bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost‐intensive, time‐consuming, problematical? How physicians in private practice experience the care of urticaria patients
Authors: Weller Karsten , Viehmann Kristina , Bräutigam Matthias , Krause Karoline , Siebenhaar Frank , Zuberbier Torsten , Maurer Marcus 
Published: November 2011

SummaryBackground: Urticaria is a common and frequently debilitating disease. Nevertheless, there are only few studies examining the situation of urticaria patient care.Patients and Methods: In this cross‐sectional study, we surveyed dermatologists, pediatricians and general practitioners in the practice setting regarding the epidemiology, situation of care as well as the perception of their patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria.Results: 776 data sets were available. The results show a high frequency of consultations due to chronic spontaneous urticaria. Most of the patients were reported to suffer moderately to severely and to have had history of disease of well over one year. The pediatricians indicated fewer diseases and shorter courses. The majority of participants stated that the time and cost spent on care, as well as the frequency of follow‐up visits, are above average. In addition, chronic spontaneous urticaria patients were reported to be a group with a strong emotional burden and high expectations as well as a group that is difficult to satisfy and hard to guide. Only a small minority of physicians rated patient satisfaction with current treatment options and therapy success as high.Conclusions: Chronic spontaneous urticaria plays an important role in daily practice. Problems are reported on various areas of care. Resolving these problems presents a major challenge and is crucial for improving the quality of patient care.
Cognitive‐Psychomotor Functions and Nutritional Status in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: Are They Related?
Authors: Radić Josipa , Ljutic Dragan , Radić Mislav , Kovacic Vedran , Ćurković Katarina Dodig , Sain Milenka 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBoth cognitive impairment and malnutrition are common in hemodialysis patients and associated with adverse clinical outcome. The aim of the study was to investigate performance on a detailed cognitive and psychomotor battery in maintenance hemodialysis patients in correlation to nutritional status. A selected population of 65 adult (20 females and 45 males, aged 57.84 ± 12.28 years) hemodialysis (4.78 ± 3.62 years) patients were investigated. The total time of test solving was correlated with Dialysis Malnutrition Score (DMS) in tests of simple visual discrimination of signal location (r = 0.215, P = 0.042), simple convergent visual orientation (r = 0.262, P = 0.020), and convergent thinking (r = 0.244, P = 0.034). The minimum time of test solving was also correlated with DMS in the test of simple convergent visual orientation (r = 0.227, P = 0.038), and in the test of convergent thinking (r = 0.223, P = 0.048). Total ballast, as a descriptor of stability in reaction time, was correlated with DMS in the test of simple visual discrimination of signal location (r = 0.281, P = 0.012), and in a test of short term memory actualization (r = 0.239, P = 0.028). Furthermore, significant correlation was noted between body mass index, serum creatinine, total cholesterol and albumin level with cognitive–psychomotor performance. Hemodialysis patients with a poorer nutritional status performed worse on cognitive and psychomotor tests. Further research is needed to assess the effects of treating malnutrition on cognitive–psychomotor performance in these patients.
Distiller’s dried grains with solubles as an alternative protein source in diets of tilapia
Authors: Lim Chhorn , Li Erchao , Klesius Phillip H. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractDistiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a dried residue that remains after the fermentation of grain mash by selected yeasts and enzymes to produce ethanol and carbon dioxide, is currently readily available and less expensive than other conventional protein sources on a per unit protein basis. The nutrient content and nutritional value of DDGS varies with the source and quality of the grains, fermentation time and efficiency, the drying process and the quantity of distiller’s solubles added. In general, corn and wheat DDGS are deficient in lysine and methionine for tilapia, with lysine being the most limiting. Research evaluating the nutritional value of DDGS showed that 20–30% DDGS derived from corn or wheat can be included in tilapia diets without requiring lysine supplementation. With supplementation of lysine, DDGS at levels of 40% or higher can be used without affecting growth performance and feed utilization efficiency. Distiller’s dried grains with solubles also contain yeast, a rich source of beta glucan and nucleotides that have been reported to enhance immunity and disease resistance in fish. Corn DDGS, owing to its high oil content, is rich in linoleic acid and is an excellent source of energy and essential fatty acids for tilapia. High concentrations of xanthophylls present in corn DDGS may impart yellow pigment in fish flesh if included at high levels. Taking into consideration various factors affecting the nutritional value of diets and the quality of pellet and fish products, 15–20% DDGS appears to be optimum in the diets of tilapia.
Identification of a Mycoplasma ovis‐like organism in a herd of farmed white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in rural Indiana
Authors: Boes Katie M. , Goncarovs Kristina O. , Thompson Craig A. , Halik Lindsay A. , Santos Andrea P. , Guimaraes Ana M. S. , Feutz Marybeth Miskovic , Holman Patricia J. , Vemulapalli Ramesh , Messick Joanne B. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract:Mycoplasma ovis is a hemoplasma parasite of sheep, goats, and reindeer; however, natural hemoplasma infection in white‐tailed deer has not previously been reported. Subsequent to finding many coccoid, bacillary, and ring‐shaped organisms, consistent with hemotropic mycoplasmas, on RBCs from a 72‐day‐old female white‐tailed fawn, we sought to (1) identify the putative hemoplasma observed in blood from the fawn, (2) evaluate others in the herd for hemoplasma infection, and (3) identify clinicopathologic characteristics of hemoplasma‐infected white‐tailed deer. EDTA‐anticoagulated whole blood was collected from the fawn and 8 apparently healthy does in the same herd. CBCs were performed on 7 nonclotted samples from the fawn and 6 does. DNA was extracted from all samples, followed by PCR amplification of bacterial (16S rDNA) and protozoal (18S rDNA) genes. The nearly complete 16S rDNA product from the fawn's sample was directly sequenced and compared with known sequences in the GenBank database. Samples from the fawn and 7 of 8 does were PCR‐positive using hemoplasma‐specific and M ovis‐specific protocols. The fawn was PCR‐negative for Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., and Theileria spp. The 16S rDNA sequence from the fawn (GenBank accession number, FJ824847) was most closely related to M ovis (AF338268), having 98.5% sequence identity. The fawn had a mild nonregenerative anemia, a neutrophilic left‐shift with toxic change, aspiration bronchopneumonia, and gastrointestinal disease. Hematologic values, including blood film evaluation, in infected does were unremarkable. The M ovis‐like organism may have acted as either an opportunistic or primary pathogen in the fawn. The high occurrence of subclinical infections in the does suggests that white‐tailed deer may act as wildlife reservoirs for M ovis.
Implementing a newly proposed Monte Carlo based small field dosimetry formalism for a comprehensive set of diode detectors
Authors: Cranmer‐Sargison G. , Weston S. , Evans J. A. , Sidhu N. P. , Thwaites D. I. 
Published: November 2011

Purpose:The goal of this work was to implement a recently proposed small field dosimetry formalism [Alfonsoet al., Med. Phys. 35(12), 5179–5186 (2008)] for a comprehensive set of diode detectors and provide the required Monte Carlo generated factors to correct measurement.Methods:Jaw collimated square small field sizes of side 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, and 3.0 cm normalized to a reference field of 5.0 cm × 5.0 cm were used throughout this study. Initial linac modeling was performed with electron source parameters at 6.0, 6.1, and 6.2 MeV with the Gaussian FWHM decreased in steps of 0.010 cm from 0.150 to 0.100 cm. DOSRZnrc was used to develop models of the IBA stereotactic field diode (SFD) as well as the PTW T60008, T60012, T60016, and T60017 field diodes. Simulations were run and isocentric, detector specific, output ratios (ORdet) calculated at depths of 1.5, 5.0, and 10.0 cm. This was performed using the following source parameter subset: 6.1 and 6.2 MeV with a FWHM = 0.100, 0.110, and 0.120 cm. The source parameters were finalized by comparing experimental detector specific output ratios with simulation. Simulations were then run with the active volume and surrounding materials set to water and the replacement correction factors calculated according to the newly proposed formalism.Results:In all cases, the experimental field size widths (at the 50% level) were found to be smaller than the nominal, and therefore, the simulated field sizes were adjusted accordingly. At a FWHM = 0.150 cm simulation produced penumbral widths that were too broad. The fit improved as the FWHM was decreased, yet for all but the smallest field size worsened again at a FWHM = 0.100 cm. The simulated ORdet were found to be greater than, equivalent to and less than experiment for spot size FWHM = 0.100, 0.110, and 0.120 cm, respectively. This is due to the change in source occlusion as a function of FWHM and field size. The corrections required for the 0.5 cm field size were 0.95 (±1.0%) for the SFD, T60012 and T60017 diodes and 0.90 (±1.0%) for the T60008 and T60016 diodes—indicating measured output ratios to be 5% and 10% high, respectively. Our results also revealed the correction factors to be the same within statistical variation at all depths considered.Conclusions:A number of general conclusions are evident: (1) small field ORdet are very sensitive to the simulated source parameters, and therefore, rigorous Monte Carlo linac model commissioning, with respect to measurement, must be pursued prior to use, (2) backscattered dose to the monitor chamber should be included in simulated ORdet calculations, (3) the corrections required for diode detectors are design dependent and therefore detailed detector modeling is required, and (4) the reported detector specific correction factors may be applied to experimental small field ORdet consistent with those presented here.
Potential of discrete Gaussian edge feathering method for improving abutment dosimetry in eMLC‐delivered segmented‐field electron conformal therapy
Authors: Eley John G. , Hogstrom Kenneth R. , Matthews Kenneth L. , Parker Brent C. , Price Michael J. 
Published: November 2011

Purpose:The purpose of this work was to investigate the potential of discrete Gaussian edge feathering of the higher energy electron fields for improving abutment dosimetry in the planning volume when using an electron multileaf collimator (eMLC) to deliver segmented‐field electron conformal therapy (ECT).Methods:A discrete (five‐step) Gaussian edge spread function was used to match dose penumbras of differing beam energies (6–20 MeV) at a specified depth in a water phantom. Software was developed to define the leaf eMLC positions of an eMLC that most closely fit each electron field shape. The effect of 1D edge feathering of the higher energy field on dose homogeneity was computed and measured for segmented‐field ECT treatment plans for three 2D PTVs in a water phantom, i.e., depth from the water surface to the distal PTV surface varied as a function of thex‐axis (parallel to leaf motion) and remained constant along the y‐axis (perpendicular to leaf motion). Additionally, the effect of 2D edge feathering was computed and measured for one radially symmetric, 3D PTV in a water phantom, i.e., depth from the water surface to the distal PTV surface varied as a function of both axes. For the 3D PTV, the feathering scheme was evaluated for 0.1–1.0‐cm leaf widths. Dose calculations were performed using the pencil beam dose algorithm in the Pinnacle3 treatment planning system. Dose verification measurements were made using a prototype eMLC (1‐cm leaf width).Results:1D discrete Gaussian edge feathering reduced the standard deviation of dose in the 2D PTVs by 34, 34, and 39%. In the 3D PTV, the broad leaf width (1 cm) of the eMLC hindered the 2D application of the feathering solution to the 3D PTV, and the standard deviation of dose increased by 10%. However, 2D discrete Gaussian edge feathering with simulated eMLC leaf widths of 0.1–0.5 cm reduced the standard deviation of dose in the 3D PTV by 33–28%, respectively.Conclusions:A five‐step discrete Gaussian edge spread function applied in 2D improves the abutment dosimetry but requires an eMLC leaf resolution better than 1 cm.
Seedling growth and water use of boreal conifers across different temperatures and near-flooded soil conditions
Authors: Wolken Jane M. , Landhäusser Simon M. , Lieffers Victor J. , Silins Uldis 
Published: November 2011

To test the hypothesis that seedling growth and water use increase with soil temperature and improved soil aeration and vary with species, we evaluated the above- and below-ground growth and water use of seedlings of four northern boreal conifer species: black spruce ( Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.), white spruce ( Picea glauca (Moench) Voss), tamarack ( Larix laricina (Du Roi) K. Koch), and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud.) grown under different temperature and near-flooded soil conditions. Seedlings were grown in specialized pots that maintained the water table level at either 15 cm (high water table treatment: very wet) or 30 cm (low water table treatment: moderately wet) below the soil surface, and whole-seedling transpiration was assessed. Soil temperature (5, 10, or 20 °C) was controlled with a water bath surrounding the pots. Although some species were sensitive to the high water table treatment, soil temperature was the driver of seedling growth and water use. We ranked the ability of the seedlings of the species to tolerate the cold soil conditions examined as black spruce > lodgepole pine > tamarack > white spruce. The ranking of the ability to tolerate near-flooded conditions was tamarack and lodgepole pine > black spruce > white spruce.
Avian responses to experimental harvest in southern boreal mixedwood shoreline forests: implications for riparian buffer management
Authors: Kardynal K.J. , Morissette J.L. , Van Wilgenburg S.L. , Bayne E.M. , Hobson K.A. 
Published: November 2011

Conventional management of shoreline forest in harvested boreal landscapes involves retention of treed buffer strips to provide habitat for wildlife species and protect aquatic habitats from deleterious effects of harvesting. With shoreline forests being considered for harvest in several jurisdictions, it is important to determine the potential impacts of this disturbance on birds. In this study, responses of riparian- and upland-nesting birds to three levels of harvest (0%–50%, 50%–75%, and 75%–100% within 100 m of the water) in shoreline forests around boreal wetlands were assessed 1 year before and each year for 4 years after harvest relative to unharvested reference sites. Upland-nesting species showed variable responses to harvest, with greatest declines in abundance of interior forest nesting species (e.g., Ovenbird, Seiurus aurocapillus L.) with the highest levels of harvest. Shrub-nesting and generalist species increased in abundance in harvest treatments relative to reference sites. Riparian birds showed little response to harvest, suggesting that shoreline forest harvest has little effect on their abundance up to 4 years after harvest. Retention of small buffers may not be an effective management strategy for conservation of birds occupying shoreline forests, particularly interior forest nesting species. We suggest that alternatives to conventional buffer management be explored.
Revivification of a method for identifying longleaf pine timber and its application to southern pine relicts in southeastern Virginia
Authors: Eberhardt Thomas L. , Sheridan Philip M. , Bhuta Arvind A.R. 
Published: November 2011

Longleaf pine ( Pinus palustris Mill.) cannot be distinguished from the other southern pines based on wood anatomy alone. A method that involves measuring pith and second annual ring diameters, reported by Arthur Koehler in 1932 (The Southern Lumberman, 145: 36–37), was revisited as an option for identifying longleaf pine timbers and stumps. Cross-section disks of longleaf, loblolly ( Pinus taeda L.), and shortleaf ( Pinus echinata Mill.) pines were measured and the diameters of their piths and second annual rings plotted against each other. From this plot, longleaf pine could be differentiated from the other two southern pine species, demonstrating that a method established with trees harvested more than 70 years ago is still applicable to standing timber of today. No evidence was found to suggest that different growth rates impact method applicability. In those situations where the second annual ring is intact, but not the pith, very large second annual ring diameters (>40 mm) may identify timbers with a lower probability of being longleaf pine. In addition to the identification of very old lightwood stumps as part of a longleaf pine restoration effort, both methods may be applied to timber identification in historic structures and the niche forest products industry involving the recovery and processing of highly prized longleaf pine logs from river bottoms. Measurements from relicts sampled in this study were consistent with the purported range for longleaf pine in Virginia.
Migraine and hypercoagulable states in ischemic stroke
Authors: Martínez-Sánchez P , Martínez-Martínez M , Fuentes B , Cuesta MV , Cuéllar-Gamboa L , Idrovo-Freire L , Fernández-Dominguez J , Díez-Tejedor E 
Published: November 2011

Background: Whether migraine is associated with a higher prevalence of hypercoagulable states (HS) in ischemic stroke patients is unknown. Methods: This was a prospective study of patients under 55 years of age with brain ischemia. A systematic questionnaire addressed the antecedent of migraine with aura (MA) or without aura (MO). We investigated the presence of HS by an extensive battery of haematological tests. The presence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) was assessed by trans-oesophageal echocardiography. Results: A total of 154 patients (95 men; mean ± SD age, 44.12 ± 8.4 years) were included; 44 had migraine, 15 had MA. HS were more frequent in the migraine than non-migraine group (38.6% vs. 16.4%, p < 0.01). The multivariate analysis showed that MO was associated with a 2.88-fold (95% CI, 1.14 to 7.28) increased risk of HS diagnosis. However, in the group of patients with brain infarction under 50 years old, MA, but not MO, was independently associated with HS (OR 6.81; 95% CI, 1.01 to 45.79). Conclusion: In young patients with ischemic stroke, migraine may be associated with a higher frequency of HS.
The Effect of Graft Fixation Angles on Anteroposterior and Rotational Knee Laxity in Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Koga Hideyuki , Muneta Takeshi , Yagishita Kazuyoshi , Ju Young-Jin , Sekiya Ichiro 
Published: November 2011

Background: One of the main differences affecting outcome between single-bundle and double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions may be graft fixation angles and initial force settings; however, there has been little research to investigate these effects in either technique. Hypothesis: Anteroposterior and rotational knee laxities will be less in double-bundle ACL reconstructions than single-bundle reconstructions, and different graft fixation angles affect knee kinematics and pivot-shift phenomenon in double-bundle ACL reconstructions. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Eleven patients who underwent double-bundle ACL reconstruction were included in this study. The anteromedial bundle (AMB) and the posterolateral bundle (PLB) were provisionally fixed to a graft tensioning system during surgery. The graft fixation settings were as follows: (1) AMB only at 20° (A20), (2) PLB only at 20° (P20), (3) AMB at 20° and PLB at 0° (A20P0), (4) AMB at 20° and PLB at 20° (A20P20), and (5) AMB at 20° and PLB at 45° (A20P45). All the grafts were tensioned at a constant stress level. Anterior tibial translation (ATT), internal rotation (IR), and external rotation (ER) at 30° and 90° of knee flexion applied with manual maximum load were measured before graft insertion and in each setting using a navigation system. A pivot-shift test was also evaluated manually with modified International Knee Documentation Committee criteria in each setting. Results: A20 was less constrained than A20P20 and A20P45 in ATT at 30° and less constrained than A20P45 in IR at 30°. P20 was less constrained than any other settings in ATT at 30° and less constrained than A20P45 in IR at 30°. A20P0 was less constrained than A20P45 in IR at 30° and in ER at 30°. Grade 1 pivot-shift phenomenon persisted in 8 cases in P20, in 4 cases in A20, and in 3 cases in A20P0, whereas no case showed a positive pivot-shift result in A20P20 and A20P45. Conclusion: In this in vivo laboratory model, double-bundle ACL reconstruction with fixation of AMB at 20° and PLB at 20° or 45° restored better stability than single AMB or single PLB reconstruction in which the graft was of smaller size. Clinical Relevance: In double-bundle ACL reconstruction, fixation of the PLB at 0° might be looser and function worse compared with that of PLB at 20° or 45° when the AMB is fixed at 20°, with the individual variability that should lead to caution until it can be better assessed by surgeons.
Patellar Tendon Tenodesis in Association With Tibial Tubercle Distalization for the Treatment of Episodic Patellar Dislocation With Patella Alta
Authors: Mayer Cyril , Magnussen Robert A. , Servien Elvire , Demey Guillaume , Jacobi Matthias , Neyret Philippe , Lustig Sebastien 
Published: November 2011

Background: The association between patella alta and episodic patellar dislocation (EPD) has been well described, but its pathophysiology is not completely clear. Patella alta causes decreased contact between the patella and trochlea and decreased resistance to lateral translation of the patella. Additionally, increased patellar tendon length may allow pathologically increased coronal plane patellar motion. It may thus be desirable to address the length of the patellar tendon itself rather than just its insertion site. Hypothesis: Tenodesis of the patellar tendon in association with tibial tubercle distalization in patients with EPD and abnormally long patellar tendons (>52 mm) results in significant reduction in patellar tendon length, prevention of further patellar dislocation, and good knee function at long-term follow-up. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Twenty-seven knees in 22 patients with EPD and patella alta were treated with patellar tendon tenodesis and tibial tubercle distalization. Following tubercle distalization, the patellar tendon was tenodesed into the original location of the tibial tubercle with suture anchors. Changes in patellar tendon length and patellar height were measured radiographically. Any recurrent dislocation was documented, and patients completed an International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective form at a mean of 9.6 years (range, 6-14 years) after surgery. Results: The mean length of the patellar tendon decreased from 56.3 ± 2.7 mm to 44.3 ± 8.6 mm ( P < .0001). The Caton-Deschamps index decreased from 1.22 ± 0.17 to 0.95 ± 0.22 ( P < .0001), and the Insall-Salvati ratio decreased from 1.42 ± 0.17 to 0.91 ± 0.18 ( P < .0001). No patellar dislocations occurred postoperatively. The mean postoperative subjective IKDC score was 75.6 ± 9.5. Conclusion: Patellar tendon tenodesis and tibial tubercle distalization result in normalization of patellar tendon length, a stable patellofemoral joint, and good long-term knee function in patients with patella alta and EPD.