bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
One Hundred Years of British Minimum Wage Legislation
Authors: Deakin Simon , Green Francis 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe Trade Boards Act 1909 was a landmark in the development of minimum wage regulation in Britain and around the world. Although their powers were limited, the trade boards had immediate and tangible effects in terms of raising living standards, and over time they became a core part of the system of state support for collective wage determination. While influential overseas, the wages councils (as the trade boards became after 1945) were eventually seen as providing only a partial solution to the problem of low pay. In the 1980s, their powers were reduced under the influence of deregulatory labour market policies, prior to their abolition in 1993. The British national minimum wage (‘NMW’), which was introduced in 1998, despite appearances, is not a universal national minimum of the kind which the Webbs and other Fabian writers argued for a century ago. Notwithstanding a growing consensus that the supposed negative economic effects of the minimum wage have not been borne out by the experience of the NMW, public policy has yet to take fully on board its potential benefits, including the reduction of social costs and the promotion of social partnership.
A double‐blind, randomized trial of duloxetine versus placebo in the management of chronic low back pain
Authors: Skljarevski V. , Ossanna M. , Liu‐Seifert H. , Zhang Q. , Chappell A. , Iyengar S. , Detke M. , Backonja M. 
Published: May 2009

Background:  Duloxetine has demonstrated analgesic effect in chronic pain states. This study assesses the efficacy of duloxetine in chronic low back pain (CLBP).Methods:  Adult patients with non‐radicular CLBP entered this 13‐week, double‐blind, randomized study comparing duloxetine 20, 60 or 120 mg once daily with placebo. The primary measure was comparison of duloxetine 60 mg with placebo on weekly mean 24‐h average pain. Secondary measures included Roland‐Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ‐24), Patient’s Global Impressions of Improvement (PGI‐I), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), safety and tolerability.Results:  Four hundred four patients were enrolled, 267 completed. No significant differences existed between any dose of duloxetine and placebo on reduction in weekly mean 24‐h average pain at end‐point. Duloxetine 60 mg was superior to placebo from weeks 3–11 in relieving pain, but not at weeks 12–13. Duloxetine 60 mg demonstrated significant improvement on PGI‐I, RMDQ‐24, BPI‐average pain and BPI‐average interference. Significantly more patients taking duloxetine 120 mg (24.1%) discontinued because of adverse events, versus placebo (8.5%).Conclusions:  Duloxetine was superior to placebo on the primary objective from weeks 3–11, but superiority was not maintained at end‐point. Duloxetine was superior to placebo on many secondary measures, and was well‐tolerated.
Serum S100B protein in early management of patients after mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Morochovič R. , Rácz O. , Kitka M. , Pingorová S. , Cibur P. , Tomková D. , Lenártová R. 
Published: May 2009

Background and purpose:  Neuronal protein S100B assays are available now with a perspective of being an early screening tool for serious intracranial injury. The aim of the study was to correlate early S100B measurements and initial CCT findings in the patients sustaining mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI).Methods:  The prospective study included patients of all ages with a history of MTBI. CCT scans and venous blood sampling for S100B analysis were performed within 6 h after injury. Levels of S100B above 0.1 ng/ml (S100B+) and any CCT detectable trauma‐relevant intracranial lesions were considered positive (CCT+).Results:  A series of 102 patients were involved in the study. CCT+ scans were present in eighteen (17.6%) and CCT‐ scans in 84 (82.4%) patients. There were 74 (72.5%) patients in S100B+ and 28 (27.5%) in S100B− group. Sensitivity of S100B assay attained 83.3% with a negative predictive value of 89.3%. Three patients from CCT+ group had negative plasma level of S100B. Two of them required surgical treatment.Discussion:  S100B serum protein marker seems to be an unrealiable screening tool for determination of an intracranial injury risk group due to low sensitivity and negative predictive value seen from samples taken greater than 3 h after an MTBI.
Long‐term Administration of Probiotics to Asymptomatic Pre‐school Children for Either the Eradication or the Prevention of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Boonyaritichaikij Surasak , Kuwabara Kentaro , Nagano June , Kobayashi Kiyoshi , Koga Yasuhiro 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground:  The role of probiotics in the armamentarium remains to be defined. The aims of this study were to investigate whether the long‐time administration of Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2716 (LG21) strain can eradicate H. pylori in asymptomatic pre‐school children and/or prevent H. pylori infection.Methods: A total of 440 children, from 5–7 years of age, attending a kindergarten in Thailand were screened by the Helicobacter pylori stool antigen (HpSA) test. Thereafter 132 H. pylori positive and 308 H. pylori negative children were recruited to eradication and randomized prevention arms, respectively. Children in the active and placebo treatment groups received Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2716 (LG21) containing cheese and ordinary cheese, respectively, for 12 months. Eradication was defined as reversion by HpSA at 12 months. Prevention was defined as persistently HpSA negative at 12 months.Results:  Eighty‐two of 132 H. pylori positive (62%) completed the eradication arm, of which 24 (29.3%) were negative at 12 months according to the HpSA test. In the randomized prevention arm, 123 of 156 (79%) and 99 of 122 (81%) completed active and placebo arms, respectively, of which 4.1% and 8.1%, respectively, were HpSA positive at 12 months based on a per‐protocol analysis (p = .21).Conclusion: Further trials are needed.
The Effect of the Human Gut‐Signalling Hormone, Norepinephrine, on the Growth of the Gastric Pathogen Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Doherty Neil C. , Tobias Amanda , Watson Sue , Atherton John C. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims: Helicobacter pylori is an important human pathogen, infecting around half the population of the world. It has developed a number of refinements to allow it to persist in the human stomach. Catecholamine hormones have been shown to enhance growth of other bacterial species and are found in the gastric niche. We aimed to study growth enhancement of H. pylori by the human catecholamine hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine.Methods: Growth studies were carried out in complex and defined media containing the hormones epinephrine, norepinephrine, and normetanephrine, the main host metabolite of norepinephrine. Bacterial density was measured by viable count or optical density. Intracellular ATP was measured using a bioluminescence assay technique.Results: Both epinephrine and norepinephrine enhanced H. pylori growth in a dose‐dependent strain‐independent fashion, with norepinephrine being more effective than epinephrine. We showed a rapid (4 hours) dose‐dependent effect on metabolic activity, as measured by intracellular ATP levels. We used a chemically defined medium to study mechanisms: chelation of ferric iron blocked H. pylori growth, which could be overcome by addition of norepinephrine. Disruption of the catechol group of norepinephrine abrogated its H. pylori‐growth‐promoting activity.Conclusions: Norepinephrine stimulates growth of H. pylori under otherwise growth‐restricted conditions, and this effect is related to the ability of norepinephrine to bind ferric iron. This supports the notion that norepinephrine may aid H. pylori persistence in the stomach.
High resolution micro‐SPECT scanning in rats using125I β‐CIT: Effects of chronic treatment with carbamazepine
Authors: Cain Stuart M. , Ruest Torsten , Pimlott Sally , Patterson Jim , Duncan Rod , Dewar Debbie , Sills Graeme J. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryPurpose: Carbamazepine (CBZ) is a first‐line antiepileptic agent with mood‐stabilizing effects in bipolar disorder. It has been reported to influence extracellular concentrations of serotonin and dopamine, suggesting an interaction with monoamine transporters. We have investigated this effect using in vivo single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in rats.Methods: Adult male rats received 3 mg/kg/h CBZ via mini‐osmotic pump. After 14 days continuous treatment, animals underwent two consecutive SPECT scans, using125I β‐CIT as a radiotracer to label serotonin transporter (SERT) and dopamine transporter (DAT) sites in the brain. Pharmacologic distinction was enabled by125I β‐CIT SPECT imaging in rats acutely exposed to the serotonin and dopamine transporter inhibitors, fluoxetine and GBR12909. The interaction between CBZ and125I β‐CIT binding to SERT and DAT was investigated using in vitro autoradiography.Results: Carbamazepine (10 μm) did not affect binding of125I β‐CIT to isolated rat brain slices, thereby excluding a direct effect on ligand binding to SERT and DAT. SPECT studies with fluoxetine and GBR12909 highlighted SERT binding in thalamus, hippocampus, centromedial nuclei, and occipital cortex, and DAT binding in the caudate. Prolonged treatment with CBZ failed to influence125I β‐CIT binding to either SERT or DAT in any of the brain regions examined.Discussion: This study employed the novel technique of small animal SPECT imaging to investigate the effects of CBZ on monoamine transporters in rat brain. Following prolonged treatment, the drug was without effect on SERT or DAT availability. The mechanism by which CBZ exerts its mood stabilizing effects remains elusive.
Suicide in people with epilepsy: How great is the risk?
Authors: Bell Gail S , Gaitatzis Athanasios , Bell Catherine L , Johnson Anthony L , Sander Josemir W 
Published: May 2009

SummaryPurpose: Suicide is more common in populations with epilepsy, but estimates vary concerning the magnitude of the risk. We aimed to estimate the risk using meta‐analysis.Methods: A literature search identified 74 articles (76 cohorts of people with epilepsy) in whom the number of deaths by suicide in people with epilepsy and the number of person–years at risk could be estimated. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each cohort, for groups of cohorts, and for the total population.Results: The overall SMR was 3.3 (95% CI 2.8–3.7) based on 190 observed deaths by suicide compared with 58.4 expected. The SMR was significantly increased in people with incident or newly diagnosed epilepsy in the community (SMR 2.1), in populations with mixed prevalence and incidence cases (SMR 3.6), in those with prevalent epilepsy (SMR 4.8), in people in institutions (SMR 4.6), in people seen in tertiary care clinics (SMR 2.28), in people with temporal lobe epilepsy (SMR 6.6), in those following temporal lobe excision (SMR 13.9), and following other forms of epilepsy surgery (SMR 6.4). The SMR was significantly low overall in two community‐based studies of people with epilepsy and developmental disability.Discussion: We confirm that the risk of suicide is increased in most populations of people with epilepsy. Psychiatric comorbidity has been demonstrated to be a risk factor for suicide in the general population and in people with epilepsy, and such comorbidity should thus be identified and treated.
Epilepsy in Angelman syndrome: A questionnaire‐based assessment of the natural history and current treatment options
Authors: Thibert Ronald L. , Conant Kerry D. , Braun Eileen K. , Bruno Patricia , Said Rana R. , Nespeca Mark P. , Thiele Elizabeth A. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryPurpose: Angelman syndrome (AS) commonly presents with epilepsy (>80%). The goal of this study was to examine the natural history and various treatments of epilepsy in AS in a large population.Methods: A detailed electronic survey containing comprehensive questions regarding epilepsy in AS was conducted through the Angelman Syndrome Foundation.Results: There were responses from 461 family members of individuals with AS, of whom 86% had epilepsy (60% with multiple seizure types), the most common being atonic, generalized tonic–clonic, absence, and complex partial. Partial‐onset seizures only were reported in 11% of those with epilepsy. Epilepsy was most common among those with maternal deletions and unknown subtypes, with catastrophic epilepsies present in only these two subtypes. These epilepsies were refractory to medication, with only 15% responding to the first antiepileptic drug (AED). The most commonly prescribed AED were valproic acid and clonazepam, but lamotrigine and levetiracetam appeared to have similar efficacy and tolerability.Discussion: This is the largest study to date assessing epilepsy in AS. Although epilepsy in AS is considered a generalized epilepsy, there was a high prevalence of partial seizures. There are few previous data regarding the use of newer AED in AS, and the results of this study suggest that these newer agents, specifically levetiracetam and lamotrigine, may have efficacy similar to that of valproic acid and clonazepam, and that they appear to have similar or better side‐effect profiles. Nonpharmacologic therapies such as dietary therapy and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) also suggest favorable efficacy and tolerability, although further studies are needed.
Epilepsy and the sleep–wake patterns found in Angelman syndrome
Authors: Conant Kerry D. , Thibert Ronald L. , Thiele Elizabeth A. 
Published: May 2009

SummarySleep disturbances and epilepsy are common in Angelman syndrome (AS). This study examines seizure variables and sleep in a large AS cohort. Sleep disturbances and epilepsy were assessed in 290 individuals with AS using two questionnaires, including the Behavioral Evaluation of Disorders of Sleep (BEDS). Sensitivity to the sleeping environment, decreased nightly hours of sleep, and a difficulty initiating sleep were significantly correlated with the presence of epilepsy, particularly focal seizures. Use of multiple anticonvulsant drugs was shown to affect sleep. No significant associations were present between molecular subtypes of AS and individual sleep factors. Sleep problems appeared to be associated with epilepsy in individuals with AS, especially with focal and absence seizures and multiple seizure types. Results were consistent with those of prior studies assessing sleep in AS. Severity of epilepsy and use of anticonvulsant drugs may be related to a higher degree of sleep disturbance in this population.
Provocative and inhibitory effects of a video‐EEG neuropsychologic protocol in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
Authors: Guaranha Mirian Salvadori Bittar , Da Silva Sousa Patrícia , De Araújo‐Filho Gerardo Maria , Lin Katia , Guilhoto Laura Maria Figueiredo Ferreira , Caboclo Luís Otávio Sales Ferreira , Yacubian Elza Márcia Targas 
Published: May 2009

SummaryPurpose: Studies suggest that higher cognitive functions could precipitate seizures in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). The present study aimed to analyze the effects of higher mental activity on epileptiform discharges and seizures in patients with JME and compare them to those of habitual methods of activation.Methods: Seventy‐six patients with JME (41 female) underwent a video‐EEG (electroencephalography) neuropsychologic protocol (VNPP) and habitual methods of activation for 4–6 h.Results: Twenty‐nine of the 76 (38.2%) presented provocative effect, and inhibition was seen in 28 of 31 (90.3%). A mixed effect was observed in 11 (35.5%), and 30 patients (39.5%) suffered no effect of VNPP. Action‐programming tasks were more effective than thinking in provoking epileptiform discharges (23.7% and 11.0% of patients, respectively, p = 0.03). Inhibitory effect was observed equally in the various categories of tasks, except in mental calculation, which had a higher inhibitory rate. Habitual methods of activation were more effective than VNPP in provoking discharges. Anxiety disorders were diagnosed in 24 of 58 patients (41.4%); anxious patients had greater discharge indexes and no significant inhibitory effect on VNPP.Discussion: Praxis exerted the most remarkable provocative effect, in accordance with the motor circuitry hyperexcitability hypothesis in JME. Inhibitory effect, which had no such task specificity, might be mediated by a widespread cortical–thalamic pathway, possibly involving the parietal cortex. The frequent inhibitory effect found under cortical activation conditions, influenced by the presence of anxiety, supports nonpharmacologic therapeutic interventions in JME.
Myocardial contractile function and intradialytic hypotension
Authors: OWEN Paul J. , PRIESTMAN William S. , SIGRIST Mhairi K. , LAMBIE Stewart H. , JOHN Stephen G. , CHESTERTON Lindsay J. , MCINTYRE Christopher W. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractDialysis‐induced hypotension remains a significant problem in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Numerous factors result in dysregulation of blood pressure control and impaired myocardial reserve in response to HD‐induced cardiovascular stress. Episodic intradialytic hypotension may be involved in the pathogenesis of evolving myocardial injury. We performed an initial pilot investigation of cardiovascular functional response to pharmacological cardiovascular stress in hypotension‐resistant (HR) and hypotension‐prone (HP) HD patients. We studied 10 matched chronic HD patients (5 HP, 5 HR). Dobutamine‐atropine stress (DAS) was performed on a nondialysis short interval day, with noninvasive pulse‐wave analysis using the Finometer® to continuously measure hemodynamic variables. Baroreflex sensitivity was assessed at rest and during DAS. Baseline hemodynamic variables were not significantly different. The groups had differing hemodynamic responses to DAS. The Mean arterial pressure was unchanged in the HR group but decreased in HP patients (−13.6 ± 3.5 mmHg; P<0.001). This was associated with failure to significantly increase cardiac output in the HP group (cf. increase in cardiac output in the HR group of +33.4 ± 6%; P<0.05), and a reduced response in total peripheral resistance (HP −10.3 ± 6.8%, HR −22.7 ± 2.9%, P=NS). Baroreflex sensitivity was not significantly different between groups at baseline or within groups with increasing levels of DAS; however, the mean baroreflex sensitivity was higher in HR cf. HP subjects throughout pharmacological stress (P<0.05). Hypotension‐prone patients appear to have an impaired cardiovascular response to DAS. The most significant abnormality is an impaired myocardial contractile reserve. Early identification of these patients would allow utilization of therapeutic strategies to improve intradialytic tolerability, potentially abrogating aggravation of myocardial injury.
Survival pattern of hemodialysis patients in Kumasi, Ghana: A summary of forty patients initiated on hemodialysis at a new hemodialysis unit
Authors: EGHAN Benjamin A. , AMOAKO‐ATTA Kwabena , KANKAM Charity Ama , NSIAH‐ASARE Anthony 
Published: May 2009

AbstractTo evaluate the survival pattern of hemodialysis patients at a dialysis unit in Kumasi, Ghana, through a retrospective (observational) study. Patients who were placed on hemodialysis at the dialysis unit at Komfo Anokye teaching hospital from October 25, 2006 to December 2007. The patients were followed from initiation of dialysis until December 31, 2007. The overall mortality was 14 (35.9%) on the incident population for the period and that for the first 90 days was 12 (32.4%) patients. Chronic glomerulonephritis was the underlying kidney disease in 35.9%. This was followed by hypertension (19.1%) and diabetes mellitus (15.4%), respectively. Cardiovascular diseases accounted for 42% of mortality. This was followed by septicemia (25%) from the access site and anemia (25%). Fifty percent of the patients were able to afford 20 sessions of hemodialysis before stopping. The most powerful predictors of survival were the duration of hemodialysis (P=0.05) and the number of hemodialysis sessions (P=0.02). Age at initiation of hemodialysis was not significant. First 90‐day mortality of patients on hemodialysis is high in poor African countries. This is due partially to the late referral of patients and also the cost of the dialysis treatment. Efforts will have to be made to reduce the cost of the dialysis treatment. Reuse technology (of dialyzer, etc.) should be introduced to cut down the cost of hemodialysis. Peritoneal dialysis should also be introduced for highly motivated patients. Efforts should also be made to reduce the increasing incidence of kidney disease, and finally third‐world countries should consider establishing kidney transplantation, that is cost effective.
Endothelial progenitor cells and arterial functions in the late convalescence period of Kawasaki disease
Authors: Liu Xiao‐qin , Huang Guo‐ying , Liang Xue‐cun , Ma Xiao‐jing 
Published: May 2009

AbstractAim:  The relationship was investigated between endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) level and arterial functions in the convalescence of Kawasaki disease (KD).Methods:  Sixty‐three children were divided into coronary artery lesion (CAL) group (group 1, n = 21), non‐CAL group (group 2, n = 20) and control group (group 3, n = 22). EPCs were examined by flow cytometry and arterial functions (flow‐mediated dilation [FMD], carotid artery stiffness index [SI]) were measured by ultrasound.Results:  From group1 to group 3, FMD was 4.5%± 1.5%, 9.5%± 2.8% and 12.1%± 2.3% (p < 0.01 between any two groups); carotid artery SI was 4.10 ± 0.44, 3.81 ± 0.50 and 3.59 ± 0.46 (group 1 vs. group 2, p < 0.05; group 1 vs. group 3, p < 0.01; group 2 vs. group 3, p = 0.142) and the number of EPCs was 2.0 ± 0.6/μL, 4.2 ± 0.8/μL, 4.5 ± 0.7/μL (p < 0.01 for group1 vs. group 2 and group 1 vs. group 3; group 2 vs. group 3, p = 0.292). Multiple linear regressions analysis and correlation analysis identified that FMD and carotid artery SI were significant determinants of EPCs level and were all independently correlated with EPCs level.Conclusions:  Our results indicate decreased EPCs are associated with arterial dysfunction in patients with CAL in the convalescence of KD. Our findings suggest EPCs may have a role in alteration of arterial functions.
Early Bone Healing around Different Implant Bulk Designs and Surgical Techniques: A Study in Dogs
Authors: Coelho Paulo G. , Suzuki Marcelo , Guimaraes Marcia V.M. , Marin Charles , Granato Rodrigo , Gil Jose N. , Miller Robert J. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTPurpose: To evaluate the bone healing response to different implant root shape designs in a dog model.Materials and Methods: Three by eight millimeter screw‐type short‐pitch (SP) and large‐pitch (LP) implants (Intra‐Lock International, Boca Raton, FL, USA), and 4.5 × 6 mm plateau (P) implants (Bicon LLC, Boston, MA, USA) were placed along the proximal tibia of six dogs for 2 and 4 weeks. The combination of implant design and final osteotomy drilling resulted in healing chambers for the LP and P implants. The implants were nondecalcified processed to plates of ∼30‐µm thickness and were evaluated by optical microscopy for healing patterns and bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC). One‐way analysis of variance at 95% level of significance and Tukey's test were utilized for multiple comparisons among the groups' BIC.Results: Microscopy showed a ∼150‐µm region of newly deposited bone along the whole perimeter of SP implants, near the edge of the LP implant threads, and plateau tips for P implants. Rapid woven bone formation and filling was observed in regions where surgery and implant design resulted in healing chambers. No significant differences in BIC were observed (p > .75).Conclusions: Different implant design/surgical protocol resulted in varied bone healing patterns. However, the BIC and bone morphology evolution between implant designs were comparable. Regardless of the combination between implant design and final osteotomy drilling, bone morphology evolution from 2 to 4 weeks was comparable.