bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Efficacy of Two Surgical Alternatives for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Trans‐Apical versus Epicardial Left Ventricular Pacing
Authors: MIHALCZ ATTILA , KASSAI IMRE , KARDOS ATTILA , FOLDESI CSABA , THEUNS DOMINIC , SZILI‐TOROK TAMAS 
Published: October 2011

Background: Epicardial pacing lead implantation is the currently preferred surgical alternative for left ventricular (LV) lead placement. For endocardial LV pacing, we developed a fundamentally new surgical method. The trans‐apical lead implantation is a minimally invasive technique that provides access to any LV segments. The aim of this prospective randomized study was to compare the outcome of patients undergoing either trans‐apical endocardial or epicardial LV pacing.
Methods: In group I, 11 end‐stage heart failure (HF) patients (mean age 59.7 ± 7.9 years) underwent trans‐apical LV lead implantation. Epicardial LV leads were implanted in 12 end‐stage HF patients (group II; mean age 62.8 ± 7.3 years). Medical therapy was optimized in all patients. The following parameters were compared during an 18‐month follow‐up period: LV ejection fraction (LVEF), LV end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD), LV end‐systolic diameter, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class.
Results: Nine out of 11 patients responded favorably to the treatment in group I (LVEF 39.7 ± 12.5 vs 26.0 ± 7.8%, P < 0.01; LVEDD 70.4 ± 13.6 mm vs 73.7 ± 10.5 mm, P = 0.002; NYHA class 2.2 ± 0.4 vs 3.5 ± 0.4, P < 0.01) and eight out of 12 in group II (LVEF 31.5 ± 11.5 vs 26.4 ± 8.9%, P = < 0.001; NYHA class 2.7 ± 0.4 vs 3.6 ± 0.4, P < 0.05). During the follow‐up period, one patient died in group I and three in group II. There was one intraoperative LV lead dislocation in group I and one early postoperative dislocation in each group. None of the patients developed thromboembolic complications.
Conclusions: Our data suggest that trans‐apical endocardial LV lead implantation is an alternative to epicardial LV pacing. PACE 2012; 35:124–130)
Cognitive alterations in patients with non‐affective psychotic disorder and their unaffected siblings and parents
Authors: Meijer J. , Simons C. J. P. , Quee P. J. , Verweij K. ,   GROUP Investigators
Published: October 2011

Meijer J, Simons CJP, Quee PJ, Verweij K, GROUP Investigators. Cognitive alterations in patients with non‐affective psychotic disorder and their unaffected siblings and parents.Objective:  The purpose of this study was to examine a range of cognitive measures as candidate phenotypic liability markers for psychosis in a uniquely large sample of patients with psychosis, their unaffected relatives and control subjects.Method:  Patients with non‐affective psychosis (n = 1093), their unaffected siblings (n = 1044), parents (n = 911), and controls (n = 587) completed a comprehensive cognitive test battery. Cognitive functioning was compared using tests of verbal learning and memory, attention/vigilance, working memory, processing speed, reasoning and problem solving, acquired knowledge, and social cognition. Age‐ and gender‐adjusted z‐scores were compared between groups using mixed‐model analyses of covariance. Clinically relevant impairment (−1 and −2 SD from control mean) was compared between subject groups.Results:  Patients performed significantly worse than controls in all cognitive domains (z‐range −0.26 to −1.34). Siblings and parents showed alterations for immediate verbal learning, processing speed, reasoning and problem solving, acquired knowledge, and working memory (z‐range −0.22 to −0.98). Parents showed additional alterations for social cognition. Prevalence of clinically relevant impairment in relatives ranged from 50% (−1 SD criterion) to 10% (−2 SD criterion).Conclusion:  Cognitive functioning is a candidate intermediate phenotype given significant small to large alterations in patients and intermediate alterations in first‐degree relatives.
Minimally invasive transcrestal sinus floor elevation with graft biomaterials. A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Trombelli Leonardo , Franceschetti Giovanni , Rizzi Alessandro , Minenna Pasquale , Minenna Luigi , Farina Roberto 
Published: October 2011

AbstractObjectivesThe present study was performed to comparatively evaluate the effectiveness and post‐operative morbidity of transcrestal sinus floor elevation (tSFE) performed with a minimally invasive procedure (Smart Lift technique) combined with the additional use of two graft biomaterials.MethodsThirty sites in 30 patients were randomly assigned to tSFE in association with either deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) (n = 15) or synthetic hydroxyapatite in a collagen matrix (S‐HA) (n = 15). In both groups, the extent of the sinus lift (SL) and the height of the graft apical to the implant apex (aGH) were assessed on periapical radiographs taken immediately after surgery and at 6 months following surgery. Surgical and post‐surgical complications as well post‐surgical pain and discomfort were also assessed.ResultsThe results of the study indicated that (i) immediately post‐surgery, both DBBM and S‐HA resulted in substantial SL and aGH, which were maintained at 6 months, (ii) greater aGH and SL were observed in S‐HA group compared with DBBM group at 6 months post‐surgery and (iii) limited surgical complications and post‐operative pain/discomfort were associated with the use of both graft biomaterials.ConclusionsThe Smart Lift technique in conjunction with the additional use of either S‐HA or DBBM may provide a predictable elevation of the maxillary sinus floor along with limited post‐surgical complications and post‐operative pain/discomfort. SL and aGH were significantly greater at 6 months for S‐HA than DBBM.
Association of interleukin‐10 gene promoter polymorphisms with chronic and aggressive periodontitis
Authors: Jaradat SM , Ababneh KT , Jaradat SA , Abbadi MS , Taha AH , Karasneh JA , Haddad HI 
Published: October 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 271–279Objective:  Interleukin‐10 gene promoter polymorphisms have been associated with interleukin‐10 decreased production, thereby playing a role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. This study aimed to investigate whether interleukin‐10 single nucleotide polymorphisms at positions ‐1087(G/A) and ‐597(C/A) are associated with generalised chronic periodontitis and localised aggressive periodontitis.Methods:  Genomic DNA samples were isolated from 276 unrelated Jordanian participants. Subjects were categorised into 86 periodontally healthy controls, 105 chronic periodontitis patients and 85 localised aggressive periodontitis patients. Genotype frequencies were calculated, and differences were determined using Pearson chi‐squared test, and odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were included.Results:  The frequencies of the ‐1087A and ‐597A alleles were significantly more common in chronic periodontitis patients than controls. The A‐positive allele genotypes (GA, AA) at position ‐1087 and A‐positive allele genotypes (CA, AA) at position ‐597 appeared to increase the risk of having chronic periodontitis. No significant differences were observed in the genotype frequencies between localised aggressive periodontitis patients and controls.Conclusions:  These findings indicate the possible use of interleukin‐10 single nucleotide polymorphisms as genetic markers in chronic periodontitis patients and further emphasise the molecular differences between chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis.
Investigating diversity dependence of tropical forest litter decomposition: experiments and observations from Central Africa
Authors: Peh Kelvin S.‐H. , Sonké Bonaventure , Taedoung Hermann , Séné Oliver , Lloyd Jon , Lewis Simon L. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractQuestionsMixed litter may decompose at different rates to single‐species litter, leading to differences in ecosystem functioning and decomposition. Studies of the effects of different litter species and combinations are rare in tropical forests and absent from African forests. Therefore we investigated: (1) Are there differences in litter decomposition in two forest types differing in tree diversity; and (2) is litter decomposition diversity‐dependent?LocationOld‐growth moist evergreen tropical forest Dja Faunal Reserve, southeast Cameroon.MethodsWe calculate decomposition rates (leaf litter fall/leaf litter standing crop) along a tree diversity gradient in two forest types (naturally occurring low‐diversity monodominant and adjacent higher‐diversity mixed forest). Both forests experience the same climate on the same soil type; the former is dominated by a single species,Gilbertiodendron dewevrei(De Wild.) J. Léonard, probably due to lack of a long‐term disturbance and has similar edaphic factors. Decomposition experiments were conducted in both forest types using single and mixed species litter bags of standard high‐quality (bay leaves;Laurus nobilisL.) and low‐quality (G.dewevrei) litter over 9 months.ResultsThe estimated decomposition rate in mixed forest was four times faster than in monodominant forest, and not significantly correlated with local quadrat‐scale tree species diversity. The litter bag experiment showed that decomposition of high‐quality leaves was faster than low‐quality leaves (kvalues: 2.0 yr−1vs 0.6 yr−1). Decay rates for each single species litter type were not significantly different in both forest types. However,G. dewevreilitter in mixed bags decomposed faster than in single‐species bags in mixed forest, suggesting an impact of litter mixing on decomposition. In addition, bay litter in mixed bags decomposed faster in mixed than in monodominant forests across the three study sites.ConclusionThe observed difference in litter decomposition rate between low‐diversity monodominant and adjacent high‐diversity forest is more likely due to dominance of low‐qualityG. dewevreilitter, rather than low‐diversity of the litter itself.
Cerebral Venous Thrombosis in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Eight Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Cognat Emmanuel , Crassard Isabelle , Denier Christian , Vahedi Kouroche , Bousser Marie-Germaine 
Published: October 2011

Background While the association between inflammatory bowel diseases and thromboembolic events has long been evident, cerebral venous thrombosis in this context remains rare and underreported. Methods Among 351 consecutive patients with cerebral venous thrombosis collected in two neurology departments between 1997 and 2009, an analysis of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and a review of literature were performed. Results Eight patients had inflammatory bowel disease (6/287, 2/64), Crohn's disease in two, and ulcerative colitis in two. The mean age was 30·9 years (18–45). All inflammatory bowel disease-related cerebral venous thrombosis patients had headache, four patients had focal neurological deficits, three had altered consciousness, and two had seizures. Cerebral venous thrombosis occurred between two-months and 17 years after the first inflammatory bowel disease signs. Six patients had other venous prothrombotic risk factors. All patients were treated with heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin. Seven showed a complete recovery (Rankin 0–1) and one a partial recovery (Rankin 2). Compared with the 49 magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed cerebral venous thrombosis patients of the literature, our patients had more frequent associated prothrombotic risk factors. When comparing 57 inflammatory bowel disease-related cerebral venous thrombosis patients with other cerebral venous thrombosis, those with inflammatory bowel disease were younger in age at cerebral venous thrombosis onset, and there was a higher male to female ratio and a lower headache frequency at presentation. Conclusion In our cerebral venous thrombosis cohort, inflammatory bowel disease is present in 2·3% of cases. As cerebral venous thrombosis has no specific feature and may reveal inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal signs should be systematically looked for. All physicians caring for inflammatory bowel disease patients must consider cerebral venous thrombosis in cases of unusual headache or focal neurological symptoms. Treatment is based on full anticoagulation and specific inflammatory bowel disease treatment.
Incorporating Variable Source Area Hydrology into a Spatially Distributed Direct Runoff Model1
Authors: Buchanan Brian , Easton Zachary M. , Schneider Rebecca , Walter M. Todd 
Published: October 2011

Buchanan, Brian, Zachary M. Easton, Rebecca Schneider, and M. Todd Walter, 2011. Incorporating Variable Source Area Hydrology Into a Spatially Distributed Direct Runoff Model. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(1): 43‐60. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2011.00594.xAbstract:  Few hydrologic models simulate both variable source area (VSA) hydrology, and runoff‐routing at high enough spatial resolutions to capture fine‐scale hydrologic pathways connecting VSA to the stream network. This paper describes a geographic information system‐based operational model that simulates the spatio‐temporal dynamics of VSA runoff generation and distributed runoff‐routing, including through complex artificial drainage networks. The model combines the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Curve Number (CN) equation for estimating storm runoff with the topographic index concept for predicting the locations of VSA and a runoff‐routing algorithm into a new spatially distributed direct hydrograph (SDDH) model (SDDH‐VSA). Using a small agricultural watershed in central New York, SDDH‐VSA results were compared to those from a SDDH model using the traditional land use assumptions for the CN (SDDH‐CN). The SDDH‐VSA model generally agreed better with observed discharge than the SDDH‐CN model (average, Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.69 vs. 0.58, respectively) and resulted in more realistic spatial patterns of runoff‐generating areas. The SDDH approach did not correctly capture the timing of runoff from small storms in dry periods. Despite this type of limitation, SDDH‐VSA extends the applicability of the SDDH technique to VSA conditions, providing a basis for new tools to help identify critical management areas and assess water quality risks due to landscape alterations.
Meniscal repair with the MaxFire device: a cadaveric study
Authors: Likes Rickland L , Julka Abhishek , Aros Brian C , Pedroza Angela D , Kaeding Christopher C , Jones Grant L , Flanigan David C 
Published: October 2011

Objective:  To use a cadaver model to evaluate an all‐inside meniscal repair device (MaxFire).Methods:  Six fresh‐frozen cadaveric knees (ages 30–84 years) without evidence of prior surgery were used for this study. The knees were rigidly mounted and arthroscopy performed using standard anteromedial and anterolateral portals. Four MaxFire devices were placed into the medial and lateral meniscus according to the technique provided by the manufacturer. The devices were placed in a vertical or horizontal mattress fashion systematically from posterior to anterior. Implants were placed from either the ipsilateral‐ or contralateral‐portal at the discretion of each surgeon. Placement into the medial meniscus was performed with the knee in approximately 10° of flexion and into the lateral meniscus in 45° of flexion.Results:  In all, 54 MaxFire devices were placed. Twenty‐six devices were used medially, and 28 laterally. Forty‐five (83%) were placed successfully. Of those, 3 (7%) were placed in a “top hat” fashion. The nine failures (17%) were related to final device tensioning. Three of the sutures broke, one suture would not reduce, and three implants pulled out of the meniscus. The devices were successfully removed arthroscopically with a grasper or oscillating shaver. Pulling of implants out of menisci occurred in degenerative knees with degenerative meniscal tissue and did not occur with healthy appearing menisci.Conclusion:  The MaxFire device is easy to use, has a low risk of complications, and can be inserted expeditiously by arthroscopy.
Modified unilateral transpedicular percutaneous vertebroplasty for treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures
Authors: Yang Xiao‐ming , Wu Tian‐liang , Xu Hong‐guang , Wang Hong , Liu Ping , Wang Ling‐ting , Chen Xue‐wu 
Published: October 2011

Objective:  To comparatively assess the clinical outcome of modified unilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.Methods:  The clinical outcome and incidence of cement extrusion in a consecutive group of 70 patients at our institution between December 2005 and December 2008 was retrospectively reviewed. Thirty‐five patients were randomly distributed to modified percutaneous vertebroplasty (Group A) and 35 to traditional percutaneous vertebroplasty (Group B). A visual analog scale (VAS) was used on the first post‐operative day and 1 year later to assess the severity of pain before and after vertebroplasty. The incidence of cement extrusion on CT scan was also compared between the two groups.Results:  The treatment was successful in all seventy patients. The incidence of cement extrusion was 14.29% (5/35 patients) in group A, and 37.12% (13/35 patients) in group B, this difference being statistically significant (P < 0.05). No patients had serious complications. Complete pain relief was achieved in 50 patients, and significant relief in the other 20 (20/70 patients). There was no statistically significant difference between Groups A and B.Conclusion:  Modified percutaneous vertebroplasty enhances the accuracy of cement injection into the center of the vertebral body, increasing the safety of the procedure with no increase in cost. It is a safer and more easily performed technique for treating patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures than traditional percutaneous vertebroplasty.
Salvage treatment with erlotinib after gefitinib failure in advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients with poor performance status: A matched‐pair case–control study
Authors: Luo Daxian , Huang Meijuan , Zhang Xinxing , Yu Min , Zou Bingwen , Li Yanying , Long Jianlin , Wang Jin , Peng Feng , Xu Yong , Li Lu , Ren Li , Hou Mei , Lu You 
Published: October 2011

AbstractPurpose:  Gefitinib plays an important role in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment; however, progression of the disease occurs in most patients even after an initial response. The role of erlotinib after gefitinib failure has been investigated but continues to be debated, especially in heavily treated patients with poor performance status (PS). Therefore, a retrospective matched‐pair case–control study was carried out to evaluate the role of erlotinib after gefitinib failure in advanced NSCLC patients.Methods:  A total of 58 patients were identified. The two groups were balanced with demographic and baseline clinical characteristics. All patients had PS ≥2 and most of them (89.7%) had received more than two systemic therapies before erlotinib or best supportive care (BSC). The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and KRAS genotypes were analyzed in 36 (62.1%) patients, 19 of them were in the erlotinib group.Results:  Median overall survival (OS) for all patients was 6 months. Median OS for patients who received erlotinib and BSC was 10 and 3 months, respectively (P= 0.001). Disease control rate (DCR) and objective response rate (ORR) were 51.7% and 10.3% in patients receiving erlotinib, respectively, while median time to progression (TTP) was 3 months. Among the 19 patients in the erlotinib group with biomarker results available, those with EGFR mutation achieved longer median TTP (P= 0.016) and better DCR (P= 0.177) than those with wild‐type EGFR.Conclusions:  A switch to erlotinib after gefitinib failure may represent a better therapeutic option for advanced NSCLC patients with poor PS, and an EGFR mutation seemed to be associated with better survival rate.
Zonal segmentation of prostate using multispectral magnetic resonance images
Authors: Makni N. , Iancu A. , Colot O. , Puech P. , Mordon S. , Betrouni N. 
Published: October 2011

Purpose:To investigate the performance of a new method of automatic segmentation of prostatic multispectral magnetic resonance images into two zones: the peripheral zone and the central gland.Methods:The proposed method is based on a modified version of the evidential C‐means clustering algorithm. The evidential C‐means optimization process was modified to introduce spatial neighborhood information.A priori knowledge of the prostate's zonal morphology was modeled as a geometric criterion and used as an additional data source to enhance the differentiation of the two zones.Results:Thirty‐one clinical magnetic resonance imaging series were used to validate the method, and interobserver variability was taken into account in assessing its accuracy. The mean Dice Similarity Coefficient was 89% for the central gland and 80% for the peripheral zone, as validated by a consensus from expert radiologist segmentation.Conclusions:The method was statistically insensitive to variations in patient age, prostate volume and the presence of tumors, which increases its feasibility in a clinical context.
OPPONOPLASTY WITHOUT POSTOPERATIVE IMMOBILIZATION
Authors: Okutsu Ichiro , Hamanaka Ikki , Yoshida Aya 
Published: October 2011

Opponoplasty using tendon transfer is a useful reconstructive procedure that restores lost thenar muscle function. Tendon transfers, however, require postoperative immobilization periods of up to four weeks before the sutured tendons reach required strength. We developed an opponoplasty procedure using α-TCP (alpha-tricalcium phosphate) cement that does not require postoperative immobilization and was applied to nine hands out of nine cases. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia without a pneumatic tourniquet and on an outpatient basis. In this procedure, the flexor digitorum superficialis of the ring finger is used as the donor tendon and the palmaris longus tendon is used as a dynamic pulley. The distal end of the transferred tendon is anchored to the inside of a newly formed bone hole in the thumb's proximal phalanx using α-TCP cement. Our opponoplasty procedure was uneventful postoperatively and produced satisfactory results in all nine cases. The α-TCP cement procedure shows potential for other tendon transfer applications.