bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Importance of the echocardiographic evaluation of right ventricular function in patients with AL amyloidosis
Authors: Ghio Stefano , Perlini Stefano , Palladini Giovanni , Marsan Nina Ajmone , Faggiano Giovanna , Vezzoli Monia , Klersy Catherine , Campana Carlo , Merlini Giampaolo , Tavazzi Luigi 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackgroundPatients with AL amyloidosis often present with signs of congestive heart failure.AimThis study was prospectively designed to assess the significance of RV dysfunction in AL amyloidosis.Methods and resultsSeventy‐four patients with biopsy proven AL amyloidosis underwent a thorough echocardiographic evaluation. A tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) <17 mm was taken as marker of RV dysfunction. Plasma NT‐proBNP determinations were performed in all cases. RV function was normal in 60 patients and reduced in 14 patients. Patients with RV dysfunction had thicker left ventricular (LV) walls (p<0.01), lower LV end‐diastolic volumes (p<0.01), lower LV ejection fraction (p<0.01) and more frequently a restrictive LV filling pattern (p<0.01). RV dimensions and RV free wall thickness were not significantly different in the two groups. A thick interventricular septum and a reduced TAPSE were associated with high NT‐proBNP levels (both p<0.01). Seven patients died during a median follow‐up period of 19 months; TAPSE <17 mm was the only echocardiographic parameter associated with poor survival.ConclusionIn patients with AL amyloidosis, RV dysfunction is associated with more severe involvement of the left ventricle, higher plasma levels of NT‐proBNP and with poor prognosis.
Decreased cardiac output, venous congestion and the association with renal impairment in patients with cardiac dysfunction
Authors: Damman Kevin , Navis Gerjan , Smilde Tom D.J. , Voors Adriaan A. , van der Bij Wim , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Hillege Hans L. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackgroundRenal failure in heart failure is related to decreased cardiac output. However, little is known about its association with venous congestion.AimsTo investigate the relationship between venous congestion and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients with cardiac dysfunction.Methods and resultsRight atrial pressure (RAP) and cardiac index (CI) were determined by right heart catheterisation in 51 patients with cardiac dysfunction, secondary to pulmonary hypertension. GFR and renal blood flow (RBF) were measured as 125I‐Iothalamate and 131I‐Hippuran clearances, respectively. Mean age was 40±11 years and 69% of patients were female. GFR was 73±19 ml/min/1.73 m2 with a CI of 2.1±0.7 l/min/m2. In multivariate analysis, RBF (r=0.664, p<0.001) and RAP (r<0.367, p=0.020) were independently associated with GFR. In patients in the lower ranges of RBF, venous congestion was an important determinant of renal function.ConclusionRBF is the main factor determining GFR in patients with cardiac dysfunction. Venous congestion, characterised by an increased RAP, adjusted for RBF is also related to GFR. Treatment to preserve GFR should not only focus on improvement of renal perfusion, but also on decreasing venous congestion.
Routine postpartum ultrasonography in the prediction of puerperal uterine complications
Authors: Shaamash A.H. , Ahmed A.G.M. , Abdel Latef M.M. , Abdullah S.A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectives: To determine whether there is a relationship between the findings of routine postpartum ultrasonographic scanning and puerperal uterine complications such as heavy delayed postpartum hemorrhage, retained products of conception, and need for uterine curettage; and to estimate the value of both routine ultrasonographic scanning and clinical data in the prediction of these complications. Methods: In this cohort study 265 women were examined ultrasonographically on postpartum Days 1, 14, 42 following uncomplicated vaginal or cesarean deliveries. They were divided into a low‐risk (n =149) and a high‐risk (n =116) group according to predefined risk factors for puerperal uterine complications. The ultrasonographic findings were dichotomized into no masses (endometrial strip, endometrial fluid, or hyperechoic foci) or a definite intrauterine echogenic/heterogeneous mass (IUM, > 15 mm in diameter). Results: The presence of risk factor(s) was significantly associated with uterine subinvolution, IUM, heavy delayed postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), and a need for uterine curettage. Multivariable logistic regression analysis for the risk factor(s) that can predict the occurrence of heavy delayed PPH showed that the presence of an IUM was the most predictive variable. The presence of an IUM and heavy delayed PPH predicted uterine curettage in 61.3% and 37.5% of patients, respectively. Conclusion: Routine uterine scanning on Day 1 and Day 14 postpartum is an easy, inexpensive, valuable method that can be offered to women at high risk for delayed PPH due to subinvolution or the presence of an IUM. Accordingly, it may be predicted which women will benefit from uterine curettage in up to two‐thirds of cases.
Maternal serum highly sensitive C‐reactive protein in normal pregnancy and pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Hwang H.S. , Kwon J.Y. , Kim M.A. , Park Y.W. , Kim Y.H. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective: To establish reference values for highly sensitive C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) in normal pregnancy and determine whether disease severity could be predicted by serum hsCRP concentration in women with severe pre‐eclampsia (PE). Methods: Blood samples were collected from 25 pregnant women with severe PE and 202 healthy pregnant women who were divided into 4 groups by pregnancy duration. Levels of hsCRP were determined by the immunonephelometric method. Mean arterial pressure, time between delivery and diuresis, and mean ratio of systolic to diastolic blood flow velocity in uterine arteries were used as indicators of the severity of PE. Results: The median values of hsCRP in each group were 0.76 mg/L (0.16–13.61 mg/L), 1.53 mg/L (0.39–20.31 mg/L), 2.08 mg/L (0.50–9.45 mg/L), and 2.28 mg/L (0.44–8.11 mg/L) and showed a trend toward increase. Serum levels of hsCRP were positively correlated with each severity indicator of PE. Conclusions: This study showed that hsCRP levels were positively correlated to pregnancy duration in healthy women and could be used as a severity marker in women with severe PE.
Reduced plasma adiponectin and elevated leptin in pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Ouyang Yanqiong , Chen Hanping , Chen Huizhen 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective: To clarify the role of adipocytokine, adiponectin, and leptin in the pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia (PE) and determine the relationships between plasma adiponectin and leptin levels. Method: A total of 73 women in the third trimester of pregnancy were recruited, 53 women with PE (study patients) and 20 age‐ and BMI‐matched normotensive women (healthy controls). They were divided into 3 groups: the 20 normotensive pregnant women (group 1); 32 women with mild pre‐eclampsia (group 2); and 21 women with severe pre‐eclampsia (group 3). The plasma levels of adiponectin and leptin are measured simultaneously and their correlation and balance were evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Compared with controls, levels of adiponectin were significantly lower in women with mild or severe PE (P < 0.01 for both groups) whereas levels of leptin were significantly higher in women with mild or severe PE (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). There was a negative correlation between plasma levels of adiponectin and leptin in pre‐eclamptic women (r = − 0.76, P < 0.01). Moreover, the adiponectin level to leptin level ratio was significantly lower in pre‐eclamptic women than that in healthy controls (P < 0.01). In the pre‐eclamptic women serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly increased (P < 0.01 for all), while high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly decreased compared to levels in normotensive pregnant women (P < 0.01). Conclusions: These findings suggest that there is an imbalance between adiponectin and leptin in the plasma of pre‐eclamptic women. Reduced adiponectin and elevated leptin levels may be involved in the pathogenesis of PE and associated with the development of severe disease.
Doppler assessment of uterine blood flow in recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Ferreira A.M. , Pires C.R. , Moron A.F. , Araujo E. , Traina E. , Mattar R. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective: To compare uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) and flow velocity wave (FVW) patterns between women with no history of abortion and women with recurrent pregnancy loss of unexplained cause. Method: A cross‐sectional study was conducted with 43 women with recurrent pregnancy loss and 43 women with no history of abortion and at least 1 child born at term (control group). Transvaginal ultrasonography with uterine artery Doppler evaluation was performed in the second phase of the menstrual cycle to calculate the PI and analyze the FVW pattern. Results: The women with recurrent pregnancy loss had a significantly higher uterine artery PI than those in the control group (2.71 ± 0.54 and 2.30 ± 0.44, respectively), as well as a higher incidence of FVWs of the A and B types. Conclusion: Compared with the control group, a higher PI and a higher incidence of FVW of the A and B types—and thus a higher uterine artery impedance—were found among women with recurrent pregnancy loss.
Low first‐trimester hemoglobin and low birth weight, preterm birth and small for gestational age newborns
Authors: Ren A. , Wang J. , Ye R.W. , Li S. , Liu J.M. , Li Z. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective: To examine the relationship between first‐trimester hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and risk of low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth and small for gestational age (SGA). Methods: Data were obtained from a population‐based prenatal care program in China. A total of 88,149 women who delivered during 1995–2000 and had their Hb measured in the first trimester were selected as study subjects. Results: The prevalence of anemia (Hb < 110 g/L) was 22.1% in the first trimester. The risk of LBW, preterm birth and SGA was increased steadily with the decrease of first‐trimester Hb concentration. After controlling for confounding factors, women with Hb 80–99 g/L had significantly higher risk for LBW (OR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.17–1.78), preterm birth (OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.16–1.55) and SGA (OR = 1.13, 95% CI 0.98–1.31) than women with Hb 100–119 g/L. No elevated risk was noted for women with Hb ≥ 120 g/L. Conclusion: Low first‐trimester Hb concentration increases the risk of LBW, preterm birth and SGA.
Transabdominal ultrasound assessment of the fetal head and the accuracy of vacuum cup application
Authors: Wong G.Y. , Mok Y.M. , Wong S.F. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective: To investigate whether the accuracy of vacuum cup placement can be improved by intrapartum ultrasound assessment of the fetal head position during the second stage of labor prior to vacuum extraction for prolonged second stage. Methods: 50 women undergoing vacuum extraction for prolonged second stage were randomly allocated to either digital examination (n = 25) or digital examination together with transabdominal intrapartum ultrasound (n = 25) prior to vacuum extraction by the attending obstetrician. The distance between the centre of the chignon and the flexion point was then measured by a midwife immediately after delivery. The flexion point was defined as 6 cm posterior to the anterior fontanelle or 3 cm anterior to the posterior fontanelle Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the demographic data, duration of labor, incidence of induction/augmentation, and intrapartum complications between the two groups. The mean distance between the centre of the chignon and the flexion point was 2.1 +/− 1.3 cm in the group with digital examination and ultrasound assessment and 2.8 +/− 1.0 cm in the group with digital examination alone. The difference in the mean distance between the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.039).Conclusion: Intrapartum transabdominal ultrasound assessment of the fetal head position during the second stage of labor improves the accuracy of vacuum cup placement during vacuum extraction for prolonged second stage.
Supplier's involvement and success of radical new product development in new ventures
Authors: Song Michael , Di Benedetto C. Anthony 
Published: June 2007

AbstractSupplier involvement is essential to a new venture seeking to develop a radical innovation. Despite this, prior literature has not adequately addressed supplier involvement in radical innovation, nor what the antecedents to increased supplier involvement are. We build and test a conceptual model of the antecedents and new product performance outcomes of supplier involvement in the development of radical innovation by new ventures. Antecedent variables (supplier's specific investments and the new venture's qualification of the supplier's abilities) are drawn from the transaction cost analysis literature. We include new venture's relative power and new venture's level of commitment to the supplier as contingency conditions. We develop a set of hypotheses relating supplier involvement to radical innovation performance, relating the antecedent variables to supplier involvement, and also testing the interaction effects of the two contingency conditions. We gather data from both new ventures and their major suppliers for 173 recent radical innovation projects, and use hierarchical regression analysis to test our hypotheses. We find that the contingency conditions moderate achieved levels of supplier involvement, and also find a direct relationship between achieved level of involvement and performance. We conclude with theoretical contributions and managerial implications.
A replication and extension of quality management into the supply chain
Authors: Kaynak Hale , Hartley Janet L. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAs competition moves beyond a single firm into the supply chain, researchers are beginning to explore quality management (QM) in a supply chain context. The literature suggests that supply chain management (SCM) consists of internal practices, which are contained within a firm, and external practices, which cross organizational boundaries integrating a firm with its customers and suppliers. Supplier quality management and customer focus are two QM practices that are also clearly in the domain of SCM. In this study we investigate how these two supply chain management‐related quality practices lead to improved performance and examine the practices that precede and mediate those relationships. In doing so, we replicate and extend the relationships among the QM practices and their effects on firm performance suggested in Kaynak [Kaynak, H., 2003. The relationship between total quality management practices and their effects on firm performance. Journal of Operations Management 21, 405–435] using survey data gathered from firms operating in the U.S. The inclusion of customer focus and supplier quality management in the QM model supports the importance of internal and external integration for quality performance. Implications of the results for researchers and practitioners are discussed, and further research implications are suggested.
Towards an understanding of supply chain quality management
Authors: Foster S. Thomas 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn this paper, we define supply chain quality management (SCQM) to operationalize and understand the effect of increased emphasis on supply chain management on the practice of quality management. We review current research in quality management and identify common themes found in the literature. Key quality management content variables identified are customer focus, quality practices, supplier relations, leadership, HR practices, business results, and safety. We use these variables to propose areas for future research in the field of supply chain quality management.
Toward a theory of the linkages between safety and quality
Authors: Das Ajay , Pagell Mark , Behm Michael , Veltri Anthony 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe role of employee safety in supply chain performance has inexplicably been overlooked by operations management literature. With a few notable exceptions, there is no guidance in the literature for operations managers trying to understand the role that employee safety at their own or a suppliers could play in quality outcomes. This manuscript takes a first step to rectify this oversight by using cognitive dissonance theory to build a series of propositions that link safety perceptions to quality outcomes. Empirical tests of these propositions provide initial evidence that safety does indeed contribute to quality outcomes in the supply chain.
An examination of ISO 9000:2000 and supply chain quality assurance
Authors: Sroufe Robert , Curkovic Sime 
Published: June 2007

AbstractISO 9000:2000 is the latest version of the quality standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The standard aims to evaluate a firm's ability to effectively design, produce, and deliver quality products and services. This version of the standard tries to enhance customer satisfaction by including more top‐management involvement and continual improvement. Despite widespread international acceptance, the new standard is surrounded by controversy similar to that surrounding its predecessor, the 1994 version. The literature is clearly divided in its assessment of ISO 9000:2000, which is viewed as either a quality management (QM)‐based system or as another paper‐driven process that increases risk, uncertainty, and costs. This study utilizes case‐based research to address the competing views of the ISO 9000:2000 standard in an attempt to see if a sample of firms in the automotive industry can be positioned within the Miles and Snow [Miles, R.E., Snow, C.C., 1978. Organizational Strategy, Structure and Process. McGraw‐Hill, New York] strategic typology. We compare different amounts of quality standard integration and quality assurance in the supply chain of firms with ISO 9000:2000 registration while positing several research propositions.
Six Sigma: Definition and underlying theory⋆
Authors: Schroeder Roger G. , Linderman Kevin , Liedtke Charles , Choo Adrian S. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractSix Sigma has been gaining momentum in industry; however, academics have conducted little research on this emerging phenomenon. Understanding Six Sigma first requires providing a conceptual definition and identifying an underlying theory. In this paper we use the grounded theory approach and the scant literature available to propose an initial definition and theory of Six Sigma. Our research argues that although the tools and techniques in Six Sigma are strikingly similar to prior approaches to quality management, it provides an organizational structure not previously seen. This emergent structure for quality management helps organizations more rigorously control process improvement activities, while at the same time creating a context that enables problem exploration between disparate organizational members. Although Six Sigma provides benefits over prior approaches to quality management, it also creates new challenges for researchers and practitioners.
Spermiogenesis in two paramphistomes from Nile fish in Egypt: an ultrastructural study
Authors: Ashour A.A. , Garo K. , Gamil I.S. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe process of spermiogenesis in two paramphistomes,Sandonia sudanensisandBasidiodiscus ectorchisfrom the Nile fishSynodontis schallin Egypt was studied by transmission electron microscopy. Spermiogenesis is characterized by the outgrowth of the zone of differentiation, presenting two basal bodies separated by a microtubule organizing centre, each basal body developing into a flagellum. Proximodistal fusion of these flagella with a median cytoplasmic extension gives rise to the spermatozoon. The mature spermatozoon possesses two axonemes of the 9+‘1’ pattern typical of parasitic helminths. There are few ultrastructural studies on spermiogenesis in paramphistomes, which are considered the most primitive digenetic trematodes. The present study provides new and more detailed information on this process, including the presence of a lateral flange and external ornamentation of the cell membrane. The value of sperm ultrastructure as a taxonomic tool in phylogeny is also discussed.
Multiple infection diagnosis of intestinal helminthiasis in the assessment of health and environmental effect of development projects in Nigeria
Authors: Ugbomoiko U.S. , Ofoezie I.E. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractPatterns of intestinal helminth infections among school-aged children have been assessed in Eko-ende and Ore, as part of an overall assessment of the public health impact of Erinle Dam Reservoir in Osun State, Nigeria. The investigation was carried out between January and May 2005 using the Kato Katz thick smear technique and simple questionnaire for information on the bio-data, knowledge, attitude and practice of individuals towards disease transmission and control.Ascaris lumbricoides,hookworm,Trichuris trichiura, Taeniaspp.,Strongyloides stercoralisandSchistosoma mansoniwere recovered at an overall prevalence of 78.3% among 309 children examined.Ascaris lumbricoides,hookworm,T. trichiuraandS. mansoniwere the most common infections whileS. stercoralisandTaeniaspp. were found only among a few children. Infection patterns of the common diseases were age-specific with peaks in the 11–15 age bracket. Children not attending school were significantly (P < 0.05) more at risk of infection than those attending school. Multiple infections were pronounced with over 54% double infections and 6% four parasites or more infections. The need for urgent intervention to arrest the obviously serious public health situation attributable to Erinle Dam is emphasized.
Inequitable distribution of implantable cardioverter defibrillators in Ontario
Authors: Udell Jacob A. , Juurlink David N. , Kopp Alexander , Lee Douglas S. , Tu Jack V. , Mamdani Muhammad M. 
Published: June 2007

Objectives:Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy reduces the risk of sudden death in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, but their novelty and cost may represent barriers to utilization. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of age, gender, place of residence, and socioeconomic status on rates of ICD implantation for the primary prevention of death.Methods:We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study involving the entire province of Ontario, Canada. Patients were eligible if they had survived following hospitalization for heart failure from 1 January 1993, to 31 March 2004, and previously sustained an acute coronary syndrome within 5 years. Patients with an existing ICD or a documented history of cardiac arrest were excluded, as were patients who died in the hospital. Primary outcome was ICD implantation.Results:We identified 48,426 patients hospitalized for heart failure who survived to hospital discharge. Of these, 440 received an ICD, with a gradual 30-fold increase in implantation rates over the study period (.12–3.9 percent). ICD recipients were more likely to be men (odds ratio [OR] = 4.14; 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 3.24–5.30), younger than 75 years of age (OR = 3.19; 95 percent CI, 2.57–3.96), reside in a metropolitan area (OR = 1.42; 95 percent CI, 1.04–1.9), and live in a higher socioeconomic neighborhood (OR = 1.32; 95 percent CI, 1.08–1.61).Conclusions:Among patients with heart failure and a previous myocardial infarction, ICD use is increasing in Ontario. However, the application of this technology is characterized by major sociodemographic inequities. The causes and consequences of the pronounced age and gender discrepancies, in particular, warrant further investigation.