bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age and outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: why do older patients fare worse?
Authors: Lanzino Giuseppe , Kassell Neal F. , Germanson Teresa P. , Kongable Gail L. , Truskowski Laura L. , Torner James C. , Jane John A. , _ _ 
Published: June 2009

✓ Advanced age is a recognized prognostic indicator of poor outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The relationship of age to other prognostic factors and outcome was evaluated using data from the multicenter randomized trial of nicardipine in SAH conducted in 21 neurosurgical centers in North America. Among the 906 patients who were studied, five different age groups were considered: 40 years or less, 41 to 50, 51 to 60, 61 to 70, and more than 71 years. Twenty-three percent of the individuals enrolled were older than 60 years of age. Women outnumbered men in all age groups.
Level of consciousness (p = 0.0002) and World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade (p = 0.0001) at admission worsened with advancing age. Age was also related to the presence of a thick subarachnoid clot (p = 0.0001), intraventricular hemorrhage (p = 0.0003), and hydrocephalus (p = 0.0001) on an admission computerized tomography scan. The rebleeding rate increased from 4.5% in the youngest age group to 16.4% in patients more than 70 years of age (p = 0.002). As expected, preexisting medical conditions, such as diabetes (p = 0.028), hypertension (p = 0.0001), and pulmonary (p = 0.0084), myocardial (p = 0.0001), and cerebrovascular diseases (p = 0.0001), were positively associated with age. There were no age-related differences in the day of admission following SAH, timing of the surgery and/or location, and size (small vs. large) of the ruptured aneurysm.
During the treatment period, the incidence of severe complications (that is, those complications considered life threatening by the reporting investigator) increased with advancing age, occurring in 28%, 33%, 36%, 40%, and 46% of the patients in each advancing age group, respectively (p = 0.0002). No differences were observed in the reported frequency of surgical complications. No age-related differences were found in the overall incidence of angiographic vasospasm; however, symptomatic vasospasm was more frequently reported in the older age groups (p = 0.01). Overall outcome, assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale at 3 months post-SAH, was poorer with advancing age (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis of overall outcome, adjusting for the different prognostic factors, did not remove the age effect, which suggests that the aging brain has a less optimal response to the initial bleeding. Age as a risk factor is a continuum; however, there seems to be a significant increased risk of poor outcome after the age of 60 years.
Quantitative analysis of cerebrospinal fluid spaces in children with occipital plagiocephaly
Authors: Sawin Paul D. , Muhonen Michael G. , Menezes Arnold H. 
Published: June 2009

✓ The etiology of occipital plagiocephaly (OP) is not fully understood. The authors have observed that many infants with this condition have external hydrocephalus. This study was undertaken to quantify cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space caliber in children with OP and to compare these measurements to those derived from normal age-matched controls to further elucidate the pathogenesis of this condition.Thirty-one infants with isolated unilateral OP (mean age 6 months) were studied. Infants with multiple cranial suture abnormalities, impaired neurological function, developmental delay, and associated craniofacial anomalies were excluded. Twenty normal infants were evaluated as controls. The volumes of the sylvian fissures, frontal and occipital subarachnoid spaces, as well as the cross-sectional areas of the suprasellar and perimesencephalic cisterns, were calculated from computerized tomography (CT) studies. Ventricular size was also assessed.Generalized subarachnoid space dilation was observed in 29 (93.5%) of the 31 children with OP. Head circumference was significantly greater in the case group (71.4 vs. 50.8 percentile; p = 0.0002 by analysis of variance). The sylvian fissure volume was significantly larger in the case group (5.8 ml vs. 0.7 ml in controls, p < 0.0001). The volume of the contralateral sylvian fissure was greater than that ipsilateral to the side of OP (7.1 ml vs. 4.5 ml, p = 0.001). Frontal subarachnoid space volume was greater in infants with OP (27.5 ml vs. 0.6 ml in controls, p < 0.0001). Both the suprasellar and perimesencephalic cisterns were of greater caliber in the case group (p = 0.007 and p < 0.0001, respectively). No difference in ventricular size or occipital subarachnoid space volume was noted between groups.The extraventricular CSF spaces in neurologically unimpaired infants with OP are significantly larger than those in age-and sex-matched controls. Enlarged subarachnoid spaces may increase the compliance and malleability of the calvaria and sutures, predisposing to positional deformity. External hydrocephalus may be a fundamental etiological factor in OP.
Microdecompression without fusion for radiculopathy associated with lytic spondylolisthesis
Authors: Weiner Bradley K. , McCulloch John A. 
Published: June 2009

✓ Patients with symptomatic L-5 nerve root compression and associated lytic spondylolisthesis are commonly treated by bilateral wide posterior decompression and concomitant fusion, often accompanied by transpedicular instrumentation. More limited surgery aimed solely at the relief of nerve root compression offers the potential for significant relief of radicular pain while avoiding iatrogenic instability, thereby alleviating the need for arthrodesis with its increased surgical morbidity.
Nine patients with unilateral radicular symptoms referable to the L-5 nerve root, minimal back pain, and a lytic pars lesion with mild spondylolisthesis underwent unilateral microdecompression on their symptomatic side without associated fusion. All patients obtained relief of radicular pain at both short- and long-term follow-up examination. One patient demonstrated increased back pain and, accordingly, the procedure is now recommended only for patients with no greater than a 25% spondylolisthesis.
Unilateral microdecompression without stabilization is an effective and safe method for relieving radicular pain in patients with a lytic pars defect, a mild spondylolisthesis, and minimal back pain. This therapeutic option should be considered in select cases as an alternative to bilateral wide decompression with fusion and instrumentation.
Intramedullary spinal cord tumors in children under the age of 3 years
Authors: Constantini Shlomo , Houten John , Miller Douglas C. , Freed Diana , Ozek Memet M. , Rorke Lucy B. , Allen Jeffrey C. , Epstein Fred J. 
Published: June 2009

✓ Over a 13-year period extending from 1980 to 1993, 27 children less than 3 years of age underwent operation for removal of an intramedullary spinal cord tumor (IMSCT). The majority (18 of 27) of children had undergone surgery before being referred to New York University (NYU) Medical Center. The most common reasons for radiological investigation were pain (42%), motor regression (36%), gait abnormalities (27%), torticollis (27%), and progressive kyphoscoliosis (24%).
Forty procedures were performed in 27 children. Nine children underwent two operations and two children underwent three procedures. A gross-total resection was achieved in 72% of the procedures. There was no surgical mortality. A comparison of the preoperative and 3-month postoperative functional grades for the first NYU procedure (NYU-1) yielded the following findings: 20 patients' conditions remained the same, five patients improved, and two patients deteriorated. The functional outcomes of a second operation (NYU-2) were similar.
The majority of the children (24 of 27, 89%) had histologically determined low-grade lesions. There were 12 patients with low-grade astrocytomas (Grades I-III), eight with gangliogliomas, two with ganglioglioneurocytomas, one with a glioneurofibroma, and one child with a mixed astro/oligodendroglioma. Two children had anaplastic astrocytomas (Grades II–III) and one child had a glioblastoma multiforme.
In a median follow-up review of 76 months, two patients died and two patients were lost to follow up. The 3- and 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 81.7% (standard error of the mean (SEM) 0.083) and 76.2% (SEM 0.094), respectively. Eight of 24 patients suffered a recurrence within a mean time of 45.4 ± 28.9 months. All were treated with surgery (NYU-2). Lesions recurred in three of 12 children with low-grade astrocytomas, two of eight children with gangliogliomas, one child with an anaplastic astrocytoma, one child with a ganglioglioneurocytoma, and one child with a glioblastoma multiforme. At follow-up review, most of these children were doing well. Sixteen are in functional Grades I or II and 18 children attend a normal school system.
The authors conclude that surgery for the removal of IMSCTs in children less than 3 years of age can be performed radically and safely. The postoperative functional performance is determined by the degree of the preoperative deficit. It is, therefore, of utmost importance to diagnose and treat these children as early as possible. Spinal cord tumors should be recognized as potentially excisable lesions on their initial presentation and when they recur. The optimum treatment for malignant lesions is still to be determined.
Temporal Integration of the Contralateral Acoustic Reflex Threshold for a 1000 Hz Tonal Activator and Its Age-Related Changes
Authors: Emmer Michele B. , Silman Shlomo , Silverman Carol A. , Levitt Harry 
Published: June 2009

Background: Previous research has noted an age effect on the temporal integration of the acoustic reflex for a noise activator. Purpose: To determine whether the age effect earlier noted for a noise activator will be noted for a tonal activator. Research Design:
Comparison of ARTs of younger and older groups at activating stimulus durations of 12, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300, 500, and 1000 msec. Study Sample: Two groups of adults with normal-hearing sensitivity: one group of 20 young adults (ten males and ten females, ages 18‐29 years, with
a mean age of 24 years) and one group of 20 older adults (ten males and ten females, ages 59‐75 years, with a mean age of 67.5 years). Results: A significant main effect for duration was obtained. That is, as the duration increased, the acoustic reflex threshold for the 1000
Hz tonal activator decreased. The interactions of duration × age group and duration × hearing level were not significant. There was a nonsignificant main effect (p = .889) for the between-subjects factor of age. Conclusion: Results contradict the findings for
broadband noise.
In Vitro GEF and GAP Assays
Authors: Eberth Alexander , Ahmadian Mohammad Reza 
Published: June 2009

AbstractSmall GTPases act as tightly regulated molecular switches governing a large variety of critical cellular functions. Their activity is controlled by two different biochemical reactions, GDP/GTP exchange and GTP hydrolysis. These very slow reactions require catalysis in cells by two kinds of regulatory proteins. While the guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) activate small GTPases by stimulating the slow exchange of bound GDP for the cellularly abundant GTP, GTPase‐activating proteins (GAPs) accelerate the slow intrinsic rate of GTP hydrolysis by several orders of magnitude, leading to inactivation. There are a number of methods that can be used to characterize the specificity and activity of such regulators, to understand the effect of binding on the protein structure, and, ultimately, to obtain insights into their biological functions. This unit describes (1) detailed protocols for the expression and the purification of small GTPases and the catalytic domains of GEFs and GAPs; (2) preparation of nucleotide‐free and fluorescent nucleotide‐bound small GTPases; and (3) methods for monitoring of the intrinsic and GEF‐catalyzed nucleotide exchange as well as intrinsic and GAP‐stimulated GTP hydrolysis. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 43:14.9.1‐14.9.25. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cubic‐plus‐association equation of state for water‐containing mixtures: Is “cross association” necessary?
Authors: Li Zhidong , Firoozabadi Abbas 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe have recently proposed an accurate version of the cubic‐plus‐association (CPA) equation of state (EOS) for water‐containing mixtures which combines the Peng‐Robinson equation (PR) for the physical interactions and the thermodynamic perturbation theory for the hydrogen bonding of water molecules. Despite the significant improvement, the water composition in the nonaqueous phase is systematically underestimated for some systems where the nonwater species are methane and ethane at very high pressures, unsaturated hydrocarbons, CO2, and H2S. We attribute the deficiency to the neglect of the “cross association” between water and those nonwater molecules. In this work, the accuracy is drastically improved by treating methane, ethane, unsaturated hydrocarbons, CO2 and H2S as “pseudo‐associating” components and describing the cross association with water in the framework of the perturbation theory. It is shown that the cross association is more significant for the nonaqueous phase. In addition to binary mixtures, reliable predictions are achieved for H2O/C1/CO2/H2S quaternary mixture in two and three phases. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
A need for classification agreement: Perspectives from an advocacy group
Authors: Richter Mary Kaye 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThere is a need to focus on the classification of the ectodermal dysplasia syndromes to reach consensus on a classification that satisfies all interested parties. However, whatever scheme is developed, it will have far‐reaching application for other groups of disorders for which classification is complicated by the number of interested parties and advances in diagnostic acumen. Consensus among interested parties is necessary for communication among the parties whether it be for equitable distribution of funds, correctness of diagnosis and treatment, or focusing research efforts. Classification of the ectodermal dysplasia syndromes will enable advocacy organizations like the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias to better serve constituents, to use limited resources more effectively, to move research forward, to find cures and to bring continued hope for the future to those we serve. Having international agreement on these issues will enable all of our organizations to move forward with confidence. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
From ectodermal dysplasia to selective tooth agenesis
Authors: Mues Gabriele I. , Griggs Rachel , Hartung Andrew J. , Whelan Greg , Best Lyle G. , Srivastava Anand K. , D'Souza Rena 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe history and the lessons learned from hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) may serve as an example for the unraveling of the cause and pathogenesis of other ectodermal dysplasia syndromes by demonstrating that phenotypically identical syndromes (HED) can be caused by mutations in different genes (EDA, EDAR, EDARADD), that mutations in the same gene (EDA) can lead to different phenotypes (HED and selective tooth agenesis) and that mutations in genes further downstream in the same signaling pathway (NEMO) may modify the phenotype quite profoundly (incontinentia pigmenti (IP) and HED with immunodeficiency). But it also demonstrates that diligent phenotype characterization and classification is extremely helpful in uncovering the underlying genotype. We also present a new mutation in the EDA gene which causes selective tooth agenesis and demonstrates the phenotype variation that can be encountered in the ectodermal dysplasia syndrome (HED) with the highest prevalence worldwide. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ectodermal dysplasias: An overview and update of clinical and molecular‐functional mechanisms
Authors: Priolo Manuela 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe ectodermal dysplasias (EDs) are a large and complex group of disorders. In various combinations, they all share anomalies in hair, teeth, nails, and sweat gland function. The anomalies affecting the epidermis and epidermal appendages are extremely variable. Many are associated with malformations in other organs and systems. Clinical overlap is present among EDs. Few causative genes have been identified, to date. Most of the EDs present multisystem involvement with abnormal development of structures also derived from mesoderm. In the last few years, it has become evident that gene expression in the EDs is not limited to the ectoderm and that there is a concomitant effect on developing mesenchymal structures, with modification or abolition of ectodermal–mesenchymal signaling. It is possible to approach this group of diseases basing on functional and molecular findings and to begin to explain the complex clinical consequences of mutations affecting specific developmental pathways. We have reviewed the molecular basis of ectodermal dysplasias applying this new clinical–functional classification. For each subset of the identified ED, we will now describe the genes and related proteins involved in terms of: (1) structure of the genes and their role in differentiation of the epidermis and the ectodermal derivatives; (2) genotype–phenotype correlation. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Psychosocial functioning and quality of life in children and families affected by AEC syndrome
Authors: Lane Mariella M. , Dalton William T. , Sherman Sandra A. , Bree Alanna F. , Czyzewski Danita I. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAnkyloblepharon‐ectodermal defects‐cleft lip/palate (AEC) syndrome, also known as Hay–Wells syndrome, is a rare genetic condition that results in abnormalities of the skin, hair, nails, and teeth and requires frequent self‐management and medical care. We sought to describe the psychological adjustment and quality of life in children and adolescents with AEC syndrome, as well as the impact of the child's illness on their families. The sample included 18 children and adolescents with AEC syndrome and their parents who attended the International Research Symposium on AEC syndrome. Parents completed standardized self‐report questionnaires about child and family functioning and participated in a semi‐structured interview about the child's cognitive and social functioning and the impact of AEC syndrome on the child and family. Children completed standardized self‐report questionnaires of psychosocial functioning and quality of life. Overall, results reflected a range of functioning across children and families, with some families reporting few ill effects of the condition and others describing reduced quality of life and negative impact on child and family. Identifying the domains that may be impacted should help clinicians better screen for problems in functioning of children affected by AEC syndrome and their families. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationship between sexual interactions and the timing of the fertile phase in captive female Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata)
Authors: Garcia Cécile , Shimizu Keiko , Huffman Michael 
Published: June 2009

AbstractJapanese macaques live in multi‐male/multi‐female social groups in which competition between males, female mate choice, and alternative male mating strategies are important determinants of mating and reproductive success. However, the extent to which adult males rely on female behavior to make their mating decisions as well as the effect of social rank on mating success are not clear as results are inconclusive, varying from study to study. In this study, we combined behavioral and endocrine data of 14 female Japanese macaques to examine the relationship between ovarian cycle phase and frequency of sexual behaviors, and to investigate how social rank influences sexual behavior in this species. We found that there was no increase in female proceptive behaviors during the fertile phase of the ovarian cycle, suggesting that female behaviors did not clearly signal the probability of conception. In spite of that, the frequencies of ejaculatory copulations were highest during this phase, indicating that the attractivity of females increased significantly during the period with higher probability of conception. Males, and especially the highest ranking male, were able to discriminate females nearing ovulation and to concentrate their mating effort, implying that the timing of ovulation was not concealed from them. The α male seemed able to monopolize most female matings, which is probably due in part to the low number of females simultaneously ovulating and to the limited number of inconspicuous places that the lower ranking males have to mate with females and avoid α male aggression. All together, these results suggest that different males may have access to different signals of ovulation and/or are differentially restrained as to how they can act on that information. The exact nature of the estrogen‐related cues males use to recognize female reproductive status, and to what extent males use them warrants further investigation. Am. J. Primatol. 71:868–879, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low‐temperature (9°C) AMD treatment in a sulfidogenic bioreactor dominated by a mesophilic Desulfomicrobium species
Authors: Auvinen Hannele , Nevatalo Laura M. , Kaksonen Anna H. , Puhakka Jaakko A. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe possibilities for the treatment of low‐temperature mine waste waters have not been widely studied. The amenability of low‐temperature sulfate reduction for mine waste water treatment at 9°C was studied in a bench‐scale fluidized‐bed bioreactor (FBR). Formate was used as the electron and carbon source. The first influent for the FBR was acidic, synthetic waste water containing iron, nutrients, and sulfate, followed by diluted barren bioleaching solution (DBBS). The average sulfate reduction rates were 8 mmol L−1 day−1 and 6 mmol L−1 day−1 with synthetic waste water and DBBS, respectively. The corresponding specific activities were 2.4 and 1.6 mmol SO g VSS−1 day−1, respectively. The composition of the microbial community and the active species of the FBR was analyzed by extracting the DNA and RNA, followed by PCR‐DGGE with the universal bacterial 16S rRNA gene primers and dsrB‐primers specific for sulfate‐reducing bacteria. The FBR microbial community was simple and stable and the dominant and active species belonged to the genus Desulfomicrobium. In summary, long‐term operation of a low‐temperature bioreactor resulted in enrichment of formate‐utilizing, psychrotolerant mesophilic sulfate reducing bacteria. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 740–751 © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.