bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of temperament on symptoms and functional outcome in people with psychosis in the Northern Finland 1966 Birth Cohort
Authors: Poustka L. , Murray G.K. , Jääskeläinen E. , Veijola J. , Jones P. , Isohanni M. , Miettunen J. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo describe symptom expression and functional outcome in psychotic disorders in relation with temperament traits assessed with the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) in a population-based sample.MethodAs part of the 31-year follow-up survey of the Northern Finland 1966 Birth Cohort, TCI temperament items were filled in by 4349 members of the cohort. In individuals with psychotic disorders, also positive and negative symptoms and outcome variables were assessed in a 35-year follow-up. Information of TCI and outcomes were available for altogether 41 individuals with psychosis.ResultReward dependence (RD) (rho = −0.45) and Persistence (P) (rho = −0.52) were significantly correlated with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) negative symptoms. Higher P scores predicted higher social and occupational functioning (as measured by Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale [SOFAS]), and higher Harm avoidance (HA) predicted a higher likelihood of being on a disability pension.ConclusionResults indicate that understanding of personality dimensions support better understanding of outcome and symptom expressions in psychotic disorders.
Topical Steroids in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Without Polyps: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Kalish Larry H. , Arendts Glenn , Sacks Raymond , Craig Jonathan C. 
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVETo evaluate whether topical steroids provide symptomatic relief in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps.DATA SOURCESMEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases.REVIEW METHODSSystematic review and meta‐analysis was performed of the articles identified by two independent reviewers of all randomized controlled trials that had evaluated intranasal corticosteroids in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) without polyps. The quality of included studies was evaluated, and results synthesized using standard random‐effects meta‐analytical methods.RESULTSOf 424 potential studies, only nine randomized trials involving 657 patients in total were eligible. Quality of design and reporting was suboptimal, with only one trial adhering to accepted standards for reporting. Five trials combined outcome measures and reported on overall response of CRS without polyps to topical steroids. The summary estimate for overall response to treatment showed no significant benefit and substantial variability among studies (5 trials: RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.50–1.10, P = 0.14, χ2 = 13.78, I2 = 66.2%). Total symptom score was reported in three trials with a standardized mean difference favoring topical steroids (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.16–1.09, P = 0.009), with no evidence of heterogeneity (χ2 = 3.03, P = 0.22). Although the data were limited, there were no reports of increased adverse effects with topical steroids.CONCLUSIONThere is insufficient evidence to demonstrate a clear overall benefit for topical steroids in CRS without polyps; however, their use appears safe and may show some symptomatic benefit. A class effect among different topical steroids cannot be assumed, and further trials are required.
Antiemetic Efficacy of Dexamethasone Combined with Midazolam after Middle Ear Surgery
Authors: Yeo Jinseok , Jung Jaesik , Ryu Taeha , Jeon Young Hoon , Kim Sioh , Baek Woonyi 
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the antiemetic efficacy of dexamethasone combined with midazolam after middle ear surgery.STUDY DESIGNA prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study.SETTINGUniversity hospital.SUBJECTS AND METHODSThe study population consisted of 120 American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II, adult female patients undergoing middle ear surgery under general anesthesia. Patients were randomized into three groups of 40 each who received a dexamethasone dose of 10 mg/kg (group D), a combination of dexamethasone 10 mg and midazolam 0.075 mg/kg (group DM), and normal saline (group C) immediately after the induction of anesthesia. The incidence of nausea and vomiting, usage of rescue antiemetics, pain intensity, and side effects, such as headache and dizziness, were assessed during the first 24 hours after surgery.RESULTSThe overall incidence of nausea and vomiting was significantly lower in group D (35%, P < 0.05) and group DM (25%, P < 0.05) compared with that in group C (65%). The incidences of vomiting and usage of rescue antiemetic drugs in group DM were lower than those in group D (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences among groups in pain intensity and side effects, such as headache and dizziness.CONCLUSIONSThe combination of dexamethasone and midazolam was better than dexamethasone alone in reducing the incidence of vomiting and the rescue antiemetic requirements in women patients undergoing middle ear surgery. However, this combination treatment did not significantly decrease the overall incidence of nausea and vomiting compared with the use of dexamethasone alone.
Ipsilateral and Contralateral Acoustic Brainstem Response Abnormalities in Patients With Vestibular Schwannoma
Authors: Shih Chien , Tseng Fen‐Yu , Yeh Te‐Hei , Hsu Chuan‐Jen , Chen Yuh‐Shyang 
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVETo analyze auditory brainstem response (ABR) data in patients with vestibular schwannomas (VS) in an effort to identify correlations between abnormal ABR parameters and tumor size.STUDY DESIGNCross‐sectional study with chart review.SETTINGTertiary referral hospital.SUBJECTS AND METHODSRetrospective chart review and analysis of bilateral ABR records in patients with VS. Interaural latency differences of interpeak I‐V (ILD‐I‐V) and ILD‐V longer than 0.2 ms were used as abnormal criteria.RESULTSThirty patients with a mean age of 50 ± 14 years were included in this study. The most frequent changes in ABR parameters included those of ILD‐I‐V (100%), wave V latency (96.7%), ILD‐V (93.3%), and interpeak I‐V latency (90%). Average VS tumor size was 2.48 ± 1.31 cm. For patients with VS greater than or equal to 2 cm, the prevalences of abnormal ipsilateral interpeak III‐V latency, contralateral wave V latency, and interpeak III‐V latency showed statically significant differences (P = 0.0035, P = 0.0267, and P = 0.0273, respectively) compared to those in patients with VS less than 2 cm. Tumor size was positively correlated with pure‐tone average (P = 0.0106) and with the total number of bilateral abnormal ABR parameters (P = 0.004).CONCLUSIONSWe identified a correlation between ABR parameters and VS tumor size. An ipsilateral ILD‐I‐V greater than 0.2 ms was sensitive for detecting VS. Abnormal contralateral wave V and interpeak III‐V latency indicated a tumor size potentially larger than 2 cm. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Effect of Temporal Bone Resection on Temporomandibular Joint Function: A Quality if Life Study
Authors: de Casso Carmen , Kwhaja Sadie , Davies Stephen , Al‐Ani Ziad , Saeed Shakeel R. , Homer Jarrod J. 
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVESTemporal bone resection for carcinoma may affect quality of life (QOL) and result in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The aims of this study were to 1) assess TMJ function after temporal bone resection, and 2) assess the impact of TMJ dysfunction on QOL.STUDY DESIGNChart and patient review and QOL study.SETTINGTertiary referral center (Manchester Royal Infirmary).SUBJECTS AND METHODSThirty patients who had undergone temporal bone resection were identified. Thirteen patients were alive and were included in the study. All patients were submitted to a clinical examination to identify TMJ disorders and determine facial nerve function, and they all answered the University of Washington QOL (UW‐QOL) questionnaire (version 4).RESULTSEight patients had TMJ disorders with reduced mobility in either direction and/or significant pain. Main factors affecting QOL were pain (P = 0.001), appearance (P = 0.001), and anxiety (P = 0.000). Neither facial nerve palsy nor TMJ disorders affected QOL. The responses to the UW‐QOL questionnaire showed that 69 percent of our patients had a good QOL. A total of 61.53 percent of our patients had TMJ dysfunction presenting as restriction of jaw mobility with or without pain.CONCLUSIONTMJ dysfunction is present in a significant number of patients after temporal bone resection, resulting in longstanding problems, which should be addressed accordingly. Poor QOL results from ongoing pain and psycho‐social disturbance.
Olfactory Changes after Endoscopic Pituitary Tumor Resection
Authors: Hart Catherine K. , Theodosopoulos Phillip V. , Zimmer Lee A. 
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVESGiven that the transnasal endoscopic approach to the sella involves resection of anatomical structures known to contain olfactory neuroepithelium, the effect of this approach on olfaction was evaluated.STUDY DESIGNCase series with planned data collection.SETTINGSingle tertiary care institution.SUBJECTS AND METHODSAdults diagnosed with a pituitary mass and scheduled to undergo transnasal endoscopic resection underwent preoperative olfactory evaluation using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). Repeat testing was performed at one and three months postoperatively. Paired Student t tests were used to compare preoperative and postoperative scores.RESULTSA total of 57 consecutive patients were enrolled. Fifty patients (24 males, 26 females) completed olfactory evaluation at one month. Forty‐five (23 males, 22 females) completed a three‐month evaluation. The average UPSIT score (out of 40) was 31.8 preoperatively, 30.5 at one month, and 32.6 at three months. A significant difference was found between preoperative and one‐month scores (P = 0.01) but not three‐month scores (P = 0.08).CONCLUSIONA transient difference was found between preoperative and one month UPSIT scores. At three months, no clinically significant difference was found on repeat olfactory testing. Although the transnasal endoscopic approach to the sella removes structures known to contribute to olfactory function, it has no clinically significant effect on olfaction.
Offtaking agreements and how they impact the cost of funding for project finance deals
Authors: Bonetti Veronica , Caselli Stefano , Gatti Stefano 
Published: November 2009

AbstractOfftaking agreements are an important risk transfer mechanism in project finance. However, they can also be thought of as a trade‐off between lower market and higher counterparty risks. We use the case of the Quezon Power Ltd Co. to test the effect of higher counterparty risk on the cost of funding. Results indicate that the spread of Quezon's bond and counterparty risk are positively correlated when risk is represented by the daily volatility of the offtaker's stock returns. We also find an inverse relation between the rating upgrades of the offtaker and the spread paid by Quezon Power.
Effects of exercise onl-carnitine and lipid metabolism in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fed different dietaryl-carnitine and lipid levels
Authors: Ozorio Rodrigo O. A. , Van Ginneken Vincent J. T. , Bessa Rui J. B. , Verstegen Martin W. A. , Verreth Johan A. J. , Huisman Elbertus A. 
Published: November 2009

African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were fed four isonitrogenous diets (34 % crude protein), each containing one of two lipid (100 or 180 g/kg) and twol-carnitine (15 or 1000 mg/kg) levels. After 81 d of feeding, thirty-two fish (body weight 32 g) from each dietary group were randomly selected, sixteen fish were induced to a 3-h swim (speed of 1·5 body length (BL)/s), while the other sixteen fish were kept under resting condition. Fish fed 1000 mgl-carnitine accumulated 3·5 and 5 times morel-carnitine in plasma and muscle, respectively, than fish fed the 15 mgl-carnitine. Musclel-carnitine content was significantly lower in exercised fish than in rested fish. High dietary lipid level (fish oil) led to an increase in musclen-3 PUFA content and a decrease in SFA and MUFA content. In liver, the increase in dietary lipid level resulted in an increased levels of bothn-6 andn-3 PUFA.l-carnitine supplementation significantly decreasedn-3 PUFA content. Exercise decreasedn-3 PUFA in both muscle and liver. Plasma lactate and lactate dehydrogenase, normally associated with increased glycolytic processes, were positively correlated with exercise and inversely correlated with dietaryl-carnitine level.l-carnitine supplementation reduced significantly the RQ from 0·72 to 0·63, and an interaction between dietaryl-carnitine and lipid was observed (P < 0·03). Our results indicate that an increase in fatty acids (FA) intake may promote FA oxidation, and both carnitine and exercise might influence the regulation of FA oxidation selectivity.
Genetic poverty of an extremely specialized wetland species,Nehalennia speciosa: implications for conservation (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)
Authors: Bernard R. , Schmitt T. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractOligo- and mesotrophic wetlands, such as bogs, fens and swamps, have become more and more restricted in Europe, and wetland species related to them have increasingly been threatened. Due to increasing habitat fragmentation, the exchange of individuals of these species among sites and, as a consequence, gene flow has been reduced or even eliminated. Therefore, we analysed the genetic structure of 11 populations of an endangered stenotopic damselfly,Nehalennia speciosa(Odonata: Coenagrionidae), in Poland and Lithuania by means of allozyme electrophoresis of 14 gene loci. The overall genetic diversity of all populations was low (A: 1.32;H: 2.6%;Ptot: 29.2%), and no significant differences were observed among the different groupings of populations (degree of fragmentation, habitat type and size, population size). The genetic differentiation among populations was also low (FST: 2.0%) and no regional groups were detected. A low degree of isolation by distance was observed for genetic distances. Taking into account these results, the conservation effort for this species should be focused on large local populations and not necessarily on metapopulation structures. Furthermore,N. speciosacould be (re-)introduced in extinct patches and seemingly suitable localities. Genetically, such relocations should be feasible due to the generally high genetic homogeneity of populations.
Review of the Septibranchia (Pelecypoda: Mollusca) from deep sea of Campos Basin, Brazil: family Verticordiidae, with description of a new species
Authors: de Castro Oliveira Cléo Dilnei , Absalão Ricardo Silva 
Published: November 2009

Despite the increase in the number of deep-sea studies, little is known about the hadal molluscs. For Brazil, only a few studies have treated the Septibranchia. This contribution is part of an effort to increase the knowledge of this group off the Brazilian coast, although it is focused only on the Campos Basin (22°S), State of Rio de Janeiro. Four species of the family Verticordiidae are recognized here. ForSpinosipella tingaSimone & Cunha, 2008, the known depth distribution is extended to 1050 m. ForVerticordia woodiiSmith, 1885, previously reported from Brazil, the known distribution is extended southwards to the Campos Basin.Verticordia quadrataSmith, 1885, is reported from Brazil for the first time. A previously unknown species,Verticordia ouricurisp. nov., is described. The presence of small spines, typically with a hexagonal column and a stellate structure at their distal end emerges as an additional taxonomic character for the verticordiids.
Existence and convergence properties of physical measures for certain dynamical systems with holes
Authors: BRUIN HENK , DEMERS MARK , MELBOURNE IAN 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWe study two classes of dynamical systems with holes: expanding maps of the interval and Collet–Eckmann maps with singularities. In both cases, we prove that there is a natural absolutely continuous conditionally invariant measure μ (a.c.c.i.m.) with the physical property that strictly positive Hölder continuous functions converge to the density of μ under the renormalized dynamics of the system. In addition, we construct an invariant measure ν, supported on the Cantor set of points that never escape from the system, that is ergodic and enjoys exponential decay of correlations for Hölder observables. We show that ν satisfies an equilibrium principle which implies that the escape rate formula, familiar to the thermodynamic formalism, holds outside the usual setting. In particular, it holds for Collet–Eckmann maps with holes, which are not uniformly hyperbolic and do not admit a finite Markov partition. We use a general framework of Young towers with holes and first prove results about the a.c.c.i.m. and the invariant measure on the tower. Then we show how to transfer results to the original dynamical system. This approach can be expected to generalize to other dynamical systems than the two above classes.
Partner choice and intergenerational occupational mobility: the case of nineteenth-century rural Sweden
Authors: DRIBE MARTIN , LUNDH CHRISTER 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTThis article studies the effects of marriage partner choice on occupational attainment and mobility in five rural parishes in southern Sweden between about 1815 and 1894. It uses an individual-level database containing information on a large number of marriages and the occupational origin of the marrying couple, regardless of whether they were born in the parish or not. Occupations are coded in HISCO and classified using HISCLASS. The results indicate the presence of occupational homogamy in this rural society. The social origin of the partner also mattered a great deal for subsequent occupational attainment and mobility, both upwards and downwards.
Risk Factors Associated with Methicillin Resistance amongStaphylococcus aureusInfections in Veterans
Authors: McCarthy Natalie L. , Sullivan Patrick S. , Gaynes Robert , Rimland David 
Published: November 2009

Background.Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) is an emerging concern in infectious disease practice. Although MRSA infections occur in a wide variety of anatomic sites, the majority of studies considering the risk factors for methicillin resistance amongS. aureusinfections have focused on MRSA bacteremia.Objective.To describe risk factors associated with methicillin resistance amongS. aureusinfections at different anatomic sites.Methods.We collected information on the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients examined at the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center withS. aureusinfections during the period from June 2007 through May 2008. We used multivariate logistic regression to describe factors significantly associated with methicillin resistance.Results.There were 568 cases ofS. aureusinfection among 528 patients. We identified 352 cases (62%) of MRSA infection and 216 cases (38%) of methicillin-sensitiveS. aureusinfection. The adjusted odds of methicillin resistance were higher among infections that occurred among patients who had a prior history of MRSA infection (odds ratio [OR], 3.9 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 2.3–6.4]) or resided in a long-term care facility during the past 12 months (OR, 2.0 [95% CI, 1.0-4.0]) but were lower for infections that occurred among patients who had undergone a biopsy procedure during the past 12 months (OR, 0.7 [95% CI, 0.6-0.9]). Most cases of infection were community-onset infections (523 [92%] of 568 cases), and about one-half (278 [49%]) were not healthcare associated.Conclusions.Compared with previous studies of methicillin resistance among patients withS. aureusbacteremia, we found similar factors to be associated with methicillin resistance amongS. aureusisolates recovered from more diverse anatomic sites of infection. Of note, nearly one-half of our cases of MRSA infection were not healthcare associated.
How Informed is “Informed Consent” for Robotic Cardiothoracic Surgery?
Authors: Ryan Sean , Chirumamilla Vasu , Bello Ricardo A. , D'Alessandro David A. , Michler Robert E. , Rabin Jonathan , Ashton Robert C. , DeRose Joseph J. 
Published: November 2009

Objective The education of patients in the informed consent process remains a challenge for many surgeons. In cardiothoracic surgery, emerging minimally invasive techniques including robotics add another level of complexity to the patient education process. We sought to evaluate our patients’ perceptions and informed knowledge after robotic-assisted cardiothoracic surgery. Methods A survey containing questions designed to elicit patients’ perceptions about robotic cardiothoracic surgery was given postoperatively by telephone 1 month to 12 months after surgery. The survey included questions about the type of procedure, function of the organ operated on, purpose of the operation, primary “surgeon” (robot vs. human), patients’ opinion about robotic-assisted surgery, educational level, and socioeconomic background. Continuous variables are reported as mean ± SD. Continuous and categorical variables were compared using the Student t test and Pearson χ2 test, respectively. Ordinal variables were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. P values of <0.05 were considered significant. Results Between 2002 and 2007, 198 patients underwent robotic cardiothoracic surgery. One hundred fifty patients (76%) were contacted and 89 (45%) fully completed the survey. Of the respondents, there were 31 coronary artery bypasses, 33 pacemaker lead implantations, esophageal resections, 8 thymectomies, and 9 others. The mean age of the patients was 61.1 ± 15 years (range, 23–87) and there were 52 men (58.4%). A total of 96.6% of patients were satisfied with the information provided by the surgeon and 92.1% felt that they understood the information. The diagnosis, target organ, and procedure were correctly identified by 81 (91.0%), 83 (93.3%), and 76 (85.4%) of the patients, respectively. A total of 80 (89.9%) knew a robot was involved and 73.8% understood the role of the robot in the surgery. These results were independent of age, income, and education level achieved. Conclusions Overall, patients demonstrated an understanding of the role of the robot in their cardiothoracic surgery. Despite the increasing complexity of robotics, preoperative patient education can result in patients who are both satisfied and well educated about their cardiothoracic surgery procedures.