bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Silk Flow-Diverting Stent in the Endovascular Treatment of Complex Intracranial Aneurysms: Technical Aspects and Midterm Results in 24 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Tähtinen Olli I. , Manninen Hannu I. , Vanninen Ritva L. , Seppänen Janne , Niskakangas Tero , Rinne Jaakko , Keski-Nisula Leo 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background:
The flow-diverting stent is a new option in endovascular therapy specifically designed for the endovascular reconstruction of a segmentally diseased artery. The safety of flow-diverting stents is still equivocal.

Objective:
To evaluate the technical aspects, thromboembolic events, adjunctive therapies, and midterm results in patients with complex intracranial aneurysms treated with a flow-diverting stent (Silk; Balt Extrusion, Montmorency, France).

Methods:
We retrospectively examined angiographic images and clinical reports of 24 consecutive patients (29 stents) treated (n = 23) or attempted to treat (n = 1) with a flow-diverting device in 2 Finnish centers between March 2009 and October 2010.

Results:
The primary technical success rate was 67% (16/24). Adjunctive therapies were required in 6 (25%) patients, including 4 cases where intra-arterial abciximab was administered for the treatment of intraprocedural thromboembolic events. Technique-related complication rate and the 30-day mortality rate were each 4% (1/24). Follow-up imaging revealed 1 case of delayed in-stent thrombosis resulting in permanent disability of the patient, 1 asymptomatic occlusion, and 1 asymptomatic stenosis of the stented artery. Complete occlusion of the aneurysm with fully patent parent artery was observed in 16 of the 23 aneurysms (70%) where follow-up images were available.

Conclusion:
Many previously untreatable cerebral aneurysms may be successfully treated with the Silk flow-diverting stent, but the associated risk of thromboembolic events is justifiable only if conventional endovascular or surgical treatment options are not applicable. Perioperative thromboembolic events should be prepared for and treated without unnecessary delays because they frequently respond to adjunctive medical therapy.
Epilepsy Surgery of the Temporal Lobe in Pediatric Population: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Lopez-Gonzalez Miguel Angel , Gonzalez-Martinez Jorge Alvaro , Jehi Lara , Kotagal Prakash , Warbel Ann , Bingaman William 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground:There is still some reluctance to refer pediatric patients for epilepsy surgery, despite evidence of success in retrospective series.Objective:To describe surgical experience and long-term outcome in pediatric temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) at a single institution.Methods:Retrospective review of pediatric (&lt;18-years-old) TLE patients who underwent surgery between November 1996 and December 2006 at Cleveland Clinic Epilepsy Center. Cox proportional hazard modeling was used to assess outcome predictors.Results:One hundred thirty pediatric patients met study criteria. Mean time between seizure onset and surgery was 6.3 years. Invasive evaluation was used in 32 patients (24.5%). Hippocampal sclerosis was present in 70 patients (53.8%), either alone or associated in dual pathology. The complication rate was 7%. The seizure-freedom rates at 1, 2, 5, and 12 years were 76%, 72%, 54%, and 41%, respectively (Kaplan-Meier). With the use of the Engel outcome classification, 98 (75.3%) patients were class I, 11 (8.5%) class II, 9 (7%) class III, and 12 (9.2%) were class IV at last follow-up. Only 4 (3.1%) patients underwent reoperations. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were discontinued in 36 patients (28.3%) in a mean period of 18 months (SD ± 17 months; range, 6-102 months). Although left-sided resection, lower number of preoperative AED trials (≤4), and tumor pathology correlated with favorable seizure outcomes, extensive surgical resection remained the only significant outcome predictor after multivariate analysis (P = .007; HR = 0.13 [95% confidence interval 0.007–0.64]).Conclusion:Careful selection of surgical candidates by multidisciplinary evaluations is required. Long-term seizure control is achieved successfully with acceptable low complication rates.
Initially non-diagnostic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology of thyroid nodules: value and management
Authors: Chung Jin , Youk Ji Hyun , Kim Jeong-Ah , Kwak Jin Young , Kim Eun-kyung , Ryu Young Hoon , Son Eun Ju 
Published: October 2011

Background Ultrasound (US)-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an accurate, reliable, and simple method to identify a thyroid nodule as benign or malignant. However, non-diagnostic cytology results for thyroid nodules are a major limitation of US-guided FNAC. Purpose To investigate the incidence of thyroid cancer among cases with non-diagnostic results on FNAC and to provide suggestions for the management of thyroid nodules that are initially non-diagnostic by FNAC according to ultrasonographic findings. Material and Methods From July 2006 to December 2009, 10,317 thyroid nodules in 6684 consecutive patients underwent US-guided FNAC at our institute. Among these, 871 thyroid nodules (8.4%) were diagnosed as non-diagnostic on initial cytologic evaluation and 196 underwent a second or third FNAC. Twenty-seven thyroid nodules (18.9%) underwent surgery, while 116 thyroid nodules were cytologically confirmed as benign with no remarkable change on follow-up US were included. We retrospectively reviewed the US findings for a total of 143 thyroid nodules (123 benign nodules and 20 malignant nodules). The US features that we compared included composition, echogenicity, margin, calcifications, shape, and underlying echogenicity. Results In total, thyroid cancer was diagnosed in 20 nodules (14.0%). The size of the nodule was significantly associated with malignancy ( P < 0.05). Most of the sonographically probable benign nodules were found to be benign (97.6%). Suspicious nodules on US were thyroid cancer in 43.2% of cases. Marked hypoechogenicity, microlobulated or irregular margin, microcalcifications, and taller-than-wide shape were significant US findings that correlated with malignancy ( P < 0.05). The diagnostic performance of ultrasound for initially non-diagnostic thyroid nodules was as follows: sensitivity of 90.0%, specificity of 65.0%, positive predictive value of 29.5%, and negative predictive value of 97.6%. Conclusion In terms of management of thyroid nodules with non-diagnostic FNAC cytology, US evaluation is a feasible and useful method for predicting malignancy.
Calcium scoring in unenhanced and enhanced CT data of the aorta-iliacal arteries: impact of image acquisition, reconstruction, and analysis parameter settings
Authors: Komen N , Klitsie P , Hermans JJ , Niessen WJ , Kleinrensink GJ , Jeekel J , Lange JF 
Published: October 2011

Background Several studies have been published on the matter of abdominal aortic and iliac calcifications and the association to clinical entities such as diabetes mellitus and renal failure. However, comparing of these studies is questionable since quantification methods for atherosclerosis differ. Purpose To evaluate the effect of image acquisition settings, reconstruction parameters, and analysis methods on calcium quantification in the abdominal aorta. Material and Methods Calcium scores were retrospectively determined on standardized abdominal CT scans of 15 patients. Two researchers obtained calcium scores with 10 different lower thresholds (LT) (130, 145, 160, 175, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 1000) in CT scans with and without contrast enhancement, with slice thicknesses (ST) varying between 2.0-5.0 mm for the non-contrast-enhanced series and between 1.0-5.0 mm for the contrast-enhanced series. In addition calcium scores obtained with two convolution kernels (B10f, B20f) were compared. Inter-observer variability was calculated. Results Calcium scoring at higher STs is overestimated compared to smaller STs and this effect was more pronounced with increasing calcium loads. Concerning the convolution kernel, scores obtained with kernel B10f were overestimated compared to kernel B20f. Increase of LT resulted in a decrease of the calcium score and scoring in contrast-enhanced series resulted in higher scores compared to non-contrast-enhanced series. These effects are more apparent in patients with higher calcium loads. Calcium scoring reproducibility with the reference standard is limited for the aorta-iliac trajectory, whereas scoring with the remaining settings is reproducible. Conclusion Scores obtained with different settings cannot be compared. The inter-observer reproducibility was limited using the reference standard and practical difficulties were substantial. Scoring with higher LT, ST, and contrast enhancement is faster and has less practical difficulties.
Reformulation of Current Recommendations for Target Serum Lithium Concentration According to Clinical Indication, Age and Physical Comorbidity
Authors: Wijeratne Chanaka , Draper Brian 
Published: October 2011

Background: There have been significant changes in the nature of psychiatric patient populations and patterns of drug prescribing in mood disorders since serum lithium monitoring was introduced. It seems opportune to review current guidelines for target lithium concentration given the decline in lithium monotherapy and increase in the numbers of older people and those with comorbid physical disease administered lithium. Method: A review was made of the literature of lithium monitoring and target serum concentration in mood disorders, older people, and comorbid physical illness. Results: Current guidelines, which generally recommend a target serum concentration of 0.5/0.6 to 1.1/1.2 mmol/L, have a number of limitations. A target lithium level of > 0.8 mmol/L is inappropriate given poor tolerability, and adequate efficacy when combination lithium-antipsychotic therapy is used at this or lower levels. Guidelines have largely failed to match specific clinical indications to serum levels, and to consider comorbid physical illness factors known to be associated with lithium toxicity. Conclusion: For most patients, a target serum lithium concentration range of 0.5–0.8 mmol/L, varying according to clinical indication, age and concurrent physical status, seems most appropriate in enhancing efficacy and minimizing adverse effects. The lower end of this range (0.5–0.6 mmol/L) is recommended for patients 50 years and over; those with diabetes insipidus, renal impairment or thyroid dysfunction; those administered diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)/COX-2 inhibitors; and in the prophylaxis of bipolar depression and management of acute unipolar depression. The higher end of this range (0.7–0.8 mmol/L) is recommended in the management of acute mania and prophylaxis of mania.
Anti-Ro/SSA Antibodies Are an Independent Factor Associated with an Insufficient Response to Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: MATSUDAIRA RAN , TAMURA NAOTO , SEKIYA FUMIO , OGASAWARA MICHIHIRO , YAMANAKA KENJIRO , TAKASAKI YOSHINARI 
Published: October 2011

Objective.To study the significance of anti-Ro/SSA antibodies (anti-Ro) in the clinical response to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods.The clinical responses of a cohort of 190 patients with RA who were treated with infliximab, etanercept, or adalimumab (n = 112, 64, and 14, respectively) as the first biologics were examined using the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) at 24 weeks and the discontinuation rate at 56 weeks. The baseline characteristics of responders and the nonresponders were compared. The clinical response was compared between anti-Ro-negative and -positive patients. The factors associated with the inefficiency of TNF inhibitors were estimated with a multivariable logistic regression analysis.Results.The positive rate of anti-Ro was significantly higher in patients with no European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response at 24 weeks (OR 3.64, 95% CI 1.45–9.01, p = 0.003). In anti-Ro-positive patients, a moderate or good EULAR response rate was significantly lower with a sustaining higher median DAS28 (p = 0.006), and this difference was greater among infliximab-treated patients. The discontinuation rate for TNF inhibitors due to inefficacy at 56 weeks was also higher in anti-Ro-positive patients (OR 4.68, 95% CI 1.82–11.99, p = 0.0005), and 75% of these patients received infliximab. The presence of anti-Ro was strongly associated with no EULAR response at 24 weeks and a higher discontinuation rate of TNF inhibitors by 56 weeks (OR 5.22, 95% CI 1.75–15.57, p = 0.003 and OR 10.18, 95% CI 2.18–49.56, p = 0.003).Conclusion.The presence of anti-Ro might be related to the lesser clinical response to infliximab compared to other TNF inhibitors, suggesting that the presence of anti-Ro should be considered when choosing the appropriate biologics for patients with RA.
Analysis of the Validation Status of Quality of Life and Functional Disability Measures in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Related to Systemic Sclerosis: Results of a Systematic Literature Analysis by the Expert Panel on Outcomes Measures in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Related to Systemic Sclerosis (EPOSS)
Authors: KOWAL-BIELECKA OTYLIA , AVOUAC JEROME , PITTROW DAVID , HUSCHER DOERTE , BEHRENS FRANK , DENTON CHRISTOPHER P. , FOELDVARI IVAN , HUMBERT MARC , MATUCCI-CERINIC MARCO , NASH PETER , OPITZ CHRISTIAN F. , RUBIN LEWIS J. , SEIBOLD JAMES R. , STRAND VIBEKE , FURST DANIEL E. , DISTLER OLIVER 
Published: October 2011

Objective.We aimed to assess the current validity status of the Health Assessment Questionnaire–Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and the 36-item Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).Methods.Studies using HAQ-DI and/or SF-36 in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) associated with systemic sclerosis (PAH-SSc) were identified through a systematic literature review and assessed according to the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials (OMERACT) consensus group criteria.Results.Both HAQ-DI and SF-36 were considered credible (having face validity) and feasible. Based on expert opinion, neither HAQ-DI nor SF-36 was specific for PAH-SSc since their results may be influenced by other aspects of SSc (judged “unclear” with respect to the content validity criterion). In the overall SSc population, there was significant albeit weak correlation between physical component SF-36 scores and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) by echocardiography (Kendall tau b = −0.2, p < 0.01). Although HAQ-DI also correlated with PASP by echocardiography, there were no significant correlations in SSc patients with PAH proven by right heart catheterization between changes in HAQ-DI over time and changes in other PAH measures including 6-min walk distance (r = −0.04, p = 0.86), expert global assessment (r = 0.06, p = 0.97), and New York Heart Association functional class (r = 0.38, p = 0.39), indicating lack of construct validity for HAQ-DI in PAH-SSc. No studies enabling assessment of criterion validity or discrimination of HAQ-DI or SF-36 in PAH-SSc could be identified.Conclusion.Further validation of HAQ and SF-36 in PAH-SSc is needed. Alternatively, more specific assessments for functional disability or quality of life in PAH-SSc might be required.
Validating the 28-Tender Joint Count Using Item Response Theory
Authors: SIEMONS LISETH , ten KLOOSTER PETER M. , TAAL ERIK , KUPER INA H. , van RIEL PIET L.C.M. , van de LAAR MART A.F.J. , GLAS CEES A.W. 
Published: October 2011

Objective.To examine the construct validity of the 28-tender joint count (TJC-28) using item response theory (IRT)-based methods.Methods.A total of 457 patients with early stage rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were included. Internal construct validity of the TJC-28 was evaluated by determining whether the TJC-28 fit a 2-measure logistic IRT model. As well, we tested whether the discrimination and difficulty parameters of the joints properly reflected the known left-right symmetry of joint involvement. External validity was evaluated by correlations with other established measures of disease activity, including pain, disability, general health, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and the 28-swollen joint count.Results.The TJC-28 showed a good fit with the 2-parameter logistic model, with no relevant differential item functioning across sex, age, and time and with excellent reliability. The 28 joints covered a reasonable range of disease activity, even though they were mainly targeted at patients with moderate or high disease activity levels. The joint parameters reflected the left-right symmetry of joint involvement for all pairs of joints except one. All disease activity measures, except ESR, were significantly correlated with the TJC-28. Most correlations were of the expected magnitude.Conclusion.The TJC-28 showed good internal and acceptable external construct validity for patients with early-stage RA. The IRT analyses did point to some potential limitations of the instrument, a major problem being its limited measurement range. Future research should examine whether instrument modifications might lead to a more robust assessment of disease activity in patients with RA.
Safety and Effectiveness of Rituximab in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Following an Inadequate Response to 1 Prior Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor: The RESET Trial
Authors: HARAOUI BOULOS , BOKAREWA MARIA , KALLMEYER IAN , BYKERK VIVIAN P. 
Published: October 2011

Objective.To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of rituximab (RTX) in combination with methotrexate in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after failure of a single tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitor. Changes in patient-reported outcomes after primary treatment or retreatment with RTX and factors determining retreatment in clinical practice were also evaluated.Methods.In this phase 3b open-label, multicenter trial, patients received 2 slow infusions of RTX 1000 mg 14 days apart after premedication (primary treatment). Patients with a clinically relevant response could receive retreatment between 24 and 48 weeks. The primary endpoint was evaluation of safety. Secondary outcomes were safety of retreatment, effectiveness of primary treatment and retreatment, and changes in patient-reported outcomes after primary treatment or retreatment.Results.Of 120 patients enrolled at 36 centers and receiving primary RTX treatment, 77 received retreatment, 112 completed the 24-week primary treatment period, and 25 completed the 48-week primary treatment and retreatment period following a single course of RTX. The most common adverse events were mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, nasopharyngitis, and headache. No infections or infusion reactions were considered life-threatening. At 24 weeks, 58%, 27%, and 7% of patients achieved American College of Rheumatology 20, 50, and 70 improvements, respectively, and similar improvements were seen after retreatment.Conclusion.RTX was well tolerated, with a low incidence of infusion reactions and infections. Efficacy results, including enhanced response in rheumatoid factor-positive patients, were comparable to those reported in the literature. Based on its efficacy and safety profile and retreatment schedule, RTX is an attractive treatment option for patients that have not responded to a single TNF-α inhibitor.
Measuring Pain in Systemic Sclerosis: Comparison of the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire Versus a Single-item Measure of Pain
Authors: EL-BAALBAKI GHASSAN , LOBER JANIE , HUDSON MARIE , BARON MURRAY , THOMBS BRETT D. 
Published: October 2011

Objective.Studies of pain in systemic sclerosis (SSc) have used a variety of measures, including single-item measures and the 15-item short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ-SF). The objective of our study was to compare the performance of the MPQ-SF to a single-item pain numerical rating scale (NRS) and determine whether the MPQ-SF effectively differentiates between sensory and affective components of pain in SSc.Methods.A cross-sectional, multicenter study of 1091 patients from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group Registry who completed the MPQ-SF and pain NRS. Correlations of MPQ-SF total scores and pain NRS scores with relevant outcome measures (disability, quality of life, depressive symptoms) were compared. To assess whether the MPQ-SF differentiated between sensory and affective factors, confirmatory factor analysis modeling was used, and correlations of sensory and affective factor scores with other outcome measures were compared.Results.MPQ-SF total score and the pain NRS correlated similarly with other outcome measures, as did the sensory and affective scores. MPQ-SF sensory and affective factors were highly correlated (0.92), and a single-factor model fit as well as a 2-factor (sensory and affective) model.Conclusion.The substantial overlap between sensory and affective subscales of the MPQ-SF and the similarity of the MPQ-SF and NRS pain measures compared to other patient-reported outcomes suggest that the 15-item MPQ-SF does not provide tangible advantages compared to the single-item pain NRS. These findings support recommendations to use a single-item NRS pain measure in SSc as it is less burdensome to patients than the MPQ-SF.
Relationship Between Smoking and Patient-reported Measures of Disease Outcome in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: MATTEY DEREK L. , DAWSON SARAH R. , HEALEY EMMA L. , PACKHAM JONATHAN C. 
Published: October 2011

Objective.To investigate the relationship between smoking and disease activity, pain, function, and quality of life in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).Methods.Patients with AS (n = 612) from areas across the United Kingdom took part in a cross-sectional postal survey. Patient-reported outcome measures including the Bath AS Disease Activity Index, the Bath AS Functional Index (BASFI), a numerical rating scale (NRS) of pain, the AS quality of life questionnaire (ASQoL), and the evaluation of AS quality of life measures (EASi-QoL) were analyzed in terms of smoking status and relationship with pack-year history. The influence of potential confounding factors [age, sex, disease duration, and social deprivation (Townsend Index)] were tested in multivariate logistic regression analyses.Results.Median scores of BASFI, pain NRS, ASQoL, and the 4 EASi-QoL domains were all higher in the group that had ever smoked compared to those who had never smoked (p < 0.0001, p = 0.04, p = 0.003, p < 0.02, respectively). In stepwise multivariate logistic regression analyses, high disease activity and more severe pain were associated primarily with current smoking, disease duration, and Townsend Index score, while decreased function and poor quality of life measures were associated more closely with increasing pack-year history, disease duration, and Townsend Index score. These associations were independent of age and sex.Conclusion.Smoking has a dose-dependent relationship with measures of disease severity in AS. The association with increased disease activity, decreased function, and poor quality of life in smokers was independent of age, sex, deprivation level, and disease duration.