bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing Videotape Education for Heart Failure
Authors: Smith Carol E. , Koehler Julie , Moore Janice M. , Blanchard Elizabeth , Ellerbeck Edward
Published: March 2005

This pilot study tested a videotape intervention designed to improve patient selfmanagement of heart failure (HF). Content of the video series (produced professionally under a federal grant) is based on national, scientifically validated guidelines for HF home management. Outcomes tested were HF knowledge, symptom reporting, and functional status. Participants were 10 newly diagnosed HF patients (mean age 67). After viewing the tapes, data indicated participants had a clinically relevant improvement in HF knowledge, and improved or maintained HF health status. None were rehospitalized during the 60-day follow-up period. One patient contacted his/her physician to report weight gain, as prompted by the videotapes. The cost data indicated that patients paid $177 out of pocket monthly for medications and all were low income. These results indicate the need for further testing of the videotape as a potentially cost-effective method of teaching aboutHFself-management and daily home self-monitoring.
Clay mineral reaction progress – the maturity and burial history of the Lias Group of England and Wales
Authors: Kemp S. J. , Merriman R. J. , Bouch J. E.
Published: March 2005

The clay mineral assemblages and microtextures of a suite of mudrocks from the Lias Group of England and Wales indicate important regional differences in burial history.

Samples from the northern Cleveland Basin are characterized by illite-smectite (I-S, 90% illite) and little carbonate whilst samples from the southern Worcester and Wessex basins contain less mature discrete smectite and are often calcite- and dolomite-rich. Lias Group rocks have been buried to 4 km in the Cleveland Basin but to <2 km in the Worcester and Wessex basins. Burial in the Cleveland Basin is deeper than previously estimated and does not need a local heating event. Illite- smectite (80% illite) detected in samples from the East Midlands Shelf suggests burial to 3 km, again deeper than previous estimates for this region.
Clay minerals as provenance indicators in continental lacustrine sequences: the Leza Formation, early Cretaceous, Cameros Basin, northern Spain
Authors: Alonso-Azcárate J. , Rodas M. , Barrenechea J. F. , Mas J. R.
Published: March 2005

Variations in clay mineral assemblages, changes in Kübler index (KI), and the chemical composition of chlorites are used to identify source areas in the lacustrine materials in the Lower Cretaceous Leza Limestone Formation of the Cameros Basin, northern Spain. This formation has fairly homogeneous lithological characteristics and facies associations which do not allow for identification and characterization of local source areas. The Arnedillo lithosome of the Leza Limestone Formation contains a clay mineral association (Mg-chlorite, illite and smectite) indicative of its provenance. Chlorite composition and illite KI values indicate that these minerals were formed at temperatures higher than those reached by the Leza Formation which indicates its detrital origin. The similarity in the Mg-chlorite composition between the Arnedillo lithosome and the Keuper sediments of the area indicates that these materials acted as a local source area. This implies that Triassic sediments were exposed, at least locally, at the time of deposition of the Leza Formation. The presence of smectite in the Leza Formation is related to a retrograde diagenesis event that altered the Mg-chlorites in some samples.
Ranking the whole MEDLINE database according to a large training set using text indexing
Authors: Suomela Brian P , Andrade Miguel A
Published: March 2005

Background

The MEDLINE database contains over 12 million references to scientific literature, with about 3/4 of recent articles including an abstract of the publication. Retrieval of entries using queries with keywords is useful for human users that need to obtain small selections. However, particular analyses of the literature or database developments may need the complete ranking of all the references in the MEDLINE database as to their relevance to a topic of interest. This report describes a method that does this ranking using the differences in word content between MEDLINE entries related to a topic and the whole of MEDLINE, in a computational time appropriate for an article search query engine.

Results

We tested the capabilities of our system to retrieve MEDLINE references which are relevant to the subject of stem cells. We took advantage of the existing annotation of references with terms from the MeSH hierarchical vocabulary (Medical Subject Headings, developed at the National Library of Medicine). A training set of 81,416 references was constructed by selecting entries annotated with the MeSH term stem cells or some child in its sub tree. Frequencies of all nouns, verbs, and adjectives in the training set were computed and the ratios of word frequencies in the training set to those in the entire MEDLINE were used to score references. Self-consistency of the algorithm, benchmarked with a test set containing the training set and an equal number of references randomly selected from MEDLINE was better using nouns (79%) than adjectives (73%) or verbs (70%). The evaluation of the system with 6,923 references not used for training, containing 204 articles relevant to stem cells according to a human expert, indicated a recall of 65% for a precision of 65%.

Conclusion

This strategy appears to be useful for predicting the relevance of MEDLINE references to a given concept. The method is simple and can be used with any user-defined training set. Choice of the part of speech of the words used for classification has important effects on performance. Lists of words, scripts, and additional information are available from the web address http://www.ogic.ca/projects/ks2004/.
Comparative mapping of sequence-based and structure-based protein domains
Authors: Zhang Ya , Chandonia John-Marc , Ding Chris , Holbrook Stephen R
Published: March 2005

Background

Protein domains have long been an ill-defined concept in biology. They are generally described as autonomous folding units with evolutionary and functional independence. Both structure-based and sequence-based domain definitions have been widely used. But whether these types of models alone can capture all essential features of domains is still an open question.

Methods

Here we provide insight on domain definitions through comparative mapping of two domain classification databases, one sequence-based (Pfam) and the other structure-based (SCOP). A mapping score is defined to indicate the significance of the mapping, and the properties of the mapping matrices are studied.

Results

The mapping results show a general agreement between the two databases, as well as many interesting areas of disagreement. In the cases of disagreement, the functional and evolutionary characteristics of the domains are examined to determine which domain definition is biologically more informative.
Alkane-induced expression, substrate binding profile, and immunolocalization of a cytochrome P450 encoded on the nifD excision element of Anabaena 7120
Authors: Torres Sergio , Fjetland Conrad R , Lammers Peter J
Published: March 2005

Background

Alkanes have been hypothesized to act as universal inducers of bacterial cytochrome P450 gene expression. We tested this hypothesis on an unusual P450 gene (cyp110) found on a conserved 11 kilobase episomal DNA element of unknown function found in filamentous cyanobacteria. We also monitored the binding of potential substrates to the P450 protein and explored the distribution of P450 protein in vegetative cells and nitrogen-fixing heterocysts using immuno-electron microscopy.

Results

Hexadecane treatments resulted in a two-fold increase in mRNA, and a four-fold increase in P450 protein levels relative to control cultures. Hexane, octane and dodecane were toxic and induced substantial changes in membrane morphology. Long-chain saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were shown to bind the CYP110 protein using a spectroscopic spin-shift assay, but alkanes did not bind. CYP110 protein was detected in vegetative cells but not in differentiated heterocysts where nitrogen fixation occurs.

Conclusion

Hexadecane treatment was an effective inducer of CYP110 expression in cyanobacteria. Based on substrate binding profiles and amino acid sequence similarities it is hypothesized that CYP110 is a fatty acid ω-hydroxylase in photosynthetic cells. CYP110 was found associated with membrane fractions unlike other soluble microbial P450 proteins, and in this regard CYP110 more closely resembles eukarytotic P450s. Substrate stablization is an unlikely mechanism for alkane induction because alkanes did not bind to purified CYP110 protein.
Psychometric properties of the Flemish translation of the NEECHAM Confusion Scale
Authors: Milisen Koen , Foreman Marquis D , Hendrickx Annik , Godderis Jan , Abraham Ivo L , Broos Paul LO , De Geest Sabina
Published: March 2005

Background

Determination of a patient's cognitive status by use of a valid and reliable screening instrument is of major importance as early recognition and accurate diagnosis of delirium is necessary for effective management. This study determined the reliability, validity and diagnostic value of the Flemish translation of the NEECHAM Confusion Scale.

Methods

A sample of 54 elderly hip fracture patients with a mean age of 80.9 years (SD = 7.85) were included. To test the psychometric properties of the NEECHAM Confusion Scale, performance on the NEECHAM was compared to the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), by using aggregated data based on 5 data collection measurement points (repeated measures). The CAM and MMSE served as gold standards.

Results

The alpha coefficient for the total NEECHAM score was high (0.88). Principal components analysis yielded a two-component solution accounting for 70.8% of the total variance. High correlations were found between the total NEECHAM scores and total MMSE (0.75) and total CAM severity scores (-0.73), respectively. Diagnostic values using the CAM algorithm as gold standard showed 76.9% sensitivity, 64.6% specificity, 13.5% positive and 97.5% negative predictive values, respectively.

Conclusion

This validation of the Flemish version of the NEECHAM Confusion Scale adds to previous evidence suggesting that this scale holds promise as a valuable screening instrument for delirium in clinical practice. Further validation studies in diverse clinical populations; however, are needed.
Effects of Maharishi Amrit Kalash 5 as an Ayurvedic herbal food supplement on immune functions in aged mice
Authors: Inaba Ryoichi , Mirbod Seyed Mohammad , Sugiura Haruo
Published: March 2005

Background

Maharishi Amrit Kalash (MAK) 5, one of the Ayurvedic food supplements, belongs to a group of substances known as Rasayana. MAK5 and other Rasayanas are believed to enhance the body's resistance to infections and disease, and enhance longevity. In this study, we determined the effects of administration of MAK5, one of the Ayurvedic food supplements on immune functions in young and old mice.

Methods

Male C3H/He N mice were divided into five groups: two no treatment groups (old control: 22-month-old and young control: 2-month-old) and three MAK5 treated groups with differing dose of MAK5. MAK5 was given p.o. at 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg per day (3 days/week) for 2 months.

Results

We found that glucose consumption of peritoneal macrophages from old mice treated with MAK5 at all doses and incubated for 48 and 72 h were significantly greater than that in the control group. Nitric oxide production of peritoneal macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in old mice treated with MAK5 at all doses was significantly greater than that in the old control group, but not compared to the young control group. Stimulation index (S.I.) in old mice gavaged with MAK5 at all doses was significantly higher than that in the old control group. IL-2 production stimulated by Con A in old mice given MAK5 at all doses was significantly higher than that in the old control group. Production of IFN-γ stimulated by Con A in old mice given MAK5 at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg were significantly higher than that in the old control group. IL-4 production of splenic lymphocyte stimulated by Con A in old mice given MAK5 at dose levels of 100 and 200 mg/kg were significantly higher than that in the old control group.

Conclusion

The results suggest that MAK5 suppressed the age associated glucose consumption of peritoneal macrophages and cellular immune function reduction, and that it contributes to the prevention of the immunosenescence.
Two dimensional VOPBA reveals laminin receptor (LAMR1) interaction with dengue virus serotypes 1, 2 and 3
Authors: Tio Phaik Hooi , Jong Wan Wui , Cardosa Mary Jane
Published: March 2005

Background

The search for the dengue virus receptor has generated many candidates often identified only by molecular mass. The wide host range of the viruses in vitro combined with multiple approaches to identifying the receptor(s) has led to the notion that many receptors or attachment proteins may be involved and that the different dengue virus serotypes may utilize different receptors on the same cells as well as on different cell types.

Results

In this study we used sequential extraction of PS Clone D cell monolayers with the detergent β-octylglucopyranoside followed by sodium deoxycholate to prepare a cell membrane-rich fraction. We then used 2 dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis to separate the membrane proteins and applied a modified virus overlay protein binding assay (VOPBA) to show that dengue virus serotypes 1, 2 and 3 all interact with the 37 kDa/67 kDa laminin receptor (LAMR1), a common non-integrin surface protein on many cell types.

Conclusion

At least 3 of the 4 dengue serotypes interact with the 37 kDa/67 kDa laminin receptor, LAMR1, which may be a common player in dengue virus-cell surface interaction.
Did humid-temperate rivers in the Old and New Worlds respond differently to clearance of riparian vegetation and removal of woody debris?
Authors: Brierley Gary J. , Brooks Andrew P. , Fryirs Kirstie , Taylor Mark P.
Published: March 2005

Clearance of riparian vegetation and removal of woody debris are perhaps the most pervasive of all forms of human disturbance to river courses. Geomorphic consequences of these impacts have varied markedly from river system to river system, a result of variations in catchment setting, climate, geology, sediment supply and evolutionary history. In this paper, geomorphic responses of rivers to rapid, systematic clearance of riparian vegetation in New World (colonial) societies are contrasted with changes associated with gradual, piecemeal, yet progressive clearance of riparian forests in northern Europe (the Old World). It is postulated that the dramatic nature of river metamorphosis experienced in landscapes such as southeastern Australia records the breaching of fundamental geomorphic thresholds in a different manner to that experienced in Old World landscapes.
Ecological epidemiology: the role of landscape structure in the transmission risk of the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis (Leukart 1863) (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea: Taeniidae)
Authors: Graham A. J. , Danson F. M. , Craig P. S.
Published: March 2005

The larval form of the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis causes a fatal liver infection in humans and has high prevalence in western China. The tapeworm lifecycle involves small mammal populations and canids, such as foxes and dogs. Human contact with infected canids may lead to the transmission of the worm to humans, causing the disease human alveolar echinococcosis. This paper introduces the tapeworm and reviews the current understanding of its transmission ecology in relation to each component of its lifecycle. Recent research indicates that landscape plays an important role in creating the necessary habitat conditions for natural transmission. Defining the landscape involves the use of satellite imagery, land cover classification and spatial analysis. The link between disease, remote sensing and landscape ecology is an expanding research area and potentially an important one in relation to Echinococcus multilocularis and alveolar echinococcosis.
Bilateral traumatic facial paralysis associated with unilateral abducens palsy: a case report
Authors: Ulug Tuncay , Ulubil S Arif
Published: March 2005

Bilateral traumatic facial paralysis is a very rare clinical condition. Abducens palsy, associated with bilateral traumatic paralysis, is even rarer and has not been well described in the literature. In this report, a 24-year-old male, who developed immediate bilateral facial and right abducens paralyses following a motor vehicle accident, is presented. The patient was referred for neurotologic evaluation 22 days after the injury. Electroneurography (ENoG) demonstrated 100 per cent degeneration at the first examination and, correspondingly, electromyography showed no regeneration potentials. Using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), a longitudinal fracture on the right and a mixed-type fracture on the left were identified. The patient had good cochlear reserve on both sides. The decision for surgery was based not on ENoG, because of the delayed referral of the patient, but on the HRCT, which showed clear fracture lines on both sides. The middle cranial fossa approach for decompression of the right facial nerve was performed on the 55th day following the trauma, and a combined procedure using the middle cranial fossa and transmastoid approaches was applied for decompression of the left facial nerve on the 75th day following the trauma. On the right, there was dense fibrosis surrounding the geniculate ganglion and the proximal tympanic segment whereas, on the left, bone fragments impinging on the geniculate ganglion, dense fibrosis surrounding the geniculate ganglion, and a less extensive fibrotic tissue surrounding the pyramidal segment were encountered. There were no complications or hearing deterioration. At the one-year follow up, the patient had House-Brackmann (HB) grade 1 recovery on the right, and HB grade 2 recovery on the left side, and the abducens palsy regressed spontaneously. The middle cranial fossa approach and its combinations can be performed safely in bilateral temporal bone fractures as labyrinthine sparing procedures if done on separate occasions.
Use of the automatic tympanometer as a screening tool for congenital choanal atresia
Authors: Effat Kamal G
Published: March 2005

Choanal atresia is a significant congenital anomaly, which may be associated with other congenital anomalies. Recommendations have been previously proposed for neonatal screening of all newborns to detect this condition. A previously unreported, simple method using the automatic tympanometer to screen newborns for congenital choanal atresia is proposed. A prospective study was performed over a one-month period on all newborns at El-Sahel Teaching Hospital, Cairo, to evaluate the efficacy of this manoeuvre.

The nostrils of 143 newborn infants were evaluated during the study period. The sensitivity of the technique in diagnosing a patent nostril was 100 per cent. The specificity of the technique for detecting distal obstruction was 100 per cent. There were no complications of the described procedures. The study revealed that the novel method of screening for choanal atresia in newborns using the automatic tympanometer is simple, minimally invasive and highly reproducible.
Nasal fibrosis: long-term follow up of four cases of eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis
Authors: Paun Santdeep , Lund Valerie J , Gallimore Andrew
Published: March 2005

Eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis is a rare, benign cause of submucosal thickening and fibrosis within the upper respiratory tract. It predominantly affects the nose although cases have been reported in the subglottis. We describe four cases of the disease centred around the nasal cavity, with widespread infiltration of the facial soft tissues and orbit in three of the four patients. Each underwent long term follow up. Multiple surgical resections were required with two of our patients and, to date, medical therapy has been of limited help. The disease process, with its clinical and characteristic histopathological findings, is described. We also discuss the management of the disease following a comprehensive review of, and comparison with, the few prior reported cases.
Proboscis lateralis: clinical and radiological features
Authors: Abou-Elhamd Kamal-Eldin Ahmed , Al-Hewaige Mohammad Tharwat
Published: March 2005

Proboscis lateralis is one of the rare craniofacial congenital anomalies which presents as an obvious deformity of the nose. It tends to occur in male offspring of consanguineous marriages. This is a report of computerized tomography of this rare anomaly. In proboscis lateralis, the nasal cavity on one side is completely normal, while on the affected side it is replaced by a trunk-like process attached to the medial portion of the orbital roof. This anomaly occurs sporadically as an isolated defect or in association with other anomalies. It is usually associated with developmental failure of the paranasal sinuses and the nasolacrimal duct.
BAHNO surgical specialities: same patients, different practices?
Authors: Murray A , Dempster J
Published: March 2005

The British Association of Head and Neck Oncologists (BAHNO) is ’a multidisciplinary society for healthcare professionals involved in the study and treatment of head and neck cancer’. Surgical members of this organization are from three specialities (otolaryngology, maxillo-facial and plastic surgery). Although the overall impression is that the management of UK head and neck cancer patients is consensus based, there are appreciable differences in each surgical speciality’s practice. Anecdotally, this can lead to variation in the management of very similar patients. To identify some of these variations BAHNO surgeons were surveyed regarding their current head and neck cancer practices from the perspectives of surgical activity and post-operative care. Some unexpected differences were identified, particularly in relation to post-operative care with plastic and maxillo-facial surgeons demonstrating different patterns of high dependency unit (HDU) and intensive care unit (ICU) use for the same patients. The implications for future consensus in the light of these variations are discussed.
Human papillomavirus prevalence at the USA–Mexico border among women 40 years of age and older
Authors: Giuliano A R , Papenfuss M R , Denman C A , Guernsey de Zapien J , Abrahamsen M , Hunter J B
Published: March 2005

The incidence of cervical cancer increases with age among USA Hispanics and women living in Latin America starting in the fourth decade of life. We conducted a study of women ≥40 living at the USA–Mexico border to determine the prevalence and risk factors for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection detected by polymerase chain reaction. In all, 9.2% of participants tested HPV positive. Compared with women aged 50–59, odds ratios of 8.82 and 6.67 were observed for women ≥60 and 40–49, respectively. Among women aged 40–49, both oncogenic and non-oncogenic HPV infections were detected; however, women ≥ 60 were positive for predominantly oncogenic genotypes. HPV risk significantly increased with ≥2 lifetime sexual partners in adjusted models. These data suggest that the prevalence of HPV infection may have a second peak among post-menopausal Hispanic women.
Use of protective barriers and unprotected sex among adult male prison inmates prior to incarceration
Authors: Braithwaite Ronald , Stephens Torrance
Published: March 2005

Research documents the challenges associated with preventing HIV/AIDS among prison inmate populations. This paper describes the predictors of protective barrier use and unprotected sexual intercourse among a sample of adult male inmates. Descriptive and scale information was collected on several variables using standard response formats. All major substance use constructs (marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol use) were assessed in terms of consumption prior to incarceration. T-tests were employed to evaluate the level of marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol use in general, as well as with particular respect to sexual situations. Linear regression analysis was conducted to determine whether the use of the substances, length of incarceration, and other demographic variables were associated with the frequency of reporting use of a protective barrier. The findings note that total years in prison, and marijuana and cocaine use were associated with inmates' risk behaviours. Marijuana and cocaine use were statistically significant predictors of risky sex behaviours.
A cross-sectional survey of treatment choices for anogenital warts
Authors: McClean Hugo , Shann Siobhan
Published: March 2005

This was a cross-sectional survey that collected data relating to management of anogenital warts (AGW) during a single-patient visit only at genitourinary medicine clinics. Single-agent use of cryotherapy, podophyllotoxin and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) were the most common treatment modalities, accounting for over two-thirds of all modalities used. Podophyllin, alone or in combination with other agents, was used for about 20% of first-line treatments. Podophyllin was included in about 15% of all treatment modalities. Guidelines for the management of AGW continue to recommend the use of podophyllin, but this may need to be modified in the light of recent publications. Podophyllin, TCA, podophyllotoxin or combinations of these agents are commonly used to treat keratinized warts. About 11% of all treatments involved a combination of two or more agents.
A case of linear epidermal naevus presenting as genital warts – a cautionary tale
Authors: Mahto M , Ashworth J , Vickers D M
Published: March 2005

Linear epidermal naevus (LEN) in the genital area is quite rare. It may present at birth or appear later on in life, in infancy or childhood and occasionally for the first time in adult life. There are several variants of epidermal naevi (EN), which, to the less experienced, can be mistaken for warts. When extensive, it can be associated with abnormalities in other organ systems (epidermal naevus syndrome). The definitive treatment of LEN is surgical ablation with excision of underlying dermis, but this frequently leads to scarring. Laser therapy is an alternative treatment modality and good results have been shown. We report an unusual case of LEN in the genital area in a 60-year-old man presenting as genital warts.
Sociodemographic factors associated with participation by HIV-1-positive pregnant women in an intervention to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Painter T M , Diaby K L , Matia D M , Lin L S , Sibailly T S , Kouassims M K , Ekpini E R , Roels T H , Wiktor S Z
Published: March 2005

Many HIV-1-seropositive women in Africa who are offered antiretroviral prophylaxis to prevent mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV do not begin interventions. Research on barriers to participation has not addressed the possible effects of women's sociocultural and economic circumstances. We examined these factors at an MTCT prevention programme in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. We interviewed two groups of women after they had received HIV-positive test results and had been invited by the programme staff to return for monthly follow-up visits before beginning short-course zidovudine prophylaxis. Participants ( n = 30) completed follow-up visits and prophylaxis. Non-participants ( n = 27) refused or discontinued follow-up visits and did not begin zidovudine. Fewer non-participants had been born in Côte d'Ivoire (67% vs. 97%) or were Ivorian nationals (48% vs. 77%); they had lived in the country for less time (21 vs. 26 median years). They were less likely to be French-literate (37% vs. 77%), and more of them reported having had Koranic education only (18% vs. 0). They more often reported miscarriages, stillbirths, or infant deaths (69% vs. 33%), and had partners with low-ranked jobs (63% vs. 30%). Our findings suggest that the non-participants were more marginal socioculturally and economically in Ivorian society than participants. Greater attention to mitigating the effects of broader structural factors on women's participation in interventions may increase the effectiveness of MTCT prevention in Africa.
Study of patients diagnosed with advanced HIV in the HAART era – OMEGA Cohort
Authors: Santos J , Palacios R , Ruiz J , González M , Márquez M
Published: March 2005

Our objective is to analyse patients diagnosed with late-stage HIV infection in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) area. A prospective, observational study of all patients with an initial CD4<50 × 106/L was carried out. Epidemiological, clinical and HAART-associated data were analysed. Survival rates were estimated and pairs of survival curves were compared. The statistical program used was SPSS® (version 10). In all, 349 HIV-infected patients were diagnosed, 117 (33.5%) had late-stage disease, mean CD4 23.9 × 106/L and mean viral load (VL) 5.38 log10. In 98 men, mean age 39.5 years, percentage of AIDS cases at their first attendance was 83.8%. The median follow-up period was 28 months and 27 died. Pneumocystis carinii was the most frequent cause of AIDS (24.4%) and death (18.5%). Survival rates at 12, 24 and 36 months were 95.6%, 85.8% and 72.4%. HAART was started in 82.1%. VLs <50 copies/mL at one, two and three years of treatment were 55.2%, 55.7% and 58.0%. Resource utilization included 0.58 hospitalization/patient/year and 0.07 events/patient/year. HAART-related complications were as follows: 50% lipodystrophy, 9.7% hypertension, 22.2% hyperglycaemia, 26.4% hypercholesterolaemia, 31.9% hypertrygliceridaemia and 18.1% mixed hyperlipaemia. Over one-third of our patients have advanced HIV infection at diagnosis. However, the outcome is favourable, with a good immunovirological response and few new opportunistic events. HAART-related complications were frequent.
How condom use, number of receptive anal intercourse partners and history of external genital warts predict risk for external anal warts
Authors: Wiley D J , Harper Diane M , Elashoff David , Silverberg Michael J , Kaestle Christine , Cook Robert L , Heilemann MarySue , Johnson Lisette
Published: March 2005

Few analytic opportunities have allowed us to evaluate the role that specific sexual acts and male latex condoms play in the acquisition of external anal warts (EAW) using longitudinal data. The acquisition of EAWs occurs from epithelial contact with other HPV-infected surfaces, and hence is dependent upon sexual behaviour. Our objectives were to classify the relative importance of condom use, receptive anal intercourse (RAI) and prior history of EGWs on acquisition of EAWs. The observational Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study followed 2925 men over nine semiannual study visits for behavioural and physical examinations with laboratory testing. The main outcome measure was the occurrence of examiner-diagnosed EAWs in a homosexual population. EAWs were diagnosed among 10% of men studied across 22,157 visits reviewed for this study. Men with history of EGWs were more likely than those previously unaffected to have developed EAWs (cOR = 2.4 (2.0, 2.9)), as were men who reported multiple anoreceptive intercourse partners (e.g., compared with men who reported no RAI partners, men with 1, 2–5, ≥6 RAI partners had crude risk ratios 1.0 (0.8, 1.3), 1.6 (1.2, 2.1), 3.9 (2.7, 5.8), respectively). These relations persisted after other demographic and sexual risk factors were controlled for in the analyses. Consistent condom usage showed no protective effect for EAWs in our crude or adjusted analyses. Patient education messages should be tailored to reflect our uncertainty about the protective nature of condoms for the development of anal warts, but to continue to assert the protective effects of a limited lifetime number of sexual partners and the heightened risk for wart recurrence once infected.
Age-specific incidence and clearance of high-risk human papillomavirus infections in women in the former Soviet Union
Authors: Syrjänen S , Shabalova I , Petrovichev N , Podistov J , Ivanchenko O , Zakharenko S , Nerovjna R , Kljukina L , Branovskaja M , Juschenko A , Tosi P , Syrjänen K ,   NIS Cohort Study Group
Published: March 2005

Recently, conflicting results on human papillomavirus (HPV) clearance have been reported and the data on the accumulation of incident HPV infections are still fragmentary. Thus, we completed an analysis of the age-specific incidence and clearance rates of high-risk (HR) HPV infectionsin 448 women participating in a multi-centre screening study in three New Independent States countries. At baseline, 239 of the 448 women were negative for HR HPV DNA, whereas 209 were HR HPV-positive and cleared HR HPV during the prospective follow-up. The cumulative incidence and clearanceof HR HPV were modelled using life-table techniques. The monthly incidence rates of HR HPV were significantly age-dependent ( P = 0.0001), whereas monthly clearance rates remained constant across the nine age groups ( P = 0.920). The incidence rates (3.04% and 2.65%) exceeded theclearance rates in the two youngest age groups only, 15–20- and 21–25-year-old women, and remained lower (0–0.84%) in all other age groups. The cumulative rate of incident HR HPV infections (1.0%) was significantly lower than the overall clearance rate (1.9%) ( P =0.001). In life-table analysis, incident HR HPV infections between the nine age groups were significantly different ( P = 0.0001), while cumulative HR HPV clearance was identical in all groups ( P = 0.822). The accumulation of incident HR HPV infections is significantly age-related,whereas virus clearance remains constant between 15 and 60 years of age. These distinct age-specific incidence and clearance rates explain the differences in age-specific prevalence of HR HPV infections in the study population.
Risk factors for HIV infection among sex workers in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Dunkle K L , Beksinska M E , Rees V H , Ballard R C , Htun Ye , Wilson M L
Published: March 2005

Our objective was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for HIV infection among female sex workers in Johannesburg, South Africa. A cross-sectional survey of female sex workers was conducted using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Prevalent sexually transmitted infections including HIV were evaluated through standard laboratory testing. HIV infection was identified in 137 (46.4%) of 295 subjects tested. Increasing frequency of condom use was significantly negatively associated with HIV infection (odds ratio [OR] for moderate use = 0.21; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.09, 0.50]; OR for high use = 0.14; 95% CI: [0.06, 0.34]). Sex workers aged ≥29 years reported significantly different patterns of behaviour than younger workers. Among women aged ≥29, a negative association with HIV infection (OR = 0.16; 95% CI: [0.07, 0.38]) was found, but only among those not infected with Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Older women in the Johannesburg sex industry may have adaptive behavioural strategies besides condom usage which reduce their risk of acquiring HIV. However, older sex workers with gonorrhoea constitute a high-risk subgroup.
Epidemiology and microbiology of subclinical mastitis among HIV-infected women in Malawi
Authors: Nussenblatt V , Lema V , Kumwenda N , Broadhead R , Neville M C , Taha T E , Semba R D
Published: March 2005

The epidemiology and microbiology of subclinical mastitis, a risk factor for perinatal HIV transmission, have not been well characterized. In all, 250 HIV-infected women were followed from two weeks to 12 months postpartum in Blantyre, Malawi, and subclinical mastitis was assessed by breast milk leukocyte counts. The point prevalence of subclinical mastitis at 2, 4, 6, 10, and 14 weeks, and 6, 9, and 12 months was 12.2%, 7.8%, 6.8%, 3.7%, 10.6%, 5.1%, 4.9%, and 1.9%, respectively ( P = 0.002), and 27.2% of women had at least one episode of subclinical mastitis. There was no significant relationship between maternal plasma HIV load or parity and subclinical mastitis. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 30% of women with subclinical mastitis, and the proportion of women with positive cultures decreased during follow-up ( P = 0.02). Subclinical mastitis is prevalent among breastfeeding mothers and further studies are needed to characterize the differences between infectious and non-infectious subclinical mastitis.
HIV and syphilis in young Chinese adults: implications for spread
Authors: Hesketh T , Tang F , Wang Z B , Huang X M , Williams D , Cubitt D W , Tomkins A M
Published: March 2005

Our objective was to explore the epidemiology of HIV and syphilis at population level in young Chinese adults. The study was carried out in six areas of three Chinese provinces: Zhejiang, Yunnan and Shaanxi. All couples attending the compulsory premarital examination were recruited. Routinely taken blood was collected onto filter paper. Tests for HIV and syphilis used modified particle agglutination techniques. In all, 17,226 individuals were tested. There were no HIV infections in Zhejiang or Shaanxi. In Yunnan, there were 28 positives: 0.75% (95% confidence interval: 0.5, 1.1), with 22 (78%) in men and 16 (57%) in known high-risk individuals. Syphilis prevalence ranged from 0.33% to 0.71% across study sites, with 58% in men. Although syphilis levels suggest that unsafe sexual activity is occurring in all areas, HIV is not yet affecting the general population of Zhejiang or Shaanxi. The epidemic in Yunnan is being driven by injecting drug users, but there may now be transmission in the general population.
Evaluation of a digital store-and-forward colposcopic system - a pilot study to assess usability for telemedicine
Authors: Schädel D , Coumbos A , Ey St , Willrodt R-G , Albrecht H , Kühn W
Published: March 2005

We evaluated the diagnostic reliability of cervical examination using digital colposcopy compared with conventional binocular colposcopy. A total of 315 patients were examined and diagnosed by a colposcopist onsite. During the colposcopic examination, digital camera images were stored on a PC (median five pictures per patient). A second physician, experienced in colposcopy, re-evaluated the initial diagnostic findings using the stored digital images. The primary and secondary findings in each patient were categorized according to the Rome classification system. There was agreement between the primary and secondary examiners in 69% of cases (k = 0.60). There was no systematic bias in terms of under- or over-rating. The proportion of non-assessable colposcopic examinations was 9%. Digital colposcopy was reliable and provided advantages in terms of a better follow-up examination and internal quality control of the diagnosis. The pilot study suggests that telecolposcopy may provide better training and further education for physicians and students, and may also improve the diagnostic possibilities in gynaecology.
Coordinated care planning for elderly patients using videoconferencing
Authors: Helgesson A , Johansson U-B , Walther-Stenmark K , Eriksson J , Strömgren M , Karlsson R
Published: March 2005

We studied the transfer of information during coordinated care planning between a university hospital and a local health care centre/social welfare department about 35 km away. During a seven-month study period, 10 sessions were conducted by videoconferencing and seven sessions were conducted by face-to-face conferencing. Videoconferencing reduced the time required for each coordinated care-planning session from an average of 60 to 45 min. There was also an increase in the number of participating professional categories. Travel time for the staff in the face-to-face group was 60–180 min each. Use of a care-planning report during the sessions resulted in improved quality of documentation, which contributed to better care following discharge. The technical problems that occurred did not detract from the beneficial experience of participating. Interviews with next of kin showed that they had been able to influence the content of the care during the care-planning sessions. Videoconferencing proved useful in coordinated care planning. It resulted in time saved due to reduced travel time, participation by more staff categories and an enhancement of the documentation quality.
An incremental cost analysis of telehealth in Nova Scotia from a societal perspective
Authors: Persaud D David , Jreige Steve , Skedgel Chris , Finley John , Sargeant Joan , Hanlon Neil
Published: March 2005

We examined the costs of telehealth in Nova Scotia from a societal perspective. The clinical outcomes of telepsychiatry and teledermatology services were assumed to be similar to those for conventional face-to-face consultations. Cost information was obtained from the Nova Scotia Department of Health, the Canadian Institute for Health Information, and questionnaires to patients, physicians and telehealth coordinators. There were 215 questionnaires completed by patients, 135 by specialist physicians and eight by telehealth coordinators. Patient costs for a face-to-face consultation ranged from $240 to $1048 (all costs in Canadian dollars), whereas patient costs for telehealth were lower, from $17 to $70. However, from a societal perspective, the overall cost of providing face-to-face services was lower than for telehealth: the total costs for face-to-face services ranged from $325 to $1133, while the total costs for telehealth services ranged from $1736 to $28,084. A threshold analysis showed that, above a certain patient workload, telehealth services would be more cost-effective than face-to-face services from a societal perspective. This workload is attainable in Nova Scotia.
Benefits and drawbacks of telemedicine
Authors: Hjelm N M
Published: March 2005

Telemedicine is a vast subject, but as yet there are limited data on the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of most telemedicine applications. As a result, objective information about the benefits and drawbacks of telemedicine is limited. This review is therefore based mainly on preliminary results, opinions and predictions. Many potential benefits of telemedicine can be envisaged, including: improved access to information; provision of care not previously deliverable; improved access to services and increasing care delivery; improved professional education; quality control of screening programmes; and reduced health-care costs. Although telemedicine clearly has a wide range of potential benefits, it also has some disadvantages. The main ones that can be envisaged are: a breakdown in the relationship between health professional and patient; a breakdown in the relationship between health professionals; issues concerning the quality of health information; and organizational and bureaucratic difficulties. On balance, the benefits of telemedicine are substantial, assuming that more research will reduce or eliminate the obvious drawbacks.
A comparison of face-to-face versus remote assessment of neonatal resuscitation skills
Authors: Curran Vernon R , Aziz Khalid , O'Young Siu , Bessell Clare , Schulz Henry
Published: March 2005

The neonatal resuscitation skills of 30 third-year medical students were assessed in real time by a face-to-face examiner in the same room as the student, and by a remote examiner located in a separate room using the ANAKIN system. The ANAKIN system combines an instrumented manikin simulator, computer-based assessment and high-bandwidth videoconferencing. The students were assessed while performing a neonatal resuscitation megacode using the ANAKIN system. Students were satisfied with the ANAKIN system as an assessment system and were not intimidated by its use. However, the correlation between the face-to-face and remote examiner's mean total performance assessment scores was 0.27, which was not significant ( P = 0.14). The results indicated variation between the examiners' performance scores in a number of key technical skill areas. The findings from this study have implications for the use of technology-mediated systems in assessing resuscitation skills. Examiner orientation is critical for individuals using such systems. These persons must be comfortable and confident in using the technology. Interface and design features of the system need to be carefully scrutinized and tested.
Effects of the Adsorption of Ba2+ Ions on the Electrical Double Layer at the 4th Group Metal Oxide/Electrolyte Interface
Authors: Janusz W. , Gałgan A. , Skwarek E.
Published: March 2005

The specific adsorption of Ba2+ ions onto titanium dioxide (rutile and anatase structures), zirconium and hafnium dioxide was investigated as a function of the concentrations of Ba2+ ions and NaCl and the pH by a radioisotopic method. The initial Ba2+ ion concentration ranged from 5 × 10−6 mol/dm3 to 0.001 mol/dm3 while the pH was changed over the range 3–10. The NaCl solution used as a background electrolyte was employed at concentrations of 0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 mol/dm3, respectively. The adsorption measurements were complemented by potentiometric titrations of the titanium dioxide suspensions (to determine the surface charge) and electrophoretic measurements. The apparent reaction constants of the surface hydroxyl group with Ba2+ ions were calculated numerically from the Ba2+ ion adsorption data.
Interaction Peculiarities of Gold(III) with Silica Gels Containing Both Aminopropyl and Mercaptopropyl Surface Groups
Authors: Trokhimchuk A.K. , Andrianova E.B. , Losev V.N.
Published: March 2005

Sorption processes on the surfaces of chemically modified silica gels containing both mercaptopropyl and aminopropyl groups were examined. It was established that gold(III) sorption on the surfaces of such heteroligand silica gels involved the formation of complexes with sulphur- or nitrogen-containing ligands. The heteroligand complexes of gold(III) were not formed on the surfaces of the gels. This behaviour was attributed to the different spatial location of covalently bonded complexes with the surface aminopropyl and mercaptopropyl groups on the silica gel surface.
Metal Ion Adsorption by Peat and Solvent-Extracted Peat
Authors: Minihan Michelle M. , McCann E. , Leahy James J.
Published: March 2005

The effect of the solvent extraction of peat on the sorption behaviour of three divalent metal ions [iron(II), lead and barium] was examined. Solvent extraction of peat resulted in particles of a smaller size with a significantly increased surface area. The extracted peat also demonstrated an increase in cation-exchange capacity from 127.2 to 149.5 mequiv/100 g, apparently due to an increase in available phenolic groups. Adsorption experiments carried out at pH 4.5 on peat and on the solvent-extracted peat using the three metal ions showed that the sorption behaviour of Fe(II) and Pb(II) ions correlated strongly with the Langmuir isotherm whereas the behaviour of Ba(II) ions was better described by the Freundlich expression.

When the two peat substrates were compared, the monolayer saturation capacity observed for the Fe(II) ion on peat was 0.357 mmol/g while a value of 0.420 mmol/g was recorded for the solvent-extracted peat, with solvent extraction of the peat leading to a more modest increase in Pb(II) ion adsorption. The increase in molar monolayer saturation capacity for the Fe(II) ion suggests that these smaller ions were bound preferentially to the strong phenolic sites, with Pb(II) ion adsorption occurring on the carboxylic sites. In the case of Ba(II) ions, interactions other than ion exchange contributed to the sorption behaviour.