bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Collaboration with general practitioners: preferences of medical specialists – a qualitative study
Authors: Berendsen Annette J , Benneker Wim HGM , Schuling Jan , Rijkers-Koorn Nienke , Slaets Joris PJ , Meyboom-de Jong Betty 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Background
Collaboration between general practitioners (GPs) and specialists has been the focus of many collaborative care projects during the past decade. Unfortunately, quite a number of these projects failed. This raises the question of what motivates medical specialists to initiate and continue participating with GPs in new collaborative care models.
The following question is addressed in this study: What motivates medical specialists to initiate and sustain new models for collaborating with GPs?

Methods
We conducted semi-structured interviews with eighteen medical specialists in the province of Groningen, in the North of The Netherlands. The sampling criteria were age, gender, type of hospital in which they were practicing, and specialty. The interviews were recorded, fully transcribed, and analysed by three researchers working independently. The resulting motivational factors were grouped into categories.

Results
'Teaching GPs' and 'regulating patient flow' (referrals) appeared to dominate when the motivational factors were considered. In addition, specialists want to develop relationships with the GPs on a more personal level. Most specialists believe that there is not much they can learn from GPs. 'Lack of time', 'no financial compensation', and 'no support from colleagues' were considered to be the main concerns to establishing collaborative care practices. Additionally, projects were often experienced as too complex and time consuming whereas guidelines were experienced as too restrictive.

Conclusion
Specialists are particularly interested in collaborating because the GP is the gatekeeper for access to secondary health care resources. Specialists feel that they are able to teach the GPs something, but they do not feel that they have anything to learn from the GPs. With respect to professional expertise, therefore, specialists do not consider GPs as equals. Once personal relationships with the GPs have been established, an informal network with incidental professional contact seems to be sufficient to satisfy the collaborative needs of the specialist.
The concerns seem to outweigh any positive motivational forces to developing new models of collaborative practice.
Myocardial performance in conscious streptozotocin diabetic rats
Authors: Borges Giulianna R , de Oliveira Mauro , Salgado Helio C , Fazan Rubens 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
In spite of a large amount of studies in anesthetized animals, isolated hearts, and in vitro cardiomyocytes, to our knowledge, myocardial function was never studied in conscious diabetic rats. Myocardial performance and the response to stress caused by dobutamine were examined in conscious rats, fifteen days after the onset of diabetes caused by streptozotocin (STZ). The protective effect of insulin was also investigated in STZ-diabetic rats.

Methods
Cardiac contractility and relaxation were evaluated by means of maximum positive (+dP/dtmax) and negative (-dP/dtmax) values of first derivative of left ventricular pressure over time. In addition, it was examined the myocardial response to stress caused by two dosages (1 and 15 μg/kg) of dobutamine. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare differences among groups, and two-way ANOVA for repeated measure, followed by Tukey post hoc test, to compare the responses to dobutamine. Differences were considered significant if P < 0.05.

Results
Basal mean arterial pressure, heart rate, +dP/dtmax and -dP/dtmax were found decreased in STZ-diabetic rats, but unaltered in control rats treated with vehicle and STZ-diabetic rats treated with insulin. Therefore, insulin prevented the hemodynamic and myocardial function alterations observed in STZ-diabetic rats. Lower dosage of dobutamine increased heart rate, +dP/dtmax and -dP/dtmax only in STZ-diabetic rats, while the higher dosage promoted greater, but similar, responses in the three groups. In conclusion, the results indicate that myocardial function was remarkably attenuated in conscious STZ-diabetic rats. In addition, the lower dosage of dobutamine uncovered a greater responsiveness of the myocardium of STZ-diabetic rats. Insulin preserved myocardial function and the integrity of the response to dobutamine of STZ-diabetic rats.

Conclusion
The present study provides new data from conscious rats showing that the cardiomyopathy of this pathophysiological condition was expressed by low indices of contractility and relaxation. In addition, it was also demonstrated that these pathophysiological features were prevented by the treatment with insulin.
Relationship between household wealth inequality and chronic childhood under-nutrition in Bangladesh
Authors: Hong Rathavuth , Banta James E , Betancourt Jose A 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackgroundHousehold food insecurity and under-nutrition remain critically important in developing countries struggling to emerge from the scourge of poverty, where historically, improvements in economic conditions have benefited only certain privileged groups, causing growing inequality in health and healthcare among the population.MethodsUtilizing information from 5,977 children aged 0-59 months included in the 2004 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey , this study examined the relationship between household wealth inequality and chronic childhood under-nutrition. A child is defined as being chronically undernourished or whose growth rate is adversely stunted, if his or her z-score of height-for-age is more than two standard deviations below the median of international reference. Household wealth status is measured by an established index based on household ownership of durable assets. This study utilized multivariate logistic regressions to estimate the effect of household wealth status on adverse childhood growth rate.ResultsThe results indicate that children in the poorest 20% of households are more than three time as likely to suffer from adverse growth rate stunting as children from the wealthiest 20% of households (OR=3.6; 95% CI: 3.0, 4.3). The effect of household wealth status remain significantly large when the analysis was adjusted for a child's multiple birth status, age, gender, antenatal care, delivery assistance, birth order, and duration that the child was breastfed; mother's age at childbirth, nutritional status, education; household access to safe drinking water, arsenic in drinking water, access to a hygienic toilet facility, cooking fuel cleanliness, residence, and geographic location (OR=2.4; 95% CI: 1.8, 3.2).ConclusionThis study concludes that household wealth inequality is strongly associated with childhood adverse growth rate stunting. Reducing poverty and making services more available and accessible to the poor are essential to improving overall childhood health and nutritional status in Bangladesh.
Cloretazine (VNP40101M), a Novel Sulfonylhydrazine Alkylating Agent, in Patients Age 60 Years or Older With Previously Untreated Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Giles Francis , Rizzieri David , Karp Judith , Vey Norbert , Ravandi Farhad , Faderl Stefan , Dad Khan Khuda , Verhoef Gregor , Wijermans Pierre , Advani Anjali , Roboz Gail , Kantarjian Hagop , Bilgrami Syed Fazl Ali , Ferrant Augustin , Daenen Simon M.G.J. , Karsten Verena , Cahill Ann , Albitar Maher , Mufti Ghulam , O'Brien Susan 
Published: December 2006

Purpose Cloretazine (VNP40101M) is a sulfonylhydrazine alkylating agent with significant antileukemia activity. A multicenter phase II study of cloretazine was conducted in patients 60 years of age or older with previously untreated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Patients and Methods Cloretazine 600 mg/m2 was administered as a single intravenous infusion. Patients were stratified by age, performance score, cytogenetic risk category, type of AML, and comorbidity. Results One hundred four patients, median age 72 years (range, 60 to 84 years), were treated on study. Performance status was 2 in 31 patients (30%) and no patient had a favorable karyotype. Forty-seven patients (45%) had cardiac disease, 25 patients (24%) had hepatic disease, and 19 patients (18%) had pulmonary disease, defined as per the Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation–Specific Comorbidity Index, at study entry. The overall response rate was 32%, with 29 patients (28%) achieving complete response (CR) and four patients (4%) achieving CR with incomplete platelet recovery. Response rates in 44 de novo AML patients, 45 secondary AML patients, and 15 high-risk MDS patients were 50%, 11%, and 40%, respectively. Response by cytogenetic risk category was 39% in 56 patients with intermediate cytogenetic risk and 24% in 46 patients with unfavorable cytogenetic risk. Nineteen (18%) patients died within 30 days of receiving cloretazine therapy. Median overall survival was 94 days, with a 1-year survival of 14%; the median duration of survival was 147 days, with a 1-year survival of 28% for those who achieved CR. Conclusion Cloretazine has significant activity and modest extramedullary toxicity in elderly patients with AML or high-risk MDS. Response rates remain consistent despite increasing age and comorbidity.
Phase III Trial of Gabapentin Alone or in Conjunction With an Antidepressant in the Management of Hot Flashes in Women Who Have Inadequate Control With an Antidepressant Alone: NCCTG N03C5
Authors: Loprinzi Charles L. , Kugler John W. , Barton Debra L. , Dueck Amylou C. , Tschetter Loren K. , Nelimark Robert A. , Balcueva Ernie Porteza , Burger Kelli N. , Novotny Paul J. , Carlson Mark D. , Duane Steven Fletcher , Corso Steven W. , Johnson David B. , Jaslowski Anthony J. 
Published: December 2006

Purpose Despite the utility of newer antidepressants for alleviating hot flashes, antidepressants do not work adequately enough in many patients. Gabapentin is a nonhormonal agent that also can reduce hot flashes. No data have been available to address whether the combination of both agents would more effectively alleviate hot flashes, compared with gabapentin alone, in patients with inadequate hot flash control with an antidepressant alone. Patients and Methods This was a randomized trial in which 118 patients with inadequate hot flash control on an antidepressant were randomly assigned to receive both an antidepressant and gabapentin versus being weaned off the antidepressant and receiving gabapentin alone. Patients were observed for 5 weeks (including a baseline week in which patients continued on their current antidepressant without gabapentin) during which time they completed validated daily hot flash diaries. Results Ninety-one patients provided complete data at the 5-week assessment. Regardless of whether or not the antidepressant was continued when gabapentin was started, there was an approximately 50% median reduction in hot flash frequencies (54%; 95% CI, 34% to 70% for combined treatment v 49%; 95% CI, 26% to 58% for gabapentin alone) and scores (56%; 95% CI, 26% to 71% for combined treatment v 60%; 95% CI, 33% to 73% for gabapentin alone). Conclusion Gabapentin seems to decrease hot flashes by approximately 50% in women with inadequate hot flash control who were using an antidepressant. This study saw no significant additional hot flash reduction from continuation of the antidepressant.
On the way to supramolecular photochemistry at the single-molecule level
Authors: Schäfer Christian , Decker Björn , Letzel Matthias , Novara Francesca , Eckel Rainer , Ros Robert , Anselmetti Dario , Mattay Jochen 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Two examples of artificial supramolecular host-guest systems derived from resorc[4]arenes (calix[n]arenes based on resorcinol) and ammonium ions as guests have been studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). For the first time, real single-molecule events have been determined for this type of supramolecular complexes and off-rates as well as molecular parameters of single-molecule aggregates such as the depths of the binding pocket (molecular length parameter) could be measured by applying the methods of dynamic force spectroscopy. In addition, this technique was also applied to differentiate between the two states (open and closed) of a photoswitchable resorc[4]arene-anthracene tweezer. An investigation of the exchange rates of various complexes in the gas phase by means of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry confirmed the results of the AFM study.
Probing molecular properties and the role of the environment at the single-molecule level
Authors: Hofkens J. , Bell T. D. M. , Stefan A. , Fron E. , Müllen K. , De Schryver F. C. 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Evidence for intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer (ET) in synthetic systems consisting of a triphenylamine-perylenediimide donor-acceptor dendrimer or a triphenylamine-peryleneimide dendrimer at the ensemble and single-molecule (SM) level is presented. Moreover, for the first time a direct observation of the forward as well as the backward ET step is made in a single emitting entity. Fluctuations in the values of the rate constants for forward and backward ET were observed, induced by the local environment as well as by conformational changes of the dendrimer itself. The results obtained in a weakly coupled system can also be extended to a strongly coupled donor-acceptor system based on peryleneimide and penta-phenylene.
Prevention of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants: A 20-Year Experience
Authors: Pietz Jeff , Achanti Babu , Lilien Lawrence , Stepka Erin Clifford , Mehta Sudhir Ken 
Published: December 2006

OBJECTIVE. Diet, indomethacin, and early use of dexamethasone have been implicated as possible causes of necrotizing enterocolitis and intestinal perforation. Because we seldom prescribe indomethacin or early dexamethasone therapy and we follow a special dietary regimen that provides late-onset, slow, continuous drip enteral feeding, we reviewed our 20 years of experience for the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and bowel perforation.
METHODS. We reviewed data on all 1239 very low birth weight infants (501–1500 g) admitted to our level III unit over a period of 20 years (1986–2005), for morphologic parameters, necrotizing enterocolitis, bowel perforation, use of the late-onset, slow, continuous drip protocol, and indomethacin therapy. Outcome data were also compared with Vermont Oxford Network data for the last 4 years.
RESULTS. In 20 years, 1158 infants received the late-onset, slow, continuous drip feeding protocol (group I), whereas 81 infants had either a change in dietary regimen, use of indomethacin, or early use of dexamethasone (group II). The rate of necrotizing enterocolitis in group I of 0.4% was significantly lower than that in group II of 6%. Group I, in comparison with the Vermont Oxford Network, had significantly lower rates of necrotizing enterocolitis (0.4% vs 5.9%), surgical necrotizing enterocolitis (0.4% vs 3.1%), and bowel perforation (0.35% vs 2.2%).
CONCLUSIONS. Our 20-year experience with 1239 very low birth weight infants suggests strongly that the late-onset, slow, continuous drip feeding protocol and avoidance of indomethacin and early dexamethasone treatment contribute to the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis.
Cover Picture: Bilayer Organic–Inorganic Gate Dielectrics for High‐Performance, Low‐Voltage, Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Thin‐Film Transistors, Complementary Logic Gates, and p–n Diodes on Plastic Substrates (Adv. Funct. Mater. 18/2006)
Authors: Cao Q. , Xia M.‐G. , Shim M. , Rogers J. A. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractLow‐voltage, hysteresis‐free, flexible thin‐film‐type electronic systems based on networks of single‐walled carbon nanotubes and bilayer organic–inorganic nanodielectrics are detailed in work by Rogers and co‐workers reported on p. 2355. The cover image shows a schematic array of such thin‐film transistors (TFTs) on a plastic substrate. The structure of the bilayer nanodielectric, which consists of a film of HfO2 formed by atomic layer deposition and an ultrathin layer of epoxy formed by spin‐casting, is also illustrated schematically.High‐capacitance bilayer dielectrics based on atomic‐layer‐deposited HfO2 and spin‐cast epoxy are used with networks of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) to enable low‐voltage, hysteresis‐free, and high‐performance thin‐film transistors (TFTs) on silicon and flexible plastic substrates. These HfO2–epoxy dielectrics exhibit excellent properties including mechanical flexibility, large capacitance (up to ca. 330 nF cm–2), and low leakage current (ca. 10–8 A cm–2); their low‐temperature (ca. 150 °C) deposition makes them compatible with a range of plastic substrates. Analysis and measurements of these dielectrics as gate insulators in SWNT TFTs illustrate several attractive characteristics for this application. Their compatibility with polymers used for charge‐transfer doping of SWNTs is also demonstrated through the fabrication of n‐channel SWNT TFTs, low‐voltage p–n diodes, and complementary logic gates.
Thermogravimetric analysis of cotton fibers: Relationships with maturity and fineness
Authors: Abidi Noureddine , Hequet Eric , Ethridge Dean 
Published: December 2006

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the relationships between the thermal properties versus maturity and fineness (H) of 80 selected cotton fiber samples. The instrument measurements for maturity and H were (1) micronaire as determined with a high‐volume instrument, (2) maturity ratio and H as determined with an advanced fiber information system, and (3) gravimetric H as determined by the cut‐and‐weigh method. Three regions of thermal decomposition were observed between 37 and 150°C for region I, between 225 and 425°C for region II, and between 425 and 600°C for region III. Complete decomposition of the fiber occurred at 600°C. The results showed significant effects of the H/maturity indicators on the weight loss and the peak temperatures in regions II and III. High micronaires (coarse or very mature fibers), high maturity ratios, and low standard H values were associated with low weight losses. However, high weight losses were associated with high primary cell wall areas per unit mass. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3476–3482, 2007
Thin‐film polyimide/indium tin oxide composites for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Lozano Angel E. , Abajo Javier de , de la Campa José G. , Guillén Cecilia , Herrero José , Gutiérrez María Teresa 
Published: December 2006

AbstractSoluble polyimides were prepared from suitable monomers and were evaluated for their thermal and mechanical properties. The polymers were processed into films for use as supports for transparent, conductive indium tin oxide (ITO) layers. After deposition, annealing in vacuo at temperatures up to 400°C was performed to test the ability of the materials to endure typical device fabrication temperatures without damage to the ITO‐coated polymeric substrate. The evolution of the structural, optical, and electrical characteristics with the annealing temperature was analyzed and compared with that of polymeric and conventional glass substrates as references. Polyimide 6F6F, synthesized from hexafluoroisopropylidene diphthalic dianhydride and hexafluoroisopropylidene dianiline, had optimal characteristics for photovoltaic applications, permitting the achievement of conductive, ITO‐coated samples with optical transmission greater than 75% in the visible and near‐infrared wavelength ranges, without significant deterioration of their properties after vacuum annealing at temperatures up to 350°C. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3491–3497, 2007
Antibacterial effects of chitosan and its water‐soluble derivatives on E. coli, plasmids DNA, and mRNA
Authors: Liu Xiaofei , Song Lin , Li Lin , Li Songye , Yao Kangde 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe antibacterial activities of chitosan and its water‐soluble derivatives on E. coli were studied according to four influencing factors in vitro. The antibacterial study showed that chitosan, O‐hydroxyethyl chitosan (O‐HECS), and O‐carboxymethyl chitosan (O‐CMCS) could inhibit the growth of the microbial. To study the antibacterial mechanism, plasmid DNA pBR322 and pUC18 were selected to be the probes to find out the binding abilities of chitosans. Results showed that raw chitosan had a high binding ability with the plasmids and the influencing degrees were stable. The effects of chitosan derivatives on plasmids might be affected by space effect and static effect. With appropriate concentrations and molecular weights, the derivatives might have strong abilities to combine with DNA. The degree of influence of chitosan and its derivatives on plasmids had nothing to do with time. The experiment focusing on the relationship between chitosans and mRNA showed that O‐CMCS would hinder the synthesis of mRNA, and this may give some proof to its antibacterial mechanism. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3521–3528, 2007
Obstacles to interracial unity: Some psychological and spiritual insights
Authors: Lepard Jenina 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThis article examines the issue of racial prejudice in the USA, from both psychological and spiritual perspectives, drawing on psychological and social science literature as well as spiritual principles contained in scriptures from several of the world's religions. It demonstrates that while racial prejudice springs ultimately from a lack of understanding of the spiritual principle of the unity of the human family, it is exacerbated by psychological mechanisms that are demonstrated frequently in human interactions. Through conscientious efforts, individuals can learn to transcend these tendencies and work towards contributing to the establishment of a world civilization. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toward Electrochemically Controllable Tristable Three‐Station [2]Catenanes
Authors: Ikeda Taichi , Saha Sourav , Aprahamian Ivan , Leung Ken C.‐F. , Williams Adides , Deng Wei‐Qiao , Flood Amar H. , Goddard William A. , Stoddart J. Fraser 
Published: December 2006

AbstractEncouraged by the prospect of producing an electrochemical, color‐switchable red–green–blue (RGB) dye compound, we have designed, synthesized, and characterized two three‐station [2]catenanes. Both are composed of macrocyclic polyethers containing three π‐electron‐rich stations, which act as recognition sites for a π‐electron‐deficient tetracationic cyclophane. The molecular structures of the two three‐station [2]catenanes were characterized fully by mass spectrometry and 1H NMR spectroscopy. To anticipate the relative occupancies of the three stations in each [2]catenane by the cyclophane, model compounds with the same constitutions in the vicinity of the stations were synthesized. The relative ground‐state populations of the three stations occupied in both [2]catenanes were estimated from the thermodynamic parameters for 1:1 complexes between all these model compounds and the cyclophane, obtained from isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The electrochemical and electromechanical properties of the three‐station [2]catenanes were analyzed by cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and spectroelectrochemistry (SEC). The first three‐station [2]catenane was found to behave like a bistable system, whereas the second can be described as a quasi‐tristable system.