bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating Influenza-Associated Deaths in the United States
Authors: Thompson William W. , Moore Matthew R. , Weintraub Eric , Cheng Po-Yung , Jin Xiaoping , Bridges Carolyn B. , Bresee Joseph S. , Shay David K. 
Published: October 2009

Most estimates of US deaths associated with influenza circulation have been similar despite the use of different approaches. However, a recently published estimate suggested that previous estimates substantially overestimated deaths associated with influenza, and concluded that substantial numbers of deaths during a future pandemic could be prevented because of improvements in medical care. We reviewed the data sources and methods used to estimate influenza-associated deaths. We suggest that discrepancies between the recent estimate and previous estimates of the number of influenza-associated deaths are attributable primarily to the use of different outcomes and methods. We also believe that secondary bacterial infections will likely result in substantial morbidity and mortality during a future influenza pandemic, despite medical progress.
Pandemic Influenza and Community Preparedness
Authors: Marshall Helen , Ryan Philip , Roberton Don , Street Jackie , Watson Maureen 
Published: October 2009

Objectives. We aimed to examine community knowledge about and attitudes toward the threat of pandemic influenza and assess the community acceptability of strategies to reduce its effect. Methods. We conducted computer-aided telephone interviews in 2007 with a cross-sectional sample of rural and metropolitan residents of South Australia. Results. Of 1975 households interviewed, half (50.2%) had never heard of pandemic influenza or were unaware of its meaning. Only 10% of respondents were extremely concerned about the threat of pandemic influenza. Respondents identified children as the highest priority for vaccination, if supplies were limited; they ranked politicians and teachers as the lowest priority. Although only 61.7% of respondents agreed with a policy of home isolation, 98.2% agreed if it was part of a national strategy. Respondents considered television to be the best means of educating the community. Conclusions. Community knowledge about pandemic influenza is poor despite widespread concern. Public education about pandemic influenza is essential if strategies to reduce the impact of the disease are to be effective.
The Prevalence of Depression Among Men Living With HIV Infection in Vietnam
Authors: Esposito Catherine Anne , Steel Zachary , Gioi Tran Minh , Huyen Tran Trieu Ngoa , Tarantola Daniel 
Published: October 2009

Objectives. We assessed the prevalence of depression among men living with HIV infection in Vietnam and compared the findings with those from a general population survey of Vietnamese men. Methods. Between November 2007 and April 2008, 584 participants completed a structured questionnaire in Vietnamese that measured self-reported depression. We used the χ2 test to detect differences in prevalence rates within HIV populations and between our respondents and a general Vietnamese male population. Results. Respondents had a depression rate of 18.7% over a 1-month period, which was substantially higher than that reported in the Vietnamese male population (0.9%). Rates were highest among men reporting higher levels of stress and more HIV symptoms. Men diagnosed with depression experienced significantly more difficulty than others in accessing medical care. Conclusions. Our results provide the first empirical evidence of depression among men living with HIV in Vietnam and underscore the need to include mental health services in the response to HIV.
Persistence and Change in Disparities in HIV Infection Among Injection Drug Users in New York City After Large-Scale Syringe Exchange Programs
Authors: Des Jarlais Don C. , Arasteh Kamyar , Hagan Holly , McKnight Courtney , Perlman David C. , Friedman Samuel R. 
Published: October 2009

Objectives. We examined racial/ethnic disparities in HIV infection among injection drug users (IDUs) before and after implementation of large-scale syringe exchange programs in New York City. Methods. Participants were recruited from IDUs entering the Beth Israel drug detoxification program in New York City. Participants (n = 1203) recruited from 1990 through 1994, prior to large-scale syringe exchange programs (pre-exchange), were compared with 1109 participants who began injecting in 1995 or later and were interviewed in 1995 through 2008 (post-exchange). Results. There were large differences in HIV prevalence among pre-exchange vs post-exchange participants (African Americans, 57% vs 15%; Hispanics, 53% vs 5%; Whites, 27% vs 3%). Pre- and post-exchange relative disparities of HIV prevalence were similar for African Americans vs Whites (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.41, 4.96 and AOR = 4.02, 95% CI = 1.67, 9.69, respectively) and Hispanics vs Whites (AOR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.49, 2.09 and AOR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.02, 2.17). Racial/ethnic group differences in risk behavior did not explain differences in HIV prevalence. Conclusions. New interventions are needed to address continuing disparities in HIV infection among IDUs, but self-reported risk behaviors by themselves may not be adequate outcome measures for evaluating interventions to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in HIV infection.
Role of the Primary Care Safety Net in Pandemic Influenza
Authors: Rust George , Melbourne Mollie , Truman Benedict I. , Daniels Elvan , Fry-Johnson Yvonne , Curtin Thomas 
Published: October 2009

An influenza pandemic would have a disproportionately adverse impact on minority populations, the poor, the uninsured, and those living in underserved communities. Primary care practices serving the underserved would face special challenges in an influenza pandemic. Although not a formalized system, components of the primary care safety net include federally qualified health centers, public hospital clinics, volunteer or free clinics, and some local public health units. In the event of an influenza pandemic, the primary care safety net is needed to treat vulnerable populations and to provide health care surge capacity to prevent the overwhelming of hospital emergency departments. We examined the strength, capacity, and preparedness of key components of the primary care safety net in responding to pandemic influenza.
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Among Public-Housing Residents, Single-Parent Families, and Low-Income Populations
Authors: Bouye Karen , Truman Benedict I. , Hutchins Sonja , Richard Roland , Brown Clive , Guillory Joyce A. , Rashid Jamila 
Published: October 2009

During the early stages of an influenza pandemic, a pandemic vaccine likely will not be available. Therefore, interventions to mitigate pandemic influenza transmission in communities will be an important component of the response to a pandemic. Public-housing residents, single-parent families, and low-income populations may have difficulty complying with community-wide interventions. To enable compliance with community interventions, stakeholders recommended the following: (1) community mobilization and partnerships, (2) culturally specific emergency communications planning, (3) culturally specific education and training programs, (4) evidence-based measurement and evaluation efforts, (5) strategic planning policies, (6) inclusion of community members as partners, and (7) policy and program changes to minimize morbidity and mortality.
Cardiopulmonary effects of dobutamine and norepinephrine infusion in healthy anesthetized alpacas
Authors: Vincent Caitlin J. , Hawley Alexander T. , Rozanski Elizabeth A. , Lascola Kara M. , Bedenice Daniela 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Objective—To characterize the cardiopulmonary effects of dobutamine and norepinephrine infusion in isoflurane-anesthetized healthy alpacas.
Animals—8 adult alpacas.
Procedures—Initial baseline cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic variables were obtained 30 minutes after induction of isoflurane anesthesia in 8 alpacas (3 females and 5 sexually intact males). Four treatments (dobutamine at 4 and 8 μg/kg/min and norepinephrine at 0.3 and 1 μg/kg/min) were administered in random order via constant rate infusion over 15 minutes, followed by repeat measurements of cardiopulmonary values and a 20-minute washout period. Subsequent baseline and posttreatment measurements were similarly repeated until both drugs and dosages were administered to each animal. Baseline data in awake alpacas were obtained 18 to 24 hours following recovery from anesthesia.
Results—Both dobutamine and norepinephrine significantly increased cardiac index and arterial blood pressure from baseline values. Similar increases in hemoglobin concentration, oxygen content, and oxygen delivery were observed following administration of each drug at either dosage. Only dobutamine, however, reduced relative oxygen consumption while improving overall tissue oxygenation. Furthermore, heart rate was selectively enhanced by dobutamine and systemic vascular resistance by norepinephrine. Norepinephrine infusion resulted in dose-dependent changes in cardiopulmonary variables.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that both dobutamine and norepinephrine were appropriate choices to improve cardiac index, mean arterial pressure, and overall oxygen delivery in alpacas with isoflurane-induced hypotension. Careful titration by use of low infusion rates of dobutamine and norepinephrine is recommended to avoid potential arrhythmogenic effects and excessive vasoconstriction, respectively.
Risk factors and outcome of bougienage for treatment of benign esophageal strictures in dogs and cats: 28 cases (1995–2004)
Authors: Bissett Sally A. , Davis Julianne , Subler Katie , Degernes Laurel A. 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Objective—To determine outcome of bougienage for treatment of benign esophageal stricture (BES) in dogs and cats and identify risk factors for the condition.
Design—Retrospective case series.
Animals—20 dogs and 8 cats with BES.
Procedures—Medical records were reviewed for information on signalment, clinical features, and outcome. Long-term outcome information was obtained with a questionnaire.
Results—Esophageal bougienage was performed with dilators ranging from 5 to 15 mm in diameter; median numbers of bougienage procedures were 3 (dogs) and 4.5 (cats). A good outcome, defined as tolerance of solid food with regurgitation less than once a week, was achieved in 14 dogs and 6 cats. Complications were minimal, with nonfatal esophageal perforation occurring in 1 cat. Four dogs and 1 cat were euthanized or died because of esophageal disease. Dogs with BES were more likely to be female, have a recent history of general anesthesia, have received an antimicrobial orally, or have a history of vomiting than were dogs in a reference population. Cats with BES were more likely to have a recent history of general anesthesia, vomiting, or gastrointestinal tract trichobezoars than were cats in a reference population. Doxycycline-induced esophagitis was the suspected cause of BES in 3 cats. Although general anesthesia was associated with development of BES in 18 dogs and 5 cats, concurrent potential causes of esophageal injury were common.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that esophageal bougienage was a safe and effective treatment for most dogs and cats with BES, with outcomes similar to those reported for balloon dilation.
The structure of macrozoobenthic communities in the Tywa River, a right-bank tributary of the Oder River (northwest Poland)
Authors: Raczyńska Małgorzata , Chojnacki Juliusz 
Published: October 2009

The structure of macrozoobenthic communities in the Tywa River, a right-bank tributary of the Oder River (northwest Poland)
Research relating to the subject of this paper was conducted on the Tywa River between September 1996 and July 1998. In the samples, invertebrates were found belonging to 46 species, 26 genera, and two subfamilies. In the 1996 season, the highest abundance was observed among Tanypodinae (larvae) at 10,878 ind. m-2; among Chironominae (larvae) it was 9,965 ind. m-2; and among Tubifex tubifex it was 2,605 ind. m-2. The maximum total density of macrozoobenthic forms in the Tywa River was at station no. 1, where it amounted to 23,953 ind. m-2. The quantitative structure in the 1997 season was lower than in the 1996 season, and the highest abundance was for Simulium sp. (larvae) at 5,196 ind. m-2; for, Tanypodinae it was 3,360 ind. m-2; and for Dreissena polymorpha it was 4,721 ind. m-2; and for Theodoxus fluviatilis — it was 4,114 ind. m-2. In this season, the biodiversity of the macrozoobenthic community was the highest of all seasons. In 1998, the qualitative structure of the macrozoobenthic community was low: Hirudinea disappeared, and the quality of the community was almost four times lower than in 1996. The river's fast current, its diverse substratum, its very good oxygenation, and moderate concentrations of organic matter created conditions appropriate for species that differ in their requirements.
Public Financial Funds Efficiency Regarding the Development of Innovative Activities in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises: the Case of Slovenia
Authors: Jesenko Jože , Stanič Uroš , Rudolf Robert , Rangus Vanja , Meršol Nataša 
Published: October 2009

Public Financial Funds Efficiency Regarding the Development of Innovative Activities in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises: the Case of Slovenia
In this article, the authors present a method of measuring the efficiency of use of national and European public funds for promoting action in companies, including the process from a draft idea to the placement of a product or service on market. The method of measuring has been done with a matrix system, through which we have shown the distribution of public funds between service brokers that offer services for the raising of the abilities to the companies. The matrix system includes the impact matrix of service brokers on innovation enablers. Based on the assembling matrix, we have composed efficiency measures, which can serve policyholders in guiding and controlling public funds.
A Successful CRM Implementation Project in a Service Company: Case Study
Authors: Piskar Franka , Faganel Armand 
Published: October 2009

A Successful CRM Implementation Project in a Service Company: Case Study
Customer relationship management - CRM implementations increased rapidly in Slovenia in the last few years, following the trends elsewhere. Studies reporting how the implementation project goes on before, between and after the implementation are scarce. We offer a thorough case study analysis of the CRM implementation with a positive outcome in a Slovene service company. Case study demonstrates that CRM implementation is a holistic and complex concept, which means that it is not merely an integration of new information technology, but everything that happens around the business processes changes. We recommend that the company has already established a process approach and the orientation toward customers. Study showed the need for efficient leadership, acquirement of resources and CRM strategy implementation control; trust to the software solution shouldn't be self-understood. Through implemented analytical CRM company can improve the relationship with customers, achieve larger information sharing between employees and accept better strategic decisions.
Biostratigraphy of the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary in the Sirwan Valley (Sulaimani Region, Kurdistan, NE Iraq)
Authors: Sharbazheri Khalid , Ghafor Imad , Muhammed Qahtan 
Published: October 2009

Biostratigraphy of the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary in the Sirwan Valley (Sulaimani Region, Kurdistan, NE Iraq)The Cretaceous/Tertiary (K/T) boundary sequence, which crops out in the studied area is located within the High Folded Zone, in the Sirwan Valley, northeastern Iraq. These units mainly consist of flysch and flysch-type successions of thick clastic beds of Tanjero/Kolosh Formations. A detailed lithostratigraphic study is achieved on the outcropping uppermost part of the Upper Cretaceous successions (upper part of Tanjero Formation) and the lowermost part of the Kolosh Formation. On the basis of the identified planktonic foraminiferal assemblages, five biozones are recorded from the uppermost part of Tanjero Formation and four biozones from the lower part of the Kolosh Formation (Lower Paleocene) in the Sirwan section. The biostratigraphic correlations based on planktonic foraminiferal zonations showed a comparison between the biostratigraphic zones established in this study and other equivalents of the commonly used planktonic zonal scheme around the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary in and outside Iraq.
A Functional Threshold for Long-Term Use of Hand and Arm Function Can Be Determined: Predictions From a Computational Model and Supporting Data From the Extremity Constraint-Induced Therapy Evaluation (EXCITE) Trial
Authors: Schweighofer Nicolas , Han Cheol E. , Wolf Steven L. , Arbib Michael A. , Winstein Carolee J. 
Published: October 2009

Background
Although spontaneous use of the more-affected arm and hand after stroke is an important determinant of participation and quality of life, a number of patients exhibit decreases in use following rehabilitative therapy. A previous neurocomputational model predicted that if the dose of therapy is sufficient to bring performance above a certain threshold, training can be stopped.

Objective
The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that there exists a threshold for function of the paretic arm and hand after therapy. If function is above this threshold, spontaneous use will increase in the months following therapy. In contrast, if function is below this threshold, spontaneous use will decrease.

Methods
New computer simulations are presented showing that changes in arm use following therapy depend on a performance threshold. This prediction was tested by reanalyzing the data from the Extremity Constraint-Induced Therapy Evaluation (EXCITE) trial, a phase III randomized controlled trial in which participants received constraint-induced movement therapy for 2 weeks and were tested both 1 week and 1 year after therapy.

Results
The results demonstrate that arm and hand function measured immediately after therapy predicts, on average, the long-term change of arm use. Above a functional threshold, use improves. Below this threshold, use decreases.

Limitations
The reanalysis of the EXCITE trial data provides a “group” threshold above which a majority of patients, but not all, improve spontaneously. A goal of future research is to provide the means to assess when patients reach their individual threshold.

Conclusion
Understanding of the causal and nonlinear relationship between limb function and daily use is important for the future development of cost-effective interventions and prevention of “rehabilitation in vain.”
Multiple Fractionated and Single-Dose Irradiation of Bone Marrow
Authors: Tong X.-Q. , Sugimura H. , Kisanuki A. , Asato M. , Yuki Y. , Tamura S. , Watanabe K. 
Published: October 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the MR appearance of bone marrow during and after multiple fractionated and single-dose irradiation using SE sequences, with histopathological correlation. Material and Methods: the left hind limbs of Wistar rats were irradiated with doses of either 2 GyX10 fractions or 20 Gy as a single dose. MR images of the femora were taken on days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180. T1-, proton-density- and T2-weighted images were obtained with SE sequences. the rats were sacrificed on days 3, 12, 40 and 180 for histological study. Results: No significant change in the T1 relaxation time was observed in the fractionated group during the first 15 days after irradiation. T2 did not change during the initial 7 days. There were significant differences in T1 and T2 between nonirradiated and fractionated, and between fractionated and single-dose irradiated marrows ( p<0.01). Sinusoidal dilatation, decrease in cellularity, and hemorrhage were observed on day 3. Fat increased on/after day 12. the fractionated group showed mild changes compared to the single-dose irradiated group. Conclusion: the T1 and T2 relaxation times of bone marrow receiving multiple fractionated irradiation did not change significantly on SE sequences during the early phase. However, dilatation of sinusoids, hemorrhage, decrease in cellularity, and increase in fat content were observed. Single-dose irradiation resulted in marked and early changes in T1 and T2 of the bone marrow.
Agreement between Radiographic and Photographic Trabecular Patterns
Authors: Korstjens C. M. , Spruijt R. J. , Mosekilde L. , Geraets W. G. M. , van der Stelt P. F. 
Published: October 2009

Purpose: It has been hypothesized that photographs can facilitate the interpretation of the radiographic characteristics of trabecular bone. the reliability of these photographic and radiographic approaches has been determined, as have various agreements between the two approaches and their correlations with biomechanical characteristics. Material and Methods: Fourteen vertebral bodies were obtained at autopsy from 6 women and 8 men aged 22–76 years. Photographs (n=28) and radiographs (n=28) were taken of midsagittal slices from the third lumbar vertebra. the radiographs and photographs were digitized and the geometric properties of the trabecular architecture were then determined with a digital image analysis technique. Information on the compressive strength and ash density of the vertebral body was also available. Results: the geometric properties of both radiographs and photographs could be measured with a high degree of reliability (Cronbach's α >0.85). Agreement between the radiographic and photographic approaches was mediocre as only the radiographic measurements showed significant correlations ( p<0.05) with the biomechanical characteristics. We suggest that optical phenomena may result in the insignificant correlations between the photographs and the biomechanical characteristics. Conclusion: for digital image processing, radiography offers a superior description of the architecture of trabecular bone to that offered by photography.
Bone Demarcation of the Temporomandibular Joint
Authors: Ahlqvist J. B. , Isberg A. M. 
Published: October 2009

Purpose: To study the CT depiction of bone demarcations in the temporomandibular joint, using conventional window level and window width; and to evaluate observer performance in estimating bone thickness in these images. Material and Methods: Seven joint specimens were imaged by CT and then cryosectioned. the measurements of bone wall thickness in the images were compared to the true bone thickness at each cutting level. In addition, 4 experienced radiologists estimated the thickness of the bone walls in the images. Results: the relative difference between the CT reproduction and the true bone thickness was small for bone walls thicker than 2 mm. This difference increased with the decrease in bone thickness and the increase in the inclination of the bone wall from the perpendicular to the image plane. Bone walls thinner than 1 mm were reproduced as considerably thicker than their true thickness. This resulted in a clinical overestimation of bone thickness. Conclusion: Both the CT representation and the interpretation of bone demarcation in the temporomandibular joint may constitute a problem. Partial volume averaging effects can result in an overestimation of bone dimensions amounting to 200% for thin bones. the central white zone in images of thin bone walls obtained with the parameters described here could serve as an indicator that could help to reduce the risk of overestimating bone thickness.