bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resistance to first‐line tuberculosis drugs in three cities of Nigeria
Authors: Lawson L. , Yassin M. A. , Abdurrahman S. T. , Parry C. M. , Dacombe R. , Sogaolu O. M. , Ebisike J. N. , Uzoewulu G. N. , Lawson L. O. , Emenyonu N. , Ouoha J. O. , David J. S. , Davies P. D. O. , Cuevas L. E. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryObjectives  To determine the levels of resistance to first‐line tuberculosis drugs in three cities in three geopolitical zones in Nigeria.Methods  A total of 527 smear‐positive sputum samples from Abuja, Ibadan and Nnewi were cultured on BACTEC‐ MGIT 960. Drug susceptibility tests (DST) for streptomycin, isoniazid, rifampicin and ethambutol were performed on 428 culture‐positive samples on BACTEC‐MGIT960.Results  Eight per cent of the specimens cultured were multi‐drug‐resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR‐TB) with varying levels of resistance to individual and multiple first–line drugs. MDR was strongly associated with previous treatment: 5% of new and 19% of previously treated patients had MDR‐TB (OR 4.1 (95% CI 1.9–8.8), P = 0.001) and with young adult age: 63% of patients with and 38% without MDR‐TB were 25–34 years old (P = 0.01). HIV status was documented in 71%. There was no association between MDR‐TB and HIV coinfection (P = 0.9) and gender (P > 0.2 for both).Conclusions MDR‐TB is an emerging problem in Nigeria. Developing good quality drug susceptibility test facilities, routine monitoring of drug susceptibility and improved health systems for the delivery of and adherence to first‐ and second‐line treatment are imperative to solve this problem.
Communities of practice: the missing link for knowledge management on implementation issues in low‐income countries?
Authors: Meessen Bruno , Kouanda Seni , Musango Laurent , Richard Fabienne , Ridde Valéry , Soucat Agnès 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThe implementation of policies remains a huge challenge in many low‐income countries. Several factors play a role in this, but improper management of existing knowledge is no doubt a major issue. In this article, we argue that new platforms should be created that gather all stakeholders who hold pieces of relevant knowledge for successful policies. To build our case, we capitalize on our experience in our domain of practice, health care financing in sub‐Saharan Africa. We recently adopted a community of practice strategy in the region. More in general, we consider these platforms as the way forward for knowledge management of implementation issues.
A novel isotonic balanced electrolyte solution with 1% glucose for intraoperative fluid therapy in neonates: results of a prospective multicentre observational postauthorisation safety study (PASS)
Authors: Sümpelmann Robert , Mader Thomas , Dennhardt Nils , Witt Lars , Eich Christoph , Osthaus Wilhelm A. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryBackground:  Neonates have a higher metabolic rate and an increased risk of perioperative hypoglycemia and lipolysis, but during anesthesia, both oxygen consumption and metabolic rate are decreased, and this may lead to reduced intraoperative glucose requirements.Objective:  The objective of this prospective multicentre observational postauthorisation safety study was to evaluate the intraoperative use of a novel isotonic balanced electrolyte solution with a low glucose concentration of 1% (BS‐G1) in neonates with a particular focus on changes in acid‐base, electrolyte, and glucose concentrations.Methods:  Following the local ethics committee approval, neonates with a postmenstrual age under 45 weeks and an ASA risk score of I–IV undergoing intraoperative administration of BS‐G1 were enrolled. Patient demographics, the performed procedure, adverse drug reactions, hemodynamic data, and the results of blood gas analysis before and after infusion were documented with a focus on changes in acid‐base, electrolyte, and glucose concentrations.Results:  In 66 neonates (ASA I–IV; postmenstrual age 38 ± 4, range 25–45 weeks; body weight 2.9 ± 0.9, range 0.65–4.6 kg), the mean infusion rate was 10.4 ± 3.2 (range 4.5–19.6) ml·kg−1·h−1 BS‐G1. During the infusion, hemoglobin, hematocrit, bicarbonate, base excess, anion gap, strong ion difference, and calcium decreased, and chloride and glucose increased significantly within the physiological range. All other measured parameters including sodium and lactate remained stable. Neither hypoglycemia (glucose < 3 mm) nor hyperglycemia (glucose > 10 mm) was documented after BS‐G1 infusion. No adverse drug reactions were reported.Conclusion:  The study shows that the intraoperative use of an isotonic balanced electrolyte solution with 1% glucose and a mean infusion rate of 10 ml·kg−1·h−1 helps to avoid acid‐base dysbalance, hyponatraemia, hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis, and hyperglycemia in surgical neonates. A careful intraoperative monitoring and adaptation of the infusion rate as needed is crucial because the glucose and fluid requirements may vary widely between subjects.
Floral, climatic and soil pH controls on leaf ash content in China's terrestrial plants
Authors: Han Wenxuan , Chen Yahan , Zhao Fang‐Jie , Tang Luying , Jiang Rongfeng , Zhang Fusuo 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTAim  To investigate broad‐scale patterns of plant leaf ash content and their possible causes in China.Location  Mainland China and Hainan island, with the geographic ranges for the data used from 18.7° N to 49.2° N and 76.0° E to 128.3° E.Methods  By analysing a data set of 2022 leaf samples, involving 704 species of terrestrial plants.Results  Leaf ash content increases with increasing latitude at an average rate of 2.7 mg ash g−1 dry weight per degree latitude from south to north of China. Plant functional group shows a more powerful influence on the spatial variation in leaf ash than soil pH and climate. Fast‐growing species or those with leaves with a short life span have higher leaf ash than slow‐growing species or those with a long leaf life span. Plants from alkaline soils have higher leaf ash than those from acid soils (39.5 mg g−1 increase in leaf ash content per unit increase of pH). Increasing precipitation significantly reduces leaf ash (with a mean rate of 4.8 mg g−1 for every 100 mm rainfall), whereas the effect of temperature appears to be nonlinear.Main conclusions  This study shows a significant latitudinal trend in leaf ash content in China. This geographic pattern is possibly shaped by the floral, edaphic and climatic factors that control the biogeochemical cycling of plant minerals. The results suggest that leaf ash content is a useful biogeographic indicator that can be used to explore the complex interactions between plants and the environment.
Indolent systemic mastocytosis treated with narrow‐band UVB phototherapy: study of five cases
Authors: Brazzelli V. , Grasso V. , Manna G. , Barbaccia V. , Merante S. , Boveri E. , Borroni G. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackground  Mastocytoses represent a heterogeneous group of stem cell disorders marked by an abnormal hyperplasia and accumulation of mast cells in one or more tissues, including bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, liver, spleen, lymph nodes and skin. Indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM) is characterized by red‐brownish and pruriginous maculopapular lesions, a bone marrow infiltration without functional impairment and an indolent clinical course with a good prognosis. In particular, the most common cutaneous symptoms are urticarial rash and mild‐to‐high pruritus.Objectives  This study analyses the clinical outcome of patients affected by ISM with prevalent pruriginous cutaneous symptoms and a scarce response to anti‐histamines treated using narrowband ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) phototherapy.Methods  Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy was administered in a UV‐irradiation cabin equipped with fluorescent UVB lamps with a peak emission at 311–313 nm. The perception of pruritus severity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before starting the treatment and at each control.Results  A complete remission of the cutaneous lesions and pruritus was documented in all patients after a median of 40.3 UV treatments and a median cumulative dose of 51.4 J/cm2, with a lasting remission over a 6‐month follow‐up. The median VAS score at the beginning of the treatment was 86.6 (SD = 6.64), whereas it decreased to 6.66 (SD = 3.75) after 3 months of therapy.Conclusions  Our work provides evidence that NB‐UVB phototherapy is useful for the treatment of the cutaneous symptoms and pruritus in ISM.
Pain control at the end of life: a comparative study of hospitalized cancer and noncancer patients
Authors: Steindal Simen A. , Bredal Inger Schou , Sørbye Liv Wergeland , Lerdal Anners 
Published: May 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 771–779

Pain control at the end of life: a comparative study of hospitalized cancer and noncancer patientsBackground:  Pain is a common symptom in dying patients. Previous studies have paid little attention to pain and pain control in terminally ill patients with diseases other than cancer.Aims:  This study investigated whether there were differences in healthcare workers’ documentation of pain characteristics in cancer and noncancer patients. We investigated what types of analgesics were administrated to dying patients, and if there were differences in the administration routes of opiates in cancer patients compared to noncancer patients in the last 3 days of life.Methods:  Data were collected retrospectively in a cross‐sectional comparative study at a hospital. The sample included 220 deceased patients (110 died of cancer and 110 died of other causes). Data were extracted from patients’ medical records using the Resident Assessment Instrument of Palliative Care.Results:  Healthcare workers consistently documented more pain in cancer patients during their last 3 days of life than in noncancer patients. The odds for having severe to excruciating pain was four times higher in cancer patients compared to noncancer patients. Morphine was the most frequently administrated analgesic for all dying patients; however, the odds ratio of cancer patients compared to noncancer patients receiving morphine plus scopolamine was 0.27. The odds of a cancer patient receiving analgesics classified as fentanyl, ketobemidone and oxycodone was more than 4–5 times higher than for noncancer patients. Opiates were more frequently administered transdermally or by oral administration on an as‐need basis in cancer patients; 10% in both groups did not receive adequate pain control.Conclusions:  Pain is a highly prevalent symptom among dying hospitalized patients. Healthcare workers consistently documented more pain in cancer patients and also assessed that the intensity of pain was more severe in these patients than in noncancer patients. The dying patients’ intensity of pain was poorly documented.
Self‐rated health of Chinese adolescents: distribution and its associated factors
Authors: Xu Zhiwei , Su Hong , Zou Yanfeng , Chen Juan , Wu Jialing , Chang Weiwei 
Published: May 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 780–786

Self‐rated health of Chinese adolescents: distribution and its associated factorsAim:  Self‐rated health is a valid and relevant indicator of individuals’ and populations’ health status, and has been shown to be a critical predictor of some medical endpoints. The studies concentrating on Chinese adolescents’ self‐rated health were scarce. The present study aimed to understand the self‐rated health and its associated factors of Chinese adolescents.Methods:  Ten schools including junior schools, senior schools and universities of Hefei in Anhui Province of China were randomly selected. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted to the selected 5226 students to investigate their demographic variables, sleep quality, self‐rated health and degree of depression, anxiety and loneliness. In terms of the instruments, Self‐rated Health Measurement Scale Version 1.0, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, UCLA Loneliness Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Self‐rating Anxiety Scale and the demographic survey were used in the present study.Results:  The sleep quality, self‐rated health and degree of depression, anxiety and loneliness among different grade levels were different (p < 0.01 or <0.05). The multivariate analysis indicated that young age, poor sleep quality and high degree of depression, anxiety and loneliness were significantly associated with poor self‐rated health of adolescents.Conclusion:  The adolescents’ poor self‐rated health may be attributed to many causes especially the psychological reasons. Future interventions that focus more on the inner causes may be the better steps to make adolescents healthy.
The cranial anatomy and taxonomy of Peloneustes philarchus (Sauropterygia, Pliosauridae) from the Peterborough Member (Callovian, Middle Jurassic) of the United Kingdom
Authors: KETCHUM HILARY F. , BENSON ROGER B. J. 
Published: May 2011

Abstract:  Peloneustes philarchus is the most abundant pliosaurid from the Peterborough Member of the Oxford Clay Formation (Callovian) of the UK. It is a valid taxon possessing a unique character combination, including a single autapomorphy: the interdentary symphysis is raised dorsally on a narrow platform. Twenty‐one specimens can be positively referred to P. philarchus. However, other specimens previously referred to Peloneustes, from the Peterborough Member near Peterborough, and the lower Oxfordian strata of Marquise, northern France, represent distinct, unnamed taxa. The skull of P. philarchus is described in detail, including new information from an uncrushed, three‐dimensionally preserved specimen and a specimen with a well‐preserved palate. Well‐preserved material clearly indicates that P. philarchus lacked nasals, but possessed a lacrimal. A previously unrecognised ‘palpebral’ forms part of the dorsal orbit margin adjacent to the prefrontal. The number of maxillary (30–31) and dentary (36–44) alveoli, the number of dentary alveoli adjacent to the mandibular symphysis (13–15), the number of foramina on the frontal and jugal, the breadth of the parasphenoid, breadth of the anterior (narial) process of the palatine and the presence of a lappet of the angular that extends onto the posterodorsal surface of the retroarticular process vary among individuals but are not considered sufficient to justify the recognition of new taxa. The presence of an open palpebral–prefrontal suture, the size of the ventral midline tubercle of the basioccipital and the presence of an anterior interpterygoid vacuity seem to vary with body size.
The endocannabinoid system in the rat dorsolateral periaqueductal grey mediates fear‐conditioned analgesia and controls fear expression in the presence of nociceptive tone
Authors: Olango WM , Roche M , Ford GK , Harhen B , Finn DP 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Endocannabinoids in the midbrain periaqueductal grey (PAG) modulate nociception and unconditioned stress‐induced analgesia; however, their role in fear‐conditioned analgesia (FCA) has not been examined. The present study examined the role of the endocannabinoid system in the dorsolateral (dl) PAG in formalin‐evoked nociceptive behaviour, conditioned fear and FCA in rats.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Rats received intra‐dlPAG administration of the CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist rimonabant, or vehicle, before re‐exposure to a context paired 24 h previously with foot shock. Formalin‐evoked nociceptive behaviour and fear‐related behaviours (freezing and 22 kHz ultrasonic vocalization) were assessed. In a separate cohort, levels of endocannabinoids [2‐arachidonoyl glycerol (2‐AG) and N‐arachidonoyl ethanolamide (anandamide; AEA)] and the related N‐acylethanolamines (NAEs) [N‐palmitoyl ethanolamide (PEA) and N‐oleoyl ethanolamide (OEA)] were measured in dlPAG tissue following re‐exposure to conditioned context in the presence or absence of formalin‐evoked nociceptive tone.KEY RESULTS Re‐exposure of rats to the context previously associated with foot shock resulted in FCA. Intra‐dlPAG administration of rimonabant significantly attenuated FCA and fear‐related behaviours expressed in the presence of nociceptive tone. Conditioned fear without formalin‐evoked nociceptive tone was associated with increased levels of 2‐AG, AEA, PEA and OEA in the dlPAG. FCA was specifically associated with an increase in AEA levels in the dlPAG.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Conditioned fear to context mobilises endocannabinoids and NAEs in the dlPAG. These data support a role for endocannabinoids in the dlPAG in mediating the potent suppression of pain responding which occurs during exposure to conditioned aversive contexts.LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue‐8. To view Part I of Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue‐7
Characteristics and molecular basis of celecoxib modulation on Kv7 potassium channels
Authors: Du XN , Zhang X , Qi JL , An HL , Li JW , Wan YM , Fu Y , Gao HX , Gao ZB , Zhan Y , Zhang HL 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSECelecoxib is a selective cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitor used for the treatment of pain and inflammation. Emerging and accumulating evidence suggests that celecoxib can affect cellular targets other than COX, such as ion channels. In this study, we characterized the effects of celecoxib on Kv7 K+ channels and compared its effects with the well‐established Kv7 channel opener retigabine.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHA perforated whole‐cell patch technique was used to record Kv7currents expressed in HEK 293 cells and M‐type currents from rat superior cervical ganglion neurons.KEY RESULTSCelecoxib enhanced Kv7.2–7.4, Kv7.2/7.3 and Kv7.3/7.5 currents but inhibited Kv7.1 and Kv7.1/KCNE1 currents and these effects were concentration dependent. The IC50 value for inhibition of Kv7.1 channels was approximately 4 µM and the EC50 values for activation of Kv7.2–7.4, Kv7.2/Kv7.3 and Kv7.3/Kv7.5 channels were approximately 2–5 µM. The effects of celecoxib were manifested by increasing current amplitudes, shifting the voltage‐dependent activation curve in a more negative direction and slowing the deactivation of Kv7 currents. 2,5‐Dimethyl‐celecoxib, a celecoxib analogue devoid of COX inhibition activity, has similar but greater effects on Kv7currents. Kv7.2(A235T) and Kv7.2(W236L) mutant channels, which have greatly attenuated responses to retigabine, showed a reversed response to celecoxib, from activation to inhibition.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSThese results suggest that Kv7 channels are targets of celecoxib action and provide new mechanistic evidence for understanding the effects of celecoxib. They also provide a new approach to developing Kv7 modulators and for studying the structure–function relationship of Kv7 channels.
Diffusion tensor imaging tractography to visualize the relationship of the optic radiation to epileptogenic lesions prior to neurosurgery
Authors: Winston Gavin P. , Yogarajah Mahinda , Symms Mark R. , McEvoy Andrew W. , Micallef Caroline , Duncan John S. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryPurpose:  About one‐third of patients with epilepsy are refractory to medical treatment and may be amenable to surgery. However, in patients with lesions on or near the presumed course of the optic radiation, the potential benefits of resection must be balanced against the risk of a visual field deficit. This study demonstrates the utility of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography in delineating the course of the optic radiation and its relationship to the epileptogenic lesion prior to epilepsy surgery.Methods:  Anatomic and DTI scans were acquired on 10 patients with medically refractory epilepsy undergoing presurgical evaluation at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. Five patients underwent surgery and repeat scans postoperatively. The optic radiation was delineated and visualized in relation to the lesions on anatomic images and in three‐dimensional (3D) reconstructions. Preoperative and postoperative visual fields were acquired by Goldmann perimetry.Key Findings:  The entire optic radiation was reliably delineated bilaterally in all patients. The results provide helpful additional information in informing the patient of the risks of surgery and in planning the surgical procedure and approach. Postoperative imaging findings correlated with the visual field data.Significance:  The optic radiation shows significant anatomic variability, but can be reliably delineated by tractography. Because surgical disruption of the optic radiation has serious consequences for the patient, DTI tractography is a useful technique in this population. Future integration with real‐time neuronavigation will minimize the risks of neurosurgery.
Cognitive impairment in preschool children with epilepsy
Authors: Rantanen Kati , Eriksson Kai , Nieminen Pirkko 
Published: May 2011

SummaryPurpose:  Studies have shown that underlying pathology and early onset of seizures are both significant factors contributing to cognitive impairment in children with epilepsy. However, there are only few studies focusing on cognitive impairment in preschool children with epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to describe the cognitive performance in a population‐based cohort of preschool children with epilepsy. The aims of the study were to determine frequency of cognitive impairment, level of cognitive functions, and epilepsy‐related factors correlating with cognitive impairment.Methods:  The study group consisted of a population‐based cohort (N = 64) of preschool children (3–6 years 11 months) with active epilepsy. Medical data and results from previous psychological evaluations were reviewed retrospectively from the medical records. A logistic regression model was used for the prediction of cognitive impairment.Key Findings:  Prevalence of epilepsy was 3.2 per 1,000 children. Cognitive function was considered to be within normal or borderline range for 50%, mildly retarded for 22%, and moderately to severely retarded for 28%. Cognitive impairment was related to complicated epilepsy, age at onset of epilepsy, abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and additional neurologic problems. Age at the onset of seizures was the only significant predictor of cognitive impairment.Significance:  The results concur with those of earlier studies on cognitive impairment in childhood epilepsy. Age at onset of epilepsy is also an important factor for cognitive impairment on young children with epilepsy. The results suggest that cognitive impairment is evident early in the course of epilepsy.
Self‐reported and parent‐reported quality of life of children and adolescents with new‐onset epilepsy
Authors: Taylor Joanne , Jacoby Ann , Baker Gus A. , Marson Anthony G. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryPurpose:  To investigate the self‐reported quality of life (QOL) of children and adolescents with new‐onset epilepsy and explore parent’s perceptions of their child’s QOL and the impact of epilepsy on the family.Methods:  As part of the Standard and New Antiepileptic Drug (SANAD) trial, 248 children (aged 8–15 years) with new‐onset epilepsy and their parents completed batteries of QOL measures. Children completed the KINDL and subscales of the QOLIE‐AD‐48. Parental questionnaires included the Rutter Parent Scales, Adverse Events Profile, and subscales of the Child Health Questionnaire.Key Findings:  Compared with published norms, children with epilepsy had significantly poorer QOL across multiple domains compared with healthy children and children with asthma. Parents, particularly of younger children and those with other long‐term health problems, were affected by their child’s health or behavior, which affected their emotional well‐being and time for their own needs.Significance:  Children with new‐onset epilepsy, particularly those with comorbid conditions, are at risk of reduced QOL at the time of diagnosis. It is important that children with epilepsy and their families are assessed for psychosocial problems so that early intervention can be undertaken.