bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Confirmation and extension of association of blood lead with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and ADHD symptom domains at population‐typical exposure levels
Authors: Nigg Joel T. , Nikolas Molly , Mark Knottnerus G. , Cavanagh Kevin , Friderici Karen 
Published: November 2009

Background:  Recent studies have suggested that child attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its symptom domains are related to blood lead level, even at background exposure levels typical in western countries. However, recent studies disagreed as to whether lead was related to inattention or hyperactivity‐impulsivity within the ADHD domain. More definitive evaluation of these questions was sought.Methods:  Two hundred and thirty‐six (236) children aged 6–17 years participated (61 ADHD‐Combined type, 47 ADHD Predominantly Inattentive type, 99 non‐ADHD control, 29 unclassified borderline, situational, or not otherwise specified (NOS) cases). Formal diagnosis was reliably established by a best estimate procedure based on a semi‐structured clinical interview and parent and teacher ratings. Lead was assayed from whole blood using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with a method detection limit of .3 μg/dL.Results:  Blood lead levels were slightly below United States and Western Europe population exposure averages, with a mean of .73 and a maximum of 2.2 μg/dL. This is the lowest level of blood lead ever studied in relation to ADHD. After statistical control for covariates including IQ and prenatal smoking exposure, blood lead was associated with ADHD‐combined type but not inattentive type. Parent and teacher report indicated association of blood lead with Conners cognitive problems, but only teacher report showed effects on DSM‐IV inattention symptoms. Blood lead was associated with hyperactivity‐impulsivity in parent report regardless of measurement method, whereas teacher report effects depended on child treatment history.Conclusions:  These findings confirm that in children with typical US population lead exposure, careful identification of children with ADHD also identifies children with slightly elevated blood lead.
Importance of membrane‐bound catechol‐O‐methyltransferase in L‐DOPA metabolism: a pharmacokinetic study in two types ofComtgene modified mice
Authors: Käenmäki M , Tammimäki A , Garcia‐Horsman JA , Myöhänen T , Schendzielorz N , Karayiorgou M , Gogos JA , Männistö PT 
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose: Catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) metabolizes compounds containing catechol structures and has two forms: soluble (S‐COMT) and membrane‐bound (MB‐COMT). Here we report the generation of a mouse line that expresses MB‐COMT but not S‐COMT. We compared the effects of deleting S‐COMT only or both COMT forms on the pharmacokinetics of oral L‐DOPA.Experimental approach: L‐DOPA (10 mg·kg−1) and carbidopa (30 mg·kg−1) were given to mice by gastric tube, and samples were taken at various times. HPLC was used to measure L‐DOPA in plasma and tissue samples, and dopamine and its metabolites in brain. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to characterize the distribution of COMT protein isoforms.Key results: Lack of S‐COMT did not affect the levels of L‐DOPA in plasma or peripheral tissues, whereas in the full COMT‐knock‐out mice, these levels were increased. The levels of 3‐O‐methyldopa were significantly decreased in the S‐COMT‐deficient mice. In the brain, L‐DOPA levels were not significantly increased, and dopamine was increased only in females. The total COMT activity in the S‐COMT‐deficient mice was 22–47% of that in the wild‐type mice. In peripheral tissues, female mice had lower COMT activity than the males.Conclusions and implications: In S‐COMT‐deficient mice, MB‐COMT in the liver and the duodenum is able to O‐methylate about one‐half of exogenous L‐DOPA. Sexual dimorphism and activity of the two COMT isoforms seems to be tissue specific and more prominent in peripheral tissues than in the brain.
Development of Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices in China
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhu De‐Ming , Ding Wen‐Xiang 
Published: November 2009

AbstractMyocardial dysfunction leading to low cardiac output syndrome is a common clinical pathophysiological state. Currently, the use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is an essential aspect of the treatment of patients with cardiac failure. Several groups in China are engaged in the design and development of MCS devices. These devices can be classified as pulsatile, rotary, and total artificial heart (TAH). There are two types of pulsatile pump, which are driven by air (pneumatic). One of these pumps, the Luo‐Ye pump, has been used clinically for short‐term support since 1998. The other is a push‐plate left ventricular device, which has a variable rate mode. Various rotary devices are classified into axial and centrifugal pumps, depending on the impeller geometry. Most rotary pumps are based on the maglev principle, and some types have been used clinically. Others are still being studied in the laboratory or in animal experiments. Furthermore, certain types of total implantable pump, such as the UJS‐III axial pump and the UJS‐IV aortic valvo‐pump, have been developed. Only one type of TAH has been developed in China. The main constituents of this artificial heart are two axial pumps, two reservoir tanks mimicking the right and left atria, flow meters, two pressure gauges, and a resistance adaptor. Although the development of mechanical assist devices in China is still in a nascent stage, a number of different types of MCS devices are currently being studied.
Perioperative Monitoring of Thromboelastograph on Hemostasis and Therapy for Cyanotic Infants Undergoing Complex Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Cui Yongli , Hei Feilong , Long Cun , Feng Zhengyi , Zhao Ju , Yan Fuxia , Wang Yuhong , Liu Jinping 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis study investigated features and treatments of perioperative coagulopathies in cyanotic infants with complex congenital heart disease (CCHD). Thirty‐six infants with cyanotic CCHD were involved and divided into two groups: In group H (n = 20), hematocrit (HCT) > 54%, and in group L (n = 16), HCT < 54%. Blood was sampled at anesthesia induction (T1), rewarming to 36°C (T2), after heparin neutralization (T3), and 4 h after operation (T4). The hemostatic changes were evaluated by thromboelastograph (TEG). After surgery, group H was treated with fibrinogen‐combined platelets (PLT), while group L was treated with PLT only. We observed the effect at T4. At T1, the hemostatic function in group H, deteriorating with the increase of HCT (P < 0.01), was obviously lower than that in group L (P < 0.01), but the PLT function was still complete. In group H, the hemostatic function at T2 decreased with a significant drop of PLT function (P <  0.01) and had little change of functional fibrinogen (Ffg) (P > 0.05). At T3, compared with T2, there were improvements in hemostatic function and Ffg (P < 0.01, respectively) without increase of PLT (P > 0.05) in group H. After therapy, PLT function in both groups restored to T1 level (P > 0.05); Ffg at T4 was significantly better than at T1 (P < 0.01) in group H, but Ffg at T4 with still normal function was lower than at T1 in group L (P < 0.01). Whole hemostatic function at T4 was back to normal and had no differences between two groups. So, we proposed that fibrinogen and PLT transfusion in combination should be better for infants with high HCT CCHD, but PLT alone might be enough for low HCT ones.
Flow Distribution During Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Dependency on the Outflow Cannula Positioning
Authors: Kaufmann Tim A.S. , Hormes Marcus , Laumen Marco , Timms Daniel L. , Schmitz‐Rode Thomas , Moritz Anton , Dzemali Omer , Steinseifer Ulrich 
Published: November 2009

AbstractOxygen deficiency in the right brain is a common problem during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This is linked to an insufficient perfusion of the carotid and vertebral artery. The flow to these vessels is strongly influenced by the outflow cannula position, which is traditionally located in the ascending aorta. Another approach however is to return blood via the right subclavian artery. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study was performed for both methods and validated by particle image velocimetry (PIV). A 3‐dimensional computer aided design model of the cardiovascular (CV) system was generated from realtime computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging data. Mesh generation (CFD) and rapid prototyping (PIV) were used for the further model creation. The simulations were performed assuming usual CPB conditions, and the same boundary conditions were applied for the PIV validation. The flow distribution was analyzed for 55 cannula positions inside the aorta and in relation to the distance between the cannula tip and the vertebral artery branch for subclavian cannulation. The study reveals that the Venturi effect due to the cannula jet appears to be the main reason for the loss in cerebral perfusion seen clinically. It provides a PIV‐validated CFD method of analyzing the flow distribution in the CV system and can be transferred to other applications.
Intravascular Mechanical Cavopulmonary Assistance for Patients With Failing Fontan Physiology
Authors: Bhavsar Sonya S. , Kapadia Jugal Y. , Chopski Steven G. , Throckmorton Amy L. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractTo provide a viable bridge‐to‐transplant, bridge‐to‐recovery, or bridge‐to‐surgical reconstruction for patients with failing Fontan physiology, we are developing a collapsible, percutaneously inserted, magnetically levitated axial flow blood pump to support the cavopulmonary circulation in adolescent and adult patients. This unique blood pump will augment pressure and thus flow in the inferior vena cava through the lungs and ameliorate the poor hemodynamics associated with the univentricular circulation. Computational fluid dynamics analyses were performed to create the design of the impeller, the protective cage of filaments, and the set of diffuser blades for our axial flow blood pump. These analyses included the generation of pressure–flow characteristics, scalar stress estimations, and blood damage indexes. A quasi‐steady analysis of the diffuser rotation was also completed and indicated an optimal diffuser rotational orientation of approximately 12°. The numerical predictions of the pump performance demonstrated a pressure generation of 2–25 mm Hg for 1–7 L/min over 3000–8000 rpm. Scalar stress values were less than 200 Pa, and fluid residence times were found to be within acceptable ranges being less than 0.25 s. The maximum blood damage index was calculated to be 0.068%. These results support the continued design and development of this cavopulmonary assist device, building upon previous numerical work and experimental prototype testing.
The Rewarming Index Formula for Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Perfusion
Authors: Itoh Hideshi , Kasahara Shingo , Fujii Yasuhiro , Kotani Ysuhiro , Arai Sadahiko , Sano Shunji 
Published: November 2009

AbstractCareful rewarming of perfusion blood following cardiopulmonary bypass surgery is critical to a successful outcome, but the optimal rewarming strategy is not clear. The purpose of this study was to derive a formula for a rewarming index (defined as [rewarming time × perfusion flow]/[body weight × body surface area]) that would enable the calculation of the ideal rewarming conditions for pediatric cardiopulmonary perfusion. We retrospectively investigated 220 pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass operations conducted from July 2005 to June 2008 in Okayama University Hospital, Japan. We determined the formula as Φ = (T × Q)/(R × S) = |0.9127P − 0.0152|, where Φ =  rewarming index, T = rewarming time (min), Q = perfusion volume (L), R = body weight (kg), S = body surface area (m2), and P = temperature gap (). The formula will help those who perform pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass surgery to establish ideal perfusion flow conditions and to control physiological temperature during rewarming.
Gestión e Interpretación de Datos Obtenidos en Ensayos Clínicos de Manejo del Dolor
Authors: Theodore Brian R. , Gatchel Robert J. 
Published: November 2009

ResumenEl desarrollo de un ensayo clínico comprende varias etapas de planificación y ejecución. Los tres mayores componentes del ensayo clínico son el manejo o gestión de los datos, el control de calidad que asegure la integridad de los datos, y la interpretación de los datos al finalizar el ensayo. Aunque cada proceso se distingue por diferentes actividades, nivel de esfuerzo y conocimientos necesarios, los tres procesos están fuertemente vinculados. Métodos de gestión de datos incluyen el proceso de entrada de datos y un planteamiento completo y organizado de control de calidad. En este artículo se elaboran ciertas guías y recomendaciones para encarar el control de calidad y resolver problemas de ocurrencia común en la gestión de datos clínicos, como son la ausencia de datos, la invalidez de casos, la presencia de “outliers” (sujetos atípicos o inusuales), y el incumplimiento de supuestos distribucionales en los análisis estadísticos. Para facilitar la interpretación de los datos, se examinan condiciones necesarias para permitir inferencias causales. Se destaca la necesidad de tener en cuenta las características basales de la muestra de pacientes, como extensión de los principios de validez interna de un estudio. Se examinan las amenazas más communes a la validez de las conclusiones estadísticas, como la inflación de errores de Tipo I y el problema de las pruebas sobredominantes. Finalmente se considera el concepto de tamaño del efecto, importante complemento al concepto de significancia estadística, y cómo se pueden interpretar los distintos métodos de medición de tamaño del efecto en el marco de un ensayo clínico.
Prion reduction of red blood cells: impact on component quality
Authors: Wiltshire Michael , Thomas Stephen , Scott Janet , Hicks Vicky , Haines Martin , Cookson Phil , Garwood Margaret , Cardigan Rebecca 
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: A filter has been developed (P‐Capt, MacoPharma) to remove infectious prions from red blood cells (RBCs). We sought to assess 1) its operational use, 2) the quality of filtered components, and 3) whether filtration resulted in any significant changes to blood group antigens.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 272 leukoreduced RBC units, including units processed using “top‐and‐top” (TAT) and “bottom‐and‐top” (BAT) methods, were prion reduced using the P‐Capt filter. All RBCs were assessed using standard in vitro tests of RBC quality. Changes to blood group antigen expression were also investigated, including the exposure of cryptantigens and the ability of filtered RBCs to be crossmatched.RESULTS: Ninety‐nine percent of TAT units and 58% of BAT units had a hemoglobin (Hb) content of more than 40 g. Hemolysis increased immediately after filtration, but units remained within UK specification throughout storage. Prion reduction resulted in the loss of 7 to 8 g of Hb and reductions in hematocrit of 6% to 9% due to the filter containing 40 mL of saline, adenine, glucose, and mannitol. Other RBC quality data, including extracellular potassium, 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate, and adenosine triphosphate were similar to historical control data. There was no evidence of any immunologic changes of clinical relevance to the RBC membrane after filtration.CONCLUSIONS: Prion filtration does not appear to have a detrimental effect on basic in vitro measures of RBC quality or on blood group antigens as assessed by in vitro methods. However, prion filtration using the P‐Capt filter results in loss of Hb.
Design of Comparative Experiments (Cambridge Series in Statistical and Probabilistic Mathematics) by BAILEY, R. A.
Authors: Goad Carla L. 
Published: November 2009

Design of Comparative Experiments (Cambridge Series in Statistical and Probabilistic Mathematics)(R. A. Bailey)Carla L. GoadCluster Randomised Trials(R. J. Hayes and L. H. Moulton)Michael J. CampbellBayesian Evaluation of Informative Hypotheses(H. Hoijtink, I. Klugkist, and P. A. Boelen, Editors)Bo CaiBayesian Methods for Measures of Agreement(L. Broemeling)Cody HamiltonStatistical Learning from a Regression Perspective(R. A. Berk)Yutaka Yasui and Xiaoming WangStatistical Detection and Surveillance of Geographic Clusters(P. Rogerson and I. Yamada)Maria Dolores UgarteGlobal Sensitivity Analysis. The Primer(A. Saltelli, M. Ratto, T. Andres, F. Campolongo, J. Cariboni, D. Gatelli, M. Saisana, and S. Tarantola)Bryan E. ShepherdSemi‐Markov Chains and Hidden Semi‐Markov Models toward Applications: Their Use in Reliability and DNA Analysis(V. S. Barbu and N. Limnios)Yann GuédonBrief Reports by the EditorHandbook of Statistical Analyses Using SAS, 3rd edition(G. Der and B. S. Everitt)Software for Data Analysis: Programming with R(J. M. Chambers)
R for SAS and SPSS Users(R. A. Muenchen)Recent Advances in Linear Models and Related Areas: Essays in Honour of Helge Toutenburg(Shalabh and C. Heumann)Medical Statistics from A to Z, 2nd edition(B. Everitt)
Content Validity and Satisfaction With a Stroke Caregiver Intervention Program
Authors: Bakas Tamilyn , Farran Carol J. , Austin Joan K. , Given Barbara A. , Johnson Elizabeth A. , Williams Linda S. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground and Purpose:Establishing evidence of content validity and satisfaction is an integral part of intervention research. The purpose of this article is to describe content validity and satisfaction relative to the Telephone Assessment and Skill‐Building Kit (TASK), an 8‐week follow‐up program based on individualized assessment of stroke caregiver needs.Design and Methods:The TASK intervention enables caregivers to develop skills based on assessment of their own needs. During the development of the TASK program, 10 experts rated the validity of the TASK intervention components for accuracy, feasibility, acceptability, and problem relevance. After incorporating feedback from the experts, a randomized controlled clinical trial was instituted using a convenience sample of 40 stroke caregivers to determine satisfaction (usefulness, ease of use, and acceptability) with the TASK intervention (n=21) compared with an attention control group (n=19). Data collection occurred between March 2005 and June 2006. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent sample t tests, and content analysis.Findings:Expert ratings on a 1 to 5 scale, with 5 being strongly agree, provided evidence of content validity (accuracy 4.71, feasibility 4.46, acceptability 4.40, problem relevance 4.67). Caregivers in the TASK group scored significantly higher than the attention control group on all satisfaction measures (usefulnessp=.02; ease of usep=.02; acceptabilityp=.05). Qualitative comments from caregivers provided further evidence of satisfaction.Conclusions:Evidence of content validity and user satisfaction for the TASK intervention relative to an attention control group was found.Clinical Relevance:The TASK program may be a viable telephone‐based program that can be implemented by nurses to support family caregivers during the first few months after stroke survivors are discharged home.
Factors Influencing Disclosure of Abuse by Women of Mexican Descent
Authors: Montalvo‐Liendo Nora , Wardell Diane W. , Engebretson Joan , Reininger Belinda M. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractPurpose:The purpose of this study was to describe the factors that influence disclosure of abuse by women of Mexican descent. Few published studies describe the experiences of women of Mexican descent with a history of intimate partner abuse, specifically in terms of their process of disclosure of abuse.Methods:A qualitative research design was used to conduct this study in south Texas adjacent to the United States‐Mexico border. Twenty‐six key informants were recruited from two different sites. An open‐ended approach with a semistructured interview guide was used to collect the narrative information from the 26 participants.Results:The findings illuminated that many factors hindered disclosure. Some of these factors included protecting their partners, avoidance of worrying their mothers, and fear of losing their children.Conclusions:The study may help healthcare providers to understand the complexity of disclosure by women with a history of intimate partner abuse and may help explain why women do not readily disclose their abusive situations.Clinical Relevance:This study on the disclosure decision process of abuse by women of Mexican descent provides some understanding on the cultural or situational factors that hindered or encouraged disclosure; ultimately this knowledge can help healthcare providers and others to provide for the woman's health, welfare, and safety.
Why Do Jordanian Women Stay in an Abusive Relationship: Implications for Health and Social Well‐Being
Authors: Gharaibeh Muntaha , Oweis Arwa 
Published: November 2009

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore why Jordanian women stay with an abusive husband. Design: The study used a qualitative approach to collect data from 28 abused women who were recruited through their community during the summer and fall of 2007. Methods: Data were collected using an open‐ended question through one‐on‐one in‐depth interviews. Findings: Results from analysis of the qualitative data revealed that abused Jordanian women identified five main reasons for staying with an abusive husband: the inherited social background, financial dependency, lack of family support, sacrificing self for the sake of the children, and the adverse social consequences of divorce. Conclusions: The results indicate that Jordanian women are strongly bound by traditions and cultural rules and lack all means of empowerment. Results of the study have implications for healthcare providers, social workers, policy makers, and educators to enhance the health and social well‐being of Arab Muslim women in Jordan. The findings may also apply to Arab families immigrating to the United States, Canada, and Europe who tend to bring their cultural beliefs, values, and norms, and may help healthcare professionals dealing with violence against women in these countries. Clinical Relevance: Healthcare professionals worldwide need to play an instrumental role in providing culture‐specific and evidence‐based care to empower women staying in abusive relationships, taking into consideration the influence of Arab Muslim culture.