bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laryngeal Inflammation Assessed using the Reflux Finding Score in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Payne Richard J. , Kost Karen M. , Frenkiel Saul , Zeitouni Anthony G. , Sejean George , Sweet Robert C. , Naor Naftaly , Hernandez Lourdes , Kimoff R. John 
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the relationships between laryngeal inflammation assessed using the Reflux Finding Score (RFS), laryngeal sensory function, and apnea severity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).METHODSEndoscopic sensory testing (EST) was performed with subsequent blinded scoring from video of RFS. An RFS > 7 was indicative of increased inflammatory change.RESULTSOf 34 patients evaluated, 29 had OSA (apneahypopnea index [AHI] ≥ 15 events/h) at polysomnography. Increased inflammation was present in 26/29 (90%), with changes suggestive of laryngopharyngeal reflux. There were significant correlations between: inflammation and OSA severity (eg, RFS vs AHI, r = 0.57, P < 0.001); inflammation and laryngeal sensory impairment (EST detection threshold and pressure required to elicit the laryngeal adductor reflex, LAR); and the degree of sensory impairment and OSA severity.CONCLUSIONSLaryngeal inflammation is prevalent among OSA patients and correlates with laryngeal sensory dysfunction, attenuation of the LAR, and apnea severity.EBM rating: C‐4
Helicobacter Pylori: A Possible Association with Otitis Media with Effusion
Authors: Yilmaz Taner , Ceylan Mehmet , Akyün Yakut , Özçakýr Olcay , Gürsel Bülent 
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVEEvaluate possible role of Helicobacter Pylori in pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion (OME).STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGRandomized controlled trial, tertiary referral center.STUDY GROUPMiddle ear fluid was aspirated, a biopsy was taken from the promontorium of 22 children with OME.CONTROL GROUPA small biopsy was taken from the promontorium of 20 children with normal otologic findings. For both groups, 5 mm deep tissue specimens were obtained from tonsil and adenoid.RESULTSH pylori presence in the middle ear, the tonsillar and adenoid tissues by culture and PCR was significantly more frequent in the study group compared to the control group (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONSThis study is the first to grow H pylori in middle ear in OME. Significantly increased colonization by H pylori of the middle ear, and tonsillar and adenoid tissue in patients with OME indicates that the bacteria might be involved in the pathogenesis of OME.EBM rating: A‐1b
Predictive value of magnetic resonance imaging signal and contrast-enhancement characteristics on post-embolization volume reduction of uterine fibroids
Authors: Harman M. , ZeteroĞlu Ş. , Arslan H. , Şengül M. , Etlik Ö. 
Published: May 2006

Purpose: To assess the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal and contrast-enhancement features of uterine fibroids before and after embolization, and to determine whether or not there are pre-embolization MRI characteristics that predict the volume reduction of fibroids. Material and Methods: Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) was carried out in 28 fibroids of 20 patients, all of whom were symptomatic. The patients were prospectively evaluated with T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and gadolinium-enhanced T1 MRI sequences before and 6 months after embolization. The relationship between the characteristics of MRI signal and contrast-enhancement features of fibroids before the procedure and the change in size of the lesions after treatment was investigated. Results: Before embolization, the mean volume of fibroids was 123 cm3 (8–560 cm3). The decrease rate in fibroid volumes was 44.6% (range 7–70%) 6 months after embolization. Volume reduction was more prominent in fibroids that had a high signal intensity on T2-weighted images and a marked contrast enhancement on T1-weighted images ( P<0.001). However, the volume reduction was insufficient in fibroids with high signal characteristics on pre-contrast T1-weighted images ( P<0.001). Conclusion: MRI is an effective method for revealing size and signal changes of fibroids after embolization. MRI signal characteristics and the contrast-enhancement pattern of fibroids before embolization can predict tumor volume reduction after embolization.
Correlation of magnetic resonance imaging findings with hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime brain single photon emission computed tomography in ischemic stroke patients in the subacute stage
Authors: Kireşi D. , Taştekin G. , Cengiz Ş. L. , Üstün M. E. , Yürüten B. 
Published: May 2006

Purpose: To evaluate the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and 99mTc-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (HMPAO) brain single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) during the subacute stage in ischemic stroke patients. Material and Methods: The T1 and T2-weighted images and brain SPECT findings of 84 patients (mean age 60.69±12.47 years) with subacute cerebral ischemia during the period 1998–2004 were reviewed. All HMPAO SPECT and MRI studies were performed between 3 and 7 days (mean time delay 4.76±1.29 days) after the onset of stroke symptoms. Results: An ischemic lesion was seen both in T1 and T2-weighted images with perfusion defects above 60% (severe defect) according to count/pixel data of the lesion in HMPAO SPECT studies in 30 (90.9%) of 33 patients. Otherwise, the ischemic lesion was seen only on T2-weighted images with perfusion defects between 30% and 60% (moderate defect) in HMPAO SPECT studies in 25 (89.3%) of 28 patients. In 20 (87%) of 23 patients who had perfusion defects below 30% (mild defect) on HMPAO SPECT, only non-specific findings such as cerebral atrophy and/or periventricular ischemic-gliotic lesions could be seen in MRI. The difference between these ratios was statistically significant ( P<0.01). Conclusion: Brain 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT findings indicate good correlation with MRI findings. When the ischemic lesions could be seen in both T1 and T2-weighted images, the patients frequently had severe perfusion defects. When only seen in T2-weighted images, the perfusion defect was moderate. When only non-specific findings were revealed by MRI, only mild perfusion defects were found by SPECT.
Delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (dGEMRIC) of hip joint cartilage: better cartilage delineation after intra-articular than intravenous gadolinium injection
Authors: Boesen M. , Jensen K. E. , Qvistgaard E. , Danneskiold-SamsØe B. , Thomsen C. , Østergaard M. , Bliddal H. 
Published: May 2006

Purpose: To investigate and compare delayed gadolinium (Gd-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cartilage (dGEMRIC) in the hip joint using intravenous (i.v.) or ultrasound-guided intra-articular (i.a.) Gd-DTPA injection. Material and Methods: In 10 patients (50% males, mean age 58 years) with clinical and radiographic hip osteoarthritis (OA; Kellgren score II–III), MRI of the hip was performed twice on a clinical 1.5T MR scanner: On day 1, before and 90–180 min after 0.3 mmol/kg body weight i.v. Gd-DTPA and, on day 8, 90–180 min after ultrasound-guided i.a. injection of a 4 mmol/l Gd-DTPA solution. Coronal STIR, coronal T1 fat-saturated spin-echo, and a cartilage-sensitive gradient-echo sequence (3D T1 SPGR) in the sagittal plane were applied. Results: Both the post-i.v. and post-i.a. Gd-DTPA images showed significantly higher signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise (CNR) in the joint cartilage compared to the non-enhanced images ( P<0.002). I.a. Gd-DTPA provided significantly higher SNR and CNR compared to i.v. Gd-DTPA ( P<0.01). Furthermore, a better delineation of the cartilage in the synovial/cartilage zone and of the chondral/subchondral border was observed. Conclusion: The dGEMRIC MRI method markedly improved delineation of hip joint cartilage compared to non-enhanced MRI. The i.a. Gd-DTPA provided the best cartilage delineation. dGEMRIC is a clinically applicable MRI method that may improve identification of early subtle cartilage damage and the accuracy of volume measurements of hip joint cartilage.
Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of brainstem volumes, plaques, and surface area in the occipital regions of patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Alper F. , Kantarci M. , Altunkaynak E. , Varoglu A. O. , Karaman A. , Oral E. , Okur A. 
Published: May 2006

Purpose: To determine brainstem volumes, number of plaques, and surface areas in the occipital lobes of patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS), and to investigate whether there is any correlation between brainstem volume and the number/surface areas of plaque in the occipital lobes. Material and Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging was obtained on 14 relapsing-remitting (RR) and 13 secondary progressive (SP) MS patients and 26 female control subjects. The Cavalieri method was used by modern design stereology to measure brainstem volume. The point-counting grid was used to evaluate sclerotic plaque surface areas in the occipital lobe. The number of plaques in the imaging section was calculated. Results: Brainstem volumes for RR and SP with multiple sclerosis and control subjects were 3647 mm3, 3515 mm3, and 4517 mm3, respectively. Mean number of plaques in the right-left occipital lobe was found to be 2.7–3.4 in RR-MS and 5.2–2.8 in SP-MS. Mean plaque surface area in the right-left occipital lobe was determined to be 58.52–88.24 mm2 in RR MS and 124.3–64.82 mm2 in SP MS. Brainstem volumes were significantly reduced in both groups of patients with MS compared to controls ( P<0.01). Conclusion: Magnetic-resonance-estimated volume and surface area values in multiple sclerosis may facilitate our understanding of the clinical situation of patients and provide a simple index for evaluating therapeutic efficiency.
Phylogenetic analysis of Sicilian goats reveals a new mtDNA lineage
Authors: Sardina M. T. , Ballester M. , Marmi J. , Finocchiaro R. , Van Kaam J. B. C. H. M. , Portolano B. , Folch J. M. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryThe mitochondrial hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) sequence of 67 goats belonging to the Girgentana, Maltese and Derivata di Siria breeds was partially sequenced in order to present the first phylogenetic characterization of Sicilian goat breeds. These sequences were compared with published sequences of Indian and Pakistani domestic goats and wild goats. Mitochondrial lineage A was observed in most of the Sicilian goats. However, three Girgentana haplotypes were highly divergent from the Capra hircus clade, indicating that a new mtDNA lineage in domestic goats was found.
Safe adoptive transfer of virus‐specific T‐cell immunity for the treatment of systemic adenovirus infection after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Feuchtinger Tobias , Matthes‐Martin Susanne , Richard Celine , Lion Thomas , Fuhrer Monika , Hamprecht Klaus , Handgretinger Rupert , Peters Christina , Schuster Friedhelm R. , Beck Robert , Schumm Michael , Lotfi Ramin , Jahn Gerhard , Lang Peter 
Published: May 2006

SummaryDuring periods of immunosuppression, such as postallogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT), patients are at significant risk for severe viral infections. Human adenovirus (HAdV) infection is a serious complication post‐SCT, especially in children. Virus‐specific T cells are essential for the clearance of HAdV, as antiviral chemotherapy has revealed limited success. We present feasibility data for a new treatment option using virus‐specific donor T cells for adoptive transfer of immunity to patients with HAdV‐infection/reactivation. Virus‐specific donor T cells were isolated and infused into nine children with systemic HAdV infection after SCT. Isolation was based on γ‐interferon (IFN‐γ) secretion after short in vitro stimulation with viral antigen, resulting in a combination of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. 1·2–50 × 103/kg T cells were infused for adoptive transfer. Isolated cells showed high specificity and markedly reduced alloreactivity in vitro. Adoptive transfer of HAdV‐specific immunity was successful in five of six evaluable patients, documented by a dose‐independent and sustained in vivo expansion of HAdV‐specific T cells, associated with a durable clearance/decrease of viral copies. T‐cell infusion was well tolerated in all nine patients, except one case with graft‐versus‐host disease II of the skin. In conclusion, induction of a specific T‐cell response through adoptive transfer was feasible and effective. When performed early in the course of infection, adoptive T‐cell transfer may protect from HAdV‐related complications.
Regulatory mechanisms of immunoglobulin E synthesis by human B cells
Authors: Yanagihara Y. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryProduction of antigen‐specific IgE antibodies by B cells contributes to induction and maintenance of allergic inflammation. Antibody diversity is acquired through V (variable)–D (diversity)–J (joining) recombination, which is mediated by the products of recombination‐activating gene (RAG)‐1 and RAG‐2 during the early stages of B cell development. IgE isotype specificity is determined in mature B cells by IL‐4 and IL‐13 and acquired through class switch recombination (CSR), which is induced by three members of the TNF superfamily. CD40 ligand (CD40L) expressed by Th2 cells induces T cell‐dependent CSR, whereas B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) and a proliferation‐inducing ligand (APRIL) expressed by dendritic cells induce T cell‐independent CSR. CD40L, BLyS, and APRIL collaborate with IL‐4 and IL‐13 to induce expression of activation‐induced cytidine deaminase (AID), essential for CSR and somatic hypermutation (SHM), and to perform DNA excision and ligation required for IgE class switching. RAG‐1 and RAG‐2 expression is also inducible only in the presence of IL‐4 by CD40L, BLyS, and APRIL. Thus IL‐4, unlike IL‐13, is effective for inducing RAG expression despite many overlapping activities of these cytokines. RAG products expressed by mature B cells are involved in secondary V(D)J recombination, termed receptor revision. Given that receptor revision contributes to affinity maturation in a fashion different from SHM, it is suggested that IgE antibodies induced by IL‐4 may have higher affinity than those induced by IL‐13.
Effectiveness of acupuncture for migraine: critical literature review
Authors: Griggs Chloe , Jensen Jan 
Published: May 2006

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to evaluate previous research studies on acupuncture for migraine with reference to the Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture guidelines.Background.  It is estimated that around 2–15% of the world's population are affected by migraine headaches. Thirteen per cent of adults in the United Kingdom suffer with chronic pain, migraine headaches accounting for 7% of cases. Migraine pain relief is grounded in pharmacology. Acupuncture for migraine has been widely researched. However, inconsistent and low quality results have been produced. Recently, published Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Randomized Trials of Acupuncture guidelines recommend important information that must be included in research in order to be valid and reliable.Methods.  Searches were conducted between September 2003 and May 2004 using the Ovid Medline 1966–2004, British Medical Journal, Blackwell Synergy, Science Direct, The Lancet and Cochrane Library Issue 1 databases. Searches were limited to the previous 20 years and to publications in the English language only.Findings.  Thirteen randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria and were critically reviewed for methodological quality, reporting of acupuncture needling details, practitioner background, control interventions and use of a diagnostic criterion. Findings agreed with previous literature reviews that the majority of studies of acupuncture for migraine research are of poor quality, with conflicting results. Few studies met the criteria of the Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture recommendations. Overall, the quality of research in this area must be questioned.Conclusions.  In the light of these findings, practitioners may face a dilemma when considering the use of acupuncture for migraine. Therefore, large, high quality randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for migraine are needed. Until better quality research is published, with verification of the benefits of acupuncture for migraine, provision of this alternative therapy should not be expanded or withdrawn.
Relational conversation as method for creating partnerships: pilot study
Authors: Leenerts Mary Hobbs , Teel Cynthia S. 
Published: May 2006

Aim. This paper reports a pilot study testing the intervention, Self‐Care TALK, whose aim was to describe communication skills used by an advanced practice nurse to create partnerships with caregivers. The communication process and examples of skills used in creating partnerships are described.Background. Decades of exploring nurse–client relationships provide a knowledge base for describing a structure and process for building partnerships. Self‐Care TALK functions as a vehicle for an education and support partnership. Self‐Care TALK, a theory‐derived intervention, is based on the Self‐Care for Health Promotion in Aging model. Implementation of the intervention was evaluated in a pilot study in 2003, with older spouse caregivers of persons with early dementia.Methods. Pilot testing of Self‐Care TALK followed Lichstein's criteria of tracking three phases of intervention: delivery, receipt and enactment. Henson's communication elements for establishing partnership relationships provided a guide for advanced practice nurse communication. Self‐Care TALK was delivered during six phone conversations with caregivers for a total of 36 phone conversations. All phone conversations were audiotape recorded. Field notes were taken during each conversation. Data analysis followed a qualitative descriptive process of comparative analysis in which communication skills were compared across conversations. Categories of skills were named based on communication elements that dominated the category. Communication skills were compared to literature addressing communication and nurse–client partnerships.Findings. Communication examples described the structure for interaction (Self‐Care TALK protocol), process of interaction (relational conversation) and caregiver identified outcomes (intentions to enact self‐care).Conclusion. Conversations to create partnerships depended on one theme: language that supported relational conversation. Four communication skills illustrated the how of relational conversation: listening with intent, affirming emotions, creating relational images, and planning enactment.
Low back problems and possible improvements in nursing jobs
Authors: Vieira Edgar Ramos , Kumar Shrawan , Coury Helenice J.C.G. , Narayan Yogesh 
Published: May 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study that aimed to evaluate the workload, to identify problems leading to the higher incidence rate of work‐related low back injury among nurses in the orthopaedic and intensive care unit departments of the hospital, and to gather information about improvements that the nurses would like in the workplace.Background.  The literature shows that low back injuries are common among nurses, and intervention programmes are needed to address this problem.Method.  The hospital injury records were examined in a retrospective study. In addition, a validated questionnaire was administered between January and May 2005 to 47 nurses (23 orthopaedic and 24 intensive care nurses). The questionnaire contained questions on workload, history of back injuries, problems, possible solutions and psychophysical measures of exertion.Findings.  The life‐time incidence and point prevalence of low back pain were 65% and 30%, respectively, in orthopaedic nurses, and 58% and 25%, respectively, in the intensive care nurses. The mean weight handled was reported to be 47 ± 30 kg by the orthopaedic nurses and 26 ± 10 kg by the intensive care nurses. The low back scored highest for body‐part discomfort – 4·6 and 4·0, respectively, on a 10‐point scale. The rate of perceived job exertion was 6·7 ± 1·8 (very strong), and 5·8 ± 1·9 (strong) on Borg's 10‐point scale. The total effort required by the job, rated on Visual Analogue Scales, was 67 ± 14% and 68 ± 15% of the maximum, respectively. The Borg scores and the total effort according to the Visual Analogue Scale, and the Borg scores and force effort on the Visual Analogue Scale were moderately correlated (r = 0·53, P < 0·01 for both comparisons).Conclusion.  The methodology proposed here is practical for job evaluation and to design a participatory ergonomic intervention aiming at reducing low back injuries in nursing jobs. There are workload differences between nursing jobs. Lifting devices, biomechanical training, bigger rooms, adequate set‐up and additional staff are suggested improvements.
Testing a classification model for emergency department errors
Authors: Henneman Elizabeth A , Blank Fidela S.J , Gattasso Sandra , Williamson Katherine , Henneman Philip L. 
Published: May 2006

Aim.  This paper presents an evaluation of the Eindhoven Classification Model for categorizing healthcare errors.Background.  The ability to decrease healthcare errors will depend on an understanding of the types and patterns of error that occur in various settings. Research addressing the systematic classification of error is in its infancy.Methods.  The sample for this study was two existing sets of healthcare error reports obtained from the emergency department of a regional trauma center. Study data were collected in the summer of 2001 and 2002. The errors in these reports were categorized using a coding tool based on the Eindhoven Classification Model. In addition to testing for inter‐rater reliability, the classification model was also evaluated for the number of unclassifiable errors and of categories never selected by the raters (not useful to the error classification model).Results.  Our findings of poor inter‐rater reliability, large numbers of unclassifiable errors and categories not selected, suggest that the Eindhoven Classification Model, in its current form, cannot be applied to categorizing healthcare errors in an emergency department setting.Conclusions.  Further study is needed to develop and test error categorization models for use in emergency departments and other healthcare settings.