bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between anger and pruritus perception in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria and psoriasis
Authors: Conrad R , Geiser F , Haidl G , Hutmacher M , Liedtke R , Wermter F 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground  There is evidence that chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) and psoriasis are associated with personality based difficulties in emotional regulation particularly with regard to the feeling of anger. This deficit in emotional awareness could lead to the phenomenon that emotions are rather experienced in bodily symptoms such as pruritus.Aim  We investigated whether there is a relationship between pruritus as major symptoms in CIU and psoriasis and the experience of negative emotions.Setting  Forty‐one CIU patients and 44 psoriasis patients treated at Bonn University Hospital and 49 healthy controls were included.Method  Patients and controls were compared on questionnaires measuring alexithymia (TAS‐20), emotional distress (SCL‐90‐R) and anger (STAXI). In skin‐disordered patients, separate stepwise regressions with pruritus severity as dependent variable and questionnaires, skin status, duration, sex and age as independent variables were calculated.Results  CIU and psoriasis patients showed higher alexithymia, emotional distress, depression, anxiety and state anger compared with controls. State anger was the only significant predictor of pruritus severity in CIU explaining 19% of variance. Depression was the only significant predictor of pruritus severity in psoriasis explaining 12% of variance.Conclusions  Our findings suggest a relationship between pruritus severity and anger in CIU. Furthermore, our results indicate a relationship between pruritus severity and depression in psoriasis.
Eyewitness Memory and Eyewitness Identification Performance in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Ternes Marguerite , Yuille John C. 
Published: March 2008

Background  Since individuals with intellectual disabilities are often the only witnesses to alleged crimes, it is important to know their capacity to provide eyewitness testimony.Methods  Twenty‐two participants with intellectual disabilities and 23 comparison group participants had their photographs taken by a confederate. One to two weeks following the photography session, participants were interviewed about the event and were asked to identify the photographer. Two misleading questions, to test for suggestibility, were asked at the end of the interview.Results  Comparison group participants performed significantly better than participants with intellectual disabilities with a target‐present lineup, but no significant differences were found between participant groups with a target‐absent lineup. Comparison group participants performed significantly better than chance with the target‐absent lineup, but participants with intellectual disabilities did not. In the interview, participants with intellectual disabilities provided significantly fewer details than comparison group participants, and the details provided by both groups were mainly accurate. Participants with intellectual disabilities were significantly more likely to acquiesce to one of the suggestive questions than comparison group participants, but the two participant groups did not differ in likelihood of acquiescence for the other suggestive question.Conclusions  It seems that individuals with intellectual disabilities may make adequate witnesses if they are interviewed in a non‐leading manner. Future research should examine methods to improve their eyewitness identification performance.
My heart is on my tongue: the untranslated self in a translated world
Authors: Krog Antjie 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  The South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was the first body to provide translation in all the languages of the country, setting people free from groping around with distorted tongues, unable to see, talk or hear one another … After three centuries of silence South Africans could daily hear the black voice talking and being translated; for the first time white South Africans could hear and listen. Through translation we could access our deepest emotions and feelings.But among the two thousand testimonies there were some that were incomprehensible, that confirmed every racial stereotype built up over many years of apartheid. What does one do with these ‘untranslatable’ narratives? This paper looks at one TRC testimony and one Bushmen story, both of them translated from indigenous languages and both posing enormous moral dilemmas. Read in a particular way, the Bushmen story seems to say that they had no sense of responsibility. I will look at the story in its cultural context as revealed through translation to see if another conclusion is possible. In the TRC testimony, I and two colleagues looked at the slippages between the original Xhosa testimony and the interpreted version and explore the consequences thereof.I want to make the point that a narrative can be experienced as discriminatory and ethically problematic when read through a particular, in this case a western, perspective. But the moment there is an attempt to interpret the narrative via its embeddedness in an indigenous worldview, it becomes breathtakingly ethical, fair and logical.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of different embryo transfer strategies in England
Authors: Dixon S , Faghih Nasiri F , Ledger WL , Lenton EA , Duenas A , Sutcliffe P , Chilcott JB 
Published: March 2008

Objective  The objective of this study was to assess the cost‐effectiveness of different embryo transfer strategies for a single cycle when two embryos are available, and taking the NHS cost perspective.Design  Cost‐effectiveness model.Setting  Five in vitro fertilisation (IVF) centres in England between 2003/04 and 2004/05.Population  Women with two embryos available for transfer in three age groups (<30, 30–35 and 36–39 years).Methods  A decision analytic model was constructed using observational data collected from a sample of fertility centres in England. Costs and adverse outcomes are estimated up to 5 years after the birth. Incremental cost per live birth was calculated for different embryo transfer strategies and for three separate age groups: less than 30, 30–35 and 36–39 years.Main outcome measures  Premature birth, neonatal intensive care unit admissions and days, cerebral palsy and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios.Results  Single fresh embryo transfer (SET) plus frozen single embryo transfer (fzSET) is the more costly in terms of IVF costs, but the lower rates of multiple births mean that in terms of total costs, it is less costly than double embryo transfer (DET). Adverse events increase when moving from SET to SET+fzSET to DET. The probability of SET+fzSET being cost‐effective decreases with age. When SET is included in the analysis, SET+fzSET no longer becomes a cost‐effective option at any threshold value for all age groups studied.Conclusions  The analyses show that the choice of embryo transfer strategy is a function of four factors: the age of the mother, the relevance of the SET option, the value placed on a live birth and the relative importance placed on adverse outcomes. For each patient group, the choice of strategy is a trade‐off between the value placed on a live birth and cost.
Liverpool Ultrasound Pictorial Chart: the development of a new method of documenting anal sphincter injury diagnosed by endoanal ultrasound
Authors: Fowler GE , Adams EJ , Bolderson J , Hosker G , Lowe D , Richmond DH , Alfirevic Z 
Published: March 2008

Objective  To develop and validate a pictorial chart that documents ultrasound examination of the anal sphincter.Design  A new pictorial chart (Liverpool Ultrasound Pictorial Chart [LUPIC]) depicting the normal anatomy of the anal sphincter was developed.Methods  To validate LUPIC, two observers documented the findings of 296 endoanal scans. Reliability was assessed between observers using kappa agreement for presence and position of sphincter defects. To validate the use of LUPIC by different observers, a video of ten endoanal ultrasound scans was reviewed by our local expert (gold standard). Seven clinicians underwent test‐retest analysis. Kappa agreement was calculated to assess intra‐observer and gold standard versus observer agreement for the overall presence of sphincter defects and compared with the gold standard. Complete agreement for the position and level of sphincter defects was assessed for the five abnormal scans.Main outcome measures  Excellent agreement between the two observers was found for the presence (kappa 0.99), position and level of external anal sphincter defects documented using LUPIC. The intra‐observer and gold standard versus observer kappa values of experienced clinicians (A–E) showed good agreement for the overall presence of sphincter defects. Complete agreement for the position and level of sphincter defects was found in 23 of 35 (66%) observations.Conclusions  LUPIC is designed and validated method of documenting anal sphincter injury diagnosed by endoanal ultrasound. Standardisation of endoanal ultrasound findings by using LUPIC may help correlate the degree of damage with patient symptoms.
Differential impact of conventional and low‐dose oral hormone therapy, tibolone and raloxifene on mammographic breast density, assessed by an automated quantitative method
Authors: Eilertsen AL , Karssemeijer N , Skaane P , Qvigstad E , Sandset PM 
Published: March 2008

Objective  To evaluate impact of different postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) regimens and raloxifene on mammographic breast density.Design  Open, randomised, comparative clinical trial.Setting  Women were recruited through local newspapers and posters. They were examined at the Departments of Haematology, Gynaecology, and Radiology in a University Hospital.Population  A total of 202 healthy postmenopausal women between the age of 45 and 65 years.Methods  Women were randomly assigned to receive daily treatment for 12 weeks with tablets containing low‐dose HT containing 1 mg 17 β‐estradiol + 0.5 mg norethisterone acetate (NETA) (n = 50), conventional‐dose HT containing 2 mg 17 β‐estradiol and 1 mg NETA (n = 50), 2.5 mg tibolone (n = 51), or 60 mg raloxifene (n = 51). Mammographic density was determined at baseline and after 12 weeks by an automated technique in full‐field digital mammograms.Main outcome measures  Mammographic density was expressed as volumetric breast density estimations.Results  Mammographic breast density increased significantly and to a similar degree in both the conventional‐ and low‐dose HT groups. A small reduction in mammographic breast density was seen in the raloxifene group, whereas those allocated to tibolone treatment only showed minor changes.Conclusions  Our findings demonstrated a significant difference in impact on mammographic breast density between the regimens. Although these results indicate a differential effect of these regimens on breast tissue, the relation to breast cancer risk remains unresolved.
Rats that differentially respond to cocaine differ in their dopaminergic storage capacity of the nucleus accumbens
Authors: Verheij Michel M. M. , de Mulder Eric L. W. , De Leonibus Elvira , van Loo Karen M. J. , Cools Alexander R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractCocaine (COC) inhibits the re‐uptake of dopamine. However, the dopamine response to COC also depends on dopamine inside storage vesicles. The aim of this study was to investigate whether rats that differentially respond to COC differ in their dopaminergic storage capacity of the nucleus accumbens. Total and vesicular levels of accumbal dopamine as well as accumbal vesicular monoamine transporter‐2 levels were established in high (HR) and low responders (LR) to novelty rats. Moreover, the effects of reserpine (RES) on the COC‐induced increase of extracellular accumbal dopamine were investigated. HR displayed higher accumbal levels of total and vesicular dopamine than LR. Moreover, HR displayed more accumbal vesicular monoamine transporters‐2 than LR. COC increased extracellular accumbal dopamine more strongly in HR than in LR. A low dose of RES prevented the COC‐induced increase of accumbal dopamine in LR, but not in HR. A higher dose of RES was required to inhibit the COC‐induced increase of accumbal dopamine in HR. These data demonstrate that HR were marked by a larger accumbal dopaminergic storage pool than LR. It is hypothesized that HR are more sensitive to COC than LR, because COC can release more dopamine from accumbal storage vesicles in HR than in LR.
Visceral adipose tissue modulates mammalian longevity
Authors: Muzumdar Radhika , Allison David B. , Huffman Derek M. , Ma Xiaohui , Atzmon Gil , Einstein Francine H. , Fishman Sigal , Poduval Aruna D. , McVei Theresa , Keith Scott W. , Barzilai Nir 
Published: March 2008

SummaryCaloric restriction (CR) can delay many age‐related diseases and extend lifespan, while an increase in adiposity is associated with enhanced disease risk and accelerated aging. Among the various fat depots, the accrual of visceral fat (VF) is a common feature of aging, and has been shown to be the most detrimental on metabolic syndrome of aging in humans. We have previously demonstrated that surgical removal of VF in rats improves insulin action; thus, we set out to determine if VF removal affects longevity. We prospectively studied lifespan in three groups of rats: ad libitum‐fed (AL‐fed), CR (Fed 60% of AL) and a group of AL‐fed rats with selective removal of VF at 5 months of age (VF‐removed rats). We demonstrate that compared to AL‐fed rats, VF‐removed rats had a significant increase in mean (p < 0.001) and maximum lifespan (p < 0.04) and significant reduction in the incidence of severe renal disease (p < 0.01). CR rats demonstrated the greatest mean and maximum lifespan (p < 0.001) and the lowest rate of death as compared to AL‐fed rats (0.13). Taken together, these observations provide the most direct evidence to date that a reduction in fat mass, specifically VF, may be one of the possible underlying mechanisms of the anti‐aging effect of CR.
Money for Science? The Impact of Research Grants on Academic Output*
Authors: Chudnovsky Daniel , López Andrés , Rossi Martín A. , Ubfal Diego 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis paper evaluates the impact of subsidies on the academic performance of researchers in Argentina. Academic performance is measured in terms of number of publications and in terms of impact factors in peer‐reviewed journals. The performance of researchers with financially supported projects is compared with that of a control group of researchers who submitted projects accepted in terms of quality but not supported because of shortage of funds. We use non‐experimental data and a difference‐in‐differences approach along with propensity score matching techniques, where we control for pre‐programme observable attributes as well as for researchers’ time‐invariant unobservable characteristics. Our findings suggest a positive and statistically significant effect of subsidy on academic performance, especially for young researchers.
The Actuarial Balance Sheet for Pay‐As‐You‐Go Finance: Solvency Indicators for Spain and Sweden*
Authors: Boado‐Penas María del Carmen , Valdés‐Prieto Salvador , Vidal‐Meliá Carlos 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis paper provides the first estimate of the actuarial balance of the Spanish contributory pension system for the old‐age contingency, based on official data. The main accounting entries are developed from the principles of double‐entry bookkeeping. The novel entry in the balance sheet, entitled the ‘contribution asset’ or ‘hidden asset’, is at the centre of the theoretical discussion. A comparison between the official balance sheet for the Swedish notional account system and our balance sheet for the Spanish contributory pension system is also provided. The main finding is that the Spanish pension system has an insolvency rate of 31.4 per cent. The policy implication is that unless current legislation is reformed, Spanish taxpayers (the plan sponsor) should count on making transfers to the pension system with a present discounted value of 31.4 per cent of current liabilities. Moreover, a comparison of the consecutive balance sheets for 2001‐06 shows that the degree of insolvency is growing over time, even though the cash‐flow outcome has improved over the same period. Taking steps to reverse this trend and restore solvency is in Spanish taxpayers' interest, and possibly also in the interest of those in the European Union who recognise that there is a chance that they may have to support the Spanish budget in the future.
A Case Report and Review of Pregnancies in Rudimentary Noncommunicating Uterine Horns
Authors: McCarthy Elizabeth 
Published: March 2008

SummaryA liveborn and subsequently thriving child was delivered abdominally from a pregnancy in a rudimentary noncommunicating uterine horn. This is the 13th English language report of neonatal survival from such an unusual and life‐threatening situation. The case presents some‘clues’in the history and a review of the literature suggests that the previously reported bleak outlook for these pregnancies can now be tempered with cautious optimism. Ultrasound diagnosis of Müllerian abnormalities during pregnancy remains difficult but has been reported in several other cases in the literature and may become more common in the future.
Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Pregnancy with Coronary Artery Balloon Angioplasty and Stenting
Authors: Craig Simon , Eton Marcus 
Published: March 2008

SummaryAcute myocardial infarction in pregnancy is a rare condition with substantial risk of maternal and fetal mortality. We present a case of myocardial infarction during pregnancy which was treated by percutaneous coronary artery balloon angioplasty and stenting with excellent pregnancy outcome.
Influence of Seasonal Variation on Pregnancy‐induced Hypertension and/or Preeclampsia
Authors: Makhseed Ma'asoumah , Musini Vijaya Manav , Ahmed Mohammad Abrar , Monem Rawiya Abdul 
Published: March 2008

SummarySeasonal variation of temperature and humidity are said to influence the incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine if temperature and humidity exert any influence on the incidence of pregnancy‐induced hypertension and preeclampsia in Kuwait. This is a retrospective study performed in the Maternity Hospital, Kuwait (MHK) in the years 1992–1994. Monthly distribution of all deliveries and those in which the patients had pregnancy‐induced hypertension and preeclampsia were recorded. There are some studies including ours which do not show any significant correlation between meteorological factors and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. We found that the incidence of pregnancy‐induced hypertension per 1,000 deliveries was high in June when the temperature was very high and the humidity at its lowest. The reverse was true for the incidence of preeclampsia per 1,000 deliveries, which was high in November when the temperature was low and the humidity high.
The Effects of Abdominal Hysterectomy on Bladder Neck and Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Demirci Fuat , Ozden Selcuk , Alpay Zeynep , Demirci Elif Tozkir 
Published: March 2008

SummaryWe assessed the bladder neck (BN) by perineal ultrasonography of 39 patients before and 1 year after hysterectomy, and we compared them with 30 control cases in terms of stress urinary incontinence. We evaluated the BN position and mobility in the downwards and backwards directions. The bladder neck was found to be significantly lower at rest, in the downwards direction, in the postoperative period. The stress position of the BN was not significantly different. Its downwards mobility decreased, but not significantly. There was no significant difference in the location of the BN with respect to the pubis, at rest and during stress, in the backwards direction, between the preoperative and postoperative periods. Backwards mobility of the BN decreased significantly following hysterectomy. Stress incontinence was not significantly different between the study group and the control group after one year. We concluded that hysterectomy did not weaken urethral support and did not increase the rate of stress incontinence.
Uterine Leiomyosarcoma‐A Singapore Experience
Authors: Soh L.T. , Chew S.H. , Ang L. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryUterine leiomyosarcoma is an aggressive tumour. In our retrospective series of 27 patients, there were 25 with nonmyxoid high‐grade leiomyosarcoma of the uterus. The stage distribution was Stage 1, 16; Stage 3, 5 and Stage 4, 4. In the patients with Stage 1 disease, 3 of the 8 patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy subsequently developed recurrent disease. In contrast, 6 of the 8 patients who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy subsequently developed recurrent disease; 2 of the patients in the latter group also received adjuvant radiotherapy. Six of the 9 women with recurrences were distant‘failures’alone, 2 were both distant and pelvic‘failures’and 1 was pelvic‘failure’alone. All the patients with advanced‐stage disease eventually succumbed to the disease despite the therapies given. This study is small and retrospective but it suggests that there might be a role for adjuvant chemotherapy in the management of the early stage of this disease.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Smoking Cessation Intervention During Pregnancy
Authors: Panjari Mary , Bell Robin , Bishop Sue , Astbury Jill , Rice Greg , Doery Jim 
Published: March 2008

Summary:This study was a randomized controlled trial of a smoking cessation intervention for pregnant smokers. Women who reported smoking at their first antenatal visit and satisfied the inclusion criteria were asked to participate in the trial. Analysis was restricted to 393 evaluable women in the control group (received usual antenatal care) and 339 women to the study group (received usual antenatal care plus the intervention). The primary hypotheses were that the intervention would result in a higher proportion of quitters and that the mean birth‐weight of babies born to women receiving the intervention would be greater than that of babies born to women in the control group. The outcome measures were smoking status based on self‐report combined with a urinary cotinine level of <115 ng/mL, and birth‐weight. There was no significant difference in quit rate between women receiving the intervention and women in the control group (11.9% versus 9.8% p=0.41). Babies born to women receiving the intervention were on average 84 g heavier than babies born to controls (p=0.04). The factors that contribute to the lack of a significant increase in smoking cessation in the intervention group and the possible explanation for the changes in birth‐weight are discussed.
Modern Antioestrogens and the Coming Revolution in Women's Health Care
Authors: Evans Amanda , Vollenhoven Beverley , Healy David 
Published: March 2008

Summary:This review will focus on antioestrogens and selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMS). The more traditional SERMS, clomiphene citrate and tamoxifen, will be reviewed along with such modern drugs as raloxifene and faslodex, with emphasis upon their actions on breast, uterus, bone and lipids. The future potential of these medications, in the management of oestrogen‐dependent gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, fibroids and breast cancer will be discussed.