bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seroepidemiology and Risk Factors Of Blood-Borne Virus Infections Among Drug Users in Uppsala County, Sweden
Authors: Sylvan Staffan P.E. , Hedlund Johan , Ohlén Gunilla , Lundell Eva , Bondeson Kare , Dependency the Uppsala County Working Group Against Drug 
Published: October 2008

The prevalence, risk factors, and prevention opportunities of hepatitis A, B, C and HIV infection was studied in
injecting drug users (IDUs) in comparison with non-injecting drug users (n-IDUs) in Uppsala County, Sweden.

The seroprevalence among IDUs were 0.7% for HIV, 19% for HAV, 26% for HBV and 63% for HCV. For hepatitis C,
the seroprevalence was directly related to the number of years of injections. No cases of HIV were found among the n-
IDUs and the seroprevalence rate was significantly lower for HBV and HCV, 6 and 2%, respectively. In contrast, the anti-
HAV antibody seroprevalence was not significantly different between n-IDUs and IDUs (27% vs 19%, p< ns). There was
no difference in vaccination uptake among IDUs compared with n-IDUs.
Hepatitis A and B vaccination should be considered as one component of a comprehensive programme including counselling,
support and education of blood-borne infections associated with drug use.
A survey of veterinarian involvement in zoonotic disease prevention practices
Authors: Lipton Beth A. , Hopkins Sharon G. , Koehler Jane E. , DiGiacomo Ronald F. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Objective—To determine the extent to which practicing veterinarians in King County, Washington, engaged in commonly recommended practices for the prevention of zoonotic diseases.
Design—Cross-sectional survey.
Sample Population—Licensed veterinarians practicing clinical medicine in King County, Washington.
Procedures—A survey was sent between September and November 2006 to 454 licensed veterinarians practicing clinical medicine in King County.
Results—370 valid responses were received. A high proportion (280/362 [77%]) of respondents agreed that it was very important for veterinarians to educate clients on zoonotic disease prevention, but only 43% (158/367) reported that they had initiated discussions about zoonotic diseases with clients on a daily basis, and only 57% (203/356) indicated that they had client educational materials on zoonotic diseases available in their practices. Thirty-one percent (112/360) of respondents indicated that there were no written infection-control guidelines for staff members in the practice, and 28% (105/371) reported having been infected with a zoonotic disease in practice.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results illustrated that veterinarians recognize their important role in zoonotic disease prevention and suggested that veterinarians would welcome stronger partnerships with public health agencies and other health professionals in this endeavor. Methods to increase veterinarians' involvement in zoonotic disease prevention include discussing zoonotic diseases more frequently with clients, physicians, and public health agencies; encouraging higher risk individuals to discuss zoonotic diseases; having educational materials on zoonotic diseases available for clients; improving infection-control practices; and ensuring that continuing education courses on zoonotic diseases are regularly available.
Outcome of medical and surgical treatment in dogs with cervical spondylomyelopathy: 104 cases (1988–2004)
Authors: da Costa Ronaldo C. , Parent Joane M. , Holmberg David L. , Sinclair Diana , Monteith Gabrielle 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Objective—To compare outcomes and survival times for dogs with cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM; wobbler syndrome) treated medically or surgically.
Design—Retrospective case series.
Animals—104 dogs.
Procedures—Medical records of dogs were included if the diagnosis of CSM had been made on the basis of results of diagnostic imaging and follow-up information (minimum, 6 months) was available. Ordinal logistic regression was used to compare outcomes and the product-limit method was used to compare survival times between dogs treated surgically and dogs treated medically.
Results—37 dogs were treated surgically, and 67 were treated medically. Owners reported that 30 (81%) dogs treated surgically were improved, 1 (3%) was unchanged, and 6 (16%) were worse and that 36 (54%) dogs treated medically were improved, 18 (27%) were unchanged, and 13 (19%) were worse. Outcome was not significantly different between groups. Information on survival time was available for 33 dogs treated surgically and 43 dogs treated medically. Forty of the 76 (53%) dogs were euthanized because of CSM. Median and mean survival times were 36 and 48 months, respectively, for dogs treated medically and 36 and 46.5 months, respectively, for dogs treated surgically. Survival times did not differ significantly between groups.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In the present study, neither outcome nor survival time was significantly different between dogs with CSM treated medically and dogs treated surgically, suggesting that medical treatment is a viable and valuable option for management of dogs with CSM.
Late cardiac perforation by a passive-fixation permanent pacemaker lead in a dog
Authors: Achen Sarah E. , Miller Matthew W. , Nelson David A. , Gordon Sonya G. , Drourr Lori T. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Case Description—A 12-year-old Miniature Dachshund with a history of permanent endocardial pacemaker implantation performed 7 weeks previously was admitted for routine dental prophylaxis.
Clinical Findings—Preanesthetic ECG revealed normal ventricular capture. Thoracic radiographic findings included caudomedial displacement of the endocardial pacemaker lead. Echocardiography revealed moderate chronic degenerative valve disease with moderate left atrial and ventricular dilation. After induction of anesthesia, loss of ventricular capture was detected. The dog recovered from anesthesia and had improved ventricular capture. The following day, surgical exposure of the cardiac apex revealed perforation of the right ventricular apex by the passive-fixation pacemaker lead.
Treatment and Outcome—A permanent epicardial pacemaker was implanted through a transxiphoid approach. Appropriate ventricular capture and sensing were achieved. The dog recovered without complications. Approximately 2 months later, the dog developed sudden respiratory distress at home and was euthanized.
Clinical Relevance—In dogs with permanent pacemakers and loss of ventricular capture, differential diagnoses should include cardiac perforation. If evidence of perforation of the pacemaker lead is found, replacement of the endocardial pacemaker lead with an epicardial pacemaker lead is warranted.
The Nasal Decongestant Effect of Xylometazoline in the Common Cold
Authors: Eccles Ronald , Eriksson Margareta , Garreffa Steve , Chen Shirley C. 
Published: October 2008

Background Xylometazoline is a nasal decongestant spray that constricts nasal blood vessels and increases nasal airflow, enabling patients with a blocked nose to breathe more easily. The purpose of this study was to characterize objectively and subjectively the decongestant and additional effects of xylometazoline in the common cold. Methods A double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study was performed. Patients with a common cold (n = 61) were treated with xylometazoline 0.1% (n = 29) or placebo (saline solution; n = 32; 1 spray three times a day for up to 10 days). The primary objective was to determine the decongestant effect (nasal conductance); the secondary objectives were to determine the peak subjective effect (visual analog scale), duration of relief of nasal congestion, total and individual cold symptoms and general well-being (patients’ daily diary), and adverse events (AEs). Results The decongestant effect of xylometazoline was significantly greater than placebo, as shown by the nasal conductance at 1 hour (384.23 versus 226.42 cm3/s; p ≤ 0.0001) and peak subjective effect (VAS, 20.7 mm versus 31.5 mm; p = 0.0298). Nasal conductance was significantly superior for up to 10 hours (p = 0.0009) and there was a trend in favor of xylometazoline for up to 12 hours (not statistically significant). Xylometazoline significantly improved total and some individual common cold symptoms scores (p < 0.05), leading to significantly greater patient general evaluation and satisfaction with treatment (p < 0.05). Nineteen AEs were reported: 8 with xylometazoline (all mild-moderate) and 11 with placebo (1 severe). Conclusion Xylometazoline is an effective and well-tolerated decongestant nasal spray that significantly relieved nasal congestion compared with placebo in the common cold and provided long-lasting relief with just 1 spray, helping patients to breathe more easily for a longer period of time.
Ozone-induced Nasal Hyperresponsiveness to Tachykinins in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Ho Ching-Yin , Tan Ching-Ting , Tsai Hung-Huey , Kou Yu Ru 
Published: October 2008

Objective To assess role of hydroxyl radials in the ozone-induced upper airway hyperresponsiveness to tachykinins. Methods A prospective, controlled, animal model (n = 96) was performed. Half of them exposed to air (A-group, placebo) and the other half exposed to 3 ppm ozone (O-group) for 2 h. Two hours post air/ozone exposure, animals were anesthetized and equally randomized to be pretreated with one of the three treatments, including saline vehicle, dimethylthiourea (DMTU; 500 mg/kg m, a hydroxyl radical scavenger), or phosphoramidon (Phos; 2 μg/kg, an inhibitor for neutral endopeptidase). Ten minutes after pretreatment, half of the animals in each group were i.v. injected with capsaicin (2 μg/kg), and the other half were i.v. injected with substance P (10 μg/kg) to produce Evans blue dye extravasation. Results Nasal exudative response to capsaicin or substance P in O-group was found to be significantly greater than that in A-group. This ozone-induced nasal airway hyperresponsiveness was largely prevented by DMTU. Phosphoramidon produced a similar nasal airway hyperresponsiveness in the A-group, but failed to alter ozone-induced nasal airway hyperresponsiveness in O-group. In sharp contrast, only substance P, but not capsaicin, produced a laryngeal exudative response in the A-group, which was similar to that in the O-group. The laryngeal exudative response to substance P was not significantly affected by DMTU or Phos. Conculsion In the guinea-pig model, hydroxyl radicals play a vital role in the development of ozone-induced nasal airway hyperresponsiveness to tachykinins. It is possibly mediated through the suppressive action of ozone on the tachykinin degradation.
Clinical Assessment of a Nasal Decongestion Test by Visual Analog Scale in Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Ciprandi Giorgio , Klersy Catherine , Ameli Franco , Cirillo Ignazio 
Published: October 2008

Background Nasal airflow, as measured by rhinomanometry, is frequently impaired in allergic rhinitis (AR). The decongestion test evaluates whether the application of an intranasal vasoconstrictor drug increases nasal airflow. That allergy is characterized by inflammation and that the response to the decongestion test correlates with the grade of inflammatory reaction has previously been shown. The aim of this study was to verify the suitability of the use of the visual analog scales (VASs) as a surrogate for rhinomanometry in the decongestion test assessment in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis. Methods One hundred three patients (mean age, 23 years [2.24 SD]) were studied. Nasal symptoms, VAS, rhinomanometry, and nasal decongestion test were assessed in all patients. Results A significant association was observed between VAS and nasal airflow after the decongestion test (Spearman R = -33.3%; p < 0.001). Moreover, a significant inverse association between changes in decongestion measures was detected, with a Spearman R = -64.7% (p < 0.001). The associated sensitivity was of 92.5%, and the specificity for this test was 60.0%. The corresponding area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.81. Conclusion The use of VAS for assessing the decongestion test appears clinically relevant in that it allows, with a fair degree of reliability, such a test to be performed in the absence of rhinomanometry.
Impact of External Nasal Strips on Nasal Geometry and Intranasal Air-conditioning
Authors: Lindemann Joerg , Tsakiropoulou Evangelia , Keck Tilman , Leiacker Richard , Vital Victor , Wiesmiller Kerstin M. 
Published: October 2008

Background The anterior nasal segment is the most effective part of the nasal airways when it comes to warming and humidification of the inhaled air. Any changes in nasal geometry in this segment modifying the airflow could therefore affect nasal air conditioning. The goal of this study was to examine ifexternal nasal strips have an influence on intranasal geometry and air-conditioning. Methods Twenty healthy volunteers (mean age, 36 years) were enrolled in the study. All volunteers received active anterior rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry before and while wearing commercially available external nasal strips. In addition, in vivo air temperature and humidity were measured with and without nasal strips at the defined intranasal sites. Results No statistically significant changes in temperature, humidity, and rhinomanometric values were detected during the use of nasal strips (p > 0.05). The statistical analysis of the acoustic rhinometric results showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the minimal cross-sectional areas (MCA) 1 (0–2 cm) and MCA2 (2–5 cm) and the nasal volume (Vol) 1 (0–2 cm). On the other hand, the nasal strips did not significantly alter the nasal Vol2 (2–5 cm; p > 0.05). Conclusion Changes in the nasal geometry of the anterior part of the nose by wearing nasal strips did not relevantly alter intranasal air-conditioning. The application of nasal strips entails an increase in MCAs but not in nasal airflow Vol.
Clinical Utility of Intraoperative Volume Computed Tomography Scanner for Endoscopic Sinonasal and Skull Base Procedures
Authors: Batra Pete S. , Kanowitz Seth J. , Citardi Martin J. 
Published: October 2008

Background Intraoperative surgical navigation has become widely accepted as an important tool for improvement of surgical outcomes and reduction of complication in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical utility of intraoperative volume computed tomography (CT) scanning in endoscopic sinonasal and skull base procedures. Methods Retrospective review of patients who underwent intraoperative volume CT imaging (xCAT; XoranTechnologies, Ann Arbor, MI) during endoscopic sinonasal and skull base surgery during a 3-month period was performed. Intraoperative, computer-enabled triplanar review of reformatted 0.4-mm images was performed in all cases. Results Intraoperative volume CT scanning was completed in 25 patients. Surgical procedures included revision/primary ESS for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with or without polyposis (12 cases) and mucoceles (6 cases) as well as endoscopic neoplasm resection (5 cases), endoscopic fibro-osseous lesion resection (1 case), and endoscopic meningoencephalocele repair (1 case). The indications for intraoperative CT scanning included assessment of surgical dissection (23 cases), extent of tumor resection (6 cases), and frontal stent placement (6 cases). Based on the intraoperative volume CT information, additional interventions, including additional tumor resection (2 cases), dissection of ethmoid partitions (2 cases), frontal bone drilling during Draf IIB (1 case), and repositioning of a frontal stent (1 case) were performed in 6 (24%) cases. Conclusion Intraoperative volume CT scanning was successfully performed in 25 patients undergoing ESS. Because additional surgical intervention was performed in 24% of cases, this technology may have an important role in endoscopic sinonasal and skull base procedures.
Early Influence of Bilateral Turbinoplasty Combined with Septoplasty on Intranasal Air Conditioning
Authors: Lindemann Joerg , Keck Tilman , Leiacker Richard , Dzida Rene , Wiesmiller Kerstin 
Published: October 2008

Background Too extensive resection of the inferior turbinates (ITs) during nasal surgery leads to a severely disturbed intranasal air conditioning. Data comparing nasal air conditioning before and after turbinoplasty in nasal surgery are still lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the early effect of bilateral turbinoplasty combined with septoplasty on intranasal heating and humidification. Methods Twelve patients were included into this prospective study. In one-half of the patients a bilateral turbinoplasty of the IT during nasal surgery was performed, in the other half no surgery on the IT was performed. Intranasal air temperature and humidity were measured before and after surgery. A combined miniaturized thermocouple and a humidity sensor were used for simultaneous in vivo intranasal measurements. Results There were no statistically significant differences in temperature and humidity values between the two study groups before surgery (p > 0.05). In both groups, the postoperative temperature and humidity values were statistically significantly higher compared with the preoperative ones (p < 0.05). Regarding the two patient groups, the postoperative increase in temperature and humidity was even more pronounced in patients undergoing additional bilateral turbinoplasty. Conclusion According to the results of this study, patients seemed to overall benefit from nasal surgery, with and without a preserving bilateral turbinoplasty, because intranasal air conditioning was improved after surgery. A carefully performed and conservative reduction of the IT in nasal surgery seems to even improve intranasal air conditioning.
Antigen-specific IgE in Sinus Mucosa of Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis Patients
Authors: Wise Sarah K. , Ahn Chadwick N. , Lathers Deanne M.R. , Mulligan Ryan M. , Schlosser Rodney J. 
Published: October 2008

Background Local tissue production of antigen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) has been shown in patients with allergic rhinitis and in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps. In allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS), specific IgE has been established in nasal lavage fluid and eosinophilic mucin. In this study, local production of antigen-specific IgE within sinus mucosa of AFRS patients was evaluated. Methods Sinus mucosa homogenates from 11 AFRS patients, 8 patients with CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), and 9 nonrhinosinusitis control patients were assessed for IgE localization by immunohistochemistry. AFRS and control tissue homogenates were also evaluated for antigen-specific IgE to 14 common antigens by ImmunoCAP testing (Phadia AB, Portage, MI). Results There was a significant increase in IgE staining in AFRS sinus epithelium and subepithelium compared with controls and with patients with CRSsNP (p ≤ 0.012 for all group differences). AFRS patients showed increased IgE staining in the subepithelium when compared with epithelium (p < 0.001). AFRS sinus tissue had significantly more IgE measured by ImmunoCAP when compared with control sinus tissue for 7 of 14 specific antigens (p < 0.05) and for total IgE (p = 0.004). Antigens with a significant difference on ImmunoCAP included Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Timothy grass, red maple, cockroach, ragweed, and cocklebur. Conclusion AFRS patients showed significantly more IgE in sinus mucosa tissue specimens, with increased IgE in subepithelial sites when compared with epithelium. The increased expression of antigen-specific IgE is not limited to fungal antigens. These findings support the role of type I hypersensitivity and local manifestations of allergy in AFRS patients.
Synthesized views can improve face recognition
Authors: Liu Chang Hong , Chai Xiujuan , Shan Shiguang , Honma Motoyasu , Osada Yoshihisa 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIt is well known that a new face studied from one view is often difficult to identify from another. This viewpoint dependence has detrimental implications for forensic practice. To compensate for this problem, we employed synthesized face images in the training session of a standard old/new recognition task. Observers in the experimental conditions learned one or more synthesized face images along with an original photograph of the face in a different view, whereas observers in the control conditions learned only the original photograph of the face. It was found that the experimental conditions consistently produced better recognition accuracy than the control conditions. We conclude that synthesized face views can be used to facilitate person identification in forensic applications. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suboptimal filter for continuous‐time linear systems with unknown parameters
Authors: Kim Du Yong , Ahn Jun Il , Shin Vladimir 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe filtering problem for continuous‐time linear systems with unknown parameters is considered. A new suboptimal filter is herein proposed. It is based on the optimal mean‐square linear combination of the local Kalman filters. In contrast to the optimal weights, the suboptimal weights do not depend on current observations; thus, the proposed filter can easily be implemented in real‐time. Examples demonstrate high accuracy and efficiency of the suboptimal filter. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Feedforward controller synthesis for linear time variant systems
Authors: Tarniceriu Daniela , Munteanu Valeriu 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis paper develops a framework for the synthesis of a feedforward controller for both discrete and continuous linear time variant (LTV) systems. The proposed method determines the structure of a feedforward controller, which is cascaded with the known time varying process, so that the ensemble behaves as a linear time invariant (LTI) system, satisfying certain design requirements. The obtained controller is simple, consisting in a parallel bank of first or second order LTI filters, followed by amplifiers with time variable gain. Simulation results are included to illustrate theoretical considerations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Robust H∞ controller design for continuous‐time piecewise time‐delay systems
Authors: Song Xinmin , Zhou Shaosheng , Zhang Huanshui , Zhao Hongguo 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis paper investigates the robust H∞ control problem for continuous‐time piecewise time‐delay systems by using piecewise continuous Lyapunov function. The uncertainties of the systems under consideration are expressed in a linear fractional form. A strict linear matrix inequality approach is developed to obtain delay‐dependent asymptotic stability conditions and H∞ performance. The H∞ controller design problem is solved by exploiting the cone complementarity linearization (CCL) method. Finally an example is given to illustrate the application of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Infinite horizon linear quadratic optimal control for discrete‐time stochastic systems
Authors: Huang Yulin , Zhang Weihai , Zhang Huanshui 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis paper is concerned with the infinite horizon linear quadratic optimal control for discrete‐time stochastic systems with both state and control‐dependent noise. Under assumptions of stabilization and exact observability, it is shown that the optimal control law and optimal value exist, and the properties of the associated discrete generalized algebraic Riccati equation (GARE) are also discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society