bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microwave Dielectric Properties of Ca4La2Ti5−x(Mg1/3Nb2/3)xO17 Ceramics
Authors: Chen Guo‐hua , Di Jie‐chang , Xu Hua‐rui , Jiang Min‐hong , Yuan Chang‐lai 
Published: December 2011

Using the solid‐state ceramic route, Ca4La2Ti5−x(Mg1/3Nb2/3)xO17 (0 ≤ x ≤ 4) ceramics were prepared, and the phase purity, microstructure, and microwave dielectric properties were investigated. The XRD results suggest the formation of solid solutions for all studied compositions (0 ≤ x ≤ 4) and the unit cell volume increases linearly with x. The SEM results also show no evidence of secondary phase and doping (Mg1/3Nb2/3) at Ti site promotes the grain growth. The εr of sintered ceramics decreases from 71.86 to 35.23, the Q × f value increases from 15 070 to 21 277 GHz and the τf value varies from 125.2 to −16.7 ppm/°C with x increasing from 0 to 4. A near‐zero τf (~1.62 ppm/°C) is achieved at x = 3 with εr ~ 40.45 and Q × f ~ 19 123 GHz.
Sexual assault and other types of violence in intimate partner relationships
Authors: ALSAKER KJERSTI , MORKEN TONE , BASTE VALBORG , CAMPOS‐SERNA JAVIER , MOEN BENTE E. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract Objective. To investigate whether sexual assaults are more likely to co‐occur with some types of abuse rather than others in violent intimate relationships. Design. Cross‐sectional study. Setting. A self‐administered questionnaire was sent to all Norwegian women's shelters. Population. Women seeking refuge at Norwegian women's shelters in 2002 and 2003. Methods. Sexual assault and experiences of intimate partner violence were measured using the Severity of Violence against Women Scale (SVAWS) and psychological violence was measured using the Psychological Maltreatment of Women Inventory (PMWI). Main outcome measures. Student's t‐test analyses were performed between the mean values of the different acts of reported violence, and linear regression analyses were used to examine the association between sexual violence and the other forms of violence reported. Results. Sexual violence correlated significantly with the other eight categories in SVAWS, and with violence directed at the pregnant woman's abdomen and psychological violence in PMWI. When we adjusted all categories for each other by linear regression analysis, sexual intimate partner violence was significantly associated with hair pulling, arm twisting, spanking or biting, dominance and isolation abuse and violence directed at the pregnant woman's abdomen. Conclusion. Sexual assaults are more likely to co‐occur with some types of physical and psychological violence than with others. This knowledge may be important for improving our understanding of sexual violence in intimate partner relationships and in the efforts to detect intimate partner violence. Bruises, loss of hair and bite marks may suggest that sexual acts were committed against the victim's will.
Should hysteroscopy be provided for patients who have undergone instrumental intrauterine intervention after delivery?
Authors: HRAZDIROVA LUCIE , SVABIK KAMIL , ZIZKA ZDENEK , GERMANOVA ANNA , KUZEL DAVID 
Published: December 2011

Abstract We investigated the frequency of pathology, especially intrauterine adhesions, after instrumental evacuation within 24 h of delivery in a prospective observational intervention study on 100 women where a ‘see and treat’ hysteroscopy was performed after three to four months. There were two possible etiology groups: intrauterine adhesions [classified according by European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) grades I–IV] and residual tissue (classified as minimal and considerable). Adhesions were found in 18% of patients, as follows: ESGE I–II in 13% and ESGE III–IV in 5%. Residual tissue was present in 33%, as follows: minimal in 23% and considerable in 10%. There were 6% who had both mild adhesions and minimal residual tissue, while 43% of the women had normal intrauterine findings. Of the women, 32% were symptomatic (spotting, bleeding). Only residual tissue correlated with symptoms (r=0.376; p<0.001). There is a high prevalence of acquired intrauterine pathology (57%) in women who require early instrumental evacuation.
The effect of hysterectomy or levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system on premenstrual symptoms in women treated for menorrhagia: secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: LEMINEN HENRI , HELIÖVAARA‐PEIPPO SATU , HALMESMÄKI KAROLIINA , TEPERI JUHA , GRENMAN SEIJA , KIVELÄ AARRE , TUPPURAINEN MARJO , PAAVONEN JORMA , HURSKAINEN RITVA 
Published: December 2011

Abstract Objective. To study the effect of hysterectomy or levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS) on premenstrual symptoms in women treated for menorrhagia. Design. Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Setting. Five university hospitals in Finland. Sample. A cohort of 236 women, aged 35–49 years (mean 43 years) referred for menorrhagia between 1994 and 1997. Women were not diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome. Methods. Women were randomized to treatment by hysterectomy (n=117) or LNG‐IUS (n=119). Analyses were performed using the intention‐to‐treat and actual treatment principles. Women using estrogen therapy and women who underwent bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy were excluded from the analyses. Main outcome measures. The occurrence of premenstrual symptoms evaluated by questionnaires at baseline and at follow‐up visits six and 12 months after the treatment and five years after the randomization. Results. Premenstrual symptoms decreased significantly in both groups by six months (p≤0.028) without significant differences between the groups, except that in the LNG‐IUS group the decrease of breast tenderness was seen first by 12 months (p=0.048). Even though 42% of the women assigned to treatment with LNG‐IUS were hysterectomized during the follow‐up period, the results of intention‐to‐treat and actual treatment analyses were comparable. Conclusions. Both hysterectomy and LNG‐IUS seem to alleviate premenstrual symptoms of women treated for menorrhagia, while the effect of these treatments on premenstrual syndrome remains unsettled.
FoxP3 mRNA splice forms in synovial CD4+ T cells in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis
Authors: RYDER L REBEKKA , BARTELS ELSE MARIE , WOETMANN ANDERS , MADSEN HANS OLE , ØDUM NIELS , BLIDDAL HENNING , DANNESKIOLD‐SAMSØE BENTE , RIBEL‐MADSEN SØREN , RYDER LARS P 
Published: December 2011

Ryder LR, Bartels EM, Woetmann A, Madsen HO, Ødum N, Bliddal H, Danneskiold‐Samsøe B, Ribel‐Madsen S, Ryder LP. FoxP3 mRNA splice forms in synovial CD4+ T cells in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. APMIS 2012; 120: 387–96.Our aim was to elucidate the relative amount of the different splice forms of FoxP3 mRNA in CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood (PB) compared to synovial fluid (SF) in RA and PsA patients. FoxP3 mRNA was measured using a quantitative real‐time PCR method. CD4+ T cells were isolated from 17 paired samples of PB and SF from RA and PsA patients, and PB from 10 controls. FoxP3fl and FoxP3Δ2 mRNA was significantly increased (6.7 and 2.1‐fold, respectively) in PB CD4+ T cells from RA patients compared to controls. FoxP3fl and Δ2 mRNA in SF CD4+ T cells was increased compared to controls in sero‐negative RA and PsA, but not in sero‐positive RA patients, who had a high FoxP3 expression in both PB and SF. The FoxP3Δ2Δ7 mRNA was barely detectable in patient samples, and not at all in healthy individuals. We provide evidence of an increased expression of FoxP3 splice forms in synovial CD4+ T cells from RA patients. A skewed, high expression profile of FoxP3, but not CTLA‐4, in sero‐negative RA and PsA, indicates that synovial CD4+ T cells may represent unique subsets of T cells which have been induced locally or selectively recruited to the joint.
Comparison of final irrigation techniques in removal of calcium hydroxide
Authors: Yücel Ali Çağın , Gürel Melek , Güler Eda , Karabucak Bekir 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare new irrigation systems with a conventional irrigation technique for the removal of inter‐appointment calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2]. Forty‐seven extracted human single‐rooted teeth were instrumented, and Ca(OH)2 paste was placed into root canals by using a lentulo spiral at the apical third. Teeth were randomly divided into three groups according to different irrigation protocols using a 30‐gauge slot‐tipped needle, EndoVac system and ProUltra® PiezoFlow™ ultrasonic irrigation system. Scanning electron microscopic images of the selected root canal surfaces (cervical, middle and apical third) were evaluated using a 5‐grade scale. The influence of the irrigation system was evaluated using a two‐way analysis of variance test and Tukey's test. The EndoVac and PiezoFlow groups demonstrated the lowest scale values (cleanest canals); however, there was no statistical difference between these two groups. The conventional irrigation group exhibited significantly higher scores (P < 0.05). The conventional needle irrigation was not sufficient to remove Ca(OH)2 from the root canal system. Irrigation with EndoVac and PiezoFlow™ ultrasonic irrigation systems improved the removal of the intracanal medicament resulting in cleaner root canal walls.
Use of Oral Anticoagulation among Stroke Patients with Atrial Fibrillation in China: The ChinaQUEST (Quality Evaluation of Stroke Care and Treatment) Registry Study
Authors: Gao Qingchun , Fu Xian , Wei Jade W. , Chen Xiangyan , Huang Yining , Wang Jiguang , Anderson Craig S. , Wong Ka Sing ,   for the China QUEST Study Investigators
Published: December 2011

Background International guidelines recommend oral anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation according to their level of stroke risk. This study aimed to determine oral anticoagulation use in atrial fibrillation patients with recent ischemic stroke and examine factors that impact such management in China. Methods Among the patients with acute ischemic stroke ( n = 4782) from the China QUality Evaluation of Stroke Care and Treatment study, a multicenter, prospective, 62-hospital registry in China, there were 499 (10%) (mean age 70 ± 12 years, 49% female) with documented atrial fibrillation with outcome data over 12 months of follow-up. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent predictors of oral anticoagulation use in these patients. Results Of the 499 stroke patients with atrial fibrillation, oral anticoagulation use was 20% overall but varied from 8% prestroke and 11% in-hospital (poststroke), to 13% and 10% at three-months and 12 months, respectively. Oral anticoagulation use was independently associated with younger age (odds ratio 0·95, 95% confidence interval 0·93–0·97, P < 0·001), nonmanual occupation (odds ratio 0·44, 95% confidence interval 0·25–0·80, P = 0·006), and less cardiovascular risk factors (odds ratio 0·81, 95% confidence interval 0·68–0·96, P = 002). Conclusions These data indicate oral anticoagulation use is lower in stroke patients with atrial fibrillation in China than that in Western countries, being applied more often in those of younger age, nonmanual occupation, and having less cardiovascular risk factors.
Hemorrhage after Ischemic Stroke – Relation to Age and Previous Hemorrhage in a Nationwide Cohort of 58 868 Patients
Authors: Åsberg Signild , Henriksson Karin M. , Farahmand Bahman , Terént Andreas 
Published: December 2011

Background In randomized controlled trials of secondary prevention after stroke, the risk of hemorrhage varies between 1% and 5% per year in patients with antithrombotic therapy, i.e. anticoagulants and antiplatelets. Aim To explore the rate and the risk of hemorrhage after stroke in a nationwide cohort. Methods We identified 58 868 first ever ischemic stroke patients in the Swedish Stroke Register during 2001 to 2005 (=index stroke) and followed them by record linkage to the National Patient Register. Rates of hemorrhage and hazard ratios, for comparisons of rates between subgroups, were calculated. Results Of the 58 586 ischemic stroke patients identified, 5527 (9·4%) had a history of hemorrhage. During follow-up (mean 2·0 years), 2876 patients endured a hemorrhage, giving an average hemorrhage rate of 2·6 (95% confidence interval 2·5–2·7) per 100 person-years. After index stroke, 11% of the patients were discharged with anticoagulants, and 79% with antiplatelets. Given the differences in baseline characteristics, the hemorrhage rates (per 100 person-years) were 2·5 (95% confidence interval 2·2–2·8), 2·4 (95% confidence interval 2·3–2·5), and 3·8 (95% confidence interval 3·5–4·2) in patients prescribed anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and no antithrombotics, respectively. There was an increased risk of hemorrhage in patients ≥75 years compared with those <75 years (hazard ratio = 1·61, 95% confidence interval 1·49–1·73) and in patients with previous hemorrhages compared with those without (hazard ratio = 1·82, 95% confidence interval 1·64–2·02). Conclusions When antithrombotics were used in large-scale clinical practice, the observed rates of hemorrhage were similar with anticoagulant therapy but increased with antiplatelet therapy compared with rates reported in randomized controlled trials. Old age and previous hemorrhage were associated with an increased risk of hemorrhage after an ischemic stroke.
Understanding cannabis use in first‐episode psychosis: an application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour
Authors: Hames Anna , Evangeli Michael , Harrop Chris , di Forti Marta 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTAim: The study aims to examine whether an extended Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) model predicts the frequency of past and intended cannabis use in young adults with psychosis.Methods: A cross‐sectional correlational design was used with 32 participants (aged 18–36 years old) within 3 years (mean = 7 months) of their first psychotic episode. TPB variables and a measure of social influence (descriptive norms) were measured.Results: The TPB accounted for a large amount of the variance in both the frequency of past cannabis use (25%) and in the intended frequency of future cannabis use (36%). The addition of descriptive norms (beliefs about the frequency of others' cannabis use) accounted for a significant additional amount of the variance in past use (19%). Adding the ‘friends’ component of descriptive norms only led to a model that accounted for 52% of the variance in past cannabis use.Conclusions: Descriptive social norms should be considered when trying to understand cannabis use in early psychosis. Interventions should take account of the individual's attitude towards cannabis, their perceived control over its use and its social context.
Reforming the International Monetary Fund
Authors: Buckley Ross P. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis article explores the International Monetary Fund’s performance through crises ranging from the debt crisis of 1982 to the global financial crisis of 2008. The rise of market fundamentalism in the Fund’s policy prescriptions is analysed and contrasted with its abrogation of market principles in crafting resolutions of crises. Potential reforms to voting rights, culture and perspectives within the Fund are considered, along with what may be required to achieve such vitally needed changes.
Advanced Electrocardiographic Parameters Change with Severity of Mitral Regurgitation in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in Sinus Rhythm
Authors: Špiljak Pakkanen M. , Domanjko Petrič A. , Olsen L.H. , Stepančič A. , Schlegel T.T. , Falk T. , Rasmussen C.E. , Starc V. 
Published: December 2011

BackgroundMultiple advanced resting ECG (A‐ECG) techniques have improved the diagnostic or prognostic value of ECG in detecting human cardiac diseases even before onset of clinical signs or changes in conventional ECG.ObjectiveTo determine which A‐ECG parameters, derived from 12‐lead A‐ECG recordings, change with severity of mitral regurgitation (MR) caused by myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs) in sinus rhythm.AnimalsSeventy‐six privately owned CKCSs.MethodsDogs were prospectively divided into 5 groups according to the degree of MR (estimated by color Doppler mapping as the percentage of the left atrial area affected by the MR jet) and presence of clinical signs. High fidelity approximately 5‐minute 12‐lead ECG recordings were evaluated using custom software to calculate multiple conventional and A‐ECG parameters.ResultsNineteen of 76 ECG parameters were significantly different (P < .05) across the 5 dog groups. A 4‐parameter model that incorporated results from 1 parameter of heart rate variability, 2 parameters of QT variability, and 1 parameter of QRS amplitude was identified that explained 82.4% of the variance with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.60 (P < .01). When age or murmur grade was included in the statistical model the prediction value further increased the R to 0.74 and 0.85 (P < .01), respectively.ConclusionIn CKCSs with sinus rhythm, 4 selected A‐ECG parameters further improve prediction of MR jet severity beyond age and murmur grade, although the predictive increment in this study probably is not sufficient to warrant utilization in clinical veterinary practice.
New Treatments for Rhabdomyosarcoma: The Importance of Target Practice
Authors: Barr Frederic G. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
To address the poor outcomes in rhabdomyosarcoma, particularly the alveolar subtype, new therapies are needed. Potential cancer-specific alterations that may be molecular targets include gene fusions or copy number changes. Following the latter strategy, an attractive antigene approach was developed to inhibit MYCN oncogene expression in rhabdomyosarcoma. Clin Cancer Res; 18(3); 595–7. ©2011 AACR.
Anti-MET Targeted Therapy Has Come of Age: The First Durable Complete Response with MetMAb in Metastatic Gastric Cancer
Authors: Feng Yan , Ma Patrick C. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The MET/hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling pathway plays important roles in oncogenesis and tumor progression in a variety of human cancers. MET/HGF drives an invasive signaling program that can be dysregulated in human cancers through a number of activating mechanisms, including mutations, overexpression, amplification, alternative splicing, and HGF ligand–induced autocrine/paracrine loop signaling. As a testimony of MET-targeting therapeutics is beginning to come to clinical fruition, Catenacci and colleagues report the first case of durable complete response under an anti-MET receptor monoclonal antibody, MetMAb, in a patient with chemotherapy-refractory, advanced gastric cancer metastatic to the liver, found to have high MET gene polysomy and remarkably high serum HGF level. Serum and tissue studies also revealed predictive biomarkers for therapeutic response to MET inhibition. Cancer Discovery; 1(7); 550–4. ©2011 AACR.
Commentary on Catenacci et al., p. 573.
A study of acculturation in psychotic and non-psychotic immigrants living in Athens
Authors: Gonidakis F. , Lembesi E. , Kontaxakis V. P. , Havaki-Kontaxaki B. J. , Ploumpidis D. , Madianos M. , Papadimitriou G. N. 
Published: December 2011

Background: Acculturation is the phenomenon that results when a group with one culture comes into continuous contact with a host culture. Aims: To investigate the correlation between acculturation and psychotic symptomatology in a group of immigrants suffering from psychosis and to explore differences in demographic factors related with the acculturation process between individuals with and without psychosis. Methods: Sixty-five patients and 317 non-psychotic immigrants were interviewed using the Immigrant Acculturation Scale (IAS) and a structured questionnaire for demographic data. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) were also administered to all immigrants suffering from psychosis. Results: Total IAS scores, as well as IAS everyday life scores, were positively correlated with GAF scores. IAS everyday life score in the patient group related with religion, marital status, gender and years in Greece, while in the non-psychosis group it was related with gender and years in Greece. IAS wishful orientation/ nostos (the strong desire for one’s homeland) related with religion in both groups. The IAS identity in the psychosis group did not show any significant relation with any of the variables, while in the non-patient group, it was related with marital status, gender and years in Greece. Age, duration of residence in Greece and higher adoption of Greek ethnic identity were the variables that differentiated the two groups of immigrants. Conclusion: Acculturation in immigrants suffering from psychosis could be seen as a process that does not correlate strongly with the severity of the symptomatology but is probably influenced by different set of factors.
Facial Nerve Decompression Surgery Using bFGF‐Impregnated Biodegradable Gelatin Hydrogel in Patients with Bell Palsy
Authors: Hato Naohito , Nota Jumpei , Komobuchi Hayato , Teraoka Masato , Yamada Hiroyuki , Gyo Kiyofumi , Yanagihara Naoaki , Tabata Yasuhiko 
Published: December 2011

ObjectiveBasic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) promotes the regeneration of denervated nerves. The aim of this study was to evaluate the regeneration‐facilitating effects of novel facial nerve decompression surgery using bFGF in a gelatin hydrogel in patients with severe Bell palsy.Study DesignProspective clinical study.SettingTertiary referral center.Subjects and MethodsTwenty patients with Bell palsy after more than 2 weeks following the onset of severe paralysis were treated with the new procedure. The facial nerve was decompressed between tympanic and mastoid segments via the mastoid. A bFGF‐impregnated biodegradable gelatin hydrogel was placed around the exposed nerve. Regeneration of the facial nerve was evaluated by the House‐Brackmann (H‐B) grading system. The outcomes were compared with the authors’ previous study, which reported outcomes of the patients who underwent conventional decompression surgery (n = 58) or conservative treatment (n = 43).ResultsThe complete recovery (H‐B grade 1) rate of the novel surgery (75.0%) was significantly better than the rate of conventional surgery (44.8%) and conservative treatment (23.3%). Every patient in the novel decompression surgery group improved to H‐B grade 2 or better even when undergone between 31 and 99 days after onset.ConclusionAdvantages of this decompression surgery are low risk of complications and long effective period after onset of the paralysis. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first clinical report of the efficacy of bFGF using a new drug delivery system in patients with severe Bell palsy.