bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with continued solvent use in Indigenous petrol sniffers following treatment
Authors: DINGWALL KYLIE M. , MARUFF PAUL , CLOUGH ALAN R. , CAIRNEY SHEREE 
Published: January 2011

AbstractIntroduction and Aims. While petrol sniffing afflicts several isolated Indigenous groups internationally, few studies have examined the factors contributing to continued sniffing following treatment. This study aims to describe those factors in a group of Aboriginal Australian users.Design and Methods. During residential treatment, 56 petrol sniffers completed baseline demographic and substance use questionnaires and cognitive and psychological assessments. Eighty per cent were reassessed and interviewed an average of 9 months (SD = 4) later. Cognitive, psychological, substance use and sociocultural factors were compared between those who relapsed at follow up and those who maintained abstinence.Results. More males (n = 44) than females (n = 12) were studied. Of the 45 individuals followed up, 58% (n = 26) relapsed. Significant risk factors for relapse included the ready availability of petrol, living in urban centres, being unmarried and living with fewer people (P < 0.05). Other potential risk factors, indicated by P‐values < 0.10, included younger age of first petrol use, having sniffed within 14 days prior to treatment, poly substance use, sniffing in response to negative emotions, and feeling lonely at baseline and having sleep problems at follow up.Discussion and Conclusion. This study identified psychosocial factors that may be associated with continued petrol sniffing among Aboriginal Australians post treatment. Future research, interventions and policy relating to petrol sniffing should consider these factors. [Dingwall KM, Maruff P, Clough AR, Cairney S. Factors associated with continued solvent use in Indigenous petrol sniffers following treatment. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:40–46]
Fathering in the first few months
Authors: Thomas Jan E. , Bonér Ann‐Kathrine , Hildingsson Ingegerd 
Published: January 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 499–509

Fathering in the first few months Becoming a parent is a major event in life. Pregnancy is a time when both physical and emotional changes affect the lives of expectant parents as they prepare for parenthood. The aim of this study was to focus on fathers during and shortly after pregnancy. A prospective longitudinal study was conducted in all hospital prenatal clinics in the county council of Västernorrland, Sweden. Participating were 827 partners of women who had been pregnant and given birth during the period of June 2007 to June 2008. Data were collected using three questionnaires. Regression analysis showed that fathers who were most concerned about their new role were those that were university educated, first‐time fathers, and those with financial worries. Support from the midwife or others close to the father did not impact fathers’ thoughts about the difficulties of being a parent during pregnancy, but lack of support from the partners after the birth increased fathers’ concern. This study suggests that more research is needed on fathers’ own needs for support in parenting.
Oral health‐related quality of life in older Swedish people with pain problems
Authors: Östberg Anna‐Lena , Hall‐Lord Marie‐Louise 
Published: January 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 510–516

Oral health‐related quality of life in older Swedish people with pain problems Objectives:  The aim of the present paper was to explore the oral health‐related quality of life in old Swedish people with pain problems, with special reference to demography, socio‐economic factors, health, and general health‐related quality of life.Method:  Individuals ≥80 years (n = 186) who earlier reported pain problems answered two multi‐item instruments on oral health‐related quality of life (Oral Health Impact Profile, OHIP‐14) and general health‐related quality of life (Short Form Health Survey, SF‐12), respectively. Socio‐demographic and health questions were also inquired.Results:  Both the oral and general health‐related quality of life were rated very low. Two thirds (67.2%) reported at least one of the aspects in the OHIP‐14 fairly often, very often or all the time. The mean additive score of the OHIP‐14 was 14.6 (SD 10.5). The mean value of the physical component scale (PCS) of SF‐12 was 25.9 (SD 6.2) and of the mental component scale (MCS) 44.1 (SD 11.5). The OHIP‐14 was consistently and significantly correlated with self‐rated general and oral health, chewing ability and MCS. The associations between self‐rated general and oral health in relation to the OHIP‐14 were independent of possible confounders: OR 3.63 (95% CI 1.58–8.32) and OR 2.68 (95% CI 1.44–4.99), respectively.Conclusion:  Old people with pain problems experienced very low oral and general health‐related quality of life. Personnel caring for the oldest with pain problems should be aware that oral health problems can contribute to a low quality of life and that oral care should be included in the general care.
Long‐Term Mortality and Pacing Outcomes of Patients with Permanent Pacemaker Implantation after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: RAZA SYED S. , LI JIAN‐MING , JOHN RANJIT , CHEN LIN Y. , THOLAKANAHALLI VENKATAKRISHNA N. , MBAI MACKENZIE , ADABAG A. SELCUK 
Published: January 2011

Background: Approximately 20,000 permanent pacemakers (PPMs) are implanted annually for bradycardia or atrioventricular (AV) block after cardiac surgery. Little is known about the long‐term pacing and mortality outcomes and the temporal trends of these patients.
Methods: We examined 6,268 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery at the Minneapolis Veterans Administration Medical Center between 1987 and 2010. Patients who had a PPM within 30 days of cardiac surgery were identified. Pacemaker interrogation records were retrospectively reviewed and mortality was ascertained.
Results: Overall, 141 (2.2%) patients underwent PPM implantation for high‐degree AV block (55%) and bradycardia (45%), 9 ± 6 days after surgery. Age, diuretic use, cardiopulmonary bypass time (CPBT), and valve surgery were independent predictors of PPM requirement. After 5.6 ± 4.2 years of follow‐up, 40% of the patients were PPM dependent. Longer CPBT (P = 0.03), PR interval >200 ms (P = 0.03), and QRS interval > 120 ms (P = 0.04) on baseline electrocardiogram predicted PPM dependency
. In univariable analysis, PPM patients had a higher long‐term mortality than those without PPM (45% vs 36%; P = 0.02). However, after adjusting for age, sex, type of surgery, and CPBT, PPM requirement was not associated with long‐term mortality (hazard ratio 1.3; 95% confidence interval 0.9–1.9; P = 0.17). Compared to before, incidence of PPM implantation increased after the year 2000 (1.9% vs 2.6%; P = 0.04).
Conclusion: The majority of patients who require PPM after cardiac surgery are not PPM dependent in the long term. Requiring a PPM after surgery is not associated with long‐term mortality after adjustment for patient‐related risk factors and cardiac surgical procedure. (PACE 2011; 34:331–338)
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: “Perpetual Motion” of Open Irrigated Tip Catheters at 50 W Is Safe and Improves Outcomes
Authors: WINKLE ROGER A. , MEAD R. HARDWIN , ENGEL GREGORY , PATRAWALA ROB A. 
Published: January 2011

Background: Point‐by‐point use of open irrigated tip catheters (OITCs) at 50 W increases atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation cure rates but also increases complications. We determined if constantly moving the OITC (perpetual motion) when using 50 W increases ablation cure rates without increasing complications.
Methods: We evaluated procedural data, complications, and individual procedure cure rates (IPCRs) for AF ablation using closed tip catheters (CTC) versus OITC at 40, 45, and 50 W in 1,122 ablations. We used “perpetual motion” to move the OITC at 50 W every 3–10 seconds.
Results: The OITC showed higher IPCR than CTC at 45 W (P = 0.012) and 50 W (P < 0.0005). For the OITC, IPCR increased from 44.6% to 60.7% as power increased from 40 to 50 W (P = 0.008). The OITC appeared superior to the CTC for all types of AF. For paroxysmal AF, increasing OITC power from 40 to 50 W provided no increase in IPCR (70.6% vs 71.2%, P = 0.827). For persistent AF, increasing power from 40 to 50 W increased IPCR from 34.5% to 59.5% (P = 0.001). Complications were similar for the CTC and the OITC at any power. The OITC at 50 W had shorter procedure, left atrial, and fluoroscopy times (P < 0.0005).
Conclusions: Increasing OITC power from 40 to 50 W increases IPCR with no increase in complications as long as the 50 W setting is done using “perpetual motion.” The OITC 50 W power setting results in shorter procedure and fluoroscopy times and should be considered for AF ablations. (PACE 2011; 34:531–539)
Frequency Domain and Time Complex Analyses Manifest Low Correlation and Temporal Variability When Calculating Activation Rates in Atrial Fibrillation Patients
Authors: BIVIANO ANGELO B. , COROMILAS JAMES , CIACCIO EDWARD J. , WHANG WILLIAM , HICKEY KATHLEEN , GARAN HASAN 
Published: January 2011

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) activation rates have been calculated using both frequency domain and time complex analyses. Direct comparisons of these methods are limited. We report: (1) their correlation when measuring AF activation rates, (2) comparisons of recording durations required to minimize variability, and (3) differences in the temporal reproducibility.
Methods: AF activation rates were calculated using domain frequency (DF) (via fast Fourier transform) and time complex (TC) (via beat‐to‐beat activation measurements) analyses. We compared: (1) AF frequencies derived from each method; (2) successively longer subinterval durations to their 16‐second reference intervals, and (3) the correlation between consecutively collected 8‐second segments and segments collected 10 minutes apart.
Results: There was low intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC = 0.234) when comparing AF activation rates derived using DF versus TC analysis. There was no difference in the frequencies between any of the subintervals compared to their 16‐second reference intervals, but variability of measurements was higher for intervals <8 seconds (P < 0.01). Correlations between successive segments and segments taken 10 minutes apart were 0.92 and 0.75 using DF analysis (P < 0.001), and 0.72 and 0.49 using TC analysis (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: There is low correlation between the DF and TC methods of analyzing AF activation rates. While AF rates do not differ between subintervals and 16‐second reference electrograms, the variability of measurements is dependent upon the subinterval duration, and increases for durations less than 8 seconds. AF rates were prone to change over a 10‐minute time period. These results point out existing clinical limitations of measuring atrial activation rates in AF patients. (PACE 2011; 34:540–548)
Initial Single‐Center Experience of a Quadripolar Pacing Lead for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: SHETTY ANOOP K. , DUCKETT SIMON G. , BOSTOCK JULIAN , ROY DEBASHIS , GINKS MATTHEW , HAMID SHOAIB , ROSENTHAL ERIC , RAZAVI REZA , RINALDI CHRISTOPHER ALDO 
Published: January 2011

Background: The Quartet model 1458Q (St. Jude Medical, Sylmar, CA, USA) lead is a quadripolar left ventricular (LV) lead with pace/sense capability from four electrodes (tip and three rings). The lead is capable of pacing in 10 different configurations rather than the three that are available in conventional bipolar pacing leads. We describe a single‐center initial experience of the use of this lead in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).
Methods: Twenty‐eight patients for a CRT with cardiac defibrillator were implanted between October 2009 and May 2010 with a Quartet lead
. Lead position, pacing parameters, stability, complications, and presence of phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS) data were collected at implant and predischarge. Follow‐up data were collected at 15 ± 8 weeks for all patients.
Results: A Quartet lead was successfully implanted in 96% (27/28) of patients (age 61 ± 15 years; 82% male; ischemic etiology 50%; mean left ventricular [LV] ejection fraction 25 ± 7%; left bundle branch block 68%). PNS was seen at implant in 11 patients (41%) with at least one vector. In eight of these cases (72%), the need for lead repositioning was averted by programming LV pacing utilizing the additional vectors available with the Quartet lead.
Conclusion: These initial data suggest that pacing with the Quartet lead is associated with a high implant success rate and stable pacing parameters acutely and at short‐term follow‐up. The 10 LV pacing vectors available with this lead may allow PNS and capture threshold problems to be easily overcome. (PACE 2011; 34:484–489)
Pathogenesis of pruritus
Authors: Ständer Sonja , Raap Ulrike , Weisshaar Elke , Schmelz Martin , Mettang Thomas , Handwerker Hermann , Luger Thomas A. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryThe pathogenesis of acute and chronic (> 6 weeks duration) pruritus is complex and involves in the skin a network of resident cells (e. g., mast cells, keratinocytes, sensory neurons) and transient inflammatory cells (e. g., eosinophils). Though pruritus and pain show overlapping mechanisms, recent studies have provided evidence that pruritus and pain pathogenesis differ in important points. In the skin, the sensory C‐nerve fibers have been investigated intensively. Several classes of histamine‐sensitive or histamine‐insensitve C‐fibers have been described. Epidermal and dermal sensory nerve fibres are now assumed to be of major importance in pruritus induction. They interact with keratinocytes, inflammatory cells such as T lymphocytes, eosinophils and basophils which have been shown to release multiple pruritogenic mediators (e.g., nerve growth factor, interleukin‐31) which lead to activation, sensitization and sprouting of skin nerves. Specific receptors have been discovered on cutaneous and spinal neurons to be exclusively involved in the processing of pruritic signals. Just recently, the gastrin‐releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) was identified on spinal neurons that are crucially involved in pruritus but not pain processing. Chronic pruritus is notoriously difficult to treat. Newer insights into the underlying pathogenesis of pruritus have enabled novel treatment approaches that target the pruritus‐specific pathophysiological mechanism. For example, kappa‐opioid receptor agonists and neurokinin‐1 antagonists have been found to relieve chronic pruritus.
IMPROVING POSTHARVEST QUALITY OF TABLE GRAPE CV. “RISH BABA” USING THYMUS KOTSCHYANUS AND CARUM COPTICUM ESSENTIAL OILS
Authors: MARANDI RASUL JALILI , HASSANI ABBAS , GHOSTA YOUBERT , ABDOLLAHI ALI , PIRZAD ALIREZA , SEFIDKON FATEMEH 
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACTThe antifungal activity of different concentrations of Thymus kotschyanus and Carum copticum essential oils (0, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 µL/L) on mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium digitatum under in vitro condition were investigated. Also, the preservative property of various concentrations of these essential oils (0, 250 and 500 µL/L) to maintenance quality parameters of “Rish Baba” table grape were studied. Chemical compositions of the essential oils were also determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. Major compounds found in essential oils from T. kotschyanus and C. copticum were carvacrol (28.54%) and thymol (63.18%), respectively. The results of in vitro assay showed that T. kotschyanus and C. copticum essential oils in 300–500 µL/L concentration completely inhibited the mycelial growth of B. cinerea and P. digitatum. Also, at the end of the storage period, all the applied concentration of essential oils reduced disease severity compared to control fruit. The application of essential oil did not affect the berry shrinkage and rachis browning. However, essential oil treatment showed high preservative effect on weight loss, appearance, flavor, berry browning, total soluble solids (TSS), titrable acidity (TA) and TSS/TA of treated fruits. Therefore, essential oils may be used as an alternative for the synthetic chemicals for control of postharvest phytopathogenic fungi, and in turn to fulfill consumer requirements for more natural and healthy fruits.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSPostharvest disease of perishable fruits such as table grape renders heavy losses during transit and storage. Use of chemical fungicides such as SO2 generator pads are basic means of controlling postharvest diseases of table grape. Public awareness about chemical residues in food and interest to use of organic crops intended search to find a new safe alternatives to synthetic fungicides. The main reason for examine the possibility use of essential oils are they plant origins, safe, no side‐effect and their acceptability for consumers. Consequently, recently the interest to use of essential oils to preserve of fruits and vegetables has increased. The goal of this research was to examine the possibility use of T. kotschyanus, C. copticum essential oils to maintain postharvest quality of table grapes.
Healthcare-Associated Infections in Acute Ischaemic Stroke Patients from 36 Japanese Hospitals: Risk-Adjusted Economic and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Lee Jason , Imanaka Yuichi , Sekimoto Miho , Ikai Hiroshi , Otsubo Tetsuya 
Published: January 2011

Background Healthcare-associated infections are a major cause for worsening in ischaemic stroke patients. In addition to increased morbidity and mortality, healthcare-associated infections also result in a potentially preventable increase in economic costs. Aims The aim of this study was to identify healthcare-associated infection incidence in ischaemic stroke patients in Japanese hospitals, and to conduct a risk-adjusted analysis of the associated economic and clinical outcomes. Methods Healthcare-associated infections were identified in 36 Japanese hospitals using an administrative database. Identification was carried out using a combination of International Classification of Diseases-10 codes and antibiotic utilisation patterns that indicated the presence of an infection. Risk-adjusted hospital charges and length of stay were calculated using multiple linear regression analyses correcting for patient and hospital factors. A logistic regression model was used to analyse the association between healthcare-associated infection infection and mortality. Results There was an overall healthcare-associated infection incidence of 16·4 %, with an interhospital range of 4·7–28·3%. After risk-adjustment, infected cases paid an additional US$3 067 per admission (interhospital range US$434–US$7 151) and were hospitalised for an additional 16·3-days (interhospital range: 5·1–25·1-days) when compared with uninfected patients. Healthcare-associated infections also had a strongly significant association with increased mortality (odds ratio=23·2, 95% confidence intervals: 12·5–43·2). Conclusions We observed a wide range of healthcare-associated infection incidence between the hospitals. Healthcare-associated infections were found to be significantly associated with increased hospital charges, length of stay, and mortality. Furthermore, the use of risk-adjusted multi-institutional comparisons allowed us to analyse individual performance levels in both infection and cost control.
Stroke Prevalence in a Poor Neighbourhood of SãO Paulo, Brazil: Applying a Stroke Symptom Questionnaire
Authors: Abe Ivana M. , Lotufo Paulo A. , Goulart Alessandra C. , Benseñor Isabela M. 
Published: January 2011

Background Brazil has one of the highest stroke mortality rates in the world, these rates are most endemic in the poor. We verified the prevalence of stroke in a deprived neighbourhood in the city of São Paulo, Brazil and compared it with other surveys worldwide. Methods A questionnaire with six questions concerning limb and facial weakness, articulation, sensory disturbances, impaired vision, and past diagnosis of stroke was completed door-to-door in a well-defined area of 15 000 people. Questionnaires were considered positive when a participant answered two or more questions about stroke symptoms or the presence of stroke being confirmed by a physician, or at least three questions in the positive, even if not confirmed by a doctor. Results Of the 4496 individuals over 35-years old living in the area, 243 initially screened positive for stroke. The age-adjusted prevalence rate for men was 4·6% (95% confidence interval 3·5–5·7). For women, the prevalence rate was 6·5% (95% confidence interval 5·5–7·5); when considering only one question, the rate was 4·8% (95% confidence interval 3·9–5·7). The most commonly reported symptoms were limb weakness and sensory disturbances. Hypertension and heart disease were the conditions most commonly associated with previous stroke. Conclusion Stroke prevalence rates were higher in this poor neighbourhood compared with other surveys.
Proximal to Middle One-Third Humerus Shaft Fractures may Lead to Poorer Shoulder Function Compared to Middle to Distal One-Third Humerus Shaft Fractures following Internal Fixation
Authors: Bormann Kurt T. , Carlson Michael J. , Daccarett Miguel S. , Mormino Matthew A. , Fehringer Edward V. 
Published: January 2011

Background The radiographic and functional outcomes following an anterior approach for plate fixation of humeral shaft fractures were evaluated and compared with those of a group having undergone plate fixation from a posterior approach. The hypothesis was that there would be no significant difference between these two groups in shoulder, elbow and overall upper extremity function. Methods We retrospectively reviewed radiographs and data for 78 humerus shaft fractures. Twenty-six patients returned to complete the Constant–Murley Score (CMS), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Results The overall median CMS [76.5 (A) versus 83.5 (P)] approached a significant difference between anterior and posterior fixation groups ( p = 0.07). Active shoulder elevation was significantly better ( p = 0.03) in the posterior group. There was no significant difference in median DASH score ( p = 0.51), MEPS score ( p = 0.69), nor in 10 of 12 individual responses on the SST. Fracture union rate was 97%. Discussion Anterior fixation of humeral shaft fractures yields satisfactory upper extremity functional outcomes that are comparable to those of extremities that have undergone posterior fixation. However, shoulder function tends to be better following posterior fixation, possibly as a result of anterior approaches being more commonly performed for more proximal shaft fractures.