bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A profile of the online dissemination of national influenza surveillance data
Authors: Cheng Calvin KY , Lau Eric HY , Ip Dennis KM , Yeung Alfred SY , Ho Lai Ming , Cowling Benjamin J 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
Influenza surveillance systems provide important and timely information to health service providers on trends in the circulation of influenza virus and other upper respiratory tract infections. Online dissemination of surveillance data is useful for risk communication to health care professionals, the media and the general public. We reviewed national influenza surveillance websites from around the world to describe the main features of surveillance data dissemination.

Methods
We searched for national influenza surveillance websites for every country and reviewed the resulting sites where available during the period from November 2008 through February 2009. Literature about influenza surveillance was searched at MEDLINE for relevant hyperlinks to related websites. Non-English websites were translated into English using human translators or Google language tools.

Results
A total of 70 national influenza surveillance websites were identified. The percentage of developing countries with surveillance websites was lower than that of developed countries (22% versus 57% respectively). Most of the websites (74%) were in English or provided an English version. The most common surveillance methods included influenza-like illness consultation rates in primary care settings (89%) and laboratory surveillance (44%). Most websites (70%) provided data within a static report format and 66% of the websites provided data with at least weekly resolution.

Conclusion
Appropriate dissemination of surveillance data is important to maximize the utility of collected data. There may be room for improvement in the style and content of the dissemination of influenza data to health care professionals and the general public.
Risk factors for operated carpal tunnel syndrome: a multicenter population-based case-control study
Authors: Mattioli Stefano , Baldasseroni Alberto , Bovenzi Massimo , Curti Stefania , Cooke Robin MT , Campo Giuseppe , Barbieri Pietro G , Ghersi Rinaldo , Broccoli Marco , Cancellieri Maria Pia , Colao Anna Maria , dell'Omo Marco , Fateh-Moghadam Pirous , Franceschini Flavia , Fucksia Serenella , Galli Paolo , Gobba Fabriziomaria , Lucchini Roberto , Mandes Anna , Marras Teresa , Sgarrella Carla , Borghesi Stefano , Fierro Mauro , Zanardi Francesca , Mancini Gianpiero , Violante Francesco S 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a socially and economically relevant disease caused by compression or entrapment of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. This population-based case-control study aims to investigate occupational/non-occupational risk factors for surgically treated CTS.

Methods
Cases (n = 220) aged 18-65 years were randomly drawn from 13 administrative databases of citizens who were surgically treated with carpal tunnel release during 2001. Controls (n = 356) were randomly sampled from National Health Service registry records and were frequency matched by age-gender-specific CTS hospitalization rates.

Results
At multivariate analysis, risk factors were blue-collar/housewife status, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, sibling history of CTS and coexistence of trigger finger. Being relatively tall (cut-offs based on tertiles: women ≥165 cm; men ≥175 cm) was associated with lower risk. Blue-collar work was a moderate/strong risk factor in both sexes. Raised risks were apparent for combinations of biomechanical risk factors that included frequent repetitivity and sustained force.

Conclusion
This study strongly underlines the relevance of biomechanical exposures in both non-industrial and industrial work as risk factors for surgically treated CTS.
HIV/AIDS, growth and poverty in KwaZulu‐Natal and South Africa: an integrated survey, demographic and economy‐wide analysis
Authors: Thurlow James , Gow Jeff , George Gavin 
Published: September 2009

BackgroundThis paper estimates the economic impact of HIV/AIDS on the KwaZulu‐Natal province and the rest of South Africa.MethodsWe extended previous studies by employing: an integrated analytical framework that combined firm surveys of workers' HIV prevalence by sector and occupation; a demographic model that produced both population and workforce projections; and a regionalized economy‐wide model linked to a survey‐based micro‐simulation module. This framework permits a full macro‐microeconomic assessment.ResultsResults indicate that HIV/AIDS greatly reduces annual economic growth, mainly by lowering the long‐run rate of technical change. However, impacts on income poverty are small, and inequality is reduced by HIV/AIDS. This is because high unemployment among low‐income households minimises the economic costs of increased mortality. By contrast, slower economic growth hurts higher income households despite lower HIV prevalence.ConclusionWe conclude that the increase in economic growth that results from addressing HIV/AIDS is sufficient to offset the population pressure placed on income poverty. Moreover, incentives to mitigate HIV/AIDS lie not only with poorer infected households, but also with uninfected higher income households.Our findings reveal the substantial burden that HIV/AIDS places on future economic development in KwaZulu‐Natal and South Africa, and confirms the need for policies to curb the economic costs of the pandemic.
Delivery of Antifungal Agents Using Bioactive and Nonbioactive Bone Cements
Authors: Sealy Patricia I , Nguyen Cam , Tucci Michelle , Benghuzzi Ham , Cleary John D 
Published: September 2009

Background: Management of fungal osteomyelitis is prolonged and frequently unsuccessful. Antifungal-impregnated cement is sometimes used as adjunctive therapy. Objective: To examine the release of antifungals from biodegradable and nonbiodegradable cement carriers. Methods: In vitro methods were used to assess antifungal drug release and antifungal activity of impregnated cements commonly used as adjunctive treatment of osteomyelitis. Cements included thermoplastic, nonbioactive polymers (polymethylmethacrylate [PMMA]) or bioactive agents (hydroxyapatite [HAP], β-tricalcium phosphate [β-TCP]) and were formed into spheres (beads). Results: Amphotericin B provided consistent supernatant concentrations (release), between 1.75 and 2.0 ug/mL, over 110 days from all bone cements. Flucytosine and fluconazole were observed for 33–42 days before becoming undetectable from a nonbioactive sphere and 18–22 days from a bioactive sphere. Serum concentrations for micafungin, terbinafine, and anidulafungin impregnated into PMMA rapidly became undetectable, regardless of the matrix used. Investigational β-TCP spheres prolonged release for fluconazole and micafungin, but had no effect on amphotericin B. Serum calcium concentrations decreased 60–80% in all HAP-impregnated drug sphere supernatants. Only amphotericin B–impregnated PMMA impacted supernatant calcium, decreasing concentrations by 50–60%. The antifungal-impregnated beads did not appear to be toxic to osteoblasts during 72 hours of exposure in tissue culture medium. Conclusions: Elution characteristics of most antifungals from bone cement spheres are probably not optima) for treatment of deep-seated fungal infections if a similar phenomenon of antifungal release manifests in vivo. Ceramic nonabsorbable impregnated devices must be removed after their lifespan expires and may necessitate another surgical procedure that can increase surgical risk and cost. Bioactive osteoconductive materials may provide a surgical alternative to nonabsorbable matrices. However, there have been no controlled trials demonstrating improved therapeutic outcomes with local therapy and assessing whether biodegradable materials act as a new focus for infection.
Morphine-Induced Muscle Rigidity in a Term Neonate
Authors: Lee Robin van der , Ceelie Ilse , Wildt Saskia N de 
Published: September 2009

Objective: To describe a potentially fatal adverse drug event after administration of morphine to a term neonate. Case Summary: A 2-day-old term neonate experienced generalized muscle rigidity and laryngeal spasm resulting in acute respiratory failure on 2 separate occasions after morphine administration. The first occasion was after administration of bolus doses of fentanyl and morphine 100 μg/kg in the operating theater; administration of intravenous propofol 2 mg/kg resulted in relief of muscle rigidity. The second occasion occurred a few hours later, when the patient received a continuous infusion of morphine 4.4 μg/kg/h in the intensive care unit and experienced generalized muscle rigidity with respiratory compromise. The opioid antagonist naloxone 30 μg/kg was administered intravenously, which immediately resulted in a patent airway and spontaneous breathing. An objective causality assessment using the Naranjo probability scale revealed that the likelihood of morphine causing the patient's muscle rigidity on the second occasion was highly probable to definite. It is not clear whether the first occurrence of muscle rigidity was morphine-induced. Discussion: We searched PubMed and EMBASE (through August 2009) for previous reports of morphine-related muscle rigidity and/or laryngeal spasm, using the search terms (muscle rigidity OR chest rigidity OR laryngeal spasm) AND (morphine OR fentanyl OR opioid). Sudden onset of muscle rigidity and laryngeal spasm is described in the literature as a rare but serious adverse event after infusion of fentanyl and similar opioids in both adults and young infants. However, there are no reports of this potentially fatal adverse event after administration of morphine. To our knowledge this is the first case reported of life-threatening muscle rigidity and laryngeal spasm after therapeutic doses of morphine in humans. Conclusions: A serious adverse event consisting of generalized muscle rigidity and laryngospasm can occur after bolus administration of morphine as well as during continuous infusion. Clinicians should be aware of this possibility.
Activated Slip Systems and Localized Straining of Irradiated Zr Alloys in Circumferential Loadings
Authors: Regnard C , Verhaeghe B , Lefebvre-Joud F , Lemaignan C 
Published: September 2009

During the plastic deformation of irradiated Zr alloys, specific slip systems are activated. Indeed, the dislocation loops of &lt;a&gt; type are strong obstacles for the dislocations gliding on the classical prismatic planes. An increase in yield strength is observed. This allows the activation of other slip systems. The basal slip, having a &lt;a&gt; Burgers vector can interact with the irradiation-induced dislocation loops. This interaction leads to the annealing of the loops by various mechanisms and leads to the formation of dislocation free bands after limited plastic strain (channeling).
TEM examinations of Zry-4 samples strained after irradiation have been performed. High density of basal slip has been observed on channels. With such a mechanism, the irradiated Zr alloys exhibit a strain-softening behavior for loading orientations allowing this kind of interaction. A modeling of the interaction between the gliding dislocations and the loops has been performed to analyze the channel formation kinetics. Fine element (FE) computation of strain-softening materials has shown strong effects on the plastic zone shape ahead of crack tips.
The results are discussed, focusing on the impact of this behavior on the mechanical properties of irradiated cladding. Specific attention is given on hoop straining with respect to PCI, RIA, or axial splitting.
An In-Reactor Simulation Test to Evaluate Root Cause of Secondary Degradation of Defective BWR Fuel Rod
Authors: Cheng B , Oberländer BC , Wiesenack W , Yagnik S , Turnbull J 
Published: September 2009

Zircaloy-2 fuel cladding is susceptible to several forms of secondary degradation following steam ingress in defective rods in BWRs. Hydride blister, circumferential, and axial cracks have been reported. An in-core test was performed at the Halden reactor to evaluate the root cause of the secondary degradation, with particular attention paid to the axial cracking issue.
The test included four instrumented rods of one meter long. Three rods had Zr-lined Zircaloy-2 cladding, and the other was a nonlined cladding. Two initial diametral gap sizes and two steam ingress conditions were designed. The rods were irradiated to 8 GWd/MtU before steam was admitted into the rods when the rods were operated at power. Subsequently, a power ramp from 33 to 43 kW/m was executed to cause mechanical stresses on the cladding. The test was terminated following detection of a significant activity release.
Three of the four rods, including two Zr-lined and the nonlined ones, exhibited hydride bulges and short axial cracks; the remaining Zr-lined rod did not develop secondary defects. The secondary defects developed first by heavy localized hydriding in all cases. Steam ingress causes increase in fuel temperature, formation of central voids, and pellet swelling at the initial hydride defects, resulting in local plastic strains on the cladding at the crack tip. Susceptibility of the cladding to cracking depended on the hydriding characteristics of the cladding. Unlined Zircaloy cladding was susceptible to sunburst hydriding locally within a short axial length. Zr-lined cladding was more resistant to localized sunburst hydriding; hydrogen was absorbed more uniformly by the cladding over a substantially longer cladding length and formed thick hydride rims near the cladding outer surface. The hydride rim ahead of the crack tip in a Zr-lined cladding produced radial hydrides intruding deep into the cladding wall under plastic strains. Repeated crack tip straining by central void formation and deep radial hydride penetration into the cladding from hydride rims would assist the crack to penetrate the cladding wall perpendicular to the cladding surfaces and propagate axially over a long distance. Unlined Zircaloy cladding can also propagate axial cracks by the same mechanism, but its susceptibility to localized sunburst hydriding would limit the length of such axial cracks to a short length nearby the sunburst hydride region.
Results from this program suggest that the hydriding characteristics of the cladding inner surface determine the susceptibility of the cladding to long axial cracking. A low corrosion resistance Zr-liner and, particularly, a dry hydrogen environment, which accelerates the hydriding rate, can increase the rate of axial cracking. The findings from this program are consistent with observations of high susceptibility of high purity Zr-liner to axial cracking in BWRs, and provide basis for its mitigation.
Vibratory Polishing of Metallographic Specimens for Optical and Electron Microscopy
Authors: Long EL , Gray RJ 
Published: September 2009

In principle, the art of preparing metallographic specimens with abrasives has not altered for more than 50 years. In 1956, vibratory polishing was introduced to the field of metallography. At that time the technique was used only on aluminum alloys. Since that time, much effort has been expended by the Metallography Department of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory toward the development of this new mode of polishing. The technique was used on ferrous alloys and non-ferrous alloys other than aluminum. Preliminary experiments with small-diameter polishing bowls showed promise. Later experiments with larger (12-in. diameter) bowls were more successful from the standpoint of polishing speed and capacity of the polishing bowl. Details of the equipment and the technique are given, together with results and illustrative micrographs obtained on plain carbon steel, nickel-molybdenum alloy, and the interface of a europium oxide particle surrounded by stainless steel.
After a 14-month test period many advantages are apparent when compared with conventional hand-polishing techniques and many automatic polishing machines: Other work can be done while the polishing operation is going on; over-polishing is less likely to occur; less time is required to train personnel; and finishes obtained are comparable if not superior to those obtained by hand polishing.
Characterization of the Properties of Commercial Lime by Surface Area Measurements and Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Eades J. L. , Sandberg P. A. 
Published: September 2009

Reactivity of lime (CaO, CaO-MgO) is a function of surface area and pore space which is related to temperature or time of calcination or both. The development and distribution of pore space in calcined stone is poorly understood. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) now allows observation of porosity differences in the oxides calcined from the same stone at various temperatures and times.
The oxides formed from five limestones calcined in commercial kilns (four calcitic and one dolomitic) and one dolomitic stone calcined in a laboratory furnace were examined with the SEM, and their surface areas were determined by the Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) method using Krypton gas.
One of the stones was subjected to several different kiln conditions. The SEM made it possible to record the changes of the low-porosity quarry stone to a very porous oxide as it was calcined. However, with increased kiln time, the resulting CaO crystals coalesce, increasing pore space, and, with continued calcination, the pore space approached zero.
Mechanisms and Devices for Filtration of Critical Process Gases
Authors: Accomazzo Mauro A. , Grant Donald C. 
Published: September 2009

The particle capture mechanisms in aerosol filtration result in a most penetrating particle size for process gases used by the micro-electronics industry. The most penetrating particle size for fibrous filter media and microporous membrane filter media have been measured to be typically 0.15μm and 0.05μm, respectively. Filter performance ratings should be based on the retention of particles at the most penetrating particle size. The retention ratings for HEPA fiberglass filters have been determined to be ≥99.99% and for typical membrane filters ≥99.9999999%.
The shedding of particles from the downstream side of various types of Point-of-Use filter devices was evaluated, using laser and condensation nucleus type particle counters. All types of filter devices performed similarly during steady flow operation but performance differences were observed when either pulsed flow or mechanical vibrations occurred. In general, the membrane filter devices shed less particles than the fiberglass filter devices, and the membrane filter devices that used stacked disc molded supports were cleaner than the pleated filter devices.
The Role of ANSI/NSF Standard 61 and Third-Party Certification in Providing Safe Drinking Water
Authors: Gregorka David A. , Greiner Peter F. , Hazan Stan S. , Kenel Michael F. 
Published: September 2009

The NSF Drinking Water Additives Program is the model for health effects evaluation of products and materials in contact with drinking water, including buried plastics pipe. One of the standards developed by the program, ANSI/NSF Standard 61 (Drinking Water System Components - Health Effects), covers the toxicology of indirect additives to drinking water for all types of potable water contact products and materials, including plastics pipe. For many years, NSF Standard 14 (Plastics Piping Components and Related Materials) has been the model toxicological and performance standard for plastics pipe, serving regulators, users, industry, and the public. Although it remains a viable standard, health effects in NSF Standard 14 are now addressed by reference to ANSI/NSF Standard 61.
How these Standards address potential health effects of plastics pipe and their impacts on specifiers, users, and designers is addressed. Extraction testing and toxicology requirements are provided special emphasis. NSF's product Certification (Listing) program for plastics is explained, along with a discussion of the problems and opportunities presented by consensus standards and third-party product certification programs.
Ultimate Densities and Strength Considerations of Base and Subgrade Soils
Authors: Winnitoy W. E. 
Published: September 2009

Because some thin, bituminous surfacings in Saskatchewan exhibited satisfactory performance, the Saskatchewan Department of Highways decided three years ago to conduct a study to determine the reasons for such performance. It was felt that such knowledge would contribute much toward a rational approach to the design of pavements.
Factors related to environment and traffic, and which influence the ultimate density of base and subgrade soils, are enumerated and their effects on density are described.
The relationship of pavement thickness to ultimate density of granular and fine-grained, plastic, subgrade soils tested to depth of 6 in. immediately beneath the pavements is shown.
California Bearing Ratio (CBR) strength values of granular soils compacted to different densities are compared. In the case of plastic soils, it is assumed that densities and strengths are equivalent and are discussed and compared on that basis.
Relationship of density of a subgrade soil with depth for an unpaved, gravel maintained road is also shown.
Treated hypothyroidism, cognitive function, and depressed mood in old age: the Rancho Bernardo Study
Authors: Kramer Caroline K , von Mühlen Denise , Kritz-Silverstein Donna , Barrett-Connor Elizabeth 
Published: September 2009

ObjectiveOvert hypothyroidism is associated with cognitive impairment, which can be reversed if treated early and appropriately. We compared cognitive function (CF) of euthyroid older adults with those who had long-term treated hypothyroidism.MethodsBetween 1999 and 2003, the CF of 885 euthyroid and 149 hypothyroid-treated older adults (primary hypothyroidism after surgery or autoimmune thyroid disease) was assessed using three standardized CF tests: the modified mini-mental state examination, Trails B, and verbal fluency. Depressed mood was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Only participants with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in the normal range were included.ResultsThe treated hypothyroid group had been treated with l-thyroxine for an average of 20 years. Those with treated hypothyroidism were older than the euthyroid group (76.1±9.6 vs 73.6±10.2 years, P=0.005) and were much more often women (81.6 vs 54.8%, P<0.001). TSH levels were similar between groups (median interquartile range=1.57 (1.19) vs 1.54 (1.59) mIU/l, P=0.81). Compared to euthyroid, the treated hypothyroidism group had more frequent antidepressant medication use (19.5 vs 8.5%, P<0.001) but similar BDI scores. Performance on the three CF tests did not differ by thyroid hormone treatment. Results were not changed after adjustment for age, sex, antidepressant medication use, exercise, and total cholesterol.ConclusionLong-term treated hypothyroidism is not associated with impaired CF or depressed mood in old age. The lack of association with CF is reassuring with regard to long-term use of thyroid hormone therapy.
Differing Responses to an Ahmadi Translation and Exegesis. The Holy Qur'ân in Egypt and Indonesia
Authors: Nur Ichwan Moch 
Published: September 2009

Nur Ichwan
Cet article analyse la controverse suscitée dans les années 1920 par la publication d'une traduction et exégèse du Coran en anglais. En Indonésie et au Caire, les arguments avancés concernaient les positions supposées hérétiques de l'auteur de cette traduction, le leader de la confrérie Ahmadiyya, Muhammad Ali, ainsi que le principe même de traductibilité du Livre révélé. L'auteur explore le débat par référence au contexte indonésien, où le leader nationaliste Tjokroaminoto préparait une version indonésienne de l'ouvrage de Muhammad Ali, et à celui du Caire, où l'opposition au mouvement Ahmadiyyah était exprimée avec force par le leader réformiste Rashid Rida. De cette manière sont mis en valeur à la fois les liens qui reliaient deux régions éloignées du monde islamique et leurs dissentions par rapport au texte même qui les unissait en tant que croyants.