bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bowel movement frequency in late‐life and incidental Lewy bodies
Authors: Abbott Robert D. , Ross G. Webster , Petrovitch Helen , Tanner Caroline M. , Davis Daron G. , Masaki Kamal H. , Launer Lenore J. , Curb J. David , White Lon R.
Published: May 2007

It is not known if constipation is associated with the preclinical phase of Parkinson's disease (PD), often characterized by the presence of incidental Lewy bodies (ILB). Such an association could provide evidence that constipation is an early symptom of PD. The purpose of this report is to examine the association between late‐life bowel movement frequency and ILB. Bowel movement frequency was assessed from 1991 to 1993 in 245 men aged 71 to 93 years in the Honolulu‐Asia Aging Study who later received postmortem examinations. All were without clinical PD and dementia. Brains were examined for ILB in the substantia nigra and locus ceruleus. Among the decedents, 30 men had ILB (12.2%). After age‐adjustment, the percent of brains with ILB declined with increasing bowel movement frequency (P = 0.013). For men with <1, 1, and >1 bowel movement/day, corresponding percents were 24.1, 13.5, and 6.5%. Findings persisted after additional adjustment for time to death, mid‐life pack‐years of smoking and coffee intake, physical activity, and cognitive function. Infrequent bowel movements are associated with ILB. Findings provide evidence that constipation can predate the extrapyramidal signs of PD. Constipation could be one of the earliest markers of the beginning of PD processes. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Propriospinal myoclonus: Utility of magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging and fiber tracking
Authors: Roze Emmanuel , Apartis Emmanuelle , Vidailhet Marie , Cochen Valérie , Beaugendre Yara , Trocello Jean‐Marc , Lasjaunias Pierre , Ducreux Denis
Published: May 2007

Propriospinal myoclonus (PSM) is a rare movement disorder characterized by involuntary spinal‐generated muscular jerks that spread rostrally and caudally to other spinally innervated muscles. Most patients have no clear etiology, and conventional MRI of the spinal cord is generally normal. Here we report the use of magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and fiber tracking to detect tract‐specific abnormalities in a patient with propriospinal myoclonus. As the patient had the fragile‐X premutation and antithyroid antibodies, spinal cord DTI abnormalities may be related to these conditions. Tract‐specific analysis may provide new insights into the pathophysiology of propriospinal myoclonus. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Asymmetric corticomotor excitability correlations in early Parkinson's disease
Authors: Wu Allan D. , Petzinger Giselle M. , Lin Chien‐Ho J. , Kung Myron , Fisher Beth
Published: May 2007

We studied corticomotor excitability (CE) between the more and less affected sides in early Parkinson's disease (PD) patients using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Sixteen‐PD patients within the first 3 years of diagnosis were studied with single‐pulse TMS over each motor cortex with intensities from 40% to 100% stimulator output. Active motor evoked potentials (MEP) and cortical silent period durations (CSP) were recorded, fitted with sigmoid curves, summarized as maximal MEP/CSP, maximal MEP/CSP slope, and intensity where MEP/CSP is half‐maximal (MEP/CSP‐Int50), and correlated with Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale scores (UPDRS). On the more affected side, higher (worse) UPDRS scores were correlated with shorter maximal CSP (r = −0.51, P = 0.046). On the less affected side, higher UPDRS scores were correlated with higher MEP‐Int50 (r = 0.51, P = 0.043) and CSP‐Int50 (r = 0.54, P = 0.029). For the less affected side, altered CE, as indexed by higher MEP or CSP‐Int50 intensities, may contribute to early clinical symptoms. On the more affected side, increases in CE, indexed by shorter CSP, may account for a greater proportion of PD symptoms. These findings are consistent with an evolution of neurophysiologic correlates in early PD patients from a less to more symptomatic state. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Quality of life and related concepts in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review
Authors: Den Oudsten Brenda L. , Van Heck Guus L. , De Vries Jolanda
Published: May 2007

Several studies have investigated the quality of life (QOL) of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The purpose of this study was to review the conceptual and methodological quality of quality of life (QOL) studies among patients with PD and to identify factors associated with poor (HR)QOL. Computerized bibliographic databases were screened for publications from 1960 to January 2007. According to a list of predefined criteria, the methodological quality of the 61 studies, was moderate. The term ‘QOL’ was often used inappropriately. In fact, almost all studies in this review actually assessed health status (HS) instead of QOL. The functioning of patients with PD on physical, social, and emotional domains is affected by PD. Their HS seems to be lower when compared to healthy persons or patients with other chronic diseases. HS studies augment the insight in self‐perceived functioning. Therefore, HS is conceived as a valuable construct. However, QOL is also an important factor in health care. Attention towards QOL is needed in order to draw valid conclusions regarding a person's subjective experience of well‐being in a broad sense. In order to accomplish this, future studies should apply the QOL concept with more rigor, should use an adequate operational definition, and should employ sound measures. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
A novel LRRK2 mutation in an Austrian cohort of patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Haubenberger Dietrich , Bonelli Silvia , Hotzy Christoph , Leitner Petra , Lichtner Peter , Samal Doris , Katzenschlager Regina , Djamshidian Atbin , Brücke Thomas , Steffelbauer Michaela , Bancher Christian , Grossmann Josef , Ransmayr Gerhard , Strom Tim M. , Meitinger Thomas , Gasser Thomas , Auff Eduard , Zimprich Alexander
Published: May 2007

To investigate the frequency of mutations in the Leucine‐Rich Repeat Kinase 2 gene (LRRK2) in a sample of Austrian Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, we sequenced the complete coding region in 16 patients with autosomal dominant PD. Furthermore, we sequenced exons 31, 35, and 41 additionally in 146 patients with idiopathic PD and 30 patients with dementia with Lewy bodies. Furthermore, all 192 patients were screened for 21 putative LRRK2 mutations. While the most common mutation G2019S and the risk variant G2385R were not found in our samples, we detected a novel missense mutation (S973N) in a patient with familial, late‐onset and dopa‐responsive PD. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
On the determinant of quaternionic polynomial matrices and its application to system stability
Authors: Pereira Ricardo , Rocha Paula
Published: May 2007

In this paper, we propose a definition of determinant for quaternionic polynomial matrices inspired by the well‐known Dieudonné determinant for the constant case. This notion allows to characterize the stability of linear dynamical systems with quaternionic coefficients, yielding results which generalize the ones obtained for the real and complex cases. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two thresholds of a batch arrival queueing system under modified T vacation policy with startup and closedown
Authors: Ke Jau‐Chuan
Published: May 2007

This paper studies the operating characteristics of the variant of an M[x]/G/1 vacation queue with startup and closedown times. After all the customers are served in the system exhaustively, the server shuts down (deactivates) by a closedown time, and then takes at most J vacations of constant time length T repeatedly until at least one customer is found waiting in the queue upon returning from a vacation. If at least one customer is present in the system when the server returns from a vacation, then the server reactivates and requires a startup time before providing the service. On the other hand, if no customers arrive by the end of the J th vacation, the server remains dormant in the system until at least one customer arrives. We will call the vacation policy modified T vacation policy. We derive the steady‐state probability distribution of the system size and the queue waiting time. Other system characteristics are also investigated. The long‐run average cost function per unit time is developed to determine the suitable thresholds of T and J that yield a minimum cost. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transformation between a generalized Emden–Fowler equation and the first Painlevé transcendent
Authors: Euler Marianna , Euler Norbert , Strömberg Anders , Åström Erik
Published: May 2007

We use the generalized Sundman transformation to obtain a relation between a generalized Emden–Fowler equation and the first Painlevé transcendent. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On optimal system designs in reliability‐economics frameworks
Authors: Dugas Michael R. , Samaniego Francisco J.
Published: May 2007

Reliability Economics is a field that can be defined as the collection of all problems in which there is tension between the performance of systems of interest and their cost. Given such a problem, the aim is to resolve the tension through an optimization process that identifies the system which maximizes some appropriate criterion function (e.g. expected lifetime per unit cost). In this paper, we focus on coherent systems of n independent and identically distributed (iid) components and mixtures thereof, and characterize both a system's performance and cost as functions of the system's signature vector (Samaniego, IEEE Trans Reliabil (1985) 69–72). For a given family of criterion functions, a variety of optimality results are obtained for systems of arbitrary order n. Approximations are developed and justified when the underlying component distribution is unknown. Assuming the availability of an auxiliary sample of N component failure times, the asymptotic theory of L‐estimators is adapted for the purpose of establishing the consistency and asymptotic normality of the proposed estimators of the expected ordered failure times of the n components of the systems under study. These results lead to the identification of ε‐optimal systems relative to the chosen criterion function. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2007
CDCs: Community organizations or neighborhood developers?
Authors: Covington Sally
Published: May 2007

CDCs are often the only development force active in distressed communities and committed to the distribution of benefits to neighborhood residents. Have they been effective mechanisms for promoting the economic revitalization of poor communities and the participation of community residents in the regeneration process? On what basis should their effectiveness be evaluated?
Comparing city policies on mandatory drug testing: A process evaluation
Authors: Strickland Ruth Ann , Whicker Marcia Lynn
Published: May 2007

Presidential decree and federal legislation have resulted in substantial employee drug testing at all levels of government as well as among private sector contractors. Joining the War on Drugs, many other employers have taken up the practice voluntarily. However we may feel about the arguments for and against drug testing — whether on the basis of public safety, integrity, access to sensitive information, etc. — the fact remains that drug testing policies are non‐uniform and unevenly applied, and the common testing technologies are unreliable. If we believe as a society that drug testing serves a legitimate public function consistent with our cultural and legal values, then uniform standards and procedures must be developed. If not, we should give greater consideration to alternative measures, such as employee education and assistance.
Pulling together. Creating a constituency for change
Authors: Chrislip David D.
Published: May 2007

The ability of communities to collaborate in framing and solving shared problems depends on broad inclusion. Evne those who do not participate must be secure in the knowledge that their interests are represented.
A new public servant—the municipal psychopathologist—and his task of solu‐saving
Authors: Goodnow Marc N.
Published: May 2007

The juvenile courts have uncovered the problem of the defective child. The next step is to make the schools and local governments recognize the defective children and get to them before they become court cases.
Measuring the edge‐to‐edge available bandwidth in a DiffServ domain
Authors: Blefari‐Melazzi N. , Femminella M.
Published: May 2007

The new Internet will be deployed with a number of tools for network management and quality of service control. To this end, we focus on a single administrative domain based on the Differentiated Services architectural model, and we recognize the need for two main functions for each supported traffic class: an admission control procedure, and a monitoring of the edge‐to‐edge bandwidth availability. In this work, we specifically focus on the second issue. To preserve scalability and thus to be compliant with Differentiated Services architecture, we propose stateless and distributed procedures based on traffic measurements. Our technique tests network resources by means of ‘special’ probing packets, which have the task of implicitly conveying the network status to its edges. We show by means of simulations the effectiveness of our solutions, in spite of a very low overhead. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐density lipoprotein prevents organ damage in endotoxemia
Authors: Lee Ru‐Ping , Lin Nien‐Tsung , Chao Yann‐Fen Chiou , Lin Chia‐Chin , Harn Horng‐Jyh , Chen Hsing‐I
Published: May 2007

High‐density lipoprotein (HDL) may decrease organ injury in sepsis. This study was designed using an animal model to mimic people who had a high HDL level and to test HDL effects on preventing organ damage in endotoxemia. Endotoxemia was induced by an infusion of lipopolysac‐charide (LPS) after HDL or LDL administration. Levels of blood biochemical substances, nitrate/nitrite, and TNF‐α in sera were measured. Pathological examinations were performed 72 hours after LPS infusion. HDL decreased the endotoxin‐induced elevation of AST, ALT, BUN, creatinine, LDH, CPK, nitrate/nitrite, and TNF‐α. On histological examination, neutrophil infiltration was lower in the HDL group. HDL had a significant effect in preventing endotoxin‐induced organ damage. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 30: 250–260, 2007
Ovarian steroids and premenstrual symptoms: A comparison of group differences and intra‐individual patterns
Authors: Lentz Martha J. , Woods Nancy , Heitkemper Margaret , Mitchell Ellen , Henker Richard , Shaver Joan
Published: May 2007

To examine the relationship of gonadal hormone and symptom patterns across the menstrual cycle, women screened for 2–3 cycles completed an intensive study cycle; 26 had a low‐severity symptoms (LS), 20, a premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and 26, a premenstrual magnification pattern (PMM). All completed daily symptom diaries and collected late afternoon urine samples which were assayed for pregnanediol and estradiol for that cycle. The PMS and PMM groups had significantly more positive cross‐correlations of pregnanediol and symptoms than the LS group. Women in all groups had similar levels of estradiol and pregnanediol. Women with PMS and PMM patterns responded to progesterone differently than women with LS patterns: thus the former groups may not benefit from hormone therapies. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 30: 238–249, 2007
Health‐related quality of life of Chinese people with schizophrenia in Hong Kong and Taipei: A cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Chan Sally Wai‐chi , Hsiung Ping‐Chuan , Thompson David R. , Chen Shin‐Chia , Hwu Hai‐Gwo
Published: May 2007

Health‐related quality of life is an important outcome indicator of mental health. We assessed the perception of health‐related quality of life of persons with schizophrenia in Hong Kong and Taipei. In‐person survey interviews were conducted using the Chinese World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale—Brief Version. A convenience sample was recruited from psychiatric outpatient departments: 176 from Hong Kong and 80 from Taipei. We found that both groups were significantly less satisfied with their psychological and social relationship domains compared to other domains. Poor mental health predicted poor perception of health‐related quality of life. Schizophrenia has an impact on many aspects of a person's functioning. A rehabilitation model that takes into account symptoms, financial situation, family support, and social functioning is required. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 30: 261–269, 2007
Central nervous system juvenile xanthogranuloma with malignant transformation
Authors: Orsey Andrea , Paessler Michele , Lange Beverly J. , Nichols Kim E.
Published: May 2007

Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a rare histiocytic disorder that typically manifests in the skin. Here, we describe a patient with JXG diffusely involving the central nervous system (CNS), whose disease responded to therapy but subsequently underwent dissemination to the peritoneum and bone marrow. Repeat biopsy at dissemination revealed pleomorphic histiocytes with tetraploidy, suggesting evolution to a clonal histiocytic neoplasm. Despite further chemotherapy, the patient died of disease progression. This case highlights the clinical and pathological heterogeneity of JXG and the difficulty of treating multi‐focal CNS disease. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:927–930. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ABCD position statement on screening for gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Robinson S , Dornhorst A
Published: May 2007

Gestational diabetes mellitus is an increasingly common medical problem seen in pregnancy. A randomised clinical trial, published in 2005, showed improved perinatal morbidity and mortality in pregnancies of women with actively managed gestational diabetes. Prior to 2003 the evidence base for screening and treating all women with gestational diabetes was not strong enough for the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), in its 2003 antenatal guidelines, to recommend universal screening for gestational diabetes. As we await the review of these original 2003 NICE guidelines we offer a pragmatic approach for the detection of glucose intolerance in pregnancy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
Suboptimal diabetes preventive care among Massachusetts emergency department patients: a missed opportunity
Authors: Ginde AA , Acholonu U , Duarte H , Camargo CA
Published: May 2007

The aim of this pilot study was to estimate patient adherence with diabetes preventive care measures among emergency department patients.

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in five Massachusetts emergency departments. We enrolled consecutive diabetic adults over two 24‐hour periods at each site and measured demographics, socioeconomic factors and adherence with recommended diabetes preventive care measures.

We surveyed 713 patients (70% of those eligible) and enrolled the 109 patients having physician‐diagnosed diabetes. Compared to Massachusetts surveillance data for the general population, emergency department diabetic patients were less likely to have: HbA1c measured within the past six months (54% vs 78%), attended a diabetes self‐management class (35% vs 50%), examined their feet daily (53% vs 65%), and ever received the pneumococcal vaccine (46% vs 55%). Public or no insurance, limited education and low income independently predicted the decreased likelihood of having HbA1c checked in the prior six months.

We demonstrated that the emergency department may provide an important and novel opportunity to identify often disenfranchised patients with suboptimal diabetes preventive care. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
Driving and insulin‐treated diabetes: who knows the rules and recommendations?
Authors: Watson WA , Currie T , Lemon JS , Gold AE
Published: May 2007

In the UK the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) provides statutory regulations and guidance for safe practice for patients with insulin‐treated diabetes and their health professionals. An increased risk of road traffic accidents may be associated with complications such as acute hypoglycaemia, peripheral neuropathy and amputations. Previous studies have assessed patient knowledge and adherence. The aim of this study was to simultaneously assess whether patients and their health professionals are aware of and follow this guidance.

An anonymous questionnaire was given to all patients attending a secondary care diabetes clinic over a three‐week period. A second web‐based questionnaire was e‐mailed to primary and secondary care health care professionals (HCPs) involved in diabetes care throughout Grampian.

In all, 117 patients with insulin‐treated diabetes completed the questionnaire and 106 HCPs from primary and secondary care completed the web‐based questionnaire. The majority of patients (95%) were aware that they were obliged to inform the DVLA of their insulin treatment and 92% had done so. Only 15% of patients always tested and 24% would never test a blood glucose prior to driving. Ninety‐four percent of patients recognised symptoms of hypoglycaemia most of the time. Only 17% would wait the recommended 45 minutes before driving again after an episode of hypoglycaemia. All HCPs knew that patients are obliged to inform the DVLA of their insulin treatment. Sixty‐two percent of HCPs knew patients should test before every journey. Thirteen percent of HCPs thought it safe to drive with blood glucose <4mmol/L. Eight percent of HCPs did not know that impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia might be a contraindication to driving.

Greater availability of information to health professionals about minimising the risks associated with driving and diabetes is required if patients with insulin‐treated diabetes are to become better informed and understand driving regulations and recommendations for safe driving in the UK. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
Validation of a new measure of protective footcare behaviour: the Nottingham Assessment of Functional Footcare (NAFF)
Authors: Lincoln NB , Jeffcoate WJ , Ince P , Smith M , Radford KA
Published: May 2007

There are no measures available to document footcare practice among people with diabetes and yet such measures are needed as a surrogate marker in studies designed to determine the effectiveness of footcare education. We have therefore developed such a measure, the Nottingham Assessment of Functional Footcare (NAFF), and have assessed its reliability and validity.

A pilot questionnaire was distributed to people with diabetes and healthy controls, before being revised and shortened. The revised version was assessed for internal consistency and reliability.

The pilot 51‐item questionnaire was determined in 100 out‐patients with diabetes and 61 healthy controls. The internal consistency was 0.46 in people with diabetes and 0.39 in healthy volunteers. Twenty‐eight items showed significant differences between those with and without diabetes. The internal consistency and test–retest reliability of a revised version were determined in people with diabetes. The measure was further refined to a 29‐item version, which had an internal consistency of 0.53. There was a significant correlation (rs 0.83; p<0.001) and no significant difference (p = 0.85) between scores in the test–retest study. Respondents with neuropathy scored significantly higher than those without (p<0.01).

We conclude that the NAFF could act as an outcome measure in the prospective trials which are needed to establish the place of education programmes in clinical practice. The measure could also be used in routine care to identify those whose usual foot care might put their feet at risk of future ulceration. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
The use of basal insulin (NPH) compared with pre‐mixed biphasic insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Moisey RS , Jenkins R , Nagi D
Published: May 2007

The aim of this retrospective study was to compare glycaemic control and weight gain in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) commenced on basal insulin (BI) or mixed insulin (MI).

Subjects had T2DM (mean duration seven years) poorly controlled while treated with oral hypoglycaemic agents. Two hundred patients (BI 131 [65%], MI 69 [35%], median age 60 years [range 30–97]) were investigated. Follow up was over a mean period of 3.8 years.

Patients started on BI had a significantly lower HbA1c (mean 10.6% vs 11.1%, p = 0.007) and higher body mass index (31.8kg/m2 vs 29.6, p = 0.005) compared to those on MI. At 3.5 years patients injecting BI were on a lower daily dose of insulin (BI 66.6units vs MI 99.1units, p = 0.02) and a higher proportion were taking metformin (88% vs 62%, p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in HbA1c (8.5% vs 8.4%, p = 0.36) at the end of follow up. At 2.5 years subjects injecting BI had less weight gain (BI mean 4.0kg vs MI mean 8.0kg, p = 0.02). At 3.5 years the difference in weight gain was not statistically significant (mean 5.0kg vs 7.8kg, p = 0.20).

In our experience BI, used in combination with metformin, is an effective treatment option in patients with T2DM, maintains glycaemic control over long‐term follow up and is associated with less weight gain than MI. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
Diabetes education and empowerment: lessons from rural South Africa
Authors: Price C , Shandu D , Gill G
Published: May 2007

Patient education is a major part of diabetes treatment, and ideally it should encourage self‐management. This paper explores the introduction of such a system to a remote area of rural South Africa, with high levels of poverty and illiteracy. Empowerment‐based education needs to take into account existing health beliefs, perceived locus of control, and potential barriers to self‐care. Using these principles, as well as awareness of traditional forms of treatment and close community involvement, effective education can be successfully delivered to an often enthusiastic and receptive community of diabetic patients. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
Channelling of SSRIs and SNRIs use in the Tayside population, Scotland
Authors: Wei Li , Chen Ruoling , MacDonald Thomas M.
Published: May 2007

Purpose

To compare the user profiles of the two classes of drug, using the Tayside Medicines Monitoring Unit (MEMO) record‐linkage database.

Methods

A cohort study was carried out in the population of Tayside in Scotland. A total of 13 901 selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitor (SSRI) users and 1417 selective norepinephrine re‐uptake inhibitor (SNRI) users were identified during the period of December 2000 to November 2001. A logistic regression model was used to assess the association between drug use and patients profiles and a Cox regression model was employed to examine the effect of drug use and mortality outcome.

Results

Compared to SNRI patients, SSRI patients were significantly older (28.8% ≥ 60 year vs. 26.2%), more likely to be female (70.9% vs. 67.8%), had more cardiovascular disease history (10.1% vs. 8.5%), but were less deprived (9.7% in the highest deprivation category vs. 12.4%), had less digestive disease (27.9% vs. 31.0%) and less history of drug overdose hospitalisation (7.2% vs. 11.9%). SNRI patients had more drug switching than SSRI patients (62.0% for recent users, 33.2% for prevalent users vs. 39.1%, 26.1%, respectively). The age‐standardised mortality rates during the follow‐up period until December 2003 were 5.3% for SSRI and 5.9% for SNRI users.

Conclusion

There was clear evidence that SSRI and SNRI were used in patient groups with different characteristics. This channelling sometimes favoured an improved mortality outcome and sometimes favoured a worse outcome. Overall there was no mortality difference between the two classes of drugs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reliability evaluation of the adapted National Coordinating Council Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC MERP) index
Authors: Snyder Rita A. , Abarca Jacob , Meza Jane L. , Rothschild Jeffrey M. , Rizos Albert , Bates David W.
Published: May 2007

Purpose

Adapted National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC MERP) Index criteria were used in a study undertaken to evaluate commercial computerized provider order entry (CPOE) system impact on community hospital medication errors. This article describes: (1) adaptation of the Index, (2) classification criteria and processes used to assess the adapted Index, and (3) inter‐rater reliability results.

Methods

A random sample of 130 (17%) of 2251 medication safety events (MSEs) were classified based on event type, that is, adverse drug event (ADE) or potential ADE (PADE); preventability, that is, ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ and outcome severity. Event outcome severity was categorized using adapted Index categories E–I (ADEs) and B–D (PADEs). Decision rules were used for rule‐based classification, while an MSE Case Review Panel used judgment‐based classification when decision rules did not apply. Inter‐rater reliability for both classification approaches was assessed with kappa coefficients, percentage agreement, and confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Level of agreement was substantial for both rule‐based and judgment‐based MSE classification for event type (6 = 0.70–0.90), preventability (6 = 0.67–0.82), and decision rule application (6 = 0.79). Rule‐based agreement for ADE and PADE severity was almost perfect for discrete (6 = 0.83–0.84) and combined (6 = 0.87–0.90) Index categories. Judgment‐based agreement was substantial for discrete (6 = 0.63–0.67) and combined (6 = 0.66–0.84) Index categories.

Conclusions

The adapted Index yielded substantial agreement for event type, preventability, and severity. Adaptation of the Index to support classification of non‐preventable ADEs was an important improvement. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of thermoplastic starch/PLA blends by one‐step reactive extrusion
Authors: Wang Ning , Yu Jiugao , Ma Xiaofei
Published: May 2007

In the presence of dicumyl peroxide, the compatibility of thermoplastic dry starch (DTPS)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blends, using maleic anhydride (MA) as compatibilizer, was investigated. The plasticization of starch and its compatibilizing modification with PLA was accomplished in a single‐screw extruder by one‐step reactive extrusion. In the presence of MA, the plasticization of starch in DTPS/PLA blends could be improved and homogeneous DTPS/PLA blends could be achieved as observed using scanning electron microscopy. Tensile tests showed that the tensile strength of compatibilized DTPS/PLA blends was about 40.5 MPa higher than that of the original composites. Differential thermal analysis indicated that the glass transition temperature of DTPS and PLA became closer in the presence of MA than the blend without any additions, which suggested the compatibility between DTPS and PLA was improved. In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy proved that MA improved the interaction between DTPS and PLA. At the same time, the blend became more thermally stable as shown by thermogravimetric analysis results. A novel decomposition peak at about 450 °C was detected in the compatibilized blend, which was higher than those observed for DTPS and PLA. Finally, a rheological study suggested that MA could improve the fluidity of DTPS/PLA blends. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Supramolecular selectivity of poly(ethylene oxide) in semi‐crystalline polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Zhou Li , Peng Min , Chen Qun , He Peng , Zhu Xinyuan
Published: May 2007

Semi‐crystalline polymer nanocomposites were prepared using successive meltings and recrystallizations techniques by intercalation of small guest molecules such as 4‐chlorotoluene (PCT), 4‐bromotoluene (PBT) and 1,4‐dibromobenzene (PDBB) into poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) crystals. Differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction experimental results show that supramolecular selectivity exists for the PEO–PDBB/PBT ternary system, while there is no supramolecular selectivity for PEO–PCT/PBT ternary nanocomposites. The interactions between PEO chains and small guest molecules have an important influence on the polymer conformation, which results in the dramatic difference in intercalation behavior. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Photoinduced surface relief structures formed on polymer films doped with photochromic spiropyrans
Authors: Ubukata Takashi , Takahashi Koji , Yokoyama Yasushi
Published: May 2007

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films containing photochromic spiropyran (SP) derivatives with an alkyl chain produced surface relief structures upon photoirradiation. The material moved from the dark to the irradiated part by the light longer than 350 nm from a high‐pressure mercury lamp. This is the first example that the surface relief structures are formed on a polymer film containing a photochromic compound that is not an azobenzene‐related compound. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of a nanosize copolymer of 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene with diclofenac and characterization
Authors: Manisankar P. , Vedhi C. , Selvanathan G.
Published: May 2007

Copolymer of 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) and diclofenac (DCF) was synthesized by chemical oxidation using FeCl3 in neutral medium. The copolymer exhibited good solubility in many organic solvents. The UV‐vis spectrum of the copolymer revealed the presence of benzenoid and polaron or bipolaron state. Random distribution of the monomers in the copolymer was proposed based on the reactivity ratios of the monomers determined using Fineman‐Ross and Kelen‐Tudos methods. The rate of the copolymerization depended on the first power of each monomer. The FTIR spectrum showed the presence of hydrogen bonded N‐H, quinone type structure of thiophene ring and C‐Cl bond in the copolymer. Linear variation of anodic peak current at 560 mV in the cyclic voltammogram of copolymer thin film with scan rate indicated the adherence of electroactive copolymer. When the applied potential increased from −600 to 1000 mV, the color of the copolymer changed from neutral yellow to brown and to violet medium showing multicolor electrochromic behaviour. XRD results revealed crystallite copolymer with size 87 nm. SEM analysis confirmed uniform crystalline nature of the copolymer. The TGA, DTA and DSC studies suggested good thermal stability of the copolymer. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 2787–2796, 2007
Computational evaluation of radical ring‐opening polymerization
Authors: Ochiai Bungo , Endo Takeshi
Published: May 2007

The tendencies of ring‐opening processes in radical ring‐opening polymerizations were evaluated by AM1 and PM3 semi‐empirical calculations and 6‐31G*‐level calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP models. Sixteen cyclic monomers bearing vinyl or exomethylene groups were categorized into ring‐opening and no‐ring‐opening monomers by the evaluation of the differences of the internal energies and the lengths of the cleaving bonds between the ground states of the initial radicals and the activated states in the ring‐opening processes. Although the semi‐empirical calculations not parameterized to radical reactions resulted in the moderate categorization of the ring‐opening monomers, the DFT calculation clearly distinguished the ring‐opening and no‐ring‐opening monomers. The ring‐opening tendencies were also evaluated with the changes in the internal energies throughout the ring‐opening processes, but this method could not group the ring‐opening and no‐ring‐opening monomers clearly. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 2827–2834, 2007
The cognitive effects of adjuvant chemotherapy in early stage breast cancer: a prospective study
Authors: Stewart Angela , Collins Barbara , Mackenzie Joyce , Tomiak Eva , Verma Shailendra , Bielajew Catherine
Published: May 2007

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the cognitive effects of adjuvant chemotherapy in post‐menopausal breast cancer patients.

Patients and methods: Breast cancer patients scheduled to receive adjuvant chemotherapy (n= 61) completed comprehensive cognitive testing before and after treatment. A control group of women receiving adjuvant hormonal therapy (n= 51) was tested at comparable intervals.

Results: Mean scores for both patient groups were within the normal range relative to published norms on all cognitive tests at both time points, and generally inclined or stayed the same from baseline to retest in both groups. However, in an analysis of individual change scores, the chemotherapy patients were 3.3 times more likely than the hormonal patients to show reliable cognitive decline (31 and 12%, respectively). Chemotherapy subjects showing decline were less educated and had higher baseline depression scores than their counterparts who did not decline. Working memory was the cognitive domain most vulnerable to the effects of chemotherapy.

Conclusion: These data support previous findings of a subtle negative influence of chemotherapy on cognitive function in a subgroup of breast cancer patients. The results are discussed in terms of the importance of study design. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing pre‐death grief in cancer caregivers using the Marwit–Meuser Caregiver Grief Inventory (MM‐CGI)
Authors: Marwit Samuel J. , Chibnall John T. , Dougherty Rebecca , Jenkins Chrystal , Shawgo Jenifer
Published: May 2007

The Marwit–Meuser Caregiver Grief Inventory (MM‐CGI) was developed and initially validated with caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease, and subsequently evaluated with caregivers of persons with brain injury. The present study examined MM‐CGI psychometric and validity properties in 75 caregivers of persons with cancer. As with previous studies, high internal consistency reliability of MM‐CGI Total Grief and subscale scores (Personal Sacrifice and Burden, Heartfelt Sadness and Longing, and Worry and Felt Isolation) was demonstrated. Construct validity of the subscale scores was supported by differential associations with other caregiver measures of depression, strain, well‐being, and family support. Based on these preliminary results, the MM‐CGI appears useful for assessing pre‐death grief in caregivers of persons with cancer. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exhaled nitric oxide after a single dose of intramuscular triamcinolone in children with difficult to control asthma
Authors: Panickar Jayachandran R , Bhatnagar Neha , Grigg Jonathan
Published: May 2007

In a previous study, we reported that intramuscular (IM) triamcinolone improves symptoms in children with difficult asthma. In 2005, we revised our difficult asthma protocol to include assessment of airway inflammation, both directly using sputum induction and indirectly by measurement of exhaled nitric oxide (eNO). In this retrospective review, we aimed to describe (i) the changes in eNO and symptoms after a single 60 mg dose of IM triamcinolone and (ii) the changes in inflammatory markers in the subgroup with non‐eosinophilic asthma (i.e., an induced sputum eosinophil differential count <2.0%). Seven children received IM triamcinolone during the study period. In all children, symptom scores fell in the week following the IM injection (P < 0.01 vs. the pre‐treatment week), and remained reduced for up to 6 weeks. eNO also fell within a week after IM therapy (P < 0.01), and remained reduced for up to 4 weeks. Non‐eosinophilic asthma was definitively identified in three children, and in this group, eNO and symptoms fell after the IM injection. We conclude that IM triamcinolone therapy reduces both eNO and symptoms for up to 4 weeks in children with difficult asthma. Our data provide preliminary evidence that IM triamcinolone is an effective anti‐inflammatory therapy in children with induced sputum non‐eosinophilic asthma. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:573–578. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is wheezing associated with decreased sleep quality in Sri Lankan children? A questionnaire study
Authors: Verhulst S. L. , Vekemans K. , Ho E. , Aerts L. , Jacobs S. , De Backer L. A. , Dhanapala H. , Perera P. , De Backer W. A. , Desager K. N.
Published: May 2007

Aim

To investigate the association between wheezing and impaired sleep in Sri Lankan children, aged 6–12 years; and, to report the prevalence of asthma‐related symptoms in these subjects.

Methods

The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire and a separate sleep questionnaire were completed.

Results

Of 800 originally distributed questionnaires, 652 were analyzed. Wheezing was present in 89 children (14%). Within this group, 66% reported wheezing in the last 12 months. Wheezing children had a significantly higher presence of snoring, restless sleep, nocturnal awakenings and daytime tiredness. Wheezing was found to be independently associated with restless sleep (odds ratio (OR) = 2.4). There was no association between wheezing and difficulties falling asleep, nocturnal awakenings, apneas, and daytime sleepiness and tiredness. After adjusting for possible confounders, the following significant associations were present: snoring and apneas (OR = 1.6), chronic rhinitis and apneas (OR = 1.6), snoring and restless sleep (OR = 3.2), chronic rhinitis and restless sleep (OR = 2.1), and hayfever and daytime tiredness (OR = 4.3). Wheezing was related to an increased risk of snoring (OR = 2.8) and subjects with chronic rhinitis had also an increased risk of snoring (OR = 1.7), adjusting for possible confounders.

Conclusion

The sleep of wheezing children was impaired compared with their non‐wheezing peers, resulting in an increased prevalence of daytime tiredness. Upper airway symptoms, such as chronic rhinitis or hayfever, should be carefully considered in these children, as they might be responsible for these sleep problems. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:579–583. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lung volumes and distribution of ventilation in survivors to congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) during infancy
Authors: Dotta Andrea , Palamides Sabrina , Braguglia Annabella , Crescenzi Francesco , Ronchetti Maria Paola , Calzolari Flaminia , Iacobelli Barbara Daniela , Bagolan Pietro , Corchia Carlo , Orzalesi Marcello
Published: May 2007

The assessment of lung volumes, particularly functional residual capacity (FRC), is crucial for understanding lung development during infancy in CDH patients.

Aim

To evaluate changes in lung function during infancy in subjects with CDH treated with a “gentle ventilation” technique and delayed surgery strategy in the neonatal period.

Methods

13 CDH infants were studied twice and compared with a population of 28 healthy infants (HI). Tidal‐Volume (Vt), respiratory rate (RR) and time to peak expiratory flow/expiratory time ratio (tPTEF/Te) were measured with an ultrasonic flow meter; Compliance (Crs) and Resistance (Rrs) of the respiratory system were studied with the single occlusion technique; FRC and Lung Clearance Index (LCI), were assessed with the sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) wash‐in/wash‐out technique. The differences between the first (T1) and second (T2) measurement in the CDH group were assessed by the Student's t‐test for paired values. For each set of measurement (T1 and T2) the values were compared with HI by Student's t‐test.

Results

Mean age at test was 7.5 ± 5.2 months for HI, 4.5 ± 2.5 at T1 and 11.9 ± 4.5 months at T2 for CDH infants. At T1 there were no significant differences between CDH infants and HI in Vt, Crs, and FRC, while tPTEF/te ratio was lower and RR, Rrs, and LCI were higher in CDH patients than in HI. At T2 Vt, Crs, and FRC remained normal in CDH patients as well as RR that, at this time was not different between CDH and healthy infants; tPTEF/te remained below and Rrs and LCI remained above normal ranges, indicating a persistent impairment in lower airways patency.

Conclusions

Lung function in infants with severe CDH is characterized by a persistent impairment in airways patency and significant inhomogeneity of ventilation, suggesting a peripheral bronchial obstruction even if the other lung function tests are within normal ranges. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:600–604. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased resistance to trail‐induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells selected in the presence of bicalutamide
Authors: Mitterberger Michael , Neuwirt Hannes , Cavarretta Ilaria T. , Hobisch Alfred , Culig Zoran
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND

Following prolonged treatment with the non‐steroidal anti‐androgen bicalutamide (Casodex), LNCaP cells have become resistant to this drug. Previously, we found that the bicalutamide‐refractory subline LNCaP‐Bic acquires a growth advantage and does not respond to androgenic stimulation. In the present study, we have asked whether changes in response to the tumor‐selective apoptosis inducer TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) occur in LNCaP‐Bic cells.

METHODS

LNCaP and LNCaP‐Bic cells were incubated with increasing concentrations of TRAIL and apoptosis rate was analyzed using FACS. Expression of death receptors (DR), adaptor protein Fas‐associated death domain (FADD), members of the Bcl‐2 family, and caspases were investigated by Western blot.

RESULTS

The percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis was lower in LNCaP‐Bic in comparison to LNCaP cells. There were no major differences in death receptor expression between control LNCaP and bicalutamide‐selected cells. Surprisingly, treatment with TRAIL increased the levels of Bcl‐2 by 50% in LNCaP‐Bic cells. The ratio cleaved caspase/procaspase‐8 was substantially lower in LNCaP‐Bic cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced sensitivity to TRAIL‐induced apoptosis is a novel mechanism relevant to resistance to bicalutamide in prostate cancer. Inability of TRAIL to cause programmed cell death might be caused by multiple perturbations in the TRAIL‐signaling pathway. Prostate 67: 1194–1201, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antitumor activity of the histone deacetylase inhibitor MS‐275 in prostate cancer models
Authors: Qian David Z. , Wei Yong‐Feng , Wang Xiaofei , Kato Yukihiko , Cheng Linzhao , Pili Roberto
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors represent a novel class of therapeutic agents with antitumor activity currently in clinical development. In this study, we tested the biological effects of the HDAC inhibitor MS‐275 in various pre‐clinical prostate cancer models both in'vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

In vitro cell proliferation XTT assay and protein expression analysis by Western blot were performed. In vivo tumor growth assessment in subcutaneous, orthotopic, and transgenic mouse models were conducted.

RESULTS

MS‐275 significantly upregulated histone H3 acetylation and p21 gene expression in human prostate cancer cell lines. MS‐275 exerted growth arrest in PC‐3 and LNCaP cells, and induced cell death in DU‐145 cells. Prostate specific antigen protein levels were increased by MS‐275 in LAPC4 cell line. In vivo, MS‐275 inhibited the growth of DU‐145, LNCaP, and PC‐3 in subcutaneous xenografts. MS‐275 had also a significant inhibition of PC‐3 cells growth in a mouse intratibial model. Molecular analysis showed increased histone acetylation and p21 expression in tumor samples from MS‐275‐treated mice. In transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice, long‐term treatment of MS‐275 slowed the progression of prostate carcinomas with significant reduction in cell proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these data support the clinical testing of MS‐275 for the treatment of prostate cancer. Prostate 67: 1182–1193, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.