bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Respiratory morbidity in a population of French dental technicians
Authors: Radi S , Dalphin J C , Manzoni P , Pernet D , Leboube M P , Viel J F 
Published: July 2002

Aims:To compare wage earner dental technicians with non-exposed salaried subjects for the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and function, and chestxray abnormalities.Methods:A total of 134 dental technicians and 131 non-exposed subjects participated. A medical and an occupational questionnaire were filled in to evaluate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and occupational exposures. Subjects underwent respiratory tests and chestxray examination.Results:Mean age of the dental technicians was 36.6 years with a mean duration of dental work of 16.5 years. There was a significant risk of cough (day and night) and usual phlegm in dental technicians. Respiratory function parameters were lower in dental technicians with a significant difference between exposed and non-exposed groups for % FVC (forced vital capacity), % FEF25(forced mid expiratory flow), and % FEF50. The prevalence of small opacities increased with age. Small opacities were significantly related to an exposure to asbestos in the past.Conclusions:Our young population of dental technicians is at risk of respiratory morbidity. They should benefit from adequate technical prevention measures.
The real cost of aspirin
Authors: Burgess M I , Densem C G , Brooks N H , Levy R D , Lee H S 
Published: July 2002

Abstract
Aspirin is a widely used drug and perceived by most physicians to be inexpensive. High rates of concurrent gastroprotective agents are reported from a study of cardiology outpatients. Aspirin takers are more likely to also be taking a proton pump inhibitor, H2 antagonist, or antacid than non-aspirin takers. They are more than 10 times as likely to be experiencing upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Although aspirin is inexpensive, it is emphasised that the overall cost implications for therapy can be significant and it is suggested that it may be more appropriate to consider the use of alternative antiplatelet agents in patients who tolerate aspirin poorly.
Autoamputation of the tongue
Authors: Patel A K , Chaturvedi P , Panday R K , Sanyal B 
Published: July 2002

Abstract
Autoamputation is an uncommon phenomenon that has been reported for the fingers, toes, appendix, ovary, spleen, etc. Autoamputation of the tongue has never been reported. An elderly man with carcinoma of lateral pharyngeal wall and tonsil presented with an autoamputated tongue that was attached to the oral cavity with a thin band. The patient required detachment of the tongue and tracheostomy followed by radiotherapy for the primary tumour.
Prognostic value of stress echocardiography in women with high (⩾80%) probability of coronary artery disease
Authors: Davar J I , Roberts E B , Coghlan J G , Evans T R , Lipkin D P 
Published: July 2002

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To assess the prognostic significance of stress echocardiography in women with a high probability of coronary artery disease (CAD).

SETTING
Secondary and tertiary cardiology unit at a university teaching hospital.

PARTICIPANTS
A total of 135 women (mean (SD) age 63 (9) years) with pre-test probability of CAD ⩾80% were selected from a database of patients investigated by treadmill or dobutamine stress echocardiography between 1995 and 1998.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Patients were followed up for occurrence of subsequent cardiac events (cardiac death, myocardial infarction, admission with unstable angina, and revascularisation) using a structured telephone interview and case note review.

RESULTS
Each patient had between two and seven (mean 3.5) CAD risk factors and pre-test probability of CAD ⩾80%. Ninety three patients (68.9%) had negative stress echocardiography. Mean (SD) follow up was 20.1 (8.5) months. There were six events in the positive stress echocardiography group (two cardiac deaths, one unstable angina, three revascularisations), and one event in the negative stress echocardiography group. Cox regression analysis showed positive stress echocardiography (p=0.02) and age (p=0.03) to be the only univariate predictors and positive stress echocardiography to be the only independent predictor of future cardiac events (relative risk 8.9, confidence interval 1.0 to 76.5, p=0.04). Cumulative event free survival to 38 months was 98% in the negative stress echocardiography and 50.7% in the positive stress echocardiography groups.

CONCLUSION
In women with high pre-test likelihood of CAD: (1) negative stress echocardiography identifies a subgroup with low risk of cardiac events who do not require further invasive investigation and (2) positive stress echocardiography identifies a subgroup with increased risk of subsequent cardiac events.
A rare presentation of a common disease
Authors: Patel H , Hindle K S , Tsavellas G , Huang A 
Published: July 2002

Abstract
A previously well 77 year old man presented with acute left iliac fossa pain. He was pyrexial and tachycardic with localised abdominal guarding but there was no palpable mass or generalised peritonitis. Respiratory examination revealed tachypnoea with normal bilateral air entry and no tracheal deviation. Blood investigations showed a leucocytosis with raised serum C reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Serum amylase was normal and he was hypoxic with reduced oxygen saturation in the blood. His abdominal and erect thoracic radiographs are shown (figs 1 and 2). He also underwent abdominal computed tomography (fig 3).
Dysphagia in a patient with palmoplantar keratoderma
Authors: Morgan R 
Published: July 2002

Abstract
A 72 year old man was referred by his general practitioner with a four month history of dysphagia. Physical examination wasunremarkable with the exception of his hands and feet which showed hyperkeratosis on the palms (fig 1) and soles of his feet. Gastroscopy showed severe extensive oesophagitis (grade III) confirmed with multiple oesophageal biopsies. He was started on a proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole) and rescoped three months later. He still had oesophagitis at this time, although macroscopically it had improved; repeat biopsies again showed oesophagitis. A further gastroscopy three months later showed complete resolution of his oesophagitis confirmed by repeated oesophageal biopsies. He remains well and asymptomatic on omeprazole and continues to be followed up.
Painful chest wall swelling
Authors: Shah D V , Ladhani S , Joshi J M 
Published: July 2002

Abstract
A 70 year old man, a non-smoker, presented with a painful swelling over the right sternoclavicular joint and low grade continuous fever for a period of two months. The patient had been empirically started on antituberculous therapy on the suspicion of tuberculous osteomyelitis, but his fever and swelling persisted.
Acute myeloid leukaemia with tell-tale computed tomography scans
Authors: Fadilah S A W , Cheong S K , Maimunah A , Toh S T , Shamin A S 
Published: July 2002

Abstract
A 36 year old man with acute myeloid leukaemia presented with recurrent episodes of fever and a three day history of right sided pleuritic pain and left upper abdominal pain after two cycles of chemotherapy. The patient had received several broad spectrum antibiotics with no clinical improvement. On examination, his temperature was 40.2°C and there was no evidence of Hickman catheter infection both in terms of local evidence and catheter blood cultures. Coarse crackles were noted over the base of the right lung. The liver, spleen, and peripheral lymph nodes were not enlarged. Bone marrow examination showed hypocellular marrow with no excess of blast cells. The neutrophil count was less than 0.05 × 109/l for three weeks. Cultures of the blood were repeatedly negative. Chest radiography after two courses of chemotherapy was normal. Computed tomograms of the thorax and abdomen are shown in figs 1 and 2.
Risk Matters in Healthcare
Authors: Stewart J A D 
Published: July 2002

Abstract
It would be disingenuous of me to claim that I was looking forward to reviewing this book. However I am glad to say I was pleasantly surprised. Although it is obviously directed at the primary healthcare sector, this slim volume contains such valuable insights into the nature of risk and risk management as to be of interest to the hospital doctor. Indeed part 1 of the book, which first defines risk in an everyday context and then discusses the difficulty of communicating risk to the individual, is so clearly written that it should be essential reading for all healthcare professionals who directly manage patients. As a direct consequence of following such a tour de force, part 2 (which discusses the specifics of risk management in primary care) seems a little disappointing. However, that is somewhat unkind, as it clearly identifies the main areas of risk in general practice (to doctors, patients, and staff) and gives sound guidance on risk management strategies. The book finishes with a personal development plan and “risk ready reckoner”.
Surveillance in Barrett’s oesophagus: a personal view
Authors: Basu K K , de Caestecker J S 
Published: July 2002

Abstract
Barrett’s oesophagus is defined as columnar-lined oesophagus of any length containing specialised intestinal metaplasia. Diagnosis depends on close corroboration between the endoscopist and histopathologist. It occurs in 10% of patients presenting endoscopically with reflux symptoms and has an adenocarcinoma incidence of 0.4% to 2%. Surveillance is performed to detect precancerous change (dysplasia) and early stage disease has a good surgical prognosis. Computer models suggest cost efficacy comparable to other health measures. However most patients with Barrett’s do not die of oesophageal cancer and elective oesophagectomy has an appreciable mortality. Endoscopic ablation techniques and improved definition of high risk subgroups will help shape future surveillance programmes.
Postgraduate training in family medicine in Albania
Authors: Rrumbullaku L , Theodorakis P N , Pulluqi P , Lionis C , Trell E 
Published: July 2002

Abstract
In the Balkan context education in general practice varies greatly and it is in different stages of reorganisation and curriculum development. The postgraduate training in family medicine in Albania started in January 1997 with the goal of providing future family doctors with the proper knowledge, skills, attitudes, and professional values that will enable them to address the medical problems in the community. This paper describes the structure and content of the training programme and discusses some of its key elements.
An aggressive policy of bilateral saphenous vein harvest for infragenicular revascularisation in the era of multidrug resistant bacteria
Authors: Murphy G J , Kipgen D , Dennis M J S , Sayers R D 
Published: July 2002

Abstract

Background
The success of infragenicular revascularisation for lower limb ischaemia is limited by the high proportion of patients without ipsilateral long saphenous vein (LSV) of adequate length or quality. The aim of this study was to report the results of an autogenous vein only policy for infragenicular revascularisation utilising contralateral LSV when ipsilateral LSV is inadequate. The treatment and outcome of infection of autogenous grafts with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is also reported.

Patients and methods
The vascular audit database and patient case notes were reviewed retrospectively for patients with arterial occlusive disease requiring infragenicular reconstruction. There were 68 critically ischaemic legs in 65 patients of whom 48 were male: median age (range) 74 years (41–94), over a three year period.

Results
Thirty six patients (53%) underwent revascularisation (eight infragenicular femoropopliteal bypass, 28 femorodistal), 24 (35%) underwent primary amputation and a further eight (12%) were found to have unsuitable distal vessels for revascularisation after tibial vessel exploration and intraoperative angiography. Thirty three grafts (92%) utilised LSV and three (8%) were polytetrafluoroethylene grafts. Thirteen patients (39%) lacked adequate ipsilateral LSV of whom 12 had the contralateral leg explored providing suitable LSV in 10/12 (83%). Contralateral LSV was used as a single length conduit in two cases and as a venovenous composite graft in eight cases. Primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency rates at two years were 38%, 77%, and 81% respectively. Actuarial limb survival and patient survival rates at two years were 86% and 61% respectively. Eleven patients developed ipsilateral wound complications (30%) including seven (21%) who developed MRSA infection of the ipsilateral leg wound. MRSA wound infection was treated successfully in all cases by antibiotic therapy (intravenous vancomycin). No patient subsequently required saphenous vein harvesting for a secondary reconstruction or coronary artery bypass graft.

Conclusion
Excellent long term results can be achieved using autogenous vein for infragenicular revascularisation and the contralateral LSV is an excellent alternative in the absence of suitable ipsilateral LSV. Autogenous vein may confer some protection against severe complications observed with MRSA infection seen in vascular patients and therefore its use is recommended.
HOLES AND DOMINOES IN MEYNIEL GRAPHS
Authors: ROUSSEL FLORIAN , RUSU IRENA 
Published: July 2002

Many practical problems (frequency assignement, register allocation, timetables) may be formulated as graph (vertex-)coloring problems, but finding solutions for them is difficult as long as they are treated in the most general case (where the graph is arbitrary), since vertex coloring has been proved to be NP-complete. The problem becomes much easier to solve if the graph resulting from the modelisation of the practical application belongs to some particular class of graphs, for which solutions to the problem are known. Meyniel graphs form such a class (a fast coloring algorithm can be found in [9]), for which an efficient recognizing algorithm is therefore needed. A graph G=(V,E) is said to be a Meyniel graph if every odd cycle of G on at least five vertices contains at least two chords. Meyniel graphs generalize both i-triangulated and parity graphs, two well known classes of perfect graphs that will be present in our paper in Section 7. In [2], Burlet and Fonlupt propose a characterization of Meyniel graphs which relies on the following property: the class of Meyniel graphs may be obtained from some basic Meyniel graphs using a binary operation called amalgam. Besides the theoretical interest of this result, a practical interest arises because of the polynomial recognition algorithm which can be obtained. Unfortunately, it is quite expensive to verify if a given graph is the amalgam of two graphs (therefore the complexity of the whole algorithm is in O(n7)), and this supports the idea that a new point of view is needed to find a more efficient algorithm. Our approach of Meyniel graphs will be directed through the search of a general structure. Intuitively, a Meyniel graph either will be simple (i.e. with no hole or domino), or will have a skeleton around which the rest of the graph will be regularly organized. As suggested, the first type of Meyniel graphs is simple to identify. For the second type, a deeper analysis is necessary; it yields a characterization theorem, which is used to deduce the O(m2+mn) recognition algorithm.
QUANTIZATION AND SUPERSELECTION SECTORS I: TRANSFORMATION GROUP C*-ALGEBRAS
Authors: LANDSMAN N.P. 
Published: July 2002

Quantization is defined as the act of assigning an appropriate C*-algebra [Formula: see text] to a given configuration space Q, along with a prescription mapping self-adjoint elements of [Formula: see text] into physically interpretable observables. This procedure is adopted to solve the problem of quantizing a particle moving on a homogeneous locally compact configuration space Q=G/H. Here [Formula: see text] is chosen to be the transformation group C*-algebra corresponding to the canonical action of G on Q. The structure of these algebras and their representations are examined in some detail. Inequivalent quantizations are identified with inequivalent irreducible representations of the C*-algebra corresponding to the system, hence with its superselection sectors. Introducing the concept of a pre-Hamiltonian, we construct a large class of G-invariant time-evolutions on these algebras, and find the Hamiltonians implementing these time-evolutions in each irreducible representation of [Formula: see text]. “Topological” terms in the Hamiltonian (or the corresponding action) turn out to be representation-dependent, and are automatically induced by the quantization procedure. Known “topological” charge quantization or periodicity conditions are then identically satisfied as a consequence of the representation theory of [Formula: see text].
REGULARITY OF SOLUTIONS FOR SINGULAR SCHRÖDINGER EQUATIONS
Authors: HINZ ANDREAS M. 
Published: July 2002

Local and global regularity properties of weak solutions of the Schrödinger equation −Δu+qu=λu play an important role in the spectral theory of the corresponding operator [Formula: see text]. Central among these properties is local boundedness of the solutions u, which is derived in an elementary way for potentials q whose negative parts q− lie in the local Kato class K loc . The method also provides mean value inequalities for and, in case q+ is in K loc too, continuity of u. To employ these mean value inequalities for bounds on eigenfunctions of T in a fixed direction, classes Kρ are introduced which reflect the behavior of q at infinity. A couple of examples allow to compare these classes with more conservative ones like the Stummel class Q and the global Kato class K. The fundamental property of local boundedness of solutions also serves as a base for a very short proof of the self-adjointness of T if the operator is bounded from below and q−∈K loc . If q(x) is permitted to go to −∞, as |x|→∞, a large class K ρ which guarantees self-adjointness of T is derived and contains the case q−(x)= O (|x|2). The Spectral Theorem then allows to deduce rapidly decaying bounds on eigenfunctions for discrete eigenvalues, at least if q−(x)= o (|x|2). This is also the condition under which the existence of a bounded solution is sufficient to guarantee λ∈σ(T). Here q−(x)= O (|x|2) appears as a borderline case and is discussed at some length by means of an explicit example. The class of admissible operators extending to these borderline cases with potentials singular locally and at infinity, the regularity results for solutions being mostly optimal, as demonstrated by numerous examples, yet the proofs being shorter and more straightforward than those to be found in literature for smaller classes and weaker results, the sets Kρ under consideration and the methods employed appear to be quite natural.
FUNCTIONALS OF CLASSICAL FIELDS IN QUANTUM FIELD THEORY
Authors: SCHMITT T. 
Published: July 2002

Many methods of modern quantum field theory rely heavily on functionals of classical fields; this notion is however problematic whenever anticommuting fields are present. We propose a calculus for such functionals which avoids the use of auxiliary Grassmann algebras, and which relies on an infinite-dimensional version of Berezin-Leites supermanifold theory. We begin by studying “functional power series expansions” without growth conditions; this already allows to make e.g. the Yang-Mills action functional with fermionic, anticommuting matter fields a well-defined mathematical object. We introduce analytical conditions on power series which enable us to substitute them into each other, and we globalize them to superfunctionals. Also, infinitesimal transformation laws of the fields are discussed.
TURBULENT COLD PLASMA: AN EXACTLY PATH INTEGRAL SOLUTION IN A ZERO DIMENSIONAL MODEL AND ITS GENERALIZATIONS TO THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL-CASE
Authors: BOTELHO LUIZ C. L. 
Published: July 2002

We write path integrals exact solutions for a 0-dimensional noise (turbulent) force equation for an electronic plasma. We obtain that the equilibrium limit of the plasma tensor magneto conductivity coincides with the classical non-turbulent result in our 0-dimensional proposed model. Additionally, we show the usefulness of our reduced model by writing exact path integrals solutions for the probabilistic turbulent plasma occupation times. Finally, we point out three-dimensional generalizations of our path integral studies in two appendix.
COMPUTER SIMULATION STUDY OF A NEMATOGENIC LATTICE MODEL BASED ON THE NEHRING–SAUPE INTERACTION POTENTIAL
Authors: HASHIM R. , ROMANO S. 
Published: July 2002

By now, nematogenic lattice models have been extensively studied in the literature; they usually involve cylindrically symmetric (uniaxial) particles and isotropic interaction potentials defined by even functions of the scalar products between unit vectors defining their orientations; anisotropic interaction potentials involving other scalar invariants, i.e. also depending on the orientations of the two particles with respect to the intermolecular vector, have been considered far less often. A model of the latter kind was proposed by Nehring and Saupe over 25 years ago; we have considered here its restriction to nearest neighbours, having the form [Formula: see text] Here the three-component vectors xj∈ Z3define centre-of-mass coordinates of the particles, and ukare three-component unit vectors defining their orientations; ∊ is a positive quantity setting energy and temperature scales (i.e. T*=kBT/∊); this model is seen to be the anisotropic counterpart to the generic Lebwohl–Lasher lattice model.The model has been addressed by simulation; comparisons are reported with other anisotropic lattice models recently studied in the literature.
THE VARIATIONAL INDIRECT BOUNDARY ELEMENT METHOD: A STRATEGY TOWARD THE SOLUTION OF VERY LARGE PROBLEMS OF SITE RESPONSE
Authors: SÁNCHEZ-SESMA FRANCISCO J. , VAI ROSSANA , DRETTA ELINA 
Published: July 2002

Boundary integral equation approaches and their discretization into boundary element methods (BEM) have been useful to obtain solutions for numerous problems in dynamic elasticity. Well documented advantages over domain approaches are dimension reduction, relatively easy fulfillment of radiation conditions at infinity, and high accuracy of results. In spite of dimension reduction, the computational cost at high frequencies may easily exceed the capacity of computing facilities. To overcome this problem, Galerkin's ideas may be used. The Indirect Boundary Element Method (IBEM) equations are the starting point of the proposed methodology. The boundary force density is expanded in terms of a complete set of functions. Weighting functions from the same complete set are used to minimize the error of this approximation. Once a significant subset is selected, the size of the resulting linear system is much smaller than that of the IBEM method as currently applied. Moreover, with appropriate trial functions, some matrix operations can be reduced to Fourier transformations.In what follows, the formulation and some examples for scalar problems are presented. Simple 2-D topographies are studied, but the extension to 3-D realistic configurations may well be treated on the same basis.