bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapy of Cardiac Device Pocket Infections with Vacuum‐Assisted Wound Closure—Long‐Term Follow‐Up
Authors: POLLER WOLFRAM C. , SCHWERG MARIUS , MELZER CHRISTOPH 
Published: July 2012

Background:
Cardiac device infections are serious complications that require aggressive treatment strategies, including interventional or surgical lead extraction.
Methods:
Here we describe the long‐time follow‐up of vacuum‐assisted closure (V.A.C.) treatment in five patients with local cardiac device infection (LDI). In these patients the device was removed, the electrodes were shortened, and a V.A.C. treatment was applied. The primary endpoint was defined as time to re‐LDI.
Results:
Three patients had LDI of a pacemaker pocket, whereas two presented with an infection of their ICD pocket. The V.A.C. treatment was applied for 34.4 ± 17.9 days. The mean hospitalization time was 38.6 ± 19.2 days. The follow‐up period was assessed for 34.6 ± 19.2 months. Only one patient developed re‐LDI, 69 days after removal of the device. The other four patients did not show any signs of reinfection during the follow‐up period. None of the five patients sustained serious adverse events.
Conclusions:
V.A.C. treatment may be an option for selected patients with LDI who refuse a laser‐guided lead extraction or surgical removal of the electrodes as the primary therapy. (PACE 2012; 35:1217–1221)
The Electronic Structures, Born Effective Charges, and Interatomic Force Constants in BaMO3 (M = Ti, Zr, Hf, Sn): A Comparative First‐Principles Study
Authors: Xie L. , Zhu J. 
Published: July 2012

The electronic structures, Born effective charges (BEC), and interatomic force constants of BaMO3 (M = Ti, Zr, Hf, Sn) in the cubic perovskite structure are computed using first‐principles density functional theory. Comparison with the Maximally‐localized Wannier function description of the electronic structures for BaTiO3 shows that the change of a single constituent (Ti to Zr, Hf, and Sn) has pronounce effects on the orbital hybridizations with the oxygen, with significant implications for the nature of the BEC anomalous of the compounds. Examination of the real‐space interatomic force constants shows that the key interatomic interactions are strongly dependent on the constituent's dynamical effective charge and the very delicate compensation between the short‐range interactions and long‐range dipole–dipole interactions gives rise to the ferroelectric structural instabilities.
Detection of Latent Bloodstains Beneath Painted Surfaces Using Reflected Infrared Photography
Authors: Farrar Andrew , Porter Glenn , Renshaw Adrian 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBloodstain evidence is a highly valued form of physical evidence commonly found at scenes involving violent crimes. However, painting over bloodstains will often conceal this type of evidence. There is limited research in the scientific literature that describes methods of detecting painted‐over bloodstains. This project employed a modified digital single‐lens reflex camera to investigate the effectiveness of infrared (IR) photography in detecting latent bloodstain evidence beneath a layer or multiple layers of paint. A qualitative evaluation was completed by comparing images taken of a series of samples using both IR and standard (visible light) photography. Further quantitative image analysis was used to verify the findings. Results from this project indicate that bloodstain evidence can be detected beneath up to six layers of paint using reflected IR; however, the results vary depending on the characteristics of the paint. This technique provides crime scene specialists with a new field method to assist in locating, visualizing, and documenting painted‐over bloodstain evidence.
Criminal Behavior in Opioid‐Dependent Patients Before and During Maintenance Therapy: 6‐year Follow‐Up of a Nationally Representative Cohort Sample
Authors: Soyka Michael , Träder Anna , Klotsche Jens , Haberthür Annina , Bühringer Gerhard , Rehm Jürgen , Wittchen Hans‐Ulrich 
Published: July 2012

AbstractLifetime prevalence of opioid dependence is about 0.4% in western countries. Opioid‐dependent patients have high morbidity and mortality and a high risk of criminal behavior. Few studies have addressed the long‐term impact of opioid maintenance therapy on convictions and criminal behavior. The PREMOS study is a prospective, longitudinal, naturalistic clinical study of a nationally representative sample of 2694 opioid‐dependent patients to investigate convictions and criminal behavior at baseline and after 6 years of maintenance treatment. At follow‐up, 2284 patients still were eligible (84.7%). A comprehensive assessment including a patient and doctor questionnaire, and the EuropASI was completed at baseline and follow‐up. Data on criminality at follow‐up had been received for 1147 (70.6%) patients. A large number (84.5%) of them had been charged or convicted at any time before baseline assessment, most frequently with drug‐related offenses (66.8%), acquisitive crime (49.1%), or acts of violence (22.0%). Reported charges and convictions had declined to 17.9% for the last 12 months before follow‐up, which was also reflected by a significant decrease in the EuropASI subscore “legal problems” from 1.52 at baseline to 0.98 after 6 years. These data indicate a significant and clinically relevant reduction in criminal behavior in opioid‐dependent patients in long‐term maintenance treatment. Maintenance therapy is effective in the reduction in both narcotics‐related and acquisition crime.
A constrained optimization model based on generalized maximum entropy to assess the impact of reforming agricultural policy on the sustainability of irrigated areas
Authors: Cortignani Raffaele , Severini Simone 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis article presents an optimization model for agricultural supply analysis in which the relevant parameters were obtained using a generalized maximum entropy approach that includes exogenous information. This latter feature is very important for cases in which the dataset is relatively poor, but for which a priori information on land allocation elasticities is available. The model includes a description of the use of water resources, and is supplemented with indicators addressing various dimensions of sustainability in agricultural production. This is consistent with the need to assess the likely impact of agricultural policies on the environmental and social dimensions of sustainability.The model was applied to a specific study area to explore the likely consequences of a recently proposed reform of the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union. This enabled testing of the applicability of the proposed model to policy analysis, assessment of whether it can be used to explore sustainability issues, and evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses.
Activin A and its Regulatory Molecules in Placenta and Fetal Membranes of Women with Preterm Premature Rupture of the Membranes Associated with Acute Chorioamnionitis
Authors: Torricelli Michela , Voltolini Chiara , Novembri Romina , Bocchi Caterina , Di Tommaso Mariarosaria , Severi Filiberto M. , Petraglia Felice 
Published: July 2012

Labeled ProblemTo investigate regulation of activin A and related molecules in placenta/fetal membranes from preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) associated with acute chorioamnionitis (ACA).Method of StudyTissues were obtained from women with spontaneous preterm deliveries (PTD), pPROM without ACA, pPROM with ACA. Activin A, follistatin, and nodal and cripto mRNA were measured by RT‐PCR.ResultsActivin A mRNA was up‐regulated in tissues from pPROM, in presence or absence of HCA, respect to PTD and in pPROM with ACA respect to pPROM without ACA. Follistatin mRNA expression did not differ between the groups. In placenta, nodal mRNA showed the same trend of activin A, while cripto was down‐regulated in pPROM with ACA than other groups. Nodal and cripto were not expressed by fetal membranes.ConclusionThe study shows the involvement of activin A pathway in pPROM with ACA. Further studies will focus on its role in placental immune functions.
The preterm gut microbiota: changes associated with necrotizing enterocolitis and infection
Authors: Stewart CJ , Marrs ECL , Magorrian S , Nelson A , Lanyon C , Perry JD , Embleton ND , Cummings SP , Berrington JE 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAim:  To describe gut colonization in preterm infants using standard culture and 16S gene rRNA profiling, exploring differences in healthy infants and those who developed NEC/late onset sepsis (LOS).Methods:  Ninety‐nine stools from 38 infants of median 27‐week gestation were cultured; 44 stools from 27 infants had their microbial profiles determined by 16S. Ordination analyses explored effects of patient variables on gut communities.Results:  Standard microbiological culture identified a mean of two organisms (range 0–7), DGGE 12 (range 3–18) per patient. Enterococcus faecalis and coagulase negative staphylococci (CONS) were most common by culture (40% and 39% of specimens). Meconium was not sterile. No fungi were cultured. Bacterial community structures in infants with NEC and LOS differed from healthy infants. Infants who developed NEC carried more CONS (45% vs 30%) and less Enterococcus faecalis (31% vs 57%). 16S identified Enterobacter and Staphylococcus presence associated with NEC/LOS, respectively.Conclusions:  Important differences were found in the gut microbiota of preterm infants who develop NEC/LOS. The relationship of these changes to current practices in neonatal intensive care requires further exploration.
Sexual Arousal in Women with Provoked Vestibulodynia: The Application of Laser Doppler Imaging to Sexual Pain
Authors: Boyer Stéphanie C. , Pukall Caroline F. , Chamberlain Susan M. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Women with provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) report lower sexual arousal than nonaffected women, however, laboratory studies of arousal have reported contradictory results about whether group differences exist in genital and subjective arousal.

Aim
To examine genital and subjective sexual arousal in women with and without PVD.

Methods
Eligible women with and without PVD (N = 42) attended a laboratory session that included an interview, questionnaire completion, and genital imaging. A direct measure of superficial blood flow—laser Doppler imaging—was used to assess vulvar blood flow levels while participants watched three films, including an erotic film. Participants answered questions about their level of sexual arousal before, during, and after the erotic film.

Main Outcome Measures
Average vulvar blood flow levels during the baseline and erotic films, numerical ratings of subjective sexual arousal and anxiety, as well as questionnaire measures of arousal.

Results
There was a significant group difference in genital arousal, whereby the PVD group showed a lower genital response to the erotic film, as well as a significant interaction between baseline blood flow and group membership. Separate group regression analyses demonstrated that baseline blood flow explained a substantial amount of the variance in erotic film blood flow in the control group (70%), while only 27% was explained by this variable in the PVD group. There were no differences in subjective sexual arousal or anxiety between the groups. Across questionnaire measures, women with PVD reported lower sexual arousal than the control group.

Conclusions
The results suggest that women with PVD show lower genital responsiveness than nonaffected women to sexual stimuli in a laboratory setting and that their genital arousal is likely impacted by a number of biopsychosocial factors.
Viscous versus nonviscous soluble fiber supplements: Mechanisms and evidence for fiber‐specific health benefits
Authors: Chutkan Robynne , Fahey George , Wright Wendy L. , McRorie Johnson 
Published: July 2012

AbstractPurpose: This review focuses on the health benefits of viscous versus nonviscous soluble fibers, why symptoms can occur with increased fiber consumption, and how to avoid symptoms to improve adherence with a high‐fiber diet.Data sources: Review of scientific literature as well as evidence‐based guidelines and resources.Conclusions: While it is generally known that “fiber is good for you,” it is less well known that specific health benefits are associated with specific fiber characteristics. Many of the health benefits of fiber can be directly correlated with the viscosity of soluble fibers when hydrated (i.e., gel‐forming). A reduction in viscosity of a given fiber will attenuate these health benefits, and a nonviscous fiber does not exhibit these health benefits.Implications for practice: Increasing the viscosity of chyme with a viscous soluble fiber has been shown clinically to lower cholesterol for cardiovascular health, improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, normalize stool form in both constipation (softens hard stool) and diarrhea (firms loose/liquid stool), and improve the objective clinical measures of metabolic syndrome (glycemic control, lipoprotein profile, body mass index/weight loss, and blood pressure).Disclosures:  Johnson McRorie is a Clinical Scientist with Procter & Gamble, which markets two fiber products. George Fahey is a paid consultant for Procter & Gamble involved with several activities related to fiber. Funding was provided by Procter & Gamble for assistance of a medical writer in preparing this manuscript.
The cutaneous trunci reflex for localising and grading thoracolumbar spinal cord injuries in dogs
Authors: Gutierrez‐Quintana R. , Edgar J. , Wessmann A. , Cherubini G. B. , Penderis J. 
Published: July 2012

ObjectivesTo evaluate the accuracy of the cutaneous trunci reflex to localise thoracolumbar spinal cord injuries and to assess the correlation between focal loss (cut‐off) of the reflex and clinical severity of thoracolumbar spinal cord injury.MethodsProspective study of 41 dogs with thoracolumbar spinal cord injuries investigated by magnetic resonance imaging. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the vertebral level of the cutaneous trunci reflex cut‐off and the maximal and cranial lesion extent. The association between cutaneous trunci reflex cut‐off and spinal cord injury severity was tested using a Mann–Whitney U test.ResultsCutaneous trunci reflex cut‐off was evident in 33 (80%) of dogs. The cut‐off level was 0 to 4 vertebrae caudal to the maximal spinal cord lesion in all dogs. In 16 (48·5%) dogs the cut‐off was either 2 or 3 vertebrae caudal to the lesion. The presence of a cut‐off significantly correlated with increasing severity (P=0·0001). Loss of the reflex occurred at less severe grades than loss of ambulation and in dogs with ambulatory paresis it was significantly (P=0·0084) associated with increasing severity.Clinical SignificanceThe cutaneous trunci reflex allows localisation of thoracolumbar spinal cord lesions within four vertebrae and facilitates clinical segregation of dogs with ambulatory paresis into mild and severe categories.
2009 pandemic Influenza A (H1N1): clinical and laboratory characteristics in pediatric and adult patients and in patients with pulmonary involvement
Authors: Lee Ing‐Kit , Liu Jien‐Wei , Wang Lin , Yang Kuender D. , Li Chung‐Chen , Eng Hock‐Liew 
Published: July 2012

Please cite this paper as: Lee and Liu et al. (2012) 2009 pandemic Influenza A (H1N1): clinical and laboratory characteristics in pediatric and adult patients and in patients with pulmonary involvement. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(601), e152–e161.Background  To better understand clinical and laboratory characteristics in children, adults, and patients with lung involvement suffering 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1).Methods  A total of 442 patients with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) were retrospectively analyzed.Results  Comparing to their adult counterpart (n = 55), pediatric patients (n = 387) had significantly higher frequencies of fever, rhinorrhea, cough, sore throat, nausea/vomiting, and longer length of fever; lower frequencies of chest pain and dyspnea; higher incidence of lymphopenia; and lower incidence of elevated serum C‐reactive protein. Among the 227 patients with radiographs available, lung involvement was found in 19 (8·4%) (52·6% consolidation and 47·4% interstitial infiltrations), including 18 children and one adult. One child with lung consolidation died of multiorgan failure. Significant findings in patients with lung involvement included predominant young age (≤10 years), prolonged fever, and delayed oseltamivir therapy (≥48 hours after onset of illness); higher frequencies of dyspnea, nausea/vomiting, and altered consciousness; and higher incidences of leukopenia, elevated serum creative kinase, and lactic dehydrogenase.Conclusions  Among patients with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1), we found significant difference in clinical manifestations between children and adults, and significant differences in clinical and laboratory manifestations between patients with lung involvement and those without. On the basis of data from this study and the existing literature, early treatment with oseltamivir is recommended for patients with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1), regardless of age.
Informing the UK's South Asian communities on organ donation and transplantation
Authors: Khan Z. , Randhawa G. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryThere is a growing demand for human organs for transplantation, particularly of the kidney among the UK's South Asian population which, due to problems with histocompatibility can only be met with a significant increase in the number of Asian donors. Specific attempts have only recently been made to attract donors from South Asian communities using ‘ethnically‐targeted mass media’. A recent pilot study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of these initiatives in providing information with regards to organ donation for the South Asian population. The findings show that detailed information related to transplantation activity had been learned only through the experience of people undergoing transplants within the community and has been transmitted through various informal networks rather than through the resources provided by the Department of Health. This paper provides an overview of who the South Asians are and how these community networks were established.
The evolution of kidney transplantation in Spain. Role of the nurse
Authors: Gaya A. Rochera 
Published: July 2012

SummaryThis paper provides an overview of the role of the nurse in kidney transplantation with a particular emphasis on Spanish units. The evolution of the care of kidney transplant patients has tended towards a holistic approach, with the nurse being responsible for the integral care of the patient during the entire hospitalisation period. Nursing care covers the full range of functions, including education, outpatient clinic, continuous care, evaluation of care, and preparation for discharge. At the present time, the Spanish patient with serious kidney disease has a better chances of receiving an organ than in any of the countries in our geographical setting, thanks to the excellent health care professionals working in the setting of the Spanish health care system, and to the support of the entire Spanish society in favour of donation and transplantation, Clearly, personal and collective attitudes are not improvised, and the infrastructure required for this type of treatment is not a question of chance.
Management of anaemia in renal failure
Authors: Macdougall I. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryThe management of renal anaemia has been transformed over the last decade by the advent of recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) therapy. In relation to the use of erythropoietin, three major topics have emerged which have stimulated the most discussion and controversy. This article explores these three areas: the use of EPO in pre‐dialysis patients, iron management in patients receiving EPO therapy, and target haemoglobin.
Why do renal nurses focus on issues of compliance when working in the rehabilitative HD setting?
Authors: Woodcock S. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryRenal nurses are aware that a process of rehabilitation and adaptation must be facilitated for ESRF patients to acquire adjustments in health behaviours and lifestyle. These philosophies advocate the use of holistic nursing approaches, however, it has been observed that renal nurses frequently adopt a compliance approach for their client group, an approach which impedes rather than enhances the rehabilitative process. The author researched the question of why renal nurses focus on issues of compliance when working in the rehabilitative HD setting using modified grounded theory principles. Tentative findings suggest renal nurses are cogniscent of rehabilitation/adaptive philosophies, but are constrained in their use by stressful working environments and limited resources. Recommendations to enhance practice and suggestions for further study are made.
Residual renal function and post dialysis urea rebound
Authors: Carofei O. , Taratufolo A. , Atti S. , Fringuello F. , Alaimo M. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryKt/v is used to estimate haemodialysis prescription and treatment adequacy and usually does not include evaluation of urea rebound. In addition urea clearance provided by the presence of residual renal function (RRF) is additive to dialytic urea clearance. Rebound is a phenomenon involving other molecules such as creatinine and phosphorus. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of RRF on post dialysis urea, creatinine and phosphorus rebounds. We investigated 7 patients with RRF (group 1) and 7 uraemic anuric patients (group 2). Urea rebound was lower in group 1 than group 2: 9.5±4% vs 18±7% (p=0.04). Creatinine rebound and phosphorus rebound were similar in both groups 15.2±9% group 1 vs 14.6±5% group 2 (p=NS) and 16.7±7% group 1 vs 20±7% group 2 (p=NS) respectively. Our data suggest Kt/v calculated without considering rebound overestimates haemodialysis efficacy.
Blood pressure measurement in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Cerrai T. , Benedetti I. , Scala F. Della , Gori M. , Nicolini S. , Pampaloni S. , Paolini R. , Piccioli G.C. , Righi M. , Romoli R. , Torricelli S. 
Published: July 2012

SummarySeveral studies suggest that the 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) predicts left ventricular hypertrophy more accurately than conventional blood pressure measurement (CBPM) with mercury sphygmomanometer. We estimated the left ventricular mass by M‐mode echocardiography in 58 patients on regular haemodialysis treatment during the midweek haemodialysis (HD) interval. ABPM was recorded during the 24 hours preceding the dialysis session and the average of values were compared with the average of the 13 pre HD CBPM recorded by nurses during the month preceding the echocardiography study. The two types of BP measurements correlated significantly with each other, (systolic BP r=0.62; p < 0.001 and diastolic BP r=0.74; p < 0.001). The correlation of left ventricular mass with pre‐HD systolic BP was stronger (r=0.54; p < 0.001) than with 24h‐systolic BP (r=0.33; p<0.01). The overall accuracy of prediction was also similar (68% for pre HD‐CBPM; 67% for 24h‐ABPM). Measurements of diastolic BP did not correlate significantly with LVM. Our data suggest that 24h‐ABPM does not offer any advantage over pre HD‐CBPM in predicting left ventricular hypertrophy in HD patients