bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modified Sequential Helicobacter pylori Therapy: Proton Pump Inhibitor and Amoxicillin for 14 Days with Clarithromycin and Metronidazole added as a Quadruple (Hybrid) Therapy for the Final 7 Days
Authors: Hsu Ping‐I. , Wu Deng‐Chyang , Wu Jeng‐Yih , Graham David Y. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground:  Ten‐day sequential therapy with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and amoxicillin followed by a PPI, clarithromycin, and an imidazole typically achieves Helicobacter pylori eradication rates of 90–94% (Grade B success).Aims:  We tested whether prolonging treatment and continuing amoxicillin throughout the 14‐day treatment period would produce a ≥95% result.Methods:  This was a multicenter pilot study in which H. pylori‐infected patients received a 14‐day sequential–concomitant hybrid therapy (esomeprazole and amoxicillin for 7 days followed by esomeprazole, amoxicillin clarithromycin, and metronidazole for 7 days). H. pylori status was examined 8 weeks after therapy. Success was defined as achieving ≥95% eradication by per‐protocol analysis.Results:  One hundred and seventeen subjects received hybrid therapy. The eradication rate was 99.1% (95% confidence interval (CI), 97.3–100.0%) by per‐protocol analysis and 97.4% by intention‐to‐treat analysis (95% CI, 94.5–100.0%). Adverse events were seen in 14.5%; drug compliance was 94.9%.Conclusions:  Fourteen‐day hybrid sequential–concomitant therapy achieved >95%H. pylori eradication (Grade A result). Further studies are needed 1, in regions with different patterns and frequencies of resistance to confirm these findings, and 2, to examine whether Grade A success is maintained with hybrid therapy shorter than 14 days.
24. Chronic Refractory Angina Pectoris
Authors: van Kleef Maarten , Staats Peter , Mekhail Nagy , Huygen Frank 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAngina pectoris, cardiac pain associated with ischemia, is considered refractory when optimal anti‐anginal therapy fails to resolve symptoms. It is associated with a decreased life expectancy and diminishes the quality of life. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) may be considered for patients who have also undergone comprehensive interventions, such as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) procedures.The mechanism of action of SCS is not entirely clear. Pain reduction is related to the increased release of inhibitory neuropeptides as well as normalization of the intrinsic nerve system of the heart muscle, and may have a protective myocardial effect.SCS in patients with refractory angina pectoris results in reduced anginal attacks as well as improved rate pressure product prior to the occurrence of ischemic events. This may be the result of reduced Myocardial Volume Oxygen (MVO2) and possibly the redistribution of the coronary blood flow to ischemic areas. There are a number of studies that demonstrate that SCS does not mask acute myocardial infarction.The efficacy of the treatment has been investigated in two prospective, randomized studies.The long‐term results showed an improvement of the symptoms and of the quality of life. SCS can be an alternative to surgical intervention in a selected patient population. In addition, SCS is a viable option in patients in whom surgery is not possible.SCS is recommended in patients with chronic refractory angina pectoris that does not respond to conventional treatment and in whom revascularization procedures have been attempted or not possible, and who are optimized from a medical perspective.
Opioids: How to Improve Compliance and Adherence
Authors: Graziottin Alessandra , Gardner‐Nix Jacqueline , Stumpf Maik , Berliner Michael N. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Chronic pain has been recognized as a major worldwide health care problem. Today, medical experts and health agencies agree that chronic pain should be treated with the same priority as the disease that caused it, and patients should receive adequate pain relief. To achieve good analgesia, patient adherence to a prescribed pain treatment is of high importance. Patients with chronic pain often do not use their medication as prescribed, but change the frequency of intake. This can result in poor treatment outcomes and may necessitate additional emergency treatment, which increases the overall costs.Factors that influence adherence include knowledge of the disease, realistic treatment expectations, perceived benefit from treatment, side effects, depression, dosing frequency, and attitudes of relatives/significant others toward opioids. Addressing all these factors should ensure a good treatment outcome. Good adherence to pain therapy is associated with improved efficacy in pain relief and quality of life.Opioids have become an integral part of the treatment of moderate to severe chronic noncancer pain. They may cause unpleasant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Patients should be informed adequately about side effects, which should be treated pro‐actively to foster adherence to treatment. Signs of tolerance, hyperalgesia, and drug abuse should be monitored as these may occur in some patients.An individualized treatment algorithm with a clear treatment goal and regular treatment reassessment is key for successful treatment. Long‐acting opioids offer sustained pain relief over 24 hours with manageable side effects—they simplify treatment thereby supporting treatment adherence.
Quality of Life Outcomes in Chinese Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators
Authors: CHAIR SEK Y. , LEE CHUI K. , CHOI KAI C. , SEARS SAMUEL F. 
Published: March 2011

Background:
Patient‐centered outcomes for Chinese implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients have not been previously studied. This study examined health‐related quality of life (HRQL) and its relation with ICD shock‐related anxiety, ICD shock, patient acceptance of the ICD, and demographic and clinical characteristics among a sample of Chinese ICD patients.
Methods:
Eighty‐five ICD recipients completed the Chinese versions of the Short Form (SF‐12) Health Survey, Florida Patient Acceptance Survey (FPAS), and Florida Shock Anxiety Scale (FSAS), and a demographic sheet during their follow‐up visit.
Results:
The mean scores of physical component summary and mental component summary (MCS) of ICD patients (41.7 and 46.6, respectively) were lower than the Hong Kong Chinese normative data. As expected, MCS was negatively correlated with shock anxiety (r =−0.38, P < 0.01) and positively correlated with patient acceptance (r = 0.50, P < 0.01). Shock anxiety was negatively correlated with patient acceptance of the ICD (r =−0.58, P < 0.01). Age was positively associated with FPAS (r = 0.55, P = 0.014) while negatively related with FSAS (r =−0.28, P = 0.003). The experience of ICD shock (yes/no) was not associated with any differences but shock frequency groups (no shocks, 1–2 shocks, and ≥3) and gender were significantly different on shock anxiety but not on general mental functioning.
Conclusion:
Higher ICD shock anxiety was associated with lower HRQL and lower ICD acceptance. Age, female, and clinical characteristics such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, and ICD shock experience can influence patient‐centric outcomes of HRQL, FPAS, and FSAS. These results extend the evidence for increased clinical attention in Chinese patients to specific outcomes such as shock anxiety and its impact on HRQL. (PACE 2011; 34:858–867)
A Wide Complex Tachycardia with Changing Atrial Activation Sequence
Authors: AYOU ROMEO , AGARWAL SHARAD , TANG ANTHONY , STERNS LAURENCE D. 
Published: March 2011

Change of the retrograde atrial activation sequence during radiofrequency (RF) ablation of left‐side accessory pathway can be due to another accessory pathway, another mechanism for the tachycardia, or due to intraatrial conduction block, partial or complete, caused by RF delivery to a site proximal to the site of insertion of the accessory pathway. In this case report, a temporary complete intraatrial conduction block was created by RF delivery proximal to the site of accessory pathway insertion, causing a change in the retrograde atrial activation sequence during ongoing tachycardia that was terminated by ablation at the insertion site of accessory pathway.(PACE 2013; 36:e23–e26)
Complete Atrioventricular Block As the First Manifestation of Noncompaction of the Ventricular Myocardium
Authors: NASCIMENTO BRUNO RAMOS , VIDIGAL DANIEL FURTADO , DE CARVALHO BICALHO CARNEIRO RENATA , DE SOUZA WARLEY CRISTIANO , LOPES WALKIRIA MONTEIRO , RIBEIRO ANTONIO LUIZ PINHO , NUNES E MARIA DO CARMO PEREIRA 
Published: March 2011

Noncompaction of ventricular myocardium (NVM) is a rare cardiomyopathy, most probably caused by disturbances in embryonic morphogenesis of the myocytes, resulting in prominent trabeculations in the ventricular myocardium. Several diagnostic criteria have been proposed by echocardiography, and its association with other heart diseases is common. Its mortality is closely related to ventricular dysfunction, cardiac arrhythmias, and cardioembolic events.We report here a case of occurrence of atrioventricular block with syncope as the clinical manifestation of NVM. A brief review of the literature on morphological features, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment will also be discussed.
FLAIR Vascular Hyperintensity Preceding Stroke in Cryptococcal Meningitis
Authors: Sanossian Nerses , Shatzmiller Ron A. , Djabiras Christina , Liebeskind David S. 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEIschemic stroke is a common complication of cryptococcal meningitis. Fluid attenuated inversion recovery vascular hyperintensity (FVH) is a neuroimaging marker of sluggish blood flow usually seen in the setting of acute stroke. FVH have never been described in the setting of meningitis.METHODSCase report.RESULTSA 20‐year‐old man with cryptococcal meningitis and a magnetic resonance imaging demonstrating FVH had subsequent neurological deterioration and was found to have bilateral ischemic stroke.CONCLUSIONSIn conditions with high risk of stroke, such as meningitis, the presence of FVH should alert the clinician to the possibility of impending infarction.
The Quest for a Suitable Host: Size Distributions of Host Trees and Secondary Hemiepiphytes Search Strategy
Authors: Balcázar‐Vargas María P. , Peñuela‐Mora María C. , van Andel Tinde R. , Zuidema Pieter A. 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTAs climbing plants lack the capacity to hold themselves upright, they need to encounter a suitable host. Vines, lianas, and secondary hemiepiphytes need, therefore, an effective searching strategy. Various hypotheses have been put forward on searching strategies, including ‘skototropism’—growth toward darkness—and random searching. We studied host searching strategies of three secondary hemiepiphyte species belonging to the genus Heteropsis. We recorded information on the diameter distribution of host and evaluated whether these hosts were ‘suitable’, i.e., sufficiently tall for Heteropsis individuals to reach reproductive size. The diameter distribution of host trees bearing Heteropsis seedlings was similar to that of the trees in our study plots. Also, we found that 72–81 percent of the Heteropsis seedlings were present on unsuitable hosts (seedlings, saplings, herbs). These results suggest that Heteropsis seedlings search hosts in a random manner and not by skototropism. We found quite a distinct pattern for adult Heteropsis individuals, which predominantly occur on host trees bigger than 10 cm dbh. Host diameter distribution for Heteropsis adults differed significantly from that of the entire tree community. This difference suggests that Heteropsis individuals may change hosts if they are initially present on nonsuitable hosts. We observed that Heteropsis seedlings and juveniles on unsuitable hosts often produced vegetative shoots that searched for another host. In many cases, such shoots did not find a suitable host. For Heteropsis, our results suggest that host tree searching is a long‐term trial and error process that is governed by a random searching strategy.Abstract in Spanish is available in the online version of this article.
The Action Spectrum of Photochemical Damage to the Retina: A Review of Monochromatic Threshold Data
Authors: van Norren Dirk , Gorgels Theo G.M.F. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractPhotochemical damage to the retina occurs for prolonged exposures of intense light. Two action spectra exist for this phenomenon. In rat an action spectrum matching the absorption spectrum of rhodopsin was found. In macaque, the susceptibility for photochemical damage decreased continuously from the UV to long visible wavelengths. Later, such a spectrum was also found in rat. In search for critical parameters that determine the shape of the spectrum we gathered all available data on the damage threshold dose for monochromatic radiation and noted the experimental conditions. The rhodopsin action spectrum was found in two sources; the other 16 sources adhered to the short wavelength spectrum. Comparing the conditions we conclude that the critical parameters for the generation of either action spectrum remain elusive. Experiments are suggested to resolve this issue and fill a few gaps in our knowledge.
Development of oral surgery services in primary care
Authors: Kendall N. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAim:  This article describes the experiences of running a referral management centre using clinical triage together with the development of primary care‐based oral surgery services after 3 years.Results:  The benefits have been reduced waiting times for patients, improvements in access to oral surgery services, engagement of oral surgery specialists in a general practice setting and considerable ongoing savings to the NHS.Conclusions:  A sustained increase in demand for oral surgery has been fully met by the flexible response of primary care‐based oral surgeons and National Health Service (NHS) commissioners. However, the continued rise in referral numbers remains a concern.
Characterization of 215 simple sequence repeat markers in creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.)
Authors: KUBIK CHRISTINE , HONIG JOSHUA , BONOS STACY A. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractCreeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) is a versatile, cross‐pollinated, temperate and perennial turfgrass species. It occurs naturally in a wide variety of habitats and is also cultivated on golf courses, bowling greens and tennis courts worldwide. Isozymes and amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) have been used to determine genetic diversity, and restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPDs) were used to construct a genetic linkage map of this species. In the current report, we developed and characterized 215 unique genomic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers in creeping bentgrass. The SSRs reported here are the first available markers in creeping bentgrass to date. Eight hundred and eighteen alleles were amplified by 215 SSR loci, an average of 3.72 alleles per locus. Fifty‐nine per cent of those alleles segregated in a 1:1 Mendelian fashion (P > 0.05). Twenty‐two per cent had a distorted segregation ratio (P ≤ 0.05). These SSR markers will be useful for assessing genetic diversity in creeping bentgrass and will be important for the development of genetic linkage maps and identifying quantitative trait loci. These markers could enhance breeding programmes by improving the efficiency of selection techniques.
Treating Major Depression by Creating Positive Expectations for the Future: A Pilot Study for the Effectiveness of Future‐Directed Therapy (FDT) on Symptom Severity and Quality of Life
Authors: Vilhauer Jennice S. , Young Sabrina , Kealoha Chanel , Borrmann Josefine , IsHak Waguih W. , Rapaport Mark H. , Hartoonian Narineh , Mirocha Jim 
Published: March 2011

SUMMARYIntroduction:This nonrandomized pilot study assesses the efficacy of a new future‐oriented form of therapy, known as future‐directed therapy (FDT), as a treatment for patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in a naturalistic hospital‐based outpatient psychiatry clinic. The study measured symptom severity of depression and anxiety, in addition to quality of life pre‐ and posttreatment.Aims:The study examined a new manualized treatment designed to help people anticipate a more positive future. The intervention consists of twenty 90‐min group sessions administered twice a week over 10 weeks. The intervention was compared to depressed patients in the same clinic who enrolled in traditional cognitive‐based group psychotherapy. Sixteen patients with MDD completed the FDT intervention as part of their outpatient treatment for depression. Seventeen patients with MDD participated in treatment as usual (TAU) cognitive‐based group therapy. The Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the Quality‐of‐Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire short form, self‐report instruments were administered prior to and immediately after the completion of therapy.Results:Patients treated with FDT demonstrated significant improvements in depression (P= 0.001), anxiety (P= 0.021) and quality of life (P= 0.035), and also reported high satisfaction with the therapy. Compared to the TAU group, patients treated with FDT showed greater improvements in depressive symptoms (P= 0.049).Conclusions:FDT may have the potential of becoming an additional treatment option for patients with MDD.
‘What's happening?’ A content analysis of concussion-related traffic onTwitter
Authors: Sullivan S John , Schneiders Anthony G , Cheang Choon-Wi , Kitto Emma , Lee Hopin , Redhead Jason , Ward Sarah , Ahmed Osman H , McCrory Paul R 
Published: March 2011

BackgroundTwitteris a rapidly growing social networking site (SNS) with approximately 124 million users worldwide.Twitterallows users to post brief messages (‘tweets’) online, on a range of everyday topics including those dealing with health and wellbeing. Currently, little is known about how tweets are used to convey information relating to specific injuries, such as concussion, that commonly occur in youth sports.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to analyse the online content of concussion-related tweets on the SNSTwitter, to determine the concept and context of mild traumatic brain injury as it relates to an online population.Study designA prospective observational study using content analysis.MethodsTwittertraffic was investigated over a 7-day period in July 2010, using eight concussion-related search terms. From the 3488 tweets identified, 1000 were randomly selected and independently analysed using a customised coding scheme to determine major content themes.ResultsThe most frequent theme was ‘news’ (33%) followed by ‘sharing personal information/situation’ (27%) and ‘inferred management’ (13%). Demographic data were available for 60% of the sample, with the majority of tweets (82%) originating from the USA, followed by Asia (5%) and the UK (4.5%).ConclusionThis study highlights the capacity ofTwitterto serve as a powerful broadcast medium for sports concussion information and education.
Growth factor-based therapies provide additional benefit beyond physical therapy in resistant elbow tendinopathy: a prospective, single-blind, randomised trial of autologous blood injections versus platelet-rich plasma injections
Authors: Creaney Leon , Wallace Andrew , Curtis Mark , Connell David 
Published: March 2011

BackgroundGrowth factor technologies are increasingly used to enhance healing in musculoskeletal injuries, particularly in sports medicine. Two such products; platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autologous blood, have a growing body of supporting evidence. No previous trial has directly compared the efficacy of these two methods.HypothesisGrowth factor administration improves tissue regeneration in patients who have failed to respond to conservative therapy.Study designA prospective, double-blind, randomised trial.MethodsElbow tendinopathy patients who had failed conservative physical therapy were divided into two patient groups: PRP injection (N=80) and autologous blood injection (ABI) (N=70). Each patient received two injections at 0 and 1 month. Patient-related tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE) was recorded by a blinded investigator at 0, 1, 3 and 6 months. The main outcome measure was PRTEE, a validated composite outcome for pain, activities of daily living and physical function, utilising a 0–100 scale.ResultsAt 6 months the authors observed a 66% success rate in the PRP group versus 72% in the ABI group, p=NS. There was a higher rate of conversion to surgery in the ABI group (20%) versus the PRP group (10%).ConclusionIn patients who are resistant to first-line physical therapy such as eccentric loading, ABI or PRP injections are useful second-line therapies to improve clinical outcomes. In this study, up to seven out of 10 additional patients in this difficult to treat cohort benefit from a surgery-sparing intervention.
Impact on service provision for non-invasive cardiac imaging following NICE recommendations: an observational study
Authors: Garg Pankaj , Ashrafi Reza , Feeney Laura , Lagan Jakub , Wong Peter , Rodrigues Erwin , Davis Gershan 
Published: March 2011

abstract

BACKGROUND
Chest pain or discomfort due to angina can have a potentially poor prognosis, emphasising the importance of prompt and accurate diagnosis. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published ‘Chest pain of recent onset’ guidelines in March 2010. These guidelines appraise the role of newer non-invasive modalities in cardiac imaging in the prompt and cost-effective diagnosis of coronary artery disease.

Objective
To study the service requirement for non-invasive cardiac imaging in patients with stable chest pain using current NICE guidance.

Design
Single-centre, 6-month (January 2010 to June 2010) observational study.

Setting
Rapid access chest pain clinics in a large university teaching hospital providing secondary care cardiology services.

Methods
Clinic letters were used to ascertain the type of chest pain and cardiovascular risk factors. The resting 12-lead ECG was examined for any ischaemic changes. Patients were then retrospectively allocated to an assessment pathway based on NICE guidance for the evaluation of stable chest pain. Pretest likelihood of coronary artery disease was calculated using Pryor et al's table as published by NICE. Depending on the calculated pretest probability, their NICE-suggested investigation was determined. This included no further investigations, cardiac CT, functional imaging or invasive angiography.

Results
500 patients were seen in rapid access chest pain clinics, 65 of which did not meet the referral criteria of having chest pain. On the basis of previous practice, 52% of patients were likely to have an exercise tolerance test. According to current NICE guidance as applied to our cohort of patients, 128 (30%) would have required functional imaging, 119 (27%) no further investigation, 95 (22%) cardiac CT, and 93 (21%) invasive angiography.

Conclusion
Functional imaging and then cardiac CT are the main investigations required in the assessment of patients with stable chest pain.
A Hybrid Method for Monotone Variational Inequalities Involving Pseudocontractions
Authors: Yao Yonghong , Marino Giuseppe , Liou Yeong-Cheng 
Published: March 2011

AbstractWe use strongly pseudocontraction to regularize the following ill-posed monotone variational inequality: finding a point "Equation missing" with the property "Equation missing" such that "Equation missing", "Equation missing" where "Equation missing", "Equation missing" are two pseudocontractive self-mappings of a closed convex subset "Equation missing" of a Hilbert space with the set of fixed points "Equation missing". Assume the solution set "Equation missing" of (VI) is nonempty. In this paper, we introduce one implicit scheme which can be used to find an element "Equation missing". Our results improve and extend a recent result of (Lu et al. 2009).