bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A High Blood Level in the Air Trap Reduces Microemboli During Hemodialysis
Authors: Forsberg Ulf , Jonsson Per , Stegmayr Christofer , Stegmayr Bernd 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPrevious studies have demonstrated the presence of air microemboli in the dialysis circuit and in the venous circulation of the patients during hemodialysis. In vitro studies indicate that a high blood level in the venous air trap reduces the extent of microbubble formation. The purpose of this study was to examine whether air microbubbles can be detected in the patient's access and if so, whether the degree of microbubble formation can be altered by changing the blood level in the venous air trap. This was a randomized, double‐blinded, interventional study of 20 chronic hemodialysis patients. The patients were assigned to hemodialysis with either an elevated or a low blood level in the air trap. The investigator and the patient were blinded to the settings. The numbers of microbubbles were measured at the site of the arteriovenous (AV) access for 2 min with the aid of an ultrasonic Doppler device. The blood level in the air trap was then altered to the opposite setting and a new measurement was carried out after an equilibration period of 30 min. Median (range) for the number of microbubbles measured with the high air trap level and the low air trap level in AV access was 2.5 (0–80) compared with 17.5 (0–77), respectively (P = 0.044). The degree of microbubble formation in hemodialysis patients with AV access was reduced significantly if the blood level in the air trap was kept high. The exposure of potentially harmful air microbubbles was thereby significantly reduced. This measure can be performed with no additional healthcare cost.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis to Determine Shear Stresses and Rates in a Centrifugal Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Selgrade Brian Paul , Truskey George A. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAxial flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are a significant improvement in mechanical circulatory support. However, patients with these devices experience degradation of large von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers, which is associated with bleeding and may be caused by high shear stresses within the LVAD. In this study, we used computational fluid mechanics to determine the wall shear stresses, shear rates, and residence times in a centrifugal LVAD and assess the impact on these variables caused by changing impeller speed and changing from a shrouded to a semi‐open impeller. In both LVAD types, shear rates were well over 10 000/s in several regions. This is high enough to degrade vWF, but it is unclear if residence times, which were below 5 ms in high‐shear regions, are long enough to allow vWF cleavage. Additionally, wall shear stresses were below the threshold stress of 10 Pa only in the outlet tube so it is feasible to endothelialize this region to enhance its biocompatibility.
Widespread cortical morphologic changes in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: Evidence from structural MRI
Authors: Ronan Lisa , Alhusaini Saud , Scanlon Cathy , Doherty Colin P. , Delanty Norman , Fitzsimons Mary 
Published: February 2012

SummaryPurpose:  Atypical morphology of the surface of the cerebral cortex may be related to abnormal cortical folding (gyrification) and therefore may indicate underlying malformations of cortical development (MCDs). Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–based analysis, we examined cortical morphology in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME).Methods:  MRI data was collected for 24 patients with JME and 40 demographically matched healthy controls. FreeSurfer, an automated cortical surface reconstruction method, was applied to compare cortical morphology between patients and controls. Areas of anomalous cortical morphology were defined as regions of interest (ROIs) to contrast regional cortical parameters, such as surface area, average thickness, and mean curvature between patients and controls.Key Findings:  In patients with JME, changes to cortical morphology were detected in several regions. In the left hemisphere, these were in insular and cingulate cortices, occipital pole, and middle temporal and fusiform gyri. In the right hemisphere, changes were detected in insular cortex, inferior temporal gyrus, and precuneus. Further analysis of ROIs revealed that these changes are related to differences in surface area rather than average cortical thickness. In addition, mean curvature abnormalities were detected in the insula bilaterally, the left cingulate cortex, and right inferior temporal gyrus.Significance:  The morphologic findings in this study suggest that structural abnormalities in JME extend beyond mesial frontal lobe regions of the brain. These may be indicative of areas of subtle cortical folding abnormality related to early disruption of cortical development.
Hippocampus versus entorhinal cortex decoupling by an NR2 subunit–specific block of NMDA receptors in a rat in vitro model of temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Berretta Nicola , Ledonne Ada , Mango Dalila , Bernardi Giorgio , Mercuri Nicola B. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryThe role of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in the generation and maintenance of epileptic seizures has been widely investigated, however, little is known of possible separate roles played by NMDARs that contain different NR2 subunits. A better comprehension of how distinct NMDARs subtypes participate in seizure generation and/or diffusion may lead to the development of more targeted pharmacologic strategies to treat epilepsy. Therefore, we have performed an electrophysiologic investigation using a multielectrode array device, on slices comprising entorhinal cortex (EC) and hippocampus, continuously perfused in a Mg2+‐free medium, with added 4‐aminopiridine (4AP; 10–15 μm). Two separate rhythmic patterns of interictal‐like activity were generated in EC and hippocampus, with EC seizures entrained to those in CA3, so that a significant degree of cross‐correlation occurred. Perfusion with the NR2A‐containing NMDAR antagonist [(R)‐[(S)‐1‐(4‐bromo‐phenyl)‐ethylamino]‐(2,3‐dioxo‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoxalin‐5‐yl)‐methyl]‐phosphonic acid (NVP‐AAM077; 50 nm) or Zn2+ (200 nm), did not affect the rate of interictal‐like events in EC and hippocampus; however, it significantly reduced their cross‐correlation, causing a substantial decoupling of the two rhythm generators. The same effect was observed with (αR,βS)‐α‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐β‐methyl‐4‐(phenylmethyl)‐1‐piperidinepropanol maleate (Ro25‐6981; 1 μm), when coapplied with a subthreshold dose of NVP‐AAM077. Our results suggest that NR2 subunits may be crucial in entraining cortical networks, leading to recruitment of wider range oscillations during epilepsy. Therefore, a pharmacologic strategy directed onto NR2 subunits may help to limit seizure diffusion and recruitment of potentially entrained oscillatory networks.
Striatal hypertrophy and its cognitive effects in new‐onset benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes
Authors: Lin Jack J. , Riley Jeff D. , Hsu David A. , Stafstrom Carl E. , Dabbs Kevin , Becker Tara , Seidenberg Michael , Hermann Bruce P. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryPurpose:  Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS), the most common childhood epilepsy syndrome, is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a genetic influence. Despite its signature electroencephalographic pattern and distinct focal motor seizure semiology, little is known about the underlying brain anatomic alteration and the corresponding cognitive consequences. Given the motor manifestations of seizures in BECTS, we hypothesize that anatomic networks in BECTS involve a distributed corticostriatal circuit.Methods:  We investigated volumetric differences and shape deformities of caudate, putamen, pallidum, and thalamus in a group of children with new‐ and recent‐onset BECTS (N = 13) compared to healthy controls (N = 54). We correlated specific subcortical volumes in BECTS that were significantly different from those in healthy controls with performances in executive function.Key Findings:  Children with BECTS demonstrated significantly hypertrophied putamen, which was selective among the subcortical regions examined. Shape analysis showed dorsoventral elongation of the left caudate and bilateral putamen, with subnuclei expansion in ventral and dorsal striatum. Larger putamen volumes were linked to better cognitive performances on two complementary executive function tests.Significance:  Children with BECTS showed aberrant volume and shape in subcortical regions that are critical for both motor processing and executive function. It is of importance to note that the hypertrophy appears to be cognitively adaptive, as enlargement was associated with improved cognitive performances. The anatomic abnormalities and their cognitive effects are evident in a group of children with new‐ and recent‐onset epilepsy, suggesting that the structural brain anomalies occurred before the diagnosis of epilepsy.
Focal and generalized EEG paroxysms in childhood absence epilepsy: Topographic associations and distinctive behaviors during the first cycle of non‐REM sleep
Authors: Koutroumanidis Michalis , Tsiptsios Dimitrios , Kokkinos Vasileios , Kostopoulos George K. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryPurpose:  To better understand the nature of the focal spike‐wave discharges (FSWDs) and focally led generalized spike‐wave discharges (GSWDs) in typical childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) and by implication their nosologic and taxonomic significance.Methods:  Twenty‐four abnormal video‐electroencephalography (EEG) studies from 13 consecutive children with CAE and good response to appropriate antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were analyzed. We studied the association between the topography of absence onset and the ictal automatisms, and the topographic correlation between FSWDs and GSWDs and their respective behavior during hyperventilation and the different states of phasic and nonphasic non–rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. GSWDs were considered as of “focal” onset if a lead‐in could be visibly recognized at a paper speed of 60 mm/s, and were classified by their topography.Key Findings:  (1) Multifocal absences occurred in 10 children; anterior onset was noted in 81 absences (73.6%) from 12 children and posterior in 18 (16.4%) from 7 children; there was no association between topography of absence onset and ictal automatisms; (2) FSWDs occurred in 85% of children and were multifocal in 73% of them; 85% of FSWDs were anterior and 14% posterior; (3) there was good topographic association between FSWDs and the leading spike of GSWDs of “focal” onset in all children with FSWDs; (4) both FSWDs and GSWDs increased during hyperventilation; (5) FSWDs occurred mainly during noncyclical NREM sleep and during periods of reduced vigilance of cyclical NREM sleep, whereas GSWDs occurred during the periods of enhanced vigilance of NREM sleep; GSWDs occurred significantly more frequently than FSWDs at the transition from reduced to enhanced vigilance of NREM sleep.Significance:  Our findings suggest that in CAE focal EEG paroxysms reflect a system of multifocal nonlocalizing electrically unstable cortical areas that under the facilitatory influence of exogenous or endogenous factors like sleep instability can foster a corticothalamic response of sufficient strength to generate 3‐Hz GSWDs that are conditionally sustainable and potentially ictal. FSWDs can be viewed as incomplete forms of the GSWDs; together they define the EEG identity of idiopathic “generalized” epileptogenesis.
Modeling and Optimization of a Coal‐Chemical Eco‐industrial System in China
Authors: Zhou Li , Hu Shan‐ying , Li Yourun , Jin Yong , Zhang Xiliang 
Published: February 2012

SummaryChina is coal dependent, and this situation will persist for a long time. Because more and more attention has been paid to energy security, the coal‐chemical industry has become a hot topic and has developed quickly. To improve efficiency and reduce emissions, industrial symbiosis (IS) can be introduced when establishing a coal‐chemical eco‐industrial system to achieve harmonious development between nature, industry, and society. In order to learn the influence of IS on the current industrial system, a model of coal‐chemical eco‐industrial systems was built. Using scenario optimization and linear programming, the behaviors and optimal industrial structures of the system under different scenario settings were compared, and industrial ecological analysis was performed. By comparative analysis, results showed that the greatest proportional decrease in the use of coal for coking was 15% compared with actual data for 2005. The resource‐productivity and eco‐productivity were 828 yuan/ton and 2.51, which are much higher than the values of 548 yuan/ton and 1.23 in 2005. The symbiosis index and the link density were found to be 0.675 and 1.67, compared with 0.588 and 0.94 in 2005. Research results showed that the coal‐chemical eco‐industrial system achieved a high value‐added utilization of coal and an updated product profile. Such systems will constitute the main direction and the inevitable trend of China's coal utilization in the future, which will reduce the harm to the environment from increased coal use and benefit the energy industry, the economy, and society.
Beneficial Effect of Bradycardia Tachycardia Response (BTR) Algorithm on VT Detection in the Presence of Rate Smoothing
Authors: NIKOLIDAKIS SAVVAS , LURIA DAVID , WEISEMBERG JESSICA SHAYOVICH , TANAMI NECHEMYA , LEV DAVID BAR , GUREVITZ OSNAT , SHAM’A RAED ABU , ELDAR MICHAEL , FRIEDMAN PAUL , GLIKSON MICHAEL 
Published: February 2012

Introduction:

Rate smoothing algorithms, while known to help prevent ventricular tachyarrhythmias in some patients, have been shown to result in underdetection of ventricular tachycardia (VT) due to interaction between bradycardia pacing and tachycardia detection parameters. A new algorithm named Bradycardia Tachycardia Response (BTR) has been developed in order to prevent rate smoothing‐induced underdetection. The efficacy of BTR is not known. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of BTR in preventing VT underdetection due to rate smoothing.
Methods and Results:

Two ICD models (TELIGEN and VITALITY AVT, Boston Scientific, St. Paul, MN, USA) bearing identical rate smoothing algorithms were connected to a VT simulator. Devices were programmed similarly except for the BTR feature that exists in TELIGEN only. The detection performance of both devices was tested using varying combinations of AV delay, rate smoothing down, and upper rate limit and compared between the two models. VT underdetection (delay or nondetection) occurred during pacing in 62% of the VT episodes with VITALITY AVT. In TELIGEN, all simulated VT episodes were detected appropriately as soon as their rates exceeded the programmed VT detection rate. Detection tended to be affected by higher upper rate, longer AV delays, and more aggressive rate smoothing.
Conclusion:

The BTR algorithm effectively counteracts VT detection delay caused by the interaction of rate smoothing with VT detection parameters, thus enabling safe use of the rate smoothing feature. (PACE 2012; 1–6)
Insulin‐Induced Microvascular Recruitment in Skin and Muscle are Related and Both are Associated with Whole‐Body Glucose Uptake
Authors: MEIJER RICK I. , DE BOER MICHIEL P. , GROEN MARTINE R. , ERINGA ETTO C. , RATTIGAN STEPHEN , BARRETT EUGENE J. , SMULDERS YVO M. , SERNE ERIK H. 
Published: February 2012

Please cite this paper as: Meijer RI, de Boer MP, Groen MR, Eringa EC, Rattigan S, Barrett EJ, Smulders YM, Serne EH. Insulin‐induced microvascular recruitment in skin and muscle are related and both are associated with whole‐body glucose uptake. Microcirculation 19: 494–500, 2012.AbstractObjective:  Insulin‐induced capillary recruitment is considered a determinant of insulin‐mediated glucose uptake. Insulin action on the microvasculature has been assessed in skin; however, there is concern as to whether the vascular responses observed in skin reflect those in the muscle. We hypothesized that insulin‐induced capillary recruitment in skin would correlate with microvascular recruitment in muscle in a group of subjects displaying a wide variation in insulin sensitivity.Methods:  Capillary recruitment in skin was assessed using capillary videomicroscopy, and skeletal muscle microvascular recruitment (i.e., increase in MBV) was studied using CEU in healthy volunteers (n = 18, mean age: 30.6 ± 11.1 years). Both microvascular measurements were performed during saline infusion, and during a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp.Results:  During hyperinsulinemia, capillary recruitment in skin was augmented from 58.1 ± 18.2% to 81.0 ± 23.9% (p < 0.0001). Hyperinsulinemia increased MBV in muscle from 7.00 (2.66–17.67) to 10.06 (2.70–41.81) units (p = 0.003). Insulin’s vascular effect in skin and muscle was correlated (r = 0.57). Insulin’s microvascular effects in skin and muscle showed comparable strong correlations with insulin‐mediated glucose uptake (r = 0.73 and 0.68, respectively).Conclusions:  Insulin‐augmented capillary recruitment in skin parallels insulin‐mediated microvascular recruitment in muscle and both are related to insulin‐mediated glucose uptake.
Molecular and Morphological Characterization of a Poorly Known Marine Ciliate, Myoschiston duplicatum Precht, : Implications for Phylogenetic Relationships between Three Morphologically Similar Genera — Zoothamnium, Myoschiston, and Zoothamnopsis (Ciliophora, Peritrichia, Zoothamniidae)
Authors: Sun Ping , Xu Dapeng , Clamp John C. , Shin Mann Kyoon 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe studied the morphology and molecular phylogeny of Myoschiston duplicatum, a peritrich ciliate that has been recorded as an epibiont of crustaceans, but which we also identified on marine algae from Korea. The important morphological characteristics revealed by silver staining of Myoschiston species have not been described because they are rarely collected. Using morphological methods, we redescribed the type species of the genus, Myoschiston duplicatum, and provided an improved diagnosis of Myoschiston. In addition, the coding regions for nuclear small subunit (SSU) rRNA and internal transcribed spacer 1‐5.8S‐internal transcribed spacer 2 sequences were sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses that included available SSU rDNA sequences of peritrichs from GenBank strongly supported a position of M. duplicatum within the family Zoothamniidae. In addition, phylogenetic analyses were performed with single datasets (ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2) and combined datasets (SSU rDNA + ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2) to explore further the phylogenetic relationship in the family Zoothamniidae between the three morphologically similar genera—Zoothamnium, Myoschiston, and Zoothamnopsis.
Multi‐Phase Glass‐Ceramics as a Waste Form for Combined Fission Products: Alkalis, Alkaline Earths, Lanthanides, and Transition Metals
Authors: Crum Jarrod V. , Turo Laura , Riley Brian , Tang Ming , Kossoy Anna 
Published: February 2012

In this study, multi‐phase borosilicate‐based glass‐ceramics were investigated as an alternative waste form for immobilizing non‐fissionable products from used nuclear fuel. Currently, borosilicate glass is the waste form selected for immobilization of this waste stream, however, the low thermal stability and solubility of MoO3 in borosilicate glass translates into a maximum waste loading in the range 15–20 mass%. Glass‐ceramics provide the opportunity to target chemically durable crystalline phases, e.g., powellite, oxyapatite, celsian, and pollucite that will incorporate MoO3 as well as other waste components such as lanthanides, alkalis, and alkaline earths at levels twice the solubility limits of a single‐phase glass. In addition a glass‐ceramic could provide higher thermal stability, depending upon the properties of the crystalline and amorphous phases. Here, glass‐ceramics were synthesized at waste loadings of 42, 45, and 50 mass% with the following glass additives: B2O3, Al2O3, CaO, and SiO2 by slow‐cooling from a glass melt. Glass‐ceramics were characterized in terms of phase assemblage, morphology, and thermal stability. Only two of the targeted phases, powellite and oxyapatite, were observed, along with lanthanide‐borosilicate and cerianite. Results of this initial investigation show promise of glass‐ceramics as a potential waste form to replace single‐phase borosilicate glass.
Comparison of three forms of teaching – a prospective randomized pilot trial for the enhancement of adherence
Authors: Reinhardt CH , Noack MJ , Wassmer G , Dumit J , Rolfs A , Klein K 
Published: February 2012

To cite this article:   Int J Dent Hygiene 10, 2012; 277–283  DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2011.00543.x  Reinhardt CH, Noack MJ, Wassmer G, Dumit J, Rolfs A, Klein K. Comparison of three forms of teaching – a prospective randomized pilot trial for the enhancement of adherence.Abstract:  Objective: Adherence of young adults to preventive programmes is low. The following study compares three different educational concepts to increase toothbrushing adherence in young adults. Methods: Nine vocational school classes (157 young adults) were randomly assigned to three different 60‐min approaches: (I) Education by a dentist, (II) Peer‐teaching and (III) ‘Adherence triangle concept’ uniting dentists, teachers and participants as equal partners in intervention planning combined with peer teaching. Follow‐up was 1 week for approaches I and II, and 1 week, 3 and 9 months for approach III. Adherence was defined as reported change from the childhood toothbrushing technique to adult technique. Adherence was evaluated using anonymous questionnaires and by diary analysis. Results: After instruction, 90% of participants (approaches I–III) showed the desired behaviour in practice and theory. Reported adherence after 1 week with approach I was 28.5%, with approach II 39% and with approach III 95%. Prolonged follow‐up of approach III yielded 76% after 3 months and 68% after 9 months. Adherence using approach III was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.001) than using approach I and II after 1 week. Adherence rates with approach III after 9 months were still higher than those of approaches I and II after 1 week. Conclusions: The ‘adherence triangle’ concept enhanced reported adherence significantly in comparison with previous studies and the one‐dimensional concepts of approaches I and II. The tools of the adherence triangle concept seem worthwhile to be considered when planning new preventive action.
Association of MBL2 gene exon 1 variants with autoimmune thyroid disease in Brazilian patients
Authors: Filho C. B. , Rodrigues F. F. , Segat L. , Fonseca A. M. , Araujo J. , Arahata C. , Pontes L. , Vilar L. , de Lima Filho J. L. , Crovella S. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryWe investigated the association between MBL2 gene exon 1 functional polymorphisms and autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) in 163 Brazilian patients (87 with Hashimoto thyroiditis, HT; 76 with Graves’ disease) and 214 healthy controls. Individuals carrying MBL2 O allele are at higher risk of developing AITD (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.11–2.26; P‐value = 0.009) and HT (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.09–2.55; P‐value = 0.013) as suggesting a possible role for mannose‐binding lectin in influencing disease susceptibility.