bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between Otitis Media and Gastroesophageal Reflux
Authors: Miura Mauricio Schreiner , Mascaro Miguel , Rosenfeld Richard M. 
Published: December 2011

ObjectiveTo systematically review the association between otitis media and gastroesophageal/laryngopharyngeal reflux in children.Data SourcesCochrane library, MEDLINE (1966–September 2011), EMBASE (1974–September 2011), proceedings of International Symposia on Recent Advances in Otitis Media, and reference lists of relevant selected articles.Review MethodsStudies with planned data collection, in children with chronic otitis media with effusion/recurrent acute otitis media, assessing gastroesophageal/laryngopharyngeal reflux, pepsin/pepsinogen in middle ear, or antireflux therapy, were included.ResultsOf 242 initial studies, 15 met inclusion criteria. The authors found a mean prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children with chronic otitis media with effusion of 48.4% (range, 17.6%‐64%) and in children with recurrent acute otitis media of 62.9% (range, 61.5%‐64.3%). A mean prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux of 48.6% (range, 27.3%‐70.6%) was found in children with otitis media. Mean pepsin/pepsinogen presence in otitis media was 85.3% (range, 60%‐100%) and of enzymatic activity was 34.2% (range, 14.5%‐73%). Two randomized trials could not find benefit after antireflux treatment for 3 months, with an absolute rate difference (95% confidence interval) of 0.23 (0.023‐0.42) and 0.13 (−0.086 to 0.34), respectively. Reporting of adverse events was limited, or absent, in most studies.ConclusionThe prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children with chronic otitis media with effusion/recurrent acute otitis media may be higher than the overall prevalence for children. Presence of pepsin/pepsinogen in the middle ear could be related to physiologic reflux. A cause‐effect relationship between pepsin/pepsinogen in the middle ear and otitis media is unclear. Antireflux therapy for otitis media cannot be endorsed based on existing research.
Double Impairment
Authors: Pothier David D. , Rutka John A. , Ranalli Paul J. 
Published: December 2011

ObjectiveFollowing recently described small series of patients with the syndrome of cerebellar ataxia with bilateral vestibulopathy (CABV), the authors undertook a careful clinical and laboratory assessment of patients who presented to their unit with characteristics of this syndrome.Study DesignCase note review.SettingTertiary, university‐based, multidisciplinary neurootology clinic.SubjectsThirty‐three patients whose characteristics fit this syndrome.MethodsPatients presenting to the Multidisciplinary Neurotology Clinic with characteristics of CABV were entered into a bespoke database. This was analyzed to identify the clinical findings and results of vestibular investigations for this group.ResultsPatients presented at a mean age of 54 years (SD, 17.6) with symptoms having been present for a median of 3 years (interquartile ratio, 2.0‐9.5). Caloric testing greatly underestimated the disorder, being subnormal in only 18% of patients; the head‐thrust test was abnormal and dynamic visual acuity testing was abnormal 88% and 91% of the time, respectively. Of the patients, 76% demonstrated gaze‐evoked nystagmus. Impaired smooth pursuit (97% of patients showed low gain with saccadic corrections) and impaired cancellation of the vestibulo‐ocular reflex (in 97% of patients) were found. Impaired saccular otolithic function was abnormal in 33%, adding to patient imbalance.ConclusionThe unique double‐pathway balance impairment in CABV patients causes a high prevalence of subnormal function of both central and peripheral vestibular function. This is an easily missed clinical entity that is often associated with normal caloric investigations. As many patients with this syndrome are poor candidates for vestibular rehabilitation therapy, resources are better devoted to the early implementation of assistance with their safe ambulation and activities of daily living.
Study on the electrical conduction in poly (ethylene oxide) doped with calcium carbonate
Authors: Al-Ahmad Hayat , Zihlif AM 
Published: December 2011

This work is based on studying the alternating current (AC) electrical properties of poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) films doped with ultrafine calcium carbonate (CaCO3). The composite films with 80 μm thickness were prepared by casting method using the solution containing PEO resin, CaCO3, and water, forming a polymeric fluid system. The impedance was measured in the frequency range from 1 to 50 kHz at different temperatures. The concentrations of CaCO3 are 0, 1, 4, 6, and 10% by weight. From impedance results, it was found that the AC conductivity decreases with increasing dopant concentration and increases with increasing temperature. The values of the dielectric constant and the dielectric loss decrease with increasing frequency. The calculated activation energy and the relaxation time showed dependence on frequency and temperature. The determined values of the refractive index decrease with increasing frequency and CaCO3 concentration and increase with increasing temperature. The observed decreases in the AC-electrical quantities of the prepared thin films (fluid system) are attributed to the presence of water traces that enhance the polarization effects. The decreases in values of dielectric constants and conductivity indicate that the doped PEO system does not behave as a solid polymer electrolyte with enhanced ionic conduction.
Inter-plane artifact suppression in tomosynthesis using 3D CT image data
Authors: Kim Jae G , Jin Seung O , Cho Min H , Lee Soo Y 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Despite its superb lateral resolution, flat-panel-detector (FPD) based tomosynthesis suffers from low contrast and inter-plane artifacts caused by incomplete cancellation of the projection components stemming from outside the focal plane. The incomplete cancellation of the projection components, mostly due to the limited scan angle in the conventional tomosynthesis scan geometry, often makes the image contrast too low to differentiate the malignant tissues from the background tissues with confidence.

Methods
In this paper, we propose a new method to suppress the inter-plane artifacts in FPD-based tomosynthesis. If 3D whole volume CT images are available before the tomosynthesis scan, the CT image data can be incorporated into the tomosynthesis image reconstruction to suppress the inter-plane artifacts, hence, improving the image contrast. In the proposed technique, the projection components stemming from outside the region-of-interest (ROI) are subtracted from the measured tomosynthesis projection data to suppress the inter-plane artifacts. The projection components stemming from outside the ROI are calculated from the 3D whole volume CT images which usually have lower lateral resolution than the tomosynthesis images. The tomosynthesis images are reconstructed from the subtracted projection data which account for the x-ray attenuation through the ROI. After verifying the proposed method by simulation, we have performed both CT scan and tomosynthesis scan on a phantom and a sacrificed rat using a FPD-based micro-CT.

Results
We have measured contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) from the tomosynthesis images which is an indicator of the residual inter-plane artifacts on the focal-plane image. In both cases of the simulation and experimental imaging studies of the contrast evaluating phantom, CNRs have been significantly improved by the proposed method. In the rat imaging also, we have observed better visual contrast from the tomosynthesis images reconstructed by the proposed method.

Conclusions
The proposed tomosynthesis technique can improve image contrast with aids of 3D whole volume CT images. Even though local tomosynthesis needs extra 3D CT scanning, it may find clinical applications in special situations in which extra 3D CT scan is already available or allowed.
Hair analysis following chronic smoked-drugs-of-abuse exposure in adults and their toddler: a case report
Authors: Papaseit Esther , Joya Xavier , Velasco Marta , Civit Ester , Mota Pau , Bertran Marta , Vall Oriol , Garcia-Algar Oscar 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIntroductionOver the past two decades, the study of chronic cocaine and crack cocaine exposure in the pediatric population has been focused on the potential adverse effects, especially in the prenatal period and early childhood. Non-invasive biological matrices have become an essential tool for the assessment of a long-term history of drug of abuse exposure.Case reportWe analyze the significance of different biomarker values in hair after chronic crack exposure in a two-year-old Caucasian girl and her parents, who are self-reported crack smokers. The level of benzoylecgonine, the principal metabolite of cocaine, was determined in segmented hair samples (0 cm to 3 cm from the scalp, and > 3 cm from the scalp) following washing to exclude external contamination. Benzoylecgonine was detectable in high concentrations in the child's hair, at 1.9 ng/mg and 7.04 ng/mg, respectively. Benzoylecgonine was also present in the maternal and paternal hair samples at 7.88 ng/mg and 6.39 ng/mg, and 13.06 ng/mg and 12.97 ng/mg, respectively.ConclusionBased on the data from this case and from previously published poisoning cases, as well as on the experience of our research group, we conclude that, using similar matrices for the study of chronic drug exposure, children present with a higher cocaine concentration in hair and they experience more serious deleterious acute effects, probably due to a different and slower cocaine metabolism. Consequently, children must be not exposed to secondhand crack smoke under any circumstance.
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with mortality in the medical intensive care unit
Authors: Venkatram Sindhaghatta , Chilimuri Sridhar , Adrish Muhammad , Salako Abayomi , Patel Madanmohan , Diaz-Fuentes Gilda 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Introduction
The incidence of vitamin D deficiency in critically ill patients has been reported to range from as low as 17% to as high as 79%. Data regarding the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and outcomes in the medical intensive care unit are sparse. The goal of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in the medical intensive care unit and its relationship with outcomes.

Method
This was a retrospective study in a medical intensive care unit (MICU) at an inner city community hospital. The study period was between October 2009 and February 2010.

Results
Of the 932 patients admitted during the study period, 25-hydroxyvitamin D vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were available in 523 (53%); 86 of them were excluded from the study due to readmission to the intensive care unit. Deficiency was defined as 0 to 19.9 ng/dL 25(OH)D levels, insufficiency as 20 to 29.9 ng/dL, and normal levels as ≥30 ng/dL. Of the 437 patients studied, 25(OH)D deficiency was identified in 340 (77.8%), insufficiency in 74 (16.9%), and normal levels in 23 (5.3%) patients. Patients with 25(OH)D deficiency/insufficiency were younger (P = 0.015), were male (P = 0.001), and had kidney disease (P = 0.017) and lower total serum calcium levels (P = 0.003). Hospital mortality was higher in patients with 25(OH)D deficiency (P = 0.01). No differences in ventilator days or length of stay in the MICU were evident among the three groups. Analysis by multiple logistic regression demonstrated that acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) IV score ((odds ratio (OR) 1.036; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.024-1.048, P < 0.0001), ventilator requirement (OR 7.7; 95% CI 4.3-13.98, P < 0.0001), 25(OH) D levels(OR 0.942; 95% CI 0.942-0.904, P < 0.0005) and 25(OH) D deficiency (OR 8.7; 95% CI 1.03-72.8, P < 0.0469) showed statistical significance. There was no association between 25(OH)]D insufficiency and hospital mortality. The mean 25(OH)D level of survivors (27.9 ± 9.7 ng/dL) was higher than for non-survivors (9.7 ± 4.7 ng/dL; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions
The study results demonstrate an association between 25(OH)D deficiency and hospital mortality in MICU patients. A randomized prospective study to evaluate the effect of vitamin D replacement therapy on mortality is warranted.
Migration Dynamics and Directional Preferences of Passerine Migrants in Azraq (E Jordan) in Spring 2008
Authors: Stȩpniewska Katarzyna , El-Hallah Ashraf , Busse Przemysław 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT
Stêpniewska K., El-Hallah A., Busse P. 2011. Migration dynamics and directional preferences
of passerine migrants in Azraq (E Jordan) in spring 2008. Ring 33, 1-2: 3-25. Azraq ringing station is located in the Azraq Wetland Reserve in the eastern part of Jordan, on the Eastern Palearctic Flyway. It covers different types of habitat: reedbeds and a dry area with tamarisks (Tamarix sp.) and nitre bushes (Nitraria billardierei). In total, from 18 March till 28 April 2008, we caught 2767 birds from 64 species. Three species dominated distinctly, constituting 58% of total number of caught birds: the Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus
scirpaceus) - 570, the Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) - 535 and the Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca) - 488 birds. The catching dynamics reveals the highest numbers of birds in the beginning of the studied period. The total number constantly decreased till 6 April and then subsequently increased. The first high peak of the dynamics at the end of March was due to intensive migration of Chiffchaffs and Lesser Whitethroats. The second one at the end of April was caused by pronounced migration of Reed Warblers and Blackcaps. High numbers of migrants in the beginning and at the end of the catching period reveal that we did not cover the whole migration season in Azraq, so it is necessary to begin the study much earlier and to finish later there.
We performed also 1169 directional preferences tests using Busse’s orientation cage, mostly for the Reed Warbler. Directional preferences of tested birds reveal clear dominance of NW headings - towards European breeding grounds. The NE headings towards Asian breeding grounds were also present. There was a low share of reversed headings, especially SE. We suppose that birds showing NW headings could migrate from wintering grounds in Africa across the most southern coasts of the Arabian Peninsula; these flying to the NE seem to have crossed Egypt and then fly along the Arava Valley. Many species presented in this paper, like the Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio), could show loopmigration, flying in spring more eastern than in autumn.
High numbers of caught and observed birds, including habitat-specialists like numerous Acrocephalus warblers, reveal that the Azraq Wetland Reserve is a very important place for Palearctic migrants during their migration through desert areas of the Middle-East.
Autumn Migration of Passerines in Bahariya Oasis, Egypt – Where Do They Come from and Where Do They Go?
Authors: Stêpniewski Krzysztof , White Matthew L. J. , Megalli Mary 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT
Stêpniewski K., White M.L.J., Megalli M. 2011. Autumn migration of passerines in Bahariya
Oasis in Egypt - where do they come from and where do they go? Ring 33, 1-2: 27-36. We present the results of studies on directional preferences of passerine migrants in Bahariya Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt. Fieldwork was conducted in August and September 2010. Birds were mist-netted, ringed and tested in Busse’s orientation cage; in total 66 tests were analysed. The most pronounced direction was W, which was surprising and remains unexplained. Southern directions were also prominent, particularly SW; among the northern directions NW were distinct and NE less so. Our results are in line with those at other ringing stations in Egypt, suggesting a common migration pattern in this region. They also allow for tracking probable migration routes through Bahariya. Birds may arrive at the oasis from the Nile Delta and Mediterranean coast, then the majority head SW towards Lake Chad, while others may fly directly S or SE towards the Nile Valley. Bahariya Oasis appears to be an important crossing point of passerine migration routes across the Sahara and it is important to continue further studies in this area.
An Overview of Bird Migration Studies in Egypt
Authors: Latif Ibrahim Wed Abdel 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT
Ibrahim W.A.L. 2011. An overview of bird migration studies in Egypt. Ring 33, 1-2: 55-75. This is an overview of ornithological studies carried out in Egypt since the beginning of XXth century till the present time made on the basis of several more or less general publications. Geographical location and climate descriptions give the background information about the area. The literature overview stresses especially problems connected with the migration of passerines, but wider avifaunistic background is discussed as well. Special attention is paid to the passerines’ strategy of migration through the Mediterranean Sea and Sahara Desert, its direction and timing, as well as to the factors affecting passerines migration and bird ringing in Egypt. In conclusion, it is stressed that the studies on bird migration were done sporadically, from time to time and from one place to another, and there is a dramatic lack of permanent ringing / bird migration study field stations, despite the fact that some suitable and promising localities have been found, in which the studies have been carried out since 2001 by the SE European Bird Migration Network in cooperation with some protected areas managements.
Burullus Ringing Station (N Egypt) – Ringing Results and Seasonal Bird Migration Dynamics in 2005-2007
Authors: Zaniewicz Grzegorz , Chruoeciel Jacek 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT
Zaniewicz G., Chruoeciel J. 2011. Burullus ringing station (N Egypt) - ringing results and
seasonal bird migration dynamics in 2005-2007. Ring 33, 1-2: 77-87. Burullus Ringing Station is one of the several stations belonging to the SEEN organization (SE European Bird Migration Network). This station is situated close to the border of Burullus Protected Area in the northern part of Egypt and it started work in 2005. Data were collected during two spring and three autumn seasons. Birds were caught in mist-nets, which were placed mainly in reedbeds. Over 12 thousands of birds from 74 species were caught and ringed during five migratory seasons. Many of them were also tested for directional preferences in Busse’s cage.
Feasibility and Validity of a Graded One-Legged Cycle Exercise Test to Determine Peak Aerobic Capacity in Older People With a Lower-Limb Amputation
Authors: Wezenberg Daphne , de Haan Arnold , van der Woude Lucas H. , Houdijk Han 
Published: December 2011

BackgroundInformation concerning exercise tolerance and aerobic capacity is imperative for generating effective and safe exercise programs. However, for older people with a lower-limb amputation, a standard exercise test is not available.ObjectiveThe primary aim of the present study was to determine whether a graded 1-legged peak exercise test is feasible and provides a valid assessment of peak aerobic capacity in older people walking with a lower-limb prosthesis.DesignThis was a quasi-experimental case-control study.MethodsA total of 36 older people with a lower-limb prosthesis and 21 people who were able-bodied (controls) (overall mean age=61.7 years, SD=6.1) performed a discontinuous graded 1-legged exercise test. The peak respiratory exchange ratio was used as an indicator of maximal effort. The controls performed an additional 2-legged exercise test to provide insight into differences between the testing modes.ResultsAll participants were able to perform the exercise test. Electrocardiographic tracings and blood pressure were adequately monitored. The controls and the people with a lower-limb amputation were able to stress the cardiovascular system to a similar extent. Analyses of construct validity revealed that the peak aerobic capacity measured with the 1-legged exercise test was able to distinguish between participants on the basis of age, body mass index, and sex to a similar extent as the conventional 2-legged exercise test.LimitationsThe results can be generalized only to people who are able to ambulate with their prosthesis.ConclusionsThe graded 1-legged exercise test was feasible and provided a valid assessment of peak aerobic capacity and exercise tolerance in older people walking with a lower-limb prosthesis.
Addressing the Nonexercise Part of the Activity Continuum: A More Realistic and Achievable Approach to Activity Programming for Adults With Mobility Disability?
Authors: Manns Patricia J. , Dunstan David W. , Owen Neville , Healy Genevieve N. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Participation in physical activity is fundamental for the maintenance of metabolic health and the prevention of major chronic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A whole-of-day approach to physical activity promotion is increasingly advocated and includes not only increasing moderate-intensity physical activity but also reducing sedentary time and increasing light-intensity activity (the “nonexercise” part of the activity continuum). This whole-of-day approach to tackling the challenge of inactivity may be particularly relevant for adults with mobility disabilities, who are among the most inactive segment of the population. Focusing on nonexercise activity by striving to reduce sedentary time and increase light-intensity activity may be a more successful place to begin to change behavior in someone with mobility disability. This article discusses what is known about the metabolic health consequences of sedentary behavior and light-intensity activity in adults with and without mobility disability. The concept of inactivity physiology is presented, along with possible applications or evidence from studies with adults with mobility disability. Mobility disability discussions and examples focus on stroke and spinal cord injury. Finally, clinical implications and future research directions related to sedentary behavior in adults with mobility disability are discussed.
Zinc as a feed supplement and its impact on plasma cholesterol concentrations in breeding cocks
Authors: Parák Tomáš , Straková Eva 
Published: December 2011

The aim of this work was to verify the impact of feed supplemented with selected inorganic and organic zinc compounds on the total cholesterol concentrations and other blood plasma indices in breeding cocks. A total of 250 RIR 05 breeding cocks, 9 weeks old, were used. The cocks were divided into 5 groups of 50 animals each (four experimental groups and one control group). Cocks were fed a commercial feed mixture specifically for breeding cocks, containing 30.4 mg·kg-1 of zinc. The feed for experimental groups of cocks was fortified to 100 mg Zn·kg-1: zinc sulphate in first group, zinc oxide in second group, fodder yeast (Minvital Zn) in third group and Bioplex Zn in fourth group. Blood samples for biochemical examination were taken from the basilic vein. The contents of total cholesterol (Chol), total proteins (TP), glucose (Glu), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) in blood plasma were spectrophotometrically measured using a biochemical analyser, Cobas EMira, and commercial kits (Biovendor a.s., Czech Republic). In the 15th week of age, third and fourth groups showed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) and highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) decrease of total cholesterol in blood plasma compared to the control. In the 20th and 25th week of age, all of the experimental groups showed a significantand highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) decrease of total cholesterol in blood plasma compared to the control. Other monitored indices (total proteins, glucoses, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium) did not reveal any significant changes between the experimental and the control groups. The presented work provides the first available experimental evidence regarding the impact of zinc supplementation on the cholesterol levels in blood plasma of breeding cocks.