebrate class was highly and positively correlated with those of the other vertebrate classes.Main conclusions  Our analyses suggest that both dispersal‐based and niche‐based processes have played important roles in determining faunal similarities among vertebrate assemblages at the spatial scale examined. Furthermore, reptiles and amphibians exhibited greater distance‐independent faunal heterogeneity among ecoregions and greater turnover among ecoregions with respect to geographic and environmental distance than birds and mammals.
A NOTE ON ENDOGENOUS TIMING WITH STRATEGIC DELEGATION: UNILATERAL EXTERNALITY CASE
Authors: Choi Kangsik , Lu Yuanzhu 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTWe investigate the endogenous choice of roles by managerial firms in the presence of unilateral externality. The choice over timing can be taken either by managers or by owners. It is shown that: (i) the choice of the timing by managers entails the same profit that owners would have achieved by specifying the timing in the delegation contract; and (ii) firms move simultaneously if the degree of unilateral externality is small, while sequentially if the degree of unilateral externality is large, with the firm generating unilateral externality as a follower; the owner of the follower firm delegates to restrict output, while his/her counterpart does not delegate it.
Influence of severity of the cutaneous manifestations and age on the prevalence of several cardiovascular risk factors in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Rosa D.J.F. , Machado R.F. , Matias F.A.T. , Cedrim S.D. , Noronha F.L. , Gaburri D. , Gamonal A. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIntroduction  Psoriasis is a disease with proinflammatory state that has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.Method  This is a cross‐sectional, observational study, with analysis of 98 patients being treated for psoriasis. Several variables were analysed: gender, age, weight, height, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), blood pressure, blood glucose, blood lipids, obesity, metabolic syndrome (MS) and Framingham score.Results  Ninety‐eight patients were analysed (51 men; 52.0%). Age ranged from 12 years to 98 years. About 67% of the patients had dyslipidaemia, 14.3% had type 2 diabetes mellitus and 59.2% had systemic arterial hypertension. Forty‐four percentage of patients had the MS and 27.6% had a body mass index >30 kg/m2. The Psoriasis Area and Severiy Index were equal or over 10 in 27 patients, 18 of whom had dyslipidaemia (P = 0.929) and 14 of whom had the MS (P = 0.327). Seventy‐four patients were over the age of 40 years and, of these, 56 had dyslipidaemia (P = 0.002) and 41 had the MS (P < 0.001). For 89 patients, whose cardiovascular risk was calculated according to the Framingham criteria, 71.4% at high or moderate risk had a PASI below 10 (P = 0.945) and 100% at high or moderate risk were over the age of 40 years (P = 0.001).Conclusion  There was strong evidence that psoriasis patients have an increased cardiovascular risk, chiefly those over the age of 40 years, probably because of the chronic inflammatory state. It seems that the severity of the cutaneous manifestations was not associated with a higher risk in these patients.
Effects of isotretinoin treatment on sleep in patients with severe acne: a pilot study
Authors: Ismailogullari S , Ferahbas A , Aksu M , Baydemir R , Utas S 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackground  There are a few case reports in literature that isotretinoin treatment may alter sleep architecture. Also studies in mice suggest a role of retinoids in the contribution of delta oscillations to the sleep electroencephalography.Objectives  The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of isotretinoin treatment on sleep architecture using polysomnography (PSG).Patients and methods  Twelve severe acne vulgaris patients without any psychiatric and sleep disorders were treated with 0.5 mg/kg of isotretinoin. Clinician‐administered acne questionnaire, psychiatric examination, Epworth sleepiness scale and PSG recordings were performed after the first month of treatment.Results  Sleep efficiency was increased from 83.5% (62.8–89.0%, quartiles) to 89.5% (81.5–93.5%, quartiles; P = 0.036) and sleep latency decreased from 18.0 min (11.1–36.3, quartiles) to 15.5 min (9.3–19.0, quartiles; P = 0.023) following 1‐month isotretinoin treatment. There were no significant changes in other sleep parameters of PSG and scores of Epworth sleepiness scale.Conclusions  This study suggests that isotretinoin treatment slightly improves night‐time sleep without any effects on sleep stages and daytime sleepiness.
Alpha‐generation as basic response‐signature to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) targeting the human resting motor cortex: A TMS/EEG co‐registration study
Authors: Veniero Domenica , Brignani Debora , Thut Gregor , Miniussi Carlo 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on cortical excitability are usually inferred from indirect indexes, such as EMG responses. It has now become possible to directly evaluate rTMS impact by means of concurrent EEG recording. The aim of this study was to examine the modulation induced by high frequency rTMS (20 Hz) over left primary motor cortex on the ongoing oscillatory activity. Thirteen subjects underwent two sham and a real rTMS session while acquiring EEG. Event‐related desynchronization/synchronization was calculated for the α and β bands. rTMS induced a dose‐dependent increase in synchronization in both bands over central and parietal sites. The strongest effect found for the α band outlasted the end of the stimulation. Considering previous studies, our data suggest that α generation may represent an intrinsic induced response and a basic response signature to TMS targeting the human resting motor cortex.
NICE – impact on glaucoma case detection
Authors: Shah Shima , Murdoch Ian E 
Published: May 2011

Citation information: Shah S & Murdoch IE. NICE – impact on glaucoma case detection. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2011, 31, 339–342. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00843.xAbstractAim:  To investigate the impact of publication of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines (‘Glaucoma: diagnosis and management of chronic open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension’) in April 2009, on the referrals for suspect glaucoma to Moorfields Community Eye Clinic (MCEC) at Ealing Hospital.Methods:  The clinical data from all optometrist initiated referrals for suspect glaucoma and ocular hypertension were scrutinised by a Consultant Ophthalmologist for a 2 month period, 6 months after the publication of the NICE guidance. Each was then categorised into the following groups: glaucoma positive; glaucoma suspect; glaucoma negative; ocular hypertension (OHT) requiring further follow up in clinic; ocular hypertension to be followed up by community optometrist; other. The positive predictive value (PPV) was then calculated and a historical comparison made with previous studies.Results:  A total of 110 new referrals were assessed during the collection period, which reflects a marked increase in numbers attending. However, there was no increase in absolute numbers of glaucoma and glaucoma suspects identified. The absolute numbers of ocular hypertensive patients rose. The PPV fell to 0.25, which is lower than found in previous studies.Conclusions:  The rising number of new referrals and the unchanged absolute numbers of glaucoma and glaucoma suspects identified following publication of the NICE guidance, in addition to a lower PPV, makes us question what advantage in improved case detection this represents. Furthermore, is this a cost effective strategy? We believe the next step is to introduce a repeat review, with carefully considered clinical governance of any new scheme.
The short‐term influence of elevated intraocular pressure on axial length
Authors: Read Scott A , Collins Michael J , Annis‐Brown Teagan , Hayward Natasha M , Lillyman Kate , Sherwin Drew , Stockall Patrick 
Published: May 2011

Citation information: Read SA, Collins MJ, Annis‐Brown T, Hayward NM, Lillyman K, Sherwin D & Stockall P. The short‐term influence of elevated intraocular pressure on axial length.Ophthalmic Physiol Opt2011,31, 398–403. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00845.xAbstractPurpose: To investigate the influence of a short period of elevated IOP (induced through the wearing of standard swimming goggles) upon axial length.Methods: Forty young adult subjects (20 myopes and 20 emmetropes, mean age 22 ± 2 years) had their IOP and axial length measured before, during and after a 3 min period of swimming goggle wear. IOP was measured using a non‐contact tonometer, and axial length with an optical biometer based upon the principle of partial coherence interferometry.Results: A 3‐min period of swimming goggle wear was found to be associated with a significant increase in IOP (mean change 3.7 ± 2.6 mmHg,p < 0.0001) and a significant axial elongation of the eye (mean change in axial length of 18 ± 12 μm,p < 0.0001). Both IOP and axial length were found to return to baseline levels upon removal of the swimming goggles. A significant positive association was found between the changes in IOP and axial length (r2 = 0.37,p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences between the emmetropic and myopic subjects in terms of their magnitude of change in axial length and IOP during swimming goggle wear.Conclusions: A small magnitude of elevation in IOP, induced through mechanical means and imposed for a short period of time was associated with a small but statistically significant axial elongation of the eye.
Methylene blue inhibits function of the 5‐HT transporter
Authors: Oz Murat , Isaev Dmytro , Lorke Dietrich E , Hasan Muhammed , Petroianu Georg , Shippenberg Toni S 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Methylene blue (MB) is commonly employed as a treatment for methaemoglobinaemia, malaria and vasoplegic shock. An increasing number of studies indicate that MB can cause 5‐HT toxicity when administered with a 5‐HT reuptake inhibitor. MB is a potent inhibitor of monoamine oxidases, but other targets that may contribute to MB toxicity have not been identified. Given the role of the 5‐HT transporter (SERT) in the regulation of extracellular 5‐HT concentrations, the present study aimed to characterize the effect of MB on SERT.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Live cell imaging, in conjunction with the fluorescent SERT substrate 4‐(4‐(dimethylamino)‐styryl)‐N‐methylpyridinium (ASP+), [3H]5‐HT uptake and whole‐cell patch‐clamp techniques were employed to examine the effects of MB on SERT function.KEY RESULTS In EM4 cells expressing GFP‐tagged human SERT (hSERT), MB concentration‐dependently inhibited ASP+ accumulation (IC50: 1.4 ± 0.3 µM). A similar effect was observed in N2A cells. Uptake of [3H]5‐HT was decreased by MB pretreatment. Furthermore, patch‐clamp studies in hSERT expressing cells indicated that MB significantly inhibited 5‐HT‐evoked ion currents. Pretreatment with 8‐Br‐cGMP did not alter the inhibitory effect of MB on hSERT activity, and intracellular Ca2+ levels remained unchanged during MB application. Further experiments revealed that ASP+ binding to cell surface hSERT was reduced after MB treatment. In whole‐cell radioligand experiments, exposure to MB (10 µM; 10 min) did not alter surface binding of the SERT ligand [125I]RTI‐55.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS MB modulated SERT function and suggested that SERT may be an additional target upon which MB acts to produce 5‐HT toxicity.
Ligand binding and activation of the secretin receptor, a prototypic family B G protein‐coupled receptor
Authors: Miller Laurence J , Dong Maoqing , Harikumar Kaleeckal G 
Published: May 2011

The secretin receptor is a prototypic member of family B G protein‐coupled receptors that binds and responds to a linear 27‐residue peptide natural ligand. The carboxyl‐terminal region of this peptide assumes a helical conformation that occupies the peptide‐binding cleft within the structurally complex disulphide‐bonded amino‐terminal domain of this receptor. The amino terminus of secretin is directed toward the core helical bundle domain of this receptor that seems to be structurally distinct from the analogous region of family A G protein‐coupled receptors. This amino‐terminal region of secretin is critical for its biological activity, to stimulate Gs coupling and the agonist‐induced cAMP response. While the natural peptide ligand is known to span the two key receptor domains, with multiple residue‐residue approximation constraints well established, the orientation of the receptor amino terminus relative to the receptor core helical bundle domain is still unclear. Fluorescence studies have established that the mid‐region and carboxyl‐terminal end of secretin are protected by the receptor peptide‐binding cleft and the amino terminus of secretin is most exposed to the aqueous milieu as it is directed toward the receptor core, with the mid‐region of the peptide becoming more exposed upon receptor activation. Like other family B peptide hormone receptors, the secretin receptor is constitutively present in a structurally specific homo‐dimeric complex built around the lipid‐exposed face of transmembrane segment four. This complex is important for facilitating G protein association and achieving the high affinity state of this receptor.LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Secretin Family (Class B) G Protein‐Coupled Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.166.issue‐1
Immune‐mediated epilepsies
Authors: Granata Tiziana , Cross Helen , Theodore William , Avanzini Giuliano 
Published: May 2011

SummaryA pathogenic role of immunity in epilepsies has long been suggested based on observations of the efficacy of immune‐modulating treatments and, more recently, by the finding of inflammation markers including autoantibodies in individuals with a number of epileptic disorders. Clinical and experimental data suggest that both innate and adaptive immunity may be involved in epilepsy. Innate immunity represents an immediate, nonspecific host response against pathogens via activation of resident brain immune cells and inflammatory mediators. These are hypothesized to contribute to seizures and epileptogenesis. Adaptive immunity employs activation of antigen‐specific B and T lymphocytes or antibodies in the context of viral infections and autoimmune disorders. In this article we critically review the evidence for pathogenic roles of adaptive immune responses in several types of epilepsy, and discuss potential mechanisms and therapeutic targets. We highlight future directions for preclinical and clinical research that are required for improved diagnosis and treatment of immune‐mediated epilepsies.
Autoantibodies and epilepsy
Authors: Bien Christian G. , Scheffer Ingrid E. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryIn a substantial number of patients with epilepsy, the etiology of the seizure disorder remains unknown. In recent years, the detection of autoantibodies has contributed to the etiologic understanding of a substantial number of so far unexplained epilepsies. The associated syndromes are mainly related to the temporal lobes (with presentation as limbic encephalitis or chronic mediotemporal lobe epilepsy) or to extended brain areas (presenting as diffuse encephalopathies with seizures). However, the full spectrum of autoantibody‐associated epilepsies is about to be determined. A promising example for this incipient expansion of the clinical spectrum is the description of a novel seizure type found in patients with antibodies to the voltage‐gated potassium channel (VGKC) complex. At present, the antibodies most relevant in epileptology are those directed to molecules on the surface of neurons, namely to components of the VGKC complex and to the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate‐receptor; other antigenic targets located on the surface of neurons are the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)B‐receptor and the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)‐receptor. There are several reasons to believe that these antibodies are directly pathogenic to the brain. Other autoantibodies target intracellular antigens like those directed to the enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and the onconeural antibodies. Most researchers think that these antibodies are markers of the immunopathological process rather than being pathogenically active by themselves. Especially the epilepsies associated with antibodies to surface antigens seem to respond to immunotherapies. This offers novel promising therapeutic avenues for the epileptologist. The precise pathogenic effects of autoantibodies still need to be elucidated.
Immuno‐ and antiinflammatory therapies in epileptic disorders
Authors: Özkara Çiğdem , Vigevano Federico 
Published: May 2011

SummarySeveral experimental and clinical studies demonstrated an immunologic basis for different forms of epilepsy. A wide range of immune abnormalities have been reported suggesting the existence of various subtypes of epileptic syndromes with different immunopathogenetic mechanisms. This evidence gives rise to the development of immunologic and immunomodulatory treatments such as usage of steroids, plasmapheresis, and intravenous immunoglobulins, which will be discussed briefly in this article.
Internal Fixation of a Fractured Axis in an Adult Horse
Authors: Gygax D. , Fürst A. , Picek S. , Kummer M. 
Published: May 2011

Objective:To report internal fixation of a fractured axis with a dynamic compression plate (DCP).Study Design:Case report.Animals:A 7‐year‐old Warmblood gelding.Method:Surgery was performed under anesthesia in sternal recumbency. After fracture reduction the complete transverse fracture in the cranial third of the axis was stabilized with a 7‐hole 4.5 mm DCP. Optimal positioning of the plate and the length of the screws were facilitated by fluoroscopy. Recovery from anesthesia was supervised in a pool.Results:The horse had an excellent outcome and returned to its previous activity level.Conclusion:Surgical treatment with fracture reduction and plate fixation enables normal bearing of the head and neck and improves neck flexibility soon after surgery.