bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of remission and recovery in young people presenting with first-episode psychosis in Hong Kong: A 3-year follow-up study
Authors: Chang Wing Chung , Tang Jennifer Y , Hui Christy L , Lam May M , Chan Sherry K , Wong Gloria H , Chiu Cindy P , Chen Eric Y 
Published: February 2012

Objective: The aim of the current study was to investigate the rates and predictors of symptomatic remission and recovery in patients presenting with first-episode psychosis 3 years after treatment initiation. Methods: Seven hundred participants aged 15–25 years consecutively enrolled in a territory-wide early intervention programme in Hong Kong from July 2001 to August 2003 fulfilled study inclusion criteria, with 539 completing 3-year follow-up. Baseline and follow-up variables were collected via systematic medical file review. The operational criteria for recovery were based on clinical definition incorporating both symptom and functional dimensions. Results: By the end of 3-year follow-up, 58.8% ( n = 317) and 17.4% ( n = 94) of participants met criteria for symptomatic remission and recovery, respectively. Around half (51.2%, n = 276) were not remitted either symptomatically or functionally in the last 12 months of follow-up. Of those who achieved sustained symptomatic remission, only 43.1% were also in functional remission. Patients in symptomatic remission had lower rate of admissions, shorter duration of hospitalisations and more favourable psychosocial functioning than non-remitted counterparts. Logistic regression analysis revealed that female sex, older age of onset of psychosis, shorter duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and early symptom resolution predicted symptomatic remission at the end of follow-up. Higher educational attainment, superior baseline occupational status and shorter DUP were found to be predictive of recovery. Conclusion: In a large representative cohort of Chinese young people presenting with first-episode psychosis, although more than half achieved symptomatic remission 3 years after service entry, the rates of functional remission and recovery were low. More intensive psychosocial interventions may be required to further improve patients’ functional outcome.
Visual memory in methamphetamine-dependent individuals: deficient strategic control of encoding and retrieval
Authors: Morgan Erin E , Woods Steven P , Poquette Amelia J , Vigil Ofilio , Heaton Robert K , Grant Igor ,   and the Translational Methamphetamine Research Center (TMARC) group
Published: February 2012

Objective: Chronic use of methamphetamine (MA) has moderate effects on neurocognitive functions associated with frontal systems, including the executive aspects of verbal episodic memory. Extending this literature, the current study examined the effects of MA on visual episodic memory with the hypothesis that a profile of deficient strategic encoding and retrieval processes would be revealed for visuospatial information (i.e., simple geometric designs), including possible differential effects on source versus item recall. Method: The sample comprised 114 MA-dependent (MA+) and 110 demographically-matched MA-nondependent comparison participants (MA−) who completed the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test − Revised (BVMT-R), which was scored for standard learning and memory indices, as well as novel item (i.e., figure) and source (i.e., location) memory indices. Results: Results revealed a profile of impaired immediate and delayed free recall ( p<0.05) in the context of preserved learning slope, retention, and recognition discriminability in the MA+ group. The MA+ group also performed more poorly than MA− participants on Item visual memory ( p<0.05) but not Source visual memory ( p>0.05), and no group by task-type interaction was observed ( p>0.05). Item visual memory demonstrated significant associations with executive dysfunction, deficits in working memory, and shorter length of abstinence from MA use ( p<0.05). Conclusions: These visual memory findings are commensurate with studies reporting deficient strategic verbal encoding and retrieval in MA users that are posited to reflect the vulnerability of frontostriatal circuits to the neurotoxic effects of MA. Potential clinical implications of these visual memory deficits are discussed.
Social connectedness: A potential aetiological factor in the development of child post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: McDermott Brett , Berry Helen , Cobham Vanessa 
Published: February 2012

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate a new social connectedness factor and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in children who experienced a cyclone disaster. Method: Three months post-disaster school-based screening for PTSD was conducted. 804 children (mean age=10.22 years, SD=1.24) participated. 12.0% of children reported severe or very severe PTSD symptoms. Results: Low connected children, adjusted for age, gender and independent of cyclone exposure and threat perception, were 3.96 times more likely to experience severe to very severe PTSD. A structural model of child PTSD indicated that connectedness was the most important factor explaining variance in children’s symptomatology. The final model accounted for 60% of the variance of child PTSD scores. Conclusions: We conclude that child connectedness is a new, significant, independent factor in a model of post-disaster child PTSD. Connectedness may represent a vulnerability factor that can be targeted preventatively in children in disaster-prone regions. Conversely, a pre-disaster intervention that helps children develop high connectedness may have the potential to confer resilience.
Stable Axial Chirality in Metal Complexes Bearing 4,4′-Substituted BIPHEPs: Application to Catalytic Asymmetric Carbon–Carbon Bond-Forming Reactions
Authors: Aikawa Kohsuke , Miyazaki Yoshitaka , Mikami Koichi 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Not only electronic but also steric effects of 4,4′-substituents in BIPHEP derivatives and metal (Pd, Pt, and Au) complexes are shown to influence the stability of the biphenyl single bond rotation. While electron-donating or sterically demanding substituents on the 4,4′-positions destabilize the axial chirality of BIPHEP derivatives, electron-withdrawing or sterically less demanding ones on the 4,4′-positions stabilize the axis chirality. Particularly, the axial chirality of palladium dichloride complexes bearing BIPHEP with t-Bu and CF3 substituents on the 4,4′-positions is most labile and stable, respectively (ΔG≠ = 29.22 and 30.49 kcal mol−1 at 300 K; t1/2 = 7 and 56 years at 300 K). These enantiopure dicationic BIPHEP–Pd complexes can be employed for catalytic enantioselective arylation, alkenylation, and ene reactions to give the corresponding products in good-to-excellent yields and enantioselectivities. Significantly, in the carbonyl-ene reaction of trifluoropyruvate with isobutene, the turnover frequency (TOF) reached 58200 h−1. The remarkable effects of 4,4′-substituents in BIPHEP derivatives can be employed as a guiding principle in the design of versatile and efficient ligands.
Evolution in Quality of Life and Epidemiological Impact after Endovascular Treatment of Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Beelen R , Maene L , Castenmiller P , Decoene V , Degrieck I 
Published: February 2012

Background: We report the outcome of 67 patients after endovascular treatment of chronic Cerebrospinal venous insufficiency in patients with multiple sclerosis. Material and methods: For evaluating outcome, patients were divided into three groups with respective outcome after three, six and twelve months. Assessment of outcome was done by a disease-specific quality-of-life score that reflects the physical health (physical health composite, PHC) and mental health (mental health composite, MHC) by a score. Results Improvement in PHC was significant (P < 0.05) in the three- and six-month groups. Improvement in MHC was only significant (P < 0.05) in the three-month group. Conclusion: In conclusion, we can state that the result of endovascular treatment seems to decay although the baseline is still higher than preoperative. To confirm this finding, this study needs to be reproduced in a larger patient population.
Lymphatic Complications after Varicose Veins Surgery: Risk Factors and how to Avoid Them
Authors: Pittaluga P , Chastanet S 
Published: February 2012

Introduction: Lymphatic complication (LC) after varicose veins (Ws) surgery is an annoying event with a variable frequency in the literature. Method: Retrospective study reviewing all surgeries carried out for VVs from January 2000 to October 2010. Postoperative LC we reported: lymphatic fistula, lymphocele including the minor ones and lymphoedema. Results During the period studied, 5407 surgical procedures for VVs were performed in 3407 patients (74.7% women) with a mean age of 53.4 years. A postoperative LC occurred in 118 cases (2.2%): lymphocele on limb in 1.3%, inguinal LC (fistula or lymphocele) in 0.7% and a lymphoedema in 0.2%. The population with a LC was older (59.6 vs. 53.3 years, P < 0.05), had a higher frequency of C4–C6 (22.0% vs. 6.5%, P < 0.05), a higher incidence of obesity (31.4% vs. 5.4%, P < 0.05) and was more often treated by a redo surgery or a crossectomy stripping (48.3% vs. 13.4% and 38.1% vs. 21.8%, respectively, P < 0.05). We have observed a dramatic decrease in incidence of LC after January 2004 (1.3% vs. 5.3%, P < 0.05) corresponding to a new surgical practice for the treatment of VVs: stripping, crossectomy and redo surgery at the groin were less frequent (74.6% vs. 7.7%, 74.6% vs. 0.2% and 11.3% vs. 0.1%, respectively, P < 0.05), while isolated phlebectomy was more often performed during this period (78.4% vs. 8.4%, P < 0.05). Conclusion: LC after VVs surgery is not rare but frequently limited to lymphocele on limbs. Older age, more advanced clinical stage and obesity were associated with a higher frequency of LC. A mini-invasive and selective surgery has significantly reduced the occurrence of LC.
pharmacomechanical Thrombectomy for Early Thrombus Removal
Authors: Malgor R D , Gasparis A P 
Published: February 2012

Objectives: To review the current literature on the outcomes of pharmacomechanical thrombectomy (PMT) for early thrombus removal in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE). Methods: We searched the MEDLINE database and performed a manual search of the references of selected articles to select reports reporting the outcomes of PMT alone and PMT compared to catheter-direct thrombolysis (CDT). Outcomes of interest included clot lysis rate, incidence of pulmonary embolism, major bleeding, recurrent deep vein thrombosis, number of venograms needed and amount of lytic utilized. Results We found nine articles that reported outcomes of PMT. Three devices were utilized for PMT, the Angiojet, Trellis and Helix. Different thrombolytics were used to facilitate thrombus removal including urokinase, reteplase, tecneteplase, and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). Complete and partial thrombus removal were achieved in up to 84% and 64% and 81% and 59% of the limbs treated with PMT and CDT alone, respectively. Data on PE and bleeding risk after PMT compared to CDT are scarce. The duration of the thrombolysis process, amount of lytics and number of venograms were substantially reduced in the patients who had PMT compared to those who underwent CDT alone. Two articles evaluated the obstacles that limit the indication of PMT in patients with VTE. Conclusion: VTE is a prevalent burden in Western societies. The rationale of early thrombus is to reduce valvular damage and improve venous patency in order to reduce the risk of PTS. PMT is a feasible, safe and faster alternative to expedite the thrombolysis process in patients with VTE.
A Novel Scoring System for Lower-extremity Venous Pathology Analysed Using Magnetic Resonance Venography and Duplex Ultrasound
Authors: Arnoldussen C W K P , Toonder I , Wittens C H A 
Published: February 2012

Objectives: To present a novel scoring system for lower-extremity venous pathology (the LOVE score) and our experiences using it in our clinical practice to identify venous pathology with duplex ultrasound (DUS) and magnetic resonance venography (MRV). Method: A total of 40 patients, 30 suspected of chronic venous disease and 10 with acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were examined from the inferior vena cava (IVC) to the popliteal vein using DUS and MRV. The image findings were reported using the LOVE score. Results The majority of deep veins (368 out of 378 segments) were completely visualized by both our imaging techniques and could be analysed using the LOVE score. Both imaging techniques reported comparable findings with regard to the visualization of thrombus, obstruction, collaterals, trabeculations, anatomic variations and central venous compression (e.g. May–Thurner). Conclusions: The LOVE score can be used to expand and standardize the documentation of imaging the deep venous system beyond thrombosis, to help identify (optimal) treatment options in patients with venous disease, in both the clinical and research setting. This first assessment shows that both DUS and MRV are capable of systematically identifying a multitude of changes in the venous system.
The effect of adaptive iterative dose reduction on image quality in 320-detector row CT coronary angiography
Authors: Tatsugami F , Matsuki M , Nakai G , Inada Y , Kanazawa S , Takeda Y , Morita H , Takada H , Yoshikawa S , Fukumura K , Narumi Y 
Published: February 2012

Objective: To evaluate the effect of adaptive iterative dose reduction (AIDR) on image noise and image quality as compared with standard filtered back projection (FBP) in 320-detector row CT coronary angiography (CTCA).
Methods: 50 patients (14 females, mean age 68±9 years) who underwent CTCA (100 kV or 120 kV, 400–580 mA) within a single heartbeat were enrolled. Studies were reconstructed with FBP and subsequently AIDR. Image noise, vessel contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in the coronary arteries were evaluated. Overall image quality for coronary arteries was assessed using a five-point scale (1, non-diagnostic; 5, excellent).
Results: All the examinations were performed in a single heartbeat. Image noise in the aorta was significantly lower in data sets reconstructed with AIDR than in those reconstructed with FBP (21.4±3.1 HU vs 36.9±4.5 HU; p&lt;0.001). No significant differences were observed between FBP and AIDR for the mean vessel contrast (HU) in the proximal coronary arteries. Consequently, CNRs in the proximal coronary arteries were higher in the AIDR group than in the FBP group (p&lt;0.001). The mean image quality score was improved by AIDR (3.75±0.38 vs 4.24±0.38; p&lt;0.001).
Conclusion: The use of AIDR reduces image noise and improves image quality in 320-detector row CTCA.
Dosimetric variations of target volumes and organs at risk in nasopharyngeal carcinoma intensity-modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Zhang X , Li M , Cao J , Luo J-W , Xu G-Z , Gao L , Yi J , Huang X , Xiao J , Li S , Dai J 
Published: February 2012

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the actual dose variability to the targets and organs at risk (OARs) during nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and to investigate the significance of replanning.
Methods: 11 NPC patients were included in this study. Each patient had both a planning CT and weekly repeated CT. Simulated plans that were generated by using the same beam configurations mapped to the repeated CT represented the actual delivered doses to the target volumes and OARs. An IMRT replanning was performed with the fifth week CT scan. Doses among the initial plan, the simulated plans and replanning were compared.
Results: There were no significant dosimetric differences in the gross tumour volume, clinical target volume (CTV) 1 or CTV2 for either the simulated plans or the replanning compared with the initial plan. Dosimetric variability of both parotid glands and the brain stem were unique to each individual, and doses to the spinal cord were always maintained within the limit. Replanning in the fifth week had significantly decreased the doses delivered to both parotids (p-values of the mean dose were 0.015 and 0.026 for the left and right parotid, respectively), whereas it did not reduce the doses to the brain stem and spinal cord. There was no relationship between dose variability and weight loss.
Conclusions: There are no significant dose changes for target volumes and spinal cord, and doses to the brain stem and both parotid glands changed individually during NPC IMRT. Replanning helps to spare bilateral parotids.
Compromised perfusion in femoral head in normal rats: distinctive perfusion MRI evidence of contrast washout delay
Authors: Wang Y-X J , Griffith J F , Deng M , T Ma H , Zhang Y-F , Yan S-X , Ahuja A T 
Published: February 2012

Objectives: The femoral head is prone to osteonecrosis. This study investigated dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI contrast washout features of the femoral head and compared the data with data from other bony compartments in normal rats.
Methods: 7-month-old Wistar rats were used. DCE MRI of the right hip (n=18), right knee (n=12) and lumbar spine (n=10) was performed after an intravenous bolus injection of Gd-DOTA (0.3 mmol kg–1). Temporal resolution was 0.6 s for hip and spine, and 0.3 s for knee. The total scan duration was 8 min for hip and spine, and 4.5 min for knee. The regions of interest for enhancement measurement included femoral head, proximal femoral diaphysis, distal femoral diaphysis and epiphysis, proximal tibial epiphysis and diaphysis, and lumbar vertebrae L1–5.
Results: Femoral head showed no enhancement signal decay during the DCE MRI period, while all other bony compartments showed a contrast washin phase followed by a contrast washout phase. In the knee joint, the contrast washout of the proximal tibia diaphysis was slower that of other bony compartments of the knee.
Conclusion: Based on the evidence of delayed contrast washout, this study showed that blood perfusion in the femoral head could be compromised in normal rats.
Laxative-free CT colonography
Authors: Slater A , Betts M , D'Costa H 
Published: February 2012

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine if the introduction of faecal tagging to CT colonography (CTC) made the examination easier to tolerate or reduced the number of false-positives.
Methods: Our department changed bowel preparation for CT colonography from Picolax (Ferring Pharmaceuticals Ltd, London, UK) to Gastrografin® (Bracco Diagnostics Inc, Princeton, NJ) only with a modified diet. Questionnaires were given to a subgroup of patients within these cohorts. The numbers of false-positives were compared between two cohorts before and after this change. false-positives were defined as lesions reported on CT that were not confirmed by subsequent endoscopic examination. Polyps were matched if they were in the same or adjacent segments, and were within 5 mm of the reported size.
Results: 412 patients were identified from the Picolax cohort, and 116 from the Gastrografin cohort. 62 patients in each group completed questionnaires. Gastrografin produced less diarrhoea; 34% had five or more bowel motions in the previous day and night, compared with 77% for Picolax (p&lt;0.001), although more patients found drinking it unpleasant compared with Picolax (85% reported drinking Picolax as “easy” vs 61% for Gastrografin; p=0.002). Picolax produced more non-diagnostic examinations, although this difference was not statistically significant. There was not a significant reduction in the numbers of false-positives (2 out of 112 for Gastrografin group, 14 out of 389 for the Picolax group; p=0.54).
Conclusion: Switching from Picolax to Gastrografin as a CTC preparation technique produced less diarrhoea, but did not reduce the number of false-positives.
Periodontitis as a Risk Factor for Preeclampsia
Authors: Moura da Silva Genivaldo , Coutinho Sonia B. , Piscoya Maria Dilma B. V. , Ximenes Ricardo A. A. , Jamelli Silvia R. 
Published: February 2012

Background: Periodontitis is an inflammatory process caused by a specific group of microorganisms, resulting in the destruction of the tooth‐supporting tissue and the resorption of the alveolar bone. Therefore, periodontitis has been considered a risk factor for preeclampsia because infection is one of the factors involved in the etiology and pathogenesis of preeclampsia. The aim of the present study is to determine whether periodontitis is a risk factor for preeclampsia and to identify other possible risk factors.Methods: A case‐control study was performed with 574 puerperae under care at the university hospital at the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco in the city of Recife, Brazil. Data collection was preceded by a training exercise and a pilot study. Biologic and socioeconomic data were collected along with medical and dental records. A periodontal examination was performed on all dental elements to determine probing depth and gingival recession. The association between periodontitis and preeclampsia was first adjusted for the variables within each block, and adjusted for the variables of all blocks in the final multivariate model.Results: The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjustment for other risk factors, periodontitis remained an independent risk factor for preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 8.60, confidence interval [CI] = 3.92 to 18.88, P <0.001 and adjusted OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.43 to 2.90, P <0.001, when using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American Academy of Periodontology definition).Conclusion: The results suggest that within the population studied, periodontitis was a risk factor for preeclampsia.
A Comparative Evaluation of the Antibacterial Efficacy of Honey In Vitro and Antiplaque Efficacy in a 4‐Day Plaque Regrowth Model In Vivo: Preliminary Results
Authors: Aparna S. , Srirangarajan S. , Malgi Veena , Setlur Krishnanand P. , Shashidhar R. , Setty Swati , Thakur Srinath 
Published: February 2012

Background: Honey has a potent broad‐spectrum antibacterial action that may make it suitable for “anti‐infective” treatment of periodontal disease. The aims of this study are as follows: 1) to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of honey against oral bacteria and compare the same with 0.2% chlorhexidine; and 2) to compare antiplaque efficacy in vivo with chlorhexidine.Methods: The study was conducted in two parts. In the in vitro part, the inhibitory effects of three test agents, 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate, honey mouthwash, and saline, against six oral bacteria at concentrations of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, and 512 μg/mL were tested in duplicate. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was set as the lowest concentration of the agent that completely inhibited the growth of the test species. The in vivo part consisted of a double‐masked parallel clinical trial based on a 4‐day plaque regrowth model. Sixty‐six volunteers, 20 to 24 years of age, participated in the study, and the plaque scores were compared at baseline and at the end of 4 days. The Kruskal‐Wallis test was used for significance, and the Mann‐Whitney U test was used for pairwise comparison of the groups. The mean plaque scores were 1.77 ± 0.86, 1.64 ± 0.90, and 3.27 ± 0.83 for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively.Results: The honey mouthrinse effectively inhibited the six tested microorganisms. The chlorhexidine gluconate rinse had the lowest MICs compared with honey and saline rinses for all test species examined. The in vivo results revealed that plaque formation was inhibited/reduced by chlorhexidine and honey rinses.Conclusion: Honey has antibacterial action against tested oral microorganisms and also has antiplaque action.