bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical and radiological features of pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza virus infection manifesting as acute febrile respiratory illness at their initial presentations: comparison with contemporaneous non-H1N1 patients
Authors: Yun Tae Jin , Park Chang Min , Kwon Gu Jin , Woo Sung Koo , Park Seung Hoon , Choi Seung Hong , Lee Hyun Ju , Goo Jin Mo 
Published: April 2011

Background Since the first outbreak caused by the pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza in Mexico, the virus has spread widely across the world with meaningful morbidity and mortality. However, there are few data on the comparative investigations to assess the clinical and radiological features between the H1N1 patient and non-H1N1 patients. Purpose To assess the clinical and radiological features of patients infected by the pandemic H1N1 2009 flu virus at their initial presentation and to compare them with contemporaneous non-H1N1 patients with acute febrile respiratory illness. Material and Methods This retrospective study was approved by the ethics committee of the Armed Forces Medical Command, South Korea. From August to September 2009, 337 consecutive patients presented with an acute febrile respiratory illness in a tertiary military hospital. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase-chain-reaction tests were performed in 62 of these patients under the impression of H1N1 infection. Clinical and radiological features at their initial presentation were described for the H1N1 group ( n = 35) and non-H1N1 group ( n = 27) and compared between the two groups. Results Increased C-reactive protein level (97%) without leukocytosis (9%) or increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (0%) was common in the H1N1 group at their initial presentation. On chest radiographs, 12 of 35 (34%) H1N1 patients had abnormal findings; nodules in 10 patients (83%) and consolidations in two (17%). Of the 28 H1N1 patients who underwent thin-section CT 16 patients (57%) showed abnormal findings; ground-glass opacities (GGOs) in 15 (94%), and nodules in 13 (81%). However, there were no significant differences between the H1N1 group and non-H1N1 group in terms of symptoms, laboratory results, or radiological findings ( P > 0.05). Conclusion Patients with H1N1 infection show consistent clinical and radiological features at their initial presentation, however, clinical and radiological features of the H1N1 group are not significantly different from those of the non-H1N1 group.
Posterior fossa dural arteriovenous fistulas: diagnosis and follow-up with time-resolved imaging of contrast kinetics (TRICKS) at 1.5T
Authors: Pekkola Johanna , Kangasniemi Marko 
Published: April 2011

Background Time-of-flight MR angiography (TOF MRA) is currently the most widely used non-invasive imaging tool to diagnose dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF). It is, however, not as sensitive as invasive digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for detecting the arteriovenous shunting inherent in DAVF. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR angiography allows separation of arterial and venous phases of contrast passage though the brain and can thus demonstrate early venous filling through the arteriovenous shunt. Purpose To compare the diagnostic value of TOF MRA and a commercially available dynamic contrast-enhanced MR angiography sequence (TRICKS) at 1.5T in detecting posterior fossa DAVF. Material and Methods We retrospectively collected image data for 19 patients who underwent TOF MRA, TRICKS, and DSA either for primary diagnosis or for follow-up of posterior fossa DAVF and assessed the performance of TOF MRA and TRICKS in demonstrating the arteriovenous shunt, with DSA as the reference standard. Results TRICKS detected early arterial filling at 94.4% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity. TOF MRA detected high flow-related signal within venous structures at 64.7% sensitivity and 80% specificity. Conclusion The commercially available dynamic MR angiography sequence TRICKS with fully automatic vendor postprocessing at 1.5T is more sensitive than TOF MRA in detecting the arteriovenous shunt in posterior fossa DAVF.
Uterine artery embolization for emergent management of postpartum hemorrhage associated with placenta accreta
Authors: Jung Hye Na , Shin Sung Wook , Choi Suk-Joo , Cho Sung Ki , Park Kwang Bo , Park Hong Suk , Kang Minho , Choo Sung Wook , Do Young Soo , Choo In-wook 
Published: April 2011

Background Although uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a well-recognized alternative treatment for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) with a high clinical efficacy, the reported success rate of UAE for PPH associated with placenta accreta (PA) is lower. Recently, with advances in techniques and expertise, a few studies have reported favorable results of UAE in controlling PPH in the setting of PA. Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of UAE in the emergent management of intractable PPH associated with PA. Material and Methods Seventeen consecutive patients who underwent emergent UAE for the management of PPH associated with PA were included in this retrospective study. Medical records were reviewed regarding the delivery and UAE procedure. Follow-up gynecologic outcomes after UAE were obtained by telephone interview. Results UAE successfully controlled PPH in 14 patients (82.4%). Three patients underwent hysterectomy after UAE failed to stop the bleeding. All hysterectomy cases were accompanied by uterine atony or total placenta previa. Relevant gynecologic findings were obtained from 10 patients; three patients were breastfeeding and seven patients resumed normal menstruation, including one pregnancy. Conclusion UAE appears to be a safe and effective means by which to control PPH associated with PA. PA complicated by uterine atony or placenta previa may be at increased risk of UAE failure.
Superficial thrombophlebitis in varicose vein disease: the particular role of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase
Authors: Wilmanns C , Casey A , Schinzel H , Walter P K 
Published: April 2011

Background The purpose of this study was to compare the genetic background of superficial (SVT) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Methods Factor V (FV)-Leiden (G16891A)-, factor II(G20210A)-mutations, protein C- and S, as well as methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms at C677T and A1298C, and serum homocysteine levels (hcy) were determined in 29 patients with SVT and 26 with DVT. Findings FV- and –II-mutations were less frequent in patients with SVT (2/3) compared with DVT (9/5), respectively ( P < 0.002 in case of FV). However, the frequency of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism was significantly higher in patients with SVT compared with DVT (CT 12 versus 10, and TT 7 versus 1, respectively, P << 0.001). The distribution of the MTHFR A1298C genotype and serum hcy levels was similar in both patient groups. Protein S-deficiency was recorded once (SVT). Interpretation These results suggest that the MTHFR C677T-mutant genetically predisposes its carriers to SVT which may contribute to hypercoagulation in pre-existing varicose vein disease.
Interpretation of duplex ultrasound in arteriovenous dialysis access: a review of pathologies
Authors: Cullen Nicola , Powell Steven 
Published: April 2011

Dialysis access represents a lifeline for the patient with chronic kidney disease requiring renal replacement therapy. The gold standard is well recognized as the autogenous arterio-venous fistula. The surveillance and maintenance of access is therefore crucial to avoid access failure and subsequent morbidity, particularly through central venous catheterization. Ultrasound examination should involve a review of the clinical history and both physical and sonographic assessment. The interpretation of the acquired information can lead to accurate diagnosis and instigate timely and appropriate treatment of malfunctioning access. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to describe the complete evaluation of a dialysis access and review the findings associated with the most common pathologies.
Tetrabenazine for the Treatment of Tardive Dyskinesia
Authors: Leung Jonathan G , Breden Ericka L 
Published: April 2011

Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of tetrabenazine for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. Data Sources: Literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966-September 2010) and The Cochrane Library using the terms tetrabenazine, tardive dyskinesia, and movement disorders. In addition, references from publications identified were reviewed. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All English-language articles identified from the data sources were reviewed. Data Synthesis: Options available for the management of tardive dyskinesia are limited. Tetrabenazine is a central monoamine-depleting agent approved by the Food and Drug Administration (or chorea associated with Huntington's disease. Three prospective studies of tetrabenazine in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia were identified, as well as 8 additional trials, 1 case series, and 8 case reports. Tetrabenazine may provide benefit in managing symptoms of tardive dyskinesia unresponsive to other treatment modalities. Treatment of tardive dyskinesia with tetrabenazine may be limited by cost and clinically significant adverse effects such as depression, parkinsonism, and somnolence. Conclusions: Small trials indicate tetrabenazine may be effective for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. However, larger, well-conducted trials are needed to confirm these findings. Currently, there is a lack of data coupled with the risk of significant adverse effects to recommend the routine use of tetrabenazine in the management of tardive dyskinesia. Before using tetrabenazine for (he management of tardive dyskinesia, all other options should be exhausted and careful monitoring employed.
Prospective Cohort Study on the Effects and Tolerability of Flutamide in Patients with Female Pattern Hair Loss
Authors: Paradisi Roberto , Porcu Eleonora , Fabbri Raffaella , Seracchioli Renato , Battaglia Cesare , Venturoli Stefano 
Published: April 2011

Background Flutamide has been rarely used (or the treatment of female pattern hair loss (FPHL). Flutamide treatment for FPHL has not been evaluated in long-term studies with sufficiently large numbers of women. Objective: To evaluate long-term effects, safety, and tolerability of flutamide in women with FPHL. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in our tertiary care university hospital. The cohort included 101 women diagnosed with FPHL from January 1991 to January 2006. These women received yearly reducing doses (250, 125, and 62.5 mg/day) of flutamide for 4 years. The cohort included 33 patients treated with flutamide alone and 68 treated with flutamide combined with an oral contraceptive. Clinical and endocrine evaluations were assessed semiannually and annually, respectively, in the first 3 years of the study, and once in the following year. Liver function was evaluated quarterly. Results: Both groups showed a marked decrease in alopecia scores after 12 months of flutamide therapy, compared with baseline values. The maximum drug effect occurred after 2 years and was maintained during the following 2 years of treatment. Androgens were strongly suppressed. During the first year of treatment, 4% of patients abandoned the study due to hepatic disorders related to the drug. During the following years, with the lower treatment regimen, no patient abandoned the study because of hepatic alterations. Conclusions: Flutamide is a satisfactory therapeutic regimen for treatment of FPHL in the long run. Moreover, the use of very low doses (62.5 mg/day) of flutamide is associated with complete hepatic tolerability and high adherence.
Medication Assessments by Care Managers Reveal Potential Safety Issues in Homebound Older Adults
Authors: Golden Adam G , Qiu Dingxi , Roos Bernard A 
Published: April 2011

Background Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates are not covered under many Medicare drug benefit plans; hence, their use by homebound older adults is largely unreported. Furthermore, the tiered design of Medicare drug formularies may in fact promote the use of older but potentially inappropriate medications. Little is known about the use of these medications in the homebound older adult population. Objective: To determine the prevalence of the use by homebound older adults of OTC drugs, dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals, and herbal products), Part D-excluded medications (benzodiazepines and barbiturates), and potentially inappropriate medications (according to Beers criteria). Methods: Patients were enrollees in a home and community-based Medicaid waiver provider. All clients were older than 65 and were dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. All clients met Florida Medicaid's medical and financial criteria for nursing home placement. The medication list was obtained by geriatric care managers during a home assessment. Results: A total of 3911 older adults (mean [SD] age 83.6 [8.0] years) were taking an average of 9.9 [4.8] drugs. Of these individuals. 74.5% were using an OTC medication, 41.9% were using a dietary supplement, 29.6% were using a benzodiazepine or barbiturate, and 25.2% were using at least 1 potentially inappropriate medication. Conclusions: Based on data gathered by a geriatric care management assessment, we found that most of the homebound older adults enrolled in our study used medications not included in their Medicare drug benefit. The use of potentially inappropriate medications was also common in this population. Future drug safety initiatives involving the elderly will benefit from engaging care managers in identifying and addressing the potential hazards posed by commonly used prescribed and nonprescribed medications.
Analysis of Circulating MicroRNA: Preanalytical and Analytical Challenges
Authors: McDonald Jennifer S , Milosevic Dragana , Reddi Honey V , Grebe Stefan K , Algeciras-Schimnich Alicia 
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND
There is great interest in circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) as disease biomarkers. Translating promising miRNAs into validated clinical tests requires the characterization of many preanalytical and analytical parameters.

METHODS
miRNAs were extracted from serum and plasma samples of healthy volunteers, and miRNAs known to be present in serum and plasma (miR-15b, miR-16, miR-24, and miR-122) were amplified by reverse-transcription quantitative PCR. Stability and the effects of hemolysis were determined. Assay variation and its components, including the effect of adding control miRNA, were assessed by nested ANOVA.

RESULTS
miRNA concentrations were higher in plasma than in serum. Processing of plasma to remove subcellular/cellular components reduced miRNA concentrations to those of serum. The miRNAs analyzed were stable refrigerated or frozen for up to 72 h and were stable at room temperature for 24 h. Hemolysis increased the apparent concentration of 3 of the miRNAs. The total variability of replicate miRNA concentrations was &lt;2.0-fold, with most of the variability attributable to the extraction process and interassay imprecision. Normalizing results to those of spiked exogenous control miRNAs did not improve this variability.

CONCLUSIONS
Detailed validation of the preanalytical steps affecting miRNA detection and quantification is critical when considering the use of individual miRNAs as clinical biomarkers. Unless these causes of imprecision are considered and mitigated, only miRNAs that are extremely up- or downregulated will be suitable as clinical biomarkers.
Power Assigning Method for Increasing the Number of Users in Time-spreading Optical CDMA Systems
Authors: Salehi Mohammad Reza , Abiri Ebrahim , Kazemi Keyvan , Dezfouli Mehran 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
In this paper, a method for increasing the number of supportable users in a time-spreading Optical code division multiple access (OCDMA) system is proposed. In the presented technique, a unique codeword is assigned to a couple of users instead of just one. Different optical powers are employed for such users in order to distinguish them from each other. Other methods use the frequency or the polarization of the optical signals as an additional coding dimension to increase the number of codewords and hence the number of users in the network. It is proposed to employ nonlinear optical regenerators for separating optical pulses with different powers. A comprehensive design algorithm for such regenerators is presented. In order to evaluate the performance of the designed regenerators a TS-OCDMA system is simulated using OptiSystem software. Results indicate an error free transmission in the system employing the proposed technique.
Information Processing with Length Intervals of Stationary Random Point Processes
Authors: Bendjaballah Cherif 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
For some typical noiseless binary channels operating with signals at low power level, the limits of the information transmission are computed. This is performed for random point processes on a subset of size and on the semi line . The calculations are compared using two length intervals processors, depending on whether the processor starts with a point of the process (type I processor) or with an arbitrary point (type II processor).
Evaluation of Two Siblings With Papillon‐Lefèvre Syndrome 5 Years After Treatment of Periodontitis in Primary and Mixed Dentition
Authors: Nickles Katrin , Schacher Beate , Schuster Gabriele , Valesky Eva , Eickholz Peter 
Published: April 2011

Background: This case report describes the clinical and microbiologic long‐term outcome 5 years after periodontal therapy of two siblings diagnosed with Papillon‐Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) and tinea capitis.Methods: In 2005, two brothers diagnosed with PLS and tinea capitis began periodontal treatment. Both of them showed premature mobility of the primary dentition, markedly increased probing depths, and subgingival Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans; Aa). Initial therapy consisted of scaling and root planing based on the concept of full‐mouth disinfection, extraction of periodontally hopeless deciduous teeth, and systemic antibiotics. Reevaluation of clinical parameters revealed a dramatic improvement. After that, the patients were enrolled in a stringent maintenance program. Microbiologic monitoring was performed 1 and 5 years after treatment.Results: Five years after initial treatment, the periodontal situation was stable in both patients. Residual deciduous teeth, with the exception of one tooth, could be retained and no further teeth were lost. Further disease progression on the previously involved teeth was controlled, and development of periodontitis on erupting teeth was prevented for a period of 5 years.Conclusions: Even periodontally affected deciduous teeth can be treated successfully in patients with PLS. Suppression of Aa and a stringent maintenance program are of high importance.
Altered Cell Motility and Attachment With Titanium Surface Modifications
Authors: Palaiologou Archontia , Stoute Diana , Fan Yuwei , Lallier Thomas E. 
Published: April 2011

Background: Titanium implants are widely used in dentistry to replace lost teeth. Various surface modifications have been used to improve implant retention and osseointegration. This study is designed to compare the ability of three titanium surfaces to promote cell attachment and cell motility of cells relevant to periodontal tissues.Methods: Three clinically relevant surfaces were tested: 1) machined titanium; 2) a titanium surface roughened through acid etching (dual thermal‐etched titanium [DTET]); and 3) a titanium surface roughened with nanometer‐scale calcium phosphate deposition (nanoscale calcium phosphate–impregnated titanium [NCPIT]). Cell attachment and migration were examined for four cell types: rat osteosarcoma cells, human osteoblasts, and gingival and periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts.Results: All four cell types attached to each of the three titanium surfaces equally by 2 hours, and the PDL and gingival fibroblasts generally displayed less attachment than the osteosarcoma cells and osteoblasts. The cells displayed differential motility and long‐term attachment to each of the titanium surfaces. Osteosarcoma cells displayed preferential motility on NCPIT, whereas PDL fibroblasts were more motile on machined titanium, and gingival fibroblasts moved more rapidly on both DTET and NCPIT. Osteoblasts displayed little motility on any of the titanium surfaces and lost viability on NCPIT after 24 hours. Gingival fibroblasts lost attachment to machined titanium.Conclusions: Periodontal cells displayed differential motility and long‐term attachment to titanium surfaces. Selective modification of titanium surface properties in various regions of an implant may be useful in guiding specific cell populations to specific locations where they might best aid in osseointegration and soft tissue remodeling.
Amelogenin Enhances the Proliferation of Cementoblast Lineage Cells
Authors: Kunimatsu Ryo , Tanimoto Kotaro , Tanne Yuki , Kamiya Takashi , Ohkuma Satoru , Huang Yu‐Ching , Yoshimi Yuki , Miyauchi Mutsumi , Takata Takashi , Tanne Kazuo 
Published: April 2011

Background: It is well known that enamel matrix proteins play a crucial role in tooth root formation and amelogenesis. Because amelogenin is a major enamel matrix protein, it is assumed that amelogenin also affects the metabolism of cementum. However, the biologic functions of amelogenin in cementoblasts remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of recombinant human full‐length amelogenin (rh174) on the proliferation of cultured human cementoblast‐like (HCEM) and human periodontal ligament (HPDL) cells.Methods: HCEM and HPDL cells were cultured and treated with 100 ng/mL rh174 in the presence or absence of an anti‐cluster of differentiation (CD) 63 blocking antibody. Cell proliferation was evaluated using a cell proliferation enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine kit and quantification of the cell number by 3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2 H‐tetrazolium‐inner salt assay. The phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2 was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis.Results: The proliferation of HCEM and HPDL cells was enhanced significantly (P <0.05) by treatment with rh174, and inhibited significantly (P <0.05) by the addition of anti‐CD63 blocking antibody. In addition, the ratio of phosphorylated ERK1/2 to total ERK1/2 became significantly larger (P <0.05) by treatment with rh174, and was reduced significantly by the addition of anti‐CD63 blocking antibody in both HCEM and HPDL cells.Conclusion: The results show that rh174 interacts with CD63, and rh174/CD63 interaction activates the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, enhancing the proliferation activities of HCEM and HPDL cells.
Canadian Federal Support for Climate Change and Health Research Compared With the Risks Posed
Authors: Ford James D. , Smith Tanya R. , Berrang-Ford Lea 
Published: April 2011

For emerging public health risks such as climate change, the Canadian federal government has a mandate to provide information and resources to protect citizens' health. Research is a key component of this mandate and is essential if Canada is to moderate the health effects of a changing climate. We assessed whether federal support for climate change and health research is consistent with the risks posed. We audited projects receiving federal support between 1999 and 2009, representing an investment of Can$16 million in 105 projects. Although funding has increased in recent years, it remains inadequate, with negligible focus on vulnerable populations, limited research on adaptation, and volatility in funding allocations. A federal strategy to guide research support is overdue.