bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP RESULTS OF PERCUTANEOUS CATHETER INTERVENTION FOR CORONARY ARTERY LESIONS AFTER KAWASAKI DISEASE: MULTICENTER COLLABORATIVE STUDY
Authors: Ishii Masahiro , Muta Hiromi , Nakahata Yayoi , Ogata Syouhei , Kimura Sumito , Ayusawa Mamoru , Iemura Motofumi , Ogawa Syunichi 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: The long-term prognosis in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unclear.
OBJECTIVE: We sought to clarify the long-term results of PCI for KD.
METHODS: Patients who developed coronary stenotic lesions caused by KD and were treated with PCI were investigated. Restenosis or obstruction was diagnosed when the stenosis was ≥75% according to coronary angiography or ischemic change was observed by myocardial perfusion imaging.
RESULTS: A total of 55 stenotic lesions were reported in 49 patients in 5 institutions. The types of PCI included percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (n = 22), stent implantation (n = 7), percutaneous transluminal coronary rotational ablation (PTCRA) (n = 22), and combination of PTCRA with stent implantation (n = 4). Median age at PCI was 14.5 years, and the median follow-up period in the PCI group was 6.3 years. of 55 stenotic lesions in the PCI group, 52 (95%) were dilated successfully by PCI. Immediate complications in the PCI group included neoaneurysm in 5 patients, transient bradycardia in 3 patients, and atrial fibrillation in 1 patient. Treatment for restenosis in the PCI group included re-PCI in 3 patients, coronary artery bypass grafting in 6 patients, and heart transplantation in 1 patient. No patient in the PCI group died. There was no difference in effectiveness among the 3 PCI devices (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty versus stent implantation versus PTCRA: log-rank test, P = .3).
CONCLUSIONS: PCI for KD can be accomplished and can be effective in the long-term.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC ANALYSIS OF BACTERIAL BIOFILM ON TRACHEAL TUBES REMOVED FROM INTUBATED NEONATES AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BACTERIAL BIOFILM AND LOWER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS
Authors: Jialin Yu , Boman Chen , Guanxin Liu , Linyan Hu , Luquan Li 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent neonatal lower respiratory infections caused by endotracheal tubes (ETTs) may be related to the bacterial biofilm on them.
OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the microbial biofilm on the surface of ETTs removed from neonates with intubated ventilation to explore the relationship between ETT biofilm and the lower respiratory infections.
METHODS: Twenty ETTs used in intubated neonates were examined for the presence of biofilm on their surface by scanning electron microscopy, and bacteria harvested from the surface of ETTs and the secretions of lower respiratory tracts were isolated, identified, and assessed for antimicrobial susceptibility.
RESULTS: Scanning electron microscopy showed that the incidence of microbial colonization was 60% (12 of 20) when the use of tubes exceeded 2 days, biofilm formation was observed ∼3 days after intubation, and its architecture became more mature and complex when the duration exceeded 3 days. There were 14 positive cultures from ETTs (70%, including 4 normal flora), in which 7 kinds of pathogens were isolated; in 13 cultures from the secretions of lower respiratory tract (65%, including 1 normal flora), 10 kinds of pathogens were isolated. Seven samples had the same pathogen both on the surface of ETTs and in the secretions of the lower respiratory tract, which accounted for 50 of the positive cultures from ETTs. The Gram-negative bacteria isolated from the surface of ETTs and the secretions of lower respiratory tract presented multiresistance to antibiotics.
CONCLUSIONS: The ETT biofilm develops into a mature and complex form on the basis of the duration of tube use. There is a possible positive correlation between them. There is correlation between microbial biofilm formation on the surface of ETTs and lower respiratory tract infection in intubated neonates who are ventilated for a prolonged period of time. ETT biofilm could be a likely source of recurrent infection.
SOCIAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN GUADALAJARA, MEXICO
Authors: Vega-Lopez Maria Guadalupe , Gonzalez-Perez Guillermo J. , Ana Valle MPH , Flores Maria E , Romero-Valle Samuel , Quintero Ing Pedro P. 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Cases of child abuse and neglect have increased in Mexico, but few studies have been carried out to examine the factors associated with this health problem.
OBJECTIVE: With this study we sought to identify social factors associated with child abuse and neglect and to construct a predictor model of child maltreatment in children younger than 7 years in Guadalajara, Mexico.
METHODS: A case-control study was designed; cases were selected randomly from the register of maltreated children younger than 7 years by the DIF (the public institution that provides assistance to families in Mexico) during 2002 (N = 205). Controls were chosen randomly from the register of children assisted in other DIF programs in 2002 (N = 379). A multivariate logistic regression model was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS: In the multivariate analysis, 6 factors were statistically associated with child maltreatment: maternal drug addiction (OR: 15.3 [95% CI: 1.8–127.6]), mother without steady partner (OR: 3.0 [95% CI: 1.9–4.6]), bad family relationships (OR: 1.3 [95% CI: 1.1–4.2]), the child has “tantrums” (OR: 1.8 [95% CI: 1.2–2.8]), the child's behavior irritates the parents (OR: 1.5 [95% CI: 1.1–2.1]), and overcrowding (OR: 1.5 [95% CI: 1.1–2.2]).
CONCLUSIONS: According to the constructed model, if a child were simultaneously exposed to all these risk factors, he or she would have a very high probability of being a maltreated child. The findings show that public health institutions can play an important role in designing timely intervention strategies directed at avoiding or reducing the cases of child abuse and neglect.
CLINICAL MARKERS THAT ENHANCE ETIOLOGIC YIELD IN GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY
Authors: Chung B. H. Y. , Wong V. 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Etiology remains unknown in 30% to 50% cases of children with global developmental delay (GDD). A selective approach has been recommended to increase etiologic yield.
OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to identify clinical markers that enhance diagnostic yield of GDD at initial assessment.
METHODS: The charts of all patients with GDD (N = 577) followed up at the Duchess of Kent Child Assessment Centre were reviewed. GDD was defined as significant delay (&lt;2 SD) in ≥2 developmental domains. Nine clinical items at initial assessment (gender, severity of delay, parental consanguinity, family history, behavioral disturbance, head size, facial dysmorphism, malformations, and neurologic deficits) were correlated with the likelihood of finding an etiology for GDD.
RESULTS: A significant threshold effect was found between mild and moderate GDD (positive likelihood ratio (LR+]: 1.9; negative likelihood ratio [LR−]: 0.72). Other items that significantly affected diagnostic yield were (1) female gender (LR+: 1.62; LR−: 0.79), (2) behavioral trait (LR+: 0.24; LR−: 1.67), (3) microcephaly (LR+: 2.78; LR−: 0.79), (4) presence of facial dysmorphism (LR+: 2.65; LR−: 0.65), (5) malformation (LR+: 1.49; LR−: 0.50), and (6) neurologic deficits (LR+: 2.86; LR−: 0.32). A dose-response relationship was found between LR+ and the number of facial dysmorphisms and malformations.
CONCLUSIONS: Most checklists used for GDD are syndrome specific (eg, fragile X syndrome checklists). These 7 clinical markers are useful in the initial assessment, even if no specific diagnosis is suspected. Unique statistical characteristics of LRs allow for a wide application in different clinical settings.
Visual outcome after surgery in patients with suprasellar tumors and preoperative blindness
Authors: Suri Ashish , Narang Karanjit Singh , Sharma Bhawani Shankar , Mahapatra Ashok Kumar 
Published: January 2008

Object
The purpose of this paper was to study the visual outcome after surgery in patients with suprasellar tumors who experienced preoperative blindness in 1 or both eyes.

Methods
All patients with suprasellar tumors and no perception of light in 1 or both eyes and who underwent surgery between May 2002 and May 2006 were included in this retrospective study. Outcome was analyzed at discharge from the hospital and at follow-up. There were a total of 79 patients (51 males and 28 females, age range 5–70 years). There were 37 cases of pituitary adenomas, 19 craniopharyngiomas, 18 meningiomas, and 5 other tumors. Preoperatively 61 patients had uniocular blindness and 18 patients had binocular blindness. Of all 158 eyes, 97 (61.4%) were blind at admission and these eyes were analyzed. Sixty-three patients (79.7%) presented with headache and 14 (17.7%) with hypothalamic symptoms. Nearly one fourth (24%) of patients with a pituitary adenoma had a history of apoplexy. The duration of visual decline ranged from 3 days to 7 years, and the duration of blindness ranged from 1 day to 3 years. Patients underwent either transcranial or transsphenoidal tumor decompression.

Results
At discharge from the hospital visual improvement was exhibited in 23 (29%) of 79 patients and 27 (27.8%) of 97 eyes. Improvement to serviceable vision occurred in 7 (8.9%) of 79 patients and in 8 (8.2%) of 97 eyes with pre-operative blindness. After surgery, visual improvement was noted in 15 (24.6%) of 61 patients with uniocular blindness and 8 (44.4%) of 18 patients with binocular blindness. However, serviceable vision was restored in 5 (8.2%) of 61 patients with uniocular and 2 (11.1%) of 18 patients with binocular blindness. Bivariate analysis revealed male sex, shorter duration of blindness, presence of apoplexy, sellar tumor extension, soft tumor consistency, operative evidence of hemorrhage in tumor, and tumor histopathology (pituitary adenoma) to have significant impact on the outcome. Multivariate analysis revealed duration of blindness for > 12 weeks, apoplexy, and sellar extension to have a significant impact on visual outcome.

Conclusions
The present study is the largest in the existing medical literature to evaluate the factors affecting visual outcome after surgery of suprasellar tumors with preoperative blindness.
Extended transsphenoidal approach for surgical management of pituitary adenomas invading the cavernous sinus
Authors: Kitano Masahiko , Taneda Mamoru , Shimono Taro , Nakao Yuzo 
Published: January 2008

Object
The authors devised an extended transsphenoidal approach involving a submucosal posterior ethmoidectomy that allows for adequate exposure of the cavernous sinus. To evaluate the adequacy of this approach for removal of adenomas invading the cavernous sinus, the authors retrospectively analyzed the surgical outcomes obtained in treated patients.

Methods
During a 9-year period, 36 patients with pituitary adenomas extending into the cavernous sinus underwent tumor removal at Kinki University Hospital. In the authors' technique of extended transsphenoidal surgery, the inferior wall of the affected cavernous sinus was entirely exposed, not only to permit safe removal of the tumor but also to secure the petrous portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA). For prevention of intraoperative injury to the cranial nerves, a low-profile pressure sensor was attached on the eyelid to detect eye movements in response to electrical stimulation of the cranial nerves.

Results
Total or subtotal tumor removal was achieved in 72% of 36 patients. In eight (67%) of 12 patients with growth hormone–secreting adenomas, hormonal remission was achieved postoperatively. Postoperative transient double vision was observed in 27% of the patients, but no serious complications, such as permanent cranial nerve palsy or ICA injury, occurred.

Conclusions
These reasonable surgical results obtained in the present series of patients suggest that the extended transsphenoidal approach is safe and effective for removal of adenomas within the cavernous sinus. These preliminary results may lead to a reevaluation of the role of surgery as the therapeutic strategy for invasive pituitary adenomas.
A proposed grading system for arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Spetzler Robert F. , Martin Neil A. 
Published: January 2008

✓ An important factor in making a recommendation for treatment of a patient with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is to estimate the risk of surgery for that patient. A simple, broadly applicable grading system that is designed to predict the risk of morbidity and mortality attending the operative treatment of specific AVM's is proposed. The lesion is graded on the basis of size, pattern of venous drainage, and neurological eloquence of adjacent brain. All AVM's fall into one of six grades. Grade I malformations are small, superficial, and located in non-eloquent cortex; Grade V lesions are large, deep, and situated in neurologically critical areas; and Grade VI lesions are essentially inoperable AVM's.
Retrospective application of this grading scheme to a series of surgically excised AVM's has demonstrated its correlation with the incidence of postoperative neurological complications. The application of a standardized grading scheme will enable a comparison of results between various clinical series and between different treatment techniques, and will assist in the process of management decision-making.
Transventricular, transaqueductal scope-in-scope endoscopic excision of fourth ventricular neurocysticercosis: a series of 13 cases and a review
Authors: Suri Ashish , Goel Rohit Kumar , Ahmad Faiz Uddin , Vellimana Ananth Kesav , Sharma Bhawani Shankar , Mahapatra Ashok Kumar 
Published: January 2008

Object
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common parasitic infestation of the central nervous system worldwide. In patients presenting with acute hydrocephalus due to intraventricular NCC, surgery is the only option. Still, there is no consensus regarding the optimal surgical strategy, although neuroendoscopic excision is a promising method. However, the literature regarding the use of this modality in fourth ventricular NCC is scarce. The authors describe a series of patients with fourth ventricular NCC treated endoscopically.

Methods
The clinical records of 13 patients with fourth ventricular NCC who had presented with hydrocephalus were retrospectively analyzed. A fourth ventricular cyst was completely excised in all patients by using a transventricular, transaqueductal “scope-in-scope” endoscopic technique. Twelve endoscopic third ventriculostomies and 1 septostomy had been performed.

Results
Shunt placement was avoided in all patients. There were minimal peri- and postoperative complications. The mean duration of follow-up was 22.3 months (range 3–41 months). All patients had an improved clinical outcome. Follow-up neuroimaging revealed no residual lesion and a decreased ventricle size in all patients.

Conclusions
The present series of patients with fourth ventricular NCC is the largest in the existing English-language medical literature. Endoscopic fourth ventricular cysticercal cyst excision along with internal cerebrospinal fluid diversion via endoscopic third ventriculostomy is an effective alternative to open microneurosurgical procedures and avoids shunt placement and its related complications.
Anterior cervical discectomy and interbody fusion by endoscopic approach: a preliminary report
Authors: Tan Jiangwei , Zheng Yanping , Gong Liangtai , Liu Xinyu , Li Jianmin , Du Wei 
Published: January 2008

ObjectThe authors report the short-term results of anterior cervical discectomy and interbody fusion performed via an endoscopic approach.MethodsThirty-six patients who underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) performed using endoscopic surgery were selected for this study. The indications for surgery were cervical disc herniation caused by neck injury, spondylotic myelopathy, cervical radiculopathy, and solitary ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). The involved levels included C3–4, C4–5, C5–6, and C6–7. The working channel was inserted through a 20-mm transverse incision, the protruding discs or area of OPLL were excised for complete decompression, and then an appropriate intervertebral polyetheretherketone fusion cage was implanted.ResultsThe time spent in surgery was 120 minutes on average (range 50–150 minutes), and the mean blood loss was 55 ml (range 20–140 ml). There were no intraoperative complications and no symptoms of irritation in the laryngopharynx after surgery. However, postoperative hemorrhage of the incision occurred in 1 case. The follow-up period ranged from 26–50 months (mean 38.5 months). Postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association and visual analog scale scores improved significantly.ConclusionsEndoscopic surgery for ACDF can produce satisfactory results in patients with cervical disc herniation, cervical myelopathy, or radiculopathy. The optimal levels for this procedure are C4–5 and C5–6. Compared with a traditional approach, this technique has great advantages in terms of cosmetic results, intraoperative visualization, and postoperative recovery course. Nevertheless, every precaution should be taken to avoid possible complications, such as postoperative hemorrhage.
Acute and delayed implantation of positively charged 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate scaffolds in spinal cord injury in the rat
Authors: Hejcl Ales , Urdzikova Lucie , Sedy Jiri , Lesny Petr , Pradny Martin , Michalek Jiri , Burian Martin , Hajek Milan , Zamecnik Josef , Jendelova Pavla , Sykova Eva 
Published: January 2008

Object
Hydrogels are nontoxic, chemically inert synthetic polymers with a high water content and large surface area that provide mechanical support for cells and axons when implanted into spinal cord tissue.

Methods
Macroporous hydrogels based on 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) were prepared by radical copolymerization of monomers in the presence of fractionated NaCl particles. Male Wistar rats underwent complete spinal cord transection at the T-9 level. To bridge the lesion, positively charged HEMA hydrogels were implanted either immediately or 1 week after spinal cord transection; control animals were left untreated. Histological evaluation was performed 3 months after spinal cord transection to measure the volume of the pseudocyst cavities and the ingrowth of tissue elements into the hydrogels.

Results
The hydrogel implants adhered well to the spinal cord tissue. Histological evaluation showed ingrowth of connective tissue elements, blood vessels, neurofilaments, and Schwann cells into the hydrogels. Morphometric analysis of lesions showed a statistically significant reduction in pseudocyst volume in the treated animals compared with controls and in the delayed treatment group compared with the immediate treatment group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusions
Positively charged HEMA hydrogels can bridge a posttraumatic spinal cord cavity and provide a scaffold for the ingrowth of regenerating axons. The results indicate that delayed implantation can be more effective than immediate reconstructive surgery.
Production of Papillomavirus‐Based Gene Transfer Vectors
Authors: Buck Christopher B. , Thompson Cynthia D. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractPapillomaviruses are a diverse group of pathogens that infect the skin and mucosal tissues of humans and various animal species. The viral genome is a circular, double‐stranded DNA molecule ∼8‐kb in length. The non‐enveloped papillomavirus capsid is composed of a virally encoded major coat protein, L1, and a minor coat protein, L2. L1 and L2 co‐assemble when expressed in mammalian cells, and can promiscuously encapsidate essentially any <8‐kb plasmid present in the cell nucleus. In the last several years, there has been rapid development of techniques for intracellular production of papillomavirus‐based gene transfer vectors (also known as pseudoviruses). This unit outlines the production and propagative amplification of papillomaviral vectors. The system represents a highly tractable method for converting pre‐existing mammalian expression plasmids into infectious virus stocks. The resulting vectors have utility for in vitro, as well as in vivo gene delivery applications. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 37:26.1.1‐26.1.19. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Using the MetaCyc Pathway Database and the BioCyc Database Collection
Authors: Caspi Ron , Karp Peter D. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe MetaCyc database (http://metacyc.org) is a collection of more than a thousand metabolic pathways from a wide variety of organisms, collected from the literature by manual curation. BioCyc contains more than 370 Pathway/Genome Databases, each of which describes the genome and predicted metabolic pathways of a single organism, as computationally predicted from the annotated genomes, using MetaCyc data as a reference. The protocols in this unit introduce the user to the extensive data content available in MetaCyc and BioCyc, and to mechanisms for querying, visualizing, and analyzing these data using the Pathway Tools software. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 20:1.17.1‐1.17.51. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Using N‐SCAN or TWINSCAN to Predict Gene Structures in Genomic DNA Sequences
Authors: van Baren Marijke J. , Koebbe Brian C. , Brent Michael R. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractN‐SCAN is a gene‐prediction system that combines the methods of ab initio predictors like GENSCAN with information derived from genome comparison. It is the latest in the TWINSCAN series of programs. This unit describes the use of N‐SCAN to identify gene structures in eukaryotic genomic sequences. Protocols for using N‐SCAN through its Web interface and from the command line in a Linux environment are provided. Detailed discussion about the appropriate parameter settings, input‐sequence processing, and choice of genome for comparison are included. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 20:4.8.1‐4.8.16. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Stability of self‐tuning control based on Lyapunov function
Authors: Patete A. , Furuta K. , Tomizuka M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe overall stability of a self‐tuning controller for discrete‐time systems is proved by using the Lyapunov function in this paper, for minimum and a class of non‐minimum phase systems. The self‐tuning controller utilizes a recursive estimate algorithm for the controller parameters based on the generalized minimum variance criterion. Previously, the stability had been proved in the case of minimum phase systems. A new type of self‐tuning controller for the discrete‐time system with delay in control input is also studied which is named the generalized minimum variance criterion‐β equivalent control, and its stability is proved. The simulation is done to evaluate the performance of the proposed self‐tuning controller. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.