bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spinal cord stimulation: A brief update on mechanisms of action
Authors: Linderoth Bengt 
Published: October 2009

AbstractSpinal cord stimulation (SCS) originated from the gate control theory by Melzack and Wall some 40 years ago and is now widely practised as a therapy in neuropathic pain of peripheral origin. The physiological mechanisms behind the beneficial effects however are hitherto only fragmentarily known.In this short review the present knowledge is updated with recent data from animal experiments and from clinical observations. SCS used for neuropathic pain and for ischemic seems to utilize fundamentally different mechanisms and in the latter syndromes the primary effect seems to be reduction of tissue ischemia. In neuropathic pain, in contrast, the neuronal pain‐generating mechanisms are directly targeted but the investigated networks are complex and much research on these matters is needed in order to further develop spinal neuromodulation for treatment‐refractory pain syndromes.
Ultrasound and peripheral blocks for acute and chronic pain: A review
Authors: Danelli Giorgio , Gardini Marco , Gemmi Daniela , Markidis Alessandra , Bizzarri Federico , Dallospedale Alessandro , Fattibene Claudio , Fanelli Guido 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIn the regional anesthesia field we assisted to an increasing study and use of ultrasound imaging for peripheral nerve blocks. This approach has been appreciated for good reliability in terms of clinical outcome of blocks and in terms of safety of the procedure. For this reason, ultrasound guidance is nearing to become the standard of care in regional anesthesia and for postoperative pain management. However, its role in invasive procedures in pain medicine is still discussed. The availability of other imaging techniques and lack of familiarization with ultrasonographic imaging are some of the reasons beneath this discrepancy. However, important steps are being made lately towards the development of safe, available and clinically efficient ultrasound guided techniques for many procedures in the pain medicine field.
Clinical efficacy of initial intratympanic steroid treatment on sudden sensorineural hearing loss with diabetes
Authors: Han Chi‐Sung , Park Jong‐Ryul , Boo Sung‐Hyun , Jo Joon‐Man , Park Kyung‐Won , Lee Won‐Yong , Ahn Joong‐Gi , Kang Myung‐Koo , Park Byung‐Gun , Lee Hyun 
Published: October 2009

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of intratympanic steroid injection (ITSI) with that of systemic steroids as an initial treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) with diabetes.Study DesignProspective, nonrandomized multicenter clinical trial.SettingMulticenter study in Busan and Masan, South Korea.Subjects and MethodsA total of 114 sudden SNHL patients who were diagnosed with diabetes were divided into peroral (PO) group (n = 48), intravenous (IV) group (n = 32), and intratympanic (IT) group (n = 34). In the PO group, prednisolone was used orally for 10 days, per schedule. In the IV group, prednisolone was administered intravenously for seven days, followed by oral administration of tapered doses for another several days. In the IT group, dexamethasone was injected into the tympanic cavity four times within a two‐week period. Hearing outcome was assessed before and after the treatment.ResultsAll groups showed significant improvement with criteria of 15 dB (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in hearing gain and recovery rate among groups (P > 0.05). Systemic steroid treatment was stopped for two patients in the IV group and for one in the PO group due to uncontrolled hyperglycemia. However, in the IT group, there were no patients who failed to control their blood sugar level.ConclusionITSI is as effective as systemic steroid treatment for sudden SNHL patients with diabetes and it can avoid undesirable side effects. Therefore, we consider ITSI to be a more reasonable alternative as an initial treatment for sudden SNHL patients with diabetes.
Oropharyngeal flora changes after tonsillectomy
Authors: Karaman Emin , Enver Ozgun , Alimoglu Yalcin , Gonullu Nevriye , Bahar Hrisi , Torun Muzeyyen Mamal , Isildak Huseyin 
Published: October 2009

ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the effect of tonsillectomy on oropharyngeal flora in children who underwent tonsillectomy for chronic recurrent tonsillitis.Study Design and SettingA prospective study was performed comprising patients with chronic recurrent tonsillitis who underwent tonsillectomy at the Department of Otolaryngology, Cerrahpasa Medical School. Incisional core biopsies of excised tonsils were also performed. Swabs and core biopsy specimens were transferred and maintained in Stuart's medium and sent to the Department of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology at Cerrahpasa Medical School for microbiologic evaluation.Subjects and MethodsOropharyngeal swabs and tonsillar core biopsy specimens from 31 patients operated on for recurrent tonsillitis were cultured. Follow‐up oropharyngeal swabs were cultured one month after tonsillectomy.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative isolation rate of the potentially pathogenic bacteria. Normal aerobic flora did not change significantly. However, the isolation rate of the Neisseria species dropped (P = 0.097) but did not reach statistical significance. Among anaerobes, Bacteroides fragilis, one of the major anaerobic bacteria, dropped significantly (P = 0.007). The Propionibacterium acnes isolation rate increased significantly (P = 0.009).ConclusionOropharyngeal anaerobic bacterial flora decreases after tonsillectomy in recurrent tonsillitis patients. The isolation rate for bacteria of the normal flora and potentially pathogenic bacteria does not change. Tonsils with recurrent infections may become a nidus for anaerobic bacteria. In patients with chronic recurrent tonsillitis, tonsillectomy may help change anaerobic bacterial oropharyngeal flora to the normal flora found in healthy individuals.
Construct validity of a simulator for myringotomy with ventilation tube insertion
Authors: Volsky Peter G. , Hughley Brian B. , Peirce Shayn M. , Kesser Bradley W. 
Published: October 2009

ObjectivesTo establish construct validity of an anatomic model as a simulator for myringotomy with ventilation tube insertion and to assess its subjective appeal.Study DesignCross‐sectional, repeated‐measures comparative evaluation of simulator.SettingUniversity academic otolaryngology residency program.Subjects and MethodsUsing an anatomic model of the human auricle, ear canal, eardrum, and middle ear space, 18 otolaryngologists of various levels of training performed 10 timed procedures: myringotomy with ventilation tube insertion. Errors were recorded, and participants reported the quality of their experience.ResultsBoth time‐to‐completion and errors per trial discriminated novices from non‐novice participants; novices (02:23, 95% confidence interval [CI], 01:42‐03:04) were 3.6 times slower than non‐novices (00:39, 95% CI, 00:35‐00:43) and 6.5 times more error prone (novices 2.16 errors/trial, 95% CI, 1.68‐2.64; non‐novices 0.33 errors/trial, 95% CI, 0.21‐0.45). Errors were strongly correlated with prior surgical experience. All participants required more time to complete the first trial, and their performance stabilized thereafter. Overall, the simulation was perceived as a valuable experience.ConclusionOur model is a valid platform for simulating myringotomy with ventilation tube insertion. The model discriminates novices from non‐novices, has a learning curve, and is perceived to be a valuable and realistic teaching tool by users.
Readability analysis of patient information on the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery website
Authors: Greywoode Jewel , Bluman Eric , Spiegel Joseph , Boon Maurits 
Published: October 2009

ObjectiveTo evaluate the readability of patient‐oriented online health information (OHI) presented on the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO–HNS) website.Study DesignReview of the Flesch‐Kincaid (FK) grade level for 104 articles on the AAO–HNS website.MethodsThe FK grade level for 104 articles was determined using the readability calculator available within Microsoft Office Word 2003. The interobserver reliability for the FK grade level was determined by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for 52 entries.ResultsThe average FK grade reading level of the articles was 10.8 (range 6.3‐16.7; 95% CI, 10.4‐11.2). Eighty‐one percent of the articles were written at a ninth grade level or higher. The intraclass correlation was good (r = 0.83) for the 52 articles that were independently reviewed.ConclusionsThis analysis has shown that the average reading level for each article on the AAO–HNS site was higher than the recommended sixth grade reading level. Although the AAO–HNS site is written at a higher level than that suggested for the general public, it is important to realize that readability is just one consideration in the evaluation of OHI comprehension. Physicians need to be cognizant of their patients' ability to read and comprehend written information and tailor their educational material appropriately.
Beyond the Evidence‐Based Practice Paradigm to Achieve Best Practice in Rehabilitation Medicine: A Clinical Review
Authors: Groah Suzanne L. , Libin Alexander , Lauderdale Manon , Kroll Thilo , DeJong Gerben , Hsieh Jean 
Published: October 2009

ObjectiveBest practice is a practice that, on rigorous evaluation, demonstrates success, has had an impact, and can be replicated. It is differentiated from its constituent parts, evidence‐based practice and knowledge translation, by its general meaning and global purview. The purpose of this clinical review is to provide transparency to the concept and achievement of best practice in the context of rehabilitation medicine. The authors will review and analyze the roles of evidence‐based practice and knowledge translation in rehabilitation medicine as they work to support best practice. Challenge areas will be discussed, including an evidential hierarchy in need of update, a lack of “high‐level” research evidence, and delays in translating evidence to practice. Last, the authors will argue that rehabilitation medicine is well‐positioned to effect change by promoting inclusion of emerging research methodologies and analytic techniques that better capture context‐specific rehabilitation evidence, into the evidential hierarchy. Achieving best practice is dependent on this, as well as alignment of all key stakeholders, ranging from the patient, researchers and clinicians, to policymakers, payers, and others.
An Algebraic Proof of Quillen's Resolution Theorem for K1
Authors: Whale Ben 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIn his 1973 paper [4] Quillen proved a resolution theorem for the K-Theory of an exact category; his proof was homotopic in nature. By using the main result of Nenashev's paper [3], we are able to give an algebraic proof of Quillen's Resolution Theorem for K1 of an exact category. We view this as an advance towards the goal of giving an essentially algebraic subject an algebraic foundation.
Twisted Homology of Quantum SL(2) - Part II
Authors: Hadfield Tom , Krähmer Ulrich 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWe complete the calculation of the twisted cyclic homology of the quantised coordinate ring= ℂq[SL(2)] ofSL(2) that we began in [14]. In particular, a nontrivial cyclic 3-cocycle is constructed which also has a nontrivial class in Hochschild cohomology and thus should be viewed as a noncommutative geometry analogue of a volume form.
LOWER SEMICONTINUITY OF PARAMETRIC GENERALIZED WEAK VECTOR EQUILIBRIUM PROBLEMS
Authors: LI SHENG-JIE , LIU HUI-MIN , CHEN CHUN-RONG 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIn this paper, using a scalarization method, we obtain sufficient conditions for the lower semicontinuity and continuity of the solution mapping to a parametric generalized weak vector equilibrium problem with set-valued mappings.
GEOMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION OF HERMITIAN ALGEBRAS WITH CONTINUOUS INVERSION
Authors: BELTIŢĂ DANIEL , NEEB KARL-HERMANN 
Published: October 2009

AbstractA hermitian algebra is a unital associative ℂ-algebra endowed with an involution such that the spectra of self-adjoint elements are contained in ℝ. In the case of an algebra 𝒜 endowed with a Mackey-complete, locally convex topology such that the set of invertible elements is open and the inversion mapping is continuous, we construct the smooth structures on the appropriate versions of flag manifolds. Then we prove that if such a locally convex algebra 𝒜 is endowed with a continuous involution, then it is a hermitian algebra if and only if the natural action of all unitary groups Un(𝒜) on each flag manifold is transitive.
GLOBAL ASYMPTOTIC STABILITY FOR GENERAL SYMMETRIC RATIONAL DIFFERENCE EQUATIONS
Authors: ZHANG CONG , LI HONG-XU , HUANG NAN-JING 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWe investigate the global asymptotic stability for positive solutions to a class of general symmetric rational difference equations and prove that the unique positive equilibrium 1 of the general symmetric rational difference equations is globally asymptotically stable. As a special case of our result, we solve the conjecture raised by Berenhaut, Foley and Stević [‘The global attractivity of the rational difference equationyn=(yn−k+yn−m)/(1+yn−kyn−m)’,Appl. Math. Lett.20(2007), 54–58].
JØRGENSEN’S INEQUALITY FOR QUATERNIONIC HYPERBOLIC SPACE WITH ELLIPTIC ELEMENTS
Authors: CAO WENSHENG , TAN HAIOU 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIn this paper, we give an analogue of Jørgensen’s inequality for nonelementary groups of isometries of quaternionic hyperbolic space generated by two elements, one of which is elliptic. As an application, we obtain an analogue of Jørgensen’s inequality in the two-dimensional Möbius group of the above case.
A CLUNIE LEMMA FOR DIFFERENCE AND q-DIFFERENCE POLYNOMIALS
Authors: HUANG ZHI-BO , CHEN ZONG-XUAN 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe main purpose of this paper is to prove difference and q-difference counterparts of the Clunie lemma from the Nevanlinna theory of differential polynomials, where the difference and q-difference polynomials can contain many terms of maximal total degree in f(z) and its ( q-)shifts.
Pricing American Options under the Constant Elasticity of Variance Model and Subject to Bankruptcy
Authors: Nunes João Pedro Vidal 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThis paper proposes an alternative characterization of the early exercise premium that is valid for any Markovian and diffusion underlying price process as well as for any parameterization of the exercise boundary. This new representation is shown to provide the best pricing alternative available in the literature for medium- and long-term American option contracts, under the constant elasticity of variance model. Moreover, the proposed pricing methodology is also extended easily to the valuation of American options on defaultable equity and possesses appropriate asymptotic properties.
Prospective, blinded study of nasal injuries: comparison of doctor and nurse assessment
Authors: Baring D , Murray C , Singh J , Davidson A , Syed M I 
Published: October 2009

AbstractObjectives:This study aimed to compare an experienced ENT treatment room nurse's ability to assess nasal injuries with that of junior doctors.Design:One hundred consecutive patients with nasal injuries were assessed prospectively in two phases, followed by a telephone survey.Main outcome measures:Comparison of nasal injury assessment, advice, and outcomes regarding cosmesis, airway obstruction and patient satisfaction.Results:In the first phase, there was almost perfect agreement between doctor and nurse assessments regarding the management of nasal fractures (p < 0.0001). There was no deterioration in outcomes in the nurse assessment only patient group with regards to cosmesis and airway obstruction. Ninety-four per cent of patients were satisfied with nurse-only assessment.Conclusions:Our study showed that an experienced treatment room nurse was as effective as experienced junior doctors in assessing and advising patients with nasal injuries. Following this study, the nurse involved began to independently assess patients with nasal injuries attending the unit.
Facial nerve decompression for idiopathic Bell's palsy: report of 13 cases and literature review
Authors: Bodénez C , Bernat I , Willer J-C , Barré P , Lamas G , Tankéré F 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIntroduction:The prognosis for cases of idiopathic facial palsy is usually good. However, some cases develop disabling sequelae, such as synkinesis or severe facial hemispasm, despite targeted medical treatment.Objectives:The authors try to achieve that electromyography is useful to identify patients with severe palsy and an unfavourable prognosis. These patients would probably benefit from facial nerve decompression.Setting:The otolaryngology – head and neck surgery department of Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, a tertiary referral centre.Participants:Thirteen cases undergoing surgery between January 1997 and March 2007.Main outcome measures:We describe the electromyographic findings that led to surgery. All patients underwent surgery via a subpetrous approach, within four months of the onset of palsy. Decompression involved the first and second portions of the nerve and the geniculate ganglion.Results:Recovery to House–Brackmann grade III was obtained in all cases at one year follow up.Conclusion:These results compared favourably with previous reports. A new therapeutic procedure may allow improved results.
The failure of a laudable project: Gunton, the Trinity and human self-understanding
Authors: Nausner Bernhard 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThis article seeks to summarise and critically analyse Colin Gunton's trinitarian theology in regard to the claim that the doctrine of the Trinity is a doctrine with radical consequences for human life. To this end it engages, first, in an examination of Gunton's trinitarian project following his thought from a cultural critical starting point finally leading to the establishment of three open transcendentals and, second, in a critical analysis of this approach, highlighting some essential inconsistencies in regard to Cappadocian theology, the concepts of relationality and personhood and practical consequences for human life. In conclusion, the article suggests that Gunton's strong emphasis on relationality and his search for open transcendentals could be understood as the result of his passionate aspiration to heal the wounds of an egocentric, individualistic and alienating modern culture through an ontology of communion.
Communion as propaganda: Reinhard Hütter and the missionary witness of the ‘ChurchasPublic’
Authors: Flett John G. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe Protestant church, for Reinhard Hütter, relinquished its ecclesial public character when it turned from ‘binding doctrine’ as the means for establishing and maintaining its concrete ‘time-space’. Christendom disguised this basic theological flaw, but with its collapse the public basis of the Protestant church fell away. This reduced the church's witness and destroyed its communal structure. His positive proposal re-establishes the church as a public by reference to the communion nature of God, and to church practices as mediate forms of the Spirit's acting. Hütter's account shadows an argument made fifty years before by Johannes C. Hoekendijk, observing an intensified focus on word and sacrament and the promotion of a culture as a solution to the problem of the church's witness. Yet, for Hoekendijk, this logic exemplifies the problem. The institutions of the church come to bear the full evangelistic load. Mission replicates the basic structures of a particular way of life as a necessary precursor to the gospel. The act of witness becomes propaganda because of an insufficient doctrine of the church. This insufficiency is a failing in the doctrine of the Trinity: God's own life is defined without sufficient attention to his act of reconciliation and redemption as itself material to understanding the nature of hisin selife.
Automated use of WHONET and SaTScan to detect outbreaks of Shigella spp. using antimicrobial resistance phenotypes
Authors: STELLING J. , YIH W. K. , GALAS M. , KULLDORFF M. , PICHEL M. , TERRAGNO R. , TUDURI E. , ESPETXE S. , BINSZTEIN N. , O'BRIEN T. F. , PLATT R. 
Published: October 2009

SUMMARYAntimicrobial resistance is a priority emerging public health threat, and the ability to detect promptly outbreaks caused by resistant pathogens is critical for resistance containment and disease control efforts. We describe and evaluate the use of an electronic laboratory data system (WHONET) and a space–time permutation scan statistic for semi-automated disease outbreak detection. In collaboration with WHONET-Argentina, the national network for surveillance of antimicrobial resistance, we applied the system to the detection of local and regional outbreaks of Shigella spp. We searched for clusters on the basis of genus, species, and resistance phenotype and identified 19 statistical ‘events’ in a 12-month period. Of the six known outbreaks reported to the Ministry of Health, four had good or suggestive agreement with SaTScan-detected events. The most discriminating analyses were those involving resistance phenotypes. Electronic laboratory-based disease surveillance incorporating statistical cluster detection methods can enhance infectious disease outbreak detection and response.
Micro and macro population effects in disease transmission: the case of varicella
Authors: SILHOL R. , ALVAREZ F. P. , ARENA C. , AMOROS J. P. , FLAHAULT A. , HANSLIK T. , BOËLLE P. Y. 
Published: October 2009

SUMMARYProfiles of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) seroprevalence have shown large variability in European countries in which vaccination has not been implemented. Differences in micro and macro population structures (e.g. household and municipality, respectively) may explain such variability, which is the focus of a population-based study of varicella in 12 000 children from 7800 French households in Corsica. The cumulative incidence was 89% at age 11 years, as the median age at infection was 5 years in first-born children, but decreased to 3·9 years in younger siblings. Hazard of infection in households increased as the first-born child initially enrolled in primary school. Age at infection was higher in less populated areas. Household attack rates increased with age (55% in <6 months, >90% in >3 years) and household secondary attack rate was ∼70%. Several levels of population structure independently affect age at varicella infection.
DisseminatedCryptococcus neoformansvar.grubiiinfections in intensive care units
Authors: CHUANG Y.-M. , KU S. C. , LIAW S. J. , WU S. C. , HO Y. C. , YU C. J. , HSUEH P. R. 
Published: October 2009

SUMMARYA retrospective study of clinical characteristics, outcome and prognostic factors of patients with cryptococcosis was undertaken in intensive care units (ICUs) of a medical centre for the period 2000–2005. Twenty-six patients withCryptococcus neoformansvar.grubiiinfection were identified (16 males, median age 58 years). The most frequent underlying diseases were liver cirrhosis (38·5%), diabetes mellitus (26·9%) and HIV infection (19·2%). The most frequently identified sites of infection were blood (61·5%), cerebrospinal fluid (38·5%) and airways (34·6%). The mean Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II score at ICU admission was 22·46. The ICU mortality rate in these patients was 73·1% (19/26) and there were a further two mortalities recorded after discharge from ICU, reaching a total mortality rate of 80·8% (21/26). Patients with ICU survival >2 weeks had lower rates of HIV infection (P=0·004), less use of inotropic agents during ICU stay (P<0·001) and lower white blood cell counts (P=0·01). After adjusting for clinical variables in the multivariate Cox regression model, diabetes and cryptococcal infection after ICU admission were independent predictors of good long-term prognosis (P=0·015) and HIV infectious status was associated with poor outcome (P=0·012).