bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unilateral transverse cordotomy for bilateral abductor vocal fold immobility
Authors: Bernstein J M , Jones S M , Jones P H 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjective:We present a case series with airway compromise due to bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis or fixation, treated with unilateral transverse cordotomy.Methods:Of eight consecutive patients with dyspnoea due to bilateral paramedian vocal fold immobility, seven underwent unilateral transverse cordotomy between August 2006 and April 2010 at University Hospital of South Manchester, UK. Airway and voice outcomes were compared before and after surgery.Results:All seven treated cases derived subjective airway function improvement; there was no aspiration. The eighth case had inadequate access. None of the seven treated patients required contralateral cordotomy or permanent tracheostomy. One treated case required a temporary tracheostomy; unilateral transverse cordotomy facilitated eventual decannulation. Two patients died of cancer at five and six weeks, variously. At a mean follow up of 22 months, four cases showed unchanged or slightly worse Voice Symptom Scale and Grade-Roughness-Breathiness-Asthenia-Strain scale scores.Conclusion:In patients with bilateral abductor vocal fold immobility, unilateral transverse cordotomy results in improved dyspnoea with either no voice change or only slight worsening. This is a more conservative procedure than bilateral transverse cordotomy, with the potential for better preservation of voice and breath support.
Vapours, gargles, darts and bougies: Victorian ENT treatments
Authors: Montgomery J , Robertson A 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground:Sir Morell Mackenzie (1837–1892), the pre-eminent early laryngologist in the UK, is nowadays perhaps better remembered for his role in the management of the Crown Prince of Germany in 1887, than for his major contribution to the development of laryngology as a specialty. In this article we focus upon his text The Pharmacopoeia of the Hospital for Diseases of the Throat (fourth edition), and attempt a comparison of Victorian ENT treatments with today's management of ENT diseases.Treatments:Some of these Victorian treatments bear a resemblance to modern day practices. Others have not withstood the test of time, in particular: silver nitrate sticks for syphilitic ulcers of the larynx (not epistaxis); nebulised sulphuric acid, which was used as a stimulant; nasal bougies, including scotch pine and lead acetate; chloroform vapour for the treatment of hay fever; ‘London paste’, a non-surgical treatment for the reduction of the tonsils, (which was perhaps the Victorian equivalent of coblation); and zinc chloride darts, which were plunged into intractable goitres.Conclusion:Some of these remedies bear no resemblance to today's evidence-based practices, while other treatments (such as silver nitrate) are still in common use. In Victorian times, however, Mackenzie's books were widely read throughout Europe and were the standard references for a specialty in its infancy. The Pharmacopoeia was published in 1872, and major advances in medicine have been made since then. We have no way of knowing which treatments in today's British National Formulary will still be in use in 140 years.
A Three-Step Method for Estimating the Mixing Height Using Ceilometer Data from the Helsinki Testbed
Authors: Eresmaa Noora , Härkönen Jari , Joffre Sylvain M. , Schultz David M. , Karppinen Ari , Kukkonen Jaakko 
Published: July 2012

AbstractA new three-step idealized-profile method to estimate the mixing height from vertical profiles of ceilometer backscattering coefficient is developed to address the weaknesses found with such estimates that are based on the one-step idealized-profile method. This three-step idealized-profile method fits the backscattering coefficient profile of ceilometer measurements into an idealized scaled vertical profile of three error functions, thus having the potential to determine three aerosol layers (one for the surface layer, one for the mixing height, and one for the artificial layer caused by the weakened signal). This three-step idealized-profile method is tested with ceilometer and radiosounding data collected during the Helsinki Testbed campaign (2 January 2006–13 March 2007). Excluding cases with low aerosol concentration in the boundary layer, cases with clouds present, and cases with precipitation present, the resulting dataset consists of 97 simultaneous backscattering coefficient profiles and radiosoundings. The three-step method is compared with the one-step method and other commonly employed algorithms. A strong correlation (correlation coefficient r = 0.91) between the mixing heights as determined by the three-step method using ceilometer data and those determined from radiosoundings is an improvement over the same correlation using the one-step method (r = 0.28), as well as the other algorithms.
The Inclusion of IWV Estimates from AIRS/AMSU and SSM/I Sensors into the CPTEC/INPE Global Data Assimilation System
Authors: Sapucci Luiz F. , Herdies Dirceu L. , Mendonça Renata W. B. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Water vapor plays a crucial role in atmospheric processes and its distribution is associated with cloud-cover fraction and rainfall. The inclusion of integrated water vapor (IWV) estimates in numerical weather prediction improves the vertical structure of the humidity analysis and consequently contributes to obtaining a more realistic atmospheric state. Currently, satellite remote sensing is the most important source of humidity measurements in the Southern Hemisphere, providing information with good horizontal resolution and global coverage. In this study, the inclusion of IWV retrieved from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder/Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AIRS/AMSU) and Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) were investigated as additional information in the Physical-space Statistical Analysis System (PSAS), which is the operational data assimilation system at the Center for Weather Forecasting and Climate Studies of the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research (CPTEC/INPE). Experiments were carried out with and without the assimilation of IWV values from both sensors. Results show that, in general, the IWV assimilation reduces the error in short-range forecasts of humidity profile, particularly over tropical regions. In these experiments, an analysis of the impact of the inclusion of IWV values from SSM/I and AIRS/AMSU sensors was done. Results indicated that the impact of the SSM/I values is significant over high-latitude oceanic regions in the Southern Hemisphere, while the impact of AIRS/AMSU values is more significant over continental regions where surface measurements are scarce, such as the Amazonian region. In that area the assimilation of IWV values from the AIRS/AMSU sensor shows a tendency to reduce the overestimate of the precipitation in short-range forecasts.
Characteristics of falls in inpatient psychiatric units
Authors: Scanlan Justin , Wheatley Jessica , McIntosh Susannah 
Published: July 2012

Objective: Falls in inpatient psychiatric units are more frequent than in other age-matched unit types. We set out to explore factors associated with falls in inpatient units in a large metropolitan mental health service. Method: Contributory factors, location, activity and outcomes were identified for 559 falls. Overall falls rates were also calculated. Results: Falls rate was 1.25 per 1000 occupied bed days, with highest rates in psychogeriatric units. Almost 50% of falls were related to physiological factors, with balance or mobility difficulties accounting for 19% of all falls. Falls most frequently occurred in bedrooms, outdoor areas, corridors and bathrooms. The most common activity at the time of the fall was walking (41%) and transfers were associated with 17% of falls. Outcomes were evenly spread between no outcome and minor to moderate injury. No severe injuries were reported. Conclusions: Although falls may have been under-reported, this study establishes an analysis framework and baseline data for the monitoring of falls in inpatient psychiatric units in Australia.
The feasibility of collecting information from people with Multiple Sclerosis for the UK MS Register via a web portal: characterising a cohort of people with MS
Authors: Ford David V , Jones Kerina H , Middleton Rod M , Lockhart-Jones Hazel , Maramba Inocencio DC , Noble Gareth J , Osborne Lisa A , Lyons Ronan A 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
A UK Register of people with Multiple Sclerosis has been developed to address the need for an increased knowledge-base about MS. The Register is being populated via: a web-based portal; NHS neurology clinical systems; and administrative data sources. The data are de-identified and linked at the individual level. At the outset, it was not known whether people with MS would wish to participate in the UK MS Register by personally contributing their data to the Register via a web-based system. Therefore, the research aim of this work was to build an internet-mounted recruitment and consenting technology for people with Multiple Sclerosis, and to assess its feasibility as a questionnaire delivery platform to contribute data to the UK MS Register, by determining whether the information provided could be used to describe a cohort of people with MS.

Methods
The web portal was developed using VB.net and JQuery with a Microsoft SQL 2008 database. UK adults with MS can self-register and enter data about themselves by completing validated questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to characterise the respondents.

Results
The web portal was launched in May 2011, and in first three months 7,279 individuals registered on the portal. The ratio of men to women was 1:2.4 (n = 5,899), the mean self-reported age at first symptoms was 33.8 (SD 10.5) years, and at diagnosis 39.6 (SD 10.3) years (n = 4,401). The reported types of MS were: 15% primary progressive, 63% relapsing-remitting, 8% secondary progressive, and 14% unknown (n = 5,400). These characteristics are similar to those of the prevalent MS population. Employment rates, sickness/disability rates, ethnicity and educational qualifications were compared with the general UK population. Information about the respondents’ experience of early symptoms and the process of diagnosis, plus living arrangements are also reported.

Conclusions
These initial findings from the MS Register portal demonstrate the feasibility of collecting data about people with MS via a web platform, and show that sufficient information can be gathered to characterise a cohort of people with MS. The innovative design of the UK MS register, bringing together three disparate sources of data, is creating a rich resource for research into this condition.
From efficacy to equity: Literature review of decision criteria for resource allocation and healthcare decisionmaking
Authors: Guindo Lalla Aïda , Wagner Monika , Baltussen Rob , Rindress Donna , van Til Janine , Kind Paul , Goetghebeur Mireille M 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Objectives
Resource allocation is a challenging issue faced by health policy decisionmakers requiring careful consideration of many factors. Objectives of this study were to identify decision criteria and their frequency reported in the literature on healthcare decisionmaking.

Method
An extensive literature search was performed in Medline and EMBASE to identify articles reporting healthcare decision criteria. Studies conducted with decisionmakers (e.g., focus groups, surveys, interviews), conceptual and review articles and articles describing multicriteria tools were included. Criteria were extracted, organized using a classification system derived from the EVIDEM framework and applying multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) principles, and the frequency of their occurrence was measured.

Results
Out of 3146 records identified, 2790 were excluded. Out of 356 articles assessed for eligibility, 40 studies included. Criteria were identified from studies performed in several regions of the world involving decisionmakers at micro, meso and macro levels of decision and from studies reporting on multicriteria tools. Large variations in terminology used to define criteria were observed and 360 different terms were identified. These were assigned to 58 criteria which were classified in 9 different categories including: health outcomes; types of benefit; disease impact; therapeutic context; economic impact; quality of evidence; implementation complexity; priority, fairness and ethics; and overall context. The most frequently mentioned criteria were: equity/fairness (32 times), efficacy/effectiveness (29), stakeholder interests and pressures (28), cost-effectiveness (23), strength of evidence (20), safety (19), mission and mandate of health system (19), organizational requirements and capacity (17), patient-reported outcomes (17) and need (16).

Conclusion
This study highlights the importance of considering both normative and feasibility criteria for fair allocation of resources and optimized decisionmaking for coverage and use of healthcare interventions. This analysis provides a foundation to develop a questionnaire for an international survey of decisionmakers on criteria and their relative importance. The ultimate objective is to develop sound multicriteria approaches to enlighten healthcare decisionmaking and priority-setting.
Primary cardiac B-cell lymphoma with atrioventricular block and paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Chen Ke-Wei , Chang Ju-Hsin , Yeh Su-Peng , Lu Chiung-Ray 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is very rare, and is extremely challenging to diagnose due to nonspecific symptoms. When discovered, the right atrium and ventricle are most commonly affected, while diffuse cardiac involvement is uncommon. PCL is fatal unless promptly diagnosed and treated. Herein, we present the case of a 36-year-old immunocompetent male who presented with a 5-year history of non-specific chest symptoms and was diagnosed with primary diffuse cardiac large B-cell lymphoma involving the entire heart.
Towards clinical assessment of velopharyngeal closure using MRI: evaluation of real-time MRI sequences at 1.5 and 3 T
Authors: Scott A D , Boubertakh R , Birch M J , Miquel M E 
Published: July 2012

Objective
The objective of this study was to demonstrate soft palate MRI at 1.5 and 3 T with high temporal resolution on clinical scanners.

Methods
Six volunteers were imaged while speaking, using both four real-time steady-state free-precession (SSFP) sequences at 3 T and four balanced SSFP (bSSFP) at 1.5 T. Temporal resolution was 9–20 frames s−1 (fps), spatial resolution 1.6×1.6×10.0–2.7×2.7×10.0 mm3. Simultaneous audio was recorded. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), palate thickness and image quality score (1–4, non-diagnostic–excellent) were evaluated.

Results
SNR was higher at 3 T than 1.5 T in the relaxed palate (nasal breathing position) and reduced in the elevated palate at 3 T, but not 1.5 T. Image quality was not significantly different between field strengths or sequences (p=NS). At 3 T, 40% acquisitions scored 2 and 56% scored 3. Most 1.5 T acquisitions scored 1 (19%) or 4 (46%). Image quality was more dependent on subject or field than sequence. SNR in static images was highest with 1.9×1.9×10.0 mm3 resolution (10 fps) and measured palate thickness was similar (p=NS) to that at the highest resolution (1.6×1.6×10.0 mm3). SNR in intensity–time plots through the soft palate was highest with 2.7×2.7×10.0 mm3 resolution (20 fps).

Conclusions
At 3 T, SSFP images are of a reliable quality, but 1.5 T bSSFP images are often better. For geometric measurements, temporal should be traded for spatial resolution (1.9×1.9×10.0 mm3, 10 fps). For assessment of motion, temporal should be prioritised over spatial resolution (2.7×2.7×10.0 mm3, 20 fps).

Advances in knowledge
Diagnostic quality real-time soft palate MRI is possible using clinical scanners and optimised protocols have been developed. 3 T SSFP imaging is reliable, but 1.5 T bSSFP often produces better images.
Modification of the ferrite phase in cements by manganese substitution
Authors: Puertas F. , Glasser F. P. 
Published: July 2012

Synopsis The effect of manganese substitution into the crystal structure of the ferrite phase, Ca2 (Fe2-x Alx)O5, has been studied by X-ray diffraction, analytical electron microscopy and differential thermal analysis. The introduction of manganese into Ca2Fe2O5 and Ca4Fe2Al2O10 produces a distortion of the crystal structure marked by an expansion of the b axis but without changes in crystallographic symmetry. The limits of solid solution of manganese in both phases were determined. The presence of manganese in the Ca2Fe2O5phase suppresses its ferromagnetic character.
The microstructure of tricalcium silicate/pulverized-fuel ash blended cement pastes
Authors: Rodger S. A. , Groves G. W. 
Published: July 2012

Synopsis The microstructure and composition of the reaction products in a C3S/pfa blended cement paste have been studied by analytical electron microscopy of thin sections. The presence of pfa does not significantly affect the morphology of the hydration products of C3S but the C/S ratio of the C-S-H is reduced in all areas. The reaction products of the pfa after one year are partial shells of hydrogarnet formed within the reacted zones of the pfa particles, radially fibrillar C-S-H within reacted zones and shells of dense C-S-H, the first forming immediately outside the pfa particle surface and later shells forming within the reacted zone by rhythmic precipitation. These two forms of C-S-H have similar C/S ratios, averaging between 1·4 and 1·5. Silica and alumino-silicate glass particles have similar reactivities.
Profile of visual impairment in children attending low vision clinic of Nepal Eye Hospital
Authors: Sapkota Kishore , Rajkarnikar Sagar , Shrestha Bina , Panthi Shyam , Pokharel Archana 
Published: July 2012

Introduction: Visual impairment (VI) in children accounts for great challenge in the life of children that leads to greater medical, psychological, social and economic problems since the child has to live up with handicap for many years to come. Identifying the main causes of visual degradation and their pattern will help in preventive measures, early diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of vulnerable population. The aim of this study was to find out the pattern of visual impairment in children attending low vision clinic of Nepal Eye Hospital. Methods: A retrospective cross--sectional review of hospital records of all VI children att ending the low vision clinic from 1st May 2010 to 31st April 2011 with age less than 16 years was done. Results: Overall, 65 children were included in this study with mean age 11.58±3.83 years. Among them 55.4% were male. More than one third (34%) of the total children were in the category of blindness. More than two thirds (72.30%) patients had refractive error. Majority of the patients (66.15%) had multiple causes of visual impairment. Major causes of visual impairment were nystagmus (58.46%), high refractive error (26.15%) and amblyopia (24.61%). Low vision devices were prescribed for only 18.46% of the total patients. Telescope was the most frequently prescribed low vision optical device. Conclusion: Nystagmus, high refractive error and amblyopia were the main causes of VI. Most of the cases had multiple causes. Low vision devices were prescribed for very few of the visual impaired patients and telescope was the most frequently prescribed among them. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v10i2.6458Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital July-Dec 2011 10(2) 18-21
Could Early Antiretroviral Therapy Entail More Risks than Benefits in Sub-Saharan African HIV-Infected Adults? A Model-Based Analysis
Authors: Anglaret Xavier , Scott Callie A , Walensky Rochelle P , Ouattara Eric , Losina Elena , Moh Raoul , Becker Jessica E , Uhler Lauren , Danel Christine , Messou Eugene , Eholié Serge , Freedberg Kenneth A 
Published: July 2012

Background Initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in all HIV-infected adults, regardless of CD4+ T-cell count, is a proposed strategy for reducing HIV transmission. We investigated the conditions under which starting ART early could entail more risks than benefits for patients with high CD4+ T-cell counts. Methods We used a simulation model to compare ART initiation upon entry to care (‘immediate ART') to initiation at CD4+ T-cell count ≤350 cells/μl (‘WHO 2010 ART') in African adults with CD4+ T-cell counts >500 cells/μl. We varied inputs to determine the combination of parameters (population characteristics, conditions of care, treatment outcomes) that would result in higher 15-year mortality with immediate ART. Results The 15-year mortality was 56.7% for WHO 2010 ART and 51.8% for immediate ART. In one-way sensitivity analysis, lower 15-year mortality was consistently achieved with immediate ART unless the rate of fatal ART toxicity was >1.0/100 person-years, the rate of withdrawal from care was >1.2-fold higher or the rate of ART failure due to poor adherence was >4.3-fold higher on immediate than on WHO 2010 ART. In multi-way sensitivity analysis, immediate ART led to higher mortality when moderate rates of fatal ART toxicity (0.25/100 person-years) were combined with rates of withdrawal from care >1.1-fold higher and rates of treatment failure >2.1-fold higher on immediate than on WHO 2010 ART. Conclusions In sub-Saharan Africa, ART initiation at entry into care would improve long-term survival of patients with high CD4+ T-cell counts, unless it is associated with increased withdrawal from care and decreased adherence. In early ART trials, a focus on retention and adherence will be crucial.
Le renouveau de la philanthropie
Authors: Vaccaro Antoine 
Published: July 2012

Résumé La philanthropie, pratique désuète de riches soucieux d’apaiser leur conscience ou impérieuse nécessité quand on ne peut plus compter sur l’État-providence ? En tout cas, les choses changent : collectes de dons en hausse, arsenal législatif et fiscal adapté aux entreprises, formes nouvelles de fondations, passerelles entre le monde de la générosité et celui de l’économie sociale et solidaire. Cela concourt à redéfinir les contours d’une pratique multiforme pour rendre le monde un peu plus vivable.
Dante’s ‘Shameless Whore’: Sexual Imagery in Anglo-American Translations of the Comedy
Authors: Crisafulli Edoardo 
Published: July 2012

This article focuses on the strategies pursued by Anglo-American translators in dealing with Dante’s sexual imagery in the Comedy. The author attempts to explain why the original imagery — which condemns a corrupt Roman Catholic Church — has sexist connotations, and why it is reproduced in most translations in the corpus. “Fidelity” or adequacy with respect to sexual/sexist images seems striking in view of the fact that certa..n translators bowdlerize the source text or tone down the boldness of its vernacular style. It is suggested that the patriarchal nature of both the Italian and English languages explains why the use of sexist imagery is tolerated (or perhaps even encouraged) in literary texts. The findings of the analysis are then brought to bear on one important question: should the translation scholar aim to bring about “politically correct” changes in translation practice, that is, changes attenuating the offensiveness of the original language? The author advocates a descriptive approach, even though “gender and translation” seems more politicized than other areas of research within Translation Studies. The paper concludes that Translation Studies may benefit from the findings of gender studies, provided scholars in this area do not attempt to change actual translation practice and focus on the hermeneutics of translation. In fact, gender scholars can make an important contribution to Translation Studies by focusing on the ideological nature of the gendered construction of meaning.