bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The soluble leptin receptor neutralizes leptin‐mediated STAT3 signalling and anorexic responses in vivo
Authors: Zhang Jiejin , Scarpace Philip J 
Published: May 2009

Background and purpose:  The soluble leptin receptor (SLR) is the major, circulating, leptin‐binding protein and, in vitro, the SLR inhibits leptin‐binding to cell surface receptors. Here we assessed the effects of the SLR on physiological responses to leptin, in vivo.Experimental approach:  SLR and leptin were given as a single injection (intracerebroventricularly, i.c.v.) or by central (i.c.v.) and peripheral (s.c.) infusion to normal adult F344XBN rats. Phosphorylation of hypothalamic STAT3 (Western blot), food intake and body weight, and the thermogenic response in brown adipose tissue (BAT) were measured.Key results:  Acute central co‐administration of SLR (13.5 µg) and leptin (90 ng) blocked the threefold increase in hypothalamic STAT3 phosphorylation induced by leptin alone, 1 h after the injections. Peripheral leptin infusion (0.1 mg·day−1 for 7 days; s.c.) induced a significant reduction in food intake and body weight, which were partially blocked with a simultaneous central infusion of SLR (4.3 µg·day−1; i.c.v.). In a second experiment, SLR central infusion alone (5.5 µg·day−1) increased food intake and body weight, suggesting that the SLR was able to neutralize endogenous leptin in the brain. This dose of SLR, infused together with a lower dose of peripheral leptin (0.05 mg·day−1), abolished the thermogenic response in BAT, but the anorexic responses and weight reduction were only partially attenuated.Conclusions:  These results provide direct evidence that the SLR neutralizes leptin, endogenous or exogenous, in vivo. By neutralizing leptin, the SLR may play a regulatory role in energy homeostasis.
Seizure metaphors differ in patients’ accounts of epileptic and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures
Authors: Plug Leendert , Sharrack Basil , Reuber Markus 
Published: May 2009

SummaryPurpose:  To increase understanding of the subjective symptomatology of seizure experiences and improve differential diagnosis by studying the seizure metaphors used by patients with (psychogenic) nonepileptic seizures (NES) and epilepsy.Methods:  Twenty‐one unselected patients taking part in this study were admitted for 48 h of video‐EEG (electroenceophalography) observation because of uncertainty about the diagnosis. Eight were proven to have epilepsy, 13 to have psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). During their admission, patients were interviewed by a neurologist. A linguist blinded to the medical diagnosis identified and categorized all seizure metaphors in verbatim transcripts. Between‐group comparisons and logistic regression analysis were carried out.Results:  Of 382 metaphors identified, 80.8% conceptualized seizures as an agent/force, event/situation, or space/place. Most patients used metaphors from all categories, but patients with epilepsy and PNES showed preferences for different metaphoric concepts (differences p = 0.009 to p = 0.039). Patients with epilepsy preferred metaphors depicting the seizure as an agent/force or event/situation. PNES patients more often used metaphors of space/place. Logistic regression analyses predicted the diagnosis of PNES or epilepsy correctly in 85.7% of cases (based on different metaphor types in the each category) or 81.0% (based on all metaphor tokens).Discussion:  Patients with epilepsy and PNES have different preferences in the metaphoric conceptualization of their seizures. Epileptic seizures are described as a more external, self‐directed entity than PNES, which are depicted as a state or place patients go through. The differentiating value of metaphoric conceptualizations suggests that metaphor preference could form the basis of future diagnostic questionnaires or other diagnostic tools.
Labor market participation following onset of seizures and early epilepsy: Findings from a UK cohort
Authors: Holland Paula , Lane Steven , Whitehead Margaret , Marson Anthony G. , Jacoby Ann 
Published: May 2009

SummaryPurpose:  Previous studies have reported a considerable employment disadvantage among people with epilepsy. In a cohort of men and women who had experienced a single seizure or had early epilepsy at study entry we explored employment status and social mobility over 4 years and investigated whether employment outcomes were more disadvantageous for certain social groups.Methods:  Analyses were based on 350 individuals of working age identified via the UK Multicentre Study of Early Epilepsy and Single Seizures. Employment rates were calculated for the cohort and general population. Employment trajectories over 4 years were explored according to occupational social class. The relative risk of employment was calculated by clinical features of seizures and social class.Results:  Individuals with single seizures or early epilepsy had significantly lower employment rates than the general population at study entry, and 2‐ and 4‐year follow‐up. Employment rates of men and women in the cohort did not differ significantly. Although little social class mobility occurred during follow‐up, there was evidence of some downward mobility between first seizure(s) and study entry. In the fully adjusted model, nonemployment was predicted at all time points by having fair/poor self‐rated health and experiencing four or more seizures. We observed that some individuals continued to work in hazardous occupations or drive professionally within a year of experiencing seizure(s).Discussion:  People who have recently experienced a single seizure or who have early epilepsy are exposed to substantial employment disadvantage. Greater efforts are necessary to help these people return to work and stay employed.
SBIRT Outcomes in Houston: Final Report on InSight, a Hospital District‐Based Program for Patients at Risk for Alcohol or Drug Use Problems
Authors:   The InSight Project Research Group
Published: May 2009

Background:  Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) services have been implemented as the standard of care for patients in the Harris County Hospital District (HCHD). The present analysis addresses alcohol and drug use for patients admitted over a 39‐month period from July 1, 2005 through September 30, 2008.Methods:  Patients were screened for alcohol and drug use at medical admission. Those who were positive received further assessment and were transitioned to receive services as appropriate. A sample of consenting patients who were positive and received services was contacted at 6 months for a follow‐up interview. Using an intent‐to‐treat (ITT) protocol, the analysis included all patients who were assigned for follow‐up, including those with completed follow‐ups as well as those who could not be contacted at follow‐up. Patients not contacted at follow‐up were assumed to have maintained their baseline drug and alcohol consumption levels.Results:  Of 59,760 patients who were screened by generalists (primarily nurses, physicians, and medical care technicians), 15,241 (26%) were positive and received further assessment and services. The 6‐month follow‐up interview completion rate was 66%. The ITT sample consisted of all 1,937 patients who were assigned for follow‐up. There was an overall reduction in the number of patients reporting any days of heavy drinking from 70% at intake to 37% at 6‐month follow‐up and a reduction in the mean number of days of heavy drinking from 7.8 days at intake to 4.1 days at follow‐up. The number of patients reporting any days of drug use was 82% at intake versus 33% at follow‐up, and the mean number of days of drug use declined from 8.3 days at intake to 4.2 days at follow‐up.Conclusions:  The results were consistent with but of greater magnitude than most other studies reporting positive outcomes for SBIRT patients. Drug use and heavy alcohol use were found to decrease substantially from admission to follow‐up. This finding holds good for all levels of drug or alcohol misuse severity, with the highest severity patients showing the largest decreases. Future studies are needed to control for potential regression to the mean effects and to develop improved understanding of differences in outcomes by race/ethnicity.
Coronary Artery Perforations in the Contemporary Interventional Era
Authors: KIERNAN T. J. , YAN B. P. , RUGGIERO N. , EISENBERG J. D. , BERNAL J. , CUBEDDU R. J. , WITZKE C. , DON C. , CRUZ‐GONZALEZ I. , ROSENFIELD K. , POMERSANTEV E. , PALACIOS I. 
Published: May 2009

Background: Coronary perforations represent a serious complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of documented coronary perforations at Massachusetts General Hospital from 2000 to 2008. Medical records review and detailed angiographic analysis were performed in all patients.
Results: Sixty‐eight cases of coronary perforation were identified from a total of 14,281 PCIs from March 2000 to March 2008 representing an overall incidence of 0.48%. The study cohort was predominantly male (61.8%), mean age 71±11 years with 78% representing acute cases (unstable angina: 36.8%, NSTEMI: 30.9%, STEMI: 10.3%). Coronary artery perforation occurred as a complication of wire manipulation in 45 patients (66.2%) with 88.9% of this group being hydrophilic wires, of coronary stenting in 11 (16.2%), of angioplasty alone in 6 (8.8%), and of rotational atherectomy in 8 (11.8%). The perforation was sealed with an angioplasty balloon alone in 16 patients (23.5%), and with stents in 14 patients (20.6%) (covered stents: 11.8% and noncovered stents: 8.8%). Emergency CABG was performed in 2 patients (2.9%). Five patients (7.4%) developed periprocedural MI. The in‐hospital mortality rate was 5.9% in the study cohort.
Conclusion: Coronary artery perforation as a complication of PCI is still rare as demonstrated in our series with an incidence of 0.48%. The predominant cause of coronary perforations in the current era of PCI is wire injury.
Default mode network connectivity as a predictor of post‐traumatic stress disorder symptom severity in acutely traumatized subjects
Authors: Lanius R. A. , Bluhm R. L. , Coupland N. J. , Hegadoren K. M. , Rowe B. , Théberge J. , Neufeld R. W. J. , Williamson P. C. , Brimson M. 
Published: May 2009

Objective:  The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between default mode network connectivity and the severity of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in a sample of eleven acutely traumatized subjects.Method:  Participants underwent a 5.5 min resting functional magnetic resonance imaging scan. Brain areas whose activity positively correlated with that of the posterior cingulate/precuneus (PCC) were assessed. To assess the relationship between severity of PTSD symptoms and PCC connectivity, the contrast image representing areas positively correlated with the PCC was correlated with the subjects’ Clinician Administered PTSD Scale scores.Results:  Results suggest that resting state connectivity of the PCC with the perigenual anterior cingulate and the right amygdala is associated with current PTSD symptoms and that correlation with the right amygdala predicts future PTSD symptoms.Conclusion:  These results may contribute to the development of prognostic tools to distinguish between those who will and those who will not develop PTSD.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder in Taiwan
Authors: Huang M.‐C. , Lu M.‐L. , Tsai C.‐J. , Chen P.‐Y. , Chiu C.‐C. , Jian D.‐L. , Lin K.‐M. , Chen C.‐H. 
Published: May 2009

Objective:  Because of ethnic differences in metabolic syndrome (MS) criteria, this study aimed to investigate the MS prevalence among patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder in Taiwan.Method:  We recruited 650 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder from 36 psychiatric institutions. The MS prevalence was assessed based on the modified Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III criteria for Asians.Results:  The overall MS prevalence was 34.9%, with 38.9% in female and 31.5% in male patients respectively. The difference of MS prevalence between our sample and the general population was marked in male patients under 40 years of age and in female patients under 50 years old. Body mass index ≥24 and age over 40 years old are two important risk factors of MS. Female and polypharmacy had marginal significance with the presence of MS.Conclusion:  Patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder in Taiwan had a high prevalence of MS, which appeared early in their lives.
Ulcerative colitis associated with Takayasu's arteritis in a child
Authors: Balamtekin Necati , Gürakan Figen , Ozen Seza , Oguz Bena , Talim Beril 
Published: May 2009

AbstractTakayasu's arteritis (TA) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic inflammatory diseases of unknown aetiology, and their coexistence is very rare.A 14‐year‐old Turkish girl presented with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and weight loss. UC was diagnosed based on physical examination and laboratory investigations and was confirmed by colonoscopic biopsies. TA developed approximately 1 year later, and was diagnosed with angiography performed for ongoing severe abdominal pain in spite of well‐controlled UC.Patients suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases such as UC must be investigated for other inflammatory diseases such as TA, especially if the response to immunosuppressant therapy is unsatisfactory.Conclusion:  Findings from our patients suggest that paediatricians must remain alert to the possibility of abdominal vasculitis in patients with UC and unresolved abdominal pain in spite of clinical remission.
Differential diagnosis of acute central nervous system infections in children using modern microbiological methods
Authors: Huttunen Pasi , Lappalainen Maija , Salo Eeva , Lönnqvist Tuula , Jokela Pia , Hyypiä Timo , Peltola Heikki 
Published: May 2009

AbstractAim:  Except bacterial meningitis, the agents causing acute central nervous system (CNS) infections in children are disclosed in only approximately half of the cases, and even less in encephalitis. We studied the potential of modern microbiological assays to improve this poor situation.Methods:  In a prospective study during 3 years, all children attending hospital with suspected CNS infection were examined using a wide collection of microbiological tests using samples from the cerebrospinal fluid, serum, nasal swabs and stool.Results:  Among 213 patients, 66 (31%) cases suggested CNS infection and specific aetiology was identified in 56 patients. Of these microbiologically confirmed cases, viral meningitis/encephalitis was diagnosed in 25 (45%), bacterial meningitis in 21 (38%) and neuroborreliosis in 9 (16%) cases while 1child had fungal infection. In meningitis patients, the causative agent was identified in 85% (35/41) cases and in encephalitis in 75% (12/16). The most common bacteria were Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcous pneumonie and Neisseria meningitidis, while the most frequently detected viruses were enteroviruses and varicella zoster virus.Conclusion:  In 75% to 85% of paediatric CNS infections, specific microbiological diagnosis was obtained with modern laboratory techniques. The results pose a basis for prudent approach to these potentially serious diseases.
Mixing Media: Critical Approaches to Cinematic Modernism
Authors: Fielding Heather 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis essay maps the current state of scholarship on modernist literature and cinema in the interest of defining the methodological issues at stake and outlining the most promising directions for future research. After tracing the recent history of critical approaches to modernist literature and cinema, the essay focuses on new books by Susan McCabe and David Trotter, whose work clarifies major trends in scholarship because they explicitly articulate methodological propositions that other critics tend to take for granted. Their work poses important questions about what counts as evidence that a literary text is structured ‘like’ a cinematic text, about what such resemblances and affinities mean, and about medium specificity as a historical category in modernism and as a critical presupposition. The essay ultimately suggests that criticism on cinematic modernism in literature has the potential to challenge the basic categories of literary studies, by destabilizing the boundaries between media and opening up the possibility that modernist literature actuallyiscinematic.
Effectiveness of Two Cushions in the Prevention of Heel Pressure Ulcers
Authors: Heyneman Alexander , Vanderwee Katrien , Grypdonck Mieke , Defloor Tom 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of two cushions in the prevention of heel pressure ulcers in a geriatric population. Background: Heel pressure ulcers are a major problem in nursing practice. Several measures for the prevention of heel pressure ulcers are discussed in the literature, but the effectiveness of the different types of cushions in the prevention of heel pressure ulcers is poorly studied. Methods: In this comparative study, two different cushions to prevent heel pressure ulcers were investigated: a wedge‐shaped, bedwide, viscoelastic foam cushion and an ordinary pillow. All patients were lying on a viscoelastic foam mattress and were repositioned every 4 hours. Sample: One hundred sixty‐two patients over 75 years of age. Results: The incidence of heel pressure ulcers grades 2–4 was 1.9% in the wedge‐shaped cushion group and was 10.2% in the pillow group. The patients in the wedge‐shaped cushion group developed significantly fewer heel pressure ulcers (p = 0.03). Patients with a wedge‐shaped cushion under the lower legs had an 85% less chance in developing a heel pressure ulcer (p = 0.02). The median time to develop a heel pressure ulcer was 4.0 days (IQR = 3.0–5.0) in the wedge‐shaped cushion group and 3.5 days (IQR = 1.0–5.8) in the pillow group (p = 0.61). The probability to remain pressure ulcer‐free at the heels was significantly higher in the wedge‐shaped cushion group (p = 0.008). Conclusion: The study provides evidence that a wedge‐shaped, bedwide, viscoelastic foam cushion decreases the risk of developing a heel pressure ulcer compared with the use of a pillow.
Ultrastructural Changes of Penile Cavernous Tissue in Multiple Sclerotic Rats
Authors: Jiang Jun , He Yanzheng , Jiang Rui 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the important risk factors resulting in erectile dysfunction (ED). The ultrastructure of corpus cavernous of the penis have an important role in the mechanism of erection.

Aim
It is suggested that different medical conditions produce similar degenerative tissue responses. We investigated the ultrastructural changes of penile cavernous tissue and its association with ED in multiple sclerotic rats.

Methods
After induction of multiple sclerosis in rat, maximum intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICPmax/MAP) in the severity multiple sclerotic rats (group A),moderate multiple sclerotic rats (group C), and age-matched control rat (group B) were observed and compared. The ultrastructure of the penile cavernous tissue was studied by transmission electron microscope. Expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in penile tissue were examined immunohistochemically.

Main Outcome Measures
Severity MS (score 3) not only significantly decrease the ICPmax/MAP × 100 and the expression of nNOS, but also might affect the ultrastructure of the penis.

Results
The ICPmax/MAP × 100 in group A was significantly less than in group B and group C at 3 V (5.65 ± 1.78, 20.49 ± 5.84, and 12.78 ± 5.76, respectively) and at 5 V (6.70 ± 1.39, 23.66 ± 5.19, and 16.95 ± 3.31, respectively) stimulation voltage, respectively (P &lt; 0.05). Significant ultrastructral pathological changes characterized by degeneration and demyelination singularly in Schwann cells without significant ultrastructural change of smooth muscle cells and endothelium cells were observed in penile cavernous tissue of group A rats.

Conclusions
The function of penile erection is affected by MS, and the ultrastructural pathological changes of the penile cavernous tissue may be one of the important mechanisms of ED caused by severity MS.
Further Psychometric Validation of the Sexual Life Quality Questionnaire for Men with Erectile Dysfunction and Their Partners on a Modified Spanish Language Version
Authors: Gutiérrez Pedro , Hernández Pablo , Sanz Emilio , Cardeñosa Oscar , Mas Manuel 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Although erectile dysfunction (ED) is known to hamper quality of life (QoL) of afflicted men and their partners, there are few validated instruments for assessing the couple’s sexual QoL. The Sexual Life Quality of Life Questionnaire (SLQQ) was developed in the United States for this purpose, and so it has been used in clinical studies. Yet, the original description did not address some important psychometric properties included in the Food and Drug Administration 2006 guidance for patient-reported outcome instruments.

Aims
The aims of this study were to validate a Spanish language version of the modified SLQQ (mSLQQ), and to evaluate on it those psychometric properties lacking in the seminal description, namely discriminant validity and test–retest stability.

Methods
Psychometric validation of the translated SLQQ was conducted on 164 ED patients and their sexual partners, and 60 age-matched non-dysfunctional couples. At baseline, all subjects completed the mSLQQ QoL and the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaires, and the men the International Index of Erectile Function. Two weeks later, ED patients abstaining from any ED medication and their partners repeated the mSLQQ QoL (104 valid couples). Oral medication for ED was then prescribed. Four weeks thereafter, they completed the QoL and treatment satisfaction scales of the SLQQ.

Main Outcome Measures
The mSLQQ QoL scores of men and women at different times for psychometric analyses.

Results
Cronbach α coefficients indicated good internal consistency. Large differences between control and ED couples, and close association with ED severity demonstrated discriminant and convergent validity, respectively. High intra-class correlation coefficients and similar mean scores at first and second visits substantiated test–retest stability. Significant increases after treatment with robust effect size demonstrated sensitivity to change in both patients and partners.

Conclusions
This adaptation of the SLQQ shows psychometric properties comparable to the original description. The additional properties demonstrated here fully validate the mSLQQ as a tool for evaluating sexual QoL in ED patients and their partners.