bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Schistosoma haematobium infection levels determine the effect of praziquantel treatment on anti‐schistosome and anti‐mite antibodies
Authors: RUJENI N. , NAUSCH N. , MIDZI N. , MDULUZA T. , TAYLOR D. W. , MUTAPI F. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryField studies show an association between schistosome infection and atopy, but the effects of anti‐helminthic treatment on this association have not yet been investigated in human populations with different schistosome endemicity levels. This study aimed to compare the effects of anti‐helminthic treatment on responses directed against the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Derp1) and Schistosoma haematobium in Zimbabwean populations living in high and low schistosome infection areas. Derp1‐ and schistosome‐specific IgE and IgG4 antibodies were quantified by ELISA before and 6 weeks after anti‐helminthic treatment. Following treatment, there were changes in the immune responses, which varied with place of residence. After allowing for the effects of sex, age and baseline infection intensity, there was no significant treatment effect on the change in anti‐schistosome IgE and IgG4 in the high infection area. However, the anti‐schistosome IgE/IgG4 ratio increased significantly, while anti‐Derp1 IgE responses decreased as a result of treatment. In the low infection area, treatment resulted in a significant increase in anti‐worm IgE levels, but there was no significant treatment effect on anti‐schistosome or anti‐Derp1 IgE/IgG4 ratios. Thus, the study shows that the level of schistosome endemicity affects the host responses to schistosome and mite antigens following anti‐helminthic treatment.
Evaluation of cardiac manifestations in pediatric liver transplant candidates
Authors: Madan Nitin , Arnon Ronen , Arnon Rica 
Published: March 2012

Madan N, Arnon R, Arnon R. Evaluation of cardiac manifestations in pediatric liver transplant candidates.Abstract:  Knowledge concerning the involvement of the cardiovascular system in children awaiting liver transplant is limited. Therefore, no guidelines have been established on evaluating this group of patients for cardiac disease. This review examines the diverse cardiovascular manifestations of liver disease in children. We also discuss the available testing and its applicability in screening for cardiac disease in this vulnerable population.
Clinical evaluation of hemorrhagic gastroduodenal ulcer in the elderly: Is Helicobacter pylori infection a risk factor for hemorrhage?
Authors: Domon Kaoru , Hirano Naoki , Otsuka Takafumi , Fujitsuka Yoshinori , Takeuchi Motoi , Kikuchi Yoshinori , Nakano Shigeru , Igarashi Yoshinori 
Published: March 2012

Aim:  In this study, the aim was to determine the demographic characteristics of elderly patients with gastroduodenal ulcer who had undergone endoscopic hemostasis by comparing them with younger patients.Methods:  A total of 353 patients with Forrest class I–IIa hemorrhagic gastroduodenal ulcer who underwent endoscopic hemostasis at our hospital between December 2004 and May 2010 were divided into two groups: one for those 75 years or older (old‐old group; n = 71; age ≥75 years) and one for those younger than 75 years (younger group; n = 282; age <75 years). Then, their demographic characteristics were compared.Results:  There were significantly more female patients, patients with underlying chronic renal failure and patients using non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in the old‐old group than in the younger group. In addition, the prevalence of open‐type atrophy in the background gastric mucosa was significantly higher in the old‐old group. Although more than half the patients in each group were infected with Helicobacter pylori, the prevalence was significantly higher in the younger group. Of the patients who underwent endoscopic hemostasis only once, those in the old‐old group constituted a significantly higher medical cost than those in the younger group. Comparison of deaths between the two groups revealed that the old‐old patients were more likely to develop severe complications associated with hematemesis, such as aspiration pneumonia.Conclusions:  The observed lower prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among the elderly patients compared to the younger patients with hemorrhagic gastroduodenal ulcer suggests that other factors, such as non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs use and chronic renal failure, predispose the elderly to hemorrhagic ulcer.
Lost and Found: Selfhood and Subjectivity in Love
Authors: Kronqvist Camilla 
Published: March 2012

AbstractSartre's conception of bad faith suggests that every desire to be someone in love is self‐deceptive in the attempt to define my factual being. Departing from İlham Dilman's discussion of personal identity, I argue that this view on selfhood is inattentive to the kind of personal and moral reflection inherent in asking who I am. There is a temptation in love to deceive myself and you by renouncing responsibility. Yet the concept also embodies demands that allow me to continuously shape myself into a loving subject by scrutinising my responses and by asking whether they are expressive of love or not.
STEM CELL TOURISM AND FUTURE STEM CELL TOURISTS: POLICY AND ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS
Authors: EINSIEDEL EDNA F. , ADAMSON HANNAH 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTStem cell tourism is a small but growing part of the thriving global medical tourism marketplace. Much stem cell research remains at the experimental stage, with clinical trials still uncommon. However, there are over 700 clinics estimated to be operating in mostly developing countries – from Costa Rica and Argentina to China, India and Russia – that have lured many patients, mostly from industrialized countries, driven by desperation and hope, which in turn continue to fuel the growth of such tourism.While much research has focused on such dimensions as the promotions that allow such businesses to make their services known, media coverage, some patient research, and regulatory conditions for developing country clinics, little attention has been paid to the non‐affected members of the general population, the future potential users of such services. This empirical study based on five focus group discussions with a diverse group of healthy adults in a Canadian city, explored participant views of patients who use stem cell tourism services, the likelihood they would avail themselves of such services if they were to suffer similar illnesses, and the conditions under which they might do so, and the impact that admonitions and advice from international expert bodies might have on their decisions. Our findings suggest that these healthy adults are sympathetic to the drivers of hope and desperation, and, despite cautions about research limitations, may seek such treatments themselves under similar conditions. These findings are discussed in the context of the policy and ethical issues raised by this form of medical tourism.
An Image Processing Approach for Blind Mobility Facilitated Through Visual Intracortical Stimulation
Authors: Mohammadi Hossein Mahvash , Ghafar‐Zadeh Ebrahim , Sawan Mohamad 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis article presents an image processing approach dedicated for a blind mobility aid facilitated through visual intracortical electrical stimulation. The method examines a display framework based on the distances related to a scene. The distances of objects to the walker are measured using a size perspective method which uses only one camera without any occlusion effect. The method extracts the information of the closest object to the camera and transfers a sense of distance to a blind walker. The proposed image processing method can estimate the distances of objects within 7.5 m of the walker, and alert the presence of the closest object to the person. This new method offers the advantages of information reduction and scene understanding suitable for visual prosthesis.
Predictors of seizures during pregnancy in women with epilepsy
Authors: Thomas Sanjeev V. , Syam Unnikrishnan , Devi J. Sucharitha 
Published: March 2012

SummaryWe aimed to characterize the seizure pattern during pregnancy in a large cohort of women with epilepsy (WWE) and identify possible predictors of seizure relapse during pregnancy. We recorded the antiepileptic drug (AED) use and seizure frequency for WWE during the prepregnancy month and pregnancy. The seizure profile was correlated with the clinical details and seizure type as abstracted from the clinical records maintained in the registry. Of the 1,297 pregnancies in WWE with complete seizure data, 47.8% were seizure‐free during pregnancy. Seizure relapse was highest during the three peripartum days. Women with partial seizures‐had higher risk of relapse (odds ratio [OR] 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–2.0) than those with generalized seizures. They had two peaks of seizure relapse (second to third month and sixth month). Those with generalized seizures had one peak at first trimester. Those who were on polytherapy had increased risk of seizures (OR 2.98, 95% CI 2.3–3.9) when compared to those on monotherapy. Those who had seizures in the prepregnancy month had higher risk (OR 15, 95% CI 9–25.1) of seizures during pregnancy when compared to those who were seizure‐free during that period. On multiple logistic regression, prepregnancy seizure was the most important predictor of seizures during pregnancy.
The urinary safety profile and secondary renal effects of retigabine (ezogabine): A first‐in‐class antiepileptic drug that targets KCNQ (Kv7) potassium channels
Authors: Brickel Neil , Gandhi Paul , VanLandingham Kevan , Hammond Janet , DeRossett Sarah 
Published: March 2012

SummaryRetigabine (RTG; international nonproprietary name)/ezogabine (EZG; North American adopted name), a first‐in‐class antiepileptic drug (AED) that reduces neuronal excitability primarily by enhancing the activity of KCNQ2/3 (Kv7.2/7.3) potassium channels, has recently been approved by the European Medicines Agency and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as adjunctive therapy in adults with partial‐onset seizures. Much of the RTG/EZG safety profile will be familiar to health care professionals who are experienced with the clinical use of AEDs. RTG/EZG, as a potassium channel opener, also has a pharmacologic effect on smooth muscle of the urinary bladder. Consequently, the adverse event (AE) profile of RTG/EZG includes a potential risk of effects on the urinary system. This review summarizes the urinary safety profile and any secondary renal effects of RTG/EZG using data from patients in the pivotal controlled trials and the overall phase 2/3 clinical development program. Urinary AEs were reported more frequently in patients receiving RTG/EZG compared with placebo, although most patients were able to continue with treatment. Specifically, there is an increased risk of urinary retention with RTG/EZG, with urinary hesitation representing the most frequently reported urinary retention‐related AE. Potential secondary renal effects, which may be caused by an inability to empty the bladder, were evaluated. Crystals with a bilirubin‐like appearance were detected in the urine of patients receiving RTG/EZG. Although investigations indicated that these crystals were not bilirubin, their composition remains undetermined. There was no causal association with urinary tract infections, and nephrolithiasis was uncommon. The reported clinical effects of RTG/EZG are consistent with its documented effects on bladder smooth muscle in preclinical studies. RTG/EZG should be used with caution in patients at risk of urinary retention.
Preventing Delirium in Older Adults with Recent Hip Fracture Through Multidisciplinary Geriatric Consultation
Authors: Deschodt Mieke , Braes Tom , Flamaing Johan , Detroyer Elke , Broos Paul , Haentjens Patrick , Boonen Steven , Milisen Koen 
Published: March 2012

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of inpatient geriatric consultation teams (IGCTs), which have been introduced to improve the quality of care of older persons hospitalized on nongeriatric wards, on delirium and overall cognitive functioning in older adults with hip fracture.DesignControlled trial.SettingTwo trauma wards in a university hospital setting.ParticipantsOne‐hundred seventy‐one people with hip fracture aged 65 and older assigned to a multidisciplinary geriatric intervention (n = 94) or usual care (n = 77).MeasurementsIncidence and duration of delirium were measured using the Confusion Assessment Method, severity of delirium using the Delirium Index, and cognitive status using the 12‐item Mini‐Mental State Examination.ResultsSignificantly more controls (53.2%; n = 41) than intervention group participants (37.2%; n = 35; P = .04; odds ratio (OR) = 1.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–3.54) were delirious at any point after surgery. No significant difference was found between the groups for duration or severity of delirium episodes. The proportion of participants with cognitive decline at discharge was higher in controls than in those assigned to geriatric intervention (38.7% vs 22.6%; P = .02; OR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.10–4.24).ConclusionDelirium episodes and cognitive decline during hospitalization were found to be common in older adults with hip fracture, as expected, but an IGCT intervention reduced the incidence of these adverse outcomes. In participants who developed delirium, a geriatric consultation had no effect on severity or duration of the delirium episode.
Family History of Exceptional Longevity Is Associated with Lower Serum Uric Acid Levels in Ashkenazi Jews
Authors: Lai Jennifer Yi‐Chun , Atzmon Gil , Melamed Michal L. , Hostetter Thomas H. , Crandall Jill P. , Barzilai Nir , Bitzer Markus 
Published: March 2012

ObjectivesTo test whether lower serum uric acid (UA) levels are associated with longevity independent of renal function.DesignCross‐sectional cohort study.SettingAshkenazi Jewish individuals with exceptional longevity (Longevity Genes Project at Albert Einstein College of Medicine).ParticipantsLong‐lived individuals (LLI) of Ashkenazi Jewish ethnicity (mean age ± standard deviation 97.7 ± 2.9, n = 365), their offspring (mean age ± standard deviation 68.2 ± 8.2, n = 593) and controls (without family history of longevity, mean age ± standard deviation 72.5 ± 9.9, n = 356).MeasurementsAssociation between UA levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as well as chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage, and correlation of UA levels of LLI and offspring were determined. Because LLI lack an appropriate control group, UA levels, eGFR, and prevalence of hyperuricemia and CKD stages were compared between offspring and controls.ResultsOffspring were less likely to have hyperuricemia and had lower UA levels than controls. Despite negative correlation between UA levels and eGFR and positive correlation between UA levels and CKD stages, eGFR and the prevalence of CKD stage III to V were not found to be different between offspring and controls. Furthermore, significant association between UA levels in LLI and their offspring (β estimate 0.1544, 95% confidence interval = 0.08–0.23, P < .001) has been observed.ConclusionOffspring had lower UA levels than controls despite similar renal function, suggesting that other factors such as UA metabolism or renal tubular transport determine UA levels. The association between UA levels and longevity is particularly intriguing because UA levels are potentially modifiable with diet and drugs.
Effect of Low Frequency Electric Field Parameters on Chain Formation of ZnO Nanoparticles for Gas Sensing Applications
Authors: Ghashghaie Sasan , Marzbanrad Ehsan , Raissi Babak , Zamani Cyrus , Riahifar Reza 
Published: March 2012

In present study, the effect of low frequency electric field parameters on pearl chain formation (PCF) behavior of ZnO nanoparticles was investigated using co‐planar electrodes. The optical microscopy images of the deposition patterns obtained at the frequency range of 1 Hz–10 kHz revealed that below 10 kHz, Coulomb force, unsteady‐state fluid flow and Alternating‐electro‐osmotic phenomenon dominate the deposition process preventing directional assembly of particles into chains. However, at 10 kHz the ZnO nanoparticles were observed to form chainlike patterns along the electric field lines bridging the interelectrode gap which was attributed to the dielectrophoresis force. The optimized PCF conditions were then employed to fabricate a CO gas sensor which showed a clear response to the target gas at 400°C, 450°C and 500°C. The porous layer obtained at 10 kHz also showed higher response to 3–17 ppm of NO2 at 250°C–500°C which was attributed to easier gas flow through the layer and more reaction area compared with the dense film made using the sedimentation technique.
High‐Level Methodologies to Evaluate Naval Task Groups
Authors: MARTENS RANDY , REMPEL MARK 
Published: March 2012

AbstractDefense organizations within many nations (e.g., United States and Canada), use capability‐based planning (CBP) to guide their force development processes. A key element of the CBP process is testing current and proposed capabilities against force planning scenarios, particularly for asset evaluation. This analysis involves a wide range of capabilities, and thus is a multicriteria problem. Comparison of alternatives using multiple criteria is challenging, and often is assisted by aggregation techniques. Set in a naval context, this paper presents three high‐level capability aggregation techniques: the vector method, star plot method, and wedge method. Each method aggregates naval task group capabilities, with respect to a scenario, into three quantifiable measures: effectiveness, unmatched, and unused. As with numerous techniques, the effectiveness gauges the ability of a task group to meet a set of scenario requirements. The unmatched and unused measures yield insight into capability gaps, which is an important aspect of CBP. The unmatched metric measures scenario requirements that are not provided by a task group and the unused metric measures task group capabilities that are not required by a scenario. An application of the methods is presented, including a discussion of their strengths and weaknesses. Based on this work, it is concluded that the vector method is the best of the three presented.
Biologics in oral medicine: principles of use and practical considerations
Authors: O’Neill ID , Scully C 
Published: March 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 525–536Biologic therapies are relatively innovative treatments aimed at modulating lymphocytes or cytokines. There are currently three broad classes of biologic therapies, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha inhibitors, lymphocyte modulators and interleukin inhibitors; all are increasingly used in the treatment of inflammatory immune‐mediated conditions, and several have potential applications in oral medicine. Guidelines for their use in licensed indications (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease) include recommendations and guidance for patient selection and subsequent monitoring with discussion of potential adverse effects. An understanding of these is important when managing patients receiving biologic therapy for systemic disease, and compliance is essential in any use in oral medicine. Key aspects of current guidance are presented with particular emphasis on their relevance to clinicians working within oral and maxillofacial medicine/pathology/surgery and in specialist practice.
Gene therapy approaches for lysosomal storage disorders, a good model for the treatment of mendelian diseases
Authors: Tomanin Rosella , Zanetti Alessandra , Zaccariotto Eva , D’Avanzo Francesca , Bellettato Cinzia M , Scarpa Maurizio 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis review describes the different gene therapy technologies applied to approach lysosomal storage disorders, monogenic conditions, with known genetic and biochemical defects, for many of which animal models are available. Both viral and nonviral procedures are described, underlying the specific needs that the treatment of genetic disorders requires.Conclusions:  Lysosomal storage disorders represent a good model of study of gene therapeutic procedures that are, or could be, relevant to the treatment of several other mendelian diseases.
A Case-Control Analysis on the Association Between Erectile Dysfunction and Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Taiwan
Authors: Keller Joseph J. , Chen Yi-Kuang , Lin Herng-Ching 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Although the cause of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is yet to be elucidated, many theories have been proposed regarding potentially contributory etiologies. One increasingly well-supported theory purports an underlying vascular pathomechanism. If this is the case, SSNHL may also associate with conditions comorbid with vascular diseases, such as erectile dysfunction (ED). However, no studies to date have investigated the association between ED and SSNHL.

Aim
This study set out to estimate a putative association between ED and having been previously diagnosed with SSNHL using a population-based dataset with a case-control design.

Methods
This study used administrative claim data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance program. We identified 4,504 patients with ED as the study group and randomly selected 22,520 patients as the comparison group. Conditional logistic regression was used to examine the association between ED and having previously received a diagnosis of SSNHL.

Main Outcome Measure
The prevalence and risk of SSNHL between cases and controls were calculated.

Results
Of the sampled patients, 41 (0.15%) had been diagnosed with SSNHL before the index date; 22 (0.49% of the cases) were from the study group and 19 (0.08% of controls) were from the control group. Conditional logistic regression analysis revealed that after adjusting for the patient’s monthly income, geographic location, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, obesity, and alcohol abuse/alcohol dependence syndrome status, patients with ED were more likely than controls to have been diagnosed with SSNHL before the index date (odds ratio = 6.06, 95% confidence interval = 3.25–11.29).

Conclusions
There was an association between ED and prior SSNHL. The results of this study add to the evidence supporting an underlying vascular pathomechanism regarding the development of SSNHL and highlight a need for clinicians dealing with SSNHL patients to be alert to the development of ED.