bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combining EEG and fMRI in the study of epileptic discharges
Authors: Gotman Jean , Pittau Francesca 
Published: July 2011

SummaryThe combining of electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a unique noninvasive method for investigating the brain regions involved at the time of epileptic discharges. The neuronal discharges taking place during an interictal spike or spike‐wave burst result in an increase in metabolism and blood flow, which is reflected in the blood oxygen–level dependent (BOLD) signal measured by fMRI. This increase is most intense in the region generating the discharge but is also present in regions affected by the discharge. On occasion, epileptic discharges result in decreased metabolism, the origin of which is only partially understood. EEG‐fMRI applied to focal epilepsy results in maxima of the BOLD signal most often concordant with other methods of localization and has been shown to help in localizing epileptic foci in nonlesional frontal lobe epilepsy. It has also demonstrated the involvement of the thalamus in generalized epileptic discharges. In patients with new‐onset epilepsy it could be used to evaluate the source and extent of the brain structures involved during discharges and their evolution as the disease progresses.
Tracking cognitive changes in new‐onset epilepsy: Functional imaging challenges
Authors: D’Arcy Ryan C. N. , Gawryluk Jodie R. , Beyea Steven D. , Hajra Sujoy Ghosh , Feindel Kirk W. , Clarke David B. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryFunctional imaging has potential for tracking changes in cognition during the onset and evolution of epilepsy. Although the concept of imaging such changes over time is an exciting new direction, feasibility remains an open question. The current article outlines a case example in which functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and event‐related potentials (ERPs) were used to monitor memory changes before and after selective temporal lobe resection. From this example, three key methodologic challenges for new‐onset epilepsy are identified and discussed. The first challenge relates to the interpretation of results in regions near epileptogenic tissue. We argue that this is best addressed by collecting information from multiple modalities to test for convergent evidence. The second challenge relates to optimizing the methods for sensitivity to detecting changes. In this case, enhanced imaging methods and a region‐of‐interest approach provide necessary focus. The third and final challenge relates to the practical difficulties of conducting research in new‐onset epilepsy cases. We suggest that greater integration of imaging research within the clinical setting is needed.
High positive antibody titers and adverse pregnancy outcome in women with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: SIMCHEN MICHAL J. , DULITZKI MORDECHAI , ROFE GUY , SHANI HAGIT , LANGEVITZ PNINA , SCHIFF EYAL , PAUZNER RACHEL 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjective. To investigate whether in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), high positive antibody titers are associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. Design. A retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data. Setting. Sheba Medical Center, Israel, a tertiary referral center. Population sample. Pregnant women with APS. Methods. Anticardiolipin, a‐β2‐glycoprotein I antibodies, and lupus anticoagulant were measured before pregnancy. Women were divided into those with antibody titers >four times the upper limit of normal (high positive titer, HPT group), and the rest, into the positive titer (PT) group. All women were treated with daily enoxaparin and aspirin. Main outcome measures. Composite adverse fetal/neonatal outcome, defined as one or more of the following: fetal/neonatal loss, preterm birth ≤32 weeks, and birthweight below than 10th percentile. Composite adverse fetal/neonatal outcome was compared between the HPT and PT groups. Maternal adverse outcomes were also compared. Results. 51 women with APS were followed during 55 pregnancies, 20 in the HPT and 35 in the PT groups. The two groups were similar with regard to previous obstetric and clinical characteristics. Among HPT women, only 7/20 (35%) pregnancies culminated in appropriately grown, live‐born infants >32 weeks’ gestation, compared with 27/35 (77%) PT pregnancies. The risk of adverse fetal/neonatal outcome was 5.7 times higher (95%CI 1.9–17.7) for HPT than for PT women. Conclusions. Pregnant women with APS and high positive antiphospholipid antibody titers are a unique and extremely high risk group for adverse fetal/neonatal outcome. Stricter surveillance and possibly additional therapy options should be explored for this patient population.
Chronic actinic dermatitis in Asian skin: a Singaporean experience
Authors: Tan Aaron Wei‐Min , Lim Kar‐Seng , Theng Colin , Chong Wei‐Sheng 
Published: July 2011

Background/purpose: To study the characteristics of chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) in a heterogeneous group of Singaporean patients.Methods: The photobiologicial features of all patients phototested and diagnosed with CAD from January 2005 to December 2009 were examined retrospectively.Results: Fifty‐eight patients were diagnosed as having CAD. The mean age at diagnosis was 62 years (range 35–83). Forty‐one were (70.7%) Chinese, six (10.3%) Indians, eight (13.8%) Malays, and three (5.2%) Others. Forty‐seven were (81.0%) male and 11 (19.0%) were female. Forty‐nine (84.5%) had Fitzpatrick skin phototype IV and nine (15.5%) had phototype V. Three of 26 (11.5%) tested for human immunodeficiency virus were positive. The face, neck, and forearms were most commonly affected. Thirty‐two patients (55.2%) had reduced minimal erythema dose (MED) to both ultraviolet B (UVB)and ultraviolet A (UVA), 23 patients (39.7%) had lowered MED to UVB only, while three (5.1%) had reduced MED to UVA only. Patients were followed up for a mean of 16.8 months. All were treated with photoprotection and topical steroids; however, a few required oral immunosuppression with partial improvement.Conclusion: In Singapore, CAD was seen more commonly in elderly Chinese males of Fitzpatrick skin phototype IV. Reduced MED to both UVB and UVA was the most common phototest finding.
A randomized clinical comparative study of cryotherapy plus photodynamic therapy vs. cryotherapy in the treatment of multiple condylomata acuminata
Authors: Mi Xia , Chai Wangxing , Zheng Heyi , Zuo Ya‐Gang , Li Jun 
Published: July 2011

Background: Cryotherapy cannot destroy subclinical human papillomavirus‐infected cells of condylomata acuminata (CA). The topical application of aminolevulinic acid (ALA) results in a shallow penetration depth in CA lesions (1).Objectives: To compare the efficacy and safety of cryotherapy plus ALA‐photodynamic therapy (PDT) with cryotherapy in the treatment of multiple CA.Methods: Eighty patients with multiple CA received cryotherapy plus ALA‐PDT (n=40) or cryotherapy plus placebo‐PDT (n=40). After cryotherapy, a 20% ALA or a placebo solution was applied to the CA area 3 h before illumination with red light (635 nm, 100 mW/cm2, 100 J/cm2). The treatment was repeated 7 days after the first treatment if the lesions were not completely resolved. The complete response rate, recurrence rate and adverse effects in the two groups were analyzed.Results: After two treatments, the complete response rates in the combined group (cryotherapy plus ALA‐PDT) and cryotherapy group were 32.4% (36/111) and 32.6% (43/132) in the anal area (P>0.05), 100% (32/32) and 54.5% (18/33) in the urethral meatus (P<0.05), and 94.2% (129/137) and 50.5% (56/111) in the external genitals (P<0.05), respectively. The recurrence rates in the combined group and cryotherapy group were 24.3% (27/111) and 31.1% (41/132) in the anal area (P>0.05), 9.4% (3/32) and 39.4% (13/33) in the urethral meatus (P<0.05), and 3.6% (5/137) and 31.5% (35/111) in the external genitals (P<0.05), respectively. The adverse effects in each group included mild to moderate pain, edema, erosion and hypopigmentation, without any infection, ulcers, scarring or urethral malformations.Conclusion: Cryotherapy plus ALA‐PDT is a more effective regimen for the treatment of multiple CA compared with cryotherapy alone.
311 nm ultraviolet B‐accelerated response of psoriatic lesions in adalimumab‐treated patients
Authors: Wolf Peter , Hofer Angelika , Weger Wolfgang , Posch‐Fabian Timea , Gruber‐Wackernagel Alexandra , Legat Franz J. 
Published: July 2011

Background: Treatment with the tumor necrosis factor‐alpha antibody adalimumab for 12–16 weeks produces a satisfactory response [i.e., 75% reduction in psoriasis area and severity index (PASI)] in a majority (70–80%) of patients with psoriasis. We asked whether 311 nm ultraviolet B (UVB) can improve therapeutic response of psoriatic lesions to adalimumab.Methods: Four patients (age range, 49–67 years) with moderate to severe plaque‐type psoriasis were treated with standard dosage of adalimumab. During adalimumab therapy, a randomly selected body half (left or right, excluding the head) was irradiated with 311 nm UVB three times weekly for 6 weeks. Treatment response was monitored weekly in terms of half‐body PASI.Results: 311 nm UVB significantly accelerated the therapeutic response during adalimumab treatment. At the start of 311 nm UVB therapy, the mean PASI was 14.8. After 6 weeks of 311 nm UVB therapy, the mean PASI was 2.0 on UV‐irradiated body halves and 6.9 on non‐irradiated body halves (difference, 4.9; 95% confidence interval, 0.4–9.4; P=0.041; 2‐tailed paired t‐test). This corresponded to an overall mean PASI reduction from baseline (i.e., adalimumab start) of 86% on UV‐irradiated body halves vs. 53% on non‐irradiated body halves.Conclusion: 311 nm UVB may accelerate and improve the clearance of psoriatic lesions in adalimumab‐treated patients.
Parental perspective on sun protection for young children in Bavaria
Authors: Li Jiang , Uter Wolfgang , Pfahlberg Annette , Gefeller Olaf 
Published: July 2011

Background: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the most important modifiable risk factor for skin cancer. Parents are responsible for sun protection of their young children and thus their knowledge and attitudes should be assessed.Methods: A survey that included 2619 children aged 3–6 years (response: 64.7%) was performed in Erlangen during 2001/2002. Parents' attitude, knowledge and behavior regarding sun protection were ascertained by using a self‐administered questionnaire. Demographic and photosensitivity data of the children were recorded, along with the UV radiation‐related outcomes.Results: Most parents correctly recognized the risk factors of skin cancer, except the intermittent and intensive sun exposure. Nevertheless, most parents also agreed with statements regarding sun‐ and tanning related beauty and well‐being. The overwhelming majority of parents stressed the necessity of sun protection for their children; however, 50% of the children experienced some form of solar radiation injury during the preceding summer. Children eagerly pursued outdoor activities, especially boys compared with girls (P<0.01). A gender difference was also apparent, with boys showing more willingness to wear hats than girls (P<0.01).Conclusion: The relatively high level of knowledge was in contrast to a prevalent attitude of regarding sunlight as enhancing health and well‐being. This may hamper UV radiation avoidance strategies. Thus, future campaigns should not only address preventive knowledge but also focus on associated attitudes to effectively modify the behavior.
Ginsenoside Rb1, Rg1 and three extracts of traditional Chinese medicine attenuate ultraviolet B‐induced G1 growth arrest in HaCaT cells and dermal fibroblasts involve down‐regulating the expression of p16, p21 and p53
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Yong , Wang Yun‐Gui , Wang Yan‐Fei 
Published: July 2011

Objective: The aims of this study were to confirm whether traditional Chinese medicine ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1), ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), polygonum multiflorum (PM), ginkgo extract (GE) and lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) can attenuate G1 growth arrest of HaCaT cells and dermal fibroblasts induced by 10 subcytotoxic ultraviolet B (UVB) exposures, and to explore the possible mechanism in terms of the expression of cell‐cycle regulatory proteins p16, p21 and p53.Methods: Ten subcytotoxic exposures to UVB induced G1 growth arrest of HaCaT cells and dermal fibroblasts. Cell‐cycle analysis was performed using flow cytometry, and mRNA levels of p16, p21 and p53 were detected by a reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), and protein levels were detected using Western blot analysis.Results: Five types of traditional Chinese medicine attenuated UVB‐induced G1 growth arrest. The mRNA and protein levels of p16, p21 and p53 in HaCaT cells and dermal fibroblasts increased after UVB irradiation, but pretreatment with five types of traditional Chinese medicine decreased the expression of p16, p21 and p53.Conclusions: These results indicated that five types of traditional Chinese medicine can attenuate G1 growth arrest of HaCaT cells and dermal fibroblasts induced by UVB exposures, which was caused by down‐regulating the expression of cell‐cycle regulatory proteins p16, p21 and p53.
Time of initiation of skin‐to‐skin contact in extremely preterm infants in Sweden
Authors: Mörelius Evalotte , Angelhoff Charlotte , Eriksson Jennie , Olhager Elisabeth 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAim:  To describe the time of first skin‐to‐skin contact in extremely preterm infants in a national perspective and to investigate possible factors affecting the time of first skin‐to‐skin contact.Methods:  A population‐based prospective descriptive study of extremely preterm infants (n = 520) in seven regional hospitals in Sweden.Results:  Extremely preterm infants in Sweden experience first skin‐to‐skin contact with the parent at a median of six postnatal days (range 0–44). Low gestational age, a high score on the clinical risk index for babies, and the number of days on a ventilator tended to delay first skin‐to‐skin contact. A statistically significant difference was also found between regional hospitals.Conclusion:  There is a difference in the time of first skin‐to‐skin contact based on the infant’s medical condition and the tradition in the neonatal intensive care unit at the regional hospital where the infant is born.
The effect of olfactory stimulation on energy expenditure in growing preterm infants
Authors: Marom Ronella , Shedlisker‐Kening Tamar , Mimouni Francis B. , Lubetzky Ronit , Dollberg Shaul , Berger Irit , Mandel Dror 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAim:  To test the hypothesis that olfactory stimulation in growing healthy preterm infants leads to an increase in resting energy expenditure (REE).Design:  A prospective, randomized clinical trial with crossover was conducted in 20 healthy, appropriate weights for gestational age, gavage‐fed preterm infants. Infants were studied while asleep and cared for in a skin servo‐controlled convective incubator. Using a pipette, 15 drops of saturated solution of vanillin (Aldrich, Fallavier, France) were dripped to a cloth diaper that was placed on the opposite side of the incubator. REE was measured by indirect calorimetry (DeltaTrac II, Helsinki, Finland) exactly 1 h after feeding. Each infant was studied twice by randomization: after a period of 20 min of vanillin odour or after 20 min without vanillin odour.Results:  We found no statistically significant difference in REE of preterm infants when exposed to vanillin odour (74.5 ± 10.1 kcal/kg/day) in comparison with their REE when not exposed to vanillin odour (79.0 ± 11.3 kcal/kg/day).Conclusions:  Vanillin odour does not significantly influence REE in metabolically and thermally stable preterm infants.
Course and prognostic factors of disability in community‐dwelling older people with mild disability: The Rotterdam Study
Authors: Taş Ümit , Verhagen Arianne P , Bierma‐Zeinstra Sita MA , Hofman Albert , Pols Huib AP , Koes Bart W 
Published: July 2011

Aim:  To study the prognosis of disability of community‐dwelling older people with mild disability at baseline.Methods:  We used data from the Rotterdam Study: a community‐based prospective cohort study of community‐dwelling older people. We evaluated sociodemographic factors, lifestyle variables, health conditions and disability status at baseline and follow‐up after 6 years. Disability was defined as a score on the Health Assessment Questionnaire.Results:  At baseline the population consisted of 1166 older people with mild disability with a mean age of 69.7 (55–93) years. At follow‐up 18% of the study population recovered from mild disability, 20% stayed mildly disabled, 31% became severely disabled, while 32% were deceased. At follow‐up relatively more men died while more women had a worsened disability. Age and income were predictors of disability decrease. Alcohol use seemed to be significantly protective against death.Conclusion:  Just a few prognostic factors appeared to be related to disability 6 years later.
The shocking transit of WASP-12b: modelling the observed early ingress in the near-ultraviolet
Authors: Llama J. , Wood K. , Jardine M. , Vidotto A. A. , Helling Ch. , Fossati L. , Haswell C. A. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Near-ultraviolet (near-UV) observations of WASP-12b have revealed an early ingress compared to the optical transit light curve. This has been interpreted as due to the presence of a magnetospheric bow shock which forms when the relative velocity of the planetary and stellar material is supersonic. We aim to reproduce this observed early ingress by modelling the stellar wind (or coronal plasma) in order to derive the speed and density of the material at the planetary orbital radius. From this, we determine the orientation of the shock and the density of compressed plasma behind it. With this model for the density structure surrounding the planet we perform Monte Carlo radiation transfer simulations of the near-UV transits of WASP-12b with or without bow shock. We find that we can reproduce the transit light curves with a wide range of plasma temperatures, shock geometries and optical depths. Our results support the hypothesis that a bow shock could explain the observed early ingress.
Is impedance pH monitoring superior to the conventional 24‐h pH meter in the evaluation of patients with laryngorespiratory symptoms suspected to be due to gastroesophageal reflux disease?
Authors: ANG Daphne , ANG Tiing Leong , TEO Eng Kiong , HSU Pon Poh , TEE Augustine , POH Choo Hean , TAN Jessica , ONG Jeannie , FOCK Kwong Ming 
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE:  Cough and laryngo‐pharyngeal symptoms (LPS) are associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The role of acid reflux (AR) and non‐acid reflux (NAR) in atypical GERD pathogenesis is controversial. The aims of the study were to determine the prevalence of high esophageal acid exposure time (AET) in patients presenting with cough or LPS and determine the incremental yield of multichannel intraluminal impedance–pH (MII‐pH) monitoring.METHODS:  We undertook a prospective study of patients with cough or LPS referred for GERD evaluation between January 2009 and May 2011. All patients underwent esophageal manometry, gastroscopy and MII‐pH. Patients' characteristics, gastroscopy findings, distal esophageal AET, bolus exposure (BE) time and numbers of AR and NAR episodes in the proximal and distal esophagus were studied.RESULTS:  Overall 50 patients (22 male, mean age 47.5 ± 14.2 years) were evaluated for unexplained chronic cough (n = 23, 46.0%), and LPS symptoms including globus (n = 10, 20.0%), sore throat (n = 12, 24.0%) and hoarse voice (n = 5, 10.0%). A normal gastroscopy, Los Angeles grade A and B esophagitis occurred in 44 (88.0%), 5 (10.0%) and 1 (2.0%) patient, respectively. Seven (14.0%) recorded elevated AET (chronic cough, 4; sore throat, 2; and hoarse voice, 1). Nine patients recorded abnormal impedance characteristics (raised BE time and/or increased reflux numbers) despite a normal AET leading to an incremental diagnostic yield of 18%.CONCLUSION:  An isolated high AET is uncommon in patients with cough or LPS. Combined MII‐pH improves the diagnostic yield in patients with atypical GERD manifestations.
UBE3A regulates MC1R expression: a link to hypopigmentation in Angelman syndrome
Authors: Low Daren , Chen Ken‐Shiung 
Published: July 2011

SummaryAngelman syndrome (AS) is a neurogenetic disorder caused by the lack of functional ubiquitin‐protein ligase E3A (UBE3A) that acts as an E3 ligase in the ubiquitin‐proteosomal degradation pathway and/or as a transcriptional coactivator. Besides neurological deficit, hypopigmentation is another phenotype associated with AS patients currently attributed to the hemizygosity of the type II oculocutaneous albinism (OCA2) gene. Here we show that the melanocortin‐1‐receptor (MC1R) is down‐regulated in the skin of the Ube3a(−/−) mice. Luciferase‐reporter assay shows that UBE3A is able to induce MC1R promoter activity. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, Ube3a was observed to be physically associated with the Mc1r promoter. Deletion of the E box/SP1 element in the MC1R minimal promoter abolishes the ability of UBE3A to elevate MC1R promoter‐luciferase reporter activity. Ube3a(−/−) mice also show relative skin hypopigmentation. These results demonstrate that UBE3A plays a role in MC1R transcriptional regulation which can contribute to the development of hypopigmentation in AS patients.
Recent advances in bacteriophage therapy: how delivery routes, formulation, concentration and timing influence the success of phage therapy
Authors: Ryan Elizabeth M , Gorman Sean P , Donnelly Ryan F , Gilmore Brendan F 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Objectives
Bacteriophages are bacteria-specific viruses that infect and, in the case of obligately lytic phages, destroy their host bacteria. Phage therapy has been used therapeutically to combat bacterial infections since their discovery. This paper reviewed recent in-vivo phage therapy studies, with a distinct focus on the effect of delivery routes, phage concentration and timing of administration on the success of the therapy.

Key findings
It was found that the most successful route of administration for the treatment of systemic infections was via the parenteral route. Oral delivery is mainly used to treat gastrointestinal infections. However, in some cases phages can also reach the systemic circulation. Local delivery (skin, ears, teeth) has proved extremely successful in the treatment of topical infections, as has the inhalation of phages for the treatment of lung infections. The ability of phages to prevent biofilm formation on medical devices has received much attention, mainly in the area of catheter coatings. This review also highlights areas in which phage therapy needs substantial development. Many papers were lacking in formulation details, with crude phage stocks being used in most cases. No phage stability data were included in any of the papers.

Summary
The review concluded that although phage therapy is an excellent alternative for the treatment of bacterial infections, optimisation of formulations and long-term stability data is required before it can be widely used within a clinical setting.