bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tetralogy of Fallot with rheumatic mitral stenosis: A case report
Authors: Sai Krishna Cheemalapati , Reddy Gangireddy Venkateswara , Debta Mohan , Panigrahi Nanda Kishore 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Introduction
Rheumatic and congenital heart diseases account for the majority of hospital admissions for cardiac patients in India. Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common congenital heart disease with survival to adulthood. Infective endocarditis accounts for 4% of admissions to a specialized unit for adult patients with a congenital heart lesion. This report is unique in that a severe stenotic lesion of the mitral valve, probably of rheumatic aetiology, was noted in an adult male with Tetralogy of Fallot.

Case presentation
An unusual association of rheumatic mitral stenosis in an adult Indian male patient aged 35 years with Tetralogy of Fallot and subacute bacterial endocarditis of the aortic valve is presented.

Conclusion
In this case report the diagnostic implications, hemodynamic and therapeutic consequences of mitral stenosis in Tetralogy of Fallot are discussed. In addition, the morbidity and mortality of infective endocarditis in adult patients with congenital heart disease are summarized. The risk of a coincident rheumatic process in patients with congenital heart disease is highlighted and the need for careful attention to this possibility during primary and follow-up evaluation of such patients emphasized.
A role for surgery in primary pancreatic B-cell lymphoma: a case report
Authors: Liakakos Theodore , Misiakos Evangelos P , Tsapralis Dimitrios , Nikolaou Irene , Karatzas Gabriel , Macheras Anastasios 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Introduction
Primary pancreatic lymphoma is a very rare but manageable malignant tumour which may be clinically confused as a pancreatic carcinoma. This case report demonstrates the value of surgical resection in the management of pancreatic lymphoma.

Case presentation
We report a case of a 65-year-old man who was admitted with obstructive jaundice, vague upper abdominal pain and weight loss. Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed a mass at the head of the pancreas which was compressing the bile duct. The patient underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical assessment of the pancreatic lesion established the diagnosis of a diffuse, extranodal, high-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Several doses of chemotherapy were administered postoperatively and at present the disease remains in remission.

Conclusion
The favourable outcome for this patient and a thorough review of the literature underline the important role that operative resection may have in the management of at least the early stage of primary pancreatic lymphoma.
Oral probiotic and prevention of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study in intensive care unit patients
Authors: Forestier Christiane , Guelon Dominique , Cluytens Valérie , Gillart Thierry , Sirot Jacques , De Champs Christophe 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Preventing carriage of potentially pathogenic micro-organisms from the aerodigestive tract is an infection control strategy used to reduce the occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care units. However, antibiotic use in selective decontamination protocols is controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of oral administration of a probiotic, namely Lactobacillus, on gastric and respiratory tract colonization/infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Our hypothesis was that an indigenous flora should exhibit a protective effect against secondary colonization.

Methods
We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study between March 2003 and October 2004 in a 17-bed intensive care unit of a teaching hospital in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Consecutive patients with a unit stay of longer than 48 hours were included, 106 in the placebo group and 102 in the probiotic group. Through a nasogastric feeding tube, patients received either 109 colony-forming units unity forming colony of Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus or placebo twice daily, from the third day after admission to discharge. Digestive tract carriage of P. aeruginosa was monitored by cultures of gastric aspirates at admission, once a week thereafter and on discharge. In addition, bacteriological analyses of respiratory tract specimens were conducted to determine patient infectious status.

Results
The occurrence of P. aeruginosa respiratory colonization and/or infection was significantly delayed in the probiotic group, with a difference in median delay to acquisition of 11 days versus 50 days (P = 0.01), and a nonacquisition expectancy mean of 69 days versus 77 days (P = 0.01). The occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia due to P. aeruginosa in the patients receiving the probiotic was less frequent, although not significantly reduced, in patients in the probiotic group (2.9%) compared with those in the placebo group (7.5%). After multivariate Cox proportional hazards modelling, the absence of probiotic treatment increased the risk for P. aeruginosa colonization in respiratory tract (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.2, 95% confidence interval – 1.1 to 9.1).

Conclusion
In this pilot study, oral administration of a probiotic delayed respiratory tract colonization/infection by P. aeruginosa.

Trial registration
The trial registration number for this study is NCT00604110.
Randomized trial comparing daily interruption of sedation and nursing-implemented sedation algorithm in medical intensive care unit patients
Authors: de Wit Marjolein , Gennings Chris , Jenvey Wendy I , Epstein Scott K 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Daily interruption of sedation (DIS) and sedation algorithms (SAs) have been shown to decrease mechanical ventilation (MV) duration. We conducted a randomized study comparing these strategies.

Methods
Mechanically ventilated adults 18 years old or older in the medical intensive care unit (ICU) were randomly assigned to DIS or SA. Exclusion criteria were severe neurocognitive dysfunction, administration of neuromuscular blockers, and tracheostomy. Study endpoints were total MV duration and 28-day ventilator-free survival.

Results
The study was terminated prematurely after 74 patients were enrolled (DIS 36 and SA 38). The two groups had similar age, gender, racial distribution, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, and reason for MV. The Data Safety Monitoring Board convened after DIS patients were found to have higher hospital mortality; however, no causal connection between DIS and increased mortality was identified. Interim analysis demonstrated a significant difference in primary endpoint, and study termination was recommended. The DIS group had longer total duration of MV (median 6.7 versus 3.9 days; P = 0.0003), slower improvement of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment over time (0.70 versus 0.23 units per day; P = 0.025), longer ICU length of stay (15 versus 8 days; P < 0.0001), and longer hospital length of stay (23 versus 12 days; P = 0.01).

Conclusion
In our cohort of patients, the use of SA was associated with reduced duration of MV and lengths of stay compared with DIS. Based on these results, DIS may not be appropriate in all mechanically ventilated patients.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00205517.
Prognostic Significance of Nottingham Histologic Grade in Invasive Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Rakha Emad A. , El-Sayed Maysa E. , Lee Andrew H.S. , Elston Christopher W. , Grainge Matthew J. , Hodi Zsolt , Blamey Roger W. , Ellis Ian O. 
Published: May 2008

Purpose The three strongest prognostic determinants in operable breast cancer used in routine clinical practice are lymph node (LN) stage, primary tumor size, and histologic grade. However, grade is not included in the recent revision of the TNM staging system of breast cancer as its value is questioned in certain settings. Materials and Methods This study is based on a large and well-characterized consecutive series of operable breast cancer (2,219 cases), treated according to standard protocols in a single institution, with a long-term follow-up (median, 111 months) to assess the prognostic value of routine assessment of histologic grade using Nottingham histologic grading system. Results Histologic grade is strongly associated with both breast cancer–specific survival (BCSS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in the whole series as well as in different subgroups based on tumor size (pT1a, pT1b, pT1c, and pT2) and LN stages (pN0 and pN1 and pN2). Differences in survival were also noted between different individual grades (1, 2, and 3). Multivariate analyses showed that histologic grade is an independent predictor of both BCSS and DFS in operable breast cancer as a whole as well as in all studied subgroups. Conclusion Histologic grade, as assessed by the Nottingham grading system, provides a strong predictor of outcome in patients with invasive breast cancer and should be incorporated in breast cancer staging systems.
Inhibitory neurotransmission, plasticity and aging in the mammalian central auditory system
Authors: Caspary Donald M. , Ling Lynne , Turner Jeremy G. , Hughes Larry F. 
Published: May 2008

SUMMARY
Aging and acoustic trauma may result in partial peripheral deafferentation in the central auditory pathway of the mammalian brain. In accord with homeostatic plasticity, loss of sensory input results in a change in pre- and postsynaptic GABAergic and glycinergic inhibitory neurotransmission. As seen in development, age-related changes may be activity dependent. Age-related presynaptic changes in the cochlear nucleus include reduced glycine levels,while in the auditory midbrain and cortex, GABA synthesis and release are altered. Presumably, in response to age-related decreases in presynaptic release of inhibitory neurotransmitters, there are age-related postsynaptic subunit changes in the composition of the glycine (GlyR) and GABAA(GABAAR) receptors. Age-related changes in the subunit makeup of inhibitory pentameric receptor constructs result in altered pharmacological and physiological responses consistent with a net down-regulation of functional inhibition. Age-related functional changes associated with glycine neurotransmission in dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) include altered intensity and temporal coding by DCN projection neurons. Loss of synaptic inhibition in the superior olivary complex (SOC) and the inferior colliculus (IC) likely affect the ability of aged animals to localize sounds in their natural environment. Age-related postsynaptic GABAAR changes in IC and primary auditory cortex (A1) involve changes in the subunit makeup of GABAARs. In turn, these changes cause age-related changes in the pharmacology and response properties of neurons in IC and A1 circuits, which collectively may affect temporal processing and response reliability. Findings of age-related inhibitory changes within mammalian auditory circuits are similar to age and deafferentation plasticity changes observed in other sensory systems. Although few studies have examined sensory aging in the wild,these age-related changes would likely compromise an animal's ability to avoid predation or to be a successful predator in their natural environment.
Mechanical Stirring Speed in Water/Hexane Biphasic Catalyst Controls Regioselectivity of Pd-catalyzed Allylation Reaction
Authors: Komiya Sanshiro , Sako Akari , Kosuge Hirofumi , Hirano Masafumi , Komine Nobuyuki 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Vigorous mechanical mixing of the water/hexane biphasic Pd-catalyzed allylation of benzenethiol gave sterically congested allyl sulfides, due to high reactivity of the enforced orientation of the η1-allylpalladium intermediate at the solvent interface.
Cell-free Protein Synthesis Conducted by Template DNA with Repetitive Sequence
Authors: Nojima Takahiko , Kimura Hiroshi , Fujii Teruo 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
DNA with repetitive sequence of green fluorescent protein (GFP) was prepared by rolling circle amplification with φ29 DNA polymerase from a bacterial expression vector carrying a GFP gene. The prepared DNA was subjected to a cell-free coupled transcription–translation system and green fluorescence was observed, which shows that the template with repetitive sequence properly functioned in the reaction. The efficiency of the reaction conducted by the template with repetitive sequence was higher than those by linear template coding single gene or by circular plasmid.
Phenyltellanyl Triflate (PhTeOTf) as a Powerful Tellurophilic Activator in the Friedel–Crafts Reaction
Authors: Yamada Takeshi , Mishima Eri , Ueki Kazuya , Yamago Shigeru 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
A powerful electrophilic activator for organotellurium compounds was developed. Phenyltellanyl triflate (PhTeOTf) prepared in situ from dibromophenyl(phenyltellanyl)telluride and AgOTf selectively activated various organotellurium compounds in the presence of aromatic compounds yielding the corresponding Friedel–Crafts reaction products. Polymer-end organotellurium compounds were also activated by PhTeOTf providing the corresponding end-functionalized polymers.
Performance of An Enzyme Electrode Designed for a Sulfide Monitoring Biosensor
Authors: Sooknah Reeta , Papavinasam Sankara , Attard Michael , Revie R. Winston , Gould W. Douglas , Dinardo Orlando 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
The construction and evaluation of an enzyme electrode designed for a sulfide monitoring biosensor, are reported in this work. The enzyme, which is immobilized in a carbon (graphite) paste with 1,1′ dimethylferrocene, catalyzes the oxidation of sulfide to sulfur.
Amperometric measurements were carried out at room temperature, and a fixed potential of 0.3 V with reference to a saturated calomel electrode, using Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.5) as the electrolyte, and sodium sulfide solution as the substrate. Under deaerated conditions, the biosensor responded linearly to the tested sulfide concentration range of 0–4mM, giving an average apparent Michaelis constant of 3mM, and maximum current responses between 0.7 and 3.6 μA. The sensitivity of the electrodes tested ranged from 0.2–0.3 μA mM−1.
A Simple Index Using Age, Hemoglobin, and Aspartate Transaminase Predicts Increased Intracerebral Blood Velocity as Measured by Transcranial Doppler Scanning in Children With Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Rees David C. , Dick Moira C. , Height Sue E. , O'Driscoll Sandra , Pohl Keith R.E. , Goss David E. , Deane Colin R. 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE. Increased intracerebral blood velocity measured by transcranial Doppler scanning identifies children with sickle cell anemia who are at increased risk of stroke. We have tried to develop an index based on routine clinical measurements that also predicts increased intracerebral blood flow.
METHOD. Routinely collected clinical and laboratory data were correlated with transcranial Doppler measurements on children with sickle cell anemia seen in a single institution in 2006. The index produced was validated on a second independent data set from children with sickle cell anemia.
RESULTS. The time-averaged mean of the maximum velocity in centimeters per second in the middle cerebral artery circulation correlated significantly with age, hemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase, and aspartate transaminase levels, white blood cell count, and creatinine level. On multiple regression, hemoglobin and aspartate transaminase levels maintained their significance, whereas age had borderline significance, and an index was developed linked to a time-averaged mean of the maximum velocity of 220 − (8 × hemoglobin) − (1.4 × age) + (0.4 × aspartate transaminase). This detected a time-averaged mean of the maximum velocity of &gt;170 cm/second with 100% sensitivity and 58% specificity. The index was validated on the second data set and again showed 100% sensitivity with 73% specificity.
CONCLUSION. This simple index has the potential to identify children who are at higher risk of cerebrovascular disease to allow them to be prioritized for transcranial Doppler scanning and other intracerebral imaging.
Effects of particle composition and species on toxicity of metallic nanomaterials in aquatic organisms
Authors: Griffitt Robert J , Luo Jing , Gao Jie , Bonzongo Jean-Claude , Barber David S 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Metallic nanoparticles are among the most widely used types of engineered nanomaterials; however, little is known about their environmental fate and effects. To assess potential environmental effects of engineered nanometals, it is important to determine which species are sensitive to adverse effects of various nanomaterials. In the present study, zebrafish, daphnids, and an algal species were used as models of various trophic levels and feeding strategies. To understand whether observed effects are caused by dissolution, particles were characterized before testing, and particle concentration and dissolution were determined during exposures. Organisms were exposed to silver, copper, aluminum, nickel, and cobalt as both nanoparticles and soluble salts as well as to titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Our results indicate that nanosilver and nanocopper cause toxicity in all organisms tested, with 48-h median lethal concentrations as low as 40 and 60 μg/L, respectively, in Daphnia pulex adults, whereas titanium dioxide did not cause toxicity in any of the tests. Susceptibility to nanometal toxicity differed among species, with filter-feeding invertebrates being markedly more susceptible to nanometal exposure compared with larger organisms (i.e., zebrafish). The role of dissolution in observed toxicity also varied, being minor for silver and copper but, apparently, accounting for most of the toxicity with nickel. Nanoparticulate forms of metals were less toxic than soluble forms based on mass added, but other dose metrics should be developed to accurately assess concentration–response relationships for nanoparticle exposures.
Modified theory of f-f transition intensities and crystal field for systems with anomalously strong configuration interaction
Authors: Dunina Elena , Kornienko Alexey , Fomicheva Liudmila 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
A new theory explaining the intensity of f-f transitions and the crystal field using an approximation of a strong configuration interaction is proposed. The theory enables the anomalous influence of excited configurations with charge transfer on some multiplets of the f shell to be taken into account. With the help of this theory, a satisfactory description of the absorption transitions and luminescence branching ratios from 1
D
2 and 3
P
0 multiplets for the Pr3+ ion in double molybdates has been achieved for the first time. For further validation the theory, was used to provide a description of Stark splitting of Pr3+ — multiplets in elpasolites and determine the covalence parameters; these parameters were found to be in good agreement with values obtained by the other methods.
Investigation of some even-even selenium isotopes within the interacting boson model-2
Authors: Böyükata Mahmut , Uluer İhsan 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
The even-even Selenium isotopes in the A∼80 mass region and the general features of its structure have been investigated within the framework of the interacting boson model-2. The neutron proton version of the model has been applied to the Se (A=74 to 80) isotopes with emphasis on the description of the 01+, 21+, 02+, 22+ and 41+ states. The energy levels, B(E2)and B(M1)electromagnetic transition probabilities were calculated. The results of these calculations were compared with previous experimental results and were shown to be in good agreement.
Effects of noise on periodic orbits of the logistic map
Authors: Li Feng-guo 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Noise can induce an inverse period-doubling transition and chaos. The effects of noise on each periodic orbit of three different period sequences are investigated for the logistic map. It is found that the dynamical behavior of each orbit, induced by an uncorrelated Gaussian white noise, is different in the mergence transition. For an orbit of the period-six sequence, the maximum of the probability density in the presence of noise is greater than that in the absence of noise. It is also found that, under the same intensity of noise, the effects of uncorrelated Gaussian white noise and exponentially correlated colored (Gaussian) noise on the period-four sequence are different.
Reference Values for Acoustic Rhinometry in Children from 4 to 13 Years Old
Authors: Straszek Sune P. , Moeller Alexander , Hall Graham L. , Zhang Guicheng , Stick Stephen M. , Franklin Peter J. 
Published: May 2008

Background Despite a growing number of studies using acoustic rhinometry (AR) in children, no reference material exists that incorporates the entire age and height interval of preschool children up to puberty for a range of rhinometric variables. The aim of this study is to provide a reference range for nasal volumes and minimum cross-sectional areas (MCAs) in healthy nondecongested children aged 4-13 years old. Methods Two hundred fifty-six primary school children (mean, 7.95 years; range, 3.8-13.1 years; 123 boys/133 girls) were measured by AR. Variables were MCA (first, second, and absolute minimum) and nasal volumes from 0 to 4 cm (Vol0-4), 0 to 5 cm (Vol0-5), 1 to 4 cm (Vol1-4), and 2 to 5 cm (Vol2-5) into the nasal cavity. Height and weight were measured and atopic status was determined by skin-prick test. Age and current and past respiratory health were recorded from a questionnaire. Results In multiple linear regression models height was the main predictor for all AR variables although weight also was a significant predictor of MCAs. There was no association between any AR variables with sex, atopy, or hay fever but children with current wheeze (within last 12 months) and asthma had decreased nasal patency. Conclusion This article presents the most extensive current reference material for AR in nondecongested prepubescent healthy children. The presented reference material will facilitate the interpretation and evaluation of future and present epidemiologic studies based on AR in children.
Detection of Enterotoxin DNA in Staphylococcus aureus Strains Obtained from the Middle Meatus in Controls and Nasal Polyp Patients
Authors: Van Zele Thibaut , Vaneechoutte Mario , Holtappels Gabriele , Gevaert Philippe , van Cauwenberge P. , Bachert Claus 
Published: May 2008

Background Recent findings indicate that Staphylococcus aureus and its products may be involved in the modification of nasal polyposis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of S. aureus enterotoxin genes and the agr subtype in bacterial DNA of S. aureus strains isolated from the middle meatus of nasal polyp and control patients. Methods S. aureus strains were isolated from nasal polyp patients and controls. The strains were screened using PCR for their agr subtype, classic superantigens (SEA, SEB, SEC, SED or TSST-1), the egc cluster (SEG, SEI, SEM, SEN, and SEO and other enterotoxins (SEE, SEH, SEJ, SEK, and SEL) distinct from the egc locus. Results Seventy-five percent of S. aureus strains had at least one enterotoxin in their DNA. The egc gene cluster was identified in 27 (67.5%) strains. At least one classic enterotoxin gene was present in 42.5% of the strains. Interestingly, there were no differences in enterotoxin genes between S. aureus strains isolated from controls compared with nasal polyposis patients. In controls, an equal distribution among the four agr groups was found, while 73% of the NPs strains belonged to agr groups I and II. Conclusion In this study we found no significant difference between strains from nasal polyp patients and controls in the presence of enterotoxin genes. However, in NPs, a higher number of strains belonged to agr I or II, which are associated with strains causing enterotoxin-mediated disease.