bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does prenatal cadmium exposure affect fetal and child growth?
Authors: Lin Chien-Mu , Doyle Pat , Wang Duolao , Hwang Yaw-Huei , Chen Pau-Chung 
Published: December 2010

ObjectivesCadmium is known to be a significant health hazard, but most information comes from studies of adults. The effects of exposure to cadmium during fetal life on early growth and development remain uncertain. In this study we investigated the placental transport of cadmium and the effects of prenatal cadmium exposure on fetal and child growth in Taiwan.MethodsThe data in this study were from a birth cohort study in Taiwan which started in 2004. Pregnant women were recruited from four hospitals and interviewed after delivery to collect information on themselves and their infants. Children were followed up to obtain information on growth up to 3 years of age. Whole blood cadmium concentrations in maternal and cord blood samples were measured and the relationship with birth size and growth assessed using linear regression and mixed models.Results321 maternal blood samples and 402 cord blood samples were eligible for analysis. Among 289 pairs with maternal and cord blood suitable for measurement, the median cadmium concentration in cord blood (0.31 μg/l) was less than that in maternal blood (1.05 μg/l), with low correlation between the two (r=0.04). An increase in cord blood cadmium was found to be associated with newborn decreased head circumference and to be significantly and consistently associated with a decrease in height, weight and head circumference up to 3 years of age.ConclusionsPlacental transport of cadmium is limited. However, prenatal cadmium exposure may have a detrimental effect on head circumference at birth and child growth in the first 3 years of life.
Cystic lesions of the pancreas: current trends in approach and management
Authors: Vyas Soumil , Markar Sheraz , Ezzat Tarek M , Ajit Abraham 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT
The more frequent deployment of cross-sectional imaging for various abdominal conditions has resulted in an increased detection of cystic pancreatic lesions, particularly cystic pancreatic neoplasms. Cystic pancreatic lesions may be neoplastic or non-neoplastic. They may appear radiologically similar and often present a diagnostic dilemma; they need to be diagnosed and differentiated with accuracy in order to offer optimum treatment. Some of the cystic neoplasms are potentially malignant and have a wide spectrum of histological variation from the frankly benign ‘adenomas’ to invasive adenocarcinomas .When identified, these cystic lesions need a systematic work up and a diagnostic algorithm should be followed to its logical conclusion. This article reviews these cystic lesions of the pancreas, neoplastic and pseudocysts, and aims to update readers with the current trends in their diagnosis and management.
The value of a liaison neurology service in a district general hospital
Authors: McColgan P , Carr A S , McCarron M O 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTBackgroundHealthcare development in the UK has resulted in an increase in neurologists working in district general hospitals.MethodsThe aim of the study was to determine the use of a neurologist for inpatient diagnosis and management, and to measure a neurologist's diagnostic reliability in a district general hospital over a 27-month period. Patient data were prospectively recorded. Follow-up was performed independently by two clinicians reviewing the medical notes. Reasons for diagnostic change were determined.Results306 inpatients were referred to the neurologist between 1 January 2007 and 31 March 2009 (2% of medical admissions). Mean (SD) age was 49.3 (18.8) years, and the female/male ratio was 1.2:1. Epilepsy and stroke were the most common diagnoses. Diagnostic concordance between referring physician and neurologist ranged from κ score 0.13 (spinal pathology) to 0.83 (central nervous system infection). Neurological opinion resulted in diagnostic change in 38.2% and management change in 88.8%. Only 1.6% of patients remained without a diagnosis, a fourfold improvement from physician referral. After medical records had been reviewed, 3.3% of inpatient diagnoses (10 of 306 patients) changed from the original diagnosis by the neurologist. Specialist investigation helped in revising diagnoses in four of the 10 diagnostic changes.ConclusionThis study shows that in a district general hospital a neurologist can contribute to inpatient diagnosis and management with minimal diagnostic change over time, suggesting reliability of this service.
Strong Convergence of a New Iterative Method for Infinite Family of Generalized Equilibrium and Fixed-Point Problems of Nonexpansive Mappings in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Wang Shenghua , Guo Baohua 
Published: December 2010

AbstractWe introduce an iterative algorithm for finding a common element of the set of solutions of an infinite family of equilibrium problems and the set of fixed points of a finite family of nonexpansive mappings in a Hilbert space. We prove some strong convergence theorems for the proposed iterative scheme to a fixed point of the family of nonexpansive mappings, which is the unique solution of a variational inequality. As an application, we use the result of this paper to solve a multiobjective optimization problem. Our result extends and improves the ones of Colao et al. (2008) and some others.
Possessing Heaven in Our Head: A Reformed Reading of Incarnational Ascent in Kathryn Tanner
Authors: Henreckson David P. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractAs recent Reformed scholarship has turned its attention to the doctrine of creation, Kathryn Tanner can be engaged as an incisive and useful interlocutor. In her book Christ the Key, Tanner advances the notion of the double movement of divine descent and incarnate ascent, an idea which intersects with current Reformed deliberations on transcendence and the “chief end” of created humanity. Tanner’s re-articulation of the discussion of nature and grace, and divine agency within creation, offers a challenging and potentially constructive contribution to Reformed dogmatics.
Secrets of Moltmann’s Tacit Tradition: Via Covenant Theology to Promise Theology
Authors: Veldman Meine 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThis article takes a genetic approach examining Moltmann’s early post-Reformation studies in Moyse Amyraut, Petrus Ramus, Jacob Brocard and Johann Coccejus as the secrets to the tacit tradition of his theology of hope. I contend that the gold he struck in these studies is a historical impulse and legitimization of his own turn to the horizon of the empirical and the historical. However, with respect to the dross, Moltmann critically notes that with the post-Reformation covenant theologians the word of God got entangled in a ‘system’ of hope because of their symbolic-prophetic approach to Scripture. In place of their symbolic-prophetic exegesis he substitutes a promise-exegesis as a way of pointing to God’s relationship to this world and to the human beings in it. He thus replaces the theme of a restless history, and a restless soul, with the restless promise of which God is the author, the originator and the fulfiller. In this way Moltmann found a way beyond post-reformation covenant theology and Barth’s dialectical theology, culminating in his Theology of Hope.
Reformed Thought on Freedom: Some Further Thoughts
Authors: Helm Paul 
Published: December 2010

AbstractReformed Thought on Freedom introduces philosophical apparatus that was routinely employed by Reformed Orthodox theologians for discussing the metaphysics of human action. This article first offers critical reflection on the claims made for this apparatus as providing evidence for a commitment to the freedom of indifference. Then, taking the book’s treatment of Francis Turretin’s anthropology as an example, it is argued that the claim that his view of human freedom relies on the notion of synchronic contingency is not made out. There is a failure to distinguish between indifference as an intrinsic feature of the will, and the freedom of indifference.
Phase Inversion of Pickering Foam and Dry Water Stabilized by Microbowls
Authors: Nonomura Yoshimune , Ikeda Takehide , Sugimoto Masataka , Taniguchi Takashi 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Microbowls, which are hollow particles with holes on their surfaces, stabilize air-in-water-type foams and water-in-air-type powders in particle/air/water ternary systems. We found a particle-dispersed state between the foam state and the powder state. Interestingly, the mixture in this new state displayed remarkable dilatational behavior, preventing the formation of foams and water droplets.
Detection of Kinase Activity Using a Synthetic System of Gold Nanoparticles in HEPES Buffer
Authors: Sawada Toshiki , Shirakawa Naoto , Hirai Yu , Hashizume Mineo , Aizawa Mamoru , Serizawa Takeshi 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
The reduction of tetrachloroaurate(III) ions (AuCl4−) with 2-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) was used to detect protein kinase A activity. The phosphorylation of substrate peptides was identified by changes in the solution colors resulting from the aggregation of synthesized gold nanoparticles in HEPES buffer.
Surgery for retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas: aggressive re-resection of recurrent disease is possible
Authors: Lochan R , French JJ , Manas DM 
Published: December 2010

INTRODUCTION Retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas represent a relatively rare and complex therapeutic problem where surgery forms the mainstay of treatment and is technically demanding. In this study, we review a single UK centre’s experience with the surgical management of retro-peritoneal soft tissue sarcoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS We present analysis of data on patients treated between 1997 and 2006, our first 75 patients. Data collected from the Access database, included patient demographics, staging modalities, peri-operative details, treatment, outcome, pathological diagnosis and subsequent complications. RESULTS A total of 75 patients (M:F, 44:31) underwent 115 resectional procedures as part of the management of retroperitoneal soft-tissue sarcoma. There were 12 major complications for the 115 procedures (morbidity of 8.69%). The 30-day operative mortality was zero and the 90-day mortality rate was 1.33% (1/75). Follow-up ranged from 16–131 months. The median disease-free survival was 69 months (range, 59-78 months). Recurrences developed in 46 patients; median time to overall recurrence was 13 months (range, 3-71 months). Of these 46, 22 developed localised recurrence, which was amenable to further resection. In the cohort of patients with recurrent disease, median survival in those who underwent surgery was 53 months (range, 30–76 months) and median survival in those who did not undergo surgery was 30 months (range, 18–41 months) and this difference was statistically significant (log rank, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Extensive resectional surgery with minimal morbidity, devoid of mortality is feasible in the treatment of retroperitoneal sarcoma. Development of recurrent disease is a significant factor influencing survival; however, localised recurrences are amenable to surgery and this can lead to improved survival.
MRSA screening in the vascular day-case population
Authors: Ahmad Y , Khandelwal S , Nicolson AM , Simms MH 
Published: December 2010

INTRODUCTION The UK Government has prioritised methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) screening and new operational guidance has instructed that all day-case surgical patients should be screened from April 2009. We sought to identify the number of MRSA-positive patients in the vascular day-case population over a 1-year period and to profile this cohort in terms of risk-factors for MRSA. We also sought to identify whether the new guidance from the Department of Health (DH) had resulted in increased screening rates. PATIENTS AND METHODS Electronic records and laboratory culture results were prospectively consulted to identify whether patients had been screened and if MRSA had been isolated. Consideration was given to whether any patients had a delayed discharge or subsequent admission with an MRSA-related complication. RESULTS Six patients (2.1%) screened MRSA-positive (DH estimate 7%); five were previously known to be MRSA-positive, therefore only 0.36% patients were newly-identified as MRSA-positive. The proportion of patients screened increased from 35% to 72.5% after April 2009, in accordance with DH guidance. Successful decolonisation was proved in two patients (33.3%). CONCLUSIONS There is dispute with several of the key assumptions behind the DH’s impact assessment justifying an expanded MRSA-screening policy. It is not cost-effective to screen all vascular day-case admissions. We recommend selective screening for patients previously identified as MRSA-positive, or considered high risk.
How does the media profile of cancer compare with prevalence?
Authors: Williamson JML , Jones IH , Hocken DB 
Published: December 2010

INTRODUCTION Knowledge and understanding of disease can influence time to presentation and potentially, therefore, cancer survival rates. The media is one of the most important sources of public health information and it influences the awareness and perception of cancer. It is not known if the reportage of cancer by the media is representative to the true incidence of disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS The top 10 UK daily newspapers were assessed over a 1-year period for the 10 most common UK cancers via their on-line search facilities. RESULTS Of the 5832 articles identified, there was marked over-representation of breast, kidney and stomach cancer with ratios of prevalence to reporting of 1.4, 1.9 and 3.2 to 1, respectively. Colorectal, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, bladder and oesophageal cancers are all markedly under-represented with ratios of 0.4, 0.2, 0.6 and 0.4 to 1, respectively. CONCLUSIONS A policy of media advocacy by health professionals could enhance the information provided by the media and thus reflect the true extent of disease. A partnership between health professionals and journalists could result in articles that are relevant to the population, informative and in a style and format that is easily comprehendible. Targeted public health information could highlight the ‘red-flag’ symptoms and break down any stigma associated with cancer. This enhanced awareness could improve the health-seeking behaviour of the general population and reduce the delay from symptoms to diagnosis.
The difficult ureter: what is the incidence of pre-stenting?
Authors: Cetti RJ , Biers S , Keoghane SR 
Published: December 2010

INTRODUCTION Difficulty may be encountered with retrograde access for rigid and flexible ureterorenoscopy (URS) due to anatomic abnormalities, a narrow ureteric lumen, tortuous ureteric path or previous instrumentation. Ureteric dilatation using a balloon or tapered dilator can occasionally fail and will usually lead to the placement of a ureteric stent. We present our experience and incidence of pre-stenting after failed standard access and dilatation techniques, the aim being to quote a figure for the patient at the time of consent. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data were collected prospectively from a single surgeon at a regional tertiary referral stone unit. The outcomes of those patients pre-stented, for failed access, were recorded. RESULTS Between December 2007 and December 2008, a total of 119 patients underwent flexible and rigid URS. Mean patient age was 49 years (range, 19–86 years). Of these, 107 cases were undertaken for urolithiasis and 12 cases for diagnosis of upper tract malignancy. 12% (13/107) of cases were for pain and non-diagnostic imaging and 8.4% (9/107) of patients were pre-stented because of failed access, without complication, and subsequently had successful interval treatment. Of the remaining successful cases of confirmed urolithiasis, 33% (28/85) and 67% (56/85) were undertaken for ureteric and renal calculi, respectively. Stone clearance rates were 83% (19/23) and 75% (3/4) for lower pole renal calculi 5–10 mm and > 10 mm in size, respectively. The overall clearance rate for lower pole calculi was 81% (22/27). The ureteric stone clearance rate was 86% (24/28) rising to 92% (24/26) in those solitary stones less than 10 mm in size. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of ureteric pre-stenting in a tertiary referral unit was 8% and should be considered and indeed discussed with patients when obtaining pre-operative consent, especially for purely elective, non-urgent, upper tract cases. The alternative for these difficult, tight ureters is extensive balloon dilatation, with the risk of trauma and the potential for long-term stricture formation.
‘An interventional urology list’ – a novel concept for UK urological services
Authors: Masood Junaid , Ismail Mohamed , El-Husseiny Tamer , Moraitis Konstantinos , Albanis Stephanos , Papatsoris Athanasios , Buchholz Noor 
Published: December 2010

INTRODUCTION Almost all patients in the UK with obstructed and/or infected kidneys are referred to interventional radiology for percutaneous nephrostomy and/or placement of an anterograde JJ stent. Although this ‘tradition’ is going strong in the UK, urologists throughout the world have evolved their practice to encompass such interventional procedures in their remit. We have set up a local anaesthetic list ‘interventional urology list’ in our ESWL suite. We present our 4-year experience and discuss the benefits that this interventional list brings to our patients, our trainees, our interventional radiology colleagues and to the hospital trust. PATIENTS AND METHODS From May 2005 to May 2009, we have been running this list, twice-weekly, performing procedures such as nephrostomies, anterograde stents, nephrostograms and stent exchanges all under local anaesthetic. RESULTS A total of 580 procedures have been carried out on this list over this period. Our success rate for nephrostomy insertion is 96% with three failures, as a result of patient discomfort. No major complications and three minor complications were reported. We had four failed anterograde stenting procedures (out of 80). All other procedures including nephrostograms, stent exchanges/removals/insertions, as well as renal cyst aspiration and sclerotisation were successfully carried out. CONCLUSIONS Our results of percutaneous nephrostomy and antegrade stenting are favourable when compared with published data on nephrostomies. This novel set up has resulted in several improvements to the service we offer patients and also provided significant improvement in training for our residents. We encourage other departments to try and develop this type of ‘interventional urology list’.
Establishing pneumoperitoneum: Verres or Hasson? The debate continues
Authors: Dunne N , Booth MI , Dehn TCB 
Published: December 2010

INTRODUCTION The technique of establishing pneumoperitoneum for laparoscopic surgery remains contentious, with various different techniques available and each having its own advocates. The Verres needle approach has attracted much criticism and is seen to entail more risk, but is this view justified in the era of evidence-based medicine? PATIENTS AND METHODS Over a 6-year period, a prospective study was undertaken of 3126 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery performed by two upper gastrointestinal surgeons. One surgeon preferred the Verres needle and the other an open technique. A database was created of all cases and complication rates of the different techniques ascertained. RESULTS Peri-umbilical Verres needle was used in 1887 cases (60.4%) with two complications encountered, both of which were colonic injuries, with an incidence of 0.1%. Open port insertion was used in 1200 cases (38.4%) with one complication, a small bowel perforation, to give an incidence of 0.08%. The Verres needle was used in alternative positions in 22 cases (0.75%) and, when used in the left upper quadrant (19 cases), there was one complication, a left hepatic lobe puncture, with an incidence of 5.26%. Our overall incidence of intra-abdominal injury was 0.13%, all in patients who had undergone previous abdominal surgery, and in the subgroup of patients with previous surgery the rate was 0.78%. There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS Practice varies as to the method chosen to induce pneumoperitoneum, but our results show there is no significant difference between the technique chosen and incidence of complications, and this is supported in the literature.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Iron in Pharmaceutical and Water Samples by Interacting with 5-(4-Nitrophenylazo) Salicylic Acid and Eosin
Authors: Hashem E. Y. , Seleim M. M. , El-Zohry Ahmed M. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
A highly stable ternary complex of iron(III) with 5-(4-nitrophenylazo) salicylic acid (NPAS) and Eosin (Es) in acidic medium at room temperature gave a maximum absorption at 545 nm with a molar absorptivity 2.81×104 L mol−1 cm−1. A spectrophotometric method using these ligands was developed and optimized in terms of pH, stability of the complex, amount of reagent required, sensitivity, linearity, and the effect of various foreign ions was studied. The linear range for iron(III) determination is 0.18–6.0 mg L−1. The method was sensitive, accurate, and all the reagents were stable under the working conditions. Moreover, the method was easy to perform for the determination of iron in pharmaceutical and water samples.
Intrauterine Effects of Maternal Prepregnancy Overweight on Child Cognition and Behavior in 2 Cohorts
Authors: Brion Marie-Jo , Zeegers Mijke , Jaddoe Vincent , Verhulst Frank , Tiemeier Henning , Lawlor Debbie A. , Smith George Davey 
Published: December 2010

OBJECTIVE:
Greater maternal prepregnancy adiposity has been associated with behavioral problems, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and lower intellectual function in offspring. However, few studies of humans have explored this, and it is unclear if intrauterine mechanisms or confounding factors drive these associations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Parental adiposity and offspring verbal skills, nonverbal skills, and behavioral problems were assessed in the British Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (N = ∼5000) and Dutch Generation R (N = ∼2500) cohorts. We aimed to determine the plausibility of intrauterine effects by (1) adjusting for multiple confounders, (2) comparing associations between maternal and paternal overweight with offspring cognition/behaviors, and (3) searching for cross-cohort consistency.

RESULTS:
Maternal prepregnancy overweight was associated with reduced child verbal skills (unadjusted). However, after adjusting for confounders, this result was not consistently observed in both cohorts. Maternal overweight was also associated with child total behavior problems and externalizing problems even after adjusting for confounders. However, this was observed in Generation R only and was not replicated in the British Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. No associations of maternal overweight with child attention problems, emotional/internalizing problems, or nonverbal skills were observed in either cohort. Paternal overweight was not associated with any of the child outcomes but was also less strongly related to potential confounding factors than was maternal overweight.

CONCLUSIONS:
Overall, we found little consistent evidence of intrauterine effects of maternal prepregnancy overweight on child cognition and behavior. Some associations initially observed were not consistently replicated across cohorts or robust to adjustment for confounding factors and, thus, are likely to reflect confounding by socioeconomic or postnatal factors.