bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of methods for determining HIV viral set point
Authors: Mei Y. , Wang L. , Holte S. E. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractDuring a course of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV‐1) infection, the viral load usually increases sharply to a peak following infection and then drops rapidly to a steady state, where it remains until progression to AIDS. This steady state is often referred to as the viral set point. It is believed that the HIV viral set point results from an equilibrium between the HIV virus and immune response and is an important indicator of AIDS disease progression. In this paper, we analyze a real data set of viral loads measured before antiretroviral therapy is initiated, and propose two‐phase regression models to utilize all available data to estimate the viral set point. The advantages of the proposed methods are illustrated by comparing them with two empirical methods, and the reason behind the improvement is also studied. Our results illustrate that for our data set, the viral load data are highly correlated and it is cost effective to estimate the viral set point based on one or two measurements obtained between 5 and 12 months after HIV infection. The utility and limitations of this recommendation will be discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anterior sacral meningocele: management in gynecological practice
Authors: Manson F. , Comalli‐Dillon K. , Moriaux A. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractWe describe the case of a young woman with anterior sacral meningocele (ASM), initially identified during a routine ultrasound examination and subsequently diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). ASM is a rare disorder characterized by uni‐ or multilocular extensions of the meninges from the sacral spinal canal to the retroperitoneal presacral space. Common symptoms include lower back and pelvic pain, constipation, difficulties in defecation, dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia, and urinary incontinence, retention or urgency. Perineal and lower‐extremity paresthesias may present when nerve roots are affected. Despite its more posterior location, ASM can mimic an ovarian cyst or other adnexal cystic mass, and in the obstetric patient can present a mechanical obstacle to delivery with a risk of rupture and infection during labor and delivery. Although it is a rare condition, we feel that awareness of the etiology, presentation and imaging characteristics of ASM is of importance and have therefore carried out a review of the literature, taking into account case findings and the obstetric and gynecological management of this disorder. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aeroelastic instability problems for wind turbines
Authors: Hansen M. H. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThis paper deals with the aeroelastic instabilities that have occurred and may still occur for modern commercial wind turbines: stall‐induced vibrations for stall‐turbines, and classical flutter for pitch‐regulated turbines. A review of previous works is combined with derivations of analytical stability limits for typical blade sections that show the fundamental mechanisms of these instabilities. The risk of stall‐induced vibrations is mainly related to blade airfoil characteristics, effective direction of blade vibrations and structural damping; whereas the blade tip speed, torsional blade stiffness and chordwise position of the center of gravity along the blades are the main parameters for flutter. These instability characteristics are exemplified by aeroelastic stability analyses of different wind turbines. The review of each aeroelastic instability ends with a list of current research issues that represent unsolved aeroelastic instability problems for wind turbines. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment of Scaphoid Nonunions with Closed-Wedge Osteotomy of the Distal Radius: Report of Six Cases
Authors: Monreal Ricardo 
Published: September 2007

Background The ideal treatment of nonunion of the scaphoid remains unresolved and controversial. It was hypothesized that scaphoid nonunion could be treated successfully using a closed-wedge osteotomy of the distal radius which reduces the inclination of the joint surface and decreases the pressure between the radial and scaphoid surfaces with a reduction of the force applied by the styloid process. We present a preliminary report in six patients with nonunion of the carpal scaphoid using this procedure. The main objective of the osteotomy is to achieve fusion, alleviate pain, and improve function. Materials and Methods Six closed-wedge osteotomies to reduce the inclination of the distal radial surface were performed in patients with scaphoid waist nonunion and a viable proximal pole, without posttrauma osteoarthritis or with moderate posttraumatic osteoarthritis confined to the radio-scaphoid joint. The present series of six patients (all men) were followed for at least 8 months (mean follow-up 14.2 months, range 8–21 months). Results Solid union was achieved in five patients. Postoperatively, three patients were pain-free, two presented mild pain for heavy work, and one had moderate pain. This type of osteotomy reduced the inclination of the joint surface (radial angulation) 6.2° on average. There was an improvement in joint flexion from a preoperative mean of 40° to 52.5° at last follow-up, in extension from 40.8° to 66.7°, in radial deviation from 15° to 22.5°, and in ulnar deviation from 30.8° to 41.7°. Conclusions This preliminary study suggests that a closed-wedge osteotomy of the distal radius could be an alternative approach for patients with scaphoid waist nonunion and a viable proximal pole, without posttrauma osteoarthritis or with moderate posttraumatic osteoarthritis confined to the radio-scaphoid joint. The number of cases was small; however, further studies with a much larger series are needed before routine use of wedge osteotomy in scaphoid nonunion can be recommended.
A Novel Cryo‐SEM Technique for Imaging Vegetable Oil Based Organogels
Authors: Rogers Michael A. , Smith Alexandra K. , Wright Amanda J. , Marangoni Alejandro G. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractGels were prepared by cooling dilute solutions (2% wt/wt) of 12‐hydroxystearic acid (12‐HSA) in canola oil and storing them at 30 °C for 24 h. The gel's in‐situ supramolecular network structure was imaged using four techniques: polarized light microscopy (PLM), 3‐dimensional deconvolution polarized light microscopy (3DPLM), and cryo‐scanning electron microscopy (cryo‐SEM) of the xerogel and of an osmium tetroxide vapor fixed gel washed with isobutanol. Most of the canola oil was immobilized in the gel by fixation with osmium tetroxide therefore very little of the canola oil was removed during washing unlike the xerogel where all of the canola oil has been displaced. The in‐situ supramolecular network structure as observed by PLM, was comparable to that seen through the new cryo‐SEM method for fixed organogel. Cryo‐SEM images of the xerogel did not show similar length scales or strand thickness as compared to the PLM images. The lengths of the network strands were much shorter for the xerogel as compared to the osmium tetroxide treated sample and the structures visualized by PLM. Furthermore, the thickness of the strands observed using PLM or cryo‐SEM were in the size range of 3–10 μm while the xerogels had strands in the range of 0.01–0.1 μm thick. Therefore, the removal of canola oil from the gel using 80/20% v/v hexane/acetone with no fixation disrupted the supramolecular network.
Reviews
Authors: Beckwith Helen , Overman Susan , Frydendall Jodi , O'Connor Ellen 
Published: September 2007

The Stem Cell Divide, Michael Bellomo 2006, 272 pages, $24.95 hardcoverUnplugged: Reclaiming Our Right to Die in America, William H. Colby, 2006, 272 pages, $24.95 hardcoverMosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, eighth edition, Kathleen D. Pagana and Timothy J. Pagana, 2007; 1,120 pages, $39.95 softcoverA Daybook for Nurse Leaders and Mentors, Sigma Theta Tau International, 2006, 180 pages, $19.95 softcover
Chromatin extrusion in resting encystment of Colpoda cucullus: A possible involvement of apoptosis‐like nuclear death
Authors: Akematsu Takahiko , Matsuoka Tatsuomi 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe extrusion of macronuclear chromatin is a remarkable characteristic during encystment in Colpoda, but the biological significance of this phenomenon has not been fully elucidated. Here we demonstrate that chromatin extrusion occurs with high frequency when encystment was induced by increasing Ca2+ in growing cells in various stages of the cell cycle. The Feulgen‐DNA reaction revealed that vegetatively growing cells have more macronuclear DNA than cells in the stationary phase, suggesting an association of macronuclear DNA content with the execution of chromatin extrusion. Using 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI), we found that the size of the macronuclear extrusion body was reduced with time and eventually disappeared approximately 24 h after encystment induction. In addition, oligonucleosome‐sized DNA cleavage was confirmed to occur concomitant with the size reduction, suggesting that the extrusion body is selectively degraded, while the normal macronucleus remains alive. Combined use of acridine orange and Hoechst 33342 demonstrated that the extruded body was increasingly acidified before final resorption. These features are reminiscent of the nuclear degradation process in conjugating Tetrahymena, and therefore we conclude that chromatin extrusion in Colpoda might occur to adjust the macronuclear DNA content prior to encystment. In this way, it is similar to the apoptotic‐like nuclear death that occurs during the conjugation of other ciliates.
Cancer: A matter of life cycle?
Authors: Erenpreisa Jekaterina , Cragg Mark S. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn the last decade, the concept of “cancer stem cells” has emerged, recognised by the fact that only a small fraction of tumour cells appears to retain the stem cell properties of self‐renewal and unlimited proliferation. At the same time, it is well known that cancer is an age‐related disease developing at the limit of proliferating cell senescence. The apparent need to link senescence and the capacity for self‐renewal has lead some authors to suggest that cancers develop from amongst senescing stem cells. However, an alternative solution has recently been proffered by Sundaram M, Guernsey DL, Rajaraman MM, Rajaraman R [Neosis: a novel type of cell division in cancer. Cancer Biol Ther 2004;3:207–18], who suggest that stemness may be a transient, cyclic property afforded by de‐polyploidisation of senescing cells which have undergone polyploidisation. In this mini‐review, we attempt to reconcile both of these views by the idea that cycling polyploidy intermitting senescence and rejuvenation may be features of a life cycle analogous to the life cycles of certain unicellular organisms. Furthermore, we suggest that mitotic catastrophe may represent a mechanism through which the cell can switch from the usual mitotic cell‐cycle to this evolutionarily conserved life cycle. Intriguingly, some most recent data suggest that cell senescence may be reversible and that stem cells are tolerant to polyploidy caused by genotoxic stress.
Plasma level of cardiotrophin‐1 as a prognostic predictor in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Tsutamoto Takayoshi , Asai Shigeru , Tanaka Toshinari , Sakai Hiroshi , Nishiyama Keizo , Fujii Masanori , Yamamoto Takashi , Ohnishi Masato , Wada Atsuyuki , Saito Yoshihiko , Horie Minoru 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground:Cardiotrophin‐1 (CT‐1) is a member of the interleukin (IL‐6) family of cytokines and is increased in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).Aims:To evaluate the prognostic role of CT‐1 in patients with CHF.Methods and results:We measured the plasma levels of CT‐1, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and IL‐6 in 125 patients with CHF. Patients were monitored for a mean follow‐up period of 2.9years. Plasma levels of CT‐1 increased with severity of CHF. There was a significant negative correlation between plasma CT‐1 and left ventricular ejection fraction. There was a significant correlation between plasma CT‐1 and log IL‐6. During the follow‐up period, 37 patients died. High plasma levels of CT‐1, BNP, and IL‐6 were independent predictors of mortality on stepwise multivariate analysis. The hazard ratio for mortality in patients with plasma BNP>170pg/mL and CT‐1>658fmol/mL was 2.48 (95% confidence interval, 1.217–5.060) compared to those with plasma BNP>170pg/mL and CT‐1<658fmol/mL (p=0.0124).Conclusion:These findings indicate that plasma CT‐1 measurement provides additional prognostic information and that combined levels of CT‐1 and BNP are more accurate at predicting mortality in patients with CHF than either marker alone.
Impact of levetiracetam on mood and cognition during prednisone therapy
Authors: Brown E. Sherwood , Frol Alan B. , Khan David A. , Larkin Gregory L. , Bret Mary Ellen 
Published: September 2007

AbstractPurposeCorticosteroid excess is associated with impairment in declarative memory and hippocampal changes. in animals, phenytoin blocks the effects of stress on memory and hippocampal histology. Levetiracetam also shows neuroprotective properties in some animal models. This report examines whether levetiracetam prevents mood or cognitive changes secondary to prescription corticosteroids.Materials and methodsThirty outpatients given systemic corticosteroid therapy for asthma were randomized to either levetiracetam (1500 mg/day) or placebo given concurrently with the corticosteroids. Mood was assessed with the Hamilton rating scale for depression (HRSD), Young mania rating scale (YMRS) and activation (ACT) subscale of the internal state scale, declarative memory with the Rey auditory verbal learning test (RAVLT), and attention and executive functioning with the Stroop color and word test at baseline and after approximately 7 days of corticosteroid plus levetiracetam or placebo therapy.ResultsLevetiracetam and placebo groups showed significant improvement from baseline to exit on RAVLT total words recalled with a non-significant change on other outcomes. No significant between-group differences were found. initial prednisone dose showed a significant correlation with change in some cognitive domains.ConclusionsLevetiracetam was well tolerated when combined with prednisone. Significant between-group differences in mood and cognition were not found.
Obstetric fistula: Clinical considerations in the creation of a new urethra and the management of a subsequent pregnancy
Authors: Browning A. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe paper presents two case studies to illustrate the complexity of repairing obstetric fistula (OF) with neourethral construction when complete circumferential destruction occurred. Using fictitious names, the author describes the personal story and contexts leading to OF development and depression, surgical options, and the prognosis of repair. These cases were documented at the Barhirdar Hamlin Fistula Center in Northern Ethiopia.
Complications of treatment of obstetric fistula in the developing world: Gynatresia, urinary incontinence, and urinary diversion
Authors: Gutman R.E. , Dodson J.L. , Mostwin J.L. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjective: To provide a comprehensive review of the pathophysiology, evaluation, and treatment of gynatresia and urinary incontinence, 2 conditions that can arise following the repair of obstetric fistulas. The article discusses relevant issues with respect to urinary diversion in the treatment of obstetrical fistula and associated urinary incontinence. Methods: A review was conducted of the existing literature and of the expert recommendations issued at the Gates Institute fistula meeting held in July 2005 at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Results: Gynatresia and urinary incontinence develop in approximately 10% and 16% of patients, respectively, after the first repair. Urinary diversion may be necessary when fistulas cannot be closed vaginally or in cases of severe urinary incontinence following successful closure. Gynatresia, urinary incontinence, and urinary diversion are all associated with morbidity, and they require surgical and nonsurgical expertise for proper management. Conclusions: Closing the anatomical fistula is not always sufficient, and treatment paradigms must shift toward the prevention and repair of gynatresia and urinary incontinence at the time of the primary operation.
ETHNICITY AND NATIONALISM IN URBAN COLONIAL ZIMBABWE: BULAWAYO, 1950 TO 1963
Authors: MSINDO ENOCENT 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTZimbabwean historians have not yet fully assessed the interaction of two problematic identities, ethnicity and nationalism, to determine whether the two can work as partners and successfully co-exist. This essay argues that, in Bulawayo during the period studied, ethnicity co-existed with and complemented nationalism rather than the two working as polar opposite identities. Ethnic groups provided both the required leaders who became prominent nationalist figures and the precolonial history, personalities and monuments that sparked the nationalist imagination. From the 1950s, ethnic groups expanded their horizons and provided platforms from which emerging African nationalists launched their agenda. Understanding these interrelationships will reshape our understanding of the workings of these two identities in a cosmopolitan town.
CYCLICAL HISTORY IN THE GAMBIA/CASAMANCE BORDERLANDS: REFUGE, SETTLEMENT AND ISLAM FROM c. 1880 TO THE PRESENT
Authors: NUGENT PAUL 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTThis article begins with a quotation from a local informant highlighting a perception in the Gambia/Casamance borderlands that there is a pattern linking the violence of the later nineteenth century with more recent troubles. It argues that there is some merit in this thesis, which is encapsulated in a concatenation of events: systematic raiding by Fodé Sylla led to the creation of a relatively depopulated colonial border zone which was later filled by Jola immigrants from Buluf to the southeast. In the perception of some, it is these immigrants who attracted the MFDC rebels. Mandinkas and Jolas of Fogny Jabankunda and Narang, and Karoninkas from the islands of Karone have therefore been largely unreceptive to appeals to Casamance nationalism. The article also argues that there are more twisted historical connections. Whereas in the later nineteenth century, the Jolas associated Islam with violent enslavement, they later converted en masse. Their attitude towards Fodé Sylla remained negative, whilst the Mauritanian marabout, Cheikh Mahfoudz, was credited with the introduction of a pacific form of Islam that valorized hard work and legitimated physical migration. This legacy has posed a further barrier to militant nationalism. Islam and violence remain linked, but the signs have been reversed.
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Detection of Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureus:Impact on Nosocomial Transmission and Costs
Authors: Conterno L. O. , Shymanski J. , Ramotar K. , Toye B. , van Walraven C. , Coyle D. , Roth V. R. 
Published: September 2007

Objectives.To assess the impact of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) on nosocomial transmission and costs.Design.Monthly MRSA detection rates were measured from April 1, 2000, through December 31, 2005. Time series analysis was used to identify changes in MRSA detection rates, and decision analysis was used to compare the costs of detection by PCR and by culture.Setting.A 1,200-bed, tertiary care hospital in Canada.Patients.Admitted patients at high risk for MRSA colonization. MRSA detection using culture-based screening was compared with a commercial PCR assay.Results.The mean monthly incidence of nosocomial MRSA colonization or infection was 0.37 cases per 1,000 patient-days. The time-series model indicated an insignificant decrease of 0.14 cases per 1,000 patient-days per month (95% confidence interval, —0.18 to 0.46) after the introduction of PCR detection (P= .39). The mean interval from a reported positive result until contact precautions were initiated decreased from 3.8 to 1.6 days (P<.001). However, the cost of MRSA control increased from Can$605,034 to Can$771,609. Of 290 PCR-positive patients, 120 (41.4%) were placed under contact precautions unnecessarily because of low specificity of the PCR assay used in the study; these patients contributed 37% of the increased cost. The modeling study predicted that the cost per patient would be higher with detection by PCR (Can$96) than by culture (Can$67).Conclusion.Detection of MRSA by the PCR assay evaluated in this study was more costly than detection by culture for reducing MRSA transmission in our hospital. The cost benefit of screening by PCR varies according to incidences of MRSA colonization and infection, the predictive values of the assay used, and rates of compliance with infection control measures.
Decreasing Airborne Contamination Levels in High-Risk Hospital Areas Using a Novel Mobile Air-Treatment Unit
Authors: Bergeron V. , Reboux G. , Poirot J. L. , Laudinet N. 
Published: September 2007

Objective.To evaluate the performance of a new mobile air-treatment unit that uses nonthermal-plasma reactors for lowering the airborne bioburden in critical hospital environments and reducing the risk of nosocomial infection due to opportunistic airborne pathogens, such asAspergillus fumigatus.Methods.Tests were conducted in 2 different high-risk hospital areas: an operating room under simulated conditions and rooms hosting patients in a pediatric hematology ward. Operating room testing provided performance evaluations of removal rates for airborne contamination (ie, particles larger than 0.5μm) and overall lowering of the airborne bioburden (ie, colony-forming units of total mesophilic flora and fungal flora per cubic meter of air). In the hematology service, opportunistic and nonpathogenic airborne fungal levels in a patient's room equipped with an air-treatment unit were compared to those in a control room.Results.In an operating room with a volume of 118 m3, the time required to lower the concentration of airborne particles larger than 0.5μm by 90% was decreased from 12 minutes with the existing high-efficiency particulate air filtration system to less than 2 minutes with the units tested, with a 2-log decrease in the steady-state levels of such particles (P<.01). Concurrently, total airborne mesophilic flora concentrations dropped by a factor of 2, and the concentrations of fungal species were reduced to undetectable levels (P<.01). The 12-day test period in the hematology ward revealed a significant reduction in airborne fungus levels (P<.01), with average reductions of 75% for opportunistic species and 82% for nonpathogenic species.Conclusion.Our data indicate that the mobile, nonthermal-plasma air treatment unit tested in this study can rapidly reduce the levels of airborne particles and significantly lower the airborne bioburden in high-risk hospital environments.