bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive aging and the usability of IT‐based equipment: Learning is the key
Authors: HARADA ETSUKO T. , MORI KENJI , TANIUE NOZOMI 
Published: September 2010

AbstractAlthough design universalities have generally been validated through analyses of human‐artifact interactions, older adults frequently exhibit difficulties in using many types of IT‐based equipment compared with younger adults. We hypothesize that the age‐group difference is due to inefficient learning by the older adults, who are affected by declines in their cognitive functions, including episodic memory. In pursuing this hypothesis and exploring ways to compensate for such learning inefficiency, Experiment 1 was conducted to examine learning to use a piece of IT equipment (a diet‐support system, WELLNAVI) with four different designs. The results indicated that older adults had difficulties in learning to use the equipment compared with younger adults. However, comparisons between the four designs revealed that eliminating some decision requirements facilitated learning in the older adults, and that presenting information in a printed book, rather than via computer, also promoted learning. The results of Experiment 2, investigating why the printed format facilitated learning in the older adults, suggest that the task‐structure information physically represented in the book format is effective for learning.
Cytogenetic studies in leucocytes on the general population: subjects of ages 65 years and more
Authors: JACOBS PATRICIA A. , BRUNTON MURIEL , BROWN W. M. COURT 
Published: September 2010

SummaryThe results are reported of chromosome studies on leucocyte cultures from a randomly chosen group of 189 subjects (87 males and 102 females) of ages 65 or more. Particular attention is paid to the distribution of chromosome counts, the frequency of cells with chromosomes showing a structural abnormality, and the frequency of sub ects showing a consistent abnormality or variation in their karyotype.The writers are particularly indebted to Dr J. Williamson and Dr Mary Fisher of the Edinburgh Geriatric Hospital Service, to Dr R. Scott and his staff of the Edinburgh University General Practice Teaching Unit, and to the following general practitioners who willingly permitted access to their patients: Dr W. G. Batters, Dr T. E. Dickson, Dr A. Irons, Dr J. S. Milne, Dr A. I. Richardson and Dr I. S. Stokoe. They wish also to acknowledge the help of their colleagues, Mrs Jane Bond, Miss Karin Buckton, Dr D. J. Mantle and Miss Ishbel Tough. They are also grateful for the skilled technical assistance of Miss Margaret Bradley, Miss Sheila Brunton, Miss Eileen Inglis and Miss Gillian Woodcock. Finally, the writers wish to acknowledge the help of Dr Alwyn Smith, Mr H. Goldstein and Dr R. Doll.
PLASMA OESTRIOL AND PLACENTAL PROTEINS: A CROSS‐SECTIONAL STUDY AT 38 WEEKS GESTATION
Authors: Klopper A. , Masson G. , Wilson G. 
Published: September 2010

summaryBlood was collected from 53 normal women in the 38th week of pregnancy. The plasma concentration of unconjugated oestriol, total oestriol and oestriol sulphate was measured and also human placental lactogen and pregnancy specific β1 glycoprotein. The normal spread of the two proteins was found to be slightly smaller than that of the oestrogens. The concentrations of unconjugated and of total oestriol were related; otherwise these substances varied independently of one another. The concentration of these substances was not related to other obstetric parameters.
HEPATITIS B ANTIGEN‐POSITIVE OBSTETRIC PATIENTS
Authors: Waterson A. P. , Almeida June D. , Weeple Patricia M. , Hawkins D. F. , Cummins Mary 
Published: September 2010

SummaryIn a period of six years (1971–77) 9400 sera taken at booking from antenatal patients were examined for hepatitis B antigen (HBsAg), and 40 patients were positive. These 40 patients had 45 pregnancies and were treated with special precautions so far as venepuncture and the management of delivery were concerned. No member of the hospital staff dealing with the patients developed hepatitis B. All infants born to these mothers were normal, two infants were HBsAg‐positive at 7 months and 2 years, but are clinically well. No obstetric problems attributable to the HBsAg‐positive state were encountered.
Research Letter: The flexible needle, a safe and easy new technique to inject the face
Authors: Hertzog B , Andre P 
Published: September 2010

SummaryA new medical device, a patented flexible needle is described. The tip of the needle is blunt with a lateral hole and smooth rims. Flexibility is possible due to a very thin wall made of stainless steel. It enables us to inject into the skin most of the filling agents, with less traumatism compared to a classical sharp beveled needle.
Research Letter: Hyaluronic acid filler for steroid atrophy
Authors: Elliott Lauren , Rashid Rashid M , Colome Maria 
Published: September 2010

SummaryThe use of hyaluronic acid for atrophy has not been documented in the literature. In this manuscript we present a case of a patient treated with the aforementioned filler with enthusiastic results. This case shows yet another potential application for these novel products.
Review Article: Fragrance technology for the dermatologist – a review and practical application
Authors: Cortez‐Pereira Claudia S , Baby André R , Velasco Maria V R 
Published: September 2010

SummaryCosmetic product development has increased in recent years. The value of a product is emphasized in its safety and effectiveness. The stability study in the context of product quality evaluation during shelf life becomes primordial to guarantee the integrity of the physical, chemical, and olfactory properties. In this study, aromatic compositions had been submitted to the stability normal test, at low temperature (4.0 ± 2.0 °C), at room temperature (22.0 ± 2.0 °C), and in oven (45.0 ± 2.0 °C). The compositions were analyzed at 15, 30, 60, and 90 days versus a fresh aromatic composition 48 h after preparation, in which the organoleptic characteristics and pH value were evaluated besides undertaking sensory evaluation. The results demonstrated that at the high temperature (45.0 ± 2.0 °C), in which the oxidative processes of the fragrance components are accelerated, the cosmetic preparation “A” was chosen because it showed more acceptable physical–chemical properties and in terms of sensory evaluation of perfume character and intensity was approved for commercial use.
Effect of muscular exercise on plasma C‐peptide and insulin in obese non‐diabetics and diabetics, Type II
Authors: Krotkiewski M. , Górski J. 
Published: September 2010

Summary. The levels of plasma insulin and C‐peptide during exercise and subsequent recovery have been determined in obese non‐diabetics, obese diabetics Type II and middle‐aged female controls. It has been found that exercise reduces levels of peptides both in the control and in the obese non‐diabetic group. This effect of acute exercise was found blunted in the obese diabetic group. Non‐diabetic obese subjects pretreated with phentolamine showed no reduction either in plasma insulin or C‐peptide levels during exercise. During the recovery, the level of plasma insulin returned promptly to the pre‐exercise value in the control group but increased above the resting value in obese subjects, both non‐diabetic and diabetic.In controls and non‐diabetic obeses the increment of C‐peptide: insulin molar ratio occurred early after the onset of exercise and then returned to the resting value despite the exercise being continued. The plasma C‐peptide:insulin molar ratios were reduced during the first 15 min of recovery period in obese non‐diabetic subjects and returned to normal in the next 15 min. The latter may suggest that reduced insulin removal could also contribute to the increase in plasma insulin values in the obeses during recovery.
Comparison of two methods to assess the tissue/blood partition coefficient for xenon in subcutaneous adipose tissue in man
Authors: Jansson P.‐A. , Lönnroth P. 
Published: September 2010

Summary. A new method to calculate the tissue/blood partition coefficient (Λ) for xenon in studies on the subcutaneous adipose tissue blood flow was compared with a previously reported method based on local skinfold thickness (ΛLSt). The former method included needle biopsies from the abdominal and femoral subcutaneous adipose tissue, and the mean fat cell diameter was measured (ΛECT)‐ The extracellular tissue fraction in subcutaneous tissue was then estimated from a diagram. The tissue lipid content was approximated to equal the relative intracellular volume and Ostwald's solubility coefficients for 133Xe, based on the distribution of xenon in lipid, albumin and 0.9% saline were applied. Estimated Λ‐values based on needle biopsies from the abdominal site were: 8.6±0.1 versus 9.9±0.4 ml g‐1 (meanæ) (P<0.05) and from the femoral site: 9.1±0.1 versus 9.6±0.2 in lean (n=10) and obese subjects (n=10), respectively. The corresponding Λ‐values obtained from skinfold measurements were: 6.2±0.5 versus 11.0±0.4 (P<0.001) and 6.9±03 versus 11.4±0.4 (P<0.001) in lean and obese subjects, respectively.Pooled ΛLsT‐values correlated positively with estimated adipose tissue blood flow (ATBF) (r: 0.34, P<0.05, n=40) whereas no such correlation was found for ΛECT‐values.In conclusion, a new method is presented which may allow an accurate determination of, and which may lead to reliable data on, subcutaneous ATBF in both lean and obese subjects. Comparative studies indicate that the widely used Λ‐value of 10.0 in subcutaneous adipose tissue may be used as a rough estimate for subcutaneous blood flow studies in these patient groups.
Spirometric and anthropometric determinants of forced expiratory time in a general population
Authors: Kainu Annette , Lindqvist Ari , Sarna Seppo , Sovijärvi Anssi 
Published: September 2010

SummaryBackground:  Forced expiratory time (FET) has gained new interest in the joint recommendation of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) for the assessment of spirometry. Interpretation of FET is, however, difficult as limited information is available on spirometric and anthropometric determinants of FET in populations.Methods:  We studied a non‐selected population sample including healthy non‐smokers with a structured interview and flow‐volume spirometry. Regular medication, if any, was continued. Spirometry of 603 individuals (248 men, 355 women) fulfilled predefined quality criteria based on modified ATS recommendations. FET from the flow‐volume curve with the largest sum of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) was used in analyses.Results:  The mean FET in the population sample was 10·7 (95% CI 10·4–11·1) s and in healthy non‐smokers 9·8 (9·2–10·4) s. Men had on average longer FET (11·3 s versus 10·3 s), but the gender difference was not significant when FEV1/FVC was used as a covariate. FEV1/FVC (r = −0·613, P<0·01) and maximal mid‐expiratory flow (MMEF) correlated negatively and age (r = 0·279, P<0·01), body mass index (BMI) and smoking pack‐years positively with FET.Conclusions:  The findings indicate that mean FET is around 11 s in a non‐selected adult population and around 10 s in healthy non‐smokers. FET increases slightly with age and BMI, suggesting age‐ and weight‐related changes in pulmonary mechanics. The negative correlation of FET with FEV1/FVC and MMEF even in healthy non‐smokers indicates that airflow limitation, either pathological or physiological, tends to prolong FET.
Physical Activity and Hypertensive Complications During Pregnancy: Findings from 2004 to 2006 North Carolina Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System
Authors: Martin Chantel L. , Brunner Huber Larissa R. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  Background:  Hypertensive complications during pregnancy occur in nearly 8 percent of pregnancies and account for 15 percent of all maternal mortalities in the United States. The purpose of this study was to investigate further the association between physical activity and hypertensive complications during pregnancy using data from a population‐based surveillance system.Methods:  This study included 3,348 participants from the 2004 to 2006 North Carolina Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Hypertensive complications during pregnancy were assessed using birth certificate data, and physical activity levels before pregnancy and during pregnancy were self‐reported on questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) while controlling for confounders.Results:  Although no strong association was found between physical activity before pregnancy and hypertensive complications during pregnancy, a dose–response relationship emerged for the physical activity during pregnancy‐hypertensive complications association after adjustment for prepregnancy body mass index (physical activity for 1–4 days per week: OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.45–0.90; physical activity for 5+ days per week: OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.20–1.02). When levels of physical activity before and during pregnancy were combined, a statistically significant protective effect was seen only for women who indicated that they were physically active both before and during pregnancy (adjusted OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44–0.96).Conclusions:  In this population‐based study, physical activity, particularly during pregnancy, was associated with a lower risk of hypertensive complications during pregnancy. During a healthy pregnancy, health care practitioners may recommend that women engage in physical activity as one way to potentially prevent the development of this critical condition. (BIRTH 37:3 September 2010)
Symptom Profile of Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients during Radiation Therapy
Authors: Huang Hsiu‐Ying , Wilkie Diana J. , Schubert Mark M. , Ting Lai‐Lei 
Published: September 2010

Purpose: This prospective, longitudinal study was aimed to describe the prevalence, severity, and pattern of symptoms over the course of radiation therapy in persons with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and to explore symptom severity by treatment modality.description of Study: Thirty‐seven patients completed this study, and 46% received chemotherapy before radiation therapy. A self‐reported radiation symptom checklist and an objective mucositis assessment tool were used weekly to document oropharyngeal, skin, nose or ear, or more general side effects, and mucositis.Results: Oropharyngeal problems were the most severe complaints during radiation therapy. All patients experienced dry mouth, taste change, difficulty in swallowing, difficulty in opening their mouths, hoarseness, sore throat, and observable mucositis. Most reported moderate‐to‐severe dry mouth, difficulty in swallowing, and sore throat from weeks 3 through 7. Skin problems were not prominent until week 4. Patients also lost an average of 3.9 kg during the therapy. Sequential chemotherapy and radiation therapy was associated with more severe oropharyngeal problems than radiation therapy alone, but no significant differences in other problems were found.clinical Implications: Despite recognition of the oropharyngeal side effects associated with irradiation, effective management protocols for such symptoms have not been implemented in the studied institution. The frequency and intensity of the symptoms reported indicate an urgent need for increased vigilance about radiation‐related side effects and pain management. As well, patient education about expected side effects may help mitigate the anxiety that patients experience when these symptoms occur.
Physical Functioning and Depression Among Older Persons with Cancer
Authors: Kurtz Margot E. , Kurtz J. C. , Stommel Manfred , Given Charles W. , Given Barbara 
Published: September 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to help identify factors to assess which elderly patients are likely to experience problems with physical and psychological functioning in association with cancer or its treatment.description of Study: A study was undertaken with a sample of 420 patients with cancer who were between the ages of 65 and 98 years and had received an incident diagnosis of breast, colon, lung, or prostate cancer. An analysis of covariance technique was used to determine how cancer site, treatment type, stage of disease, gender, age, comorbidity, symptom severity, and prediagnosis levels of physical functioning were related to physical functioning deficit, and how all of these in turn influenced patient depressive symptomatology.Results: Prediagnosis physical functioning, symptom severity, and days since surgery were significant predictors of physical functioning deficit. Patients who had been treated only with surgery experienced greater physical functioning deficits than did patients who had received both surgery and adjuvant therapy. This apparent anomaly was partly explained by the time interval from surgery to interview. Higher levels of symptom severity, lower levels of prior physical functioning, and greater physical functioning deficits all predicted higher levels of depressive symptomatology.clinical Implications: In the care of elderly patients with cancer, it is important for healthcare providers to consider the prediagnosis levels of physical functioning of patients with cancer to understand and anticipate the physical and psychological consequences of cancer and its treatment. Equally important is the proper management of patient symptoms in maximizing both the physical and psychological quality of life.
Lake Superior Rural Cancer Care Project
Authors: Elliott Thomas E. , Elliott Barbara A. , Regal Ronald R. , Renier Colleen M. , Crouse Byron J. , Gangeness David E. , Witrak Martha T. , Jensen Patricia B. 
Published: September 2010

Purpose: To date, effective cancer care and control intervention studies have been carried out largely in urban and suburban populations. This study was conducted to test innovative interventions, using experimental designs, to improve the care and outcomes of patients with cancer in rural settings.Description of Study: The Lake Superior Rural Cancer Care Project (LSRCCP) tested an innovative, multimodal, multidisciplinary intervention that involved rural healthcare providers and their healthcare system. An experimental design was used, with the rural community as the unit of randomization. Outcomes were measured at three levels: rural providers' knowledge of cancer management, providers' practice performance, and patient outcomes. This 5‐year study was conducted in rural areas of northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the western part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.Results: Baseline data from the study are provided, and details of the design and methods are presented. The study outcomes are reported in part in “Lake Superior Rural Cancer Care Project Part II” in this issue and will be reported further in future issues.Clinical Implications: This article describes the hypotheses, design, and methods of the LSRCCP. The design and methods as well as the results of this study may be useful to cancer researchers and clinicians in rural areas across the United States.
Comparison of Distributions of Ventricular Periods During Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation and Sinus Rhythm
Authors: Hnatkova Katerina , Murgatroyd Francis D. , Alferness Clif A. , Camm A. John , Malik Marek 
Published: September 2010

Background: The mean ventricular rate is known to be, on average, higher during episodes of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) than during the sinus rhythm. The data on other statistical parameters of ventricular periods are less known, especially in the respect of atrial premature beats, which are frequent in paroxysmal AF patients while in sinus rhythm.Methods: This study investigated distinction between paroxysmal AF and sinus rhythm based on statistical parameters of 60‐second segments of RR interval series from paroxysmal AF and sinus rhythm episodes. The data of the study were taken from 54 long‐term Holter recordings of 31 paroxysmal AF patients. For each segment, the mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis of RR intervals were computed. The values obtained from segments of paroxysmal AF and sinus rhythm were used in attempts to distinguish both rhythms. The distinction was evaluated using: (1) statistical comparison of each parameter in each tape; and (2) receiver operator characteristics (ROCs) (dependency of specificity on sensitivity) computed in each tape for each individual parameter as well as for multivariate combinations of all four parameters.Results: The comparison found the mean RR to be the most powerful discriminator of all statistical parameters used in the distinction of paroxysmal AF and sinus rhythm. The standard deviation of RR intervals differentiated significantly the segments of sinus rhythm and paroxysmal AF in pool data. However, when applied to individual Holter recordings, the distinction between paroxysmal AF and sinus rhythm based on standard deviation of RR intervals (assessed with ROC) was the worst among all investigated parameters.Conclusions: The study suggests that an automatic distinction between paroxysmal AF and sinus rhythm episodes is highly problematic, mainly because of the frequent atrial premature beats that pollute sinus rhythm episodes in patients with paroxysmal AF.
The Diagnostic Value of ST Segment Analysis in Ambulatory ECG Monitoring Evaluated Using Bayes' Theorem in Patients Screened for Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Piotrowicz Ryszard , Dabrowski Andrzej , Kwiatkowski Wojciech 
Published: September 2010

Background: The diagnostic value of ambulatory ECG monitoring in screening for coronary artery disease has been studied in diverse and usually small groups of patients. There are no studies evaluating the diagnostic value of Holter recorded ST depression using the Bayes' theorem of probability, which accounts for the prevalence of the disease in prespecified populations.Purpose: Applying the Bayes' theorem, this study aimed to examine the diagnostic value of Holterrecorded 1‐mm ST depression in patients screened for coronary artery disease (CAD) and to identify groups of patients who may benefit from diagnostic ST segment monitoring in ambulatory ECG recordings.Methods: The ST segment analysis was performed in 24‐hour ambulatory ECG monitoring of 460 subjects (375 males; aged 35–65, mean 48.6 years), who were screened for CAD and had coronary angiography. The Bayes' formulae were used to calculate the predictive value of ST segment monitoring (posttest likelihood of CAD) in comparison to pretest likelihood of the disease based on age, gender, and symptoms.Results: The 1‐mm ST depression was identified in the ambulatory ECG monitoring in 203 (44%) patients. CAD was angiographically confirmed in 279 (61%) patients. The 1‐mm ST depression had 54% sensitivity, 71% specificity, 74% positive predictive value, and 50% negative predictive value for CAD. The Bayes' theorem analysis with adjustment for pretest likelihood of the disease in relation to age, gender, and symptoms showed that 1‐mm ST segment depression is significant diagnostically in patients with pretest likelihood of the disease exceeding 75%, i.e., in males aged 35–45 years and females aged 56–65 years, both with typical angina. In other groups of patients regardless of the symptoms, age, and gender, detection of ST segment depression does not improve the diagnostic process. A negative result (absence of ST segment depression) can be helpful, confirming the absence of CAD in patients with 15%–25% pretest likelihood of the disease, i.e., in females aged 35–45 years with atypical angina pains and in males aged 46–55 years with nonanginal chest pains.Conclusions: Based on our observations, the 1‐mm ST segment depression detected on 24‐hour ambulatory ECG monitoring indicates a high likelihood of CAD in patients with < 75% pretest likelihood of the disease. ST segment analysis in other age and gender relative groups of patients, regardless of the nature of their symptoms, does not significantly improve diagnosis process.