bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Acupuncture Treatment for Postmenopausal Hot Flushes (Acuflash) Study: Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnoses and Acupuncture Points Used, and Their Relation to the Treatment Response
Authors: Borud Einar Kristian , Alræk Terje , White Adrian , Grimsgaard Sameline 
Published: September 2009

Introduction The multicentre, pragmatic, randomised controlled Acuflash study evaluated the effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) acupuncture on postmenopausal vasomotor symptoms and health-related quality of life. It concluded that use of acupuncture in addition to self-care can contribute to a clinically relevant reduction of hot flushes and increased health-related quality of life. This article reports on the TCM syndrome diagnoses and acupuncture points used and their relation to the treatment response, and on treatment reactions and adverse events. Methods The acupuncture group (n = 134) received 10 acupuncture treatment sessions and advice on self-care; the control group (n = 133) received advice on self-care only. The study acupuncturists met the current membership criteria of the Norwegian Acupuncture Society, and had at least 3 years’ experience of practising TCM acupuncture. They were free to diagnose and select acupuncture points for each participant, after initial discussion. Results Fifty per cent of the participants in the acupuncture group were diagnosed with Kidney Yin Xu as their primary TCM syndrome diagnosis. No statistically significant differences were demonstrated between the syndrome groups regarding the distribution of responders and non-responders, nor regarding the change in health-related quality of life scores. A core of common acupuncture points (SP6, HT6, KI7, KI6, CV4, LU7, LI4, and LR3) were used in all the syndromes, and in addition multiple idiosyncratic points. Core point selection and frequency of use did not differ between responders and non-responders. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion Factors other than the TCM syndrome diagnoses and the point selection may be of importance regarding the outcome of the treatment.
The Effect of Acupuncture on Oral Microcirculation in Healthy Volunteers: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Scardina Giuseppe Alessandro , Ruggieri A , Provenzano F , Messina P 
Published: September 2009

Background Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique currently used in the treatment of many pathologies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential effect of acupuncture on “in vivo” variations in oral microcirculation in healthy subjects. Methods An exploratory study was conducted on 40 healthy subjects: 20 cases (mean 55.90, SD 16.04) and 20 controls (mean 51, SD 11.91). Videocapillaroscopy was used to detect variations in oral microcirculation. This method permits an accurate and non-invasive in vivo study of the capillaries of the oral mucous. The site selected for this pilot study is the lower lip since it is the simplest to investigate and is more readily accessible. Assessments were carried out in three phases: t0 before the application of the needles; t1 one minute after the application; t2 five minutes after the application; similar time points were used for the control group. Data were compared using the Mann-Whitney test. Results The study showed characteristic changes in oral microcirculation induced by acupuncture. The tortuousness of capillary loops and in the diameter of the afferent loop changed significantly (p<0.05) over time in the acupuncture group but not in the controls. Conclusions The findings lend support to our expectation that acupuncture may generate significant variations in oral microcirculation in healthy adults. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and evaluate the therapeutic role of acupuncture in oral pathologies.
Developing and Validating a Sham Acupuncture Needle
Authors: Tough Elizabeth A , White Adrian R , Richards Suzanne H , Lord Brian , Campbell John L 
Published: September 2009

Objectives To develop a sham needle device and test its credibility as a control for acupuncture when used in a randomised controlled trial of myofascial trigger point needling in patients with whiplash associated pain. Methods Sham needles were developed by blunting true acupuncture needles. Whiplash injured patients (<16 weeks duration) were randomly allocated to receive either true acupuncture or the “placebo” sham needle control. The true and sham needling interventions were delivered using the same standardised procedure. Patients were informed that they would receive either real or placebo needles, and asked (i) to state which treatment they believed they had received (treatment belief); (ii) to complete the four item Borkovec and Nau self-assessment credibility scale. Results were compared between groups and the analysis explored whether a patient's previous experience of acupuncture was related to their treatment belief. Other outcomes of the study will be reported elsewhere. Results 20 patients received the true acupuncture and 21 received the sham. There was no significant difference between the treatment beliefs of the two groups (χ 2 = 1.51; p>0.2) nor in the mean item scores on the Borkovec and Nau credibility scale (t test, p values ranged from 0.38 to 0.87). Of the patients in the sham acupuncture group who had previous experience of acupuncture, none recorded receiving the sham intervention. Conclusion Within the context of this pilot study, the sham acupuncture intervention was found to be a credible control for acupuncture. This supports its use in a planned, definitive, randomised controlled trial on a similar whiplash injured population.
Predicting mortality of psychogeriatric patients: a simple prognostic frailty risk score
Authors: Pijpers E , Ferreira I , van de Laar R J J , Stehouwer C D A , Nieuwenhuijzen Kruseman A C 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background and aims
Frailty and mortality in psychogeriatric patients are hard to predict but important in counselling and therapeutic decision making. We have therefore developed a simple frailty risk score to predict mortality this population.

Study design
Prospective observational study including 401 community dwelling psychogeriatric patients (249 women; mean (SD) age 78.0 (6.5) years), who had been referred to a multidisciplinary diagnostic observation centre. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to identify and select baseline characteristics for the development and validation of a risk score for the prediction of 3 year mortality.

Results
A total of 116 subjects died during follow-up (median follow-up duration of 26 months). Baseline characteristics associated with mortality were: age (hazard ratio (HR) 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI)1.02 to 2.04), male sex (HR 2.93, 95% CI 1.89 to 4.59), living alone (HR 1.53, 95% CI 0.99 to 2.38), body mass index (BMI) &lt;18.5 kg/m2 (HR 4.09, 95% CI 2.06 to 8.14), cardiovascular disease (HR 1.42, 95% CI 0.94 to 2.15), elderly mobility score &lt;20 (HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.98), number of medicines ⩾2 (HR 2.28, 95% CI 1.21 to 4.31), and impaired motor (HR 1.47, 95% CI 0.93 to 2.32) and process skills (HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.98) in activities of daily living. These predictors were translated into an easy-to-use frailty risk score and patients were stratified into very good (&lt;45 points), good (45–50) moderate (51–55), poor (56–61) and very poor (&gt;61) prognosis groups. Three year mortality rates across these groups were 8.0%, 15.9%, 25.9%, 41.5%, and 68.8%, respectively (p&lt;0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the risk score was 0.78 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.82), indicating good discriminative performance.

Conclusions
We developed and validated a risk score for the prediction of 3 year mortality. This risk score can be used to stratify patients into different risk categories, thereby informing patient counselling and tailored diagnostic and therapeutic decisions in clinical practice.
Repletion of factor XIII following cardiopulmonary bypass using a recombinant A-subunit homodimer
Authors: Gill Ravi , Nussmeier Nancy A. , Olsen Peter , Andersen Henning F. , Booth Frank V. McL. , Jespersen Christian M. , Levy Jerrold H. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryBleeding following cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) remains a major concern. Coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) functions as a clot-stabilising factor by cross-linking fibrin. Low post-operative levels of FXIII correlate with increased post-operative blood loss. To evaluate preliminary safety and pharmacokinetics of recombinant FXIII (rFXIII-A2) in cardiac surgery, patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting were randomised to receive a single dose of either rFXIII-A2 (11.9,25,35 or 50 IU/kg) or placebo in a 4:1 ratio.Study drug was given post-CPB within 10 to 20 minutes after first protamine dose. Patients were evaluated until day 7 or discharge, with a follow-up visit at weeks 5–7.The primary end-point was incidence and severity of adverse events.Thirty-five patients were randomised to rFXIII-A2 and eight to placebo. Eighteen serious adverse events were reported.These were all complications well recognised during cardiac surgery. Although one patient required an implantable defibrillator, all recovered without sequelae. One myocardial infarction in a patient receiving 35 IU/ kg rFXIII-A2 was identified by the Data Monitoring Committee after reviewing ECGs and cardiac enzymes. No other thromboembolic events were seen. Dosing with 25–50 IU/kg rFXIII-A2 restored levels of FXIII to pre-operative levels, with a tendency towards an overshoot in receiving 50 IU/kg. rFXIII-A2, in doses from 11.9 IU/kg up to 50 IU/kg, was well tolerated. For postoperative FXIII replenishment, 35 IU/kg of rFXIII-A2 may be the most appropriate dose.
Identification of a protein S-interactive site within the A2 domain of the factor VIII heavy chain
Authors: Takeyama Masahiro , Saenko Evgueni L. , Nishiya Katsumi , Ogiwara Kenichi , Shima Midori , Nogami Keiji 
Published: September 2009

SummaryWe have recently demonstrated that protein S impairs the intrinsic tenase complex, independent of activated protein C, in competitive interactions between the A2 and A3 domains of factor VIIIa and factor IXa. In the present study, we have identified a protein S-interactive site in the A2 domain of factor VIIIa. Anti-A2 monoclonal antibody recognising a factor IXa-functional region (residues 484–509) on A2, and synthetic peptide inhibited the A2 binding to protein S by ∼60% and ∼70%, respectively, in solid-phase binding assays. The 484–509 peptide directly bound to protein S dose-dependently. Covalent cross-linking was observed between the 484–509 peptide and protein S following reaction with EDC (1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide). The cross-linked adduct was consistent with 1:1 stoichiometry of reactants. Cross-linking formation was blocked by addition of the 484–497 peptide, but not by the 498–509 peptide. Furthermore, N-terminal sequence analysis of the 484–509 peptide-protein S adduct showed that three sequential residues (S488, R489, and R490) in A2 were not identified, suggesting that these residues participate in cross-link formation. Mutant A2 molecules where these residues were converted to alanine were evaluated for the binding of protein S. The S488A, R489A, and R490A mutants demonstrated ∼four-fold lower affinity than wild-type A2.These results indicate that the 484–509 region in the A2 domain of factor VIIIa, in particular sequential residues at positions 488–490, contributes to a unique protein S-interactive site.
The influence of meteorological variables on the development of deep venous thrombosis
Authors: Brown Helen K. , Simpson John A. , Murchison John T. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryThe influence of weather on deep venous thrombosis (DVT) incidence remains controversial. We aimed to characterize the temporal association between DVT and meteorological variables including atmospheric pressure. Data relating to hospital admissions with DVT in Scotland were collected retrospectively for a 20 year period for which corresponding meteorological recordings were available. Weather variables were calculated as weighted daily averages to adjust for variations in population density. Seasonal variation in DVT and short-term effects of weather variables on the relative risk of developing DVT were assess using Poisson regression modelling. The models allowed for the identification of lag periods between variation in the weather and DVT presentation. A total of 37,336 cases of DVT were recorded. There was significant seasonal variation in DVT with a winter peak. Seasonal variation in wind speed and temperature were significantly associated with seasonal variation in DVT. When studying more immediate meteorological influences, low atmospheric pressure, high wind speed and high rainfall were significantly associated with an increased risk of DVT approximately 9–10 days later. The effect was most strikingly demonstrated for atmospheric pressure, every 10 millibar decrease in pressure being associated with a 2.1% increase in relative risk of DVT. Alterations in weather have a small but significant impact upon the incidence of DVT. DVT is particularly associated with reduction in atmospheric pressure giving weight to the hypothesis that reduced cabin pressure in long haul flights contributes to DVT. These findings have implications for our understanding of the pathogenesis of DVT.
Differences in prethrombin-1 activation with human or bovine factor Va can be attributed to the heavy chain
Authors: Kim Paul Y. , Manuel Reginald , Nesheim Michael E. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryHuman and bovine factor Va (FVa) function similarly in the activation of prothrombin but differently in the activation of prethrombin-1 (Pre-1). Pre-1 activation with human FVa proceeds at about 22 percent of the rate with bovine FVa. The dependencies of initial rates on the FVa and Pre-1 concentrations indicate that the differential activity is expressed in kcat differences, rather than differences in the assembly of prothrombinase or the Km
value of the substrate. The heavy and light chains of both species of FVa were separated and interspecies hybrids were constructed in the presence of Ca++. Studies of the activation of Pre-1 with these hybrids indicate that the species difference can be attributed specifically to the heavy chain of FVa. Analyses of the reactions by SDS-PAGE indicated that cleavage at Arg271 occurs at about the same rate with both species of FVa, but cleavage at Arg320 with human FVa is specifically retarded. A major difference in primary structure between the human and bovine FVa heavy chains comprises 10 residues at COOH-terminus, adjacent to the negatively charged hirudin-like DYDYQ sequence. These residues have pI values of 12.5 and 4.26 in human and bovine FVa, respectively. The lower value would complement the negatively charged DYDYQ sequence but the higher value would counteract it. Thus, we suggest that the differences in the COOH-terminus of the heavy chain are responsible for the differences in Pre-1 activation, and that it specifically influences cleavage at Arg320 in Pre-1.
Is the Doomsday of International Law Looming Around in the Twenty-First Century?: A Response to the Sceptics of Efficacy of International Law
Authors: Islam Md. Rizwanul 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe question whether or not international law is really 'law' has haunted legal minds for ages and has been the subject of a large volume of academic works. This recurring question and the fairness of international law have been addressed in this article building on the existing literature. This article argues that despite all its structural and functional limitations, international law is 'real law' and 'fair'. This article also discusses the future role of international law in a uni-polar world. This article shows that contrary to the argument of waning of international law, it indeed is gaining prominence as it never has before and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
Acute adult poisoning cases admitted to a university hospital in Tabriz, Iran
Authors: Islambulchilar M , Islambulchilar Z , Kargar-Maher MH 
Published: September 2009

The aim of our study was to investigate the etiological and demographical characteristics of acute adult poisoning cases admitted to a university hospital in Tabriz, Iran. This retrospective study was performed on 1342 poisoning admissions to a university hospital from 2003 to 2005, by data collection from the medical records of patients. Poisonings were 5.40% of the total admissions. There was a predominance of female patients (55.7%) compared to male patients (44.3%) with a female-to-male ratio of 1.2:1. Most poisonings occurred in the age range of 11–20 years (38.9%). Drugs were the most common cause of poisonings (60.8%). Among the drug poisonings, benzodiazepines (40.31%) were the most frequent agents, followed by antidepressants (31.98%). The seasonal distribution in poisoning patients suggested a peak in spring (28%) and summer (27.5%). In 9.8% of cases accidental and in 90.2% intentional poisonings were evident. Most suicide attempts were made by women (58.51%) and unmarried people (51.4%).The mean duration of hospitalization was 3.02 ± 2.8 days. There were 28 (2.3%) deaths; the majority (13 cases) was due to pesticides. This was a university hospital-based study, so these results may not be representative of the general population. Despite this drawback, these data still provide important information on the characteristics of the poisoning in this part of Iran. To prevent such poisonings, the community education about the danger of central nervous system-acting drugs and reducing the exposure period of people to pesticides are recommended.
Regulation of cerebrospinal fluid production by caffeine consumption
Authors: Han Myoung-Eun , Kim Hak-Jin , Lee Young-Suk , Kim Dong-Hyun , Choi Joo-Taek , Pan Chul-Sik , Yoon Sik , Baek Sun-Yong , Kim Bong-Seon , Kim Jae-Bong , Oh Sae-Ock 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackgroundCaffeine is the most commonly consumed psycho-stimulant in the world. The effects of caffeine on the body have been extensively studied; however, its effect on the structure of the brain has not been investigated to date.ResultsIn the present study we found that the long-term consumption of caffeine can induce ventriculomegaly; this was observed in 40% of the study rats. In the caffeine-treated rats with ventriculomegaly, there was increased production of CSF, associated with the increased expression of Na+, K+-ATPase and increased cerebral blood flow (CBF). In contrast to the chronic effects, acute treatment with caffeine decreased the production of CSF, suggesting 'effect inversion' associated with caffeine, which was mediated by increased expression of the A1adenosine receptor, in the choroid plexus of rats chronically treated with caffeine. The involvement of the A1adenosine receptor in the effect inversion of caffeine was further supported by the induction of ventriculomegaly and Na+, K+-ATPase, in A1agonist-treated rats.ConclusionThe results of this study show that long-term consumption of caffeine can induce ventriculomegaly, which is mediated in part by increased production of CSF. Moreover, we also showed that adenosine receptor signaling can regulate the production of CSF by controlling the expression of Na+, K+-ATPase and CBF.
The Hawaiian Algal Database: a laboratory LIMS and online resource for biodiversity data
Authors: Wang Norman , Sherwood Alison R , Kurihara Akira , Conklin Kimberly Y , Sauvage Thomas , Presting Gernot G 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
Organization and presentation of biodiversity data is greatly facilitated by databases that are specially designed to allow easy data entry and organized data display. Such databases also have the capacity to serve as Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). The Hawaiian Algal Database was designed to showcase specimens collected from the Hawaiian Archipelago, enabling users around the world to compare their specimens with our photographs and DNA sequence data, and to provide lab personnel with an organizational tool for storing various biodiversity data types.

Description
We describe the Hawaiian Algal Database, a comprehensive and searchable database containing photographs and micrographs, geo-referenced collecting information, taxonomic checklists and standardized DNA sequence data. All data for individual samples are linked through unique accession numbers. Users can search online for sample information by accession number, numerous levels of taxonomy, or collection site. At the present time the database contains data representing over 2,000 samples of marine, freshwater and terrestrial algae from the Hawaiian Archipelago. These samples are primarily red algae, although other taxa are being added.

Conclusion
The Hawaiian Algal Database is a digital repository for Hawaiian algal samples and acts as a LIMS for the laboratory. Users can make use of the online search tool to view and download specimen photographs and micrographs, DNA sequences and relevant habitat data, including georeferenced collecting locations. It is publicly available at http://algae.manoa.hawaii.edu.
Alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use amongst same-sex attracted women: results from the Western Australian Lesbian and Bisexual Women's Health and Well-Being Survey
Authors: Hyde Zoë , Comfort Jude , McManus Alexandra , Brown Graham , Howat Peter 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
The prevalence of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use has been reported to be higher amongst lesbian and bisexual women (LBW) than their heterosexual counterparts. However, few studies have been conducted with this population in Australia and rates that have been reported vary considerably.

Methods
A self-completed questionnaire exploring a range of health issues was administered to 917 women aged 15-65 years (median 34 years) living in Western Australia, who identified as lesbian or bisexual, or reported having sex with another woman. Participants were recruited from a range of settings, including Perth Pride Festival events (67.0%, n = 615), online (13.2%, n = 121), at gay bars and nightclubs (12.9%, n = 118), and through community groups (6.9%, n = 63). Results were compared against available state and national surveillance data.

Results
LBW reported consuming alcohol more frequently and in greater quantities than women in the general population. A quarter of LBW (25.7%, n = 236) exceeded national alcohol guidelines by consuming more than four standard drinks on a single occasion, once a week or more. However, only 6.8% (n = 62) described themselves as a heavy drinker, suggesting that exceeding national alcohol guidelines may be a normalised behaviour amongst LBW. Of the 876 women who provided data on tobacco use, 28.1% (n = 246) were smokers, nearly double the rate in the female population as a whole. One third of the sample (33.6%, n = 308) reported use of an illicit drug in the previous six months. The illicit drugs most commonly reported were cannabis (26.4%, n = 242), meth/amphetamine (18.6%, n = 171), and ecstasy (17.9%, n = 164). Injecting drug use was reported by 3.5% (n = 32) of participants.

Conclusion
LBW appear to use alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs at higher rates than women generally, indicating that mainstream health promotion messages are not reaching this group or are not perceived as relevant. There is an urgent need for public health practitioners working in the area of substance use to recognise that drug consumption and use patterns of LBW are likely to be different to the wider population and that special considerations and strategies are required to address the unique and complex needs of this population.