bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sociodemographic gradients in breast and cervical cancer screening in Korea: the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey (KNCSS) 2005-2009
Authors: Park Mi Jin , Park Eun-Cheol , Choi Kui Son , Jun Jae Kwan , Lee Hoo-Yeon 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Cancer screening rates in Korea for five cancer types have increased steadily since 2002. With regard to the life-time cancer screening rates in 2009 according to cancer sites, the second highest was breast cancer (78.1%) and the third highest was cervical cancer (76.1%). Despite overall increases in the screening rate, disparities in breast and cervical cancer screening, based on sociodemographic characteristics, still exist.

Methods
Data from 4,139 women aged 40 to74 years from the 2005 to 2009 Korea National Cancer Screening Survey were used to analyze the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and receiving mammograms and Pap smears. The main outcome measures were ever having had a mammogram and ever having had a Pap smear. Using these items of information, we classified women into those who had had both types of screening, only one screening type, and neither screening type. We used logistic regression to investigate relationships between screening history and sociodemographic characteristics of the women.

Results
Being married, having a higher education, a rural residence, and private health insurance were significantly associated with higher rates of breast and cervical cancer screening after adjusting for age and sociodemographic factors. Household income was not significantly associated with mammograms or Pap smears after adjusting for age and sociodemographic factors.

Conclusions
Disparities in breast and cervical cancer screening associated with low sociodemographic status persist in Korea.
Immobilized Rhizopus oryzaelipase catalyzed synthesis of palm stearin and cetyl alcohol wax esters: Optimization by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Sellami Mohamed , Aissa Imen , Frikha Fakher , Gargouri Youssef , Miled Nabil 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Waxes are esters of long-chain fatty acids and long-chain alcohols. Their principal natural sources are animals (sperm whale oil) and vegetables (jojoba) which are expensive and not easily available. Wax esters synthesized by enzymatic transesterification, using palm stearin as raw material, can be considered as an alternative to natural ones.

Results
Palm stearin is a solid fraction obtained by fractionation of palm oil. Palm stearin was esterified with cetyl alcohol to produce a mixture of wax esters. A non-commercial immobilized lipase from Rhizopus oryzae was used as biocatalyst. Response surface methodology was employed to determine the effects of the temperature (30-50°C), the enzyme concentration (33.34-300 IU/mL), the alcohol/palm stearin molar ratio (3-7 mol/mol) and the substrate concentration (0.06-0.34 g/mL) on the conversion yield of palm stearin. Under optimal conditions (temperature, 30°C; enzyme concentration, 300 IU/mL; molar ratio 3 and substrate concentration 0.21 g/mL) a high conversion yield of 98.52% was reached within a reaction time of 2 h.

Conclusions
Response surface methodology was successfully applied to determine the optimum operational conditions for synthesis of palm stearin based wax esters. This study may provide useful tools to develop economical and efficient processes for the synthesis of wax esters.
The clinical burden of malaria in Nairobi: a historical review and contemporary audit
Authors: Mudhune Sandra A , Okiro Emelda A , Noor Abdisalan M , Zurovac Dejan , Juma Elizabeth , Ochola Sam A , Snow Robert W 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Widespread urbanization over the next 20 years has the potential to drastically change the risk of malaria within Africa. The burden of the disease, its management, risk factors and appropriateness of targeted intervention across varied urban environments in Africa remain largely undefined. This paper presents a combined historical and contemporary review of the clinical burden of malaria within one of Africa's largest urban settlements, Nairobi, Kenya.

Methods
A review of historical reported malaria case burdens since 1911 within Nairobi was undertaken using archived government and city council reports. Contemporary information on out-patient case burdens due to malaria were assembled from the National Health Management and Information System (HMIS). Finally, an audit of 22 randomly selected health facilities within Nairobi was undertaken covering 12 months 2009-2010. The audit included interviews with health workers, and a checklist of commodities and guidelines necessary to diagnose, treat and record malaria.

Results
From the 1930's through to the mid-1960's malaria incidence declined coincidental with rapid population growth. During this period malaria notification and prevention were a priority for the city council. From 2001-2008 reporting systems for malaria were inadequate to define the extent or distribution of malaria risk within Nairobi. A more detailed facility review suggests, however that malaria remains a common diagnosis (11% of all paediatric diagnoses made) and where laboratories (n = 15) exist slide positivity rates are on average 15%. Information on the quality of diagnosis, slide reading and whether those reported as positive were imported infections was not established. The facilities and health workers included in this study were not universally prepared to treat malaria according to national guidelines or identify foci of risks due to shortages of national first-line drugs, inadequate record keeping and a view among some health workers (17%) that slide negative patients could still have malaria.

Conclusion
Combined with historical evidence there is a strong suggestion that very low risks of locally acquired malaria exist today within Nairobi's city limits and this requires further investigation. To be prepared for effective prevention and case-management of malaria among a diverse, mobile population in Nairobi requires a major paradigm shift and investment in improved quality of malaria diagnosis and case management, health system strengthening and case reporting.
Towards patient-specific cardiovascular modeling system using the immersed boundary technique
Authors: Tay Wee-Beng , Tseng Yu-Heng , Lin Liang-Yu , Tseng Wen-Yih 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Previous research shows that the flow dynamics in the left ventricle (LV) reveal important information about cardiac health. This information can be used in early diagnosis of patients with potential heart problems. The current study introduces a patient-specific cardiovascular-modelling system (CMS) which simulates the flow dynamics in the LV to facilitate physicians in early diagnosis of patients before heart failure.

Methods
The proposed system will identify possible disease conditions and facilitates early diagnosis through hybrid computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation and time-resolved magnetic resonance imaging (4-D MRI). The simulation is based on the 3-D heart model, which can simultaneously compute fluid and elastic boundary motions using the immersed boundary method. At this preliminary stage, the 4-D MRI is used to provide an appropriate comparison. This allows flexible investigation of the flow features in the ventricles and their responses.

Results
The results simulate various flow rates and kinetic energy in the diastole and systole phases, demonstrating the feasibility of capturing some of the important characteristics of the heart during different phases. However, some discrepancies exist in the pulmonary vein and aorta flow rate between the numerical and experimental data. Further studies are essential to investigate and solve the remaining problems before using the data in clinical diagnostics.

Conclusions
The results show that by using a simple reservoir pressure boundary condition (RPBC), we are able to capture some essential variations found in the clinical data. Our approach establishes a first-step framework of a practical patient-specific CMS, which comprises a 3-D CFD model (without involving actual hemodynamic data yet) to simulate the heart and the 4-D PC-MRI system. At this stage, the 4-D PC-MRI system is used for verification purpose rather than input. This brings us closer to our goal of developing a practical patient-specific CMS, which will be pursued next. We anticipate that in the future, this hybrid system can potentially identify possible disease conditions in LV through comprehensive analysis and facilitates physicians in early diagnosis of probable cardiac problems.
A Facile Synthesis of Polypyrrole/Carbon Nanotube Composites with Ultrathin, Uniform and Thickness-Tunable Polypyrrole Shells
Authors: Zhang Bin , Xu Yiting , Zheng Yifang , Dai Lizong , Zhang Mingqiu , Yang Jin , Chen Yujie , Chen Xudong , Zhou Juying 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
An improved approach to assemble ultrathin and thickness-tunable polypyrrole (PPy) films onto multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has been investigated. A facile procedure is demonstrated for controlling the morphology and thickness of PPy film by adding ethanol in the reaction system and a possible mechanism of the coating formation process is proposed. The coated PPy films can be easily tuned by adding ethanol and adjusting a mass ratio of pyrrole to MWCNTs. Moreover, the thickness of PPy significantly influences the electronic conductivity and capacitive behavior of the PPy/MWCNT composites. The method may provide a facile strategy for tailoring the polymer coating on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for carbon-based device applications.
A new approach to geographic routing for location aided cluster based MANETs
Authors: Mangai Senthil Velmurugan , Tamilarasi Angamuthu 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Routing has been the main challenge for ad hoc networks due to dynamic topology as well as resource constraints. Completely GPS(Global Positioning System) free as well as GPS scarce positioning systems for wireless, mobile, ad-hoc networks has been proposed recently by many authors. High computational overhead and high mobility of the nodes typically require completely GPS enabled MANETs for higher performance. In this article, Improved Location aided Cluster based Routing Protocol (ILCRP) for GPS enabled MANETs has been evaluated for performance metrics such as end to end delay, control overhead, and packet delivery ratio. Use of cluster based routing as well as exact location information of the nodes in ILCRP reduces the control overhead resulting in higher packet delivery ratio. GPS utility in nodes reduces the end to end delay even during its high mobility. Simulations are performed using NS2 by varying the mobility (speed) of nodes as well as number of the nodes. The results illustrate that ILCRP performs better compared to other protocols.
Zangfu zheng (patterns) are associated with clinical manifestations of zang shang (target-organ damage) in arterial hypertension
Authors: Luiz Alexandre Bastos , Cordovil Ivan , Filho José Barbosa , Ferreira Arthur Sá 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Hypertension is a clinical condition that manifests target-organ damage (TOD) with symptoms. This study investigates the association between Zangfu patterns and symptomatic manifestations of TOD.

Methods
Datasets with manifestations of Zangfu patterns (Liver-fire blazing upwards; Kidney-yin deficiency and Liver-yang rising; obstruction of phlegm and dampness of Heart/Liver/Gallbladder; qi and blood deficiency leading to Liver-yang rising; Kidney-yin/yang deficiency) and TODs (cerebrovascular, heart and kidney) were compiled from literature. The Pattern Differentiation Algorithm was used to test and to determine diagnostic accuracy with these datasets. A questionnaire was developed from datasets and applied to 43 subjects newly diagnosed with hypertension. Pattern differentiation was performed and the results were statistically analyzed for association between descriptions of patterns and TOD.

Results
The observed diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were 98.0%, 96.2% and 99.8% respectively. Similarity between patterns and TOD datasets was mostly negligible. Twelve manifestations demonstrated high prevalence, namely red tongue (81.4%), headache (72.1%), irritability (67.4%), palpitation (60.5%), blurred vision, insomnia and mental fatigue (58.1%), frequent nocturnal urination, numbness in feet and hands, shortness of breath (55.8%), and heavy limbs sensation, wiry pulse (51.2%). No significant association was found between blood pressure variables (systolic, diastolic, mean, pulse pressure) and manifestations.

Conclusion

Zangfu patterns are associated with clinical manifestations of TOD. Manifestations associated patterns indicate morbid conditions to be secondary to hypertension rather than simple blood pressure.
Incidence, Phenotypic Features and Molecular Genetics of Kallmann Syndrome in Finland
Authors: Laitinen Eeva-Maria , Vaaralahti Kirsi , Tommiska Johanna , Eklund Elina , Tervaniemi Mari , Valanne Leena , Raivio Taneli 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Kallmann syndrome (KS), comprised of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) and anosmia, is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder. Its exact incidence is currently unknown, and a mutation in one of the identified KS genes has only been found in ~30% of the patients.

Methods
Herein, we investigated epidemiological, clinical, and genetic features of KS in Finland.

Results
The minimal incidence estimate of KS in Finland was 1:48 000, with clear difference between males (1:30 000) and females (1:125 000) (p = 0.02). The reproductive phenotype of 30 probands (25 men; 5 women) ranged from severe HH to partial puberty. Comprehensive mutation analysis of all 7 known KS genes (KAL1, FGFR1, FGF8, PROK2, PROKR2, CHD7, and WDR11) in these 30 well-phenotyped probands revealed mutations in KAL1 (3 men) and FGFR1 (all 5 women vs. 4/25 men), but not in other genes.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that Finnish KS men harbor mutations in gene(s) yet-to-be discovered with sex-dependent penetrance of the disease phenotype. In addition, some KS patients without CHD7 mutations display CHARGE-syndrome associated phenotypic features (e.g. ear or eye anomalies), possibly implying that, in addition to CHD7, there may be other genes associated with phenotypes ranging from KS to CHARGE.
Efficacy and long-term follow-up of IL-1R inhibitor anakinra in adults with Still's disease: a case-series study
Authors: Laskari Katerina , Tzioufas Athanasios G , Moutsopoulos Haralampos M 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Introduction
To assess the efficacy and safety of the interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R) inhibitor anakinra in adult patients with refractory Still's disease.

Methods
Twenty-five patients (13 males and 12 females, median age 32 years, median disease duration seven months) with Still's disease were treated with subcutaneous injections of anakinra (100 mg/day). Treatment was given as adjunct therapy in 16 patients and as standalone in 9 patients for a median time of 15 months (range 1.5-71). The clinical and laboratory parameters during follow-up were recorded.

Results
In 84% of patients the clinical activity resolved completely within a few days (median time 0.2 months), and response was maintained until the last visit in all but one patient. A complete response of all disease-related symptoms (clinical and laboratory) occurred subsequently within a median time of three months in 80% of patients. A partial clinical and laboratory improvement was shown in 12% and 16% of patients, respectively. The Visualized Analogue Scale and Health Assessment Questionnaire scores significantly decreased during treatment. The proportion of patients achieving the American College of Rheumatology 20 (ACR20) score (20% improvement) was 82% at one month and improved to 100% at one year. The mean oral corticosteroid dose was significantly reduced at each visit. Anakinra was discontinued due to unresponsiveness in one patient and due to relapsing disease in another. Treatment was also withdrawn in three patients with severe skin reactions (urticaria). Seven patients experienced an infection during follow-up.

Conclusions
The rapid and sustained response in the majority of our patients encourages the use of anakinra in adults with Still's disease.
A randomized questionnaire based study on the impact of providing numerical information on colorectal cancer screening
Authors: Patanwala Imran M , Brocklebank Victoria , Inglis Janet , Trewby Peter N 
Published: June 2011

Summary Objectives To establish whether the provision of numerical data using pictograms and framed as event rates affects subjects’ attitudes to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Design Randomized questionnaire and telephone study comparing a control group given standard NHS CRC information leaflets with an intervention group given the same leaflet but enhanced with additional numerical and pictorial information. Setting District General hospital and two general practices in North East England. Study carried out immediately prior to the introduction of CRC screening. Participants A total of 478 non-gastroenterological subjects (age range 60–70 years). Main outcome measures The difference in the two groups’ overall wish to be screened; comparison of the impact of enhanced vs. unenhanced summary points in the NHS information leaflet; the summary point that most influenced their decision on screening; the views of the intervention group on the additional numerical and pictorial information provided. Results A total of 256 (54%) responded (124 from the control group and 117 from the intervention group); 22% were interviewed by telephone; 90% of the control group and 85% of the intervention group wished to be screened (P = 0.34). Provision of numerical and pictorial information significantly changed the impact of five of the six summary points on the decision to be screened. Sixty-two percent of the intervention group found the pictograms helpful while 83% of those interviewed by telephone found the numerical data helpful; 73% of the control group when given by telephone the additional numerical information given to the intervention group said this would have been useful in aiding their decision-making. Conclusion Providing additional numerical information would enhance the credibility of the screening programme without necessarily reducing the numbers screened.
Enhanced frequency of CFTR gene variants in couples who are candidates for assisted reproductive technology treatment
Authors: Tomaiuolo Rossella , Fausto Marsia , Elce Ausilia , Strina Ida , Ranieri Antonio , Amato Felice , Castaldo Giuseppe , De Placido Giuseppe , Alviggi Carlo 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background: An increased frequency of (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) CFTR mutations has been detected in some types of male infertility. The aim of this study was to shed light on the link between CFTR mutations and infertility.

Methods: We sequenced the CFTR gene in 294 subjects (190 males) affected by infertility of different origin who underwent assisted reproductive technology (ART). As a control group, we studied 1000 (353 males) unrelated, unselected subjects from the general population of southern Italy.

Results: The frequency of CFTR mutations, some of which are detected only by gene sequencing, and of the IVS8 poly(TG)12-poly(T)5-V470 haplotype was significantly higher in obstructive [congenital bilateral absence of vasa defer-entes (CBAVD, five cases)] and secretory (23 cases) azoospermic patients than in the general population. Some patients, primarily those with CBAVD, were compound heterozygous for two mutations. Interestingly, the frequency of the TG12-T5-V470 variant haplotype was significantly higher in severe oligospermic patients (88 cases) and in patients with tubal sterility (74 cases) compared with the general population. Finally, neither the frequency of CFTR mutations nor the frequency of the TG12-T5 variants differed between patients with mild oligospermia (74 cases) and patients with ovulatory sterility (30 cases) compared with the general population.

Conclusions: All subjects affected by obstructive or secretory azoospermia should undergo molecular analysis and counselling for CF using gene scanning which has a high detection rate and also reveals rare CFTR mutations. Molecular analysis seems to be less mandatory in other types of male/female infertility. Furthermore, we found that the CFTR TG12-T5-V470 variant haplotype was associated with both severe oligospermia and tubal infertility, thereby implicating the CFTR protein in both spermatogenesis and tubal functionality.
Implementation of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in a school with a religious background: a case study
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Ng Catalina S.M. , Chak Yammy L.Y. 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
This paper reports the findings of a case study that attempted to identify school-related factors influencing the quality of implementation of the Tier 1 Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong. The case study method was utilized to investigate perceptions of the program implementers of program effectiveness, and to identify the crucial factors for program success in a school with a religious background that admits students with high academic achievement. Findings demonstrated that incorporation of the program into the formal curriculum, good administrative support, efficient management from school, and presence of dedicated teachers contributed to program success. The present findings provide insight for the implementation of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in schools with a religious background.
Healthcare utilization for pain in children and adolescents: a prospective study of laboratory and non-laboratory predictors of care-seeking
Authors: Tsao Jennie C.I. , Evans Subhadra , Seidman Laura C. , Zeltzer Lonnie K. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground:Few studies have focused on identifying predictors of medical consultation for pain in healthy children and adolescents.Objective:This investigation sought to identify parent and child laboratory and non-laboratory predictors of pediatric healthcare utilization for pain problems.Study group:Participants were 210 healthy children and adolescents (102 girls), aged 8–17 years who took part in a laboratory pain session.Methods:Three months after the laboratory session, participants were contacted by telephone to ascertain whether they had experienced pain and whether they had seen a healthcare professional for pain. Zero-order correlations among sociodemographic status, child laboratory pain responses, parent physical/mental health status and medical consultation for pain were conducted to identify relevant correlates of pediatric healthcare utilization; these correlates were subjected to multivariate analyses.Results:Bivariate analyses indicated that higher anticipated pain and bother for the cold pressor task, as well as poorer parent physical health status, were associated with pediatric medical consultation for pain, but only among girls. Sequential logistic regression analyses controlling for child age indicated that only parent physical health status, not the laboratory indicators, significantly predicted healthcare consultation for pain among girls. No parent or child correlates of care-seeking for pain emerged for boys.Conclusion:The findings suggest that parents’ perceived physical health plays a role in determining whether medical care is sought for pain complaints in healthy girls. These results suggest that interventions to assist parents in managing their own physical health problems could lead to reductions in medical consultation for girls’ pain.