bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic review: Hormone therapy and cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Magliano Dianna J , Rogers Sophie L , Abramson Michael J , Tonkin Andrew M 
Published: December 2005

Background  Despite decades of evidence from observational studies, the use of hormone therapy for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among postmenopausal women is controversial. The recent completion of several randomised clinical trials examining the effects of hormone therapy on CVD presents an opportunity to provide a more precise estimate of the cardiovascular risks of hormone therapy.Objective  To summarise the effects of hormone therapy on CVD in postmenopausal women.Search strategy  MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, DARE and CENTRAL were searched for clinical trials reporting mortality and/or CVD outcomes in association with hormone therapy. Bibliographies and editorials were also reviewed. All studies were reviewed and rated for quality independently by two reviewers.Selection criteria  High quality, randomised placebo‐controlled clinical trials of hormone therapy (duration greater than one year) in non‐hospitalised postmenopausal women were included.Data collection and analysis  Summary relative risks were estimated for all‐cause mortality, coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality, non‐fatal acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and all stroke.Main results  Seven randomised clinical trials met the inclusion criteria. The use of hormone therapy had no significant effect on all‐cause mortality, non‐fatal AMI or CHD mortality, with relative risks of 1.02 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93–1.13], 1.00 (0.88–1.14) and 0.99 (0.82–1.21), respectively. For all stroke, the summary relative risk was 1.29 (1.13–1.48).Author's conclusions  This systematic review, incorporating the latest available trial data, shows that hormone therapy does not significantly change the risk of all‐cause morality, CHD death or non‐fatal AMI but increases the risk of stroke in postmenopausal women.
Urogynaecology: Effect of tension‐free vaginal tape in women with a urodynamic diagnosis of idiopathic detrusor overactivity and stress incontinence
Authors: Duckett Jonathan RA , Tamilselvi Arjunan 
Published: December 2005

Objective  To determine the effect of tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) in women with idiopathic detrusor overactivity (DO) and urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) and to propose appropriate pre‐operative counselling based on this information.Design  Retrospective cohort study.Setting  Urogynaecology Unit, District General Hospital, Kent.Population  Fifty‐one women (from a total of 344 women undergoing TVT) with urodynamic evidence of both DO and USI who underwent TVT insertion between November 1999 and March 2003.Methods  Women with more than six‐month follow up were assessed objectively with cystometry. Subjective results were assessed using structured interview and condition specific Kings Quality of Life Questionnaire.Main outcome measures  Objective resolution of DO and subjective absence of urge syndrome after TVT. Cure of USI was the secondary outcome measure analysed. The effect of drug therapy on residual urge symptoms was assessed.Results  Objective cure of DO was demonstrated in 47% and subjective cure of urge symptoms in 63%. In women with persistent urge symptoms, the addition of anticholinergic medication resulted in resolution of urge incontinence in a further 22% of women. USI was objectively cured in 92%.Conclusions  More than 60% of women diagnosed urodynamically with DO and USI experience complete resolution of urge symptoms following TVT. Further symptom improvement can be achieved with additional anticholinergic medication.
Antiaging – a scientific topic or just a social trend?
Authors: Kreyden Oliver P 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThe number of nonsurgical anti‐aging procedures have increased in recent years. Reasons for this trend are various: The World Wide Web distributes an immense amount of information throughout the world within seconds, which in turn generates a great demand on information. Active and aggressive medias, which were almost absent 50 years ago, have made our society ambitious; the perception of which is attractive, desirable, and sexy gets globalized. In addition, our lifestyle has changed with the fast‐growing offer of leisure activities. Wrinkles, fat deposits, and sun‐damaged skin do not fit into our neat society. The increasing demand for aesthetic treatments has prompted many physicians without any knowledge in aesthetic medicine to offer various nonsurgical aesthetic treatments with the danger that aesthetic dermatology stands to lose its scientific relevance. Evidence‐based medicine should be applied not only in medical procedures but also in aesthetic dermatology.
A pilot study evaluating the efficacy of topically applied niacin derivatives for treatment of female pattern alopecia
Authors: Draelos Zoe Diana , Jacobson Elaine L. , Kim Hyuntae , Kim Moonsun , Jacobson Myron K 
Published: December 2005

SummaryBackground  Female pattern alopecia is a common dermatologic condition that manifests after puberty. The only approved drug treatment for this condition is 2% minoxidil for topical application.Aims  This pilot study examined the effect of topical application of two niacin derivatives, octyl nicotinate and tetradecyl nicotinate, on hair fullness in female alopecia.Patients/methods  Sixty female subjects with Ludwig types I–III female pattern hair loss were evaluated in a double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled (40 active, 20 placebo) design using standardized 35‐mm photographic analyses for assessment of efficacy after 6 months of application.Results  The niacin derivatives demonstrated a statistically significant increase in hair fullness (P = 0.04 compared to the placebo).Conclusion  Whereas evaluation of hair growth in women is challenging, this 6‐month pilot study demonstrated statistically significant increase in hair fullness on blinded 35‐mm photographic analysis. Long‐term topical application of nicotinic acid derivatives offers promise for providing benefit in female alopecia and warrants further study.
Nitrous oxide as an adjunct in tumescent liposuction
Authors: Bird Garrett , Albert Clifford 
Published: December 2005

SummaryBackground  Nitrous oxide (N2O) has been used as an anesthetic for over 300 years. It is safe, easy to use, and effective. In this article we will document N2O use as an adjunct to tumescent liposuction. The history, mechanism of action, use, and safety in ambulatory surgery of N2O are reviewed.Objective  The authors intend to review the history of both tumescent liposuction and N2O in surgery, discuss the possible adverse reactions, and present guidelines for the use of N2O during tumescent liposuction.Methods  A Medline review of articles, 1966–2004, related to N2O was performed, using the search terms nitrous, oxide, safety, toxicity, mechanism, anesthetic, surgery, risks, and delivery. Articles that were cited by the authors of this subset of original articles were also used when appropriate. Articles were rated and included based on date of publication, level of evidence, and applicability to tumescent liposuction.Results and conclusions  Nitrous oxide is safe, easily administered, inexpensive, and is an effective adjunct to tumescent liposuction. It provides a high level of pain control, and is patient controlled, while not putting the patient at risk of full anesthesia. When used correctly, with proper equipment, it poses little risk to either patients or healthcare workers.
Botulinum toxin – an update on its use in facial rejuvenation
Authors: Lehrer Michael S , Benedetto Anthony V 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThe role of botulinum toxin in facial rejuvenation has been greatly expanded in the last several years. In this article, we first review the traditional approach to botulinum toxin therapy in the forehead and glabella. For the advanced reader, we then discuss both the literature and our personal approaches to treatments of the periocular region, mid face, lower face, and neck. Throughout the discussion, attempts are made to include a description of relevant anatomy, the physiologic result of specific muscle activity and denervation, and perhaps most importantly, precise directions for patient treatment.
Nonablative skin rejuvenation
Authors: Nikolaou Vasiliki A , Stratigos Alexander J , Dover Jeffrey S 
Published: December 2005

SummaryLaser resurfacing of photodamaged or scarred skin has traditionally involved the use of ablative lasers with their associated limitations and side effects. Nonablative skin rejuvenation is a relatively new concept in facial rejuvenation, which aims to induce dermal remodeling without visible epidermal disruption. A number of laser devices and light sources, emitting at various wavelengths, have been shown to effectively enhance the appearance of facial skin through nonablative mechanisms. Among the conditions that can be treated with this novel modality are erythema, telangiectasia, pigmentation, lentigines, and textural imperfections ranging from fine and moderate rhytides to other surface irregularities such as acne scarring. A major attraction of nonablative laser therapy is the very limited downtime after each treatment, making it an ideal method for patients seeking a minimally invasive procedure with an excellent safety profile.
Light/laser therapy in the treatment of acne vulgaris
Authors: Nouri Keyvan , Villafradez‐Diaz L Magaly 
Published: December 2005

SummaryAcne vulgaris is one of the most prevalent skin diseases known. As common as this condition is, the social and psychological consequences are limitless. Although current treatments are available and include topical or oral antibiotics, it is crucial to develop a less risky and more effective therapy such as light/laser therapy. This article focuses specifically on the benefits of the light/laser treatment on acne vulgaris.Porphyrins accumulated in the bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes, one of the etiologic factors involved in the pathogenesis, allows phototherapy to be a successful modality. They have specific absorption peaks at which lasers have optimal effects. The longer the wavelength of the light is, the deeper its penetration and thus the greater its damage to the sebaceous glands. Although blue light is best for the activation of porphyrins, red light is best for deeper penetration and an anti‐inflammatory effect. Ultraviolet (UV) light, although it may have initial an anti‐inflammatory effects, has been proven to be potentially carcinogenic and have adverse effects such as aging (by UV‐A) and burning (by UV‐B).Previous studies indicate successful long‐term intervention and selective damage of the sebaceous glands by using a diode laser with indocyanine green (ICG) dye. Mid‐infrared lasers have been found to decrease lesion counts while also reducing the oiliness of skin and the scarring process. Nonablative laser treatment of acne scars using the Er:YAG laser with a short‐pulsed mode has been successful in reducing the appearance of scars by stimulating neocollagenesis.The light/laser therapy has started to be explored with promising results in highly selected patients that require further investigation in greater populations and well‐designed protocols.
The state of mental health in old‐age across the ‘old’ European Union – a systematic review
Authors: Riedel‐Heller S. G. , Busse A. , Angermeyer M. C. 
Published: December 2005

Objective:  The paper provides the first syllabus on the prevalence of mental disorders in old‐age focusing on surveys conducted in the 15 countries, which comprised the ‘old’ European Union.Method:  A systematic search of the literature published from 1990 onwards was conducted.Results:  Mental disorders in old‐age are common. The most serious threats to mental health in old‐age are posed by dementia and depression. It is a clear cut finding that dementia exponentially increases with age. The basic issue of whether depression increases or decreases with age remains unsolved. Databases on substance use, mild cognitive impairment, psychotic syndromes, anxiety, and somatoform disorders in old‐age are much smaller, making conclusions difficult to draw.Conclusion:  Numerous questions in the field remain to be answered. Concerted action is needed to produce comparable data across Europe.
Differences in resting energy expenditure and body composition between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls
Authors: Nilsson B. M. , Forslund A. H. , Olsson R. M. , Hambraeus L. , Wiesel F.‐A. 
Published: December 2005

Objective:  A lowered energy metabolism in schizophrenia was reported already in the 1920s. However, these early investigations were case studies without control groups or statistical analysis. In this study the resting energy expenditure (REE) and relevant body composition variables were measured in patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls.Method:  REE was determined in 30 patients and 17 controls. The difference between the measured and the expected level for each individual was calculated as ΔREE. Body composition was assessed with bioelectrical impedance and calliper measurements.Results:  ΔREE was significantly lower in the patients than in the controls. A decrease was also seen in the non‐medicated patients. The patients showed significantly lower percentages of water in fat free‐mass and intracellular water.Conclusion:  The lowering of REE and body water fractions may suggest a homeostatic aberration in schizophrenia that may be of importance for the understanding of metabolic disturbances observed in the disease.
In Situ Biotransformation of BTEX Compounds Under Methanogenic Conditions
Authors: Reinhard Martin , Hopkins Gary D. , Steinle‐Darling Eva , LeBron Carmen A. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractIn situ biotransformation of BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o‐, m‐, and p‐xylenes) was investigated for a gasoline spill at Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station (Schroeder 1991) under methanogenic conditions in three controlled‐release push‐pull experiments. To create methanogenic conditions, anaerobic ground water (710 to 1365 L) was extracted from the anaerobic test zone, treated by deionization to remove nitrate and sulfate, and helium‐purged to remove any traces of oxygen. Prior to release through the multiport injection/extraction well, the injection water was amended with BTEX compounds (160 to 367 μg/L) and bromide tracer. Contaminant transformation was observed in three consecutive experiments by withdrawing samples at regular intervals for periods of 73 to 159 d. BTEX removal rates were rapid for toluene and o‐ and m‐xylenes (<30 d), and slow for benzene, ethylbenzene, and p‐xylene degrading (50% removal in 60 to 90 d). Methane was formed in all cases, and the levels of soluble iron, sulfate, and nitrate were too low to account for the levels of BTEX transformation observed. The data confirm that the presence of electron acceptors (oxygen, nitrate, iron, sulfate) is not a precondition for natural attenuation to occur.
Evaluation of an Inexpensive Small‐Diameter Temperature Logger for Documenting Ground Water–River Interactions
Authors: Johnson Adam N. , Boer Brian R. , Woessner William W. , Stanford Jack A. , Poole Geoffrey C. , Thomas Steven A. , O'Daniel Scott J. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractIncreasing numbers of studies are recording detailed temperature data for characterization of ground water–stream exchange. We examined laboratory and field operation of a small‐diameter, stand‐alone and inexpensive temperature logger capable of investigating stream–ground water exchange was examined. The Thermochron iButton is a 17.35‐mm‐diameter by 6‐mm‐thick instrument that costs <$10 when ordered in quantity. Testing of the loggers in a controlled temperature bath revealed a precision of ±0.4°C and an accuracy of ±0.5°C for a group of 201. More than 500 loggers have been installed in channels and in subchannel and floodplain ground water environments in two gravel‐bedded rivers in the western United States. Loggers were placed as single devices and in vertical arrays in monitoring wells with diameters of 10.16, 5.08, 2.54, and 1.9 cm. We determined that the loggers have four principal advantages over more commonly used wired and currently available stand‐alone logging devices: (1) the wireless nature does not require the instrument location to be associated with a control‐recording system; (2) the small size allows for installation in small hand‐driven or direct‐push monitoring wells and thus intimate contact of the instruments with the hydrologic environment; (3) multiple loggers are easily suspended in a single fully perforated monitoring well, allowing for the collection of high‐resolution temperature profile data; and (4) the low cost of the loggers allows for the deployment of large numbers, thus improving spatial resolution in shallow ground water floodplain scale studies.
Toward a Standard Thermistor Calibration Method: Data Correction Spreadsheets
Authors: Alexander Matthew D. , MacQuarrie Kerry T.B. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractTemperature is one of the most frequently measured physical phenomena in environmental research. Many laboratory and field investigations of temperature use commercially available temperature loggers that come from the manufacturer precalibrated. After‐market calibration of temperature loggers provides more confidence in measured data. This paper proposes a general method for calibrating temperature loggers in order to obtain consistent, high‐quality data. A procedure and derivation of equations for performing logger calibration is presented. Spreadsheets are described for calculating correction coefficients and adjusting proxy data to a reference temperature. A temperature logger calibration example demonstrates the importance of instrument calibration and the improvement in accuracy. The procedure and spreadsheets presented here can be used for calibration and correction of data from any type of thermistor.
Full‐Scale Removal of DNAPL Constituents Using Steam‐Enhanced Extraction and Electrical Resistance Heating
Authors: Heron Gorm , Carroll Steven , Nielsen Steffen G. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractIn 2003, the United States Department of Energy completed a full‐scale non–aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) remediation of Area A of the Northeast Site at the Young‐Rainey STAR Center, Largo, Florida. Area A covered an area of 930 m2 (10,000 square feet) and extended to a depth of 10.7 m (35 feet), representing a total cleanup volume of 9930 m3 (12,960 cubic yards). The site was contaminated with ∼2500 kg (5500 lb) of NAPL constituents such as trichloroethylene, cis‐1,2‐dichloroethylene, methylene chloride, toluene, and petroleum hydrocarbons. The site consists of a fine‐grained sand aquifer underlain by a Hawthorn clay at 9 m (30 feet) depth. The upper 1.5 m (5 feet) of this clay formed part of the remediation volume, as dense non–aqueous phase liquid was present in this layer. The site was remediated using a combination of steam‐enhanced extraction and electrical resistance heating. Operations lasted 4.5 months. The site was heated to the target temperatures within 6 weeks, at which time the mass removal rate increased more than 1000‐fold. After the target volume had been heated to or near boiling temperatures, pressure cycles were used to increase the mass removal rates, until a final phase of diminishing returns was reached. Postoperational sampling of soil and ground water at randomly selected locations showed the concentrations of all contaminants of concern (COC) to be well below the remedial goals. The majority of the ground water samples were below maximum contaminant level (MCL) for all the COC. The estimate of volatile organic contaminant (VOC) mass removed from the site (1130 kg = 2500 lb) agreed well with the estimate of VOC present before operation (1170 kg = 2580 lb). The postoperational sampling showed that ∼0.5 kg (1 pound) of VOCs remained in the remedial volume, and showed remedial efficiencies of between 99.85% and 99.99% for the four chemicals of concern. Since the postoperational sampling shows all concentrations to be below or close to ground water MCLs, the thermal remedy may be satisfactory for site closure without a polishing phase.
The experience of stroke and the life of the Spirit
Authors: de la Mare Ben 
Published: December 2005

In this paper, I have tried in the first instance to describe the experience of stroke, and to set my own story in the context of more general observations on strokes and on the appropriate care of stroke patients. The paper makes clear that the stroke brought my active working life to an abrupt end, but I am keen to stress that in my case at least the thinking must go on. The production of this paper offers a test case of this last proposition. The paper does not attempt to survey my whole working life (mainly as a Church of England parish priest) and its interaction with my faith, but it does try to explore some of the consequences for faith, and for prayer, prompted by the stroke.There is a personal story of sometimes bewildering complexity behind every stroke. “But why is stroke any different from other serious illness?” This paper seeks to identify some of the distinctive characteristics of strokes; but I leave it to others to answer the question more adequately. It only needs to be stated here that all strokes, in some measure, affectmentalprocesses, sometimes profoundly; and we easily underestimate the extent to which our performance is affected by our states of mind.
Muslim-Christian Encounters in Masuccio Salernitano's Novellino
Authors: Attar Karina 
Published: December 2005

AbstractClose textual and contextualized analysis of two novellas drawn from Masuccio Salernitano's mid-fifteenth-century collection of short stories, Il Novellino, shows that, while the tales appear to present antithetical notions of Muslim identity, they also blur the categories of good and evil through often over-lapping positive and negative depictions of both Christian and Muslim protagonists. Both narratives discussed are also set within similar contexts (the guerra del corso, maritime travel, enslavement and ransom, inter-racial sexual relations) and can thus function as partial records of particular fifteenth-century cultural and social experiences. Although Salernitano's narratives have often been read as moralizing tales through which the author sought to expose the vices he perceived in society, as this article seeks to show, much more is at stake. The novellas offer significant insights into mid-fifteenth-century notions of Muslim identity and preoccupations about Christian-Muslim encounters and reflect a panorama of contemporary historical and social realities on a scale and in a fashion that remained unparalleled in the subsequent novella tradition.