bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuroimaging in identifying focal cortical dysplasia and prognostic factors in pediatric and adolescent epilepsy surgery
Authors: Kim Yoon Hee , Kang Hoon‐Chul , Kim Dong‐Seok , Kim Se Hoon , Shim Kyu‐Won , Kim Heung Dong , Lee Joon Soo 
Published: January 2011

SummaryPurpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the sensibility of each imaging tool in identifying focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) in children and adolescents with epilepsy and to define the prognostic factors of pediatric and adolescent epilepsy surgery.Methods: We identified 48 children with FCD who underwent resective surgery and analyzed their preoperative data. The results of various anatomic and functional neuroimaging studies were compared for accuracy in locating the lesion. We also investigated clinical factors that affected the outcome of surgical treatment.Key Findings: Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was able to localize FCD in 30 patients and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) and/or subtraction ictal single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) coregistered with MRI provided additional information that helped to define the lesion in 13 patients. When comparing the pathologic results between a mild malformation of cortical development (MCD) and FCD type I and II, we noted a strong tendency for patients with FCD to have MRI abnormalities (p = 0.005). In addition, severe pathologic features (Palmini’s classification, FCD type II) (p = 0.025) showed significant correlation with a better surgical outcome. To define the primary epileptogenic area, various interictal epileptiform discharges and the results of multimodal neuroimaging studies were helpful, and younger age at the time of operation could aid in more favorable surgical outcomes (p = 0.048).Significance: Our study showed a significant relationship between pathologic grade and the detectability of FCD by brain MRI. In addition, early surgery can be justified by showing that advanced neuroimaging studies in children with FCD and even with extensive epileptiform discharges have a higher rate of success.
In vivo viability of stored red blood cells derived from riboflavin plus ultraviolet light–treated whole blood
Authors: Cancelas Jose A. , Rugg Neeta , Fletcher Dana , Pratt P. Gayle , Worsham D. Nicole , Dunn Susan K. , Marschner Susanne , Reddy Heather L. , Goodrich Raymond P. 
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND: A novel system using ultraviolet (UV) light and riboflavin (Mirasol System, CaridianBCT Biotechnologies) to fragment nucleic acids has been developed to treat whole blood (WB), aiming at the reduction of potential pathogen load and white blood cell inactivation. We evaluated stored red blood cell (RBC) metabolic status and viability, in vitro and in vivo, of riboflavin/UV light–treated WB (IMPROVE study).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The study compared recovery and survival of RBCs obtained from nonleukoreduced WB treated using three different UV light energies (22, 33, or 44 J/mLRBC). After treatment, WB from 12 subjects was separated into components and tested at the beginning and end of component storage. After 42 days of storage, an aliquot of RBCs was radiolabeled and autologously reinfused into subjects for analysis of 24‐hour recovery and survival of RBCs.RESULTS: Eleven subjects completed the in vivo study. No device‐related adverse events were observed. By Day 42 of storage, a significant change in the concentrations of sodium and potassium was observed. Five subjects had a 24‐hour RBC recovery of 75% or more with no significant differences among the energy groups. RBC t1/2 was 24 ± 9 days for the combined three groups. Significant correlations between 24‐hour RBC recovery and survival, hemolysis, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and CO2 levels were observed.CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that key RBC quality variables, hemolysis, and ATP concentration may be predictive of their 24‐hour recovery and t1/2 survival. These variables will now be used to assess modifications to the system including storage duration, storage temperature, and appropriate energy dose for treatment.
Short‐term deviations in temperature during storage of plasma at −40°C do not affect its quality
Authors: Cardigan Rebecca , Themessl Angelika , Garwood Margaret 
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND: Little data are available on the suitability of frozen plasma for transfusion when stored outside its normal temperature, which is the focus of investigation in this study.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Plasma was pooled and split to create 10 identical units on each of 24 occasions (12 Group A and O). Plasma was frozen and stored at −40°C for 2 weeks and then one of each of the 10 identical units was subjected to one of the following deviations in storage temperature: −18°C for 1 week, 1 month, or 2 months; −10°C for 1 week, 1 month, or 2 months; 4°C for 4, 24, or 72 hours; or stored at −40°C (control) before returning all units to −40°C.RESULTS: Factor VIII was only significantly reduced when plasma was stored at 4°C for 24 hours or more or −10°C for 1 week. For all other arms of the study, the majority of units of plasma (>75%) remained above 0.70 IU/mL and more than 95% were above the lower limit of normal (0.50 IU/mL). The prothrombin time ratio only increased after storage at −10°C for 1 month or more, and the activated partial thromboplastin time ratio after storage at 4°C for 24 hours. None of the deviations in storage resulted in a decrease in fibrinogen activity.CONCLUSION: These data suggest that plasma that has been stored at −40°C and exposed to storage temperatures and times of up to 4 hours at 4°C, 1 week at −10°C or 2 months at −18°C meets EU guidelines and is suitable for transfusion.
The influence of maintaining the correct whole blood‐to‐anticoagulant ratio during donation on the quality of leukoreduced whole blood
Authors: Karger Ralf , Lukow Christian , Kretschmer Volker 
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether maintaining the correct whole blood‐to‐anticoagulant (WB : AC) ratio during collection can improve the quality of red blood cell (RBC)‐containing blood products to a clinically relevant degree.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 2 × 20 CPDA‐1 leukoreduced whole blood (WB) units suspended in CPDA‐1 were investigated. In one group, AC was continuously added to the donated blood, maintaining the correct WB : AC ratio during collection, using a new drawing device (MacoPharma ABC). In the other group, WB units were produced conventionally. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate, free hemoglobin (Hb), potassium, glucose, lactate, pH, and variables of coagulation were determined on Days 1, 7, 21, 35, 42, and 49 of storage. Variables of RBC deformability and aggregability were determined using a laser‐assisted optical rotational cell analyzer.RESULTS: The ABC and conventional group showed comparable unit volumes of 525 (SD, 5.3) mL versus 524 (SD, 10.2) mL and Hb content of 65.9 (SD, 5.1) g/unit versus 67.5 (SD, 7.8) g/unit, but higher variation after conventional blood drawing (p = 0.006 and p = 0.07, respectively) was observed. During storage, none of the measured quality variables were significantly different between the groups. Mean (SD) ATP was 2.33 (0.41) µmol/g Hb versus 2.24 (0.39) µmol/g Hb after 42‐day storage. Deformability was not different (p = 0.44), whereas the extent of the aggregability was higher in the conventional group (p = 0.04).CONCLUSION: The ABC device provided a better standardized blood product but did not improve RBC storage variables or plasma quality. It slightly reduced RBC aggregability during storage. Excess AC at the beginning of a donation appears not to significantly affect RBC storage in conventional blood drawing.
The QRS Narrowing Index Predicts Reverse Left Ventricular Remodeling Following Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: RICKARD JOHN , POPOVIC ZORAN , VERHAERT DAVID , SRAOW DAN , BARANOWSKI BRYAN , MARTIN DAVID O. , LINDSAY BRUCE D. , VARMA NIRAJ , TCHOU PATRICK , GRIMM RICHARD A. , WILKOFF BRUCE L. , CHUNG MINA K. 
Published: January 2011

Background:
The relationship between QRS narrowing and response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been controversial.
Objective:
We sought to analyze the relationship between QRS narrowing and reverse remodeling in patients undergoing CRT, taking into account potential confounders including pre‐CRT QRS duration and underlying QRS morphology.
Methods:
We reviewed pre‐ and postimplant electrocardiograms and echocardiograms in a cohort of 233 patients undergoing the new implantation of a CRT device between December 2001 and September 2006. For inclusion in the final cohort, patients had New York Heart Association classes II–IV heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 40%, and QRS duration ≥120 ms. Response to CRT was defined as a reduction in left ventricular end‐systolic volume (LVESV) of ≥10%. A multivariate model was constructed to determine the relationship between QRS change and response to CRT.
Results:
Patients with QRS narrowing had significantly greater reductions in left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV) (mL) (−26.5 ± 52.5 vs −4.8 ± 44.0, P = 0.002) and LVESV (mL) (−34.0 ± 55.5 vs −9.9 ± 45.8, P = 0.002) and improvement in LVEF (%) (8.9 ± 12.8 vs 4.5 ± 9.0, P = 0.007) than patients without narrowing. In univariate analysis, female gender (P = 0.0002), percent QRS narrowing from baseline (P = 0.008), lack of nitrate (P≤0.0001) and antiarrhythmic medication use (P = 0.01), lack of a nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay (=0.02), nonischemic cardiomyopathy (P = 0.003), and lower pre‐CRT LVEDV (P = 0.006) and LVESV [P = 0.01]) were associated with responders. In a multivariate model, QRS narrowing, indexed to the baseline QRS duration, remained strongly associated with response (odds ratio 0.08 [0.01–0.56], P = 0.01).
Conclusions:
After adjusting for potential confounders, QRS narrowing, indexed to baseline QRS duration, is associated with enhanced reverse ventricular remodeling following CRT. (PACE 2011; 34:604–611)
The Relationship between Heart Rate Variability and Serum Cytokines in Chronic Chagasic Patients with Persistent Parasitemia
Authors: LLAGUNO MAURICIO , PERTILI LUIZ ANTONIO RODRIGUES de RESENDE , SILVA MARCOS VINICIUS da , BUNAZAR PABLO , REGES ARIANE MARTIM , FALEIROS ANA CAROLINA GUIMARÃES , LAGES‐SILVA ELIANE , RODRIGUES JUNIOR VIRMONDES , SILVA VALDO JOSÉ DIAS da , FILHO DALMO CORREIA 
Published: January 2011

Background:
Persistent parasitemia, immunological, and autonomic nervous system impairments may play an important role in the evolution and clinical outcome of the chronic phase of Chagas’ disease by triggering functional cardiovascular changes.
Methods:
Three groups were evaluated: 17 chronic chagasic patients with the indeterminate form (IChD), 12 chronic chagasic patients with cardiac forms (ChHD), and 29 individuals as a healthy control group. Parasitemia was assessed by polymerase chain reaction; hemoculture, heart rate variability by linear and nonlinear methods, and interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12, IL‐13, IL‐17, and tumor necrosis factor‐α, and interferon (IFN)‐γ serum cytokines were assessed by enzyme‐linked immune assay.
Results:
Twenty‐nine chronic chagasic patients were positive for parasitemia (17 IChD and 12 ChHD). Heart rate variability parameters in baseline condition and after cold face test were significantly decreased in chagasic patients compared to controls. Tilt tests showed no alteration. However, using nonlinear indices, ChHD patients presented lower values compared to IChD and controls. Differences in the expression of serum cytokines were observed between chagasic patients and controls. However, among the groups, ChHD presented higher median values of IL‐10 and lower of IFN‐γ compared to IChD.
Conclusion:
Both chagasic groups present an autonomic impairment using linear methods. The nonlinear methods revealed that the ChHD group had a higher cardiovascular risk. Serum cytokine concentrations between chagasic patients were similar. However, ChHD showed higher concentrations of IL‐10 and lower of IFN‐γ, suggesting some established process of immune regulation. (PACE 2011; 724–735)
Investigation of hair shaft in seborrheic dermatitis using atomic force microscopy
Authors: Kim Kyung Sook , Shin Min Kyung , Ahn Jae‐Jun , Haw Choong‐Rim , Park Hun‐Kuk 
Published: January 2011

Background/purpose: We have investigated the changes of seborrheic dermatitis (SD) on the hair shaft in the morphological and physical properties using atomic force microscopy (AFM).Methods: Hair samples were obtained from the lesional and perilesional regions in 15 patients with SD. Fifteen healthy adults were included as the control group. From the topography of hair obtained by AFM, the height of the scale, step height, roughness, diameter, and pit were determined.Results: The scale thickness of the SD‐affected hair was sevenfold more than in the control hair showing statistically significance. The lesional hair showed greater roughness parameters of Sa, Sq, and Sz than the perilesional and the control hair, but this difference was not significant. The cuticle of the lesional hair was significantly damaged while perilesional hair showed a very distinct cuticle structure with smooth edges and a regular interval between the cuticles. The diameter of the lesional hair was significantly lesser by 10–35% than that of the perilesional hair. The pit was rarely observed in the SD‐affected hair collected from both the lesional and perilesional regions.Conclusion: The changes in the hair shaft affected SD was measured using AFM non‐invasively. AFM could be a useful tool in monitoring the treatment response and the severity of SD.
The Economic Benefits of Wetland Retention and Restoration in Manitoba
Authors: Pattison John , Boxall Peter C. , Adamowicz Wiktor L. 
Published: January 2011

This study examines the willingness to pay of Manitobans for wetland retention and restoration using stated preference methods applied to a sample of 1,980 respondents from the provincial population. The approach employed an iterated series of binary choice scenarios framed as referenda and utilized both cheap talk and certainty approaches in the design as well as tests of sensitivity to scope of the environmental improvement. The results suggest that over a five‐year period Manitobans would be willing to pay $296–$326/household/year depending on the level of the wetland program improvement. Using 5% (10%) discount rates these estimates result in present value aggregate payments of $504 ($550) million for retaining wetlands at current levels and about a further $106($110) million (for a total of $611 [$666] million) for restoring wetlands to estimated 1968 levels. Comparison of these benefits with current land values and restoration costs suggests that full restoration may not be economically efficient, but that retention in concert with some restoration may be. La présente étude, fondée sur la méthode des préférences déclarées d'un échantillon de 1 980 répondants du Manitoba, a examiné le consentement à payer des Manitobains pour conserver et pour restaurer les milieux humides. La méthode comprenait une série itérée de scénarios à choix binaires intégrés dans des enquêtes, des propos gratuits (cheap talk), des estimateurs d'équivalent‐certains et des tests de sensitivité pour évaluer l'étendue de l'amélioration de l'environnement. Nos résultats permettent de croire que, au cours d'une période de cinq ans, les Manitobains consentiraient à payer de 296 à 326$/par ménage/par année selon le niveau d'amélioration des milieux humides prévu dans le programme. À des taux d'actualisation de 5% (10%), ces estimations engendrent des paiements agrégés dont la valeur actualisée s'élève à 504 (550) millions de dollars pour conserver les milieux humides aux niveaux actuels et à 106 (110) millions de dollars supplémentaires pour restaurer les milieux humides aux niveaux de 1968. Une comparaison de ces avantages avec la valeur actuelle des terres et les coûts de restauration autorise à penser que la restauration complète pourrait ne pas être économiquement efficace et que la conservation combinée à un certain degré de restauration pourrait l'être.
Optimizing treatment outcomes with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction: Opening windows to enhanced sexual function and overall health
Authors: Sadovsky Richard , Brock Gerald B. , Gray Mikel , Jensen Penny Kaye , Gutkin Stephen W. , Sorsaburu Sebastian 
Published: January 2011

Abstract Purpose: Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors have proved to be efficacious, safe, and well tolerated, in clinical trials and practice, for men with erectile dysfunction (ED). However, many patients are not satisfied with treatment and discontinue it prematurely. This review discusses evidence‐based strategies that nurse practitioners (NPs) can use to improve diagnosis of ED, optimize patient outcomes, and identify opportunities to detect other potentially serious comorbid conditions. Data sources: This article was based on a previously published review, which involved a PubMed–MEDLINE search of the clinical literature from January 1, 1998 (year of sildenafil's approval in many markets), through August 30, 2008 (date of search). Conclusions: Strategies to optimize responses to PDE5 therapy are summarized by the mnemonic “EPOCH”: Evaluating and educating to ensure realistic expectations of therapy; Prescribing a treatment individualized to the couple's needs and preferences; Optimizing drug dose/regimen and revisiting key educational messages at follow‐up visits; Controlling comorbidities via lifestyle counseling, medications, and/or referrals; and Helping patients and their partners to seek other forms of therapy if they have decided not to use a PDE5 inhibitor. Implications for practice: The “EPOCH” mnemonic may remind NPs of steps to optimize treatment outcomes with PDE5 inhibitors.
Effects of UV‐B on Secondary Metabolites of St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) Grown in Controlled Environments
Authors: Brechner Melissa L. , Albright Louis D. , Weston Leslie A. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe medicinal plant industry is under increasing scrutiny due to wide variance in active ingredient (AI) concentration from values claimed on labels. Reasons for this disparity include environmental and genotypic variation which influence AI concentration. St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a popular herbal remedy which also exhibits marked variance in AI concentration among products. This study evaluated concentration changes of three biologically active metabolites of H. perforatum after exposure to UV light while plants were still vegetative. Treatments were performed with 55‐day‐old plants grown under 400 μmol m−2 s−1 PAR for 16 h a day. Three UV light treatments were evaluated: a single dose, a daily dose and an increasing daily dose. Concentrations of hyperforin, pseudohypericin and hypericin were monitored for 7 days after each treatment. A daily dose and an increasing daily dose did not produce significantly greater increases in secondary metabolites compared to single dose treatments. These results suggest the small but significant transient metabolite concentration increases in H. perforatum can be induced by UV light exposure. Information from this study can be useful in optimizing total biomass and metabolite production in controlled environments.
RNA‐oligonucleotide quantification technique (ROQT) for the enumeration of uncultivated bacterial species in subgingival biofilms
Authors: Teles F.R.F. , Teles R.P. , Siegelin Y. , Paster B. , Haffajee A.D. , Socransky S.S. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryApproximately 35% of the species present in subgingival biofilms are as yet uncultivated, so their role in periodontal pathogenesis is unknown. The aim of the present study was to develop a high throughput method to quantify a wide range of cultivated and uncultivated taxa in subgingival biofilm samples associated with periodontal disease or health. Oligonucleotides targeting the 16S ribosomal DNA gene were designed, synthesized and labeled with digoxigenin. These probes were hybridized with the total nucleic acids of pure cultures or subgingival biofilm samples. Target species included cultivated taxa associated with periodontal health and disease, as well as uncultivated species, such as TM7 sp. OT 346, Mitsuokella sp. OT 131 and Desulfobulbus sp. OT 041. Sensitivity and specificity of the probes were determined. A Universal probe was used to assess total bacterial load. Sequences complementary to the probes were used as standards for quantification. Chemiluminescent signals were visualized after film exposure or using a CCD camera. In a pilot clinical study, 266 subgingival plaque samples from eight periodontally healthy people and 11 patients with periodontitis were examined. Probes were specific and sensitivity reached 104 cells. Fusobacterium nucleatum ss. polymorphum and Actinomyces gerencseriae were the most abundant cultivated taxa in clinical samples. Among uncultivated/unrecognized species, Mitsuokella sp. OT 131 and Prevotella sp. OT 306 were the most numerous. Porphyromonas gingivalis and Desulfobulbus sp. OT 041 were only detected in patients with periodontitis. Direct hybridization of total nucleic acids using oligonucleotide probes permitted the quantification of multiple cultivated and uncultivated taxa in mixed species biofilm samples.
An interview study investigating experiences of psychological change without psychotherapy
Authors: Gianakis Mary , Carey Timothy A. 
Published: January 2011

Objectives. Given that most people who experience psychological distress resolve this distress without the assistance of psychotherapy, the study sought to increase our understanding of naturally occurring change including the facilitators of this change.Design. The study sought to replicate and extend earlier work in this area. The design involved recruiting participants who had experienced some form of psychological distress and had resolved this distress without accessing psychotherapy services.Methods. Qualitative methods were used for this study because the lived experience of the participants was of interest. Semi‐structured interviews were used following a pro forma developed in earlier work. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis was the analytical method adopted for this study to identify themes and patterns in the transcripts of the interviews of the participants.Results. Data analysis identified the themes of identity, connection, threshold, desire to change, change as a sudden and gradual process, and thinking process. An unexpected finding was the subjectivity associated with deciding whether or not a problem had actually resolved.Conclusions. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for clinical practice including the apparent importance of people reaching an emotional threshold prior to change. A sense of identity also appears to be important in change experiences.