bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epilepsy in Tanzanian children: Association with perinatal events and other risk factors
Authors: Burton Kathryn J. , Rogathe Jane , Whittaker Roger , Mankad Kshitij , Hunter Ewan , Burton Matthew J. , Todd Jim , Neville Brian G. R. , Walker Richard , Newton Charles R. J. C. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryPurpose:  To define the prevalence and risk factors for epilepsy in children in a rural district of Tanzania by conducting a community‐based case–control study.Methods:  Children aged 6–14 years with active epilepsy (at least two unprovoked seizures in the last 5 years) were identified in a cross‐sectional survey in Tanzania. Cases were compared with age‐matched controls.Key Findings:  Overall 112 children with epilepsy (CWE) were identified; the unadjusted prevalence of epilepsy was 2.91 per 1,000 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.4–3.5). The main seizure types were focal motor with secondary generalization in 73 (65.2%) of 112 and generalized convulsive seizures in 19 (16.9%) of 112. Adverse perinatal events were present in 16 (14%) of 112 cases but in no controls. In multivariate analysis, epilepsy was associated with number of parents who were resident at home (odds ratio [OR] 6.2 for none vs. both resident, 95% CI 1.5–25.5), history of adverse perinatal events (OR 14.9, 95% CI 1.4–151.3), family history of afebrile seizures (OR 5.7, 95% CI 1.0–27.5), and poor scholastic attainment (OR 8.6, 95% CI 4.0–18.4). Electroencephalography (EEG) and computed tomography (CT) scans were abnormal in 44 (44%) of 101 and 26 (29%) of 90 cases, respectively. Overall, 98 (88%) of 112 cases had focal features on assessment.Significance:  In this study from sub‐Saharan Africa, CWE predominantly had focal features that support the suggestion that most epilepsy in this region has a symptomatic etiology. Adverse perinatal events were strongly associated with epilepsy. Genetic and social factors may also be important. Epilepsy may be preventable in a significant proportion of children with better antenatal and perinatal care.
A Randomized, Double‐Blind Comparison Shows the Addition of Oxygenated Glycerol Triesters to Topical Mentholated Cream for the Treatment of Acute Musculoskeletal Pain Demonstrates Incremental Benefit Over Time
Authors: Taylor Robert , Gan Tong J. , Raffa Robert B. , Gharibo Chris , Pappagallo Marco , Sinclair Nicholas R. , Fleischer Charles , Tabor Aaron 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground:  Topical analgesics are important products in the armamentarium for pain relief.Methods and Findings:  This study compared a topical analgesic product containing menthol to the same product with the addition of oxygenated glycerol triesters (OGTs) (also called essential oxygen oil) in 66 healthy adult subjects with acute musculoskeletal pain. Patients were randomized in a single‐center, double‐blind study to receive mentholated cream (MC) only or MC containing OGTs. Patients self‐reported their pain intensity, lifestyle limitations, and evaluation of the mobility of the painful joint or muscle at baseline and three times daily over a seven‐day course on a 100‐mm visual analog scale (VAS). Patients in both groups experienced statistically significant pain relief on Day 8 over baseline, with the MC plus OGT‐treated group reporting statistically significantly greater pain relief than the MC group (P = 0.016). In addition, patients treated with the combination product experienced an incremental decrease in pain during each of the 7 days of treatment in addition, and they had lower VAS scores and greater lifestyle and mobility improvements than the MC group. Both products were well tolerated with no serious adverse events reported and no signs of significant skin reactions in either group.Conclusion:  Based on this study, a MC containing OGTs is safe, effective, and provided significantly better pain relief than MC alone. The combination of oxygenated glycerol trimesters and MC provided significant pain relief and offered continued improvement in pain relief over time.
Healthcare Costs Associated with Osteoarthritis in US Patients
Authors: Le T. Kim , Montejano Leslie B. , Cao Zhun , Zhao Yang , Ang Dennis 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground:  Osteoarthritis is a chronic debilitating condition affecting many adults in the United States. This study was to compare pharmacologic treatments and costs for newly diagnosed and existing osteoarthritis patients to assess unmet medication treatment needs and economic burden.Methods:  This retrospective analysis of de‐identified medical and pharmacy insurance claims from the MarketScan® databases identified adult patients with an osteoarthritis claim in 2007. The date of the first osteoarthritis claim in 2007 served as the index. Patients were stratified into newly diagnosed and existing cohorts, based on the presence of osteoarthritis claim(s) over the 12‐month pre‐index period. Utilization of pain‐related medications and healthcare costs was assessed in the 12‐month postindex period. Multivariate analysis was conducted to adjust costs controlling for cross‐cohort differences.Results:  Newly diagnosed osteoarthritis patients (n = 134,584) were younger (66.0 vs. 68.0, P < 0.001), had a higher proportion of men (37.4% vs. 33.9%, P < 0.001) but lower rates of comorbidities than existing patients (n = 123,653). Significantly higher proportions of newly diagnosed patients had an inpatient admission and outpatient office visit. Higher proportions of existing patients utilized a majority of the medication classes examined. Total adjusted osteoarthritis‐related costs for newly diagnosed patients were $6,811 annually (95% confidence interval [CI] $6,743 to $6,887), compared to $6,407 (95% CI $6,327 to $6,477) for existing patients. Costs of pain‐related prescription drugs associated with osteoarthritis were $965 (95% CI $955 to $975) among new patients, less than the $1,117 (95% CI $1,107 to $1,129) among existing patients.Conclusion:  Newly diagnosed osteoarthritis patients incurred higher annual costs, but lower pain‐related prescription drug costs in the year following diagnosis than patients with existing osteoarthritis.
Hypervolemic infusion of Lumbricus terrestris erythrocruorin purified by tangential‐flow filtration
Authors: Elmer Jacob , Zorc Katie , Rameez Shahid , Zhou Yipin , Cabrales Pedro , Palmer Andre F. 
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: The hemoglobin of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris (also known as erythrocruorin, or LtEc) is a naturally occurring high‐molecular‐weight protein assembly (3.6 MDa) that is extremely stable, resistant to oxidation, and transports oxygen similarly to human whole blood. Therefore, LtEc may serve as an alternative to donated human red blood cells. However, a suitable purification process must be developed to produce highly pure LtEc on a large scale that can be evaluated in an animal model to determine the safety and efficacy of LtEc.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We used tangential‐flow filtration (TFF), an easily scalable and affordable technique, to produce highly pure LtEc from earthworms. The purity, yield, methemoglobin level, viscosity, colloid osmotic pressure, O2 binding equilibria, and ligand‐binding kinetics of the purified LtEc were measured in vitro. The purified LtEc product was then evaluated in hamsters using a hypervolemic infusion model to establish its basic biocompatibility and detect any changes in microcirculatory and systemic variables.RESULTS: TFF was able to produce LtEc with high purity and yield (5‐10 g/1000 worms). The purified LtEc product did not elicit hypertension or vasoconstriction when infused into hamsters.CONCLUSION: LtEc may be easily purified and safely transfused into hamsters in small amounts (0.5‐1.5 g/dL final concentration in blood) without any noticeable side effects. Therefore, LtEc may serve as a very promising oxygen carrier for use in transfusion medicine.
Signs of the presence of Th17 cells in chronic periodontal disease
Authors: Adibrad M. , Deyhimi P. , Ganjalikhani Hakemi M. , Behfarnia P. , Shahabuei M. , Rafiee L. 
Published: February 2012

Adibrad M, Deyhimi P, Ganjalikhani Hakemi M, Behfarnia P, Shahabuei M, Rafiee L. Signs of the presence of Th17 cells in chronic periodontal disease. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 525–531. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/SBackground and Objective:  The aim of this study was to identify the specific markers of T helper 17 (Th17) cells and their variations in people suffering from chronic periodontal disease in comparison with normal control subjects.Material and Methods:  In 30 patients with periodontitis and 30 normal control subjects, the mRNA expressions of interleukin (IL)‐17A and retinoic orphan receptor C2 (RORC2) were measured by quantitative RT‐PCR. The protein levels of IL‐17A and RORC2 were also evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The levels of these markers were compared between healthy and diseased periodontal tissues by the Mann–Whitney U‐test.Results:  In periodontal lesions, IL‐17A and RORC2 were significantly overexpressed compared with normal tissues. According to our immunohistochemical analysis, the number of IL‐17A‐positive cells and RORC2‐positive cells was significantly greater in periodontal lesions compared with control sites. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between the presence of IL‐17A and RORC2 transcript and protein content levels in the gingiva of diseased patients.Conclusion:  The results demonstrated a significant increase in the number of some specific markers of Th17 cells in patients suffering from periodontal disease in comparison with normal control subjects.
Effects of Cyclodextrins on the Flavor of Goat Milk and Its Yogurt
Authors: Young O.A. , Gupta R.B. , Sadooghy‐Saraby S. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  Goat milk fat includes several branched chain fatty acids (BCFAs), like 4‐methyloctanoic acid, which when free, are responsible for goaty flavor. This flavor limits the market opportunities for goat milk. Prior research showed that cyclodextrins (CDs) can reduce goaty flavor, presumably by binding free fatty acids. This research extends that observation. In odor ranking trials in citrate buffer at pH 4.8, β‐CD concentrations between 0% and 0.35% were increasingly effective in reducing odor intensity due to 4‐methyloctanoic acid, but only when present in high molar excess. α‐CD was also effective, but γ‐CD was not. In lipase‐treated goat milk only β‐CD was effective but at much lower molar excess, a difference potentially explained by several factors. One was that BCFAs bind to CDs in marked preference to their straight chain isomers. Displacement experiments with phenolphthalein disproved that hypothesis. The ability of β‐CD to reduce goaty flavor intensity extended to yogurt. An analytical panel showed that flavor of goat yogurt was reduced by addition of β‐CD, but only if added before heating and fermentation. A hedonic trial showed that consumers preferred unsweetened and sweet/vanilla‐flavored goat yogurt more when β‐CD was included, P= 0.004 and 0.016, respectively. Males liked all yogurts more than females (P < 0.01), but there was a treatment × gender interaction (P= 0.016) for sweet/vanilla yogurt: sweet/vanilla masked the goaty flavor for males but not females. This results parallels previously demonstrated gender effects for sheepmeat flavor caused by BCFAs.Practical Application:  β‐Cyclodextrin masks goaty flavor in yogurt, and with its GRAS status means it could be used in commercial goat yogurts and similar products so the real or perceived nutritional advantages of goat milk are not lost to goaty flavor.
Characterization of Edible Coatings Consisting of Pea Starch, Whey Protein Isolate, and Carnauba Wax and their Effects on Oil Rancidity and Sensory Properties of Walnuts and Pine Nuts
Authors: Mehyar Ghadeer F. , Al‐Ismail Khalid , Han Jung H. , Chee Grace W. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  Edible coatings made of whey protein isolate (WPI), pea starch (PS), and their combinations with carnauba wax (CW) were prepared and characterized. WPI combined with CW formed stable emulsion while PS with CW formed unstable emulsion and both formulations produced non‐homogeneous films. Addition of PS to WPI: CW combination at the ratio of 1: 1: 1, respectively, resulted in stable emulsion and homogenous films. The emulsion PS: WPI: CW (1: 1: 2) was stable and formed a continuous film but had less homogenous droplets size distribution when compared to 1: 1: 1 film. Combined films had a reduced tensile strength and elongation compared to single component films. WPI : CW (1: 1) films had higher elastic modulus than the WPI films, but the modulus reduced by the addition of PS. All the coating formulations were effective in preventing oxidative and hydrolytic rancidity of walnuts and pine nuts stored at 25 °C throughout the storage (12 d) but were less effective at 50 °C. Increasing the concentration of CW from 1: 1: 1 to 1: 1: 2 in PS: WPI: CW formulation did not contribute in further prevention of oil rancidity at 25 °C. Using of PS: WPI: CW (1: 1: 1) coating on both nuts significantly (P < 0.05) improved their smoothness and taste but the PS: WPI: CW (1: 1: 2) coatings imparted unacceptable yellowish color on walnuts.Practical Application:  Edible coating of walnuts and pine nuts by whey protein isolate, pea starch, and carnauba wax reduced the oxidative and hydrolytic rancidity of the nuts and improved sensory characteristics.
Fish Oil Fortification of Soft Goat Cheese
Authors: Hughes Brianna H. , Brian Perkins L. , Calder Beth L. , Skonberg Denise I. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  Soft goat cheese was fortified with four levels of purified fish oil (0, 60, 80, and 100 g fish oil per 3600 g goat milk) prior to curd formation to deliver high levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per serving. The cheese was evaluated for proximate composition, EPA+DHA content, oxidative stability, color, pH, and consumer acceptability. The cheese was partially vacuum packed and stored at 2 °C for four weeks. The fat content was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the fortified treatments compared to the control, but was not significantly different among fortified treatments. Likewise, EPA+DHA contents were not significantly different among fortified samples, averaging 127 mg EPA+DHA per 28 g serving. No significant lipid oxidation was detected by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) or hexanal and propanal headspace analyses over the four week refrigerated shelf‐life study for any treatments. The fortified cheeses were all liked ‘moderately’ by consumers (n = 105) for overall acceptability, although the 60 g fortification level did rate significantly higher. The control cheese and the 60 g fortification level had no significant differences in consumer purchase intent. These results demonstrate that fortification levels of up to 127 mg EPA+DHA per serving may be added to soft cheese without negatively affecting shelf‐life or consumer purchase intent.Practical Application:  Omega‐3 fatty acids have been shown to have strong associations with health and well‐being, and fish oil is a rich source of these fatty acids. In this study, goat cheese was successfully fortified to deliver 127 mg omega‐3 fatty acids per 28 g serving without affecting shelf life or consumer purchase intent.
Anxiety and depression in various functional gastrointestinal disorders: Do differences exist?
Authors: HARTONO Juanda Leo , MAHADEVA Sanjiv , GOH Khean‐Lee 
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE:  To examine the differences in the prevalence and severity of anxiety and depression in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD), nonerosive reflux disease (NERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and healthy controls.METHODS:  Consecutive patients undergoing an index endoscopic examination for various symptoms were interviewed. All the three functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) were diagnosed according to the Rome III criteria. Anxiety and depression were diagnosed using a locally validated version of the hospital anxiety and depression scale.RESULTS:  A total of 248 patients were recruited (62 in FD, NERD, IBS and control groups each) with no differences in the basic characteristics. There was a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression in FD, NERD and IBS groups than that in the control group (43.5%, 45.2% and 67.7% vs 14.5%, P < 0.001; and 22.6%, 33.9% and 38.7% vs 6.5%, P < 0.0001). Using the cut‐off score (> 8) for anxiety or depression, IBS patients had a higher rate of anxiety than FD (P = 0.01) and NERD (P = 0.02), while no significant differences in depression rates were observed among all three groups.CONLUSION:  Anxiety is more common in patients with IBS than in those with FD and NERD, indicating a possible causal link in the former.
Perception: A Concept Analysis
Authors: McDonald Susan M. 
Published: February 2012

PURPOSE:  Concept analysis methodology by Walker and Avant (2005) was used to define, describe, and delimit the concept of perception.DATA SOURCE:  Nursing literature in the Medline database was searched for definitions of “perception.”DATA SYNTHESIS:  Definitions, uses, and defining attributes of perception were identified; model and contrary cases were developed; and antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents were determined.CONCLUSIONS:  An operational definition for the concept was developed.IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE:  Nurses need to be cognizant of how perceptual differences impact the delivery of nursing care. In research, a mixed methodology approach may yield a richer description of the phenomenon and provide useful information for clinical practice.
Palliative models of care for later stages of mental disorder: maximizing recovery, maintaining hope, and building morale
Authors: Berk Michael , Berk Lesley , Udina Marc , Moylan Steven , Stafford Lesley , Hallam Karen , Goldstone Sherilyn , McGorry Patrick D 
Published: February 2012

Background: The concept of staging of disease in psychiatry has developed over the past years. A neglected component of this model pertains to people in the advanced stages of a mental illness, who remain symptomatic and functionally impaired despite treatment. These patients are often high service utilizers, receiving complex multimodal treatments where the balance of risk and benefit shifts perceptibly. In this paper, we argue the need to adopt ‘palliative’ models of care for some individuals, and consider changing the therapeutic goals to follow care pathways similar to those used in other chronic and refractory medical illnesses. Method: Data was sourced by a literature search using Medline and a hand search of scientific journals. Relevant articles were selected. Results: Clinical staging can help us better define subgroups of patients who will benefit from different goals and treatment. In the most advanced stage group, we find patients with persistent symptoms and treatment resistance. In these situations, it may be preferable to follow some of the principles of palliative care, which include the setting of attainable goals, reduction of side-effects, limited symptom control, targeting identified psychological and social problems, and attempting to attain the best quality of life for these patients and their families. Conclusions: It is in the interest of those in the advanced phases of a disorder that clinicians acknowledge the limitations of treatment and actively attempt to plan treatment utilizing alternate models. It is essential to be clear that such approaches do not equate to the abandonment of care, but rather to the reconceptualizing of feasible and personalized treatment goals, a rebalancing of the risks and benefits of intervention, the management of illness behaviour, and the approaches that allow the patient to live gainfully within their limitations.
Clinical and neurocognitive profiles of subjects at high risk for psychosis with and without obsessive–compulsive symptoms
Authors: Hur Ji-Won , Shin Na Young , Jang Joon Hwan , Shim Geumsook , Park Hye Yoon , Hwang Jae Yeon , Kim Sung Nyun , Yoo Jung Hyun , Hong Kyung Sue , Kwon Jun Soo 
Published: February 2012

Objective: Obsessive–compulsive symptoms (OCS), which are common in psychotic-spectrum illnesses, are of clinical interest because of their association with poor prognosis or cognitive dysfunction. However, few studies on the clinical and neurocognitive implications of OCS in individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis (UHR) have been conducted. Method: Sixty-five UHR subjects [24 with OCS (UHR+OCS), 41 without OCS (UHR−OCS)], and 40 healthy controls were assessed using clinical scales and neurocognitive tests. Results: Those with UHR+OCS showed more severe clinical symptoms and poorer global functioning as compared to both healthy controls and the UHR−OCS group, according to the results of the Global Assessment of Functioning, the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States, and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (total, negative, and general scores). In the neurocognitive domain, those in the UHR−OCS group showed notably greater latency in the Stroop task and more confabulation errors in immediate recall in the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test compared with those in UHR+OCS group, whose performance levels were similar to those of the healthy control group. Conclusions: The OCS manifested in UHR individuals was associated with a more severe clinical symptomatic presentation, including lower global functioning and more psychotic symptoms. On the other hand, those with UHR−OCS performed more poorly on some cognitive tests. The features that distinguish the groups can be used for developing prognoses and intervention strategies for the heterogeneous UHR group.
Significant relationship between lifetime alcohol use disorders and suicide attempts in an Australian schizophrenia sample
Authors: McLean Duncan , Gladman Beverley , Mowry Bryan 
Published: February 2012

Objective: Suicide and attempted suicide are common in individuals with schizophrenia, and evidence exists for a link between substance use disorders and suicidality in this disorder. However, alcohol has not been consistently implicated. We examined the relationship between substance use disorders and suicide attempts in schizophrenia. Methods: We recruited a schizophrenia sample in Australia ( n = 821) for genetic analyses. We analysed demographic and clinical variables, including substance use disorders, and their relationship to suicide attempts using generalised equation modelling. Results: A significant association was identified between lifetime alcohol abuse/dependence and suicide attempts (OR = 1.66; 95% CI, 1.23 to 2.24; p= 0.001) after adjustment for potential confounders, but not between cannabis abuse/dependence and suicide attempts, nor between other illicit drug abuse/dependence and suicide attempts. Polysubstance abuse/dependence was also not implicated. Conclusions: These results suggest that the presence of alcohol abuse/dependence may be a risk factor for suicide attempts in individuals with schizophrenia, independent of comorbid substance abuse/dependence.