bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis due to House-Dust Mites in Spain
Authors: Valero Antonio , Justicia José L. , Vidal Carmen , Rodríguez Virginia , Muñoz Rosa , García Mario A. 
Published: February 2012

Background The prevalence of allergic rhinitis due to house-dust mites (HDMs) is high and increasing. Treatment guidelines and consensus statements are available, but few data exist on how these are followed in clinical practice in Spain. This study was designed to collect data on diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis due to HDMs and adherence to guidelines in Spanish specialized clinical practice. Methods In this observational study, patients referred to specialists for a first consultation were collected. Diagnosis of allergic rhinitis due to HDMs was confirmed by skin-prick tests and measurement of specific immunoglobulin E levels. Variables included patient demographics, diagnosis, and treatment. Moreover, investigators answered a questionnaire on their attitudes to allergic rhinitis treatment. Results Two hundred forty-seven clinicians collected evaluable data from 519 patients (mean age, 24.8 years; SD, 11.9 years; 54% women) with confirmed allergic rhinitis (86.2% with moderate or severe disease and 70.5% with persistent disease; 40% with concomitant asthma) caused by Dermatophagoides. In 85.6% of patients, symptoms had not improved since diagnosis and good disease control was only being achieved in 43.4%. At the study visit, pharmacologic treatment was prescribed in 98.3% and allergen immunotherapy was prescribed in 52.2% of patients. Conclusion When patients with HDM-induced allergic rhinitis are referred to an allergy specialist in Spain, they have moderate-to-severe persistent disease and are generally not achieving good control with symptomatic treatment. Allergen immunotherapy is prescribed in approximately one-half of patients. In this representative sample of Spanish allergy specialists, the level of adherence to clinical guidelines in these patients is encouraging.
Orally Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis during Natural Pollen Season
Authors: Ciebiada Maciej , Cichocki Piotr , Kasztalska Karolina , Majewski Sebastian , Gorska-Ciebiada Malgorzata , Gorski Pawel 
Published: February 2012

Background Nitric oxide (NO) is the endogenous molecule involved in regulatory, protective, and defensive mechanisms. Although exhaled NO (ENO) has been used to monitor patients with asthma, possible usage of ENO in allergic rhinitis (AR) still needs to be evaluated. The authors wanted to determine the levels of NO exhaled orally both out of the pollen season and during the natural pollen exposure in patients with AR without asthma. Methods Forty-six patients without asthma, with seasonal AR (SAR) and 15 healthy, nonreactive, nonatopic subjects as a control group were investigated. ENO, congestion score, and peak nasal inspiratory flows (PNIFs) were measured in all subjects 6 weeks before the pollen season, at the height of the pollen season, and 6 weeks after the end of the pollen season. Results Patients with SAR had significantly higher basal ENO values compared with healthy control. The number of parts of NO increased in both groups during the pollen season but only in AR patients was the increase significant compared with the levels before the pollen season. Those with SAR and high levels of NO in exhaled air at the height of the pollen season had significantly lower PNIF rates and higher obstruction scores than out of the pollen season and in the healthy group. Conclusion Natural exposure may lead to an elevation of ENO in the patients with SAR without asthma. We estimate that the increased ENO may result from subclinical allergic inflammation present within the lower airways of nonasthmatic patients with SAR.
Aspirin-exacerbated Respiratory Disease in China: A Cohort Investigation and Literature Review
Authors: Fan Yunping , Feng Shaoyan , Xia Wentong , Qu Lijuan , Li Xiaomin , Chen Shulin , Ding Minhong , Lai Yinyan , Shi Jianbo , Xu Geng , Li Huabin 
Published: February 2012

Background Although the prevalence of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) in western populations is high, AERD is rather rare in China, and few related studies have been published to date. Methods We performed a prospective cohort investigation on the incidence of AERD in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in southern China. A literature search of the China Academic Journal Network Publishing Database was conducted to obtain an overview of the incidence of AERD in the Chinese population, and previous studies on the incidence of AERD were reviewed. Results We found 2 patients with aspirin hypersensitivity among 351 consecutive CRS (309 with nasal polyps [NPs]) patients, suggesting a rate of 0.57% in the CRS population. Forty-five articles about AERD were obtained by Chinese-language literature searches. In total, 346 cases of AERD were reported during the past 30 years. Conclusion Given the large population of NPs in China, the prevalence of AERD is very low, and this may be related to the reduced levels of nasal tissue eosinophilia and subsequent low asthma comorbidity.
Comparison of four techniques for synoviocentesis of the equine digital flexor tendon sheath: A cadaveric study
Authors: Oosterlinck M. , Pille F. , Valère A. , Martens A. , Jordana M. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryObjective: To compare four different techniques for synoviocentesis of the equine digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS).Methods: Fifteen inexperienced operators performed each of the following injection techniques on two cadaveric limbs: Proximal (at the proximal recess of the DFTS), Axial (axial to the proximal sesamoid bone), Base (at the base of the proximal sesamoid bone), and Distal (at the pastern). The number of attempts needed before the needle was assumed to be correctly positioned into the DFTS was recorded and 10 ml of methylene blue was injected. The limbs were dissected to determine the presence of methylene blue in the DFTS, the distance between the needle entrance point and the lateral palmar or plantar (digital) nerve, the degree of subcutaneous leakage and the distance between the border of the leakage zone and the lateral digital nerve.Results: The Axial (29/30) and Distal (25/30) approaches had the highest numbers of successful injections. The median number of attempts was highest for the Axial approach. The distances from the injection point and from the border of the leakage zone to the lateral digital nerve were longer for Distal and Axial approaches.Clinical relevance: In the hands of inexperienced operators, the Axial approach was the most successful technique for injection of the equine DFTS. Sparse subcutaneous leakage and larger distance to the nerve when using this technique might decrease the risk of inadvertent palmar or plantar digital nerve desensitisation when performing DFTS analgesia.
L'action aménagiste au Maroc entre héritages, permanences et bifurcations
Authors: Louargant Sophie , Matteudi Emmanuel , Roux Emmanuel 
Published: February 2012

Résumé Ce texte s’appuie sur les expériences conjointes de deux expertises territoriales réalisées au Maroc (FSP/Agenda 21) et propose de construire une approche comparée de la circulation des outils et de leur réception auprès des acteurs de l’aménagement du territoire. Les perspectives théoriques visent à mettre en valeur les capacités d’action des territoires, en se penchant sur les liens « de dépendance » dans l’action aménagiste, la diffusion des modèles et outils internationaux inscrits dans le système de gouvernement et de gouvernance propre au Maroc. La formalisation des formes et figures de l’expertise montre un renforcement des modèles existants, une place prépondérante du marché de l’expertise et une émergence encore « fébrile » de formes plus émancipées.
La polarité urbaine : analyse de la transposabilité d'un indicateur et d'un concept
Authors: Samson Ivan 
Published: February 2012

Résumé La relation entre urbanisation et développement est un nouveau paradigme majeur dans le sud au début du XXI e siècle. Cette nouvelle équation pose évidemment de nouvelles et redoutables questions. On tente ici d’apporter quelques réponses sur la base d’études empiriques conduites depuis presque vingt ans. Le papier revient sur la pratique de l’auteur d’analyse et de la mesure de la polarité urbaine en Allemagne de l’Est, en Algérie et en Afrique subsaharienne dans une double perspective : s’interroger sur la mesure des effets des agglomérations dans un contexte de globalisation ; s’interroger sur la portée de ces mesures et des concepts qui les sous-tendent, et donc sur la transposabilité à l’Est, en Afrique du Nord et en Afrique subsaharienne des outils développés en Europe occidentale dans la science régionale. La principale conclusion est que si la polarité urbaine est bien un des principaux facteurs explicatifs des performances régionales au nord, c’est plus compliqué à l’est et au sud. En Algérie cette variable n’a pas d’effet sur les performances régionales, contrairement à d’autres indicateurs comme l’agglomération et la métropolisation, et en Afrique subsaharienne l’effet-ville est manifeste mais tend à s’émousser. Cela souligne la nécessité de revisiter pour les PED la réflexion sur l’effet développant des villes et sur leur transcription spatiale.
The Impact of Exercise on the Mental Health and Quality of Life of People with Severe Mental Illness: A Critical Review
Authors: Alexandratos Kristy , Barnett Fiona , Thomas Yvonne 
Published: February 2012

Introduction: Physical exercise has been proven to benefit the general population in terms of mental health and wellbeing. However, there is little research investigating the impact of exercise on mental health and quality of life for people who experience a severe and enduring mental illness. Method: This review aims to describe the effect of physical exercise intervention on the mental health and quality of life of people with severe mental illness. Quantitative and qualitative articles published between 1998–2009 were sourced using electronic databases. Articles were included if the study intervention involved exercise and the outcome measure included mental health or quality of life. Sixteen articles were analysed for common themes and appraised critically. Findings: The findings show that exercise can contribute to improvements in symptoms, including mood, alertness, concentration, sleep patterns and psychotic symptoms. Exercise can also contribute to improved quality of life through social interaction, meaningful use of time, purposeful activity and empowerment. Implications: Future research is warranted to describe the way exercise can meet the unique needs of this population. Studies with a focus on psychological outcome measures would provide greater evidence for its use in therapy.
Dance as a Complex Intervention in an Acute Mental Health Setting: A Place ‘In-Between’
Authors: Froggett Lynn , Little Robert 
Published: February 2012

Introduction: There is little research on dance in acute mental health settings in the National Health Service. This study evaluated a dance programme in an acute setting. Occupational therapists collaborated with a professional dancer to facilitate the programme. Method: The literature review revealed that studies on the benefits of dance tended to focus on clinical outcomes. This study adopted a mixed-method psychosocial approach. It used the Herth Hope Index with 11 service users. Fifteen interviews were conducted with service users. Five members of staff were interviewed and film-based data were also utilised. Interpretation panels were used to analyse and triangulate findings. Findings: The study found that the value of the dance programme was related to its ‘in-between’ status. Dance connected the inner and outer experience of service users by engaging the creative imagination and translating it into movement. It also contributed to a hopeful but realistic sense of connection between mind and body and to social groups inside and outside the hospital. Conclusion: Dance is a complex intervention, which provides an appropriate challenge for service users in acute mental health settings while contributing to a sense of biopsychosocial integration. As such, it has much to offer contemporary occupational therapy.
Correlation between Periventricular Leukomalacia and Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Huang Hsiu-Mei , Lin Sue-Ann , Chang Ying-Chao , Kuo Hsi-Kung 
Published: February 2012

Purpose. To investigate the correlation between periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which are complications of perinatal and postnatal hypoxic-ischemic insults in premature infants. Methods In this retrospective case series study, from 1996 to 2008, after excluding cases with follow-up of less than 3 months, we reviewed medical charts of babies who had gestational age (GA) less than 30 weeks or birthweight (BW) less than 2000 g. A total of 195 patients were diagnosed with ROP and/or PVL and were enrolled in this analysis. We investigated the correlation between ROP and PVL with Pearson chi-square test and evaluated BW, GA, and Apgar scores at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth as risk factors by independent t test. Results There were no significant differences in the prevalence of PVL between patients who received ROP treatment and those who did not receive ROP treatment. The BW was significantly lower in patients with PVL than in patients without PVL. Gestational age, BW, and Apgar scores significantly differed between patients who did and did not receive retinal treatment for ROP. Conclusions Periventricular leukomalacia did not increase the severity of ROP or requirement of ROP treatment. Birthweight, GA, and Apgar scores were the principal factors that determined the necessity of ROP treatment.
Superior 11-Year Survival but Higher Polyethylene Wear of Hydroxyapatite-Coated Mallory-Head Cups
Authors: Gottliebsen Martin , Rahbek Ole , Ottosen Per F. , Søballe Kjeld , Stilling Maiken 
Published: February 2012

Hydroxyapatite (HA) coating of implant surfaces is believed to improve longevity of uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA). However; it is speculated that HA particles may cause third body wear of the polyethylene (PE) liner with subsequent osteolysis and aseptic loosening of implants. We performed a retrospective comparison of two patient populations with cementless Mallory-Head acetabular components. The patients were identified in the Danish hip arthroplasty Registry (DHR); 77 patients had HA-coated cups and 73 patients had non-HA coated cups. Anteroposterior (AP) radiographs were analysed for PE wear, osteolysis was quantified and survival of the acetabular components was compared. The mean follow-up was 11 years. There were no cup revisions in the HA group and 7 cup revisions in the non-HA group (p<0.01). The reason for revision in all cases was aseptic loosening of both stem and cup. The amount of osteolysis was significantly increased around cups in the non-HA group. The two-dimensional linear PE wear-rate of 0.18 mm/year was higher (p<0.001) in the group with HA coated cups compared with 0.12 mm/ year in the group with non-HA coated cups. The mean age was lower (P=0.001) in the HA group (57 years) compared with the non-HA group (63 years). After 11.1 years of follow-up non-HA coated cups had a higher revision rate. Increased PE wear with HA-coated cups did not have a negative influence on the revision rate, but may result in a need for revision surgery over time.
The Burch-Schneider Cage: 9-Year Survival in Paprosky Type 3 Acetabular Defects. Clinical and Radiological Follow-Up
Authors: Jones Luke , Grammatopoulos George , Singer Gian 
Published: February 2012

Revision hip arthroplasty in cases with severe acetabular deficiency represents a technical challenge. The aim of this study was to determine: 1. The 9-year survival of the Burch Schneider anti-protrusio cage (BS-APC) in severe acetabular defects. 2. The migration of the cage and correlation of this with functional outcome. 3. The anticipated functional outcome users can expect in a district general hospital setting in the management of severe acetabular defects. A single-surgeon consecutive series of 30 complex acetabular reconstructions using the BS-APC was retrospectively reviewed. Clinical and radiological follow up at 5–9 years was obtained. Survival was established with revisions and further surgery as different end-points. A radiological analysis using ein bilt roentgen analyse (EBRA) was performed. At a mean follow-up of 85 months (range: 64–118) 26 patients (87%) were alive. Nine-year survival was 95% for revision of BS-APC as an end-point and 92% with any cause of further surgery as an endpoint. The mean Oxford Hip Score was 34.5 and UCLA activity score was 4.4. All cases demonstrated evidence of significant migration, but no screws were found to be broken. There was no correlation between cup migration and Oxford hip score (p=0.07). Our non-specialist centre experience suggests the BS-APC should not be dismissed as a reconstruction option in the most severe acetabular defects.
Mortality and Morbidity following Hip Fractures Related to Hospital Thromboprophylaxis Policy
Authors: Heidari Nima , Jehan Shah , Alazzawi Sulaiman , Bynoth Sharon , Bottle Alex , Loeffler Mark 
Published: February 2012

Chemical thromboprophylaxis has been shown to reduce the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) for patients with fractures of the hip, but it is not known with certainty whether it use also reduces mortality. Using postal and telephone questionnaires we collected data from English National Health Service (NHS) hospitals about their thromboprophylaxis policy for hip fractures patients from April 2003 to April 2007. Using Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) we ascertained in-hospital mortality rates at 30 days and at one year following admission to hospital. Unplanned hospital readmission rates for all causes (including episodes of thromboembolism and bleeding) within 30 days (all years) and one year (2003 to 2005) were also established. A total of 150 hospitals were contacted and data gathered from 62 hospitals (response rate 41.3%) There were 255841 patients with neck of femur fractures during this five year period who were assessed for morbidity and mortality, and we correlat these with thromboprophylaxis policy. There was no significant difference in hospital readmission within 30 days, or diagnosis of thromboembolism or haemorrhage among hospitals with different thromboprophylaxis policies. The hospitals using low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in half the dose recommended by the British National Formulary had significantly reduced mortality in-hospital (odds ratio (OR) 0.79, 95% CI 0.69–0.90, P=0.0006), at 30 days (OR 0.8 (0.70 – 0.92), P=0.001) and at one year (OR 0.89 (0.80 – 1.00), P=0.050), compared with those with no such policy. Our data suggest that the thromboprophylaxis regimen for patients with fracture neck of femur should be half dose LMWH for the duration of the hospital stay.
Flow Competition between Hepatic Arterial and Portal Venous flow during Hypothermic Machine Perfusion Preservation of Porcine Livers
Authors: Monbaliu Diethard R. , Debbaut Charlotte , Hillewaert Wim J. , Laleman Wim J. , Sainz-Barriga Mauricio , Pirenne Jacques , Segers Patrick 
Published: February 2012

Hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) is regarded as a better preservation method for donor livers than cold storage. During HMP, livers are perfused through the inlet blood vessels, namely the hepatic artery (HA) and the portal vein (PV). In previous HMP feasibility studies of porcine and human livers, we observed that the PV flow decreased while the HA flow increased. This flow competition restored either spontaneously or by lowering the HA pressure (PHA). Since this phenomenon had never been observed before and because it affects the HMP stability, it is essential to gain more insight into the determinants of flow competition. To this end, we investigated the influence of the HMP boundary conditions on liver flows during controlled experiments. This paper presents the flow effects induced by increasing PHA and by obstructing the outlet blood vessel, which is the vena cava inferior (VCI). Flow competition was evoked by increasing PHA to 55–70 mmHg, as well as by obstructing the VCI. Remarkably, a severe obstruction resulted in a repetitive and alternating tradeoff between the HA and PV flows. These phenomena could be related to intra-sinusoidal pressure alterations. Consequently, a higher PHA is most likely transmitted to the sinusoidal level. This increased sinusoidal pressure reduces the pressure drop between the PV and the sinusoids, leading to a decreased PV perfusion. Flow competition has not been encountered or evoked under physiological conditions and should be taken into account for the design of liver HMP protocols. Nevertheless, more research is necessary to determine the optimal parameters for stable HMP.
Climatology of line‐shaped rainbands over northern Japan in boreal summer between 1990 and 2010
Authors: Yamada Tomohito J. , Sasaki Jun , Matsuoka Naoki 
Published: February 2012

AbstractLine‐shaped rainbands (LRBs) are severe storm events that cause torrential rainfall across the mid‐latitudes and are difficult to accurately predict because of their complex physical processes. We examined the occurrence of LRBs in boreal summer in northern Japan over the period 1990–2010. In years with anomalously many LRBs, the development of LRBs over northern Japan was driven by a combined positive anomaly of warm sea‐surface temperatures and westerly moisture flux associated with the prominent pattern of the surface pressure anomalies between the main island of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk. In contrast, the number of LRBs were significantly small with opposite characteristics. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
The mystery of C. elegans aging: An emerging role for fat
Authors: Ackerman Daniel , Gems David 
Published: February 2012

AbstractNew C. elegans studies imply that lipases and lipid desaturases can mediate signaling effects on aging. But why might fat homeostasis be critical to aging? Could problems with fat handling compromise health in nematodes as they do in mammals? The study of signaling pathways that control longevity could provide the key to one of the great unsolved mysteries of biology: the mechanism of aging. But as our view of the regulatory pathways that control aging grows ever clearer, the nature of aging itself has, if anything, grown more obscure. In particular, focused investigations of the oxidative damage theory have raised questions about an old assumption: that a fundamental cause of aging is accumulation of molecular damage. Could fat dyshomeostasis instead be critical?
Nonlinear Model Predictive Control of a CO2 Post‐Combustion Absorption Unit
Authors: Åkesson J. , Laird C. D. , Lavedan G. , Prölß K. , Tummescheit H. , Velut S. , Zhu Y. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA dynamic model of a chemical CO2 absorption process with aqueous monoethanolamine (MEA) is presented, validated against experimental data. Based on the validated model, a reduced‐order model is developed, suitable for an online optimization control strategy. The objective of the optimization is to enable fast adaptations to changes in operating conditions of the power plant, while minimizing the energy consumption in the operation of the CO2 separation plant. The results indicate that model‐based online optimization is a feasible technology for control of CO2 separation systems.