bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Telestroke-Guided Intravenous Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator Treatment Achieves a Similar Clinical Outcome as Thrombolysis at a Comprehensive Stroke Center
Authors: Zaidi Syed F. , Jumma Mouhammad A. , Urra Xabier N. , Hammer Maxim , Massaro Lori , Reddy Vivek , Jovin Tudor , Lin Ridwan , Wechsler Lawrence R. 
Published: September 2011

Background and Purpose—
Telestroke networks offer an opportunity to increase tissue-type plasminogen activator use in community hospitals.

Methods—
We compared 83 patients treated with intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator by telestroke to 59 patients treated after in-person evaluation by the same neurologists at a tertiary care stroke center. Onset and door-to-treatment times and functional outcome at 90 days were obtained prospectively. Favorable outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale score ≤2.

Results—

Favorable outcome rates were comparable between the groups (42.1% versus 37.5%,
P
=0.7). There was no significant difference in the rate of symptomatic hemorrhage.

Conclusions—
Telestroke is a viable alternative to in-person evaluation when stroke expertise is not readily available.
A survey of 90 patients with autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome related to TNFRSF6 mutation
Authors: Neven Bénédicte , Magerus-Chatinet Aude , Florkin Benoit , Gobert Delphine , Lambotte Olivier , De Somer Lien , Lanzarotti Nina , Stolzenberg Marie-Claude , Bader-Meunier Brigitte , Aladjidi Nathalie , Chantrain Christophe , Bertrand Yves , Jeziorski Eric , Leverger Guy , Michel Gérard , Suarez Felipe , Oksenhendler Eric , Hermine Olivier , Blanche Stéphane , Picard Capucine , Fischer Alain , Rieux-Laucat Frédéric 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is a genetic disorder characterized by early-onset, chronic, nonmalignant lymphoproliferation, autoimmune manifestations, and susceptibility to lymphoma. The majority of ALPS patients carry heterozygous germline (ALPS-FAS) or somatic mutations (ALPS-sFAS) of the TNFRSF6 gene coding for FAS. Although the clinical features of ALPS have been described previously, long-term follow-up data on morbidity and mortality are scarce. We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical and genetic features of 90 ALPS-FAS and ALPS-sFAS patients monitored over a median period of 20.5 years. Heterozygous germline mutations of TNFRSF6 were identified in 83% of probands. Somatic TNFRSF6 mutations were found in 17% of index cases (all located within the intracellular domain of FAS). Sixty percent of the ALPS-FAS patients with mutations in the extracellular domain had a somatic mutation affecting the second allele of TNFRSF6; age at onset was later in these patients. No other genotype-phenotype correlations could be found. Long-term analysis confirmed a trend toward spontaneous remission of lymphoproliferation in adulthood but mixed outcomes for autoimmune manifestations. We observed significant and potentially life-threatening disease and treatment-related morbidity, including a high risk of sepsis after splenectomy that calls for careful long-term monitoring of ALPS patients. We also noted a significantly greater occurrence of disease-related symptoms in male than in female patients.
Physiological changes during low- and high-intensity noninvasive ventilation
Authors: Lukácsovits J. , Carlucci A. , Hill N. , Ceriana P. , Pisani L. , Schreiber A. , Pierucci P. , Losonczy G. , Nava S. 
Published: September 2011

In a physiological randomised cross-over study performed in stable hypercapnic chronic obstructive disease patients, we assessed the short-term effects of two settings of noninvasive ventilation.One setting was aimed at maximally reducing arterial carbon dioxide tension (Pa,CO2) (high-intensity (Hi) noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV)): mean±sd27.6±2.1 cmH2O of inspiratory positive airway pressure, 4±0 cmH2O of expiratory positive airway pressure and respiratory rate of 22 breaths·min−1. The other was performed according to the usual parameters used in earlier studies (low-intensity (Li)-NPPV): 17.7±1.6 cmH2O of inspiratory positive airway pressure, 4±0 cmH2O of expiratory positive airway pressure and respiratory rate of 12 breaths·min−1.Both modes of ventilation significantly improved gas exchange compared with spontaneous breathing (SB), but to a greater extent using Hi-NPPV (Pa,CO259.3±7.5, 55.2±6.9 and 49.4±7.8 mmHg for SB, Li-NPPV and Hi-NPPV, respectively). Similarly, Hi-NPPV induced a greater reduction in the pressure–time product of the diaphragm per minute from 323±149 cmH2O·s·min−1during SB to 132±139 cmH2O·s·min−1during Li-NPPV and 40±69 cmH2O·s·min−1during Hi-NPPV, while in nine out of 15 patients, it completely abolished SB activity. Hi-NPPV also induced a marked reduction in cardiac output (CO) measured noninvasively with a Finometer PRO (Finapres Medical Systems BV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands) compared with Li-NPPV.We conclude that while Hi-NPPV is more effective than Li-NPPV in improving gas exchange and in reducing inspiratory effort, it induces a marked reduction in CO, which needs to be considered when Hi-NPPV is applied to patients with pre-existing cardiac disease.
Clinical presentation and outcome of venous thromboembolism in COPD
Authors: Bertoletti L. , Quenet S. , Mismetti P. , Hernández L. , Martín-Villasclaras J.J. , Tolosa C. , Valdés M. , Barrón M. , Todolí J.A. , Monreal M. ,   the RIETE Investigators
Published: September 2011

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a moderate risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE), but neither the clinical presentation nor the outcome of VTE in COPD patients is well known.The clinical presentation of VTE, namely pulmonary embolism (PE) or deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and the outcome at 3 months (death, recurrent VTE or bleeding) were compared between 2,984 COPD patients and 25,936 non-COPD patients included in the RIETE (Registro Informatizado de la Enfermedad TromboEmbólica) registry. This ongoing international, multi-centre registry includes patients with proven symptomatic PE or DVT.PE was the more frequent VTE presentation in COPD patients (n=1,761, 59%). PE presentation was more significantly associated with COPD patients than non-COPD patients (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.49–1.80). During the 3-month follow-up, mortality (10.8%versus7.6%), minor bleeding (4.5%versus2.3%) or first VTE recurrences as PE (1.5%versus1.1%) were significantly higher in COPD patients than in non-COPD patients. PE was the most common cause of death.COPD patients presented more frequently with PE than DVT. It may explain the worse prognosis of COPD patients, with a higher risk of death, bleeding or VTE recurrences as PE compared with non-COPD patients. Further therapeutic options are needed.
Sensitive cardiac troponin I predicts poor outcomes in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Heresi G.A. , Tang W.H.W. , Aytekin M. , Hammel J. , Hazen S.L. , Dweik R.A. 
Published: September 2011

Circulating cardiac troponins are markers of myocardial injury. We sought to determine whether cardiac troponin I (cTnI), measured by a sensitive assay, is associated with disease severity and prognosis in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).cTnI was measured in 68 patients with PAH diagnostic category 1 in a research-based sensitive immunoanalyser with a lower limit of detection of 0.008 ng·mL−1. The associations between cTnI and PAH severity and clinical outcomes were assessed using Chi-squared and Wilcoxon rank sum tests, Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression models.cTnI was detected in 25% of patients. Patients with detectable cTnI had more advanced functional class symptoms, a shorter 6-min walk distance, more pericardial effusions, larger right atrial area, and higher B-type natriuretic peptide and C-reactive protein levels. 36-month transplant-free survival was 44% in patients with detectable cTnIversus85% in those with undetectable cTnI. cTnI was associated with a 4.7-fold increased risk of death related to right ventricular failure or transplant (hazard ratio 4.74, 95% CI 1.89–11.89; p<0.001), even when adjusted individually for known parameters of PAH severity.Elevated plasma cTnI, even at subclinically detectable levels, is associated with more severe disease and worse outcomes in patients with PAH.
With good intentions: complexity in unsolicited informal support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A qualitative study
Authors: Ward Nathaniel J , Jowsey Tanisha , Haora Penny J , Aspin Clive , Yen Laurann E 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Understanding people's social lived experiences of chronic illness is fundamental to improving health service delivery and health outcomes, particularly in relation to self-management activity. In explorations of social lived experiences this paper uncovers the ways in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic illness experience informal unsolicited support from peers and family members.

Methods
Nineteen Aboriginal and Torres Islander participants were interviewed in the Serious and Continuing Illness Policy and Practice Study (SCIPPS). Participants were people with Type 2 diabetes (N = 17), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (N = 3) and/or chronic heart failure (N = 11) and family carers (N = 3). Participants were asked to describe their experience of having or caring for someone with chronic illness. Content and thematic analysis of in-depth semi-structured interviews was undertaken, assisted by QSR Nvivo8 software.

Results
Participants reported receiving several forms of unsolicited support, including encouragement, practical suggestions for managing, nagging, growling, and surveillance. Additionally, participants had engaged in 'yarning', creating a 'yarn' space, the function of which was distinguished as another important form of unsolicited support. The implications of recognising these various support forms are discussed in relation to responses to unsolicited support as well as the needs of family carers in providing effective informal support.

Conclusions
Certain locations of responsibility are anxiety producing. Family carers must be supported in appropriate education so that they can provide both solicited and unsolicited support in effective ways. Such educational support would have the added benefit of helping to reduce carer anxieties about caring roles and responsibilities. Mainstream health services would benefit from fostering environments that encourage informal interactions that facilitate learning and support in a relaxed atmosphere.
Identification of an epigenetic biomarker panel with high sensitivity and specificity for colorectal cancer and adenomas
Authors: Lind Guro E , Danielsen Stine A , Ahlquist Terje , Merok Marianne A , Andresen Kim , Skotheim Rolf I , Hektoen Merete , Rognum Torleiv O , Meling Gunn I , Hoff Geir , Bretthauer Michael , Thiis-Evensen Espen , Nesbakken Arild , Lothe Ragnhild A 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
The presence of cancer-specific DNA methylation patterns in epithelial colorectal cells in human feces provides the prospect of a simple, non-invasive screening test for colorectal cancer and its precursor, the adenoma. This study investigates a panel of epigenetic markers for the detection of colorectal cancer and adenomas.

Methods
Candidate biomarkers were subjected to quantitative methylation analysis in test sets of tissue samples from colorectal cancers, adenomas, and normal colonic mucosa. All findings were verified in independent clinical validation series. A total of 523 human samples were included in the study. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the performance of the biomarker panel.

Results
Promoter hypermethylation of the genes CNRIP1, FBN1, INA, MAL, SNCA, and SPG20 was frequent in both colorectal cancers (65-94%) and adenomas (35-91%), whereas normal mucosa samples were rarely (0-5%) methylated. The combined sensitivity of at least two positives among the six markers was 94% for colorectal cancers and 93% for adenoma samples, with a specificity of 98%. The resulting areas under the ROC curve were 0.984 for cancers and 0.968 for adenomas versus normal mucosa.

Conclusions
The novel epigenetic marker panel shows very high sensitivity and specificity for both colorectal cancers and adenomas. Our findings suggest this biomarker panel to be highly suitable for early tumor detection.
Organic-skinned inorganic nanoparticles: surface-confined polymerization of 6-(3-thienyl)hexanoic acid bound to nanocrystalline TiO2
Authors: Saji Viswanathan S , Jo Yimhyun , Moon Hoi Ri , Jun Yongseok , Song Hyun-Kon 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
There are many practical difficulties in direct adsorption of polymers onto nanocrystalline inorganic oxide surface such as Al2O3 and TiO2 mainly due to the insolubility of polymers in solvents or polymer agglomeration during adsorption process. As an alternative approach to the direct polymer adsorption, we propose surface-bound polymerization of pre-adsorbed monomers. 6-(3-Thienyl)hexanoic acid (THA) was used as a monomer for poly[3-(5-carboxypentyl)thiophene-2,5-diyl] (PTHA). PTHA-coated nanocrystalline TiO2/FTO glass electrodes were prepared by immersing THA-adsorbed electrodes in FeCl3 oxidant solution. Characterization by ultraviolet/visible/infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis showed that the monolayer of regiorandom-structured PTHA was successfully formed from intermolecular bonding between neighbored THA surface-bound to TiO2. The anchoring functional groups (-COOH) of the surface-crawling PTHA were completely utilized for strong bonding to the surface of TiO2.
Cardiac tamponade and paroxysmal third-degree atrioventricular block revealing a primary cardiac non-Hodgkin large B-cell lymphoma of the right ventricle: a case report
Authors: Frikha Zied , Abid Leila , Abid Dorra , Mallek Souad , Frikha Imed , Abdennadher Mohamed , Rekik Noomen , Kammoun Samir 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Introduction
Primary cardiac lymphoma is rare.

Case Presentation
We report the case of a 64-year-old non-immunodeficient Caucasian man, with cardiac tamponade and paroxysmal third-degree atrioventricular block. Echocardiography revealed the presence of a large pericardial effusion with signs of tamponade and a right ventricular mass was suspected. Scanner investigations clarified the sites, extension and anatomic details of myocardial and pericardial infiltration. Surgical resection was performed due to the rapid impairment of his cardiac function. Analysis of the pericardial fluid and histology confirmed the diagnosis of non-Hodgkin large B-cell lymphoma. He was treated with chemotherapy.

Conclusion
The prognosis remains poor for this type of tumor due to delays in diagnosis and the importance of the site of disease.
Rapid analysis of formic acid, acetic acid, and furfural in pretreated wheat straw hydrolysates and ethanol in a bioethanol fermentation using atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry
Authors: Davies Scott M , Linforth Rob S , Wilkinson Stuart J , Smart Katherine A , Cook David J 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry (APCI-MS) offers advantages as a rapid analytical technique for the quantification of three biomass degradation products (acetic acid, formic acid and furfural) within pretreated wheat straw hydrolysates and the analysis of ethanol during fermentation. The data we obtained using APCI-MS correlated significantly with high-performance liquid chromatography analysis whilst offering the analyst minimal sample preparation and faster sample throughput.
A national audit of estimated glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria reporting in the UK
Authors: Kilpatrick Eric S , Verrill Helen 
Published: September 2011

Background Within the UK there has been a rapid move to include the reporting of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values to identify patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Guidance has also changed since its original introduction. This national audit aimed to establish how eGFR is reported by laboratories within the UK. Methods A questionnaire was sent to 164 UK National Health Service laboratories, which included questions on the patient groups who had eGFR reported, the eGFR thresholds used, adjustments made for ethnicity and the means of identifying proteinuria. The audit standards used were based on the 2008 National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellencec (NICE) CKD guidance. Results One hundred and thirty-one of the 164 laboratories (80%) responded. Forty-six percent reported eGFR on all adult requests while 36% limited use to general practitioners. Twenty-one percent did not issue eGFR to any inpatient. Sixty-two percent and 30% of laboratories had an upper reporting limit of ≥90 and ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively; the remainder having higher thresholds. Sixty percent cited an ethnicity ‘correction factor’ on the report, 59% in a guideline but 28% in neither. An albumin:creatinine ratio was used by 63% to detect non-diabetic proteinuria, while 37% exclusively used a protein:creatinine ratio. Conclusions There has been rapid implementation of eGFR reporting in the UK since 2006. However, there is considerable variation in the way it is reported, with few laboratories currently exactly matching existing NICE recommendations. A reassessment of biochemical CKD assessment by most laboratories following a reiteration and clarification of current recommendations seems warranted.
Rapid HLA-B27 screening with real-time TaqMan PCR: a clinical validation in the Dutch population
Authors: Roelandse-Koop Elianne A. , Buisman Bert , van Hannen Erik J. , van der Zee Anneke , Kortlandt Wouter , Hermans Mirjam H.A. , van Houte Arend-Jan , van Rhee-Luderer Rianne 
Published: September 2011

AbstractHuman leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27) is strongly associated with ankylosing spondylitis. The B27 allele is present in 90% of patients with this disease, whereas it is present in only 9% of Caucasians. Molecular detection of HLA-B27 is traditionally based on allele specific amplification of exon 2 (Olerup method) or exon 3 (Dominguez method) by PCR, followed by gel analysis.We developed a real-time TaqMan PCR based on the Dominguez method with a β-Globin PCR as internal control.A total of 544 clinical samples were used to compare the real-time TaqMan PCR with the traditional Dominguez PCR, the traditional Olerup PCR and a commercial Olerup based HLA-B27 detection kit (With a correct result for 543 out of 544 samples (99.8%), we consider our real-time HLA-B27 PCR is a reliable method to detect HLA-B27 in the Dutch population, with reduced hands-on time and contamination risk compared to traditional PCR methods.
The Feasibility of Studying the Health Implications of Surface Beryllium Contamination: A Review of Eight Industries
Authors: McCawley M. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
It has been suggested that beryllium can enter through either intact skin or breaks in the skin to initiate sensitization. Therefore, it is essential that all possible pathways of exposure be considered when assessing a work site for potential exposure to beryllium. A meta-analysis was done on the data from eight different industries that use beryllium or beryllium alloys, which were surveyed by Occupational Safety and Health Administration contractors, with reports being issued. During those visits, measurements were made to characterize worker exposure to skin and surface contamination levels of beryllium. Surface contamination evaluation followed the well-established protocol for lead surface contamination measurements using NIOSH Method 9100 and hand contamination using NIOSH Method 9102. It was found that both the arithmetic and geometric means of the surface samples were significantly higher in work areas as compared to administrative areas. Skin samples were also higher for individuals in production areas than for those in non-production areas. If skin contamination is a route of sensitization, these results would mean that past studies of beryllium exposure and subsequent disease might have been confounded by the lack of skin exposure data.
Control of Yellow Starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) and Coast Fiddleneck (Amsinckia menziesii) with Aminopyralid
Authors: Kyser Guy B. , Peterson Vanelle , Orloff Steve B. , Wright Steven D. , DiTomaso Joseph M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractYellow starthistle is the most widespread broadleaf invasive plant in the western United States, and it is particularly prevalent in California. Prior to the registration of aminopyralid in 2005, the standard for chemical control of yellow starthistle was the herbicide clopyralid. We report on a compilation of several independent trials comparing the efficacy of aminopyralid and clopyralid on yellow starthistle. Treatments were applied at several rates and timings at 11 locations in four states between 2001 and 2007. Treatments were made pre-emergence and postemergence at the seedling and rosette stages of yellow starthistle. Results showed that aminopyralid, even at the low rate of 18 g ae ha−1, provided nearly complete control of yellow starthistle when treatments were made at the seedling stage. However, less consistent control (80 to 100%) resulted with applications made at the pre-emergence and rosette stages. At the seedling stage, aminopyralid is about four times more effective on yellow starthistle compared to clopyralid, based on the rate of acid equivalent. In the Central Valley of California, complete control was obtained at the lowest registered rate (53 g ae ha−1) when applications were made from December through February. At two locations we also evaluated control of the poisonous native plant coast fiddleneck. Although clopyralid does not adequately control coast fiddleneck, aminopyralid provided almost complete control when applied in the winter growing season. Applications of aminopyralid at the rosette stage resulted in a two-fold increase in annual forage grass biomass the following year. These results indicate that aminopyralid is a valuable tool for land managers and can play an important role in integrated management strategies for yellow starthistle and coast fiddleneck.
The Significance of Early Alpha-Fetoprotein Level Changes in Predicting Clinical and Survival Benefits in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Receiving Sorafenib
Authors: Yau Thomas , Yao T.J. , Chan Pierre , Wong Hilda , Pang Roberta , Fan Sheung Tat , Poon Ronnie T.P. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background.
The role of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) changes in predicting the treatment outcomes of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients to sorafenib remains unknown.

Methods.
Serum AFP was collected prospectively at baseline and subsequent follow-up visits in parallel with clinical and survival outcomes. AFP response was defined as a relative drop of AFP &gt;20% of the baseline level after 6 weeks of sorafenib. The relationship between AFP response and the treatment outcomes was first explored in patients who received sorafenib in a phase II study. Subsequently, an independent validation set of patients were obtained to validate the association of AFP response to clinical outcomes.

Results.
Included in the exploration and validation sets for analysis were 41 and 53 patients, respectively, with baseline AFP level &gt;20 μg/L. In the exploration cohort, AFP response was significantly associated with clinical benefit (CB) rate (relative chance 3.4, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–11.1), and multivariate analysis indicated that AFP response was associated with significantly better progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.31; 95% CI, 0.13–0.76) and marginally better overall survival (OS) (HR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.09–1.02). When applying AFP changes in the validation set, significant associations were again found between AFP response with CB rate (relative chance, 5.5; 95% CI, 2.3–13.6) and PFS (HR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.04–0.30) but not OS (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.27–1.26).

Conclusion.
Drop in AFP level at 6 weeks is an exploratory early surrogate for both CB and PFS in advanced HCC patients receiving sorafenib.