bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spirometry and impulse oscillometry (IOS) for detection of respiratory abnormalities in metropolitan firefighters
Authors: SCHERMER Tjard , MALBON Winifred , NEWBURY Wendy , HOLTON Christine , SMITH Michael , MORGAN Michael , CROCKETT Alan 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  As firefighters are at increased risk of adverse health effects, periodic examination of their respiratory health is important. The objective of this study was to establish whether the use of impulse oscillometry (IOS) reveals respiratory abnormalities in metropolitan firefighters that go undetected during routine respiratory health screening by spirometry and assessment of respiratory symptoms.Methods:  This was a cross‐sectional analysis of spirometry, IOS and questionnaire data from 488 male firefighters. Abnormal spirometry was defined as FEV1, FEV1/FVC and/or FEF50 below the lower limit of normal. Abnormal IOS was defined as resistance at 5 Hz (R5), frequency dependence of resistance (ΔR5‐R20) and/or reactance area (AX) above the upper limit of normal. Respiratory symptoms, smoking history, exposures and medical history were assessed. Data were analysed using logistic and linear regression models.Results:  The mean age of the firefighters was 43.8 (SD 8.4) years. There were 123 (25%) former smokers and 50 (10%) current smokers. Abnormal spirometry was detected in 12%, abnormal IOS in 9% and respiratory symptoms in 20% of firefighters. Current smoking was associated with all IOS parameters (OR for R5 = 3.1, OR for ΔR5‐R20 = 7.7, OR for AX = 4.3), and with FEF50 (OR = 9.1), chronic productive cough (OR = 4.0) and breathlessness (OR = 5.4) (P < 0.05 for all). Exposure during firefighting duties was associated with chronic productive cough (OR = 2.6), but not with spirometry or IOS parameters. Interaction terms in the linear regression models indicated associations between smoking and ΔR5‐R20, and also between smoking and AX, in the lowest and second lowest quartiles of spirometry parameters.Conclusions:  Application of IOS for the assessment of respiratory health in firefighters identified airways dysfunction in some individuals, even when spirometry values were within the normal range and there were no respiratory symptoms.
Brief telephone intervention increases testing for osteoporosis in patients treated in emergency departments for wrist fractures
Authors: Kelly A‐M. , Clooney M. , Kerr D. , Ebeling P. R. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractPrevious studies show that identification and treatment of osteoporosis in patients with minimal trauma fractures treated as outpatients are poor. Our aim was to test two interventions designed to increase rates of identification and treatment. This prospective, action research study, using explicit medical record review and scripted telephone interview, was conducted at emergency departments (ED) of three hospitals from April 2007 to February 2008. Participants were patients aged over 50 years who were treated as outpatients with a minimal trauma wrist fracture. Data collected included demographic and fracture details, bone density testing and osteoporosis‐related medication change. There were two interventions staff education in ED and fracture clinic and information provided to patients by telephone by a research nurse. These interventions were applied to all patients sequentially. The outcome measure of interest was the proportion of patients who underwent bone density testing (DEXA scans) in the follow‐up period, analysed by intervention (clinic or phone). One hundred and seventeen patients were studied. Eighty‐six per cent were female; median age 64 years. Ten per cent (12/117) of the ED/clinic intervention group had undergone testing at follow up. At follow up after the telephone intervention 55% (65/117) had undergone testing (P < 0.001, χ2). Patients undergoing testing were significantly more likely to have an osteoporosis‐related medication change (relative risk 6.8, 95% CI 2.8–17.9). A brief telephone intervention and provision of information pack significantly improved testing rates for osteoporosis after minimal trauma wrist fracture. An ED/clinic‐based intervention resulted in low rates of testing. Treatment of clinical osteoporosis remains suboptimal.
Palliative medicine trainees and their mandatory oncology module
Authors: Landers A. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractPalliative medicine trainees are currently required to complete 36 months of core and non‐core training, including a 6‐month oncology module. There are presently few published data from palliative medicine trainees regarding the structure and appropriateness of their curriculum. The aim of this study was to evaluate skills related to the Royal Australasian College of Physicians essential learning objectives and the experiences gained by the individuals during their oncology training. An investigator‐designed questionnaire was emailed out to all current Australasian trainees or first year consultants. A 45% response rate was achieved. Women were significantly more negative in their responses to the improvement of communication skills and the understanding of ethics. Chapter trainees rated improved leadership and future management skills lower than other respondents. Fifty‐eight per cent of the respondents believed the oncology module should remain mandatory. Although valuable, a more tailored and flexible approach to this part of training should be considered.
Effects of a heat‐ and steam‐generating sheet on relieving symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea in young women
Authors: Hosono Takayoshi , Takashima Yukari , Morita Yuki , Nishimura Yukako , Sugita Yoshiko , Isami Chika , Sakamoto Ichiro , Tagami Kyoko , Hidaka Yuki , Suzuki Atsushi 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAim:  To test the efficacy of heat‐ and steam‐generating (HSG) sheets for the relief of symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea in young women.Materials & Methods:  Thirty‐four female university students were enrolled in this study. HSG sheets generate moist heat to keep the attached body area at 38.5 °C for 8 h. Subjects attached the HSG sheet to the lower abdominal or lumbar region for 5 to 8 h once a day on the first, second and third days of menstruation. Subjects documented symptoms of dysmenorrhea (abdominal pain, lumbago and lumbar dullness) on a self‐recording form using a 4‐score scale of 0 (mild) to 3 (severe) just before applying and after removing the HSG sheet. Either a small (54 cm2) or large (164 cm2) HSG sheet was used for warming.Results:  By applying HSG sheets on the abdomen or lumbar region, 57 and 63% of subjects felt relief of abdominal pains, and 54 and 61% of subjects felt relief from lumbago on the first and second days of menstruation, respectively. Applying the HSG sheets was significantly effective to relieve symptoms compared to the control. Small and large HSG sheets were equally effective. Applying HSG sheets to the abdomen was as effective as that to the lumbar region except for cases of lumbago on the second day of menstruation. Applying HSG sheets two days prior to the onset of menstruation was more effective in relieving lumbar dullness on the second day of menstruation than those just before its onset.Conclusion:  HSG sheets are useful as non‐pharmacological methods to relieve symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea.
Complete remission with intraperitoneal cisplatin followed by prolonged oral etoposide in a stage IIIc primary leiomyosarcoma of the fallopian tube patient
Authors: Kobayashi Yoichi , Tozawa Akiko , Okuma Yoshiaki , Kiguchi Kazushige , Ishizuka Bunpei 
Published: July 2010

AbstractLeiomyosarcoma (LMS) of the fallopian tube is exceedingly uncommon. So far as we investigated, only eighteen cases of LMS of the fallopian tube have been reported. Here we report a nineteenth case which was International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IIIc LMS of the fallopian tube successfully treated with intraperitoneal cisplatin followed by prolonged oral etoposide. A 70‐year‐old female was introduced to our institute due to intrapelvic tumor and ascites. Because of elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase and CA125 as well as the findings of pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography, the patient was suspected to have ovarian cancer. In laparotomy, the large pelvic tumor was seemed to originate from the right fallopian tube. Pathologically, the patient was diagnosed as stage IIIc fallopian tube LMS. At the end of the operation, cisplatin was given intraperitoneally followed by prolonged oral etoposide. Although a lot of dissemination was noted throughout the peritoneal cavity, the patient is alive without any evidence of recurrence for more than 6 years since the initial operation. In this uncommon entity, a cisplatin‐ and etoposide‐based regimen could be considered.
Early childhood stunting and later fine motor abilities
Authors: CHANG SUSAN M , WALKER SUSAN P , GRANTHAM‐MCGREGOR SALLY , POWELL CHRISTINE A 
Published: July 2010

Aim  The aim of this study was to determine the effects of early childhood stunting (height for age 2SD or more below reference values) and interventions on fine motor abilities at 11 to 12 years, and the relationship between fine motor abilities and school achievement and intelligence.Method  A cohort of stunted children who had participated in a randomized trial of psychosocial stimulation and/or nutritional supplementation in early childhood was compared with a group of non‐stunted children. Fine motor abilities were assessed in 116 stunted (67 males, 49 females) and 80 non‐stunted children (43 males, 37 females) at a mean age of 11 years 8 months (SD 4.3mo) and 11 years 9 months (SD 3.8mo) respectively. Testers were blind to the children’s group assignment.Results  Two fine motor factors were derived: rapid sequential continuous movements (RSCM) and dexterity. No effect of the early intervention was found. RSCM scores were lower in the stunted group than in the non‐stunted group (p=0.01), but differences in dexterity were not significant (p=0.18) after adjusting for social background. Among stunted children, the RSCM score was significantly associated with IQ (p=0.04) and school achievement (all p<0.05).Interpretation  Stunting in early childhood is associated with poor scores on tests of rapid sequential continuous hand movements in later childhood. Children with poorer scores are at greater risk for low IQs and low levels of school achievement.
Home economics as an integrated, holistic system: revisiting Bubolz and Sontag's 1988 human ecology approach
Authors: McGregor Sue L.T. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThis article explores how Bubolz and Sontag's seminal work on integration in home economics and human ecology can inform contemporary home economics practice. They argue that the human ecology perspective can be used to view the whole of home economics, and the subprofessions (specializations) within the whole, as diverse yet unified. This article employs a spider plant as a metaphor to illustrate the value of embracing the notion of home economics as an integrated, holistic system.
Patients’ experiences of physical limitations in daily life activities when suffering from chronic heart failure; a phenomenographic analysis
Authors: Pihl Emma , Fridlund Bengt , Mårtensson Jan 
Published: July 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 3–11

Patients’ experiences of physical limitations in daily life activities when suffering from chronic heart failure; a phenomenographic analysis The aim of the study was to describe how patients suffering from chronic heart failure conceived their physical limitations in daily life activities. An explorative and qualitative design with a phenomenographic approach was chosen, a total of 15 patients were interviewed. The findings indicate that participants perceived a variety of structural aspects pertaining to physical limitations in activities of daily life which resulted in four referential aspects. Need of finding practical solutions in daily life focused on how life had to be changed and other ways of performing activities of daily life had to be invented. Having realistic expectations about the future was characterised by belief that the future itself would be marked by change in physical functioning, but an incentive to maintain functions and activities ensured good quality of or even increased capacity in daily life. Not believing in one’s own ability included the perception of having no opportunity to improve ability to perform activities of daily life. There were perceptions of undesired passivity, undefined fear of straining themselves or performing activities that could endanger their health in addition to uncertainty about the future. In Losing one’s social role in daily life, participants described losing their social network and their position in society and family because of limited physical capacity. A lack of important issues, mental and physical, occurred when physical capacity was lost. In conclusion, patients suffering from chronic heart failure found new solutions to manage activities in daily life, including willingness to change focus and identify other ways of doing important things. Patients had an incentive to maintain functions and activities to ensure a good quality of and strengthen their physical capacity in daily life. Inability to trust in their physical capacity in combination with experienced limitations in daily life prevented patients from attempting to increase activities.
Adoption and Abandonment of Organic Farming: An Empirical Investigation of the Irish Drystock Sector
Authors: Läpple Doris 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThere is a considerable literature about the adoption of organic farming. However, possible abandonment of organic farming has received scant attention. Thus, relatively little is known about the exit decisions of farmers. In addition, most studies are based on a static framework where it is not possible to account for changes in farmer decisions over time. This article attempts to fill this gap in the literature by investigating the determinants that affect both adoption and abandonment of organic drystock farming over time. The use of duration analysis allows for the consideration of cross‐sectional and time‐varying factors over the study period from 1981 to 2008. Using this dynamic econometric framework revealed a significant time effect on entry and exit decisions. Overall, the results highlight that where no attempt is made to account for exit decisions and time effects, important information about sustainable farmer decisions may not be taken into consideration.
Correlation of liver biochemistry with liver stiffness in chronic hepatitis B and development of a predictive model for liver fibrosis
Authors: Fung James , Lai Ching‐Lung , Fong Daniel Yee‐Tak , Yuen John Chi‐Hang , Wong Danny Ka‐Ho , Yuen Man‐Fung 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAim: To correlate liver stiffness with demographical factors and routine liver biochemistry and to assess the predictive value of these as potential markers of fibrosis.Methods: Transient elastography was performed in 1268 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. According to a previous validated study for CHB, liver stiffness of >8.1 and >10.3 kPa were used as cut‐off values for defining severe fibrosis and cirrhosis respectively.Results: Liver stiffness correlated positively with bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), globulin, α‐fetoprotein (AFP) and HBV DNA levels and negatively with albumin and platelet levels (P<0.05 for all correlations). From 13 parameters (age, sex, platelet, AST, ALT, GGT, AFP, albumin, globulin, bilirubin, ALP, HBV DNA and hepatitis B e‐antigen), four best parameters (AST, platelet, GGT and AFP) were used to derive a liver stiffness model. Using log (index)=1.44+0.1490(GGT)+0.3308 log (AST)−0.5846 log (platelets)+0.1148 log (AFP+1) to predict both severe fibrosis and cirrhosis had area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.85.Conclusion: Routine liver biochemistry correlated well with liver stiffness in Asian CHB patients. A model using simple serum markers can predict liver stiffness, and further studies are required to validate the usefulness of these simple tests as non‐invasive markers of fibrosis in CHB.
Quantitative EEG in Patients With Alcohol‐Related Seizures
Authors: Sand Trond , Bjørk Marte , Bråthen Geir , Michler Ralf P. , Brodtkorb Eylert , Bovim Gunnar 
Published: July 2010

Background:  To investigate whether quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) recorded within a few days after a generalized seizure can improve the discrimination between alcohol‐related seizures (ARSs), seizures in epilepsy and other seizures. In addition, we wanted to evaluate the influence of various external factors on QEEG, e.g., drug use, time from seizure occurrence, and alcohol intake.Methods:  An ARS was defined by (i) scores ≥8 in the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and (ii) no history of epilepsy. Twenty‐two ARS patients, 21 epileptic patients with seizures (ES), 30 AUDIT‐negative patients with seizures (OS), and 37 well‐controlled epileptic outpatients (EPO) were included. EEG from 79 sciatica patients (SC) served as an additional control group. EEG was recorded in relaxed wakefulness with eyes closed. Spectral analysis of ongoing resting EEG activity was performed. For the main analysis, spectral band amplitudes were averaged across 14 electrodes.Results:  Major quantitative EEG abnormalities were mainly seen in the ES group. AUDIT score correlated negatively with QEEG band amplitudes in patients with seizures unrelated to alcohol, but not in the ARS group. Recent alcohol intake correlated negatively with delta and theta amplitude. We could not confirm that beta activity is increased in ARS subjects.Conclusions:  A QEEG with slightly reduced alpha amplitude supports a clinical diagnosis of ARS. An abnormally slow QEEG profile and asymmetry in the temporal regions indicates ES. QEEG predicted the clinical diagnosis better than standard EEG.
Red blood cell (RBC) volume can be independently determined in vivo in humans using RBCs labeled at different densities of biotin
Authors: Mock Donald M. , Matthews Nell I. , Zhu Shan , Burmeister Leon F. , Zimmerman M. Bridget , Strauss Ronald G. , Schmidt Robert L. , Nalbant Demet , Cress Gretchen A. , Widness John A. 
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a serious problem in critically ill neonates. To investigate the pathophysiology of anemia and responses to red blood cell (RBC) transfusions and erythropoietin therapy, repeated measurement of red blood cell volume (RCV) and blood volume is useful. To extend our previous sheep study in which RBCs were labeled at four different biotin densities, we assessed the validity of this multidensity method for in vivo measurement of circulating RCV in humans.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In eight healthy adults, autologous RBCs were biotinylated at each of four biotin densities (6, 18, 54, and 162 µg biotinylation reagent/mL RBC), mixed, and infused intravenously; blood was sampled at 10, 20, and 60 minutes. At each time, RCV was calculated from dilution of individual RBC populations enumerated by flow cytometry. RCV measurements from the population of RBCs biotinylated at 6 µg/mL were chosen as the reference values because this density had been previously validated against the 51Cr method in vitro and in vivo in humans.RESULTS: Values for RCVs were not significantly different among the four densities of biotinylated RBCs at any of the three time points and did not change over 60 minutes.CONCLUSIONS: These studies provide evidence that four densities of biotinylated RBCs can be used in vivo for simultaneous, independent, accurate measurements of RCV in humans. We speculate that this method will also be useful for repeated measurement of RCV and blood volume in infants and other patient populations in whom radioactive labels should be avoided.
Kynurenines, neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Kincses Zsigmond Tamas , Toldi József , Vécsei László 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease
The kynurenine pathway
Relations of kynurenines to the pathomechanism of AD
A future therapeutic approach: modulating the kynurenine pathway
Concluding remarks

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the major causes of dementia. The pathogenesis of the disease is not entirely understood, but the amyloid β peptide (Aβ) and the formation of senile plaques seem to play pivotal roles. Oligomerization of the Aβ is thought to trigger a cascade of events, including oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity and inflammation. The kynurenine (KYN) pathway is the major route for the metabolism of the essential amino acid tryptophan. Some of the metabolites of this pathway, such as 3‐hydroxykynurenine and quinolinic acid, are known to have neurotoxic properties, whereas others, such as kynurenic acid, are putative neuroprotectants. Among other routes, the KYN pathway has been shown to be involved in AD pathogenesis, and connections to other known mechanisms have also been demonstrated. Oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity and the neuroinflammation involved in AD pathogenesis have been revealed to be connected to the KYN pathway. Intervention at these key steps may serve as the aim of potential therapy.
Amidst Fractured Faith and the Fragility of Reason
Authors: Admirand Peter 
Published: July 2010

AbstractIn his controversial Regensburg Address, Pope Benedict referred to ‘reason's grandeur’.In this essay I will argue that the best way to engage ‘the whole breadth of reason’ is to remain in close, sympathetic dialogue with the challenges and evidence of what seems to gainsay reason's grandeur without being mired by what Benedict rightfully rebukes as the ‘self-imposed limitation of reason to the empirically verifiable’. Thus, in light of mass atrocities, many perpetrated in the name of reason or ‘God’, one must approach all theological and philosophical investigations with heightened humility and openness to the opposing views of the Other. Such an approach will also seek to flesh out a ‘Biblical faith’, which will not be bereft of elements of rupture, doubt, and loss.A few questions will form the core of this essay: What is the relationship between admitting a fractured faith and recognising the fragility of reason? Why would such admissions ultimately strengthen one's religious identity and provide fertile grounds for ecumenism and interfaith dialogue? Lastly, as a Catholic theologian, why would I contend that such a stance is more in tune with both the spirit of the gospels and Catholic social teaching?
The Heart of Light: God as Mystery
Authors: Miller Richard W. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThis paper addresses two questions concerning the attribution of mystery to God. First, if Christianity is neither rationalistic nor agnostic concerning the knowledge of God, then what is the proper understanding of mystery when it is attributed to God? Second, if mystery conditions all theological thinking, how can the proper understanding of mystery be applied systematically across the full range of theological reflection? The response to the first question has three parts. First, God is incomprehensible not because we do not have access to God. God communicates God's self and we can know God's essence but we cannot comprehend God. Second, Thomas Aquinas shows us how we can know God yet God remains incomprehensible. Third, I elucidate the analogy of proper proportionality in arguing that although we do not fully know what we are talking about when we speak of God our concepts are not meaningless. In responding to the second question, I argue, in response to Karl Rahner's use of mystery in his treatment of the problem of suffering, that God's power cannot be absolute but must be related to God's goodness if one is to preserve the mystery of God across the full range of theological reflection.