bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intrathoracic Impedance and Ultrasound Lung Comets in Heart Failure Deterioration Monitoring
Authors: MAINES MASSIMILIANO , CATANZARITI DOMENICO , ANGHEBEN CARLO , VALSECCHI SERGIO , COMISSO JENNIFER , VERGARA GIUSEPPE 
Published: April 2011

Purpose: Echographic examination of the lung surface may reveal multiple ultrasound lung comets (ULCs) originating from water‐thickened interlobular septa. These images were demonstrated to be useful for noninvasive assessment of interstitial pulmonary edema. Similarly, the correlation between implantable defibrillator‐measured intrathoracic impedance and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) was demonstrated in heart failure (HF) patients. The aims of this analysis were to assess the agreement between defibrillator‐detected impedance decrease and the presence of ULCs, as well as to compare the performance of the impedance‐detection algorithm and the ULCs assessment in predicting HF worsening.
Methods and Results: We studied 23 HF patients implanted with a defibrillator capable of intrathoracic impedance measurement and alerting for fluid accumulation diagnosis. At regular follow‐up and at visits for HF decompensation or device alert, clinical status was assessed, chest ultrasound was performed, and PCWP was noninvasively estimated with Doppler echocardiography. During 23 ± 11 months of follow‐up, 45 paired assessments of defibrillator‐measured intrathoracic impedance and ULCs were performed. The number of ULCs resulted significantly correlated to the paired PCWP estimations (r = 0.917, P < 0.001) and to the impedance fluid index (r = 0.669, P < 0.001). During follow‐up, 12 episodes of HF decompensation were reported in 12 patients. The impedance alert detected clinical HF deterioration with 92% sensitivity and 69% positive predictive value. The presence of ≥5 ULCs showed 83% sensitivity and 91% positive predictive value.
Conclusions: These data demonstrate the correlation between intrathoracic impedance and the number of ULCs at chest ultrasound, and a good agreement between the defibrillator warning for fluid index and the detection of multiple ULCs. (PACE 2011; 34:968–974)
Alterations in Surgical Plan Based on Intraoperative Portable Head Computed Tomography Imaging
Authors: Carlson Andrew P. , Phelps Jeremy , Yonas Howard 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDIntraoperative imaging offers potential for utility in many clinical scenarios. Portable computed tomography (CT) offers a versatile potential alternative when immediate imaging may alter the surgical plan and magnetic resonance imaging is not practical.METHODSThe medical records from the University or New Mexico were reviewed for portable head CT scans done in the operating room since the scanner has been available. Operative reports and imaging studies were reviewed to determine changes in surgical decision after the CT scan.FINDINGSThe portable head CT scanner was used in 50 cases from May 2007 through March 2010. Average operative time overall was 121 minutes and for reservoir placement was 54 minutes. Procedures included reservoir placement (28%), tumor resection (24%), cerebrospinal fluid shunting (24%), vascular lesion resection (8%), trauma craniotomy (6%), abscess drainage (4%), stereotactic biopsy (4%), and open reduction internal fixation of facial fractures (2%). Findings on the CT scan lead to alterations in the surgical plan 16 times (32%).CONCLUSIONIn select cases, intraoperative portable head CT leads to changes in the surgical plan in 32% of cases. This potentially prevents a return to the operating room and offers a cost‐effective alternative to fixed intraoperative imaging facilities.
Decreased need for emergency services after changing management for suspected miscarriage
Authors: ADOLFSSON ANNSOFIE , TULLANDER‐TJÖRNSTRAND KARIN , LARSSON PER‐GÖRAN 
Published: April 2011

AbstractWe investigated the effect of a changed routine to identify women with a nonviable pregnancy, in order to utilize health care resources more efficiently during office hours rather than relying on emergency care services. From hospital register data about where and when women with miscarriages were treated, there was a significant trend during a nine‐year period for miscarriages to be more rarely diagnosed (p‐value<0.001) in the emergency ward after office hours. The proportion of miscarriages that were diagnosed and handled at the emergency ward decreased from 31% in 2001 to 17% in 2009. Furthermore, the number of women showing up with bleeding at the emergency ward, but who also had a normal viable pregnancy, declined during the same period (p‐value<0.01). Women with suspected miscarriage benefit from structured information and standardized management and can effectively be scheduled for day‐time assessment including ultrasound with a concomitant reduced need for emergency services.
Marathon of eponyms: 18 Robin sequence
Authors: Scully C , Langdon J , Evans J 
Published: April 2011

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 443–444The use of eponyms has long been contentious, but many remain in common use, as discussed elsewhere (Editorial: Oral Diseases. 2009: 15; 185). The use of eponyms in diseases of the head and neck is found mainly in specialties dealing with medically compromised individuals (paediatric dentistry, special care dentistry, oral and maxillofacial medicine, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology and oral and maxillofacial surgery) and particularly by hospital‐centred practitioners. This series has selected some of the more recognized relevant eponymous conditions and presents them alphabetically. The information is based largely on data available from MEDLINE and a number of internet websites as noted below: the authors would welcome any corrections. This document summarizes data about Robin sequence.
Review article: Resources for the management of ocular emergencies in Australia
Authors: O'Connor Patricia M , Crock Carmel T , Dhillon Rana S , Keeffe Jill E 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe aim of the present paper is to assess the practical utility of the most common print resources used by practitioners in the management of ocular emergencies. Ten print resources were identified for review (three specialty eye texts, six general emergency medicine texts and one general practice text). The main outcome measures used were the extent a text matched crucial skills criteria in clinical assessment and treatment, and usability. No single print resource addressed all criteria. Red flag systems for clinical assessment and ease of navigation were the best match areas. Only one text inadequately stressed red flag conditions and one text was not ranked as easy to navigate. All texts made assumptions regarding the knowledge/skill level of practitioners, particularly in relation to eye examination procedures and treatment. Photographs ranged in number from 8 to 1500; 3/10 texts provided no photographs. Five texts included detailed instructions on the indications and urgency of referral and follow up for all conditions covered. The remainder lacked details. Only one text used the Australasian Triage Scale. Three texts included photographs/diagrams and instructions for the slit lamp and ophthalmoscope. None covered all procedures specified in the criteria. Only two reflected drug current practice in Australia and provided adequate details on usage. A single comprehensive reference (print and/or web‐based) for dealing with ocular emergencies in Australia is clearly needed. Additionally, training and confidence levels of eye care providers must be addressed so that the risk of misdiagnosis and mismanagement of eye emergencies is reduced.
Evaluating a Continuous Medical Education Program to Improve General Practitioners Awareness and Practice on Erectile Dysfunction as a Cardiovascular Risk Factor
Authors: Mas Manuel , García-Giralda Luís , Rey Juan Ramón , Martínez-Salamanca Juan Ignacio , Guirao Lorenzo , Turbí Carmen 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The clear link between erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) together with the increased potential for effectively treating ED with oral pharmacological agents make the primary care setting the ideal place to detect and treat ED and its potential comorbidities. Given the observed shortcomings in knowledge related to ED among primary care physicians, continuous medical education (CME) on this topic stands out as a potentially effective way to improve patient care.

Aim
To assess general practitioners' (GPs) knowledge, attitudes, and self-confidence about ED management and the relationship between ED and CVD and to test whether these can be improved by means of a brief training program.

Methods
Eighty GPs completed two similar questionnaires on ED issues, one prior to a CME intervention and one following it. The CME program consisted of reading an annotated set of four review articles and six research articles followed by a live half-day seminar conducted by a GP, a urologist, and a cardiologist.

Main Outcome Measures
Changes in the answers to the two questionnaires were evaluated by tests for matched pairs using both statistical significance and effect size estimates, and assessment of different predictors were evaluated by multivariate analysis.

Results
A marked improvement was observed in physician knowledge, attitudes, and self-confidence with regard to diagnosing and treating ED following the CME training intervention.

Conclusions
The present study shows that a relatively simple educational procedure can substantially improve the awareness of primary care physicians about the cardiovascular implications of ED and their self confidence in the management of these patients.
Different Treatment Modalities for Refractory Vaginismus in Western Saudi Arabia
Authors: Fageeh Wafa M.K. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Although vaginismus is a common sexual dysfunction in Saudi Arabia, there are limited data concerning the treatment modalities associated with patients with symptoms of vaginismus.

Aim
This study is aimed to evaluate the presentation and different modalities of management in patients with severe refractory vaginismus in western Saudi Arabia.

Main Outcome Measures
Successful penetrative sexual intercourse suggesting that common elements of the therapies used were successful.

Methods
A retrospective study of patients presenting with severe refractory vaginismus treated in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The subjects were 15 women with third to fourth degree vaginismus who presented to King Abdulazziz University Hospital between January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2009.

Results
The mean age of the participants was 23 years. The mean duration of marriage before seeking medical advice was 12 months. Six patients had undergone conventional therapy successfully. The other six cases, four of which had a previous history of treatment failure, and two who were unresponsive to 4 months of conventional therapy were offered botulinum toxin type A. Five patients who received the Botox therapy had satisfactory intercourse on the same day of the treatment. One patient required a repeat injection after 2 months for recurrent vaginismus. Three of the 15 patients refused the treatment as they were already divorced and had only come in to exclude organic causes for their condition.

Conclusions
Vaginismus is an overlooked topic in conservative societies such as Saudi Arabia. For most patients, not knowing who to confide in or where to turn to plays a major role in the under diagnosis of vaginismus. Conventional therapy proved effective in mild and moderate cases, while botulinum toxin has a more rapid effect and was thus more effective in severe cases.
Memory in place
Authors: Hill Stephen 
Published: April 2011

AbstractGeographers and psychologists both seek to understand people's behaviour and their cognitive and emotional lives so it is somewhat surprising that there has not been more theoretical cross‐fertilisation of the two disciplines. ‘On time, place and happiness’ is a rare but welcome exception, showing how research in social‐cognitive psychology might usefully clarify thinking about temporality, place and well‐being. This commentary examines several additional human memory phenomena that geographers might like to consider in their theorising about these matters.
The measurement of modern sedimentation in estuarine environments in New Zealand
Authors: Woods Josephine L. D. , Kennedy David M. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractConcern about coastal sedimentation in New Zealand is widespread. As a result, many regional councils now undertake monitoring programmes to understand the rate of change that is occurring within estuarine environments. A variety of techniques are used to understand estuarine infill from short‐term (fixed rods, marker layers, laser surveying) to long‐term studies (coring). Short‐term studies provide detailed but temporally restricted data sets, while coring studies provide long‐term generalised data. This paper reviews the common methods used within New Zealand and suggests that a combination of both methods is the ideal for understanding sediment infill.
Interaction of gonadal steroids and the glucocorticoid corticosterone in the regulation of the L‐type Ca2+ current in rat left ventricular cardiomyocytes
Authors: Wagner M. , Moritz A. , Volk T. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAim:  Gonadal steroids as well as glucocorticoids have been shown to regulate the cardiac L‐type Ca2+ current (ICaL). Herein, we compare the effects of the gonadal steroids testosterone and 17β‐estradiol with the glucocorticoid corticosterone on ICaL, and investigate the interaction between the gonadal steroids and corticosterone.Methods:  Myocytes were isolated from the left ventricular free wall of female and male Wistar rats and investigated using the ruptured‐patch whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique.Results:  In myocytes isolated from female rats, 24 h incubation with 100 nm testosterone led to a 33% increase in ICaL compared with control (−8.8 ± 0.5 pA pF−1, n = 25 vs. −6.6 ± 0.4 pA pF−1, n = 26, P < 0.01, VPip = 0 mV). Incubation with 1 μm corticosterone resulted in a 79% increase in ICaL (−11.8 ± 0.7 pA pF−1, n = 29, P < 0.001). However, the combination of testosterone and corticosterone did not have any additional effect compared with corticosterone alone (−11.7 ± 0.6 pA pF−1, n = 25, ns). In cardiomyocytes from male rats, ICaL was not affected by testosterone, whereas the effect of corticosterone was preserved (P < 0.05). 24 h incubation with 17β‐estradiol increased ICaL by 32% from −7.6 ± 0.5 pA pF−1 (n = 15) to 10.0 ± 0.9 pA pF−1 (n = 15, P < 0.05). 17β‐estradiol did not exert an additional effect upon co‐incubation with corticosterone and did not have an effect on ICaL in cardiomyocytes from female rats. Higher concentrations of the gonadal steroids did not result in increased effects.Conclusion:  When compared with corticosterone, the in vitro effects of the gonadal steroids are small. However, under conditions in which ICaL is not fully activated by glucocorticoids, gonadal steroids may significantly contribute to ICaL regulation.
Mechanisms of K+ induced renal vasodilation in normo‐ and hypertensive rats in vivo
Authors: Magnusson L. , Sorensen C. M. , Braunstein T. H. , Holstein‐Rathlou N.‐H. , Salomonsson M. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAim:  We investigated the mechanisms behind K+‐induced renal vasodilation in vivo in normotensive Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).Methods:  Renal blood flow (RBF) was measured utilizing an ultrasonic Doppler flow probe. Renal vascular resistance (RVR) was calculated as the ratio of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and RBF (RVR = MAP/RBF). Test drugs were introduced directly into the renal artery. Inward rectifier K+ (Kir) channels and Na+,K+‐ATPase were blocked by Ba2+ and ouabain (estimated plasma concentrations ∼20 and ∼7 μm) respectively.Results:  Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated Kir 2.1 channels in pre‐glomerular vessels of SD and SHR. Ba2+ caused a transient (6–13%) increase in baseline RVR in both SD and SHR. Ouabain had a similar effect. Elevated renal plasma [K+] (∼12 mm) caused a small and sustained decrease (5–13%) in RVR in both strains. This decrease was significantly larger in SHR than in SD. The K+‐induced vasodilation was attenuated by Ba2+ in control SD and SHR and by ouabain in SD. Nitric oxide (NO) blockade using l‐NAME treatment increased MAP and decreased RBF in both rat strains, but did not affect the K+‐induced renal vasodilation.Conclusion:  K+‐induced renal vasodilation is larger in SHR, mediated by Kir channels in SD and SHR, and in addition, by Na+,K+‐ATPase in SD. In addition, NO is not essential for K+‐induced renal vasodilation.
The (5‐4) and (6‐4) Adducts of 1‐Methylthymine and Their Dewar Valence Isomers
Authors: Shetlar Martin D. , Chung Janet 
Published: April 2011

AbstractPrevious studies of the photochemical reaction of 1‐methylthymine (MeT) in frozen aqueous solution have indicated that four cyclobutane type dimers are formed. We have restudied this system and have found that, in addition to cyclobutane dimers, both a (5‐4) adduct and a (6‐4) adduct of MeT are formed in significant amounts. Upon standing in aqueous solution, the (5‐4) adduct is susceptible to reaction to form an isomeric form of the parent adduct, possibly via ring‐opening and closure reactions at C‐6 of the saturated pyrimidine ring component of the adduct. Irradiation of each of these three adducts with UVB light produces a pair of Dewar‐type adducts. The nine products were individually characterized by mass spectrometry, proton NMR spectroscopy and UV spectroscopy. A less comprehensive study showed that irradiation of thymidine in frozen aqueous solution produces a diastereomeric pair of (5‐4) adducts, along with the previously known diastereomeric pair of (6‐4) adducts.
The immunophenotypic stability of plasma cell myeloma by flow cytometry
Authors: SPEARS M. D. , OLTEANU H. , KROFT S. H. , HARRINGTON A. M. 
Published: April 2011

SummaryIntroduction:  Flow cytometry (FC) has become increasingly utilized in the diagnosis and monitoring of plasma cell myeloma (PCM), though few studies have evaluated the longitudinal stability of antigen expression.Methods:  We studied 45 PCM patients by four‐color FC for shifts in CD19, CD20, CD38, CD45, CD56, and cytoplasmic light chain expression, between diagnostic/first encounter and positive follow‐up analyses. An immunophenotypic (IP) change was defined as gain, loss, or ½ log shift of antigen expression.Results:  An IP change was observed in 14/45 (31%) patients, with single IP changes in 9/14, two changes in 2/14, and three changes in 3/14. 3/14 reverted from an aberrant to a normal plasma cell IP, while remaining light chain‐restricted. Changes in expression of CD45 occurred in 9/45 (20%), CD19 in 5/45 (11.1%), CD20 in 2/45 (4.4%), and CD56 in 5/45 (11.1%).Conclusion:  Approximately 1/3 of PCM cases show IP changes over time, with CD45 the least stable antigen. Recognition of this relative instability is important to avoid narrow targeting of follow‐up FC analyses, especially for minimal residual disease monitoring.
Correlation of assessment of plasma cells by flow cytometry and detection of cytogenomic abnormalities by fluorescencein situhybridization in plasma cell neoplasms
Authors: LU G. , ZHANG X. X. , YOU M. J. , CHEN W. 
Published: April 2011

SummaryIntroduction: Increased monoclonal plasma cell count (PCC) in bone marrow (BM) is an indicator of a plasma cell neoplasm (PCN). Assessing PCC in BM by morphologic evaluation (ME) and flow cytometry (FC) is important in diagnosing PCN. Also important is fluorescencein situhybridization (FISH) to detect cytogenomic abnormalities (CAs) in PCN. Owing to FC’s short turnaround time, FC‐assessed PCC is often used as empirical reference for further FISH study. However, correlation of FC‐assessed PCs with FISH‐detected CAs has not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to validate this correlation on BM aspirates from patients with PCN.Methods: We reviewed 224 cases of newly diagnosed PCN identified from our Lab‐database. Both FC and FISH had been performed on BM aspirates from these cases, of which 178 had been assessed by ME. The original findings from the 224 cases were also reviewed.Results: Using a cut‐off of 3% PCs assessed by FC as an indicator for further FISH analysis, 20 (17%) FISH‐detectable PCN cases were missed; 30% of the missed cases carried high‐risk CAs and/or were highly progressive PCN.Conclusion: In PCN cases, an FC‐assessed 3% PCC in BM aspirates should not be used as a cut‐off for further FISH testing.
Neuroprotective effect of intravitreal cell‐based glucagon‐like peptide‐1 production in the optic nerve crush model
Authors: Zhang Rong , Zhang Haijuan , Xu Liang , Ma Ke , Wallrapp Christine , Jonas Jost B. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract.Purpose:  To examine the effect of intraocularly produced glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) on the survival rate of retinal ganglion cells in an optic nerve crush model.Methods:  Forty‐one Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into a study group (21 animals) in which 4 beads with 3000 genetically modified cells to produce GLP‐1 were intravitreally implanted into the right eye; a saline control group (n = 12) with intravitreal saline injection; and a GLP‐1 negative bead control group (n = 8) in which 4 beads with 3000 cells without GLP‐1 production were intravitreally implanted. The right optic nerves of all animals were crushed in a standardized manner. After labeling the retinal ganglion cells by injecting 3% fluorogold into the superior colliculus, the animals were sacrificed, and the ganglion cells were counted on retinal flat mounts.Results:  The retinal ganglion cell density of the right eyes was significantly higher in the study group (median: 2081 cells/mm2; range: 1182–2953 cells/mm2) than in the GLP‐1 bead negative control group (median: 1328 cells/mm2; range: 1007–2068 cells/mm2; p = 0.002) and than in the saline control group (median: 1777 cells/mm2; range: 1000–2405 cells/mm2; p = 0.07). Correspondingly, the survival rate (ratio of retinal ganglion cell density of right eye/left eye) was significantly higher in the study group (median: 0.72; range: 0.40–1.04) than in the GLP‐1 bead negative control group (median: 0.44; range: 0.36–0.68; p = 0.003) and than in the saline control group (median: 0.56; range: 0.36–0.89; p = 0.03).Conclusion:  Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 produced by intravitreally implanted cell beads was associated with a higher survival rate of retinal ganglion cells after an experimental optic nerve crush in rats.