bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of nurse‐led gut‐directed hypnotherapy upon health‐related quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Smith Graeme D 
Published: April 2006

Aims and objectives.  This study quantified health‐related quality of life in a group of irritable bowel syndrome patients and measures changes following a treatment programme of nurse‐led gut‐directed hypnotherapy.Background.  It is well recognized that health‐related quality of life can be severely impaired in patients suffering form the irritable bowel syndrome. Current conventional treatment for irritable bowel syndrome is often unsatisfactory. In contrast it has been shown that gut‐directed hypnotherapy is an effective treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with up to three‐quarters of patients reporting symptomatic improvement.Design/method.  Seventy‐five patients (55 females/20 males, median age 37·1 years, age range 18–64) comprised the study group. Physical symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome were recorded using seven‐day diary cards. On presentation the predominant symptoms were abdominal pain (61%), altered bowel habit (32·5%), and abdominal distension/bloating (6·5%) in the patient group. An irritable bowel syndrome quality of life questionnaire was used to define health‐related quality of life. Psychological well‐being was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Data analysis was carried out using MINITAB, Release 12 for Windows.Results.  Physical symptoms statistically improved after hypnotherapy. There were also significant statistical improvements (P < 0·001) in six of the eight health‐related quality of life domains measured (emotional, mental health, sleep, physical function, energy and social role). These improvements were most marked in female patients who reported abdominal pain as their predominant physical symptom. Anxiety and depression improved following treatment.Conclusion.  Gut‐directed hypnotherapy has a very positive impact on health‐related quality of life with improvements in psychological well‐being and physical symptoms. It appears most effective in patients with abdominal pain and distension.Relevance to clinical practice.  This study demonstrates that by integrating complementary therapies into conventional care that gastrointestinal nurses have a potential role in the management of irritable bowel syndrome.
Hybrid transcription system for controlled plastid transgene expression
Authors: Buhot Laurence , Horvàth Eva , Medgyesy Peter , Lerbs‐Mache Silva 
Published: April 2006

SummaryPlastid transformation technologies have developed rapidly over the last few years, reflecting their value in the study of the principal mechanisms of plastid gene expression and commercial interest in using plastids as bioreactors. Application of this technology is still limited by the difficulty of obtaining regulated, selective expression of plastid transgenes. The plastid genome is transcribed by two different types of RNA polymerase. One of them is of the eubacterial type of polymerase, and its subunits are encoded in the plastid genome [plastid‐encoded RNA polymerase (PEP)]. The other one is of the phage type and nucleus‐encoded [nucleus‐encoded RNA polymerase (NEP)]. To obtain selective transgene expression, we have made use of the similarities and differences between the eubacterial and the plastid eubacterial type transcription systems. We created a hybrid transcription system in which the transgene is placed under the control of a eubacterial promoter which does not exist in the plastid genome and which is not recognized by the plastid endogenous transcriptional machinery. Selective transcription of the transgene is achieved by the supply of a chimeric transcription factor that interacts with PEP and directs it specifically to the foreign eubacterial‐type transgene promoter. This hybrid transcription system could be used for biotechnological and fundamental research applications as well as in the characterization of the evolutionary differences between the eubacterial and the plastid eubacterial‐type transcription systems.
The Behavioral Significance of Male Body Size in the Tarantula Hawk Wasp Hemipepsis ustulata (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae)
Authors: Alcock John , Kemp Darrell J. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractLarge males of the tarantula hawk wasp Hemipepsis ustulata appear to have an advantage in the competition for mates. Large males are more likely to acquire perch territories used to scan for incoming receptive females and territorial males appear more likely to mate than non‐territorial males. In addition, among the males that do secure a mate, those that intercept a female on a territory are larger than those that do so elsewhere. Despite the mating advantages apparently enjoyed by larger males of this species, average male size has remained essentially constant over the last 25 yr. Moreover, larger males are not seen to employ certain competitive tactics that might otherwise enhance their reproductive success. Thus, larger males did not preferentially visit the most popular landmark territory compared to a site that attracted fewer visitors overall. Nor were larger males more likely to return to potential territories after marking, capture, and release, either immediately or on a subsequent day. Finally, although large males made up a significantly greater proportion of the males captured at two territories as the 2005 flight season progressed, over all the years of the study, receptive females have not been concentrated in the latter part of the flight seasons.
Anesthesia and Fanconi anemia: a case report and review of literature
Authors: JACOB REBECCA , VENKATESAN THIRUVENKATARAJAN 
Published: April 2006

SummaryFanconi anemia (FA) is the most frequently reported of the rare inherited bone marrow failure syndromes. It is an autosomal recessive chromosomal instability disorder, which is characterized by congenital abnormalities, defective hemopoiesis and a high risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia and certain solid tumors (1). We report the anesthetic management for a Hickman catheter insertion in a 4.5‐year‐old girl with this condition. Possible anesthetic implications in the presence of FA are discussed.
Work of breathing in anesthetized infants increases when a breathing system filter is used
Authors: BELL GRAHAM T. , MARTIN KERRYN M. , BEATON STEPHEN 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground : There are concerns that the inclusion of a pediatric heat and moisture exchange filter (HMEF) is in a breathing system may cause an unacceptable increase in the work of breathing. This study is the first study to objectively measure the increase in work of breathing in the infant population when an HMEF is added to the pediatric breathing circuit.Methods : Ten patients weighing 3–8 kg were studied in a randomized crossover trial. Work of breathing was analyzed using the integral of pressure–volume loops.Results : The median increase in the work of breathing associated with the addition of an HMEF was 279 mJ·min−1 (95% CI, 165–903 mJ·min−1). This equates with a percentage increase of 43% (95% CI, 25–138%).Conclusions : Because of the substantial increase in the work of breathing with an HMEF attached to the tracheal tube, consideration should be given to alternative means of humidification and filtration during periods of spontaneous ventilation in small infants.
Application of mark–recapture methods to lions: satisfying assumptions by using covariates to explain heterogeneity
Authors: Ogutu J. O. , Piepho H.‐P. , Dublin H. T. , Reid R. S. , Bhola N. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractAccurate estimation of wildlife population size is central to effective management and conservation but is notoriously difficult for rare and cryptic carnivores. Mark–recapture methods can reliably estimate the abundance of large carnivores but are sensitive to departures from the assumption of equal catchability, which is probable for territorial and social carnivores. We empirically analysed how pride area, age and sex, group size and pride size of lionsPanthera leoand possession of a kill affect the performance of the sight–resight method relative to concurrent total counts. We stratified the population by pride area to obtain a better sample size for reliable population size estimation, and determined the composition and size of each pride. Marking and recapture involved merely identifying and re‐identifying individual lions. The per cent of the population marked in each pride area varied from 33.3 to 100. Twenty‐six estimates of pride size for 22 different pride areas and repeat surveys in five pride areas were made between September 1990 and April 1992. The second samples involved sampling with replacement, soBailey's (1952)bias‐corrected estimator for closed populations was applied. Increasing the per cent of the population marked improved accuracy only when the number of lions marked in a pride area was at least seven. Estimates were somewhat poorer when the number marked was less than seven but improved with more markings, but no estimate of population size was biased high. Age, sex, group size, pride size and feeding events all influenced the sightability of lions. Notably, females (>1 year) were sighted or resighted in proportion to their presence in the population, whereas similarly aged males, adults or subadults fluctuated erratically about their population proportions. Sight–resight surveys of territorial and social carnivores are reliable but can be costly and time consuming.
Geographic and gender shape differences in the carapace of Liocarcinus depurator (Brachyura: Portunidae) using geometric morphometrics and the influence of a digitizing method
Authors: Rufino M. M. , Abelló P. , Yule A. B. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe current work describes the use of geometric morphometrics in the study of the portunid crab Liocarcinus depurator carapace shape variation along the Mediterranean coast of Spain. As a first step, the differences in shape induced by digitizing the carapace with either a digital camera or a flat bed scanner were investigated. Carapace shape information inferred from the camera images proved different from that obtained from the scanner images. This difference was greater than any shape variation because of crab gender or sample location. Carapace shape was analysed using multiple analysis of covariance (with centroid size as a covariate) of the partial warps and uniform components indicating differences between genders and between sample location; however, significant three‐way interaction implied that such differences were gender and location specific. Landmarks identifying carapace width, carapace length and posterior carapace width showed greatest variation; hence gender and location differences were further analysed through the interrelationships between these linear measures. Regression analysis of the relationship between posterior carapace width and the ratio of carapace width to carapace length indicated clear differences between locations but not between genders. Crabs from the Alborán Sea had proportionally wider posterior carapaces than those from Alicante or North Catalonia. This finding may represent the difference between a southern influx of an Atlantic population distinguishable from a more northerly Mediterranean one, which would be in agreement with the overall oceanographic surface circulation pattern in the western Mediterranean.
Risk Factors and Prediction of Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Hip‐Surgery Patients: Implementation and Validation of a Medical Risk Factor Model
Authors: Kalisvaart Kees J. , Vreeswijk Ralph , De Jonghe Jos F. M. , Van Der Ploeg Tjeerd , Van Gool Willem A. , Eikelenboom Piet 
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVES:To evaluate risk factors for postoperative delirium in a cohort of elderly hip‐surgery patients and to validate a medical risk stratification model.DESIGN:Prospective cohort study.SETTING:Medical school–affiliated general hospital in Alkmaar, the Netherlands.PARTICIPANTS:Six hundred three hip‐surgery patients aged 70 and older screened for risk factors for postoperative delirium.MEASUREMENTS:Predefined risk factors for delirium were assessed on admission. One point was assigned for each of four risk factors present, resulting in three groups: low, intermediate, and high risk. Baseline screening and assessment included the Mini‐Mental State Examination, the standardized Snellen test for visual impairment, chart review to determine Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, and blood urea nitrogen to creatinine ratio. The primary outcome was postoperative delirium, as defined using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, and Confusion Assessment Method criteria. All patients were screened daily for delirium.RESULTS:Incidence of delirium was 3.8% in the low‐risk group (P<.001), 11.1% in the intermediate‐risk group (P=.27, relative risk (RR)=3.0), and 37.1% in the high‐risk group (P<.001, RR=9.8). Cognitive impairment at admission had the highest predictive value for postoperative delirium (coefficient of determination=0.15). Contrary to previous findings, age was an independent predictive factor for delirium. Moreover, postoperative delirium was four times as frequent in acute patients as in elective hip‐replacement patients.CONCLUSION:The medical risk factor model is valid for elderly hip‐surgery patients. Cognitive impairment, age, and type of admission are important risk factors for delirium in this surgical population.
Recombinant factor VIIa in patients with coagulopathy secondary to anticoagulant therapy, cirrhosis, or severe traumatic injury: review of safety profile
Authors: Levy Jerrold H. , Fingerhut Abe , Brott Thomas , Langbakke Irene H. , Erhardtsen Elisabeth , Porte Robert J. 
Published: April 2006

BACKGROUND:  In recent years, the hemostatic agent recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) has emerged as a potentially new therapeutic agent for management of coagulopathy in patients with cirrhosis or following severe traumatic injury, a complex problem for clinicians in which standard treatment strategies are not always effective. As with other hemostatic agents, a primary safety concern of rFVIIa therapy is the theoretical possibility that systemic administration could confer an increased risk of thrombotic complications. So far, clinical experience indicates rFVIIa to be a safe treatment for currently approved indications within hemophilia. Little information is available, however, for patient populations outside this clinical setting.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  This article reviews critical safety data obtained from 13 Novo Nordisk–sponsored clinical trials of rFVIIa in patients with coagulopathy secondary to anticoagulant therapy, cirrhosis, or severe traumatic injury.RESULTS:  Thrombotic adverse events were reported for 5.3 percent (23/430) of placebo‐treated patients and 6.0 percent (45/748) of patients on active treatment. No significant difference was found between placebo‐treated and rFVIIa‐treated patients with respect to the incidence of thrombotic AEs, either on an individual trial basis or for these trial populations combined (p = 0.57).CONCLUSION:  An important determinant for the safety profile reported here is likely to be the specific mechanism of action of rFVIIa, shown in experimental studies to be localized to the site of vascular injury where tissue factor is exposed.
Paired in vitro and in vivo comparison of apheresis platelet concentrates stored in platelet additive solution for 1 versus 7 days
Authors: Shanwell Agneta , Diedrich Beatrice , Falker Cecilia , Jansson Berit , Sandgren Per , Sundkvist Lars , Svensson Leif , Vesterinen Mervi , Gulliksson Hans 
Published: April 2006

BACKGROUND:  To improve clinical access to platelet concentrates (PCs), prolonging the storage period is one alternative, provided that they are free from bacteria. The quality of platelets (PLTs) stored for 1 versus 7 days was compared by in vitro analyses and in vivo recovery and survival in blood donors.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Apheresis PCs from 10 donors were divided and stored in PLT additive solution in 2 equal units for a paired comparison. PLTs in one unit were 111In‐labeled at 1 day of storage, and PLTs in the other unit were labeled after 7 days of storage. PLTs were injected into the donor after labeling and samples were drawn after 30, 60, and 150 minutes and thereafter once a day for 14 days for recovery and survival measurements.RESULTS:  PLT recovery on Day 7 was 80 percent of the recovery on Day 1 (p  < 0.05), and the survival on Day 7 was 65 percent of survival on Day 1 (p < 0.005). No significant differences were seen regarding mean PLT volume (MPV), pH, pCO2, pO2, bicarbonate, or hypotonic shock response. Lactate increased and lactic dehydrogenase increased slightly, whereas glucose and ATP decreased, but not to a critical level. A significant increase in RANTES (110.7 ± 76.6 vs. 277.6 ± 50.8 pg/106 PLTs [p < 0.005]) and PLT factor 4 (19.9 ± 9.6 vs. 59.8 ± 7.5 IU/106 PLTs [p < 0.0001]) was noticed during storage.CONCLUSION:  Recovery and survival of PCs stored for 7 days decreased, but met suggested criteria. Analyzed in vitro parameters showed acceptable results. Randomized patient transfusion studies will provide additional verification of the suitability of 7‐day storage of PLTs.
Magnetic resonance imaging determination of extraocular eye muscle volume in patients with thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy and proptosis
Authors: Kvetny Jan , Puhakka Katriina Bøcker , Røhl Lisbeth 
Published: April 2006

Abstract.Purpose:  Recent studies concerning the association between extraocular muscle (EOM) enlargement in thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) and immunological and clinical activity have not been conclusive, probably due to a lack of uniform imaging methods (ultrasonography, computer tomography [CT] or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) and difficulties in the determination of EOM volume. The aim of the present study was to examine the significance of EOM enlargement as established by MRI‐based volume determination, with reference to proptosis and the presence of autoantibodies, clinical activity and the duration of active disease. Methods:  We determined EOM volume using MRI in 15 patients concomitantly with the determination of TSH, thyroid hormones, thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRab) thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOab) and clinical activity score (CAS) at entry. We also established the duration until cessation of clinically active TAO. Results:  All 15 patients had bilateral EOM enlargement, but swelling of orbital fatty tissue was absent. Significant correlations between thickness of musculi rectales and proptosis, values of TRab, CAS, and duration of activity were observed. Conclusion:  Our results support the hypothesis of a role of thyrotropin receptor antibodies in the pathogenesis of TAO and suggest that only EOM enlargement is responsible for proptosis in TAO.
Antidepressants: general practitioners’ opinions and clinical practice
Authors: Rambelomanana S. , Depont F. , Forest K. , Hébert G. , Blazejewski S. , Fourrier‐Réglat A. , Molimard M. , Moore N. 
Published: April 2006

Objective:  To describe and compare general practitioners’ (GPs) opinions on antidepressant drugs and their prescriptions to depressed patients.Method:  Between November 2000 and July 2001 a representative sample of French GPs was asked their opinion of the 15 most prescribed antidepressants, and then to describe the treatments of the current depressive episode of four depressive patients each, their changes and the reasons thereof.Results:  One hundred and eighty‐one GPs and 778 patients participated. The best‐ranked antidepressants by the GPs were paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline and clomipramine for efficacy, and paroxetine, tianeptine, sertraline and fluoxetine for tolerability. In patients, the drugs most often prescribed were fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline. Those least often stopped for intolerance were moclobemide (0%), dosulepine (0%), venlafaxine (4.5%) and citalopram (5.0%), and maprotiline (0%), citalopram (1.7%) and venlafaxine (2.3%) for lack of efficacy. The best predictor for prescription of antidepressants was the GPs’ overall ranking, itself depending on opinions of the tolerability and efficacy of the drug. However, opinions of tolerability and efficacy were not related to the rates of treatment discontinuation for intolerability or inefficacy.Conclusion:  Prescriber opinion does not seem related to actual product performance.
Slavery and Romanticism
Authors: Carey Brycchan 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThis article surveys the history, literature, and culture of slavery and abolition during the Romantic period. It opens with an outline of the main historical developments from the mid‐eighteenth to the mid‐nineteenth centuries before examining the ways in which slavery was represented and challenged in novels, poems and plays written by both well‐known poets such as Blake and Wordsworth, and by lesser known writers such as Thomas Day and Ann Yearsley. It surveys the role of slavery in music and art, before concluding with a discussion of the historiography and critical literature dealing with slavery, and writing about slavery, in the Romantic era. Suggestions for further reading are included.
Prediction of hepatic clearance using cryopreserved human hepatocytes: a comparison of serum and serum-free incubations
Authors: Blanchard Nadège , Hewitt Nicola J , Silber Paul , Jones Hannah , Coassolo Philippe , Lave Thierry 
Published: April 2006

AbstractCryopreserved human hepatocytes have been used to predict hepatic in-vivo clearance. Physiologically-based direct scaling methods generally underestimate human in-vivo hepatic clearance. Cryopreserved human hepatocytes were incubated in 100% serum and in serum-free medium to predict the in-vivo hepatic clearance of six compounds (phenazone (antipyrine), bosentan, mibefradil, midazolam, naloxone and oxazepam). Monte Carlo simulations were performed in an attempt to incorporate the variability and uncertainty in the measured parameters to the prediction of hepatic clearance. The intrinsic clearance (CLint) and the associated variability of the six compounds decreased in the presence of serum and the values were reproducible across donors. The predicted CLhep, in-vivo obtained with hepatocytes from donors incubated in serum was more accurate than the prediction obtained in the absence of serum. For example, the CLhep, in-vivo of mibefradil in donor GNG was 4.27 mL min−1 kg−1 in the presence of serum and 0.46 mL min−1 kg−1 in the absence of serum (4.88 mL min−1 kg−1 observed in-vivo). Using the results obtained in this study together with an extended data set (26 compounds), the clearance of 77% of the compounds was predicted within a 2-fold error in the absence of serum. In the presence of serum, 85% of the compounds were successfully predicted within a 2-fold error. In conclusion, cryopreserved human hepatocyte suspensions represented a convenient and predictive model to assess human drug clearance.