bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hyper‐CK‐emia as the sole manifestation of myotonic dystrophy type 2
Authors: Merlini Luciano , Sabatelli Patrizia , Columbaro Marta , Bonifazi Emanuela , Pisani Valerio , Massa Roberto , Novelli Giuseppe 
Published: February 2005

AbstractA 49‐year‐old man had an 8‐year history of persistent, isolated elevation of serum creatine kinase (hyper‐CK‐emia) without muscle symptoms, and no electromyographic evidence of myotonia; his muscle biopsy showed features reminiscent of myotonic dystrophy (DM), with morphometric findings consistent with those described in DM type 2 (DM2). Genetic studies excluded mutations in the DM type 1 (DM1) gene, but revealed a CCTG repeat expansion in the ZNF9 gene, which is associated with DM2. Our data suggest that in asymptomatic patients with persistent hyper‐CK‐emia, DM2 should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Synthesis of long‐chain‐branched polyethylene by ethylene homopolymerization with a novel nickel(II) α‐diimine catalyst
Authors: Zou Hao , Zhu Fang Ming , Wu Qing , Ai Jiao Yan , Lin Shang An 
Published: February 2005

AbstractLong‐chain‐branched polyethylene with a broad or bimodal molecular weight distribution was synthesized by ethylene homopolymerization via a novel nickel(II) α‐diimine complex of 2,3‐bis(2‐phenylphenyl)butane diimine nickel dibromide ({[2‐C6H4(C6H5)]NC(CH3)C(CH3)N[2‐C6H4(C6H5)]}NiBr2) that possessed two stereoisomers in the presence of modified methylaluminoxane. The influences of the polymerization conditions, including the temperature and Al/Ni molar ratio, on the catalytic activity, molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, degree of branching, and branch length of polyethylene, were investigated. The resultant products were confirmed by gel permeation chromatography, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and 13C NMR characterization to be composed of higher molecular weight polyethylene with only isolated long‐branched chains (longer than six carbons) or with methyl pendant groups and oligomers of linear α‐olefins. The long‐chain‐branched polyethylene was formed mainly through the copolymerization of ethylene growing chains and macromonomers of α‐olefins. The presence of methyl pendant groups in the polyethylene main chain implied a 2,1‐insertion of the macromonomers into [Ni]H active species. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 1325–1330, 2005
Polyamide–polyester multiblock copolymers by chain‐coupling reactions of carboxy‐terminated polymers with phenylene and pyridylene bisoxazolines
Authors: Néry Laurent , Lefebvre Hervé , Fradet Alain 
Published: February 2005

AbstractPolyamide–polyester multiblock copolymers were synthesized through the reaction of α,ω‐dicarboxy polyamides and polyesters with various arylene bis(2‐oxazoline)s. 2,2′‐(2,6‐Pyridylene)bis(2‐oxazoline) was very reactive and yielded multiblock copolymers with number‐average molar masses ranging from 15,000 to 25,000 after 30 min of reaction in the bulk at 200 °C. The molar masses and thermal properties of the resulting random multiblock copolymers (glass‐transition temperature, melting temperature, and melting enthalpy) were close to those of their alternating homologues prepared by conventional polycondensation between diamino polyamides and dicarboxy polyesters. This showed that the presence of coupling agent moieties in the polymer chains did not exert a significant influence on the block copolymer morphology. The chain‐coupling method showed several advantages over conventional polycondensation: a much shorter reaction time, a lower temperature, no byproducts, and easy control of the final copolymer properties through the mass ratio of the starting oligomers. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 1331–1341, 2005
The extent of myocardial damage assessed by contrast‐enhanced MRI is a major determinant of N‐BNP concentration after myocardial infarction
Authors: Cochet Alexandre , Zeller Marianne , Cottin Yves , Robert‐Valla Clothilde , Lalande Alain , L'Huilllier Isabelle , Comte Alexandre , Walker Paul M. , Desgres Jean , Wolf Jean‐Eric , Brunotte François 
Published: February 2005

AbstractAims:To evaluate the relationship between N‐terminal Pro‐Brain Natriuretic Peptide (N‐BNP) level and contrast‐enhanced MRI in patients after acute myocardial infarction (MI).Methods:Eighty‐two patients were studied. Venous blood samples were obtained 3 days after MI and MRI was performed from 2 to 7 days after MI, with determination of left ventricular function and acquisition of perfusion data after injection of gadolinium‐DTPA. First‐pass images (FPI) and Delayed contrast‐enhanced (CE) images were analyzed using a 17‐segment model, and the extent of transmurality was determined by a visual score.Results:Univariate analysis showed that age (P<0.001), sex (P<0.02), Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) <45% (P<0.002), creatinine (P<0.05) and delayed CE‐MR images (P<0.006) were predictors of a supramedian N‐BNP level. FPI was not a predictor in this univariate analysis (P<0.078). In a multivariate model, only age, LVEF <45% and delayed CE‐MRI were associated with an increased N‐BNP level.Conclusion:After MI, high N‐BNP levels are dependent on the LVEF but also on the myocardial infarct size derived from the delayed CE‐MR images.
Relation of sex, age and concomitant diseases to drug prescription for heart failure in primary care in Europe
Authors: Muntwyler Jorg , Cohen‐Solal Alain , Freemantle Nick , Eastaugh Joanne , Cleland John G. , Follath Ferenc 
Published: February 2005

AbstractAim:To study the role of sex, age and concomitant diseases for prescription of cardiovascular drugs among patients with heart failure cared for in the community.Methods and Results:In 15 European countries, a survey was conducted during 1999 and 2000 among 1363 primary care physicians who included 8256 patients with symptoms of heart failure. Predictors of drug prescription were assessed with multivariate logistic regression. Overall prescription rates for ACE‐inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACE‐I/ARB), beta‐blockers, digitalis, diuretics and oral anticoagulants were 69%, 30%, 41%, 75% and 18%. Women had no reduced likelihood to receive ACE‐I/ARB and beta‐blockers (odds ratio [OR]=0.96 [95% CI 0.87–1.06] and 1.02 [0.92–1.13], respectively), but prescription of oral anticoagulants was decreased (OR=0.74, 95% CI 0.65–0.84). Compared to patients <65 years of age, ACE‐I/ARB prescription did not materially decline up to 75–85 years (R=0.91, 95% CI 0.81–1.04), whereas beta‐blocker prescription was already significantly decreased in this age category (OR=0.49, 95% CI 0.43–0.56). There was no general under‐prescription of evidence‐based cardiovascular drugs in patients with concomitant diseases.Conclusions:Among heart failure patients cared for in the community advanced age strongly predicts decreased prescription of beta‐blockers. Female sex and comorbidity is not associated with a consistent underutilization of evidence‐based cardiovascular drugs.
Guiding and optimization of resynchronization therapy with dynamic three‐dimensional echocardiography and segmental volume–time curves: a feasibility study
Authors: Krenning Boudewijn J. , Szili‐Torok Tamas , Voormolen Marco M. , Theuns Dominic A.M.J. , Jordaens Luc J. , Lancée Charles T. , de Jong Nico , van der Steen Anton F.W. , Ten Cate Folkert J. , Roelandt Jos R.T.C. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjective:To assess a new approach for guiding and hemodynamic optimization of resynchronization therapy, using three‐dimensional (3D) transthoracic echocardiography.Background:Resynchronization therapy for heart failure provides the greatest hemodynamic benefit when applied to the most delayed left ventricular (LV) site. Currently, the ideal LV pacing site is selected according to acute invasive hemodynamic assessment and/or tissue Doppler imaging.Methods:A total of 16 patients with advanced heart failure and an implanted biventricular pacemaker were included in this study. Transthoracic apical LV images at equidistant intervals were obtained using a prototype, fast‐rotating second harmonic transducer to reconstruct 3D LV datasets during sinus rhythm (SR), right ventricular (RV) apical and biventricular pacing mode. A semi‐automated contour analysis system (4D LV analysis, TomTec, Germany) was used for segmental wall motion analysis and identification of the most delayed contracting segment and calculation of global LV function.Results:Data acquisition duration was 10 s and analyzable 3D images were obtained in 12 patients. Of these patients, data during SR were available in 9 and during biventricular pacing in 11. The greatest contraction delay during SR was found in the anterior and antero‐septal segments in five of nine patients. Biventricular pacing resulted in reduction of the contraction delay in seven of eight patients. The global LV function did not change significantly.Conclusion:3D echocardiography with appropriate analytic software allows detection of the most delayed LV contracting segment and can be used to select the optimal pacing site during resynchronization therapy.
Increasing Reading Speed by Using Colours: Issues concerning Reliability and Specificity, and Their Theoretical and Practical Implications
Authors: Wilkins Arnold J , Sihra Nirmal , Myers Andrew 
Published: February 2005

By using techniques for precision ophthalmic tinting, individuals who report perceptual distortion of text can often find a colour of illumination that eliminates the distortions and increases reading speed. Most individuals choose green or blue hues, but there is considerable variability. We investigated how specific the colour has to be to obtain optimal reading speed. Individuals who habitually wear coloured filters for reading were asked to read text illuminated by coloured light (without using their filters). Reading speed was measured repeatedly with light of different colours. The colour (chromaticity) at which reading was fastest was consistent from one test session to the next. It was different from one individual to another, but highly specific for each individual: departures of colour from optimum by about 6 JNDs eliminated most of the speed advantage conferred by the optimal colour. It was difficult to attribute the consistency and specificity simply to familiarity with the tint or immediate memory for the colour of illumination. A consecutive sample of 1000 tint prescriptions was analysed numerically. For most prescriptions the variation in chromaticity with different types of lighting was not such as to remove all the potential benefit of the tint, as judged from a model of the effect of chromaticity on reading speed. The exceptions were the few tints that were weakly saturated or purple in colour. Across participants, reading speed was not consistently related to the scotopic energy, to the energy captured by any cone class, or to opponent colour processes. The reading was generally slowest with white light, and not with the colour complementary to the optimum. Explanations in terms of magnocellular deficits and cortical hyperexcitability are briefly discussed.
Probability models to facilitate a declaration of pest-free status, with special reference to tsetse (Diptera: Glossinidae)
Authors: Barclay H.J. , Hargrove J.W. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractA methodology is presented to facilitate a declaration that an area is ‘pest-free’ following an eradication campaign against an insect pest. This involves probability models to assess null trapping results and also growth models to help verify, following a waiting period, that pests were not present when control was stopped. Two probability models are developed to calculate the probability of negative trapping results if in fact insects were present. If this probability is sufficiently low, then the hypothesis that insects are present is rejected. The models depend on knowledge of the efficiency and the area of attractiveness of the traps. To verify the results of the probability model, a waiting period is required to see if a rebound occurs. If an incipient but non-detectable population remains after control measures are discontinued, then a rebound should occur. Using a growth model, the rate of increase of an insect population is examined starting from one gravid female or one male and a female. An example is given for tsetse in which both means and confidence limits are calculated for a period of 24 reproductive periods after control is terminated. If no rebound is detected, then a declaration of eradication can be made.
133Xenon ventilation scintigraphy applied to bronchoscopic lung volume reduction techniques for emphysema: relevance of interlobar collaterals
Authors: Salanitri J. , Kalff V. , Kelly M. , Holsworth L. , Williams T. , Snell G. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract Background:  133Xenon ventilation scintigraphy and 99mTc‐MAA perfusion scintigraphy can be used to assess dynamic ventilation patterns in patients with severe emphysema.Aim:  To describe the scintigraphic features of attempted bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR), exploring mechanisms that might explain the unexpected lack of postoperative atelectasis.Methods:  Five patients with heterogenous severe upper lobe emphysema were evaluated with 133Xenon ventilation and 99mTc‐MAA perfusion scintigraphy, chest radiography, bronchoscopy and high resolution computed tomography before and up to 1 month after endoscopic placement of bronchial prostheses (BLVR). Ex vivo assessment of the lungs of two further patients with severe upper lobe emphysema was performed.Results:  No significant subsegmental or lobar collapse was evident on post‐procedure chest radiography or high resolution computed tomography, despite bronchoscopic confirmation of adequate position and functioning of prostheses. 133Xenon ventilation scintigraphy confirms significantly decreased upper lobe wash‐in (P < 0.023), unchanged lower lobe wash‐in and significantly increased lower lobe wash‐out rates (P < 0.005) after BLVR. Significant redistribution of perfusion to the lower lobes occurred after BLVR (P < 0.025). Ex vivo experiments on explanted emphysematous lungs demonstrated that these findings could best be explained by collateral interlobar ventilation, which was calculated in one specimen to be as high as 15% of total lower lobe ventilation. Peri‐valvular leak is a much less likely possibility.Conclusion:  133Xenon ventilation scintigraphy indicated the presence of significant interlobar collateral ventilation in patients with severe emphysema that may have major relevance to these novel alternative techniques to lung volume reduction surgery. 133Xenon scintigraphy can be used in the evaluation of severe emphysema before and after novel therapeutic interventions. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 97*ndash;103)
Benefits and challenges brought by improved results from in vitro fertilization
Authors: Jansen R. P. S. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract In vitro fertilization (IVF), in which preimplantation‐stage embryos are produced after ovarian stimulation and retrieval of preovulatory oocytes, now accounts for almost 2% of all births in Australia. For clinics performing in the top quartile of national results, the chance of a live birth for a woman under 35 years from one round of egg retrieval and IVF treatment is greater than 50%, albeit still with a greater than 20% risk of twins or higher order multiple pregnancy. Similar or better live birth rates are now obtainable with the elective transfer of a single embryo at the stage of blastocyst (5–6 days in culture), a policy that if adopted for younger women can reduce the risk of twins in a clinic to less than 15%. Current developments centre around improvements to embryo culture and the testing of embryos for chromosomal normality and other genetic and epigenetic variables before transfer, made possible by licences for embryo research protocols now being issued under the Commonwealth's Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002. (Intern Med J 2004; 35: 108–117)
Hospital Readmission From Home Health Care Before and After Prospective Payment
Authors: Anderson Mary Ann , Clarke Mara M. , Helms Lelia B. , Foreman Marquis D. 
Published: February 2005

Purpose:

To describe and compare clients who were readmitted to the hospital during an episode of home health care, before and after the inception of the prospective payment system (PPS).
Design:

A longitudinal mixed design was used to replicate a study conducted 9 years previously (pre‐PPS) in the same home care agency in the central part of the United States.
Methods:

Seventy‐six closed‐case medical records from a not‐for‐profit hospital‐affiliated home care agency were retrospectively reviewed and compared to pre‐PPS data. The same data collection tool, the Hospital Readmission Inventory, was used for both pre‐ and post‐PPS studies. Nurse administrators at the data collection agency were interviewed concerning comparative results.
Findings:

Currently readmitted clients were sicker than were those in the previous research report, they were readmitted sooner for a different diagnosis, and they had less continuity of services.
Conclusions:

The home health care industry has undergone a dramatic change in payment for services, from fee‐for‐service to PPS. Of particular concern is the adverse patient outcome of an unplanned hospital readmission. Prior studies have characterized such patients in home health care, but no comparative reports were found in a literature search since the inception of PPS. Findings from this study indicated that an increased emphasis on cost containment and higher‐risk clients appear to have changed patterns of care delivery.
Nonadherence With Diet and Fluid Restrictions Among Adults Having Hemodialysis
Authors: Kugler Christiane , Vlaminck Hans , Haverich Axel , Maes Bart 
Published: February 2005

Purpose:

To describe the prevalence of nonadherence with the prescribed diet and fluid restrictions among patients receiving hemodialysis.
Methods:

A multicenter cross‐sectional design with 916 patients recruited from 18 dialysis centers in Germany and Belgium. The Dialysis Diet and Fluid Nonadherence Questionnaire (DDFQ) was used to measure patients' nonadherence.
Findings:

The results showed that many patients had difficulty following diet (81.4%) and fluid (74.6%) restrictions. Younger male patients and smokers were at highest risk for nonadherence. Higher levels of interdialysis weight gain were associated with nonadherence.
Conclusions:

The findings indicate the need to continue to monitor and study hemodialysis patients' adherence behavior longitudinally and to design interventions to enhance adherence.
Action Responses of Congolese Refugee Women
Authors: Pavlish Carol 
Published: February 2005

Purpose:

To describe Congolese refugee women's action responses to difficult living situations.
Design:

Interpretive qualitative.
Methods:

Narrative data were collected from 14 Congolese refugee women using minimally structured interviews and were analyzed for patterns in their responses to their difficult situations.
Findings:

The narratives about participants' difficult circumstances indicated six action responses: refiguration, advocacy, resistance, resignation, sorrow, and faith.
Conclusions:

When encountering difficult life circumstances, refugee participants demonstrated actions with varying influence on their agency.
A New Run-length-limited (2,7) Parity Preserving Code Limiting the Repeated Minimum Transition Run for Optical Storage Systems
Authors: Hong Hyunsun , Lee Jaejin 
Published: February 2005

In this paper, a new run-length-limited (RLL) (2,7) parity preserving (PP) repeated minimum transition run (RMTR) 4 code is proposed. The proposed code shows better performance in terms of density ratio, RMTR, DC component suppression, flexible adaptation for a partial response maximum likelihood (PRML) [1] system and bit error rate (BER) as compared with (2,10) code [2] (currently applied in storage systems) or (1,7) PP code [3] (highly recommended for next-generation optical recording systems). On the basis of the results of experiments on optical storage systems, the superiority of the proposed code is established.
Complement activation: the missing link between ADAMTS-13 deficiency and microvascular thrombosis of thrombotic microangiopathies
Authors: Ruiz-Torres Maria , Casiraghi Federica , Galbusera Miriam , Macconi Daniela , Gastoldi Sara , Todeschini Marta , Porrati Francesca , Belotti Daniela , Pogliani Enrico , Remuzzi Giuseppe , Noris Marina 
Published: February 2005

SummaryEndothelial injury is the central factor in the events leading to thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA); however, the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. Here we investigate the role of neutrophils (PMNs) and of complement activation in inducing microvascular damage and loss of thromboresistance in TMA associated with ADAMTS-13 deficiency. PMNs isolated during the acute phase of the disease released excessive amounts of reactive-oxygen species (ROS), N-derived oxidants and proteinases and induced damage and thromboresistance loss in human microvascular endothelial cell line (HMEC-1) ex vivo. Endothelial cytotoxicity and thromboresistance loss was also induced by TMA serum. Complement-derived products were responsible for the above effects: in fact, TMA serum caused C3 and Membrane Attack Complex (MAC) deposition on HMEC-1 and its cytotoxic effect was abolished by complement inhibition. TMA serum caused surface expression of P-selectin on HMEC-1 which may promote PMN adhesion and resulted in increased PMN cytotoxicity, indicating that complement may have a role in PMN activation. In addition, TMA serum stimulated control PMNs to release ROS and proteinases, and to cause endothelial cell cytotoxicity. All of the above effects were abrogated by complement inactivation. These data document for the first time that complement-initiated PMN activation and endothelial injury may have a crucial role in microvascular thrombosis of TMA associated with ADAMTS-13 deficiency.
Performance of magnetic resonance angiography in suspected acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Bellou Abdelouahab , Guillemin Francis , Douek Philippe , Laprévote-Heully Marie-Claude , Wahl Denis , Blum Alain ,   and the GENEPI study group (see appendix)
Published: February 2005

SummaryPulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and potentially fatal disorder. Non-specific findings make the clinical diagnosis of PE difficult. To assess the diagnostic value and inter-observer agreement of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in a cohort of patients with suspected PE, we conducted a prospective clinical study. MRA was compared for sensitivity and specificity to a diagnostic strategy including clinical probability, D-dimer testing, spiral CT, ultrasound leg compression and pulmonary angiography. A total of 89 patients with clinically suspected PE were included: the clinical probability of PE was intermediate or high in 78, and low in the remaining 11. All patients underwent mono-or multi-slice spiral CT and MRA with gadolinium injection (both within 24 hours of entry to the study). Anticoagulation was withheld in patients concerned about the strategy. All subjects were followed up for 3 months. MRA was read independently by two experienced teams of radiologists: one local and one from another university centre. Spiral CT was positive in 62 of 63 cases of confirmed PE. No patient with negative CT findings was positive ultrasonographically. Only one patient with a negative CT (and negative ultrasound) had a recurrent thromboembolic event. The first team diagnosed PE with MRA in 47 cases, with a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 92%; the second team obtained the diagnosis in 23 cases, with a sensitivity of 31% and a specificity of 85%. Inter-observer agreement between MRA reading was low: Kappa = 0.16 (-0.01 to 0.33); p = 0.07. In conclusion, compared with a non-invasive strategy based on spiral CT, the diagnostic value of MRA is limited by poor inter-observer agreement.