bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Untreated Vestibular Schwannoma: Vertigo Is a Powerful Predictor Forhealth-Related Quality of Life
Authors: Myrseth Erling , Møller Per , Wentzel-Larsen Tore , Goplen Frederik , Lund-Johansen Morten 
Published: July 2006

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to characterise the relation between quality of life (QOL) and the four major complaints (hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo and unsteadiness) caused by unilateral vestibular schwannoma (versus) in a cohort of well-characterised untreated patients.

METHODS
One hundred and ninety-nine consecutive patients (91 men, 108 women) with a mean age of 56.9 years were studied prospectively during the 4-year period 2001–2004. The average time span from symptom onset to the radiological diagnosis was 4.2 years. The patients were subject to a standardised examination including MRI, evaluation of hearing acuity, balance function by stabilometry, and a visual analogue scale (VAS) self-evaluation of tinnitus and vertigo. Furthermore, the patients responded to two questionnaires, Short-Form 36 (SF-36) and Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI)). A reference population was recruited from 80 adult persons who visited Haukeland University Hospital as non-patients or non-staff members. All data were recorded prospectively in a customised case report form. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS software.

RESULTS
The response rates of the Short-Form 36 and Glasgow Benefit Inventoryquestionnaires were 91.5 and 89.9%, respectively. According to the SF-36 questionnaire the patients scored significantly below that of expected norms with exception of physical function and mental health. Patients report negative benefit on the general and physical sections of the GBI questionnaire. Regression analysis showed that vertigo had a strong negative impact on QOL, whilst unilateral hearing loss and tinnitus had less impact on QOL.

CONCLUSION
Vertigo is the symptom causing the most pronounced negative effect on QOL in patients with versus The more frequent versus-symptoms unilateral hearing loss and tinnitus seem to be less important in the patients' perception of QOL evaluated by the questionnaires used in this study. If vertigo could be relieved by treatment, this symptom should be more in focus when discussing treatment options in small to medium sized versus
Electrochemical Behaviors of Ferrocene Derivatives at an Electrode Modified with Terminally Substituted Alkanethiol Monolayer Assemblies
Authors: Takehara Kô , Takemura Hiroyuki 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Self-assembled monolayers of 11-mercapto-1-undecanol (MUO), 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA), and 11-amino-1-undecanethiol (AUT) were formed on a gold disk electrode. The effects of the terminal charges of these monolayers on the redox responses of 1,1′ -ferrocenedimethanol (FcDM), (ferrocenylmethyl)trimethylammoniun bromide (FcMA) and ammonium ferrocenesulfonate (FcSA) were evaluated by using voltammetric (CV) techniques. The CV responses of FcDM and FcMA decreased in the order of MUA/Au (MUA modified gold electrode), MUO/Au, and AUT/Au. In contrast, the CV response of FcSA increased in the order of MUA/Au, MUO/Au, and AUT/Au. From these results, the effects of the terminal charges on the CV responses were measured in relation to the diffuse layer potential and the electrostatic interaction between the terminal unit and redox species.
59Co NMR Spectroscopic Chiral Discrimination of [Co(en)3]3+ Enantiomers in Ionic Interacting Systems
Authors: Iida Masayasu , Mizuno Yuri , Koine Norio 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Formation of diastereomers of Δ- and Λ-[Co(en)3]3+ was investigated in aqueous chiral-electrolyte solutions using 59Co NMR spectroscopy. The chiral electrolytes used were alkali salts for l- and d-tartrates, bis(μ-(−)589-tartrato)diantimonate(III), N-dodecanoyl-l-(and d-)alaninate, N-dodecanoyl-l-threoninate, and N-hexadecanoyl-l-prolinate. The 59Co NMR parameters for the [Co(en)3]3+ group were different between the enantiomers in most cases. The NMR parameters used for chiral discrimination were chemical shifts (in simple electrolyte and micellar solutions), relaxation rates (in simple electrolyte and micellar solutions), peak areas (in micellar solutions), and quadrupole splittings (in liquid crystalline solutions). The larger values of the relaxation rates suggest stronger interactions. On the other hand, the magnitude of the chemical shift change was not simply related to the extent of the interactions. For a chemical shift, the contribution of a geometrical factor seems to be dominant in systems having local anisotropy in the interaction.
Nebivolol: A Third-Generation β-Adrenergic Blocker
Authors: Veverka Angie , Nuzum Donald S , Jolly Jamie L 
Published: July 2006

Objective: TO describe the pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic properties of a new β-adrenergic blocker, nebivolol, and review the literature evaluating its efficacy in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure. Data Sources: Articles were identified through searches of MEDLINE (1996–May 2006) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–May 2006), using the key word nebivolol. Additional references were selected from the bibliographies of the articles cited. Searches were not limited by language, time, or human subject. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Preclinical studies evaluating the pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic properties of nebivolol in humans were selected for review. Randomized, controlled, blinded clinical trials assessing the efficacy of nebivolol for the treatment of hypertension and heart failure were also included. Data Synthesis: Preclinical data have established nebivolol as a third-generation β-adrenergic blocker, as it possesses vasodilatory properties that contribute to its hemodynamic effects beyond those achieved at β-adrenergic receptors. Short-term, randomized, controlled clinical trials have shown nebivolol to be as effective as other antihypertensive therapies at lowering blood pressure. One long-term trial showed a significant reduction in death and hospital admissions for cardiovascular causes when nebivolol was compared with placebo in patients with heart failure (31.1% vs 65.3%; HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.74 to 0.99). Conclusions: Nebivolol is a novel β-adrenergic blocker that possesses unique pharmacologic properties, compared with other agents in its class. Nebivolol appears to be as effective as other antihypertensive agents at lowering blood pressure and possesses benefits for patients with heart failure. Additional studies are needed to address the long-term benefits of nebivolol for hypertension, to compare nebivolol with other β-adrenergic blockers for heart failure, and to investigate the clinical relevance of nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation.
Intense Isolectin-B4 Binding in Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons Distinguishes C-Fiber Nociceptors with Broad Action Potentials and High Nav1.9 Expression
Authors: Fang Xin , Djouhri Laiche , McMullan Simon , Berry Carol , Waxman Stephen G. , Okuse Kenji , Lawson Sally N. 
Published: July 2006

Binding to isolectin-B4 (IB4) and expression of tyrosine kinase A (trkA) (the high-affinity NGF receptor) have been used to define two different subgroups of nociceptive small dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. We previously showed that only nociceptors have high trkA levels. However, information about sensory and electrophysiological propertiesin vivoof single identified IB4-binding neurons, and about their trkA expression levels, is lacking. IB4-positive (IB4+) and small dark neurons had similar size distributions. We examined IB4-binding levels in >120 dye-injected DRG neurons with sensory and electrophysiological properties recordedin vivo. Relative immunointensities for trkA and two TTX-resistant sodium channels (Nav1.8 and Nav1.9) were also measured in these neurons. IB4+ neurons were classified as strongly or weakly IB4+.All strongly IB4+ neurons were C-nociceptor type (C-fiber nociceptive or unresponsive). Of 32 C-nociceptor-type neurons examined, ∼50% were strongly IB4+, ∼20% were weakly IB4+ and ∼30% were IB4−. Aδ low-threshold mechanoreceptive (LTM) neurons were weakly IB4+ or IB4−. All 33 A-fiber nociceptors and all 44 Aα/β-LTM neurons examined were IB4−. IB4+ compared with IB4− C-nociceptor-type neurons had longer somatic action potential durations and rise times, slower conduction velocities, more negative membrane potentials, and greater immunointensities for Nav1.9 but not Nav1.8. Immunointensities of IB4 binding in C-neurons were positively correlated with those of Nav1.9 but not Nav1.8. Of 23 C-neurons tested for both trkA and IB4, ∼35% were trkA+/IB4+ but with negatively correlated immunointensities; 26% were IB4+/trkA−, and 35% were IB4−/trkA+. We conclude that strongly IB4+ DRG neurons are exclusively C-nociceptor type and that high Nav1.9 expression may contribute to their distinct membrane properties.
Association of Hypoglycemia, Hyperglycemia, and Glucose Variability With Morbidity and Death in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Wintergerst Kupper A. , Buckingham Bruce , Gandrud Laura , Wong Becky J. , Kache Saraswati , Wilson Darrell M. 
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVE. We evaluated retrospectively plasma glucose levels and the degree of hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and glucose variability in a PICU and then assessed their association with hospital length of stay and mortality rates.
METHODS. Electronic medical records at the Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford University were reviewed retrospectively for all PICU admissions between March 1, 2003, and March 31, 2004. Patients with a known diagnosis of diabetes mellitus were excluded. The prevalence of hyperglycemia was defined with cutoff values of 110, 150, and 200 mg/dL. Hypoglycemia was defined as ≤65 mg/dL. Glucose variability was assessed with a calculated glucose variability index.
RESULTS. In 13 months, 1094 eligible admissions generated 18865 glucose values (median: 107 mg/dL; range: 13–1839 mg/dL). Patients in the highest maximal glucose quintile had a significantly longer median PICU length of stay, compared with those in the lowest quintile (7.5 days vs 1 day). Mortality rates increased as patients' maximal glucose levels increased, reaching 15.2% among patients with the greatest degree of hyperglycemia. Hypoglycemia was also prevalent, with 18.6% of patients (182 of 980 patients) having minimal glucose levels of ≤65 mg/dL. There was an increased median PICU length of stay (9.5 days vs 1 day) associated with glucose values in the lowest minimal quintile, compared with those in the highest quintile. Hypoglycemia was correlated with mortality rates; 16.5% of patients with glucose levels of ≤65 mg/dL died. Glucose variability also was associated with increased length of stay and mortality rates. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, glucose variability, taken with hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, showed the strongest association with mortality rates.
CONCLUSIONS. Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia were prevalent in the PICU. Hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and, in particular, increased glucose variability were associated with increased morbidity (length of stay) and mortality rates.
Utility of Childhood Non–High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in Predicting Adult Dyslipidemia and Other Cardiovascular Risks: The Bogalusa Heart Study
Authors: Srinivasan Sathanur R. , Frontini Maria G. , Xu Jihua , Berenson Gerald S. 
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVE. This study sought to examine the usefulness of non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in predicting future dyslipidemia and other cardiovascular risk in adulthood.METHODS. The study sample consisted of a longitudinal cohort of subjects (n = 1163; 30.1% black and 55.4% female) who participated in the Bogalusa Heart Study both as children at 5 to 14 years of age and as adults 27 years later.RESULTS. The childhood level of non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, like low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, was the best predictor of the adulthood level; the next best predictor for both variables was the change in BMI from childhood to adulthood. Furthermore, those in the age-, race-, and gender-specific top quartile, compared with those in the bottom quartile, of non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in childhood were 4.5 and 3.5 times more likely, respectively, to develop adult dyslipidemia, independent of baseline BMI and BMI change after 27 years. Although, at equivalent cutoff points, childhood high-risk versus acceptable-risk status for both lipid measures was associated significantly with increased prevalence of obesity and adverse levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides in adulthood, only childhood non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol high-risk status was associated with increased prevalence of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperglycemia (marginal).CONCLUSIONS. Adverse levels of non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol versus low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in childhood not only equally persist over time and better predict adult dyslipidemia but also are related to nonlipid cardiovascular risk factors in adulthood.
Folate and Vitamin B6 Rapidly Normalize Endothelial Dysfunction In Children With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: MacKenzie Karen E. , Wiltshire Esko J. , Gent Roger , Hirte Craig , Piotto Lino , Couper Jennifer J. 
Published: July 2006

BACKGROUND. Endothelial dysfunction, a precursor of vascular disease, begins early in type 1 diabetes mellitus and is associated with folate status.
METHODS. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of folate (5 mg daily) and vitamin B6 (100 mg daily) in 124 children with type 1 diabetes determined the immediate and 8-week effects of these vitamins, alone and in combination, on endothelial function. Endothelial function, assessed as flow-mediated dilation and glyceryltrinitrate-induced dilation with high-resolution ultrasound of the brachial artery, was measured at baseline, at 2 and 4 hours after the first dose (n = 35), and at 4 and 8 weeks of treatment (n = 122).
RESULTS. Flow-mediated dilation normalized in all treatment groups. From baseline to 8 weeks, flow-mediated dilation improved with folate from 2.6% ± 4.3% (mean ± SD) to 9.7% ± 6.0%, with vitamin B6 from 3.5% ± 4.0% to 8.3% ± 4.2%, and with folate/vitamin B6 from 2.8% ± 3.5% to 10.5% ± 4.4%. This improvement in flow-mediated dilation occurred within 2 hours and was maintained at 8 weeks for each treatment. Flow-mediated dilation in the placebo group, and glyceryltrinitrate-induced dilation in all groups, did not change. Increases in serum folate, red cell folate, and serum vitamin B6 levels related to increases in flow-mediated dilation. Improvement in flow-mediated dilation was independent of changes in total plasma homocyst(e)ine, glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels. Baseline red cell folate levels and baseline diastolic blood pressure were related inversely to improvement in flow-mediated dilation. Serum triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol inversely related to baseline flow-mediated dilation.
CONCLUSIONS. High-dose folate and vitamin B6 normalized endothelial dysfunction in children with type 1 diabetes. This effect was maintained over 8 weeks, with no additional benefit from combination treatment.
A Randomized, Controlled Trial of the Effects of Adding Vitamin B12 and Folate to Erythropoietin for the Treatment of Anemia of Prematurity
Authors: Haiden Nadja , Klebermass Katrin , Cardona Francesco , Schwindt Jens , Berger Angelika , Kohlhauser-Vollmuth Christina , Jilma Bernd , Pollak Arnold 
Published: July 2006

BACKGROUND. Premature infants, especially those with birth weights of &lt;1500 g, often suffer from anemia of prematurity and associated problems. Erythropoietin therapy is a safe effective way to prevent and to treat anemia of prematurity. We hypothesized that combined administration of vitamin B12 and folate with erythropoietin and iron would enhance erythropoietin-induced erythropoiesis.METHODS. In a randomized, controlled trial, 64 premature infants (birth weight: 801–1300 g) receiving erythropoietin and iron supplementation were assigned randomly to receive either vitamin B12 (3 μg/kg per day) and folate (100 μg/kg per day) (treatment group) or a lower dose of folate (60 μg/kg per day) (control group).RESULTS. During the 4-week observation period, vitamin B12 and folate enhanced erythropoietin-induced erythropoiesis significantly, as indicated by a 10% increase in red blood cell counts, compared with folate alone. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels remained stable in the treatment group, whereas they decreased in the control group. Vitamin B12 levels in the treatment group increased over baseline and control values, whereas red blood cell folate levels were comparable between the groups. Subsequent analysis showed slight nonsignificant differences in baseline red blood cell count, hemoglobin level, hematocrit level, and mean corpuscular volume values, which must be addressed as a limitation.CONCLUSIONS. With the limitation of a slight imbalance in baseline data between the study groups, combined therapy with vitamin B12, folate, erythropoietin, and orally and intravenously administered iron seemed more effective in stimulating erythropoiesis among premature infants, compared with erythropoietin, iron, and low-dose folate alone. Additional trials are necessary to confirm these data.
End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide as a Measure of Acidosis Among Children With Gastroenteritis
Authors: Nagler Joshua , Wright Robert O. , Krauss Baruch 
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVES. We aimed to determine the correlation between end-tidal carbon dioxide levels and serum bicarbonate concentrations among patients with gastroenteritis, to compare the end-tidal carbon dioxide with other clinical parameters that might also be associated with the degree of acidosis, and to examine the relationship between end-tidal carbon dioxide levels and return visits.METHODS. Our prospective sample included patients presenting to the emergency department with a chief complaint of vomiting and/or diarrhea. The association between end-tidal carbon dioxides and serum bicarbonate concentrations was determined with simple linear-regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curves were computed to determine the predictive ability of the end-tidal carbon dioxide to detect metabolic acidosis.RESULTS. One hundred thirty of 146 subjects who were approached were included in the final analysis. For those for whom laboratory studies were performed, the mean serum bicarbonate concentration was 17.3 ± 4.3 mmol/L and the mean end-tidal carbon dioxide level was 34.2 ± 5.2 mm Hg. End-tidal carbon dioxide levels and serum bicarbonate concentrations were correlated linearly in bivariate analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated for end-tidal carbon dioxide as a predictor of serum bicarbonate concentrations of ≤13, ≤15, and ≤17 mmol/L, with areas under the curves of 0.94, 0.95, and 0.90, respectively. The relationship between end-tidal carbon dioxide levels and serum bicarbonate concentrations was independent of other potential predictors of acidosis in multivariable analysis. The mean end-tidal carbon dioxide level for patients who required an unanticipated return visit (33.0 ± 4.0 mm Hg) was lower than the level for those who did not seek reevaluation (36.6 ± 3.6 mm Hg).CONCLUSIONS. End-tidal carbon dioxide levels were correlated with serum bicarbonate concentrations among children with vomiting and diarrhea, independent of other clinical parameters. Capnography offers an objective noninvasive measure of the severity of acidosis among patients with gastroenteritis.
Computerized Provider Order Entry Implementation: No Association With Increased Mortality Rates in an Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Del Beccaro Mark A. , Jeffries Howard E. , Eisenberg Matthew A. , Harry Eric D. 
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVE. Our goal was to determine if there were any changes in risk-adjusted mortality after the implementation of a computerized provider order entry system in our PICU.
METHODS. Study was undertaken in a tertiary care PICU with 20 beds and 1100 annual admissions. Demographic, admission source, primary diagnosis, crude mortality, and Pediatric Risk of Mortality III risk-adjusted mortality were abstracted retrospectively on all admissions from the PICUEs database for the period October 1, 2002, to December 31, 2004. This time period reflects the 13 months before and 13 months after computerized provider order entry implementation. Pediatric Risk of Mortality III mortality risk adjustment was used to determine standardized mortality ratios.
RESULTS. During the study period, 2533 patients were admitted to the PICU, of which 284 were transported from another facility. The 13-month preimplementation mortality rate was 4.22%, and the 13-month postimplementation mortality rate was 3.46%, representing a nonsignificant reduction in the risk of mortality in the postimplementation period. The standardized mortality ratio was 0.98 vs 0.77, respectively, and the mortality rate for the transported patients was 9.6% vs 6.29%. This yields a nonsignificant mortality risk reduction in the postimplementation period. The standardized mortality ratio was 1.10 preimplementation versus 0.70 postimplementation. Analysis of the 13-month preimplementation versus 5-month postimplementation periods showed a non–statistically significant trend in reduction of mortality for all PICU patients and for transported patients.
CONCLUSIONS. Implementation of a computerized provider order entry system, even in the early months after implementation, was not associated with an increase in mortality. Our experience suggests that careful design, build, implementation, and support can mitigate the risk of implementing new technology even in an ICU setting.
Serum concentrations of the third component of complement in healthy dogs and dogs with protein-losing nephropathy
Authors: Acierno Mark J. , Labato Mary Anna , Stern Leah C. , Mukherjee Jean , Jakowski Richard M. , Ross Linda A. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Objective—To develop a method for determining the concentration of the third component of complement (C3) in canine serum, to establish a reference range for C3 in healthy dogs, and to evaluate dogs with protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) to determine whether PLN is associated with decreased serum C3 concentrations.
Animals—30 healthy dogs and 49 dogs with PLN.
Procedures—Serum samples were obtained from healthy dogs at the time of examination, whereas serum samples were obtained from dogs with PLN at the time of diagnosis. All samples were frozen at −70°C until analyzed. Serum C3 concentrations were determined by use of a sandwich ELISA. Concentrations were expressed as the number of dilutions in which C3 could be detected.
Results—C3 was detectable in healthy control dogs (range, 1,920,000 to 15,400,000 dilutions; median, 9,600,000 dilutions). This represented a range of four 2-fold serum dilutions. In addition, C3 was detectable in dogs with PLN (range, 1,460,000 to 30,070,000 dilutions; median, 7,680,000 dilutions), which represented a range of six 2-fold serum dilutions. There was no significant difference in C3 concentrations between the 2 groups.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—C3 is a critical part of the immune defense system that has not been extensively examined in veterinary medicine. An ELISA was developed for measuring C3 concentrations, and a reference range for healthy dogs was established. Significant decreases in C3 concentrations were not detected in any dog with PLN. Additional studies will be required to definitively determine the importance of serum C3 concentrations in PLN.