bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cancer‐associated ischemic stroke is associated with elevated d‐dimer and fibrin degradation product levels in acute ischemic stroke with advanced cancer
Authors: Kono Tomoyuki , Ohtsuki Toshiho , Hosomi Naohisa , Takeda Ikuko , Aoki Shiro , Sueda Yoshimasa , Ishihara Kayoko , Nakamura Takeshi , Yamawaki Takemori , Matsumoto Masayasu 
Published: January 2012

Aim:  Although several studies have reported various causes of ischemic stroke in patients with cancer, only a few have evaluated the clinical relevance of ischemic stroke pathogenesis to cancer. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the clinical characteristics of cancer‐associated ischemic stroke.Methods:  We evaluated 154 ischemic stroke patients without cancer and 57 ischemic stroke patients with cancer who had either received continuous treatment for cancer within 5 years before to the onset of ischemic stroke, or who had been diagnosed with cancer within 1 year after the onset of ischemic stroke. Cancer patients were grouped into “cancer‐associated ischemic stroke,” the “conventional ischemic stroke,” or “other.”Results:  A total of 15 patients (26%) were classified into the cancer‐associated ischemic stroke in cancer patients. In univariate analysis of the cancer‐associated ischemic stroke and the others, there were significant differences in the prevalence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and advanced cancer (clinical stage IV), and the levels of d‐dimer, fibrin degradation product and hemoglobin. With multivariate regression analysis of those factors, the prevalence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and advanced cancer (clinical stage IV), and the levels of d‐dimer and fibrin degradation product remained as statistically independent factors, which were associated with cancer‐associated ischemic stroke (n = 111, χ2 = 67.21, P < 0.0001).Conclusion:  In acute ischemic stroke, the cancer‐associated ischemic stroke is associated with elevated d‐dimer and fibrin degradation products, even after controlling hypertension, hyperlipidemia and advanced cancer (clinical stage IV). Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 468–474.
Rupture of a pregnant unscarred uterus in an early secondary trimester: A case report and brief review
Authors: Sun Hsu‐Dong , Su Wen‐Hsiang , Chang Wen‐Hsun , Wen Lily , Huang Ben‐Shian , Wang Peng‐Hui 
Published: January 2012

AbstractRupture of a pregnant uterus in early pregnancy and an unscarred uterus are extremely rare, and some non‐specific symptoms might appear before this occurrence. We report the case of a multiparous woman (gravida 3, para 2) with uterine fundal rupture in her early second trimester (17+ weeks of gestational age), who presented upper abdominal discomfort and vomiting for 3 days, and progressed into sudden acute abdomen and shock. During emergent laparotomy, the entire amniotic sac was found in the peritoneal cavity with a rupture of the uterine fundus. Although we could not confirm that the appearance of upper gastrointestinal symptoms and severe vomiting was associated with uterine rupture in this pregnant woman, abdominal symptoms or signs might be a hint or cause of severe catastrophic pregnancy‐related complications.
Rapidly grown congenital fetal immature gastric teratoma causing severe neonatal respiratory distress
Authors: Jeong Hyun Chul , Cha Seong Jae , Kim Gwang Jun 
Published: January 2012

AbstractA pregnant woman in the mid‐third trimester developed complications with enlarged fetal abdomen and polyhydramnios. Prenatal ultrasound visualized dilated bowel, intraperitoneal calcifications, ascites, hydroceles and polyhydramnios, giving the impression of meconium peritonitis. The fetal abdomen continued to increased in size, and maternal dyspnea due to polyhydramnios was aggravated. She underwent a cesarean section at 36 + 1 weeks' gestation. The delivery was followed by severe neonatal respiratory distress due to the huge mass in the abdomen. The tumor was successfully removed by emergency surgery and diagnosed as immature gastric teratoma. No other associated anomaly was found. The infant made a good progress after the operation.
Octogenarians: an increasing challenge for acute care and colorectal surgeons. An outcomes analysis of emergency colorectal surgery in the elderly
Authors: Modini C. , Romagnoli F. , De Milito R. , Romeo V. , Petroni R. , La Torre F. , Catani M. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAim  Emergency surgery is associated with higher mortality rates, especially in elderly patients presenting with emergent colorectal disease. The aim of this study was to determine the outcomes in elderly patients following emergency colorectal resection, with particular focus on octogenarians who presented a sixfold higher mortality rate with respect to other patients.Method  This study examined 355 patients who underwent surgery at an Emergency Department for complications of colorectal disease between January 2007 and December 2009. Morbidity and mortality were analyzed on the basis of patients’ characteristics and presentation. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed on morbidity and mortality risk factors.Results  Two‐hundred and fifteen patients of > 65 years of age were included, 93 of whom were ≥ 80 years of age. The global mortality rate was 16%. In patients ≥ 80 years of age the mortality rate was 30%. The difference in mortality rate between patients < 80 years of age vs patients ≥ 80 years of age was 24%. In resected patients ≥ 80 years of age, American Society of Anesthesiology grade, colonic ischaemia, neurological comorbidity and anastomotic dehiscence were identified as independent risk factors in both univariate and logistic regression analyses. The morbidity rate was approximately 17%, and no significant difference in morbidity was found between the two groups.Conclusion  The results of this study show that fitness status and micro vascular impairment impact significantly on mortality in the elderly, particularly in octogenarians. Although the outcomes observed were compatible with the literature, the six fold higher mortality rate observed in the most elderly patients identifies a group for which death prevention is best achieved with aggressive resuscitation and intensive postoperative care, rather than timing of surgery.
The mesocolon: a prospective observational study
Authors: Culligan K. , Coffey J. C. , Kiran R. P. , Kalady M. , Lavery I. C. , Remzi F. H. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAim The aim of this study was to characterize formally the mesocolic anatomy during and following total mesocolic excision. Total mesocolic excision may improve survival in patients with colon cancer. Although this requires a detailed knowledge of normal and variant mesocolic anatomy, the latter is poorly characterized. No studies have prospectively characterized the anatomy of the entire mesocolon.Method Total mesocolic excision was performed in 109 patients undergoing total abdominal colectomy. The mesocolon was maintained intact thereby permitting a precise anatomical characterization from ileocaecal to mesorectal levels. Two‐ and three‐dimensional schematic reconstructions were generated to illustratein situconformation.Results Several previously undocumented findings emerged, including: (i) the mesocolon was continuous from ileocaecal to rectosigmoid level; (ii) a mesenteric confluence occurred at the ileocaecal and rectosigmoid junction as well as at the hepatic and splenic flexures; (iii) each flexure (and ileocaecal junction) was a complex of peritoneal and omental attachments to the colon centred on a mesenteric confluence; (iv) the proximal rectum originated at the confluence of the mesorectum and mesosigmoid; and (v) a plane occupied by Toldt’s fascia separated the entire apposed mesocolon from the retroperitoneum.Conclusion When the mesocolon is fully mobilized during a total mesocolic excision of the colon, several anatomical findings that have not been previously documented emerge. These findings provide a rationalization of the surgical, embryological and anatomical approaches to the mesocolon. This has implications for all related sciences.
Impact at the ‘Bottom of the Pyramid’: The Role of Social Capital in Capability Development and Community Empowerment
Authors: Ansari Shahzad , Munir Kamal , Gregg Tricia 
Published: January 2012

abstractRooted in the notion of inclusive capitalism, the Bottom‐of‐the‐Pyramid (BoP) approach argues for the simultaneous pursuit of profit and social welfare by creating markets for the poor. This idea has been both celebrated and criticized in the literature. We do neither in this paper. Instead, by leveraging insights from Amartya Sen's work on capability development and the literature on social capital, we offer a more socially embedded and community‐centric BoP approach. By redefining poverty not just as a lack of income, but also as a lack of ‘capabilities’ in Sen's sense that can be developed through leveraging social capital, we offer a systemic framework for understanding the societal impact of business‐driven ventures in the BoP and empowering BoP communities through these ventures. Specifically, we argue that any business initiative in the BoP ought to be evaluated on the basis of whether it advances capability transfer and retention by (a) enhancing the social capital between a particular community and other more resource rich networks, and (b) preserving the existing social capital in the community.
Evidence for epistatic gene interactions between growth factor genes in stroke outcome
Authors: Manso H. , Krug T. , Sobral J. , Albergaria I. , Gaspar G. , Ferro J. M. , Oliveira S. A. , Vicente A. M. 
Published: January 2012

Background and purpose:  Growth factors are thought to modulate neurological function in stroke recovery through effects in angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and neuroprotection.Methods:  We tested the association of variants in the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) genes, and epistatic interactions between them, with functional outcome in a sample of 546 stroke patients.Results:  While none of the tested genes was independently associated with stroke outcome, two significant gene–gene interaction models were identified. One model combined one BDNF and three FGF2 markers, with a global odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of 4.15 [2.86–6.04]. The second model included one FGF2 and two VEGFA markers with a global OR [95% CI] = 2.54 [1.76–3.67].Conclusions:  The results provide evidence for gene interactions in stroke outcome, highlighting the complexity of the recovery mechanisms after a stroke event.
Fatigue, sleep, and nocturnal complaints in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Lo Coco D. , La Bella V. 
Published: January 2012

Background and purpose:  Fatigue is a common symptom in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Although sleep disturbances are a candidate factor that may interfere with fatigue in patients with ALS, the role of sleep‐related abnormalities in determining fatigue in ALS is unknown.Objective:  To evaluate the frequency and determinants of fatigue in a group of 91 consecutive patients with ALS, with special attention to the relationship between fatigue and sleep problems.Methods:  Measures included the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), ALS Functional Rating Scale‐Revised (ALSFRS‐R), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).Results:  The mean FSS score was 4.35 ± 1.1, and 48 patients with ALS (52.75%) reported clinical significant fatigue. FSS score correlated with ALSFRS‐R score, forced vital capacity, ESS, BDI, and global PSQI score. Patients with fatigue were significantly more disabled and more frequently reported difficulties staying asleep and nocturnal complaints, such as nocturia and disturbing muscle cramps. After multivariate analysis, patients’ disability and nocturnal complaints were significantly associated with fatigue.Conclusion:  In this study, we demonstrated that fatigue, a troublesome and disabling symptom in ALS, is associated with physical impairment and night‐time complaints (such as nocturia and muscle cramps), suggesting that treating sleep problems might be useful in alleviating fatigue in these patients.
Genetic bases and phenotypes of autosomal recessive Parkinson disease in a Turkish population
Authors: Lohmann E. , Dursun B. , Lesage S. , Hanagasi H. A. , Sevinc G. , Honore A. , Bilgic B. , Gürvit H. , Dogu O. , Kaleagası H. , Babacan G. , Yazici J. , Erginel‐Unaltuna N. , Brice A. , Emre M. 
Published: January 2012

Background and purpose:  To evaluate the phenotype and the frequencies of mutations in PRKN, DJ1 and PINK1 genes in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) in Turkey.Methods:  Eighty‐six patients from 77 PD families participated in the study. Seventy‐four families were originating from Turkey, two families from Greece and one family from Bulgaria. All patients underwent detailed neurological examination. PRKN, PINK1 and DJ1 genes were sequenced, and dosage analysis was performed by multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification.Results:  Sixteen patients with PD were found to carry homozygous (n = 14) or compound heterozygous (n = 2) PRKN mutations. We identified exon rearrangements, three point mutations and one new point mutation in exon 2 (p.K27del). In two families, two new PINK1 point mutations (L31X and P416L) were identified. No pathogenic mutations were found in DJ1 gene. Clinical phenotypes of PRKN patients were comparable to previously described features, but only in four of 13 families, the pedigree structure was clearly consistent with an autosomal recessive (AR) mode of inheritance in comparison with nine families where also different pattern of transmission could have been possible.Conclusions:  Our data suggest that the PRKN gene mutation is the most frequent form of ARPD in Turkey. The proportion of mutations with regard to the age of onset in our population is in the range of those previously described, but our pedigrees are characterized by high rate of consanguinity, which might explain the high proportion of families with homozygous mutations and of patients in more than one generation. Pathogenic DJ1 mutations do not seem to play a major role in Turkey.
The Contribution of the “Extrinsic” Polarizations to the Dielectric Tunability of Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)1−xTixO3 Relaxor Ferroelectrics
Authors: Peng Biaolin , Fan Huiqing , Zhang Qi 
Published: January 2012

Pure perovskite Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)1−xTixO3 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07, 0.09) ceramics were prepared using a two‐stage solid state reaction process. With the increase of Ti content, the dielectric tunability and dielectric loss at x = 0.09, 25 kV/cm and 300 K reached a maximum 91% and 0.09, respectively. High dielectric tunability 82% with low dielectric loss 0.007 was obtained at x = 0.05, indicating that it is a promising tunable material. The Lorentz fit of the temperature dependence of the dielectric permittivity and the measurement of the temperature dependence of the depolarization current density showed that polar nanoregions are related to the dielectric tunability properties of these relaxor ferroelectric ceramics. The Landau‐Ginsberg‐Devonshire and multipolarization‐mechanism model fitted results of the electric field dependence of the dielectric permittivity showed that the contribution of the “extrinsic” polarizations including “reorientation of nanopolar clusters” and the “motion of the cluster interphase boundaries or domain‐wall motions” to the dielectric tunability properties increased with the increase of Ti content. These results provide a clear understanding to the complicated dielectric response in a family of high‐tunability ceramics and a key to the high tunability of ferroelectrics with low loss under dc electric field.
Obstetric near‐miss cases among women admitted to intensive care units in Italy
Authors: DONATI SERENA , SENATORE SABRINA , RONCONI ALESSANDRA ,   the Regional Maternal Mortality Working Group
Published: January 2012

Abstract Objective. Maternal near‐miss defines a narrow category of morbidity encompassing potentially life‐threatening episodes. The purpose of this study was to detect near‐miss instances among women admitted to intensive care units or coronary units, analyze associated causes, and compute absolute and specific maternal morbidity rates in six Italian regions. Design. Observational retrospective study. Setting. Six Italian regions representing 49% of all resident Italian women aged 15–49 years. Population. The study population included all pregnant women aged 15–49 years admitted to intensive care units or coronary care units in the participating regions. Cases were defined as women aged 15–49 years resident in the participating regions, with one or more hospitalizations in intensive care for pregnancy or any pregnancy outcome between 2004 and 2005. Methods. Cases were identified through the Hospital Discharge Database. Enrolled cases were diagnosed according to the 9th International Classification of Diseases. Main outcome measure. Maternal near‐miss rate (number of women experiencing an admission to intensive care units/all women with live or stillborn babies). Results. A total of 1259 near‐miss cases were identified and the total maternal near‐miss rate was 2.0/1000 deliveries. Seventy percent of the women were admitted to intensive care units or coronary units after a cesarean section. The leading associated risk factors were obstetric hemorrhage/disseminated intravascular coagulation (40%) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (29%). Conclusions. Monitoring of near‐miss morbidity in conjunction with mortality surveillance could help to identify effective preventive measures for potentially life‐threatening episodes.
Lipoxin A4 Inhibits the Development of Endometriosis in Mice: The Role of Anti‐Inflammation and Anti‐Angiogenesis
Authors: Xu Zhangye , Zhao Feng , Lin Feng , Chen Jinxia , Huang Yingping 
Published: January 2012

ProblemTo evaluate the effects of the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐angiogenic roles of LXA4 on endometriosis in mice.Method of studyEndometriosis was induced in 40 mice and separated into two groups. LXA4 group was administered by LXA4 for 3 weeks. The endometriotic lesions were counted, measured, and identified by pathology. The presence of a panel of pro‐inflammatory factors was assessed by real‐time RT‐PCR, and enzyme‐linked immunoassay, the mRNA, protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were determined by real‐time RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry; the activity of MMPs was evaluated by gelatin zymography.ResultsTreatment with LXA4 significantly inhibited endometriotic lesion development (13.58 ± 4.01 mm2 in LXA4 group and 23.20 ± 7.49 mm2, P = 0.0002), downregulated pro‐inflammatory factors, suppressed the activity of MMP9, and reduced the VEGF levels associated with endometriosis in mice.ConclusionLXA4 may inhibit the progression of endometriosis possibly by anti‐inflammation and anti‐angiogenesis.
Keratocystic odontogenic tumors and Carnoy’s solution: results and complications assessment
Authors: Ribeiro Junior O , Borba AM , Alves CAF , de Gouveia MM , Coracin FL , Guimarães Júnior J. 
Published: January 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 548–557Objective:  Keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KOTs) can be treated with Carnoy’s solution, although this treatment modality is not free from complications. It is important to verify the incidence of complications after the use of Carnoy’s solution and compare these with the literature.Materials and methods:  This study verified the effects of a complementary treatment for KOTs and assessed the incidence of such complications as recurrence, infection, sequestrum formation, mandibular fracture, dehiscence, and neuropathy.Results:  Twenty‐two KOTs treated with Carnoy’s solution combined with peripheral ostectomy were included, and the follow‐up period varied from 12 to 78 months with a mean of 42.9 months. Complications included recurrence (4.5%), dehiscence (22.7%), infection (4.5%), and paresthesia (18.2%). No difference was found among lesions associated (9.1%) or not (0%) with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (P > 0.05). Dehiscence was influenced by marsupialization (P < 0.05), and paresthesia was observed exclusively in cases of mandibular canal fenestration (P < 0.01).Conclusions:  Complementary treatment with Carnoy’s solution and peripheral ostectomy appear to provide efficient treatment for KOTs. Complications originating from the use of the solution are less frequent and less serious than complications associated with cryotherapy. Neuropathy seems to be related to direct contact between the solution and the epineurium.
Retracted: Translation and validation of the Hindi version of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index
Authors: Deshmukh Saee Prasad , Radke Usha M. 
Published: January 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00609.xTranslation and validation of the Hindi version of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment IndexPurpose:  To translate the original English version of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) into Hindi and assess its validity and reliability for use among people in India.Materials and Method:  After translation into Hindi, a total of 385 participants aged 55+ demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability when used for people in India. Individual GOHAI items were recorded and summed as originally recommended. The questionnaire sought information about socio‐demographic characteristics and self‐reported perception of general and oral health. Clinical examination included assessment of periodontal status and number of decayed teeth, missing teeth, filled teeth and crowned teeth.Result:  Mean GOHAI score was 40.9 (SD, 10.6; range, 12–60). Cronbach’s alpha for the GOHAI score was 0.88, indicating a high degree of internal consistency and homogeneity between the GOHAI items. The test–retest correlation coefficient for add‐GOHAI scores was 0.72, indicating good stability. Add‐GOHAI scores increased with poorer perceived general and oral health. Convergent validity, construct validity and discriminant validity of the GOHAI were demonstrated.Conclusion:  It could therefore be used as a valuable instrument for measuring oral health–related quality of life for people in this region.