bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decreased cerebrospinal fluid hypocretin‐1 (orexin A) in patients after repetitive generalized tonic–clonic seizures
Authors: Rejdak Konrad , Papuć Ewa , Grieb Paweł , Stelmasiak Zbigniew 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThe effects of seizures on the hypocretin/orexin system have not yet been investigated in epileptic patients. The present study aimed to assay hypocretin‐1 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients after generalized tonic–clonic (GTC) seizures. Study groups consisted of 21 patients after GTC seizures and 19 controls. Diagnostic lumbar puncture was performed in control and epileptic patients within 48 h after the GTC seizures. Hypocretin‐1 levels were measured in unextracted CSF samples, using a standardized commercial radioimmunoassay. There was a significant overall difference in median CSF hypocretin‐1 concentrations between controls and patients with GTC patients (p < 0.001). The lowest concentrations were noted in a subgroup of patients with repetitive GTC seizures (RS) compared to those with a single GTC seizure (SS) (p > 0.05) or controls (p < 0.001). The current results suggest that the hypocretin‐1 system deficiency contributes to the complex pathophysiology of repetitive GTC seizures and status epilepticus (SE) and could be associated with typical somnolence after seizure attacks.
Duration of refractory status epilepticus and outcome: Loss of prognostic utility after several hours
Authors: Drislane Frank W. , Blum Andrew S. , Lopez Maria R. , Gautam Shiva , Schomer Donald L. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryPurpose:  Outcome for patients with status epilepticus (SE) depends strongly on etiology. Duration of SE is also predictive, at least in the first 2 h, but beyond this it is unclear that duration of SE influences outcome significantly. We sought to determine the influence of duration of SE on outcome in patients with prolonged SE, and to compare this influence with that of other factors.Methods:  We reviewed the clinical course and outcome of 119 patients with SE, diagnosed by both clinical manifestations and electroencephalography (EEG) evidence. Using univariate and multivariate analyses, we sought predictors of outcome (survival vs. death or vegetative state) among age, etiology (epilepsy, anoxia or severe hypoxia, or other), presence of earlier epilepsy, multiple medical problems, presentation in coma, and type of SE (focal or generalized).Results:  Median duration of SE was 48 h. Survival was greater with a shorter duration, especially when <10 h (69% vs. 31% for longer duration; p < 0.05). Epilepsy as the etiology, and an earlier diagnosis of epilepsy offered a favorable prognosis (p < 0.01), but only the former on multivariate analysis. Coma and SE caused by anoxia/hypoxia were unfavorable factors. Once corrected for etiology, presentation in coma, and type of SE (focal or generalized), duration of SE did not have a significant effect on outcome. Overall mortality was high, 65%, but 10 patients survived SE lasting over 3.5 days.Conclusions:  A duration of <10 h was associated with better outcome in SE, but this was not significant once etiology, presentation in coma, and type of SE were accounted for. Etiology of SE is still the primary determinant of outcome. Unless it follows anoxia, prolonged SE should not be considered a hopeless condition.
A Practice‐Based Intervention to Improve Primary Care for Falls, Urinary Incontinence, and Dementia
Authors: Wenger Neil S. , Roth Carol P. , Shekelle Paul G. , Young Roy T. , Solomon David H. , Kamberg Caren J. , Chang John T. , Louie Rachel , Higashi Takahiro , MacLean Catherine H. , Adams John , Min Lillian C. , Ransohoff Kurt , Hoffing Marc , Reuben David B. 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether a practice‐based intervention can improve care for falls, urinary incontinence, and cognitive impairment.DESIGN: Controlled trial.SETTING: Two community medical groups.PARTICIPANTS: Community‐dwelling patients (357 at intervention sites and 287 at control sites) aged 75 and older identified as having difficulty with falls, incontinence, or cognitive impairment.INTERVENTION: Intervention and control practices received condition case‐finding, but only intervention practices received a multicomponent practice‐change intervention.MEASUREMENTS: Percentage of quality indicators satisfied measured using a 13‐month medical record abstraction.RESULTS: Before the intervention, the quality of care was the same in intervention and control groups. Screening tripled the number of patients identified as needing care for falls, incontinence, or cognitive impairment. During the intervention, overall care for the three conditions was better in the intervention than the control group (41%, 95% confidence interval (CI)=35–46% vs 25%, 95% CI=20–30%, P<.001). Intervention group patients received better care for falls (44% vs 23%, P<.001) and incontinence (37% vs 22%, P<.001) but not for cognitive impairment (44% vs 41%, P=.67) than control group patients. The intervention was more effective for conditions identified by screening than for conditions identified through usual care.CONCLUSION: A practice‐based intervention integrated into usual clinical care can improve primary care for falls and urinary incontinence, although even with the intervention, less than half of the recommended care for these conditions was provided. More‐intensive interventions, such as embedding intervention components into an electronic medical record, will be needed to adequately improve care for falls and incontinence.
Level and Change in Cognitive Test Scores Predict Risk of First Stroke
Authors: DeFries Triveni , Avendaño Mauricio , Glymour M. Maria 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether cognitive test scores and cognitive decline predict incidence of first diagnosed stroke.DESIGN: Stroke‐free Health and Retirement Study participants were followed on average 7.6 years for self‐ or proxy‐reported first stroke (1,483 events). Predictors included baseline performance on a modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (Mental Status) and Word Recall test and decline between baseline and second assessment in either measure. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models for the whole sample and stratified according to five major cardiovascular risk factors.SETTING: National cohort study of noninstitutionalized adults with a mean baseline age of 64±9.9.PARTICIPANTS: Health and Retirement Study participants (n=19,699) aged 50 and older.RESULTS: Word Recall (HR for 1 standard deviation difference=0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.86–0.97)) and Mental Status (HR=0.89, 95% CI=0.84–0.95) predicted incident stroke. Mental Status predicted stroke risk in those with (HR=0.93, 95%=0.87–0.99) and without (HR=0.81, 95% CI=0.72–.91) one or more vascular risk factors. Word Recall declines predicted a 16% elevation in subsequent stroke risk (95% CI=1.01–1.34). Declines in Mental Status predicted a 37% elevation in stroke risk (95% CI=1.11–1.70).CONCLUSION: Cognitive test scores predict future stroke risk, independent of other major vascular risk factors.
Body Mass Index and Risk of Adverse Cardiac Events in Elderly Patients with Hip Fracture: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Batsis John A. , Huddleston Jeanne M. , Melton, IIII L. Joseph , Huddleston Paul M. , Lopez‐Jimenez Francisco , Larson Dirk R. , Gullerud Rachel E. , McMahon M. Molly 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES:To determine whether obesity affects cardiac complications after hip fracture repair.DESIGN:A population‐based historical study using data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project.SETTING:Olmsted County, Minnesota.PARTICIPANTS:All urgent hip fracture repairs between 1988 and 2002.MEASUREMENTS:Body mass index (BMI) was categorized as underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal‐weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥30 kg/m2). Postoperative cardiac complications were defined as myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, congestive heart failure, or new‐onset arrhythmias within 1‐year of surgery. Incidence rates were estimated for each outcome, and overall cardiac complications were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age, sex, year of surgery, use of beta‐blockers, and the Revised Cardiac Risk Index.RESULTS:Hip fracture repairs were performed in 184 (15.6%) underweight, 640 (54.2%) normal‐weight, 251 (21.3%) overweight, and 105 (8.9%) obese subjects (mean age 84.2 ± 7.5; 80% female). Baseline American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status was similar in all groups (ASA I/II vs III–V,P=.14). Underweight patients had a significantly higher risk of developing myocardial infarction (odds ratio (OR) 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.0–2.1;P=.05) and arrhythmias (OR=1.59, 95% CI=1.0–2.4;P=.04) than normal‐weight patients. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that underweight patients had a higher risk of developing an adverse cardiac event of any type (OR=1.56, 95% CI=1.22–1.98;P<.001). Overweight and obese patients with hip fracture had no excess risk of any cardiac complication.CONCLUSION:The obesity paradox and low functional reserve in underweight patients may influence the development of postoperative cardiac events in elderly people with hip fracture.
Blood donor deferral in Minas Gerais State, Brazil: blood centers as sentinels of urban population health
Authors: Di Lorenzo Oliveira Cláudia , Loureiro Flávia , De Bastos Maria R.D. , Proietti Fernando A. , Carneiro‐Proietti Anna B.F. 
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND: Shortage of safe blood donors is frequent and it is important to understand the causes of deferral of potential donors, who reside mainly in urban areas, to improve recruitment campaigns aiming at the quality/availability of donors.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In Minas Gerais State, Brazil, Hemominas Foundation collects, analyzes, and distributes more than 90 percent of blood. Blood is collected in 19 centers in cities. In 2006, data from 335,109 attempts to donate were analyzed.RESULTS: Seventy‐seven percent of donor candidates were less than 40 years old, with 57.1 percent nonwhite and 66 percent male. A total of 21.6 percent were deferred at the interview. Women were more clinically deferred than men (25.5% vs. 19.6%). In larger cities, the proportion of first‐time donors (FTs) was higher (67.8%). The main causes of permanent deferral among FTs were neurologic diseases (37.5%), chronic hypertension (22.2%), and endocrinologic diseases (9.9%). The main causes of temporary clinical deferral in this group were risky behavior for sexually transmitted diseases (32.6%), anemia (8.5%), and hypertension (6%). The main causes of permanent deferral in repeat donors (RTs) were chronic hypertension (31.6%) and neurologic diseases (22.1%); for temporary deferral it was anemia (22.6%). A total of 2.9% of the collected blood bags were discarded due to reactive tests (FTs = 34.82/1000; RTs = 3.51/1000).CONCLUSION: A deferral study in blood donor candidates may shed light on regional diversity, highlighting how social inequalities and health status of the general population may affect the blood supply. Risk factors and marker rates derived from the donor pool may be useful to gain insights regarding public health issues.
Human platelet antigen typing of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia patients using whole genome amplified DNA and a 5′‐nuclease assay
Authors: Lemnrau Alina G. , Cardoso Sandra , Creary Lisa E. , Brown Colin , Miretti Marcos , Girdlestone John , Navarrete Cristina V. 
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND: A serious constraint in the investigation of the human platelet antigen (HPA) status of potential neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) cases is the limited amount of DNA available from the neonates. Whole genome amplification (WGA) of these DNA samples could overcome this problem, but requires validation to ensure that it is sufficiently sensitive and accurate before its application in a clinical diagnostic setting.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study has validated the use of WGA DNA for HPA‐1, ‐2, ‐3, ‐4, ‐5, and ‐15 genotyping with a panel of six controls and 13 previously HPA‐typed samples from neonates together with parental DNA, using a 5′‐nuclease (TaqMan) assay. WGA was performed using titrated amounts of genomic and WGA DNA template. HPA typing was performed on genomic and amplified DNA using a 5′‐nuclease assay or polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers (PCR‐SSP).RESULTS: WGA DNA yields were in the suggested range of 400× to 800×, as assessed by spectrophotometry and gel analysis, and did not require further purification. HPA genotyping showed 100 percent concordance when using down to 5 ng of genomic or WGA template.CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that WGA can be used for HPA typing using PCR‐SSP or plate‐based 5′‐nuclease assays. The use of WGA for HPA typing in clinical samples from NAIT patients was validated with 100 percent concordance, and it is suggested that this technology can be used for other analyses where DNA amounts are limited.
Docking, virtual high throughput screening and in silico fragment‐based drug design
Authors: Zoete Vincent , Grosdidier Aurélien , Michielin Olivier 
Published: January 2009

Introduction
Docking
Virtual high throughput screening
In silico fragment‐based drug design
Conclusion

AbstractThe drug discovery process has been profoundly changed recently by the adoption of computational methods helping the design of new drug candidates more rapidly and at lower costs. In silico drug design consists of a collection of tools helping to make rational decisions at the different steps of the drug discovery process, such as the identification of a biomolecular target of therapeutical interest, the selection or the design of new lead compounds and their modification to obtain better affinities, as well as pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Among the different tools available, a particular emphasis is placed in this review on molecular docking, virtual high‐throughput screening and fragment‐based ligand design.
Eosinophil granulocytes: functional differences of a new isolation kit compared to the isolation with anti‐CD16‐conjugated MicroBeads
Authors: Schefzyk Matthias , Bruder Manuela , Schmiedl Andreas , Stephan Michael , Kapp Alexander , Wedi Bettina , Raap Ulrike 
Published: January 2009

Background/purpose:  Using a new eosinophil isolation kit, we were not able to confirm our previous findings of a delayed apoptosis of eosinophils in atopic dermatitis. Thus, we investigated whether this new isolation kit modulates the functional activity of eosinophils.Methods:  Peripheral blood eosinophils were isolated with the new isolation kit as well as conventionally with anti‐CD16‐conjugated MicroBeads. We analysed viability, apoptosis, CD69 and CD95 expression, streptavidin binding and superoxide anion release.Results:  Purity of eosinophils was higher using the new isolation kit (P < 0.05). However, these eosinophils had a decreased survival (P < 0.05–0.01), presented morphological features of apoptosis, showed an increased percentage of apoptotic nuclei (P < 0.01), an increased release of superoxide anions (P < 0.05), a higher expression of CD69 and CD95 (P < 0.05) and an increased binding to streptavidin compared to eosinophils isolated with anti‐CD16 conjugated MicroBeads.Conclusion:  The new eosinophil isolation kit should not be used for the investigation of eosinophils as it potently affects their functional activity.
Aetiology and risk factors related to traumatic dental injuries – a review of the literature
Authors: Glendor Ulf 
Published: January 2009

Abstract –  Background/Aim:  During the past 30 years, the number of aetiologies of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) has increased dramatically in the literature and now includes a broad spectrum of variables, including oral and environmental factors and human behaviour. The aim of this study is to present an international review of well‐known as well as less well‐known unintentional and intentional causes of TDIs. Moreover, some models that are useful in investigating contact sport injuries are presented.Materials and methods:  The databases of Medline, Cochrane, Social Citation Index, Science Citation Index and CINAHL from 1995 to the present were used.Result:  Oral factors (increased overjet with protrusion), environmental determinants (material deprivation) and human behaviour (risk‐taking children, children being bullied, emotionally stressful conditions, obesity and attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder) were found to increase the risk for TDIs. Other factors increasing the risk for TDIs are presence of illness, learning difficulties, physical limitations and inappropriate use of teeth. A new cause of TDIs that is of particular interest is oral piercing. In traffic facial injury was similar in unrestrained occupants (no seat belts) and occupants restrained only with an air bag. Amateur athletes have been found to suffer from TDIs more often than professional athletes. Falls and collisions mask intentional TDIs, such as physical abuse, assaults and torture. Violence has increased in severity during the past few decades and its role has been underestimated when looking at intentional vs unintentional TDIs. There are useful models to prevent TDIs from occurring in sports. WHO Healthy Cities and WHO Health Promoting Schools Programmes offer a broad solution for dental trauma as a public health problem.Conclusion:  The number of known causes of TDIs has grown to alarming levels, probably because of increased interest of the causes and the underlying complexity of a TDI. Accepted oral, environmental and human aetiological factors must therefore be included in the registration of TDIs.
Do American football players in Turkey protect themselves from dental or orofacial trauma?
Authors: Çaglar Esber , Onder Kuscu Ozgur , Kıranatlıoglu Gokhan , Sandalli Nuket 
Published: January 2009

Abstract –  Background/Aims:  Dental and orofacial trauma in contact sports differs from other sources, as it is possible to prevent it and reduce the dental and orofacial trauma by using protection devices. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of dental or orofacial trauma in American football players of Turkey National League as well as to investigate if the players were aware of mouthguards (MGs) and had used any.Material and methods:  An epidemiological survey was carried out through interviews with 78 American football players in four clubs competing in Turkey National League. Thirteen players had already been affected by orofacial trauma.Results and Conclusions:  Results revealed that 67 of 78 Turkish–American football players were aware of MG, while 46 of 78 players also demonstrated its use. It should be concluded that from the moment a youngster starts practising football, he should be encouraged to wear an MG to get used to the sensation and, would automatically consider it as a part of the game. A great responsibility lies on dentists, to inform their patients about the importance of wearing MG and the consequences, if it is not worn.
Oral and facial trauma among paratroopers in the Israel Defense Forces
Authors: Zadik Yehuda , Levin Liran 
Published: January 2009

Abstract –  Background:  Military fighters are one of the highest risk populations for dental and oro‐facial trauma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and etiology of oro‐facial injuries among active duty paratroopers in the Israeli Defense Forces.Methods:  Paratroopers from selected companies were interviewed using a structured questionnaire regarding oro‐facial trauma during active service years. The study consisted of 311 male paratroopers, with a mean age of 21.1 years (± 1.7). Mean duration of military service until the study was conducted was 25.9 months (± 6.9).Results:  Oro‐facial injuries during military service was found in 87 (28.0%) of the participants, with an incidence rate of 129.6 cases per 1000‐fighter‐years. Extra‐oral lacerations (lip, chin, cheek/facial muscles) were the most common injury. Tooth injuries were reported by 48 of the participants, of whom 44 (50.6%) suffered from dental fractures and four (4.6%) from subluxation/luxation. Most oro‐facial injuries occurred in an isolated training or operational field. Thirty‐seven participants (42.5%) reported postevent disturbance and 10 (11.5%) reported loss of operative activities because of the event (mean 8.6 ± 4.0 day loss).Conclusions:  Military paratroopers are highly predisposed to oro‐facial trauma. Besides the physical and mental associated damage, these injuries result in the interference of their continuous daily activity. Prevention, mouth‐guard usage and treatment intervention are two important actions that should be adopted to reduce trauma and its interference.
Evaluating Consumer Preferences for Organic Food Production Standards
Authors: Cranfield John , Deaton B. James , Shellikeri Shreenivas 
Published: January 2009

In 21st century agriculture, standards are increasingly used to define new food products, such as organic food and fair trade. In some cases these standards are privately determined but in other cases they have been established by governments. Indeed, the Government of Canada recently announced its organic food regulations. A key dimension of the policy process involves choosing which standards are to be used to govern the production of organic food. Unfortunately, decision makers faced with these choices know very little about how the public values the various standards that could be used to define organic. This study evaluates Canadian consumers' preferences for different organic standards. Standards pertaining to pesticide‐residue testing, product origin specifications, the standard setting agency, and standard monitoring agency are evaluated using a conjoint method. Key results suggest that consumers place a high value on a pesticide standard that involves regular testing of the end product and that they prefer an organic food standard to include a rule that limits where the good is produced. En agriculture en ce 21e siècle, des normes sont de plus en plus utilisées pour définir de nouveaux produits alimentaires tels que les aliments biologiques et les aliments issus du commerce équitable. Dans certains cas, ces normes sont établies par des organismes privés, et dans d'autres cas, elles sont établies par les gouvernements. Dernièrement, le gouvernement du Canada a annoncé son Règlement sur les produits biologiques. Un élément clé du processus d'élaboration des politiques consiste à choisir les normes qui s'appliqueront à la production d'aliments biologiques. Malheureusement, les décideurs à qui reviennent ces choix en savent très peu sur les valeurs que le public accorde aux diverses normes qui pourraient être utilisées pour définir le terme «biologique». La présente étude évalue les préférences des consommateurs canadiens concernant les diverses normes sur les produits biologiques. Les normes sur l'analyse des résidus de pesticides, les spécifications sur l'origine du produit, les organismes de normalisation et les organismes de surveillance sont évaluées à l'aide d'une méthode conjointe. Les résultats fondamentaux montrent que les consommateurs accordent une grande importance à une norme sur les pesticides qui exige des analyses régulières du produit final et qu'ils préfèrent une norme sur les aliments biologiques qui inclut un règlement sur l'origine du produit.