bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CT and MRI appearances of cardiac pseudotumours
Authors: Rueff Laura E , Srichai Monvadi B , Jacobs Jill E , Axel Leon , Lim Ruth P 
Published: July 2012

SummaryCardiac anatomic variants, vascular abnormalities and non‐neoplastic mass lesions may be misinterpreted as tumours, potentially leading to inappropriate intervention. This article discusses the complementary role of multi‐detector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the work‐up of suspected masses. The cross‐sectional imaging appearance of common or distinctive anatomic variants and pseudotumours, including ‘don't touch’ lesions, are reviewed.
CT pulmonary angiography during veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in an adult
Authors: Al‐Ogaili Zeyad , Foulner Deryck , Passage Jurgen , Weightman William M , Torre Luke , Baker Sharyn , Sanders Lucas HA 
Published: July 2012

SummaryVeno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) causes changes in the filling and blood flow of the cardiac chambers and pulmonary vessels as well as alterations in the path of intravenous contrast injected during CT. We present a patient with a potentially misleading CT pulmonary angiogram while on full VA ECMO. We demonstrate circulatory changes as well as alterations in contrast flow when ECMO flows are reduced.
Zoonotic Diseases Associated with Free‐Roaming Cats
Authors: Gerhold R. W. , Jessup D. A. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryFree‐roaming cat populations have been identified as a significant public health threat and are a source for several zoonotic diseases including rabies, toxoplasmosis, cutaneous larval migrans because of various nematode parasites, plague, tularemia and murine typhus. Several of these diseases are reported to cause mortality in humans and can cause other important health issues including abortion, blindness, pruritic skin rashes and other various symptoms. A recent case of rabies in a young girl from California that likely was transmitted by a free‐roaming cat underscores that free‐roaming cats can be a source of zoonotic diseases. Increased attention has been placed on trap–neuter–release (TNR) programmes as a viable tool to manage cat populations. However, some studies have shown that TNR leads to increased immigration of unneutered cats into neutered populations as well as increased kitten survival in neutered groups. These compensatory mechanisms in neutered groups leading to increased kitten survival and immigration would confound rabies vaccination campaigns and produce naïve populations of cats that can serve as source of zoonotic disease agents owing to lack of immunity. This manuscript is a review of the various diseases of free‐roaming cats and the public health implications associated with the cat populations.
Phase IIa Study of the Immunogenicity and Safety of the Novel Staphylococcus aureus Vaccine V710 in Adults with End-Stage Renal Disease Receiving Hemodialysis
Authors: Moustafa Moustafa , Aronoff George R. , Chandran Chandra , Hartzel Jonathan S. , Smugar Steven S. , Galphin Claude M. , Mailloux Lionel U. , Brown Elizabeth , DiNubile Mark J. , Kartsonis Nicholas A. , Guris Dalya 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Bacteremia is the second leading cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease who are on hemodialysis. A vaccine eliciting long-term immune responses against
Staphylococcus aureus
in patients on chronic hemodialysis may reduce the incidence of bacteremia and its complications in these patients. V710 is a vaccine containing iron surface determinant B (IsdB), a highly conserved
S. aureus
surface protein, which has been shown to be immunogenic in healthy subjects. In this blinded phase II immunogenicity study, 206 chronic hemodialysis patients between the ages of 18 and 80 years old were randomized to receive 60 μg V710 (with or without adjuvant), 90 μg V710 (with adjuvant), or a placebo in various combinations on days 1, 28, and 180. All 201 vaccinated patients were to be followed through day 360. The primary hypothesis was that at least 1 of the 3 groups receiving 2 V710 doses on days 1 and 28 would have a ≥2.5 geometric mean fold rise (GMFR) in anti-IsdB IgG titers over the baseline 28 days after the second vaccination (day 56). At day 56, all three groups receiving 2 doses of V710 achieved a ≥2.5 GMFR in anti-IsdB antibodies compared to the baseline (
P
values of <0.001 for all 3 groups), satisfying the primary immunogenicity hypothesis. None of the 33 reported serious adverse experiences were considered vaccine related by the investigators. V710 induced sustained antibody responses for at least 1 year postvaccination in patients on chronic hemodialysis.
The usefulness of rapid point-of-care creatinine testing for the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy in the emergency department
Authors: You Je Sung , Chung Yong Eun , Park Jong Woo , Lee Woonhyoung , Lee Hye-Jeong , Chung Tae Nyoung , Chung Sung Phil , Park Incheol , Kim Seungho 
Published: July 2012

BackgroundRenal dysfunction is the most important factor to consider when predicting a patient's risk of developing contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). Measurement of creatinine (Cr) via rapid point-of-care blood urea nitrogen/creatinine testing (POCT-BUN/Cr) to determine CIN risk could potentially reduce the time required to achieve an accurate diagnosis and to initiate and complete treatment in the emergency department (ED). The aim of our study was to compare the results of POCT-BUN/Cr and reference laboratory tests for BUN and serum Cr.Materials and methodsA retrospective analysis of suspected stroke patients who presented between November 2009 and November 2010, and had BUN and Cr levels measured by POCT-BUN/Cr, and the reference laboratory tests performed with the blood sample which was transferred to the central laboratory by an air-shoot system. Two assays were conducted on the whole blood (POCT) and serum (reference) by trained technicians. The time interval from arrival at the ED to reporting of the results was assessed for both assays via a computerised physician order entry system.ResultsThe mean standard deviation (SD) interval from arrival at the ED to reporting of the results was 11.4 (4.9) min for POCT-BUN/Cr and 46.8 (38.5) min for the serum reference laboratory tests (p<0.001). Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis demonstrated a high level of agreement (the consistency agreement) between POCT and the serum reference tests for both BUN (ICC=0.914) and Cr (ICC=0.980).ConclusionsThis study suggests that POCT-BUN/Cr results correlate well with those of serum reference tests in terms of BUN and Cr levels and, in turn, predicting CIN. POCT-BUN/Cr is easily performed with a rapid turnaround time, suggesting its use in the ED may have substantial clinical benefit.
Optimal position for external chest compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: an analysis based on chest CT in patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest
Authors: Cha Kyoung Chul , Kim Yeong Jun , Shin Hyung Jin , Cha Yong Sung , Kim Hyun , Lee Kang Hyun , Kwon Woocheol , Hwang Sung Oh 
Published: July 2012

ObjectivesThis study was conducted to determine the proper hand position on the sternum for external chest compression to generate a maximal haemodynamic effect during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).Methods114 patients with cardiac arrest who underwent chest CT after successful resuscitation from January 2006 to August 2009 were included in the study. To evaluate the area of the cardiac chambers subjected to external chest compression, the area of each cardiac chamber under the sternum was measured using cross-sectional CT at three different locations: the internipple line on the sternum (point A), halfway between point A and the sternoxiphoid junction (point B) and at the sternoxiphoid junction (point C).ResultsThe widest total heart area, total ventricular area and left ventricular area (LVA) were observed most frequently at point C (58%, 85% and 78% of all cases, respectively). Few cases (six in total heart area, one in total ventricular area and one in LVA) were observed as the widest at point A. Predicted compressed areas of the right and left ventricle were wider at point C than at points A or B (right ventricular area: 366±536 mm2at point A, 961±653 mm2at point B and 1383±689 mm2at point C, p<0.001; LVA: 65±236 mm2at point A, 365±506 mm2at point B and 1099±817 mm2at point C, p<0.001).ConclusionsOnly a small proportion of the ventricle is subjected to external chest compression when CPR is performed according to the current guidelines. Compression of the sternum at the sternoxiphoid junction might be more effective to compress the ventricles.
Tight approximation algorithms for scheduling with fixed jobs and nonavailability
Authors: Diedrich Florian , Jansen Klaus , Prädel Lars , Schwarz Ulrich M. , Svensson Ola 
Published: July 2012

We study two closely related problems in nonpreemptive scheduling of jobs on identical parallel machines. In these two settings there are either fixed jobs or nonavailability intervals during which the machines are not available; in both cases, the objective is to minimize the makespan. Both formulations have different applications, for example, in turnaround scheduling or overlay computing.
For both problems we contribute approximation algorithms with an improved ratio of 3/2. For scheduling with fixed jobs, a lower bound of 3/2 on the approximation ratio has been obtained by Scharbrodt et al. [1999]; for scheduling with nonavailability we provide the same lower bound.
We use dual approximation, creation of a gap structure, and a PTAS for the multiple subset sum problem, combined with a postprocessing step to assign large jobs.
Benefits of Endocardial and Multisite Pacing Are Dependent on the Type of Left Ventricular Electric Activation Pattern and Presence of Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Ginks Matthew R. , Shetty Anoop K. , Lambiase Pier D. , Duckett Simon G. , Bostock Julian , Peacock Janet L. , Rhode Kawal S. , Bucknall Cliff , Gill Jaswinder , Taggart Peter , Leclercq Christophe , Carr-White Gerald S. , Razavi Reza , Rinaldi C. Aldo 
Published: July 2012

Background—
There is considerable heterogeneity in the myocardial substrate of patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), in particular in the etiology of heart failure and in the location of conduction block within the heart. This may account for variability in response to CRT. New approaches, including endocardial and multisite left ventricular (LV) stimulation, may improve CRT response. We sought to evaluate these approaches using noncontact mapping to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Methods and Results—

Ten patients (8 men and 2 women; mean [SD] age 63 [12] years; LV ejection fraction 246%; QRS duration 161 [24] ms) fulfilling conventional CRT criteria underwent an electrophysiological study, with assessment of acute hemodynamic response to conventional CRT as well as LV endocardial and multisite pacing. LV activation pattern was assessed using noncontact mapping. LV endocardial pacing gave a superior acute hemodynamic response compared with conventional CRT (26% versus 37% increase in LV dP/dt
max
, respectively;
P
<0.0005). There was a trend toward further incremental benefit from multisite LV stimulation, although this did not reach statistical significance (
P
=0.08). The majority (71%) of patients with nonischemic heart failure etiology or functional block responded to conventional CRT, whereas those with myocardial scar or absence of functional block often required endocardial or multisite pacing to achieve CRT response.

Conclusions—
Endocardial or multisite pacing may be required in certain subsets of patients undergoing CRT. Patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and those with narrower QRS, in particular, may stand to benefit.
Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy Alters Intracellular Targeting of Phosphodiesterase Type 5 From Nitric Oxide Synthase-3 to Natriuretic Peptide Signaling
Authors: Zhang Manling , Takimoto Eiki , Lee Dong-ik , Santos Celio X.C. , Nakamura Taishi , Hsu Steven , Jiang Aiyang , Nagayama Takahiro , Bedja Djahida , Yuan Yuan , Eaton Philip , Shah Ajay M. , Kass David A. 
Published: July 2012

Background
In the normal heart, phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) hydrolyzes cGMP coupled to nitric oxide– (specifically from nitric oxide synthase 3) but not natriuretic peptide (NP)–stimulated guanylyl cyclase. PDE5 is upregulated in hypertrophied and failing hearts and is thought to contribute to their pathophysiology. Because nitric oxide signaling declines whereas NP-derived cGMP rises in such diseases, we hypothesized that PDE5 substrate selectivity is retargeted to blunt NP-derived signaling.

Methods and Results

Mice with cardiac myocyte inducible PDE5 overexpression (P5
+
) were crossed to those lacking nitric oxide synthase 3 (N3
−
), and each model, the double cross, and controls were subjected to transaortic constriction. P5
+
mice developed worse dysfunction and hypertrophy and enhanced NP stimulation, whereas N3
−
mice were protected. However, P5
+
/N3
−
mice behaved similarly to P5
+
mice despite the lack of nitric oxide synthase 3–coupled cGMP generation, with protein kinase G activity suppressed in both models. PDE5 inhibition did not alter atrial natriuretic peptide–stimulated cGMP in the resting heart but augmented it in the transaortic constriction heart. This functional retargeting was associated with PDE5 translocation from sarcomeres to a dispersed distribution. P5
+
hearts exhibited higher oxidative stress, whereas P5
+
/N3
−
hearts had low levels (likely owing to the absence of nitric oxide synthase 3 uncoupling). This highlights the importance of myocyte protein kinase G activity as a protection for pathological remodeling.

Conclusions
These data provide the first evidence for functional retargeting of PDE5 from one compartment to another, revealing a role for natriuretic peptide–derived cGMP hydrolysis by this esterase in diseased heart myocardium. Retargeting likely affects the pathophysiological consequence and the therapeutic impact of PDE5 modulation in heart disease.
Predicting Cloud-to-Ground and Intracloud Lightning in Weather Forecast Models
Authors: Lynn Barry H. , Yair Yoav , Price Colin , Kelman Guy , Clark Adam J. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
A new prognostic, spatially and temporally dependent variable is introduced to the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF). This variable is called the potential electrical energy (Ep). It was used to predict the dynamic contribution of the grid-scale-resolved microphysical and vertical velocity fields to the production of cloud-to-ground and intracloud lightning in convection-allowing forecasts. The source of Ep is assumed to be the noninductive charge separation process involving collisions of graupel and ice particles in the presence of supercooled liquid water. The Ep dissipates when it exceeds preassigned threshold values and lightning is generated. An analysis of four case studies is presented and analyzed. On the 4-km simulation grid, a single cloud-to-ground lightning event was forecast with about equal values of probability of detection (POD) and false alarm ratio (FAR). However, when lighting was integrated onto 12-km and then 36-km grid overlays, there was a large improvement in the forecast skill, and as many as 10 cloud-to-ground lighting events were well forecast on the 36-km grid. The impact of initial conditions on forecast accuracy is briefly discussed, including an evaluation of the scheme in wintertime, when lightning activity is weaker. The dynamic algorithm forecasts are also contrasted with statistical lightning forecasts and differences are noted. The scheme is being used operationally with the Rapid Refresh (13 km) data; the skill scores in these operational runs were very good in clearly defined convective situations.
Usefulness of the Tendon Reflex for Assessing Spasticity After Botulinum Toxin-A Injection in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Jang Dae-Hyun , Sung In Young , Kang Yu Jeong 
Published: July 2012

This study sought to investigate the relationships between clinical and neurophysiologic assessments of spasticity after injection of botulinum toxin-A in children with cerebral palsy. A total of 40 children were recruited. Clinical assessments included the modified Ashworth scale and modified Tardieu scale parameters R1, R2, and D. Neurophysiologic assessment included compound motor action potential, Hoffmann, and tendon reflex. Children showed significant decreases in modified Ashworth scale, R1, and R2 at 2, 4, and 12 weeks and in D at 2 and 4 weeks. Amplitude of compound motor action potential decreased at 2 weeks, Hoffmann reflex amplitude decreased at 4 weeks, and tendon reflex amplitude decreased at 2 and 4 weeks. At 12 weeks, none of the neurophysiologic parameters differed from baseline. The correlations among R2, D, and the amplitude of tendon reflex were significant. Neurophysiologic tests could be used to evaluate reduced spasticity after botulinum toxin-A injection. The amplitude of tendon reflex showed the highest correlation with severity of spasticity.
Parental consent to participation in a randomised trial in children: Associated child, family, and physician factors
Authors: Sureshkumar Premala , Caldwell Patrina , Lowe Alison , Simpson Judy M , Williams Gabrielle , Craig Jonathan C 
Published: July 2012

Background Low participation rates in randomised controlled trials involving children are almost a universal problem, leading to high cost and low statistical power. Trial, parent/family, child, and physician factors have been reported to influence parental willingness to consent for paediatric trials. Purpose To identify modifiable and unmodifiable factors associated with parental consent. Methods Demographic and clinical characteristics of children and their families and physician characteristics associated with parental consent were evaluated in a recent randomised placebo-controlled trial of prophylactic antibiotics to prevent recurrent urinary tract infection. Results Of 1109 eligible children identified (mean age, 2.0 years), 412 parents (37.2%) consented. On a multivariate analysis, the only modifiable factor associated with consent was request for consent by a member of the research study team rather than by a member of the clinical team (risk ratio (RR) = 1.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2–2.9). The unmodifiable factors significantly associated with consent were age of the child (≥4 years) (RR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1–1.4), presence of vesicoureteric reflux (RR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.3–1.8), inpatient management of the index infection (RR = 0.8, 95% CI: 0.7–0.9), and multiple (≥4) symptoms at presentation (RR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1–1.5). Limitations We have reported data from only one of the four participating centres in this trial. Data on non-consenters in other participating centres were not completely collected. Data on characteristics of the recruiting physician were limited. These findings are applicable for those considering a single randomised controlled trial. Conclusions Parent, child, and physician factors are associated with consent for trial participation, with most not being modifiable. Having a member of the research study team approach the parent for consent appears to be the only feasible strategy for increasing recruitment to randomised trials in this setting.
Technique Tip
Authors: Haque Syed , Sarkar Jay 
Published: July 2012

Background. The use of intramedullary nail fixation for tibio-talo-calcaneal fusion is gaining popularity. There is chance of failure of procedure following faulty operative technique specially alignment. Methods. The article describes a useful application of tibial tunnel jig in inserting the calcanio-talo-tibial guide wire. Results. There is precision of few millimeters in the exit point of guide wire on talus. Conclusions. The authors believe that this helps in better positioning of nail and hence better alignment and better operative outcome. Level of Evidence: Expert opinion, Level V
Hydroxyurea and a cGMP-amplifying agent have immediate benefits on acute vaso-occlusive events in sickle cell disease mice
Authors: Almeida Camila Bononi , Scheiermann Christoph , Jang Jung-Eun , Prophete Colette , Costa Fernando Ferreira , Conran Nicola , Frenette Paul S. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Inhibition of leukocyte adhesion to the vascular endothelium represents a novel and important approach for decreasing sickle cell disease (SCD) vaso-occlusion. Using a humanized SCD–mouse-model of tumor necrosis factor-α–induced acute vaso-occlusion, we herein present data demonstrating that short-term administration of either hydroxyurea or the phosphodiesterase 9 (PDE9) inhibitor, BAY73-6691, significantly altered leukocyte recruitment to the microvasculature. Notably, the administration of both agents led to marked improvements in leukocyte rolling and adhesion and decreased heterotypic red blood cell-leukocyte interactions, coupled with prolonged animal survival. Mechanistically, these rheologic benefits were associated with decreased endothelial adhesion molecule expression, as well as diminished leukocyte Mac-1-integrin activation and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)–signaling, leading to reduced leukocyte recruitment. Our findings indicate that hydroxyurea has immediate beneficial effects on the microvasculature in acute sickle-cell crises that are independent of the drug's fetal hemoglobin-elevating properties and probably involve the formation of intravascular nitric oxide. In addition, inhibition of PDE9, an enzyme highly expressed in hematopoietic cells, amplified the cGMP-elevating effects of hydroxyurea and may represent a promising and more tissue-specific adjuvant therapy for this disease.
A phase 2 study of single-agent carfilzomib (PX-171-003-A1) in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Siegel David S. , Martin Thomas , Wang Michael , Vij Ravi , Jakubowiak Andrzej J. , Lonial Sagar , Trudel Suzanne , Kukreti Vishal , Bahlis Nizar , Alsina Melissa , Chanan-Khan Asher , Buadi Francis , Reu Frederic J. , Somlo George , Zonder Jeffrey , Song Kevin , Stewart A. Keith , Stadtmauer Edward , Kunkel Lori , Wear Sandra , Wong Alvin F. , Orlowski Robert Z. , Jagannath Sundar 
Published: July 2012

AbstractCarfilzomib is a next-generation, selective proteasome inhibitor being evaluated for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. In this open-label, single-arm phase 2 study (PX-171-003-A1), patients received single-agent carfilzomib 20 mg/m2 intravenously twice weekly for 3 of 4 weeks in cycle 1, then 27 mg/m2 for ≤ 12 cycles. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (≥ partial response). Secondary endpoints included clinical benefit response rate (≥ minimal response), duration of response, progression-free survival, overall survival, and safety. A total of 266 patients were evaluable for safety, 257 for efficacy; 95% were refractory to their last therapy; 80% were refractory or intolerant to both bortezomib and lenalidomide. Patients had median of 5 prior lines of therapy, including bortezomib, lenalidomide, and thalidomide. Overall response rate was 23.7% with median duration of response of 7.8 months. Median overall survival was 15.6 months. Adverse events (AEs) were manageable without cumulative toxicities. Common AEs were fatigue (49%), anemia (46%), nausea (45%), and thrombocytopenia (39%). Thirty-three patients (12.4%) experienced peripheral neuropathy, primarily grades 1 or 2. Thirty-three patients (12.4%) withdrew because of an AE. Durable responses and an acceptable tolerability profile in this heavily pretreated population demonstrate the potential of carfilzomib to offer meaningful clinical benefit. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00511238.