bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased circulating Th17 frequencies and serum IL‐22 levels in patients with acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis
Authors: Kabashima R , Sugita K , Sawada Y , Hino R , Nakamura M , Tokura Y 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground/Objective  Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a diffuse pustular disorder that usually begins in intertriginous folds with widespread erythema. The causes in the majority of the cases are drugs. T cells and interleukin (IL)‐8 play roles in the development of AGEP, but the mechanism remains to be elucidated. We investigated the involvement of Th17 cells and their cytokine IL‐22 in the pathogenesis.Methods  Three patients with AGEP were enrolled in this study. The percentages of IL‐17+ Th17 cells, interferon γ+ T cells and IL‐4+ T cells were measured in the patients’ peripheral blood lymphocytes by intracellular cytokine staining and flow cytometry. The concentration of IL‐22 in the sera was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results  The percentages of Th17 cells were markedly higher in all three patients than healthy control individuals. The frequencies of interferon γ+ T cells were slightly high in the patients compared with the control, and there was no definite tendency in IL‐4+ T‐cell frequencies. The concentration of IL‐22 was remarkably high in all patients when compared with normal subjects with levels under detection.Conclusion  Th17 cells and their produced cytokine IL‐22 were elevated in the peripheral blood of patients with AGEP. As IL‐17 and IL‐22 cooperatively stimulate keratinocytes to produce IL‐8, IL‐8 may contribute to the accumulation of neutrophils in the lesional epidermis of AGEP.
New insights into the relationship between suture closure and craniofacial dysmorphology in sagittal nonsyndromic craniosynostosis
Authors: Heuzé Yann , Boyadjiev Simeon A. , Marsh Jeffrey L. , Kane Alex A. , Cherkez Elijah , Boggan James E. , Richtsmeier Joan T. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractPremature closure of the sagittal suture occurs as an isolated (nonsyndromic) birth defect or as a syndromic anomaly in combination with other congenital dysmorphologies. The genetic causes of sagittal nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (NSC) remain unknown. Although variation of the dysmorphic (scaphocephaly) skull shape of sagittal NSC cases has been acknowledged, this variation has not been quantitatively studied three‐dimensionally (3D). We have analyzed the computed tomography skull images of 43 infants (aged 0.9–9 months) with sagittal NSC using anatomical landmarks and semilandmarks to quantify and characterize the within‐sample phenotypic variation. Suture closure patterns were defined by dividing the sagittal suture into three sections (anterior, central, posterior) and coding each section as ‘closed’ or ‘fused’. Principal components analysis of the Procrustes shape coordinates representing the skull shape of 43 cases of NSC did not separate individuals by sex, chronological age, or dental stages of the deciduous maxillary first molar. However, analysis of suture closure pattern allowed separation of these data. The central section of the sagittal suture appears to be the first to fuse. Then, at least two different developmental paths towards complete fusion of the sagittal suture exist; either the anterior section or the posterior section is the second to fuse. Results indicate that according to the sequence of sagittal suture closure patterns, different craniofacial complex shapes are observed. The relationship between craniofacial shape and suture closure indicates not only which suture fused prematurely (in our case the sagittal suture), but also the pattern of the suture closure. Whether these patterns indicate differences in etiology cannot be determined with our data and requires analysis of longitudinal data, most appropriately of animal models where prenatal conditions can be monitored.
Survival with Rett syndrome: comparing Rett’s original sample with data from the Australian Rett Syndrome Database
Authors: FREILINGER MICHAEL , BEBBINGTON AMI , LANATOR INES , De KLERK NICK , DUNKLER DANIELA , SEIDL RAINER , LEONARD HELEN , RONEN GABRIEL M 
Published: June 2010

Aim  Rett syndrome is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder that typically affects females. Little is known about the natural history and survival time of these females.Method  We compared the survival of all Austrian female participants from Rett’s historical cohort (1966) with that of affected females registered in the Australian Rett Syndrome Database. The analysis included both Kaplan–Meier analysis and a log‐rank test for equality of survivor functions.Results  Of females in the original Austrian group, three are still alive. The median age at death was 13 years 4.8 months. The probability of survival up to the age of 25 years was 21%, compared with 71% in the Australian cohort (p<0.001). We found no practical or statistically significant differences in survival between the various birth year groups within the Australian cohort.Interpretation  Our data indicate that survival of females with Rett syndrome has improved since the late 1960s but that there has been shown no change in survival over the last 30 years, possibly because the follow‐up time has been too short.
Cerebral sinus venous thrombosis in Swiss children
Authors: GRUNT SEBASTIAN , WINGEIER KEVIN , WEHRLI EDITH , BOLTSHAUSER EUGEN , CAPONE ANDREA , FLUSS JOEL , GUBSER‐MERCATI DANIELLE , JEANNET PIERRE‐YVES , KELLER ELMAR , MARCOZ JEAN‐PIERRE , SCHMITT‐MECHELKE THOMAS , WEBER PETER , WEISSERT MARKUS , STEINLIN MAJA ,   for the Swiss Neuropaediatric Stroke Registry
Published: June 2010

Aim  To describe the characteristics of paediatric cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (CSVT) in Switzerland.Method  Data on clinical features, neuroimaging, risk factors, and treatment were collected for all children in Switzerland younger than 16 years of age who had CSVT between January 2000 and December 2008. A follow‐up examination and a cognitive assessment were performed (mean follow‐up period 26mo). Differences between neonates and children (patients older than 28d) were assessed and predictors of outcome were determined.Results  Twenty‐one neonates (14 males, seven females; mean age 9d, SD 8d) and 44 children (30 males, 14 females; mean age 8y 7mo, SD 4y 5mo) were reported. The incidence of paediatric CSVT in Switzerland was 0.558 per 100 000 per year. In neonates, the deep venous system was more often involved and parenchymal injuries were more common. The strongest predictor of poor outcome was neonatal age (odds ratio 17.8, 95% confidence interval 0.847–372.353). Most children showed global cognitive abilities within the normal range, but impairments in single cognitive subdomains were frequent.Interpretation  Paediatric CSVT is rare. Its outcome is poor in neonates. Most children have good neurological outcomes, but some patients have individual neuropsychological impairments.
A mock terrorism application of the P300‐based concealed information test
Authors: Meixner John B. , Rosenfeld J. Peter 
Published: June 2010

AbstractPrevious studies examining the P300‐based concealed information test typically tested for mock crime or autobiographical details, but no studies have used this test in a counterterrorism scenario. Subjects in the present study covertly planned a mock terrorist attack on a major city. They were then given three separate blocks of concealed information testing, examining for knowledge of the location, method, and date of the planned terrorist attack, using the Complex Trial Protocol (Rosenfeld et al., 2008). With prior knowledge of the probe items, we detected 12/12 guilty subjects as having knowledge of the planned terrorist attack with no false positives among 12 innocent subjects. Additionally, we were able to identify 10/12 subjects and among them 20/30 crime‐related details with no false positives using restricted a priori knowledge of the crime details, suggesting that the protocol could potentially identify future terrorist activity.
N‐acetylcysteine‐induced headache in hospitalized patients with acute acetaminophen overdose
Authors: Zyoud Sa’ed H. , Awang Rahmat , Syed Sulaiman Syed Azhar , Al‐Jabi Samah W. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractIntravenous N‐acetylcysteine (IV‐NAC) is usually regarded as a safe antidote to acetaminophen overdose. However, during infusion of the loading dose, adverse drug reactions such as a headache may occur. The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence of headache in patients presenting to hospital after acetaminophen overdose and to determine which clinical findings are most predictive of headache among these patients. This is a retrospective cohort study of hospital admissions for acute acetaminophen overdose that was conducted over a period of 4 years from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2008. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and predictors of headache were analyzed. spss 15 was used for data analysis. Two‐hundred and fifty‐five patients were studied; their mean age was 23.1 ± 1.6; 83.9% of them were women and 14.9% had a headache during hospitalization. Headache among patients was significantly associated with IV‐NAC administration (P = 0.001), intentional ingestion of drug (P = 0.04), acetaminophen concentration above ‘possible toxicity’ treatment line (P = 0.04), a high acetaminophen concentration (P = 0.04), and a long hospital stay (P = 0.03). Multiple logistic regression showed a significant risk factor for headache in patients administered IV‐NAC (P = 0.04). We recorded a high frequency of headache in patients with acute acetaminophen overdose in our geographical area. This study suggests that among those patients, the use of IV‐NAC is associated with an increased risk of headache.
Gender‐specific aspects of treatment of cardiovascular risk factors in primary and secondary prevention
Authors: Lombardi Mariaelena , Mercuro Giuseppe , Fini Massimo , Rosano Giuseppe M.C. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractIn men, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) increase steadily by the age of 35 years and reach a plateau in the 7th decade of life, whereas in women few years after the menopause, from about 50 years, the incidence of cardio‐cerebro‐vascular diseases progressively increases, becoming the leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Because of the greater incidence of CVD in men until the early 1980s, the information on cardiovascular risk factors has been gathered mainly from men and then translated in women. But sex steroid milieu has a different impact on cardiovascular risk profile, as cardiovascular risk factors have a different importance in determining future cardiovascular events in the two sexes and therapeutic strategies have a different impact on reducing cardiovascular risk in the two sexes. Aim of this study is to review the gender‐specific aspects influencing the development of cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular preventative strategies both in primary and in secondary prevention.
Mechanisms of hypokalemia‐induced ventricular arrhythmogenicity
Authors: Osadchii Oleg E. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractHypokalemia is a common biochemical finding in cardiac patients and may represent a side effect of diuretic therapy or result from endogenous activation of renin–angiotensin system and high adrenergic tone. Hypokalemia is independent risk factor contributing to reduced survival of cardiac patients and increased incidence of arrhythmic death. Animal studies demonstrate that hypokalemia‐induced arrhythmogenicity is attributed to prolonged ventricular repolarization, slowed conduction, and abnormal pacemaker activity. The prolongation of ventricular repolarization in hypokalemic setting is caused by inhibition of outward potassium currents and often associated with increased propensity for early afterdepolarizations. Slowed conduction is attributed to membrane hyperpolarization and increased excitation threshold. Abnormal pacemaker activity is attributed to increased slope of diastolic depolarization in Purkinje fibers, as well as delayed afterdepolarizations caused by Ca2+overload secondary to inhibition of Na+–K+pump and stimulation of the reverse mode of the Na+–Ca2+exchange. Hypokalemia effect on repolarization is not uniform at distinct ventricular sites thereby contributing to amplified spatial repolarization gradients which promote unidirectional conduction block. In hypokalemic heart preparations, the prolongation of action potential may be associated with shortening of effective refractory period, thus increasing the propensity for ventricular re‐excitation over late phase of repolarization. Shortened refractoriness and slowed conduction contribute to reduced excitation wavelength thereby facilitating re‐entry. The interplay of triggering factors (early and delayed afterdepolarizations, oscillatory prepotentials in Purkinje fibers) and a favorable electrophysiological substrate (unidirectional conduction block, reduced excitation wavelength, increased critical interval for ventricular re‐excitation) may account for the mechanism of life‐threatening tachyarrhythmias in hypokalemic patients.
Role of catecholamine oxidation in sudden cardiac death
Authors: Dhalla Naranjan S. , Adameova Adriana , Kaur Meera 
Published: June 2010

AbstractAlthough sudden cardiac death is a leading cause of mortality, the mechanisms for its pathogenesis are poorly understood. Because overactivation of sympathetic nervous system is invariably seen in subjects with high risk for sudden cardiac death, elevated levels of circulating catecholamine levels are considered to result in lethal ventricular arrhythmias and subsequent sudden cardiac death. Such arrhythmogenic effects of catecholamines are generally believed to occur by their actions on α‐adrenoceptors in coronary arteries for inducing coronary spasm and subsequent myocardial ischemia as well as on β‐adrenoceptors in cardiomyocytes for increasing the concentration of cyclic AMP excessively and producing defects in intracellular Ca2+‐handling. Experimental evidence from our laboratory has revealed that excessive amounts of circulating catecholamines are oxidized to aminochromes, which are highly reactive quinine compounds. The oxidation products of catecholamines have been demonstrated to produce subcellular alterations, intracellular Ca2+‐overload, coronary spasm, myocardial cell damage, depletion of high energy stores, and ventricular arrhythmias. In addition, oxyradicals, which are known to generate oxidative stress and produce cardiotoxic effects, including arrhythmias, are formed during the oxidation of catecholamines. Accordingly, it is proposed that oxidation of catecholamines and the generation of oxidative stress under stressful conditions may play a critical role in the genesis of ventricular arrhythmias that may result in sudden cardiac death.
Neuropharmacological effects of lipoic acid and ubiquinone on δ‐aminolevulinic dehydratase, Na+, K+‐ATPase, and Mg2+‐ATPase activities in rat hippocampus after pilocarpine‐induced seizures
Authors: de Freitas Rivelilson Mendes , Feng Dejiang , Jordán Joaquín 
Published: June 2010

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the effects of lipoic acid (LA) in the hippocampus oxidative stress caused by pilocarpine‐induced seizures in adult rats. Wistar rats were treated with 0.9% saline (i.p., control group), LA (10 mg/kg, i.p., LA group), ubiquinone [20 mg/kg, i.p., ubiquinone (UQ) group], pilocarpine (400 mg/kg, i.p., P400 group), and the association of LA (10 mg/kg, i.p.) plus pilocarpine (400 mg/kg, i.p.) or UQ (20 mg/kg, i.p.) plus pilocarpine (400 mg/kg, i.p.), 30 min before of administration of P400 (LA plus P400 group and UQ plus P400 group, respectively). After the treatments, all groups were observed for 1 h. The enzyme activities (δ‐aminolevulinic dehydratase (δ‐ALA‐D), Mg2+‐ATPase, and Na+, K+‐ATPase) were measured using spectrophotometric methods, and the results compared to values obtained from saline and pilocarpine‐treated animals. Protective effects of LA and UQ were also evaluated on the same parameters. We reported here for the first time that Na+, K+‐ATPase and δ‐ALA‐D activities inhibition and Mg2+‐ATPase stimulation in the pilocarpine model are probably attributed to the oxidative stress caused by seizures in the rat hippocampus. The addition of the antioxidants LA and UQ may reverses the previously mentioned Na+, K+‐ATPase and δ‐ALA‐D inhibitions and Mg2+‐ATPase stimulation. Conclusions: The oxidative stress plays an important signaling role in pilocarpine‐induced seizures, and antioxidant drugs might be considered as therapeutical tools in this pathology.
Effects of Mass Media Coverage on Timing and Annual Receipt of Influenza Vaccination among Medicare Elderly
Authors: Yoo Byung‐Kwang , Holland Margaret L. , Bhattacharya Jay , Phelps Charles E. , Szilagyi Peter G. 
Published: June 2010

Objective. To measure the association between mass media coverage on flu‐related topics and influenza vaccination, regarding timing and annual vaccination rates, among the nationally representative community‐dwelling elderly.Data Source. Years 1999, 2000, and 2001 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey.Study Design. Cross‐sectional survival analyses during each of three influenza vaccination seasons between September 1999 and December 2001. The outcome variable was daily vaccine receipt. We measured daily media coverage by counting the number of television program transcripts and newspaper/wire service articles, including keywords of influenza/flu and vaccine/shot shortage/delay. All models' covariates included three types of media, vaccine supply, and regional/individual factors.Principal Findings. Influenza‐related reports in all three media sources had a positive association with earlier vaccination timing and annual vaccination rate. Four television networks' reports had most consistent positive effects in all models, for example, shifting the mean vaccination timing earlier by 1.8–4.1 days (p<.001) or increasing the annual vaccination rate by 2.3–7.9 percentage points (p<.001). These effects tended to be greater when reported in a headline rather than in text only and if including additional keywords, for example, vaccine shortage/delay.Conclusions. Timing and annual receipt of influenza vaccination appear to be influenced by media coverage, particularly by headlines and specific reports on shortage/delay.
A Randomized Trial Comparing Mail versus In‐Office Distribution of the CAHPS Clinician and Group Survey
Authors: Anastario Michael P. , Rodriguez Hector P. , Gallagher Patricia M. , Cleary Paul D. , Shaller Dale , Rogers William H. , Bogen Karen , Safran Dana Gelb 
Published: June 2010

Objective. To assess the effect of survey distribution protocol (mail versus handout) on data quality and measurement of patient care experiences.Data Sources/Study Setting. Multisite randomized trial of survey distribution protocols. Analytic sample included 2,477 patients of 15 clinicians at three practice sites in New York State.Data Collection/Extraction Methods. Mail and handout distribution modes were alternated weekly at each site for 6 weeks.Principal Findings. Handout protocols yielded an incomplete distribution rate (74 percent) and lower overall response rates (40 percent versus 58 percent) compared with mail. Handout distribution rates decreased over time and resulted in more favorable survey scores compared with mailed surveys. There were significant mode–physician interaction effects, indicating that data cannot simply be pooled and adjusted for mode.Conclusions. In‐office survey distribution has the potential to bias measurement and comparison of physicians and sites on patient care experiences. Incomplete distribution rates observed in‐office, together with between‐office differences in distribution rates and declining rates over time suggest staff may be burdened by the process and selective in their choice of patients. Further testing with a larger physician and site sample is important to definitively establish the potential role for in‐office distribution in obtaining reliable, valid assessment of patient care experiences.
The Hospital Compare Mortality Model and the Volume–Outcome Relationship
Authors: Silber Jeffrey H. , Rosenbaum Paul R. , Brachet Tanguy J. , Ross Richard N. , Bressler Laura J. , Even‐Shoshan Orit , Lorch Scott A. , Volpp Kevin G. 
Published: June 2010

Objective. We ask whether Medicare's Hospital Compare random effects model correctly assesses acute myocardial infarction (AMI) hospital mortality rates when there is a volume–outcome relationship.Data Sources/Study Setting. Medicare claims on 208,157 AMI patients admitted in 3,629 acute care hospitals throughout the United States.Study Design. We compared average‐adjusted mortality using logistic regression with average adjusted mortality based on the Hospital Compare random effects model. We then fit random effects models with the same patient variables as in Medicare's Hospital Compare mortality model but also included terms for hospital Medicare AMI volume and another model that additionally included other hospital characteristics.Principal Findings. Hospital Compare's average adjusted mortality significantly underestimates average observed death rates in small volume hospitals. Placing hospital volume in the Hospital Compare model significantly improved predictions.Conclusions. The Hospital Compare random effects model underestimates the typically poorer performance of low‐volume hospitals. Placing hospital volume in the Hospital Compare model, and possibly other important hospital characteristics, appears indicated when using a random effects model to predict outcomes. Care must be taken to insure the proper method of reporting such models, especially if hospital characteristics are included in the random effects model.
Original Study: Determination of normal intra‐abdominal pressure using urinary bladder catheterization in clinically healthy cats
Authors: Rader Rebecca A. , Johnson Justine A. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractObjective
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To establish a reference interval for intra‐abdominal pressure (IAP) measured by urinary bladder catheterization in normal cats and determine if IAP is affected by observer variation, volume of saline instillation before measurement, or subject variables of gender, positioning, body condition score, and sedation.Design
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Prospective experimental study.Setting
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Private referral center.Animals
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Twenty healthy adult cats.Interventions
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Sedation with butorphanol, midazolam, and propofol for catheterization of the urinary bladder and measurement of IAP.Measurements and Main Results
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A 5‐Fr red rubber urinary catheter was placed under sedation, and IAP was determined using a water manometer with the cats in right lateral and sternal recumbency. Three readings were taken in each position by 2 observers. The cats were allowed to recover with the urinary catheter in place, and IAP was measured in each cat while they were awake in right lateral and sternal recumbency.Conclusions
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In this population of clinically healthy cats, median (interquartile range) IAP taken over all measurements was 7.00 cm H2O (5.23–8.83 cm H2O). There was no statistical difference between observers or subject gender. Factors associated with a statistically significant increase in IAP were right lateral compared with sternal recumbency (P=0.002), being awake compared with sedated (P<0.001), having a higher body condition score (P=0.01 and 0.001), instillation of a higher volume of saline into the bladder for measurement (P<0.001), and struggling during awake measurements (P<0.001).