bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence of childhood and adolescence epilepsy: a community‐based prospective study in the province of Ferrara and in Copparo, Italy, 1996–2005
Authors: Casetta I. , Pugliatti M. , Faggioli R. , Cesnik E. , Simioni V. , Bencivelli D. , De Carlo L. , Granieri E. 
Published: September 2011

Background:  The annual incidence of childhood and adolescence epilepsy ranges from 41 to 97 diagnoses per 100 000 people in western Countries, with a reported decline over time. We aimed at studying the incidence of epilepsy in children and adolescents (1 month to 14 years) and its temporal trend in the province of Ferrara, northern Italy.Methods:  We implemented a community‐based prospective multi‐source registry. All children with newly diagnosed epilepsy in the period 1996–2005 were recorded.Results:  The incidence rate of newly diagnosed epilepsy in the considered age range was 57 per 100 000 person‐years, (95% CI: 49.3–65.9), with a peak in the first year of life (109.4; 95% CI: 69.4–164.1), without differences between the two gender. The estimates were significantly lower than those observed previously (97.3; 95% CI: 81.9–115.7).Conclusions:  Incidence rates for epilepsy in the Italian population aged 1 month to 14 years are in line with those of other European and Northern American Countries. The incidence of childhood epilepsy has declined over time in our area. A reduced impact of serious perinatal adverse events could partly explain the decline.
Effect of Dobutamine Combined With Intra‐Aortic Balloon Counterpulsation on Left Ventricular Function Early After Acute Myocardial Infarction: Experimental Study
Authors: Toumanidis Savvas Th. , Tsirikos Karapanos Nikolaos , Kottis George , Kaladaridou Anna , Bramos Dimitrios , Trikka Chrysanthi O. , Vasiladiotis Nikolaos , Zakopoulos Nikolaos , Moulopoulos Spyridon D. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAcute myocardial infarction (AMI) causes left ventricular (LV) remodeling, which forms the substrate for its early and late complications. The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effect of dobutamine or intra‐aortic balloon pumping (IABP), alone or in combination, on LV function in the early phase of an experimental AMI. In 18 pigs, AMI was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending artery (LAD). IABP or dobutamine infusion at a rate of 5 µg/kg/min, or a combination of the two, was applied immediately after ligation of the LAD. Echocardiographic measurements of the long and short LV axes were obtained before (baseline) and post LAD ligation and at the end of each intervention for 5, 15, and 30 min. The fractional shortening (FS) of both axes, as well as the ejection fraction (EF), was calculated. The combination of dobutamine with IABP increased the EF significantly after the AMI in comparison to dobutamine or IABP alone, and improved the stroke volume, cardiac output, and long axis FS in comparison to IABP alone. Dobutamine alone produced a significantly higher increase of EF in comparison to IABP alone. These results indicate that the combination of dobutamine with IABP may be useful during AMI.
Classroom Goal Structures andHIVand Pregnancy Prevention Education in Rural High School Health Classrooms
Authors: Anderman Eric M. , Cupp Pamela K. , Lane Derek R. , Zimmerman Rick , Gray DeLeon L. , O'Connell Ann 
Published: September 2011

Over 5,000 adolescents enrolled in required rural high school health courses reported their perceptions of mastery and extrinsic goal structures in their health classrooms. Data were collected from all students at three time points (prior toHIVand pregnancy instruction, 3 months after instruction, and 1 year after instruction). Results indicated that classroom goal structures were related to both proximal and distal knowledge, attitudes, intentions, and efficacy beliefs. Results in particular indicate that the perception of a mastery goal structure in health education classrooms fosters knowledge, improved attitudes, enhanced efficacy beliefs, and lower intentions to have sexual intercourse.
Lookback investigations of Babesia microti–seropositive blood donors: seven‐year experience in a Babesia‐endemic area
Authors: Johnson Stephanie T. , Cable Ritchard G. , Leiby David A. 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: Human babesiosis in the United States is primarily attributable to infection with the intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite, Babesia microti. Transfusion‐transmitted Babesia (TTB) is a mounting blood safety concern; approximately 100 US cases of TTB have been reported since 1980. In response, market withdrawal (MW) and/or lookback (LB) has been advocated for cellular components derived from Babesia‐positive blood donors.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and selective polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of Connecticut donors was conducted from 1999 through 2005. MW/LB was initiated following established procedures on cellular components derived from IFA and/or PCR‐positive donors. Recipients of these associated components were offered IFA and PCR testing for B. microti.RESULTS: A total of 208 seropositive donors were identified, with 474 donations and 656 cellular components subject to MW/LB. Sixty‐three recipients were tested for B. microti; eight (12.7%) were IFA and/or PCR positive. A significantly higher proportion of B. microti–positive recipients were identified by LB in 1999 to 2000 (5 of 15, 33.3%) than after implementation of seropositive donor deferral in 2001 (3 of 48, 6.3%). Significant differences in positive LBs were also found when comparing index (50% positive) to previous donations (7.3% positive), and when comparing demonstrably parasitemic to nonparasitemic donors, 33.3 and 2.9%, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: Recipients of components from B. microti–positive donors were infected via transfusion, with index donations from parasitemic donors posing the greatest transmission risk. This report of B. microti transmission detected through LB, coupled with ongoing TTB cases, indicates that interventions are needed to reduce transmission of B. microti to US blood recipients.
The alpha‐globin genotype does not influence sickle cell disease severity in a retrospective cross‐validation study of the pediatric severity score
Authors: Joly Philippe , Pondarré Corinne , Bardel Claire , Francina Alain , Martin Cyril 
Published: September 2011

AbstractTo validate the recently proposed pediatric severity score (PSS) for sickle cell disease (SCD), we retrospectively assembled clinical data from a cohort of 122 patients with SCD (105 S/S or S/β0‐thal. and 17 S/C) followed up for at least 2 years. Besides age and α‐ and β‐globin genotypes, four new parameters were also tested against the PSS: duration of data assembly, neonatal screening, use of transcranial Doppler ultrasound to prevent vasculopathies and β‐globin gene cluster haplotype. Once again, the PSS clearly differentiated patients by their β‐globin genotype (P = 0.004) but not by their age during data assembly (P = 0.159). But, surprisingly, alpha‐gene deletions were not associated with a lower PSS (P = 0.604), possibly reflecting the opposite effects of α‐thalassemia on global SCD severity. As for the newly tested parameters, the PSS appeared not to be influenced by the duration of data assembly (P = 0.071) and neonatal screening (P = 0.678) but rather by the introduction of transcranial Doppler ultrasound (P = 0.006). Moreover, the Senegal haplotype at the homozygous state may be associated with a lower PSS. Methodologically, our data globally confirm the usefulness of the PSS to identify major etiological factors of SCD gravity. Nevertheless, the score is surely underestimated for patients who have been switched to a chronic therapy before the main SCD complications. Biologically, our study questions about the exact influence of α‐thalassemia on global SCD severity.
Economic and greenhouse gas costs of Miscanthus supply chains in the United Kingdom
Authors: Wang Shifeng , Wang Sicong , Hastings Astley , Pogson Mark , Smith Pete 
Published: September 2011

AbstractMiscanthus has been identified as one of the most promising perennial grasses for renewable energy generation in Europe and the United States [Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change 9 (2004) 433]. However, the decision to use Miscanthus depends to a considerable degree on its economic and environmental performance [Soil Use and Management 24 (2008) 235; Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 13 (2009) 1230]. This article assessed the spatial distribution of the economic and greenhouse gas (GHG) costs of producing and supplying Miscanthus in the UK. The average farm‐gate production cost of Miscanthus in the UK is estimated to be 40 £ per oven‐dried tonne (£ odt−1), and the average GHG emissions from the production of Miscanthus are 1.72 kg carbon equivalent per oven‐dried tonnes per year (kg CE odt−1 yr−1). The production cost of Miscanthus varies from 35 to 55 £ odt−1 with the lowest production costs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the highest costs in Scotland. Sensitivity analysis shows that yield of Miscanthus is the most influential factor in its production cost, with precipitation the most crucial input in determining yield. GHG emissions from the production of Miscanthus range from 1.24 to 2.11 kg CE odt−1 yr−1. To maximize the GHG benefit, Miscanthus should be established preferentially on croplands, though other considerations obviously arise concerning suitability and value of the land for food production.
ON ISOTOPISMS OF COMMUTATIVE PRESEMIFIELDS AND CCZ-EQUIVALENCE OF FUNCTIONS
Authors: BUDAGHYAN LILYA , HELLESETH TOR 
Published: September 2011

A function F from Fpnto itself is planar if for any [Formula: see text] the function F(x+a)-F(x) is a permutation. CCZ-equivalence is the most general known equivalence relation of functions preserving planar property. This paper considers two possible extensions of CCZ-equivalence for functions over fields of odd characteristics, one proposed by Coulter and Henderson and the other by Budaghyan and Carlet. We show that the second one in fact coincides with CCZ-equivalence, while using the first one we generalize one of the known families of PN functions. In particular, we prove that, for any odd prime p and any positive integers n and m, the indicators of the graphs of functions F and F' from Fpnto Fpmare CCZ-equivalent if and only if F and F′ are CCZ-equivalent.We also prove that, for any odd prime p, CCZ-equivalence of functions from Fpnto Fpm, is strictly more general than EA-equivalence when n ≥ 3 and m is greater or equal to the smallest positive divisor of n different from 1.
Computational Protein Design to Reengineer Stromal Cell–Derived Factor-1α Generates an Effective and Translatable Angiogenic Polypeptide Analog
Authors: Hiesinger William , Perez-Aguilar Jose Manuel , Atluri Pavan , Marotta Nicole A. , Frederick John R. , Fitzpatrick J. Raymond , McCormick Ryan C. , Muenzer Jeffrey R. , Yang Elaine C. , Levit Rebecca D. , Yuan Li-Jun , MacArthur John W. , Saven Jeffery G. , Woo Y. Joseph 
Published: September 2011

Background—
Experimentally, exogenous administration of recombinant stromal cell–derived factor-1α (SDF) enhances neovasculogenesis and cardiac function after myocardial infarction. Smaller analogs of SDF may provide translational advantages including enhanced stability and function, ease of synthesis, lower cost, and potential modulated delivery via engineered biomaterials. In this study, computational protein design was used to create a more efficient evolution of the native SDF protein.

Methods and Results—
Protein structure modeling was used to engineer an SDF polypeptide analog (engineered SDF analog [ESA]) that splices the N-terminus (activation and binding) and C-terminus (extracellular stabilization) with a diproline segment designed to limit the conformational flexibility of the peptide backbone and retain the relative orientation of these segments observed in the native structure of SDF. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in ESA gradient, assayed by Boyden chamber, showed significantly increased migration compared with both SDF and control gradients. EPC receptor activation was evaluated by quantification of phosphorylated AKT, and cells treated with ESA yielded significantly greater phosphorylated AKT levels than SDF and control cells. Angiogenic growth factor assays revealed a distinct increase in angiopoietin-1 expression in the ESA- and SDF-treated hearts. In addition, CD-1 mice (n=30) underwent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery and peri-infarct intramyocardial injection of ESA, SDF-1α, or saline. At 2 weeks, echocardiography demonstrated a significant gain in ejection fraction, cardiac output, stroke volume, and fractional area change in mice treated with ESA compared with controls.

Conclusions—
Compared with native SDF, a novel engineered SDF polypeptide analog (ESA) more efficiently induces EPC migration and improves post–myocardial infarction cardiac function and thus offers a more clinically translatable neovasculogenic therapy.
Rigid, Complete Annuloplasty Rings Increase Anterior Mitral Leaflet Strains in the Normal Beating Ovine Heart
Authors: Bothe Wolfgang , Kuhl Ellen , Kvitting John-Peder Escobar , Rausch Manuel K. , Göktepe Serdar , Swanson Julia C. , Farahmandnia Saideh , Ingels Neil B. , Miller D. Craig 
Published: September 2011

Background—
Annuloplasty ring or band implantation during surgical mitral valve repair perturbs mitral annular dimensions, dynamics, and shape, which have been associated with changes in anterior mitral leaflet (AML) strain patterns and suboptimal long-term repair durability. We hypothesized that rigid rings with nonphysiological three-dimensional shapes, but not saddle-shaped rigid rings or flexible bands, increase AML strains.

Methods and Results—

Sheep had 23 radiopaque markers inserted: 7 along the anterior mitral annulus and 16 equally spaced on the AML. True-sized Cosgrove-Edwards flexible, partial band (n=12), rigid, complete St Jude Medical rigid saddle-shaped (n=12), Carpentier-Edwards Physio (n=12), Edwards IMR ETlogix (n=11), and Edwards GeoForm (n=12) annuloplasty rings were implanted in a releasable fashion. Under acute open-chest conditions, 4-dimensional marker coordinates were obtained using biplane videofluoroscopy along with hemodynamic parameters with the ring inserted and after release. Marker coordinates were triangulated, and the largest maximum principal AML strains were determined during isovolumetric relaxation. No relevant changes in hemodynamics occurred. Compared with the respective control state, strains increased significantly with rigid saddle-shaped annuloplasty ring, Carpentier-Edwards Physio, Edwards IMR ETlogix, and Edwards GeoForm (0.14±0.05 versus 0.16±0.05,
P
=0.024, 0.15±0.03 versus 0.18±0.04,
P
=0.020, 0.11±0.05 versus 0.14±0.05,
P
=0.042, and 0.13±0.05 versus 0.16±0.05,
P
=0.009), but not with Cosgrove-Edwards band (0.15±0.05 versus 0.15±0.04,
P
=0.973).

Conclusions—
Regardless of three-dimensional shape, rigid, complete annuloplasty rings, but not a flexible, partial band, increased AML strains in the normal beating ovine heart. Clinical studies are needed to determine whether annuloplasty rings affect AML strains in patients, and, if so, whether ring-induced perturbations in leaflet strain states are linked to repair failure.
Relationship of the Time Interval Between Cardiac Catheterization and Elective Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery With Postprocedural Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Mehta Rajendra H. , Honeycutt Emily , Patel Uptal D. , Lopes Renato D. , Williams Judson B. , Shaw Linda K. , O'Brien Sean M. , Califf Robert M. , Hughes G. Chad , Sketch Michael H. 
Published: September 2011

Background—
Some prior studies have suggested that the time to cardiac surgery after cardiac catheterization is inversely related to postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI). However, these studies, because of the small number of patients, were unable to adequately account for patient case-mix and included both those undergoing elective surgery and those undergoing urgent surgery.

Methods and Results—

We examined data on 2441 consecutive patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) after cardiac catheterization. The association of post-CABG AKI (defined as increase in post-CABG serum creatinine ≥50% above baseline or the need for new dialysis) and time between cardiac catheterization and CABG was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression modeling. AKI occurred in 17.1% of CABG patients. The risk of AKI was highest in patients in whom CABG was performed ≤1 day after cardiac catheterization (adjusted mean rates [95% CI]: 24.0% [18.0%, 30.9%], 18.4% [14.8%, 22.5%], 17.3% [13.3%, 21.9%], 16.4% [12.6%, 20.8%], and 15.8% [13.7%, 18.0%] for days ≤1, 2, 3, 4, and ≥5, respectively;
P
=0.019 for test of trend). Post-CABG AKI was associated with increased risk of long-term death (hazard ratio 1.268, 95% CI 1.093, 1.471).

Conclusions—
The risk of post-CABG AKI was inversely and modestly related to the time between cardiac catheterization and CABG, with the highest incidence in those operated ≤1 day after cardiac catheterization despite their lower risk profile. Whether delaying elective CABG >24 hours of exposure to contrast agents (when feasible) has the potential for decreasing post-CABG AKI remains to be evaluated in future studies.
Epidermal Growth Factor–Like Domain 7 Is a Novel Inhibitor of Neutrophil Adhesion to Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells Injured by Calcineurin Inhibition
Authors: Badiwala Mitesh V. , Guha Daipayan , Tumiati Laura , Joseph Jemy , Ghashghai Arash , Ross Heather J. , Delgado Diego H. , Rao Vivek 
Published: September 2011

Background—
We investigated the effect of epidermal growth factor–like domain 7 (Egfl7) on nuclear factor-κB activation, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression, and neutrophil adhesion to human coronary artery endothelial cells after calcineurin-inhibition–induced injury.

Methods and Results—

Human coronary endothelial cells were incubated with cyclosporine (CyA) 10 μg/mL with or without Egfl7 (100 ng/mL) or the Notch receptor activator Jagged1 (200 ng/mL) for 6 to 48 hours. CyA upregulated nuclear factor-κB (p65) activity (128±2% of control,
P
<0.001) in nuclear extracts, as determined with a DNA-binding activity ELISA. This activity was inhibited by Egfl7 (86±3% of control;
P
<0.001 versus CyA alone). Jagged1 blocked Egfl7-induced nuclear factor-κB inhibition (105±4% of control;
P
<0.05 versus CyA plus Egfl7). CyA upregulated cell-surface intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression (215±13% of control;
P
<0.001), as determined by flow cytometry. This expression was suppressed by Egfl7 (148±5%;
P
<0.001 versus CyA alone). Jagged1 attenuated the intercellular adhesion molecule-1–suppressive effect of Egfl7 when administered with CyA (193±3% versus 148±5%;
P
<0.01). CyA increased neutrophil adhesion to human coronary endothelial cells (control 20±5%, CyA 37±3%;
P
<0.001 versus control) in a nonstatic neutrophil adhesion assay. This increase was attenuated by Egfl7 (22±6%;
P
<0.001 versus CyA alone). Jagged 1 attenuated the effect of Egfl7 on neutrophil adhesion (31±3%;
P
<0.001 versus Egfl7 plus CyA).

Conclusions—
Our study reveals that Egfl7 is a potent inhibitor of neutrophil adhesion to human coronary endothelial cells subsequent to calcineurin-inhibition–induced injury. Mechanistically, Egfl7 blocked nuclear factor-κB pathway activation and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression, which suggests that it may have significant antiinflammatory properties. Because Jagged1 blocked the effect of Egfl7, Notch receptor antagonism may contribute to the mechanism of action of Egfl7.
Does Stringent Restrictive Annuloplasty for Functional Mitral Regurgitation Cause Functional Mitral Stenosis and Pulmonary Hypertension?
Authors: Kainuma Satoshi , Taniguchi Kazuhiro , Daimon Takashi , Sakaguchi Taichi , Funatsu Toshihiro , Kondoh Haruhiko , Miyagawa Shigeru , Takeda Koji , Shudo Yasuhiro , Masai Takafumi , Fujita Shinichi , Nishino Masami , Sawa Yoshiki ,   Osaka Cardiovascular Surgery Research (OSCAR) Group
Published: September 2011

Background—
It remains controversial whether restrictive mitral annuloplasty (RMA) for functional mitral regurgitation (MR) can induce functional mitral stenosis (MS) that may cause postoperative residual pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Methods and Results—

One hundred eight patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and severe MR underwent RMA with stringent downsizing of the mitral annulus. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and mitral valve performance variables were determined by Doppler echocardiography prospectively and 1 month after RMA. Fifty-eight patients underwent postoperative hemodynamic measurements. Postoperative echocardiography showed a mean pressure half-time of 92±14 ms, a transmitral mean gradient of 2.9±1.1 mm Hg, and a mitral valve effective orifice area of 2.4±0.4 cm
2
, consistent with functional MS. Doppler-derived systolic PAP was 32±8 mm Hg, which correlated weakly with the transmitral mean gradient (ρ=0.23,
P
=0.02). Postoperative cardiac catheterization also showed significant improvements in LV volume and systolic function, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, cardiac index, and systolic PAP; the latter was associated with LV end-diastolic pressure [standardized partial regression coefficient (SPRC)=0.51], pulmonary vascular resistance (SPRC=0.47), cardiac index (SPRC=0.37), and transmitral pressure gradient (SPRC=0.20). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, postoperative PH (systolic PAP >40 mm Hg), but not mitral valve performance variables, was strongly associated with adverse cardiac events.

Conclusions—
RMA for functional MR resulted in varying degrees of functional MS. However, our data were more consistent with the residual PH being caused by LV dysfunction and pulmonary vascular disease than by the functional MS. The residual PH, not functional MS, was the major predictor of post-RMA adverse cardiac events.