bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pleural space elastance and changes in oxygenation after therapeutic thoracentesis in ventilated patients with heart failure and transudative pleural effusions
Authors: CHEN Wei‐Lin , CHUNG Chi‐Li , HSIAO Shih‐Hsin , CHANG Shi‐Chuan 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Therapeutic thoracentesis (TT) is required in patients with refractory pleural effusions and impaired oxygenation. In this study, the relationship between pleural space elastance (PE) and changes in oxygenation after TT was investigated in ventilated patients with heart failure and transudative pleural effusions.Methods:  Twenty‐six mechanically ventilated patients with heart failure and significant transudative effusions, who were undergoing TT, were studied. The effusion was drained as completely as possible, with monitoring of pleural liquid pressure (Pliq) and chest symptoms. The volume of effusion removed, the changes in Pliq during TT, PE and arterial blood gases before and after TT were recorded.Results:  The mean volume of effusion removed was 1011.9 ± 58.2 mL. The mean Pliq decreased from 14.5 ± 1.0 to 0.1 ± 1.5 cm H2O after TT, and the mean PE was 15.3 ± 1.8 cm H2O/L. TT significantly increased the mean ratio of PaO2/fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) from 243.2 ± 19.9 to 336.0 ± 17.8 mm Hg (P < 0.0001). The changes in PaO2/FiO2 ratio after TT were inversely correlated with PE (r = −0.803, P < 0.0001). The 14 patients (54%) with normal PE (≤14.5 cm H2O/L) had significantly greater increases in PaO2/FiO2 ratio after TT than did the 12 patients with abnormal PE (>14.5 cm H2O/L).Conclusions:  Measurement of PE during TT may be valuable for predicting improvement in oxygenation in ventilated patients with heart failure and pleural effusions. Patients with lower PE showed greater improvement in oxygenation after TT.
Development and organization of an interventional pulmonology department
Authors: COLT Henri G. 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTDevelopment and organization of an interventional pulmonology department requires careful consideration of many elements, including personnel, equipment, logistics, procedures performed, practice management, institutional vision and biases, practice setting, continued medical education, risk management, communication and fiscal responsibility. In this paper, a patient‐centric approach is used to begin addressing these issues and present the strengths, weaknesses, advantages and disadvantages of an interventional pulmonology department.
Indirect interception actions by blind and sighted perceivers: The role of modality and tau
Authors: VERNAT JEAN‐PHILIPPE , GORDON MICHAEL S. 
Published: July 2010

Vernat, J.‐P. & Gordon, M.S. (2011). Indirect interception actions by blind and sighted perceivers: The role of modality and tau. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 52, 83–92.Acoustic and visual interceptive actions were tested in this research by comparing the performance of blind, blind‐folded, and sighted individuals. An indirect interception method was employed in which the participant had to roll an intercepting ball towards a moving target on a perpendicular track. The interception task used conditions that varied the speed, rolling distance, and target size/intensity. While performance was highly consistent and accurate for visual participants in this research, the blind and blind‐folded participants demonstrated much more performance variability in response to changes in speed and distance. Manipulation of target size and intensity did not affect judgments, however performance tended to be more accurate at shorter distances and with faster target speeds. Results from this research are discussed in terms of their implications for tau in acoustic interception, and the use of spatial and temporal cues for guiding interceptive actions.
Do Corporate Governance Motives Drive Hedge Fund and Private Equity Fund Activities?
Authors: Achleitner Ann‐Kristin , Betzer André , Gider Jasmin 
Published: July 2010

Abstract  We document empirical evidence that both hedge fund (HF) and private equity fund (PE) investments are driven by corporate governance improvements, but address different types of agency conflicts. Whereas HFs focus on firms without a controlling shareholder, in particular family shareholders, PEs invest in firms with low managerial ownership. Both appear to address free cash flow problems differently. Aiming at increasing dividends, HFs tend to use commitment devices that can be implemented over a short horizon. PEs are inclined to longer‐term strategies: they target firms that are particularly well suited for leverage increases because of low expected financial distress costs.
EFNS guidelines for diagnosis, therapy and prevention of Wernicke encephalopathy
Authors: Galvin R. , Bråthen G. , Ivashynka A. , Hillbom M. , Tanasescu R. , Leone M. A. 
Published: July 2010

Background:  Although Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) is a preventable and treatable disease it still often remains undiagnosed during life.Objectives:  To create practical guidelines for diagnosis, management and prevention of the disease.Methods:  We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, Cochrane Library.Conclusions and recommendations:

The clinical diagnosis of WE should take into account the different presentations of clinical signs between alcoholics and non alcoholics (Recommendation Level C); although prevalence is higher in alcoholics, WE should be suspected in all clinical conditions which could lead to thiamine deficiency (good practice point – GPP).
The clinical diagnosis of WE in alcoholics requires two of the following four signs; (i) dietary deficiencies (ii) eye signs, (iii) cerebellar dysfunction, and (iv) either an altered mental state or mild memory impairment (Level B).
Total thiamine in blood sample should be measured immediately before its administration (GPP).
MRI should be used to support the diagnosis of acute WE both in alcoholics and non alcoholics (Level B).
Thiamine is indicated for the treatment of suspected or manifest WE. It should be given, before any carbohydrate, 200 mg thrice daily, preferably intravenously (Level C).
The overall safety of thiamine is very good (Level B).
After bariatric surgery we recommend follow‐up of thiamine status for at least 6 months (Level B) and parenteral thiamine supplementation (GPP).
Parenteral thiamine should be given to all at‐risk subjects admitted to the Emergency Room (GPP).
Patients dying from symptoms suggesting WE should have an autopsy (GPP).
Serum measurement of interleukin‐31 (IL‐31) in paediatric atopic dermatitis: elevated levels correlate with severity scoring
Authors: Ezzat MHM , Hasan ZE , Shaheen KYA 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackground  Interleukin‐31 (IL‐31) is a novel T‐helper‐lymphocyte‐derived cytokine that plays an important role in human T‐cell‐mediated skin diseases. When overexpressed in transgenic mice, IL‐31 induces severe pruritus resembling eczema in humans. Serum IL‐31 was previously found overexpressed in adults with atopic dermatitis (AD). The novelty of this study is the use of a pediatric patient group as well as comparison of IL‐31 levels during flare and quiescence.Objective  This case‐controlled longitudinal study was designed to determine the levels of IL‐31 in serum of AD children and its associations in relation to disease activity and severity.Methods  Sera were obtained from 50 AD children and 40 healthy volunteers. IL‐31 levels were measured using a sandwich ELISA. All AD patients were followed up and re‐sampled for serum IL‐31 after clinical remission. Serum IL‐31 levels were correlated with AD disease activity and severity variables.Results  Serum IL‐31 levels were significantly higher whether during AD flare [median, 1600; mean (SD) = 1457.8 ± 770.4 pg/mL] or quiescence (1040; 958.7 ± 419.5 pg/mL), than those in controls (220; 197.3 ± 91.9 pg/mL). Serum IL‐31 levels were significantly higher in the high disease severity group compared with the moderate or low severity group. Moreover, serum IL‐31 levels correlated positively with the calculated severity scores (LSS, SSS and SCORAD index).Conclusion  The results of this study confirm the importance of IL‐31 in AD pathophysiology. Serum IL‐31 level is an objective reliable marker of AD severity in children. It may represent a novel target for antipruritic drug development.
Efficacy, safety and tolerability of green tea catechins in the treatment of external anogenital warts: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tzellos TG , Sardeli C , Lallas A , Papazisis G , Chourdakis M , Kouvelas D 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackground  External anogenital warts (EGWs) are non‐malignant skin tumours caused by human papillomavirus. They are one of the fastest growing sexually transmitted diseases. Current treatments are unsatisfactory. Green tea sinecatechin Polyphenon E ointment is a botanical extract from green tea leaves exhibiting anti‐oxidant, anti‐viral and anti‐tumour properties.Objective  The aim of this study was to integrate valid information and provide basis for rational decision making regarding efficacy and safety of green tea extracts in the treatment of EGWs.Methods  A systematic search in electronic databases was conducted using specific key terms. Main search was performed independently by two reviewers. The accumulated relevant literature was subsequently systematically reviewed and a meta‐analysis was conducted.Results  Three randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies evaluating efficacy and safety of Polyphenon E 15% and 10% in the treatment of warts were included in the systematic review and meta‐analysis. A total of 660 men and 587 women were enrolled. Regarding primary outcome, both Polyphenon E 15% and 10% demonstrated significantly higher likelihood of complete clearance of baseline and baseline and new warts compared with controls. No significant heterogeneity was detected. Recurrence rates were very low. Commonest local skin sign was erythema and local skin symptom was itching.Conclusions  Efficacy of Polyphenon 15% and 10%, at least for the primary endpoint, is clearly indicated. Polyphenon E treatment exhibits very low recurrence rates and appears to have a rather favourable safety and tolerability profile. Recommendations for future studies should include evaluation of the efficacy of green tea catechins in the treatment of internal anogenital warts and direct comparison with its principal comparator, imiquimod.
Investigation of cytokine levels and their association with SCORAD index in adults with acute atopic dermatitis
Authors: Vakirlis E , Lazaridou E , Tzellos TG , Gerou S , Chatzidimitriou D , Ioannides D 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackground  Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with increasing frequency over the last decades, especially in adults. Cytokines orchestrate atopic skin inflammation.Objectives  The aim of this study was to compare serum levels of cytokines in adult patients with acute AD (AD1) with other groups of AD patients and controls and investigate the possible association between such cytokines and disease severity.Methods  We measured cytokine levels using flow cytometry in 21 adult patients with acute AD, 12 adults with chronic AD, 10 children with acute AD and 10 healthy adults.Results  Flow cytometry analysis of cytokines revealed that interleukin 10 (IL‐10), IL‐6, interferon γ (IFN‐γ) and IL‐4 levels were significantly decreased in AD1 group compared with controls, whereas IL‐2 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) did not differ. Comparison of AD1 group with adults chronic phase group showed that IgE, eosinophil and IL‐2 levels remained unaltered, whereas IL‐10, IL‐6, IFN‐γ, IL‐4 and TNF were significantly decreased. SCORAD and IgE levels were significantly increased, IL‐10, IL‐6 and IFN‐γ were decreased and TNF, IL‐2, IL‐4 and eosinophil levels remained unchanged in AD1 group compared with children acute phase group. Within AD1 group correlation analysis revealed that IgE and TNF levels were significantly associated with AD severity. Coefficient of determination analysis revealed that TNF and IgE levels could explain 49.14% and 35.28% of the variance of SCORAD.Conclusions  These data indicate that serum IgE and TNF levels correlate with AD severity and that serum cytokines are downregulated in AD1 group. Further studies are clearly needed to elucidate cytokines’ role in adults with AD.
Reducing Potentially Avoidable Complications in Patients with Chronic Diseases: The Prometheus Payment Approach
Authors: De Brantes Francois , Rastogi Amita , Painter Michael 
Published: July 2010

Objective (or Study Question). To determine whether a new payment model can reduce current incidence of potentially avoidable complications (PACs) in patients with a chronic illness.Data Sources/Study Setting. A claims database of 3.5 million commercially insured members under age 65.Study Design. We analyzed the database using the Prometheus Payment model's analytical software for six chronic conditions to quantify total costs, proportion spent on PACs, and their variability across the United States. We conducted a literature review to determine the feasibility of reducing PACs. We estimated the financial impact on a prototypical practice if that practice received payments based on the Prometheus Payment model.Principal Findings. We find that (1) PACs consume an average of 28.6 percent of costs for the six chronic conditions studied and vary significantly; (2) reducing PACs to the second decile level would save U.S.$116.7 million in this population; (3) current literature suggests that practices in certain settings could decrease PACs; and (4) using the Prometheus model could create a large potential incentive for a prototypical practice to reduce PACs.Conclusions. By extrapolating these findings we conclude that costs might be reduced through payment reform efforts. A full extrapolation of these results, while speculative, suggests that total costs associated to the six chronic conditions studied could decrease by 3.8 percent.
Benefits of introducing universal umbilical cord blood gas and lactate analysis into an obstetric unit
Authors: WHITE Christopher R.H. , DOHERTY Dorota A. , HENDERSON Jennifer J. , KOHAN Rolland , NEWNHAM John P. , PENNELL Craig E. 
Published: July 2010

Background:  Current evidence suggests that umbilical arterial pH analysis provides the most sensitive reflection of birth asphyxia. However, there’s debate whether umbilical cord blood gas analysis (UC‐BGA) should be conducted on some or all deliveries.Aim:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of introducing universal UC‐BGA at delivery on perinatal outcome.Methods:  An observational study of all deliveries ≥20 weeks’ gestation at a tertiary obstetric unit between January 2003 and December 2006. Paired UC‐BGA was performed on 97% of deliveries (n = 19,646). Univariate and adjusted analysis assessed inter‐year UC‐BGA differences and the likelihood of metabolic acidosis and nursery admission.Results:  There was a progressive improvement in umbilical artery pH, pO2, pCO2, base excess and lactate values in univariate and adjusted analyses (P < 0.001). There was a significant reduction in the newborns with an arterial pH <7.10 (OR = 0.71; 95%CI 0.53–0.95) and lactate >6.1 mmol/L (OR = 0.37; 95%CI 0.30–0.46). Utilising population specific 5th and 95th percentiles, there was a reduction in newborns with arterial pH less than 5th percentile (pH 7.12; OR = 0.75; 95%CI 0.59–0.96) and lactate levels greater than 95th percentile (6.7 mmol/L; OR = 0.37; 95%CI 0.29–0.49). There was a reduction in term (OR = 0.65; 95%CI 0.54–0.78), and overall (OR = 0.75; 95%CI 0.64–0.87) nursery admissions. These improved perinatal outcomes were independent of intervention rates.Conclusions:  These data suggest that introduction of universal UC‐BGA may result in improved perinatal outcomes, which were observed to be independent of obstetric intervention. We suggest that these improvements might be attributed to provision of biochemical data relating to fetal acid‐base status at delivery influencing intrapartum care in subsequent cases.
Randomised prospective study of abdominal wall closure in patients with gynaecological cancer
Authors: BERRETTA Roberto , ROLLA Martino , PATRELLI Tito Silvio , PIANTELLI Giovanni , MERISIO Carla , MELPIGNANO Mauro , NARDELLI Giovanni B. , MODENA Alberto Bacchi 
Published: July 2010

Background:  Median laparotomy is the most common approach to the abdominopelvic cavity in patients with gynaecological tumours.Aims:  The primary endpoint of the study was to evaluate the onset of incisional hernia. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate the onset of infection, wound dehiscence, wound infection, and scar pain during the post‐operative period.Methods:  A total of 191 patients were eligible for the study. They were divided into three groups. Group A underwent en bloc closure of the peritoneum and fascia with Premilene® suture, Group B en bloc closure of the peritoneum and fascia with Polydioxanone suture, and Group C separate closure of the peritoneum and fascia with single stitches of Ethibond suture. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Software Package for Social Sciences 12.0.Results:  Group A and Group B comprised 63 patients, and Group C included 65 patients. The three groups proved homogeneous on statistical analysis (P > 0.05). The statistical analysis did not reveal significant differences between the different suture types and techniques with respect to the incidence of incisional hernia (P > 0.05).Conclusion:  In our study, the incidence of incisional hernia was 8%. Randomised patients were homogeneous for sample size and risk factors. No significant differences were found between suture types or techniques. Currently, there is no suture material or technique that can be considered superior to others. When possible, we believe that the best way to prevent incisional hernia is to preserve the integrity of the abdominal wall using minimally invasive techniques.
Gender Differences in Alcohol Treatment: An Analysis of Outcome From the COMBINE Study
Authors: Greenfield Shelly F. , Pettinati Helen M. , O’Malley Stephanie , Randall Patrick K. , Randall Carrie L. 
Published: July 2010

Background:  Relatively few studies have examined gender differences in the effectiveness of specific behavioral or pharmacologic treatment of alcohol dependence. The aim of this study is to assess whether there were gender differences in treatment outcomes for specific behavioral and medication treatments singly or in combination by conducting a secondary analysis of public access data from the national, multisite NIAAA‐sponsored COMBINE study.Methods:  The COMBINE study investigated alcohol treatment among 8 groups of patients (378 women, 848 men) who received medical management (MM) with 16 weeks of placebo, naltrexone (100 mg/day), acamprosate (3 g/day), or their combination with or without a specialist‐delivered combined behavioral intervention. We examined efficacy measures separately for men and women, followed by an overall analysis that included gender and its interaction with treatment condition in the analyses. These analyses were performed to confirm whether the findings reported in the parent trial were also relevant to women, and to more closely examine secondary outcome variables that were not analyzed previously for gender effects.Results:  Compared to men, women reported a later age of onset of alcohol dependence by approximately 3 years, were significantly less likely to have had previous alcohol treatment, and drank fewer drinks per drinking day. Otherwise, there were no baseline gender differences in drinking measures. Outcome analyses of 2 primary (percent days abstinent and time to first heavy drinking day) and 2 secondary (good clinical response and percent heavy drinking days) drinking measures yielded the same overall pattern in each gender as that observed in the parent COMBINE study report. That is, only the naltrexone by behavioral intervention interaction reached or approached significance in women as well as in men. There was a naltrexone main effect that was significant in both men and women in reduction in alcohol craving scores with naltrexone‐treated subjects reporting lower craving than placebo‐treated subjects.Conclusions:  This gender‐focused analysis found that alcohol‐dependent women responded to naltrexone with COMBINE’s Medical Management, similar to the alcohol‐dependent men, on a wide range of outcome measures. These results suggest that clinicians can feel comfortable prescribing naltrexone for alcohol dependence in both men and women. In this study, it is also notable that fewer women than men reported receiving any alcohol treatment prior to entry into the COMBINE study. Of note, women tend to go to primary health care more frequently than to specialty substance abuse programs for treatment, and so the benefit we confirm for women of the naltrexone and MM combination has practical implications for treating alcohol‐dependent women.
Prevalence of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus among blood donors at a tertiary care hospital in India: a five‐year study
Authors: Meena Monika , Jindal Tarun , Hazarika Anjali 
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND:Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are important transfusion‐transmissible infections. This study was performed to assess the prevalence of HBV and HCV seropositivity among blood donors at a tertiary care hospital–based blood bank in India.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:The blood donation records over 5 years (2005‐2009) were reviewed, retrospectively, for the prevalence and yearly trends of HBV and HCV seropositivity.RESULTS:A total of 94,716 donations were received. The overall number of HBV‐seropositive donations was 1353 and that for HCV was 537, with the prevalence rates of 1.43% for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and 0.57% for HCV. The seropositivity rate was higher in the replacement donors compared to the voluntary donors. The annual rates showed decreasing trends in case of HBsAg, but in case of HCV, there was a linear increase.CONCLUSIONS:Our study raises serious concerns regarding the HBV and HCV prevalence in our country. Although HBV showed decreasing trends, it cannot be relied upon because the donors were screened only for HBsAg. HCV is clearly on the rise. Stringent measures need to be taken on urgent basis including dissemination of information, strict screening of blood, inclusion of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen and other sensitive markers to the screening protocol, and better donor recruitment.
Increase of ZASC1 gene copy number in recurrent oral carcinoma
Authors: Chiang W‐F , Hung P‐S , Liu S‐Y , Yuan T‐C , Chang K‐W , Chen Y‐P , Liu Y‐C , Lin S‐C 
Published: July 2010

Oral Diseases (2010) 17, 53–59Backgrounds:  The chromosome 3q26 locus is a hotspot region carrying oncogenes that frequently altered in neoplasms. ZASC1 is a zinc finger protein transcription factor localized on 3q26. Our previous study showed the frequent amplification of 3q26, including the ZASC1 gene, in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study investigated the copy number changes of ZASC1 gene from primary to recurrent OSCC and the functions of ZASC1 in OSCC cells.Materials and methods:  A total of 27 OSCC patients with primary and recurrent tumors were examined for ZASC1 and TERC copy number changes using Quantitative PCR analysis. Exogenous expression and knockdown of ZASC1 were carried out to specify the oncogenic potential of ZASC1 in OSCC cells.Results:  A ZASC1 copy number that has increased from primary to recurrent tumor counterparts in tissue pairs suggested the importance of ZASC1 in tumor progression. The increase of ZASC1 gene copy number in recurrent tumors was associated with the consumption of betel quid in patients. OSCC cells expressing ZASC1‐FLAG fusion protein showed increased proliferation. After the knockdown of endogenous ZASC1 expression using small interference RNA, the growth and colony formation of SAS OSCC cells decreased.Conclusions:  The findings support the hypothesis that ZASC1 localized on 3q26 contributes to the recurrence of OSCC.