bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of low‐dose intranasal (S)‐ketamine in patients with neuropathic pain
Authors: Huge Volker , Lauchart Meike , Magerl Walter , Schelling Gustav , Beyer Antje , Thieme Detlef , Azad Shahnaz C. 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTBackground:NMDA receptors are involved in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of intranasal (S)‐ketamine, one of the most potent clinically available NMDA receptor antagonists.Methods:Sixteen patients with neuropathic pain of various origins were randomized into two treatment groups: (S)‐ketamine 0.2mg/kg (group 1); (S)‐ketamine 0.4mg/kg (group 2). Plasma concentrations of (S)‐ketamine and (S)‐norketamine were measured over 6h by High Performance Liquid Chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. Quantitative sensory testing (QST) was conducted before, during and after treatment. Side effects and amount of pain reduction were recorded.Results:Intranasal (S)‐ketamine administration lead to peak plasma concentrations of 27.7±5.9ng/ml at 10±6.3min (group 1) and 34.3±22.2ng/ml at 13.8±4.8min after application (group 2). Maximal plasma concentrations of (S)‐norketamine were 18.3±14.9ng/ml at 81±59min (group 1) and 34.3±5.5ng/ml at 75±40min (group 2). Pain scores decreased significantly in both groups with minimal pain at 60min after drug administration (70±10% and 61±13% of initial pain in groups 1 and 2). The time course of pain decrease was significantly correlated with plasma concentrations of (S)‐ketamine and (S)‐norketamine (partial correlations: (S)‐norketamine:−0.90 and−0.86; (S)‐ketamine:−0.72 and−0.71 for group 1 and group 2, respectively). Higher dosing elicited significantly more side effects. Intranasal (S)‐ketamine had no significant impact on thermal or mechanical detection and pain thresholds in normal or symptomatic skin areas.Conclusions:Intranasal administration of low dose (S)‐ketamine rapidly induces adequate plasma concentrations of (S)‐ketamine and subsequently of its metabolite (S)‐norketamine. The time course of analgesia correlated with plasma concentrations.
Comparison of metformin treatment and laparoscopic ovarian diathermy in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Ashrafinia Mansoor , Hosseini Reihaneh , Moini Ashraf , Eslami Bita , Asgari Zahra 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo compare hormone levels and clinical outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) after metformin therapy or laparoscopic ovarian diathermy (LOD) at 6 months follow‐up.MethodsA randomized trial was conducted in 126 patients with PCOS who had a history of infertility for at least 1 year and resistance to clomiphene citrate (CC). Patients (n = 63) received metformin treatment or underwent LOD (n = 63).ResultsLevels of follicle‐stimulating hormone did not change in either group after the intervention (P > 0.05). Serum levels of testosterone (P < 0.001) and luteinizing hormone (P < 0.001) were significantly lower after the treatment in both groups. The proportion of women with regular menstrual cycles increased significantly to 35% (P < 0.001) in the LOD group and to 49% (P < 0.001) in metformin group compared with before the intervention. Although proportion was higher in the metformin group compared with the LOD group, the difference was not significant (odds ratio 1.81; 95% CI, 0.88–3.69, P = 0.1). Hirsutism decreased significantly from 100% to 79.37% (P < 0.001) in both groups.ConclusionCC‐resistant patients with PCOS were treated effectively by both metformin and LOD.
Evaluation of a single‐step diagnosis and treatment of premalignant cervical lesion by LEEP
Authors: Emam Mohamed , Elnashar Aboubakr , Shalan Hesham , Barakat Rafik 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo explore whether a single‐step diagnosis and treatment of premalignant cervical lesions by the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is appropriate in women at high risk in low‐resource countries.MethodSixty women suspected of having a high‐grade lesion on both visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and colposcopic examination were randomly allotted to one of 2 groups. In group 1, LEEP was performed immediately and a tissue specimen was sent for histopathologic evaluation; in group 2, a punch biopsy was performed, followed by a histopathologic evaluation; then, LEEP was performed if needed.ResultsAmong the patients who underwent LEEP, 4 (16%) in group 1 and 3 (15.8%) in group 2 were overtreated. No patients dropped out of the study in group 1 but 5 (20.8%) did in group 2.ConclusionThe single‐step diagnosis and LEEP treatment of premalignant cervical lesions is appropriate in low‐resource countries.
Politics at the first Comité Special de l'Année Geophysique Internationale (CSAGI) Antarctic conference
Authors: Bulkeley Rip 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTAt the first Comité Special de l'Année Geophysique Internationale (CSAGI) Antarctic conference, held in July 1955, the opening remarks of its president, supported by a resolution proposed by the Chilean Ambassador and passed unanimously, stipulated that the meeting was not to be concerned with political matters and that its purposes were exclusively scientific. Those guidelines were not entirely successful. The Chilean resolution was itself a political move, and delegates reported that the meeting was repeatedly disturbed by further political interventions. The conference was nevertheless significant because it was the first time that representatives of eleven countries ever attended such a meeting, thus ensuring that the International Geophysical Year would mark a new phase in international relations respecting Antarctica.
Perception advances in outdoor vehicle detection for automatic cruise control
Authors: Álvarez S. , Sotelo M. Á. , Ocaña M. , Llorca D. F. , Parra I. , Bergasa L. M. 
Published: September 2009

SUMMARYThis paper describes a vehicle detection system based on support vector machine (SVM) and monocular vision. The final goal is to provide vehicle-to-vehicle time gap for automatic cruise control (ACC) applications in the framework of intelligent transportation systems (ITS). The challenge is to use a single camera as input, in order to achieve a low cost final system that meets the requirements needed to undertake serial production in automotive industry. The basic feature of the detected objects are first located in the image using vision and then combined with a SVM-based classifier. An intelligent learning approach is proposed in order to better deal with objects variability, illumination conditions, partial occlusions and rotations. A large database containing thousands of object examples extracted from real road scenes has been created for learning purposes. The classifier is trained using SVM in order to be able to classify vehicles, including trucks. In addition, the vehicle detection system described in this paper provides early detection of passing cars and assigns lane to target vehicles. In the paper, we present and discuss the results achieved up to date in real traffic conditions.
Modern organic and broiler chickens sold for human consumption provide more energy from fat than protein
Authors: Wang Yiqun , Lehane Catherine , Ghebremeskel Kebreab , Crawford Michael A 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjectiveIn 1976, the Royal College of Physicians and the British Cardiac Society recommended eating less fatty red meat and more poultry instead because it was lean. However, the situation has changed since that time, with a striking increase in fat content of the standard broiler chicken. The aim of the present study was to report a snapshot of data on fat in chickens now sold to the public.DesignSamples were obtained randomly between 2004 and 2008 from UK supermarkets, farm shops and a football club. The amount of chicken fat was estimated by emulsification and chloroform/methanol extraction.SettingFood sold in supermarkets and farms in England.SubjectsChicken samples.ResultsThe fat energy exceeded that of protein. There has been a loss ofn-3 fatty acids. Then-6:n-3 ratio was found to be as high as 9:1, as opposed to the recommendation of about 2:1. Moreover, the TAG level in the meat and whole bird mostly exceeded the proportion of phospholipids, which should be the higher for muscle function. Then-3 fatty acid docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22 : 5n-3) was in excess of DHA (22 : 6n-3). Previous analyses had, as usual for birds, more DHA than DPA.ConclusionsTraditional poultry and eggs were one of the few land-based sources of long-chainn-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, which is synthesized from its parent precursor in the green food chain. In view of the obesity epidemic, chickens that provide several times the fat energy compared with protein seem illogical. This type of chicken husbandry needs to be reviewed with regard to its implications for animal welfare and human nutrition.
Canada Celebrates International Year of Planet Earth
Authors: Nowlan Godfrey S. 
Published: September 2009

The International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE; 2007–2009), declared by the United Nations to increase awareness of Earth and environmental sciences, has inspired a great variety of outreach projects across Canada. Under the theme of “Water, Hazards, Energy, Resources and Environment” (WHERE), Canada's IYPE outreach tag lines include “WHERE on Earth?” and “WHERE in Canada?”Development of Canada's IYPE program began with a solicitation of proposals in 2007 from the grassroots Earth science community. Many proposals were received, vetted, and transformed into projects for which funds were then sought, mostly in the private sector. Under the auspices of a national committee chaired by Calgary‐based geophysicist John Boyd, both large and small projects were developed. Small projects, such as speaker series and workshops for teachers held in individual municipalities, were handled at a local level. By contrast, larger and more expensive projects were implemented nationally under the basic philosophy that they should provide a legacy that will last well beyond IYPE.
Climate Data Analysis Tools Facilitate Scientific Investigations
Authors: Doutriaux Charles , Drach Robert , McCoy Renata , Mlaker Velimir , Williams Dean 
Published: September 2009

Insightful analysis of geophysical phenomena often depends on the choice of software tools to access, manipulate, and visualize data sets of interest. These data exploration tasks can be efficiently executed in a single computational environment by the freely distributed Climate Data Analysis Tools (CDAT; http://www‐pcmdi.llnl.gov/software‐portal/). Although CDAT has been designed primarily for climate science applications, its capabilities are increasingly being enhanced to address the data needs of other geophysical sciences.The CDAT software is based on the object‐oriented Python computer language, but the software extends existing constructs to achieve capabilities that are relevant to any gridded geophysical data. Depending on the users preference, CDAT can be fully deployed by either a script or graphical user interface.
Impact of Baking on Vitamin E Content of Pseudocereals Amaranth, Quinoa, and Buckwheat
Authors: Alvarez‐Jubete L. , Holse M. , Hansen Å. , Arendt E. K. , Gallagher E. 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to analyze the vitamin E composition of amaranth, quinoa, and buckwheat pseudocereals. The method used consisted of a one‐step extraction with hexane followed by normal‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (NP‐HPLC) coupled with a fluorescence detector. This method afforded complete separation of all vitamin E compounds present. In addition, vitamin E stability following high‐temperature processing such as breadmaking was also studied. The vitamin E composition differed significantly from grain type to grain type, and highest vitamin E content (expressed as α‐tocopherol equivalents) was found in quinoa grains, followed by amaranth and buckwheat (24.7, 15.4, and 6.3 μg/g respectively). None of the pseudocereal grains contained tocotrienols, which were only detected in wheat grains in minor quantities. Vitamin E recovery following breadbaking was high (70–93%) and gluten‐free breads containing pseudocereal had significantly higher vitamin E content compared with the gluten‐free control. Amaranth, quinoa, and buckwheat grains proved to be good sources of vitamin E and may be used as ingredients in gluten‐free products for improving vitamin E content and thus overall nutritional quality.
Automated Single‐Kernel Sorting to Select for Quality Traits in Wheat Breeding Lines
Authors: Dowell Floyd E. , Maghirang Elizabeth B. , Baenziger P. Stephen 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTAn automated single kernel near‐infrared system was used to select kernels to enhance the end‐use quality of hard red wheat breeder samples. Twenty breeding populations and advanced lines were sorted for hardness index, protein content, and kernel color. To determine whether the phenotypic sorting was based upon genetic or environmental differences, the progeny of the unsorted control and sorted samples were planted at two locations two years later to determine whether differences in the sorted samples were transmitted to the progeny (e.g., based on genetic differences). The average hardness index of the harvested wheat samples for segregating populations improved significantly by seven hardness units. For the advanced lines, hardness index was not affected by sorting, indicating little genetic variation within these lines. When sorting by protein content, a significant increase from 12.1 to 12.6% was observed at one location. Purity of the red samples was improved from ≈78% (unsorted control) to ≈92% (sorted samples), while the purity of the white samples improved from 22% (control) to ≈62% (sorted samples). Similar positive results were found for sorting red and blue kernel samples. Sorting for kernel hardness, color, and protein content is effective and based upon genetic variation.
Influence of Sulfur and Nitrogen Content of Rice Grains on Flavor in Stored Sake
Authors: Okuda Masaki , Isogai Atsuko , Joyo Midori , Goto‐Yamamoto Nami , Mikami Shigeaki 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTThe influence of nitrogen and sulfur compounds in rice grains on changes in flavor in stored sake was investigated using Japanese rice cultivars for sake making. Nitrogen content exhibited a significant positive correlation with sulfur content. Based on the molar ratio of nitrogen to sulfur in the rice grain, the sulfur compounds appeared to be derived from protein‐associated sulfur‐containing amino acids, as reported previously. The higher the protein content of the rice, the greater the amount of nitrogen and sulfur compounds found in both the digest of steamed rice grains and in the sake. Physicochemical changes were investigated in the stored sake to confirm the influence of total sulfur content. Polysulfides in the stored sake appeared to be higher when made from rice grains of high total sulfur content. Staling of stored sake was affected by levels of protein‐associated sulfur‐containing amino acids in the rice.
Fluorescence lifetime imaging of articular cartilage
Authors: Talbot C.B. , Lever M.J. , Benninger R.K.P. , Mcginty J. , Requejo‐Isidro J. , Elson D.S. , French P.M.W. , Sandison A. , Wallace A.L. , Nagase H. , Itoh Y. , Saklatvala J. , Vincent T. 
Published: September 2009

Introduction  Fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) provides a contrast parameter for tissue components independent of wavelength, spectrum or polarization. It has been shown that contrast between autofluorescent matrix components such as collagen and elastin is available through FLIM (Siegel et al. 2003; Dowling et al. 1998), which is not clear using other fluorescent techniques. The lifetime of collagen has been studied whilst in solution; however, research is ongoing to quantify its fluorescence whilst in tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the contrast available by applying fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) to articular cartilage, which has extracellular matrix containing collagen type‐II and proteoglycan.Materials and methods  A time‐gated FLIM system was used to analyse the articular cartilage from unstained sections of human femurs as well as from the knee joints young and old sheep. The sections were also observed under a conventional fluorescence microscope, and for the human femurs, adjacent H&E‐stained sections were also obtained. Details of the FLIM system can be found elsewhere (Dowling et al. 1998), with the laser source being tuneable, allowing excitation over a range 350–600 nm. Fluorescence half‐lives were obtained using single exponentials applied to the intensity decay data.Results  It was found that younger cartilage was generally less fluorescent than older. For example, when exciting at 401 nm and observing above 450 nm, it was found that the young sheep samples provided a signal to noise ratio too low to obtain lifetime data, whereas other samples fluoresced brightly. It was also found that within the matrix, FLIM provided contrast unavailable with conventional fluorescence microscopy and, in the case of human femurs, with H&E stains.Discussion  In the study of collagen, it is believed that the cross‐linkages are responsible for fluorescence (Richards‐Kortum & Sevick‐Muraca 1996). Because the cross‐linkages increase with age, the fluorescence intensity is also expected to increase. The lesser amount of fluorescence from the younger samples therefore suggests that the dominant fluorophore in cartilage is collagen. The contrast obtained with FLIM in the cartilage indicates nonuniformity in the matrix structure.Acknowledgements  This work was supported by the EPSRC, BBSRC, Kentech Instruments, a DTI Beacon award and a Wellcome Trust Showcase award.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration for the diagnosis of solid pancreatic masses: the impact on patient‐management strategy
Authors: TOUCHEFEU Y. , LE RHUN M. , CORON E. , ALAMDARI A. , HEYMANN M. F. , MOSNIER J. F. , MATYSIAK T. , GALMICHE J. P. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryBackground  Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) is a safe and accurate technique for diagnosing pancreatic cancer. However, its impact for management of these patients is poorly investigated.Aims  To investigate the diagnostic yield and the therapeutic impact of EUS‐FNA in the management of solid pancreatic masses.Methods  One hundred consecutive patients who underwent EUS‐FNA for a solid pancreatic mass were included. Aspirates were placed onto glass slides for cytological examination and microbiopsies were fixed in formaldehyde for histology. The impact on clinical management was analysed retrospectively according to different endpoints, such as its impact on indications for chemotherapy, surgery or appropriate follow‐up modality.Results  Eight procedures were considered failures and two patients were lost to follow‐up. A final diagnosis was obtained in 90 patients. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of combined cytology and histology for the diagnosis of malignant or potentially‐malignant tumours were 78%, 75%, and 78% respectively. The sensitivity and accuracy of cytology alone were significantly higher than those of histology alone (P = 0.0003). By intention‐to‐diagnose analysis, EUS‐FNA directly influenced the management strategy in 62 of 100 patients.Conclusions  In patients with pancreatic mass and suspected malignancy, EUS‐FNA provides an accurate diagnosis in approximately 80% of cases. EUS‐FNA directly influences the management in two‐thirds of patients.
Factors associated with radiation exposure in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: LEVI Z. , FRASER A. , KRONGRAD R. , HAZAZI R. , BENJAMINOV O. , MEYEROVITCH J. , TAL O. B. , CHOEN A. , NIV Y. , FRASER G. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryBackground  Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients undergo multiple radiological evaluations.Aim  To estimate total and abdominal radiation exposure from diagnostic X‐ray investigations in IBD patients and the associated risk factors.Methods  Patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) treated in the IBD clinic were recruited. Clinical data were extracted from patient files and radiological data were obtained from the central HMO computer data base.Results  A total of 199 CD and 125 UC patients were included. The mean cumulative estimated doses (CED) for CD and UC were 21.1 ± 19.5 and 15.1 ± 20.4 millisieverts (mSv) respectively (P < 0.001). Twenty‐three patients (7.1%) had an estimated CED of ≥50 mSv. In multivariate analyses, predictors of increased CED were: surgery (OR 5.68, 95% CI: 2.73–11.8, P < 0.001), CD (OR 2.56, 95% CI: 1.29–5.07, P = 0.007), prednisone use (OR 2.0, 95% CI: 1.11–3.67, P = 0.02), first year of disease (OR 6.4, 95% CI: 1.3–32, P = 0.02) and age in the upper quartile (OR 3.26, 95% CI: 1.68–6.3, P = 0.001).Conclusions  Diagnosis of CD, IBD‐related surgery, prednisone use, first year of diagnosis and age on the upper quartile are independent predictors of increased exposure in IBD patients. Alternative investigations which do not require radiation exposure should be considered for patients at risk for increased radiation exposure.
A qualitative analysis of lay beliefs about the aetiology and prevalence of autistic spectrum disorders
Authors: Russell G. , Kelly S. , Golding J. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIntroduction  There has been a dramatic increase in the prevalence of autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) in the last 20 years. The reasons for this are disputed. The consensus among epidemiologists and other experts is that greater case load is due to changes in diagnostic practice rather than reflecting changing aetiological factors leading to a true increase in incidence. We set out to examine lay views concerning the aetiology and prevalence of ASD and whether they conflict with or support this consensus position.Methods  Over 100 unsolicited communications (letters e mails and several telephone calls) were received by a UK epidemiological study of ASD. We carried out a qualitative analysis of all correspondence in order to examine spontaneously expressed lay beliefs about the prevalence and aetiology of ASD.Results  The majority of correspondents suggested theories about environmental causes of ASD. This study demonstrates the strength of lay belief that the true incidence of autism is rising, and this is due to risks from modern technologies and changing lifestyles.Conclusion  This study based on unsolicited data highlights the contrast between lay explanations of increasing prevalence and the consensus opinion of medical experts. It also demonstrates how many people in direct contact with ASD have important information to share.