bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Residual neurocognitive features of long‐term ecstasy users with minimal exposure to other drugs
Authors: Halpern John H. , Sherwood Andrea R. , Hudson James I. , Gruber Staci , Kozin David , Pope Jr Harrison G. 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACTAims  In field studies assessing cognitive function in illicit ecstasy users, there are several frequent confounding factors that might plausibly bias the findings toward an overestimate of ecstasy‐induced neurocognitive toxicity. We designed an investigation seeking to minimize these possible sources of bias.Design  We compared illicit ecstasy users and non‐users while (1) excluding individuals with significant life‐time exposure to other illicit drugs or alcohol; (2) requiring that all participants be members of the ‘rave’ subculture; and (3) testing all participants with breath, urine and hair samples at the time of evaluation to exclude possible surreptitious substance use. We compared groups with adjustment for age, gender, race/ethnicity, family‐of‐origin variables and childhood history of conduct disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. We provide significance levels without correction for multiple comparisons.Setting  Field study.Participants  Fifty‐two illicit ecstasy users and 59 non‐users, aged 18–45 years.Measurements   Battery of 15 neuropsychological tests tapping a range of cognitive functions.Findings  We found little evidence of decreased cognitive performance in ecstasy users, save for poorer strategic self‐regulation, possibly reflecting increased impulsivity. However, this finding might have reflected a pre‐morbid attribute of ecstasy users, rather than a residual neurotoxic effect of the drug.Conclusions  In a study designed to minimize limitations found in many prior investigations, we failed to demonstrate marked residual cognitive effects in ecstasy users. This finding contrasts with many previous findings—including our own—and emphasizes the need for continued caution in interpreting field studies of cognitive function in illicit ecstasy users.
Randomised clinical trial: MiraLAX vs. Golytely – a controlled study of efficacy and patient tolerability in bowel preparation for colonoscopy
Authors: Enestvedt B. K. , Fennerty M. B. , Eisen G. M. 
Published: October 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 33: 33–40SummaryBackground  MiraLAX is gaining acceptance as a bowel cleanser for colonoscopy. We hypothesize that MiraLAX/Gatorade is as efficacious for bowel cleansing as Golytely and is more tolerable for patients undergoing screening colonoscopy.Aim  To compare bowel preparation scores of MiraLAX/Gatorade vs. Golytely and examine differences in patient tolerability.Methods  Patients undergoing screening colonoscopy were randomized to 4 L Golytely or 238 g MiraLAX in 64 ounces Golytely and four bisacodyl tablets. Efficacy in bowel cleansing was assessed using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BPPS). Subjects completed a brief survey assessing patient tolerability.Results  A total of 190 patients were enrolled (85 male, 105 female; mean age 56.9 years, s.d. 6.3); 87 were randomized to MiraLAX, 103 to Golytely. There was no difference in age, gender or timing of colonoscopy between the bowel preparation groups. Golytely’s median total BBPS score was significantly higher than that of MiraLAX [9 (IQR 7–9) vs. 8 (IQR 6–9), P = 0.034]. Golytely had a higher rate of an excellent equivalent BBPS score of 8 or 9 than MiraLAX (70% vs. 55%, P = 0.036). There was no difference in patient tolerability (P = 0.857).Conclusions  Golytely was more efficacious than MiraLAX/Gatorade in bowel cleansing; both preparations were equally tolerated by patients.
A novel class of miniature inverted repeat transposable elements (MITEs) that contain hitchhiking (GTCY)n microsatellites
Authors: Coates B. S. , Kroemer J. A. , Sumerford D. V. , Hellmich R. L. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe movement of miniature inverted repeat transposable elements (MITEs) modifies genome structure and function. We describe the microsatellite‐associated interspersed nuclear element 2 (MINE‐2), that integrates at consensus WTTTT target sites, creates dinucleotide TT target site duplications (TSDs), and forms predicted MITE‐like secondary structures; a 5′ subterminal inverted repeat (SIR; AGGGTTCCGTAG) that is partially complementary to a 5′ inverted repeat (IR; ACGAAGCCCT) and 3′‐SIRs (TTACGGAACCCT). A (GTCY)n microsatellite is hitchhiking downstream of conserved 5′MINE‐2 secondary structures, causing flanking sequence similarity amongst mobile microsatellite loci. Transfection of insect cell lines indicates that MITE‐like secondary structures are sufficient to mediate genome integration, and provides insight into the transposition mechanism used by MINE‐2s.
Clinical judgement and the medical profession
Authors: Kienle Gunver S , Kiene Helmut 
Published: October 2010

AbstractObjectives Clinical judgment is a central element of the medical profession, essential for the performance of the doctor, and potentially generating information also for other clinicians and for scientists and health care managers. The recently renewed interest in clinical judgement is primarily engaged with its role in communication, diagnosis and decision making. Beyond this issue, the present article highlights the interrelations between clinical judgement, therapy assessment and medical professionalism.Methods Literature review and theory development.Results The article presents different methodologicalapproaches to causality assessmentin clinical studies and in clinical judgement, and offers criteria for clinicalsingle case causality. The article outlines models of medical professionalism such astechnical rationalityandpractice epistemology, and characterizes features of professional expertise such astacit knowledge,reflection in action, andgestalt cognition.Conclusions Consequences of a methodological and logistical advancement of clinical judgment are discussed, both in regard to medical progress and to the renewel of the cognitive basis of the medical profession.
Social science, behavioural medicine, and the tomato effect
Authors: Mostofsky David I. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract‘Behavioural medicine’ is poised to contribute to the quality of health to the benefit of patients and physicians. There is a need for medical students and residents to better understand the field of behavioural medicine, and for practising physicians to incorporate it in medical education and clinical practice. This paper seeks to correct an erroneous conceptualization of behavioural medicine as being limited to psychosocial and mental health adjustments, and to provide examples of selected applications for medical conditions, including those that are not primarily regarded as requiring changes in lifestyle or psychotherapy. In fact, there are dramatic treatment and intervention protocols available that employ behavioural procedures that can provide relief for patients in all medical and dental specialties and that deserve to be considered along with conventional treatment protocols.
Impact of initial pattern of care on hospital costs in a cohort of incident lung cancer cases
Authors: Pagano Eva , Gregori Dario , Filippini Claudia , Di Cuonzo Daniela , Ruffini Enrico , Zanetti Roberto , Rosso Stefano , Bertetto Oscar , Merletti Franco , Ciccone Giovannino 
Published: October 2010

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Lung cancer is a disease with high consumption of health care resources. The aim of this study was to describe hospital costs due to lung cancer care from diagnosis until death or end of the study follow‐up, in a cohort of incident cases, by using administrative data.Methods  Particular attention was given to the determinants of total costs and the impact of the initial treatment approach on the process of costs accumulation. Incident cases were identified by the local Cancer Registry (January 2000–December 2003) among the residents of Turin (Italy). Per patient hospital care has been determined from administrative databases (outpatient radiotherapy records and hospital discharge records). Costs determinants were identified via a multivariable generalized linear model (GLM), with a Gamma cost distribution and a logarithmic link function. To assess the time effect over the cost accumulation process for non‐small‐cell lung cancer cases, the same GLM Gamma model was repeated at different follow‐up periods. Analyses were stratified by cancer histotype.Results  Results evidenced the relevant role of initial patterns of care on the cost accumulation process, with increased midterm costs associated with curative patterns of care.Conclusion  The use of administrative data enabled hospital lung cancer care to be described, and related costs to be estimated.
Pathogenic and genetic variation among isolates of Corynespora cassiicola in Japan
Authors: Shimomoto Y. , Sato T. , Hojo H. , Morita Y. , Takeuchi S. , Mizumoto H. , Kiba A. , Hikichi Y. 
Published: October 2010

In order to develop a method for discrimination of Corynespora cassiicola isolates pathogenic to sweet pepper among Japanese isolates, this study analysed pathogenic variations of 64 Japanese isolates of C. cassiicola on perilla, cucumber, tomato, aubergine and sweet pepper, and their multigene phylogeny. Japanese isolates were divided into seven pathogenicity groups (PG1–PG7). The virulence of isolates in PG1–PG5 was restricted to perilla, cucumber, tomato, aubergine and sweet pepper, respectively. Isolates in PG6 were virulent to sweet pepper, tomato and aubergine. Isolates in PG7 were avirulent to all tested plants. Multigene phylogenetic analysis of the isolates based on β‐tubulin, translation elongation factor 1‐α, calmodulin and actin genes showed three divergent clusters, MP‐A, MP‐B and MP‐C. These clusters included all isolates in PG1, PG2, PG8 and PG9 (MP‐A), PG3 and PG5 (MP‐B) and PG4 and PG6 (MP‐C). Isolates in PG7 were distributed amongst all clusters. Furthermore, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis using universal primers, Q17 (5′‐GAAGCCCTTG‐3′) and Q13 (5′‐GGAGTGGACA‐3′), facilitated discrimination of isolates virulent on sweet pepper amongst isolates in MP‐B and MP‐C, respectively. Together, a combination of the multigene analysis and the RAPD technique allowed the discrimination of the isolates virulent to sweet pepper.
Interaction between root rot basidiomycetes and Phytophthora species on pedunculate oak
Authors: Marçais B. , Caël O. , Delatour C. 
Published: October 2010

Forest declines are usually complex multifactorial phenomena that involve interactions between different factors. The possible interaction between different types of mycelial pathogens was investigated through artificial inoculation of oak seedlings, involving two root rot basidiomycetes, Collybia fusipes and Armillaria mellea, and two Phytophthora species, P. cinnamomi and P. cambivora. These pathogens were inoculated onto young Quercus robur saplings in greenhouse conditions, either alone or combining a root rot basidiomycete with a Phytophthora species. Three out of the four Phytophthora spp.*root rot basidiomycete combinations tested resulted in significantly greater damage to the oak host than the sum of the damages induced by the individual pathogens. This positive interaction could be significant in oak decline syndrome.
Climatic modulation of seismicity in the Alpine–Himalayan mountain ranges
Authors: Panza Giuliano F. , Peresan Antonella , Zuccolo Elisa 
Published: October 2010

Terra Nova, 23, 19–25, 2011AbstractA significant seasonal modulation of seismicity, with a peak in spring and summer, is evidenced in the Himalaya and the Alps, two regions characterized by present day mountain building and glacial retreat. In addition, a secular modulation of seismicity, which can be correlated with surface atmospheric temperature changes in the Northern Hemisphere, is found over the last ten centuries. Therefore, secular variations in permanent glacial dimensions, naturally associated with long‐term average surface atmospheric temperature changes, and seasonal snow load may cause crustal deformations that modulate seismicity.
Lens culinaris agglutinin‐reactive fraction of AFP is a useful prognostic biomarker for survival after repeat hepatic resection for HCC
Authors: Matsuda Masanori , Asakawa Masami , Amemiya Hidetake , Fujii Hideki 
Published: October 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Repeat hepatic resection for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is effective in improving long‐term outcome in selected patients. In the present study, we attempted to identify the prognostic factors influencing overall and recurrence‐free survival after the second hepatic resection.Methods:  From 1 September 1997 to 30 September 2009, 329 consecutive patients with HCC underwent surgical exploration at Yamanashi University Hospital, Japan. Of these, 35 patients underwent curative, second hepatic resection. The survival results in the 35 patients were analyzed retrospectively, and prognostic factors were determined.Results:  The univariate analysis revealed that Child–Pugh B, a Lens culinaris agglutinin‐reactive fraction of α‐fetoprotein (AFP‐L3) value more than 15%, and multiple tumors, were associated with significantly worse overall survival (P = 0.010, P = 0.0003, and P = 0.037, respectively) and only AFP‐L3 >15% was associated with significantly worse recurrence‐free survival after the second hepatic resection (P = 0.008). By multivariate analysis, only AFP‐L3 >15% was an independent predictor of adverse overall survival. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year survival rates after the second hepatic resection of 27 HCC patients with low AFP‐L3 (≤15%) were 100%, 100%, and 91.7%, respectively, whereas the corresponding survival rates of eight HCC patients with high AFP‐L3 (>15%) were 100%, 47.6%, and 23.8%, respectively.Conclusions:  The preoperative AFP‐L3 level was a useful prognostic biomarker for survival after repeat hepatic resection.
Common variants in NOD2 and IL23R are not associated with inflammatory bowel disease in Indians
Authors: Mahurkar Swapna , Banerjee Rupa , Rani Vasantha S , Thakur Nikita , Venkat Rao Guduru , Nageshwar Reddy Duvvuru , Chandak Giriraj R 
Published: October 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are two major phenotypes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that present with inflammation of the colon or the entire gastrointestinal tract, respectively. Genome‐wide association studies have confirmed the role of nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain protein‐2 (NOD2) variants and identified several other genes associated with IBD. We investigated whether variants in NOD2 and interleukin‐23 receptor (IL23R) are associated with IBD in a well‐characterized case‐control cohort from southern India.Methods:  We recruited 652 patients (411 UC and 241 CD) using established diagnostic criteria and 442 age‐, sex‐, and ethnically‐matched, normal individuals. By direct sequencing, we screened the complete NOD2 gene and genotyped the R381Q variant in IL23R, and performed an association analysis and genotype–phenotype correlation analysis.Results:  The clinical presentation of UC and CD patients did not differ significantly from the Europeans. We observed a monomorphic status for three common disease‐susceptible variants, R702W, G908R, and 1007fs in NOD2; three other single nucleotide polymorphisms, P268S, R459R, and R587R, had a comparable minor allele frequency in patients and controls. Compared to Europeans, we found a low frequency (∼1%) of the protective allele at R381Q in IL23R and no statistically‐significant association with IBD (odds ratio = 0.87; 95% confidence interval = 0.26–2.86; P > 0.05).Conclusions:  Our study suggests that variants in the NOD2 gene and the protective variant R381Q in IL23R are not associated with IBD in Indians. Additional variants in these or other candidate genes might play a major role in the pathophysiology of IBD in Indians.
Mechanical ventilation in the newborn; a simplified approach. Part 1: Intermittent positive pressure ventilation
Authors: Muhlethaler Vincent , Malcolm Girvan 
Published: October 2010

AbstractPositive pressure ventilation (PPV) is a frequent intervention in the neonatal intensive care unit. This article is directed towards paediatricians in training and attempts to cover the basics of PPV without being too technical. To do so we have employed an extensive use of graphics to illustrate the underlying principles.
Trial of a developmental screening tool in remote Australian Aboriginal communities: A cautionary tale
Authors: D'Aprano Anita L , Carapetis Jonathan R , Andrews Ross 
Published: October 2010

Aim:  To trial the Brigance developmental screening tool as an instrument for identifying Australian Aboriginal children at risk of developmental disability and requiring diagnostic developmental assessment.Methods:  We conducted a cross‐sectional study of Australian Aboriginal children, aged 3–7 years, resident in three remote communities in the Northern Territory. Following informed consent, children were screened by a paediatrician using the Brigance screen.Results:  There were 195 children identified as eligible, and 124 (64%) participated. All children screened, scored below the cut‐off for detecting children likely to have developmental disabilities or academic delays. Furthermore, all children scored below the at‐risk cut‐offs that indicate high probability of disabilities in at‐risk children.Conclusions:  The Brigance screen identified all children in these high‐risk Aboriginal communities as well behind their age peers. Language and cultural relevance, and the method of administration limit the use of this screening tool. However, we cannot ignore the uniformly poor performance on a mainstream tool used with children expected to succeed in a mainstream educational setting. Recommendations include adapting an appropriate instrument to guide developmental surveillance and monitoring in remote Australian Aboriginal communities. This study further supports the pressing need for quality early childhood services that address the significant risk confronting Aboriginal children and prepare them in a way that ensures school and future success.
Health‐related quality of life in children with achalasia
Authors: Marlais Matko , Fishman Julia R , Fell John ME , Rawat David J , Haddad Munther J 
Published: October 2010

Aims:  To assess self‐reported QoL in children with achalasia aged 5–18 and compare this with both disease and healthy control children in a prospective study.Methods:  All children diagnosed with achalasia at one hospital were asked to participate in this study by completing the self‐report module of the validated PedsQL™ generic QoL assessment. All children attending a tertiary paediatric gastroenterology clinic from February 2009 to May 2009 with chronic constipation or inflammatory bowel disease were asked to participate in this study as disease controls. The PedsQL™ considers physical, emotional, social and school domains and is scored from 0–100. Healthy children were also recruited from the same site. Groups were compared using Analysis of Variance with Tukey's post‐hoc test.Results:  One hundred and sixty one children completed the assessment (90 (56%) male, mean age 11.3 yrs ± 3.4 years) including 17 children with achalasia, 44 with chronic constipation, 59 with inflammatory bowel disease and 41 healthy children. QoL was significantly lower in the achalasia group compared to both children with IBD (73 vs. 82, p = 0.035) and healthy children (73 vs. 84, p = 0.005), and was comparable to that of children with chronic constipation (73 vs. 74, p = 0.99).Conclusion:  Children with achalasia report a significantly lower QoL compared to children with inflammatory bowel disease and healthy children.
Drowning for love: the aquatic victim‐instead‐of‐rescuer syndrome: drowning fatalities involving those attempting to rescue a child
Authors: Franklin Richard C , Pearn John H 
Published: October 2010

Introduction:  Non‐intentional child drowning remains a leading cause of child mortality. A related and secondary syndrome is composed of those who drown in impulsive, altruistic attempts to go to the aid of a drowning child. Such ‘rescuers’ who attempt to save a drowning child may themselves drown, a tragic event we term the AVIR syndrome or aquatic victim‐instead‐of‐rescuer.Methods:  This study is composed of a five‐year (1 July 2002 to 30 June 2007) total population Australian survey, using the National Coroners Information System to identify cases and an analysis of every immersion rescuer–victim dyad where the primary ‘victim’ was a child and where the ‘rescuer’ drowned.Results:  In Australia (2002–2007), 17 rescuers drowned in 15 incidents in which the primary victim was a drowning child. In 93% of the incidents, the primary ‘child–victim’ survived, 82% of the victims were unfamiliar with the aquatic location (i.e. were a visitor) and 76% of the victims were a male parent, partner of first‐degree relative. Alcohol was not generally involved.Conclusion:  We define the AVIR syndrome as one that typically involves the following: a male, parent, partner or relative; an unfamiliar water hazard; a ‘rescuer’ who is a tourist; alcohol is not usually involved; and the primary victim usually survives. We posit that an increased awareness of such risks, the promotion of rudimentary rescue skills (e.g. being able to throw a lifeline) and increased advocacy for parents to learn the simple and basic life‐saving skills of non‐contact rescue will help reduce these drowning tragedies.
The importance of physical education classes in pre‐school children
Authors: Vale Susana , Santos Rute , Soares‐Miranda Luísa , Silva Pedro , Mota Jorge 
Published: October 2010

Aim:  The purpose of this study was to analyse differences between total physical activity (TPA) and moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (MVPA) of pre‐school children during daily school hours when they attended the physical education class (PED) and school days without PE class (NPED) and to assess the contribution of PE classes to TPA in school hours.Methods:  The sample was composed of 193 pre‐school healthy children (96 girls) aged from three to five years old and was conducted between February and December of 2008. Children wore accelerometers for at least four consecutive days during school hours. Data were analysed with specific software, age‐specific counts‐per‐minute cut‐off points and a 5 s epoch were used. Independent and general linear model repeated measures were used to assess differences between gender and differences between different days within each gender, respectively.Results:  Boys engaged more MVPA than girls (P < 0.05). During PED, pre‐school children engaged significantly more in TPA and MVPA than during NPED (P < 0.05). PE class contributed, on average, 27.7% for the TPA and 32.8% of daily MVPA during PED in both gender.Conclusion:  The results of this study suggest that structured PA such as a PE class increased the daily TPA and MVPA level of pre‐school children.