bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intrathecal baclofen therapy improves functional intelligibility of speech in cerebral palsy
Authors: Leary S M , Gilpin P , Lockley L , Rodriguez L , Jarrett L , Stevenson V L
Published: March 2006

Objective: To assess the effect of intrathecal baclofen on spastic dysarthia in cerebral palsy.

Design: Single case study.

Methods: Functional outcome measures, including the Assessment of Intelligibility of Dysarthric Speech, were performed before and after a trial of intrathecal baclofen in an adult patient with spastic dysarthria due to cerebral palsy. The patient proceeded to intrathecal baclofen pump implantation and was reassessed after six months of continuous intrathecal baclofen therapy.

Results: Improvement in function including speech intelligibility was seen following the intrathecal baclofen trial. The improvement was sustained at six months post pump implantation.

Conclusions: Intrathecal baclofen improved functional intelligibility of speech in a carefully selected subject. The Assessment of Intelligibility of Dysarthric Speech was found to be a useful quantitative tool to assess the effect of intrathecal baclofen on spastic dysarthria.
Why physical medicine, physical disability and physical rehabilitation? We should abandon Cartesian dualism
Authors: Wade Derick
Published: March 2006

Adjectives are supposed to describe the associated noun more fully or definitively, and the adjective physical is sometimes added to words such as medicine, rehabilitation and disability. What increase in description does its use allow? The adjective was probably added when rehabilitation started to develop for several reasons: it contrasted the mode of treatment with pharmacology and surgery; it contrasted the nature of the supposed aetiology with emotionally generated disorders, especially shell-shock; and it justified the presence of rehabilitation within the profession of medicine. Its continued use, however, perpetuates a Cartesian, dualist philosophy. This editorial uses the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning (WHO ICF) model of illness to analyse its continued use, and concludes that its continued use may disadvantage both patients and the practice of rehabilitation.
Expression Profile–Defined Classification of Lung Adenocarcinoma Shows Close Relationship With Underlying Major Genetic Changes and Clinicopathologic Behaviors
Authors: Takeuchi Toshiyuki , Tomida Shuta , Yatabe Yasushi , Kosaka Takayuki , Osada Hirotaka , Yanagisawa Kiyoshi , Mitsudomi Tetsuya , Takahashi Takashi
Published: March 2006

Purpose

This study was conducted to gain insight into the relationship between expression profiles and underlying genetic changes, which are known to be important for the pathogenesis of lung cancers.

Methods

Expression profiles of 18,175 unique genes and three major targets for genetic changes, p53, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and K-ras, were investigated in 149 patients with non–small-cell lung cancer, including 90 patients with adenocarcinoma to determine their relationships with various clinicopathologic features and Gene Ontology (GO) terms.

Results

This study successfully established a basis for expression profile-defined classification, which can classify adenocarcinomas into two major types, terminal respiratory unit (TRU) type and non–TRU type. Our GO term–based identifier of particular biologic processes, molecular functions, and cellular compartments clearly showed characteristic retention of normal peripheral lung features in TRU type, in sharp contrast to the significant association of non–TRU type with cell cycling and proliferation-related features. While significantly higher frequency of EGFR mutation was observed in TRU type, we found that the presence of EGFR mutations was a significant predictor of shorter postoperative survival for TRU type, independent of disease stage. We were also able to identify a set of genes in vivo with significant upregulation in the presence of EGFR mutations.

Conclusion

This study has shed light on heterogeneity in lung cancers, especially in adenocarcinomas, by establishing a molecularly, genetically, and clinically relevant, expression profile-defined classification. Future studies using independent patient cohorts are warranted to confirm the prognostic significance of EGFR mutations in TRU-type adenocarcinoma.
Clinicopathologic Significance of Defective DNA Mismatch Repair in Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Black Destin , Soslow Robert A. , Levine Douglas A. , Tornos Carmen , Chen Shirley C. , Hummer Amanda J. , Bogomolniy Faina , Olvera Narciso , Barakat Richard R. , Boyd Jeff
Published: March 2006

Purpose

Defective DNA mismatch repair is commonly present in sporadic manifestations of gastrointestinal, endometrial, and other cancers. The pathognomonic molecular manifestation of this repair defect is microsatellite instability (MSI). Here, we test the hypothesis that MSI predicts the clinicopathologic features of endometrial carcinoma.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective cohort of 473 patients treated for endometrial carcinoma at this institution was identified. All cases were reviewed by a gynecologic pathologist, and clinical information was abstracted from medical records. Using consensus criteria, DNA samples from nontumor and tumor tissue pairs were genotyped for MSI. Associations between MSI status and pathologic and clinical variables were assessed.

Results

Ninety-three (20%) of 473 tumors were MSI+. In the MSI+ tumor group compared with the MSI− tumor group, the proportion of advanced compared with early-stage tumors was higher (92% v 81%; P = .01), as was the proportion of tumors of endometrioid compared with nonendometrioid histologic subtype (94% v 23%; P = .001), and the proportion of tumors with myometrial invasion compared with those with none (92% v 78%; P = .01). By multivariate analyses, disease-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.2 to 0.7) and disease-specific survival (hazard ratio, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.8) were significantly improved in patients with MSI+ tumors.

Conclusion

In endometrial carcinoma, the presence of MSI was independently associated with a more favorable clinical outcome.
Association of the PDCD5 Locus With Lung Cancer Risk and Prognosis in Smokers
Authors: Spinola Monica , Meyer Peter , Kammerer Stefan , Falvella F. Stefania , Boettger Melanie B. , Hoyal Carolyn R. , Pignatiello Carmen , Fischer Reiner , Roth Richard B. , Pastorino Ugo , Haeussinger Karl , Nelson Matthew R. , Dierkesmann Rainer , Dragani Tommaso A. , Braun Andreas
Published: March 2006

Purpose

Whole-genome scan association analysis was carried out to identify genetic variants predictive of lung cancer risk in smokers and to confirm the identified variants in an independent sample.

Patients and Methods

A case-control study was performed using two pools consisting of DNA from 322 German smoking lung cancer patients and 273 healthy smoking controls, respectively. A replication study was carried out using 254 Italian lung adenocarcinoma (ADCA) patients and 235 healthy controls.

Results

Patients with genotypes GG or CG for the rs1862214 single nucleotide polymorphism, 5′ upstream of the programmed cell death 5 (PDCD5) gene, compared with those with the common genotype CC showed an increased risk of lung cancer (odds ratio, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.1) and a higher incidence of poor clinical stage disease (hazard ratio [HR], 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.4; P = .023), nodal involvement (HR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.6; P = .033), and short-term survivorship (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.6, P = .003). PDCD5 mRNA expression levels were approximately 2.4-fold lower in lung ADCA as compared to normal lung tissue. Human NCI-H520 cancer cells transfected with PDCD5 cDNA showed decreased colony-forming ability.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the rs1862214 polymorphism in PDCD5 is predictive for lung cancer risk and prognosis, and that PDCD5 may represent a novel tumor suppressor gene influencing lung cancer.
Formal Total Synthesis of (−)-Dendrobine Using Zirconium Promoted Cyclization. Determination of the Absolute Configuration of the Intermediary Tricyclic Ketone
Authors: Mori Miwako , Saitoh Fumihiko , Uesaka Noriaki , Shibasaki Masakatsu
Published: March 2006

The optical purity of (−)-dendrobine synthesized using zirconium promoted cyclization was improved and the absolute configuration of the intermediary tricyclic ketone was determined using the improved Mosher’s method developed by Kusumi.
Electron Donor-Acceptor Complexes of the Fullerenes C60 and C70 with Amines
Authors: Seshadri Ram , D’Souza Francis , Krishnan Varadachari , Rao CNR
Published: March 2006

Based on electronic absorption spectroscopy, C60 is found to form complexes with aromatic amines with an enthalpy of association in the range 9–16 kJ mol−1. Interaction of C70 with the amines is negligible. Cyclic voltammetric measurements confirm these observations.
Facile Synthesis of Pyrimidinophanes
Authors: Itahara Toshio
Published: March 2006

Treatment of pyrimidine bases with X(CH2)nX (X = Br or I; n = 5–12) in, N,N-dimethylformamide containing sodium hydride afforded three types of pyrimidinophanes.
Complex Formation between Poly(methyl vinyl ether) and γ-Cyclodextrin
Authors: Harada Akira , Li Jun , Kamachi Mikiharu
Published: March 2006

γ-Cyclodextrin forms an inclusion complex with poly(methyl vinyl ether) in a definite stoichiometry in high yield, although α-cyclodextrin and β-cyclodextrin did not form complexes with poly(methyl vinyl ether). The inclusion complex is a thermally stable crystalline compound.
Synthesis and X-Ray Structure of 4′-Thiothymidine
Authors: Uenishi Jun’ichi , Takahashi Keiji , Motoyama Mitsuhiro , Akashi Haruo
Published: March 2006

4′-Thiothymidine was synthesized by SnCl4 mediated coupling of 5-O-acetyl-3-O-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-2-deoxy-4-thio-d-erythro-pentofuranoside with 2,4-bis(trimethylsilyl)thymine and the structure was determined by X-ray analysis.
Electrocatalytic Oxidative Coupling of Methylquinolines on TEMPO-modified Graphite Felt Electrodes
Authors: Kashiwagi Yoshitomo , Ono Hiroaki , Osa Tetsuo
Published: March 2006

2- and 4-Methylquinolines were oxidized to 2,2′-dimethyl-4,4′-biquinolyl and 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-biquinolyl, respectively, both in ca. 94% isolated yield and ca. 90% current efficiency on a graphite felt electrode coated with a thin poly(acrylic acid) layer containing 4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxyl (4-amino-TEMPO). The reaction proceeds via electrocatalytic oxidation of the modified-TEMPO species. The electrode was not inactivated during electrolysis and could be used repeatedly.
Preparation of Monodisperse Poly(N-vinylformamide) Particles by Dispersion Polymerization in Methanol Solvent
Authors: Uyama Hiroshi , Kato Hisataka , Kobayashi Shiro
Published: March 2006

Dispersion polymerization of N-vinylformamide (NVF) was performed in methanol using a hydrophilic polymer or a poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) macromonomer as a stabilizer. The polymerization of NVF using poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) as stabilizer gave relatively monodisperse polymer particles in the size of micron range. In using the macromonomer, monodisperse PNVF particles in the sub-micron range were obtained.
Hypervalent Bond Formation and Interaction between Heavier Group 16 Elements in the Dihalides and Oxide of 5H,7H-Dibenzo[b,g][1,5]-ditellurocin and -telluraselenocin
Authors: Fujihara Hisashi , Uehara Toshinori , Erata Tomoki , Furukawa Naomichi
Published: March 2006

The reaction of 5H,7H-dibenzo[b,g][1,5]ditellurocin with I2 resulted in the formation of the diiodo-ditellurane as a new class of bis-hypervalent chalcogenide. Treatment of the dibromo-derivative of 5H,7H-dibenzo[b,g][1,5]telluraselenocin with aqueous NaOH solution afforded exclusively the telluroxide which showed the strong transannular hypervalent interaction between the tellurinyl group and the selenyl group as evidenced by 77Se and 125Te NMR spectroscopy.
Structure of 1,2-Dilithio[tetrakis(trimethylsilyl)]ethane in Solution. Observation of Lithium–Bridged Structures and Unexpected Anionic Rearrangement
Authors: Sekiguchi Akira , Ichinohe Masaaki , Nakanishi Tetsuo , Sakurai Hideki
Published: March 2006

6Li and 13C NMR spectra of 1,2-dilithio[tetrakis(trimethylsilyl)]ethane revealed a doubly bridged π-structure in aromatic solvents similar to that observed in the crystals. However, the dianion in THF, which was found to exist as a solvent–separated ion pair of Li+(THF)4 and a species bridged by one Li atom, was reactive to undergo anionic rearrangement.
Synthesis of a Novel π-Conjugated Organometallic Polymer, Poly(4,4′-biphenylene 2,5-cobaltacylopenta-2,4-dienylene), by Metallacycling Polymerization (MCP)
Authors: Ohkubo Akira , Aramaki Kunitsugu , Nishihara Hiroshi
Published: March 2006

A new π-conjugated organometallic polymer of which framework is in part composed of cobaltacyclopentadienes has been synthesized by a metallacycle formation reaction of CpCo(PPh3)2 with 4,4′-diethynylbiphenyl. The polymer, poly(4,4′-biphenylene 2,5-cobaltacyclopenta-2,4-dienylene) has a strong absorption band around 500 run, and is oxidized at +0.306 V vs. Ag/Ag+ in dichloromethane and reduced at −1.8 V in acetonitrile.
Synthesis and Molecular Structure of trans-PdCl2{o-Ph2PC6H4CH2O-(CH2)3-2-C5H4N}. The First Transition Metal Complex Containing trans Coordinating Bidentate Pyridyl-phosphine Ligand
Authors: Yabuta Masami , Nakamura Shingo , Yamagata Tsuneaki , Tani Kazuhide
Published: March 2006

As the first example of a crystallographically confirmed transition metal complex with a bidentate hybrid ligand spanning trans positions, the square-planar palladium(II) complex containing the trans chelating pyridyl-phosphine bidentate hybrid ligand, bound through a pyridine and a phosphine, trans-PdCl2{o-Ph2PC6H4CH2O(CH2)3-2-C5H4N}, is prepared and the crystal structure was determined.
Asymmetric Aerobic Epoxidation of Unfunctionalized Olefins Catalyzed by Optically Active α-Alkoxycarbonyl-β-ketoiminato Manganese(III) Complexes
Authors: Mukaiyama Teruaki , Yamada Tohru , Nagata Takushi , Imagawa Kiyomi
Published: March 2006

Optically active N,N′-ethylenebis(α-alkoxycarbonyl-β-ketoimine) was found to be a new class of effective ligand of manganese(III) complex catalyst for the asymmetric aerobic epoxidation of simple olefins, such as 1,2-dihydronaphthalene derivatives, to afford the corresponding optically active epoxides with good to high enantioselectivities.
A Novel Antileukemic Tropoloisoquinoline Alkaloid, Pareirubrine, from Cissampelos pareira
Authors: Morita Hiroshi , Matsumoto Kouji , Takeya Koichi , Itokawa Hideji , Iitaka Yoichi
Published: March 2006

Pareirubrine, a novel tropoloisoquinoline alkaloid with antileukemic activity was isolated from Cissampelos pareira and the structure was determined on the basis of its spectroscopic data and X-ray diffraction analysis.
Complexation of Cycloinulonexaose with Some Metal Ions
Authors: Yoshie Naoko , Hamada Hiroaki , Takada Shigehiro , Inoue Yoshio
Published: March 2006

Cycloinulohexaose(CF6), which is a cyclohexaose composed of six(2→1) linked β-d-fructofuranosyl units, has a 18-crown-6 skeleton in its center. Selective complexation of CF6 with some metal ions have been observed in D2O by NMR spectroscopy. The variation of 1H NMR chemical shifts indicates that the ether oxygen atoms or CF6 should act as electron donors, which interact electrostatically with the metal ions.
The Surface Modification of Graphite Particles by Direct Fluorination
Authors: Chong Yong-bo , Watanabe Nobuatsu , Idogawa Hiroyuki , Wakata Atsushi
Published: March 2006

The dispersion stability of graphite particles in water was largely increased by a surface modification of direct fluorination. The fluorinated graphite particles in water did not flocculate and kept stable suspension for long time, and it was found that the surface of fluorinated graphite particles became more hydrophilic and was highly polarized in water.
Lanthanoid(III) Alkoxides as Novel Catalysts for a Rapid Transhydrocyanation from Acetone Cyanohydrin to Aldehydes and Ketones
Authors: Ohno Hiroshi , Mori Atsunori , Inoue Shohei
Published: March 2006

A rapid transhydrocyanation from acetone cyanohydrin to several aldehydes and ketones is promoted by a catalytic amount of lanthanoid(III) alkoxide to provide the corresponding cyanohydrins.
Photocatalytic Micropatterning of Titanium Oxide Surface with Platinum
Authors: Sugimura Hiroyuki , Uchida Tatsuya , Kitamura Noboru , Masuhara Hiroshi
Published: March 2006

Platinum (Pt) micropatterns were fabricated photocatalytically on titanium oxide (TiO2) surface by projecting a reduced light image of a photomask. Negative and positive Pt patterns on TiO2 with the spatial resolution better than 10 μm were obtained by photoreduction of PtCl42− to Pt in aqueous K2PtCl4 solution and photoetching of the deposited Pt in aqueous HCl solution, respectively.
Preparation and Properties of New π-Conjugated Poly(benzimidazole-4,7-diyl) and Poly(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole-4,7-diyl)
Authors: Kanbara Takaki , Yamamoto Takakazu
Published: March 2006

Dehalogenation polycondensation of 4,7-dibromobenzimidazole and 4,7-dibromo-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole with a zero-valent nickel complex afford poly(benzimidazole-4,7-diyl) and poly(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole-4,7-diyl), respectively. These polymers give rise to electrochemically active doping-undoping cycles in both reduction and oxidation regions, and are converted into electrically conducting materials on both n- and p-type chemical doping.
Preparation of Samarium(II) Triflate and It Mediated Grignard-type Reaction. In Situ Formation and Reaction of New Organosamarium Reagents
Authors: Fukuzawa Shin-ichi , Tsuchimoto Teruhisa , Kanai Takeshi
Published: March 2006

Samarium(II) triflate was readily prepared by the reaction of samarium(III) triflate with sec-butyllithium at room temperature in THF. Its reducing ability was examined by pinacol coupling of carbonyl compounds. Sm(OTf)2 mediated Grignard-type reaction in THF-HMPA effectively; alkylation and allylation of ketones or aldehydes by simple alkyl, allyl, and benzyl halides proceeded via organosamarium intermediates.
Orientation Dependence of Transition Matrix Elements for Energy Transfer Reaction CF3H + Ar(3P) → CF3* + Ar + H
Authors: Takahashi Hideaki , Ohoyama Hiroshi , Kasai Toshio , Kuwata Keiji , Nakano Masayoshi , Yamaguchi Kizashi
Published: March 2006

Transition matrix elements for the energy transfer were explicitly evaluated by ab initio SCF calculations in the CF3H + Ar(3P) → CF3* + Ar + H reaction. The matrix elements were obtained as functions of mutual orientation and distance between the reactants. The results show that the collision along the symmetry axis of the CF3H is preferable to produce the excited CF3H in the B or C state. On the other hand, the E state was found to be preferably generated by the side-on attack of Ar(3P). The present results agree well with the ones given by the electron density analysis, suggesting that the electron exchange process is dominant for showing the steric anisotropy in the title reaction.
A Novel Approach for Synthesis of Carbyne by Electroreductive Polymerization of Diiodoacetylene Catalyzed by Ni Complex
Authors: Kijima Masashi , Sakai Yuji , Shirakawa Hideki
Published: March 2006

Diiodoacetylene was electropolymerized with Pt cathode at −2.0 V (vs. SCE) in the presence of Ni complex in dimethylformamide (DMF) under anaerobic conditions, giving an insoluble black powder which had a strong infrared absorption at 2050 cm−1 and a broad Raman peak around 2150 cm−1 due to conjugated polyyne structure. A compressed pellet of the as-prepared sample had an electrical conductivity of 3 × 10−5 S cm−1.
Photodecomposition Mechanism of o-Diazonaphthoquinones Studied by Laser Flash Photolysis with Infrared Detection
Authors: Oishi Shigero , Watanabe Yuriko , Kuriyama Yasunao
Published: March 2006

Laser flash photolysis of an o-diazonaphthoquinone traced by monitoring infrared in parallel with ultraviolet revealed the dynamic behavior of ketene intermediate, which appeared immediately after the laser pulse and changed swiftly to next intermediate. The fact that the conversion of ketene did not correspond to the formation of ketene hydrate suggested the existence of another intermediate between ketene and ketene hydrate.
Coexistence of Two Cholesteric Phases in Poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate) Liquid Crystals
Authors: Mori Norio , Itou Satoshi
Published: March 2006

Coexistence of two cholesteric phases has been observed in poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate)-1,2-dichloroethane solutions. The two cholesteric phases are distinguished from the length of the pitch under an optical polarizing microscope. Temperature dependence of the pitch differs significantly from each other.
Synthesis of Cationic Imine- and Amine-Coordinated Hydridoruthenium Complexes Relevant to Reductive Amination
Authors: Rappert Thomas , Yamamoto Akio
Published: March 2006

The dihydridoruthenium complex cis-RuH2(PMe3)4 reacts with NH4PF6 in acetone to produce cis-[RuH(NH3)(PMe3)4]PF6, cis-[RuH(NH=CMe2)(PMe3)4]PF6 and cis-[RuH(NH2CHMe2)(PMe3)4]PF6. The isopropylamine ligand originates from reductive animation of the solvent. A possible reaction pathway is discussed.
Potassium Exchanged Layered Zirconium Phosphate as Base Catalyst in the Synthesis of 2-Nitroalkanols
Authors: Costantino U , Curini M , Marmottini F , Rosati O , Pisani E
Published: March 2006

The synthesis of 2-nitroalkanols from nitroalkanes and aldehydes occurs efficiently, in mild conditions without solvent, when mediated by layered Zr(KOPO3)2. The reaction has been tested in the preparation of ten different nitroalkanols and the data obtained seem to indicate that not only the surface but also the interlayer ≡P–O−K+ groups are involved in the catalytic process.
Alkali Metal Reduction of Oligo-6-(2-thienyl)pentafulvenes. Synthesis of Oligothienylenemethines Attached with Cyclopentadienide Groups
Authors: Kurata Hiroyuki , Kawase Takeshi , Oda Masaji
Published: March 2006

Oligo-6-(2-thienyl)pentafulvenes smoothly undergo alkali metal reduction to form novel, stable oligothienylenemethines attached with cyclopentadienide groups as confirmed by UV-Vis and NMR spectra.
Structural Regularity-Waveguide Property Relationships of Langmuir-Blodgett Films
Authors: Kuri Taishi , Honda Namiko , Oishi Yushi , Kajiyama Tisato
Published: March 2006

Relationship between structure regularity and the propagation loss of Langmuir-Blodgett(LB) film waveguides was investigated. The LB film with a homogeneous surface morphology could be constructed from the mechanically stable monolayer prepared by the multi-step creep method. The propagation loss of the LB film waveguide was decreased by the surface flatness of the LB film.
Nuchal translucency thickness measurements for fetal aneuploidy screening: Log NT-MoM or Delta-NT, performer-specific medians and ultrasound training
Authors: Gyselaers Wilfried J A , Vereecken Annie J , Van Herck Erik J H , Straetmans Dany P L , Ombelet Willem U A M , Nijhuis Jan G
Published: March 2006

Objectives: To evaluate in fetal aneuploidy screening the desirability of using Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) normal medians of nuchal translucency thickness (NT) measurements or performer-specific medians, and whether the NT measurements should be expressed as Delta-NT or Log NT-MoM values.

Settings: First trimester-combined screening programme in a low risk population in Flanders, Belgium (Algemeen Medisch Laboratorium, Antwerp).

Methods: Pregnancies unaffected by trisomy 21 (T21) were screened by FMF-trained or other ultrasonographers. Performer-specific NT medians were established for FMF-trained and other ultrasonographers. NCSS Statistical Software was used to establish probability plots for Log NT-MoM and Delta-NT values, relative to performer-specific references or to the FMF-reference.

Results: A total of 16,096 pregnancies were evaluated. Six FMF-trainees and five other ultrasonographers each performed between 83 and 658 NT measurements. For the FMF-trainees, FMF-specific NT-MoM medians were close to one at a crown-rump length (CRL) between 50 and 80 mm, whereas the population-specific NT-MoM medians of the other ultrasonographers were close to one at a CRL between 40 and 80 mm. Performer-specific Delta-NT values fitted a Gaussian distribution between the 5th and 90th percentiles, while for the Log NT-MoM values this was between the 10th and 95th percentiles.

Conclusion: We conclude that (i) the use of screening would benefit from performer-specific NT-medians based on Log NT-MoM values; (ii) the use of Log NT-MoM values is marginally better than the use of delta-NT MoMs; and (iii) NT measurements are valid at about 10 weeks (crown-rump length 40–45 mm) as well as at 11–13 weeks.
An analysis of the costs of implementing the National Newborn Hearing Screening Programme in England
Authors: Uus K , Bamford J , Taylor R
Published: March 2006

Objective: The primary aim of this analysis was to prospectively assess the full economic costs associated with implementing Newborn Hearing Screening Programme (NHSP) based on a two-stage screen, transient evoked otoacoustic emissions followed, if there is no clear response, by automated auditory brainstem response. Economic data were also collected from the Infant Distraction Test Screening (IDTS) service performed by health visitors at around eight months of age, which was being phased out. A comparison of costs and outcomes associated with NHSP and IDTS was conducted.

Design: 20 NHSP sites were invited to provide detailed cost data on NHSP implementation and 14 of these sites were selected to provide costs on the IDTS service that was being supplanted.

Results: There was marked variability in the costs. Given the higher yield of NHSP sites, the average cost per case detected across NHSP sites (£31,410/case) was approximately half that of IDTS sites (£69,919/case). Including family costs, the average total cost per case of NHSP (£34,826/case) was almost a quarter of IDTS (£117,942/case).

Conclusions: Family costs and cost per case associated with NHSP are considerably less than that with IDTS. These findings support the policy of implementation of NHSP and the phasing out of the IDTS.
What happens when organization of cervical cancer screening is delayed or stopped?
Authors: Lynge Elsebeth , Clausen Lene Bjørk , Guignard Romain , Poll Paul
Published: March 2006

Objectives: Many countries rely on opportunistic screening, and data on its effectiveness are asked for. We assessed the impact on cervical cancer incidence and mortality of opportunistic screening compared with organized screening.

Setting: Women aged 30–64 in Denmark, 1973–2002; 16 counties with different screening strategies.

Methods: Cumulative incidence and mortality rates for women aged 30–64 by county. Poisson regression of incidence and mortality rates by age, calendar period and county. Interaction between type of county and calendar period measured the difference between counties with screening organized early versus late in time.

Results: A statistically significant interaction was found between type of county and calendar period ( P=0.0151) for cervical cancer incidence, but not for cervical cancer mortality ( P=0.9593). The interaction terms were not statistically significant when a comparison was made between a single county in which an organized programme was interrupted for an 11-year period and other counties. There was, however, a statistically significant increased incidence and mortality rates at the restart of the organized programme.

Conclusion: Organization of cervical cancer screening accelerated the decline in cervical cancer incidence, compared with the trend in areas relying on opportunistic screening. No impact could be measured of the screening organization on cervical cancer mortality. A decade long stop of an organized screening programme was associated with a temporary increase in cervical cancer incidence and mortality. Coverage remains a key quality indicator in the ongoing modernization of screening technology.
Using record linkage and manual follow-up to evaluate the Victorian maternal serum screening quadruple test for Down's syndrome, trisomy 18 and neural tube defects
Authors: Jaques Alice M , Collins Veronica R , Haynes Kerry , Sheffield Leslie J , Francis Ivan , Forbes Robin , Halliday Jane L
Published: March 2006

Objectives: The Genetic Health Services Victoria maternal serum screening (MSS) quadruple test has been available to pregnant women in Victoria since 1996. The objectives of this study were to follow up the pregnancies screened by MSS between July 1998 and June 2000 and to determine the performance characteristics of the test for Down's syndrome, trisomy 18 and neural tube defects (NTDs).

Methods: MSS results were matched to pregnancy outcome information from the Perinatal Data Collection Unit and Birth Defects Register, using automated probabilistic record linkage. For unmatched pregnancies, manual follow-up was carried out by contacting referring doctors and hospitals, resulting in a very high follow-up rate of 99.2% (18,989/19,143).

Results: The sensitivity of MSS for Down's syndrome was 85% (23/27–95%CI 72–99%) with a falsepositive rate (FPR) of 6.8% (risk threshold ≥ 1 in 250). While using a fixed 5% FPR, the sensitivity for Down's syndrome was slightly lower (78%). The sensitivity for trisomy 18 was 44% (4/9 – 95% CI 12–77%) with a FPR of 0.5% (risk threshold of ≥ 1 in 200). 11 of the 15 (73 – 95%CI 51–97%) cases of open NTDs were detected from screening, with a 1% FPR (risk threshold alpha-fetoprotein [AFP] ≥2.5 MoM). All cases of anencephaly had increased AFP levels.

Conclusion: Probabilistic record linkage and manual follow-up is an efficient method for ascertainment of pregnancy outcomes, with a higher follow-up rate than that reported in similar studies. MSS should remain an available option for all pregnant women in Victoria, with test characteristics comparable with other recent reports of the quadruple test.
Prevalence of G6PD deficiency and knowledge of diagnosis in a sample of previously unscreened Lebanese males: clinical implications
Authors: Khneisser Issam , Adib Salim M , Loiselet Jacques , Mégarbané André
Published: March 2006

The incidence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in Lebanon is estimated at 10 per 1000 in men and 0.4 per 1000 in women. A community-based cluster sampling survey was conducted in 15 villages in all areas in Lebanon. The survey found 36 cases of G6PD deficiency among 3000 men aged 14 years and above, yielding a cumulative incidence rate of 12 per 1000. Of those 36 cases, 28 (77.8%) knew of their problem since they had already suffered at least one severe anaemia crisis in their childhood following the ingestion of raw green fava beans. The remaining 22.2% were not aware at all of their defect. These findings confirm that G6PD is a common genetic problem in Lebanon. The efficiency of early screening programmes in terms of preventing severe, at times potentially lethal, haemolytic crises is currently being investigated.
Does the 'inverse screening law' apply to oral cancer screening and regular dental check-ups?
Authors: Netuveli Gopalkrishnan , Sheiham Aubrey , Watt Richard G
Published: March 2006

Objective: Early detection through regular screening is a measure used in certain cancer prevention strategies. This approach has been advocated for the prevention of oral cancers in the UK. The objective of this study was to assess whether people at higher risk of oral cancer in the UK visit dentists on a regular basis, and thereby afford opportunities for oral cancer screening.

Methods: Data from two large national surveys were used. Firstly, data from the Health Survey for England, 2001, were used to assess the relationship between dental attendance (the outcome measure) and recognized oral cancer risk factors; there were 13,784 participants with complete data. We used known risk factors for oral cancer (age >40 years, male sex, alcohol intake >28 units per week, cigarettes >20 per day, and fruit and vegetables <5 times a day) to generate a risk score for oral cancer. Logistic regression was used to compute the odds ratios for regular dental attendance according to risk score. All analyses used education and social class as covariates. We also used data from the British Household Panel Survey to assess whether dental attendance behaviour is sustained over a set period of time (5547 participants with complete data).

Results: In persons in the higher risk category (as defined above) of the five risk factors, age, sex, alcohol, smoking, and fruit/vegetables, 68%, 56%, 52%, 43% and 60%, respectively reported regular dental check-ups. In persons with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of these risk factors, the odds ratio for regular dental check-ups was 1.00, 0.93, 0.81, 0.64, 0.50 and 0.28, respectively. The probability of regular dental attendance was low in all groups with a higher risk of oral cancer. In the longitudinal sample, the low probability of visiting a dentist regularly was stable over time.

Conclusion: Opportunistic screening for oral cancer in general dental practice in the UK is unlikely to be an effective preventive strategy.
Service screening mammography reduces breast cancer mortality among elderly women in Turku
Authors: Parvinen I , Helenius H , Pylkkänen L , Anttila A , Immonen-Räihä P , Kauhava L , Räsänen O , Klemi PJ
Published: March 2006

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of service screening mammography on breast carcinoma incidence and refined mortality among women aged 55–69 at entry in three cities employing different screening policies.

Methods: Since 1987, the city of Turku, Finland, has provided service screening mammography for women aged 55–69 at entry (in 1987), and Tampere provided screening for women aged 55–59 at entry, whereas Helsinki did not screen any of these age groups. The incidence of breast carcinoma during the screening period 1987–97 in women born in 1918–32 (1918–22, 1923–27, 1928–32) was compared with incidence during the pre-screening period 1976–86 in women born in 1907–21 (1907–11, 1912–16, 1917–21) in each city. The follow-up for mortality was four years longer.

Results: Breast carcinoma incidence was 31–38% higher in the screening period in all three cities irrespective of screening. In breast carcinoma mortality, no significant changes were seen in Helsinki or Tampere. In Turku, a 36% mortality reduction (relative risk [RR] 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47–0.88; P=0.007) in the whole study population and a 47% reduction in women aged 65–69 at entry (RR 0.53; 95% CI 0.28–0.99; P=0.047) were seen.

Conclusions: The incidence of breast carcinoma increased in all study cities irrespective of screening. The comprehensive screening programme in Turku including women aged 55–69 at entry was associated with a significant reduction in breast carcinoma mortality. The pronounced decrease in mortality in the oldest age group (65–69 years at entry) also indicated that women of this age group greatly benefit from mammography screening.
Maternal anxiety following newborn hearing screening: the moderating role of knowledge
Authors: Crockett Rachel , Wright Alison J , Uus Kai , Bamford John , Marteau Theresa M
Published: March 2006

Objectives: To describe the impact upon maternal anxiety of newborn hearing screening and examine the Possible moderating role of knowledge.

Methods: Questionnaires assessing maternal state anxiety, worry and certainty about the baby's hearing, and knowledge about screening, were sent to four groups of mothers three weeks after screening: Group 1 consisted of mothers whose babies had clear responses on a first or second screening test ( n=103); Group 2 consisted of mothers whose babies had clear responses on the third screening test ( n=81); Group 3 consisted of mothers whose babies did not have clear responses in one ear at the third screening test and were referred for audiological assessment ( n=105); and Group 4 consisted of mothers whose babies did not have clear responses in either ear at the third hearing test and were referred for audiological assessment ( n=55).

Results: Although mean anxiety levels were in the normal range, there was a significant trend for anxiety to rise as testing increased ( F(1,327)=4.280, P<0.05). Worry increased significantly ( F(1,337)=70.432, P<0.001) and certainty decreased significantly ( F(1,339)=27.474, P=0.001) as the number of tests increased. Although total knowledge did not significantly moderate anxiety ( R2=0.016, P=0.096), there was a significant interaction between mothers' group and one knowledge item, understanding that receipt of no clear responses was unlikely to mean that the baby had a hearing loss: mothers in Group 4 who understood this had lower anxiety ( F(3,323)=4.791, P<0.01) and lower worry ( F(3,332)=3.565, P<0.01) compared with mothers who did not.

Conclusions: Understanding the meaning of being recalled following screening may avoid some of the anxiety associated with this.
Screening for scoliosis: do we have indications for effectiveness?
Authors: Bunge Eveline M , Juttmann Rikard E , de Koning Harry J ,   The steering committee of the NESCIO group
Published: March 2006

Objective: The effectiveness of screening for scoliosis has not been established. This study investigated whether patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis detected by screening are detected in an earlier stage of the clinical course, and whether these patients have better outcome than otherwise detected patients.

Setting: The study is a retrospective follow-up study of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who had completed treatment with a brace, by surgery, or with a brace followed by surgery. Of the 143 patients (born on or after 1 January 1984) consecutively recruited from 12 hospitals in the Netherlands, 125 (87%) agreed to participate. Of these, 51 patients were treated with a brace only and 74 patients were operated on. Screening for scoliosis is carried out in 80% of Dutch children.

Methods: Data on being screen detected or otherwise detected and Cobb angle at diagnosis were collected using youth health-care files, medical files and interviews by telephone with the patients.

Results: About 55% of the patients were detected by screening (programme sensitivity). Screen-detected patients had a significantly smaller Cobb angle at diagnosis (28° versus 40°; P<0.01) and had a 73% lower chance of having had surgery (45% versus 75%; P<0.01) than otherwise-detected patients.

Conclusion: In the present study, two essential prerequisites necessary for a screening programme for scoliosis to be effective have been met. However, definite proof of the effectiveness of screening still needs to be established because length bias and over-treatment bias cannot be ruled out using this design.
When the Wait Isn’t So Bad: The Interacting Effects of Website Delay, Familiarity, and Breadth
Authors: Galletta Dennis F. , Henry Raymond M. , McCoy Scott , Polak Peter
Published: March 2006

Although its popularity is widespread, the Web is well known for one particular drawback: its frequent delay when moving from one page to another. This experimental study examined whether delay and two other website design variables (site breadth and content familiarity) have interaction effects on user performance, attitudes, and behavioral intentions. The three experimental factors (delay, familiarity, and breadth) collectively impact the cognitive costs and penalties that users incur when making choices in their search for target information. An experiment was conducted with 160 undergraduate business majors in a completely counterbalanced, fully factorial design that exposed them to two websites and asked them to browse the sites for nine pieces of information. Results showed that all three factors have strong direct impacts on performance and user attitudes, in turn affecting behavioral intentions to return to the site, as might be expected. A significant three-way interaction was found between all three factors indicating that these factors not only individually impact a user’s experiences with a website, but also act in combination to either increase or decrease the costs a user incurs. Two separate analyses support an assertion that attitudes mediate the relationship of the three factors on behavioral intentions. The implications of these results for both researchers and practitioners are discussed. Additional research is needed to discover other factors that mitigate or accentuate the effects of delay, other effects of delay, and under what amounts of delay these effects occur.
Conceptualizing Systems for Understanding: An Empirical Test of Decomposition Principles in Object-Oriented Analysis
Authors: Burton-Jones Andrew , Meso Peter N.
Published: March 2006

During the early phase of systems development, systems analysts often conceptualize the domain under study and represent it in one or more conceptual models. One of the most important, yet elusive roles of conceptual models is to increase analysts’ understanding of a domain. In this paper, we evaluate the ability of the good decomposition model (GDM) (Wand and Weber 1990) to explain the degree to which conceptual models communicate meaning about a domain to analysts. We address the question, “Do unified modeling language (UML) analysis diagrams that manifest better decompositions increase analysts’ understanding of a domain?” GDM defines five conditions (minimality, determinism, losslessness, weak coupling, and strong cohesion) deemed necessary to decompose a domain in such a way that the resulting model communicates meaning about the domain effectively. In our evaluation, we operationalized each of these conditions in a set of UML diagrams and tested participants’ understanding of those diagrams. Our results lend support to GDM across measures of actual understanding. However, the impact on participants’ perceptions of their understanding was equivocal.
Effects of Two Versions of an Empathy-Based Rape Prevention Program on Fraternity Men's Survivor Empathy, Attitudes, and Behavioral Intent to Commit Rape or Sexual Assault
Authors: Foubert John , Newberry Johnathan T
Published: March 2006

Fraternity men (N = 261) at a small to midsized public university saw one of two versions of a rape prevention program or were in a control group. Program participants reported significant increases in empathy toward rape survivors and significant declines in rape myth acceptance, likelihood of raping, and likelihood of committing sexual assault. Program participants' scores significantly differed from an untreated control group in several areas. Implications for describing a male-on-male rape to increase men's empathy toward female survivors and other related attitudes are discussed.
Examining the Ways Institutions Create Student Engagement: The Role of Mission
Authors: Kezar Adrianna J , Kinzie Jillian (Jillian L.)
Published: March 2006

This article reviews the results from an in-depth multi-site case study of 20 institutions examining approaches to student engagement exploring differences by mission. The research questions pursued were: Is mission related to distinctive approaches for creating an engaging environment for students? If so, in what ways? The results demonstrate a set of relationships between institutional mission and the five benchmarks of effective educational practice identified by the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). Implications for institutional policy are reviewed.
A Longitudinal Study of Learning Style Preferences on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Learning Style Inventory
Authors: Salter Daniel W , Evans Nancy J. , Forney Deanna S.
Published: March 2006

The stability of learning style preferences, as measured by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Learning Style Inventory (LSI), was examined using a configural frequency analysis of differences. Thirteen cohorts (222 graduate students) completed the instruments 3 times during their programs. Implications for use of learning style measures are discussed.
African-American Students' Experiences of Good Practices: A Comparison of Institutional Type
Authors: Seifert Tricia A , Drummond Jerri , Pascarella Ernest T
Published: March 2006

Using the principles of good practice in undergraduate education defined by Chickering and Gamson (1987, 1991), this study examined the role of institutional type in African-American students' experiences. Controlling for confounding influences, students attending historically Black colleges reported significantly greater levels of good practices in and out of the classroom with faculty and peers than did their counterparts at both research and regional institutions. Only one difference was found in experiences of good practices between historically Black and liberal arts colleges.
Science, Technology and Institutional Co-operation in Africa: From Pre-Colonial to Colonial Science
Authors: Teng-Zeng Frank K
Published: March 2006

This paper covers two phases of the history of science, technology and institutional co-operation in Africa - pre-colonial and colonial. It is structured into three sections. Section one looks at pre-colonial science and technology (S&T) and points out that most discussions on the socioeconomic analysis of S&T in Africa often neglect the pre-colonial phase, even though indigenous knowledge is important. Section two deals with the colonial phase in which the S&T activities of the British, French and other colonial powers are discussed. The third section looks at the establishment of inter-territorial co-operation in S&T activities during the colonial era and the eventual breakdown of effective S&T cooperation among the newly independent countries in Africa.
Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) Finance in Ethiopia: Empirical Evidence
Authors: Ageba. Gebrehiwot , Amha. Wolday
Published: March 2006

This paper presents evidence on the state of micro and small enterprises (MSE) finance in Ethiopia from a survey of 1000 MSEs in six major towns conducted by the authors. The survey generated a rich data set in terms of coverage and detail on MSEs in Ethiopia, allowing in depth analysis of issues. This paper deals with the issue of MSE finance and is the first empirical work on trade credit in Ethiopia. It suggests a new venue to channel funds to MSEs by linking support to MSEs, suppliers credit and bank lending. It shows that friends/relatives, suppliers credit, and Iqub (rotating saving and credit associations) are the most important sources of finance in that order, with moneylenders used very rarely. Default on informal loans, contrary to the common view, is high. Participation (i.e. receiving and/or extending) in trade credit is wide spread. The amount involved (in both stock and flow terms) is also relatively high. Trade credit appears to be used as a substitute for bank loans. Contrary to the common belief that trade credit occurs between people with strong social ties, most MSEs that granted trade credit and those that received suppliers credit characterised their relation as 'business only'. More than half of the MSEs that granted trade credit also received suppliers credit whose amount exceeded what they received, suggesting that suppliers credit is being passed on to customers. Suppliers credit thus avails itself as a potential instrument for banks to channel finance to MSEs to improve their access to modern machinery/equipment/tools. This established practice could be extended to equipment-supplier-credit and/or equipment-leasing.