bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance data with cellularity in prostate cancer
Authors: Zelhof Bashar , Pickles Martin , Liney Gary , Gibbs Peter , Rodrigues Greta , Kraus Sigurd , Turnbull Lindsay 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVETo assess the relationship between the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cell density (CD) obtained from radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 36 patients with prostate cancer were recruited; T2‐weighted and diffusion‐weighted MRI was obtained axially using a 3.0 T scanner. Patients then proceeded to RP; the prostate was whole‐mounted and sectioned axially. Slices (3 µm) were cut from the surface of each section and stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Five randomly positioned areas from the tumour and normal peripheral zone (PZ) were examined by light microscopy at × 200, then digitally photographed and analysed to obtain automatic CD. ADC values were determined from the MRI data using the H&E slides as a reference. ADC and CD values were measured in both malignant lesions and the PZ, and the correlation between ADC and CD assessed.RESULTSADC values were lower (P ≤ 0.001) in regions pathologically determined as tumour, with a mean (sd) of 1.45 (0.26) × 10−3 mm2/s, vs normal PZ, of 1.90 (0.33) × 10−3 mm2/s. Similarly, the mean CD over the five fields was higher (P ≤ 0.001) in tumour than in normal PZ, with values of 18.89 (4.93)% vs 9.22 (3.23)%. There was a significant correlation between the ADC values and CD (r = −0.50, P < 0.001) regardless of tissue type. CD values were high in cancer which had lower ADC values than normal PZ.CONCLUSIONSADC values were correlated successfully with CD; this information cannot be obtained with conventional MRI and is useful in characterizing prostate cancer.
Postoperative surveillance for renal cell carcinoma: a multifactorial histological subtype specific protocol
Authors: Siddiqui Sameer A. , Frank Igor , Cheville John C. , Lohse Christine M. , Leibovich Bradley C. , Blute Michael L. 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVETo create a model that adjusts surveillance after surgery to the natural history of surgically treated renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and to assess the cost of several surveillance models with a long‐term longitudinal follow‐up, as although there are many models for predicting the outcome in RCC, most surveillance protocols remain based primarily on stage alone, and thus might be inaccurate as they do not incorporate many other pathological features that have a significant effect on recurrence.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe identified 1864, 357 and 118 patients with pM0 clear cell, papillary and chromophobe RCC, respectively, who had a a radical or partial nephrectomy between 1970 and 2000. All recurrences were classified according to location (abdomen, thorax, bone, brain). Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine which pathological features were independently predictive of recurrence in each group. Three subtype‐specific protocols were devised based on site‐specific recurrence rates.RESULTSPositive surgical margins, the 2002 Tumour‐Node‐Metastasis classification, size, nuclear grade, and histological tumour necrosis were independently associated with abdominal recurrence in patients with clear‐cell RCC. These same features, except for surgical margins, were significantly associated with thoracic recurrence. The 2002 classification and nuclear grade were independently associated with abdominal and thoracic recurrence in patients with papillary RCC. No multivariate analysis was done for chromophobe RCC as there were only 10 recurrences to the abdomen and three to the thoracic region. However, these patients were stratified according to stage and grade, as recurrences in this group had a clear stage‐ and grade‐specific pattern.CONCLUSIONSWe present a subtype‐specific multifactorial surveillance protocol based on significant predictors of recurrence. This protocol is better than algorithms based on stage alone and can be used to effectively tailor postoperative imaging to the individual patient.
Innovative Legal Approaches to Address Obesity
Authors: POMERANZ JENNIFER L. , TERET STEPHEN P. , SUGARMAN STEPHEN D. , RUTKOW LAINIE , BROWNELL KELLY D. 
Published: March 2009

Context: The law is a powerful public health tool with considerable potential to address the obesity issue. Scientific advances, gaps in the current regulatory environment, and new ways of conceptualizing rights and responsibilities offer a foundation for legal innovation. Methods: This article connects developments in public health and nutrition with legal advances to define promising avenues for preventing obesity through the application of the law. Findings: Two sets of approaches are defined: (1) direct application of the law to factors known to contribute to obesity and (2) original and innovative legal solutions that address the weak regulatory stance of government and the ineffectiveness of existing policies used to control obesity. Specific legal strategies are discussed for limiting children's food marketing, confronting the potential addictive properties of food, compelling industry speech, increasing government speech, regulating conduct, using tort litigation, applying nuisance law as a litigation strategy, and considering performance‐based regulation as an alternative to typical regulatory actions. Finally, preemption is an overriding issue and can play both a facilitative and a hindering role in obesity policy. Conclusions: Legal solutions are immediately available to the government to address obesity and should be considered at the federal, state, and local levels. New and innovative legal solutions represent opportunities to take the law in creative directions and to link legal, nutrition, and public health communities in constructive ways.
Reduced activation in lateral prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate during attention and cognitive control functions in medication‐naïve adolescents with depression compared to controls
Authors: Halari Rozmin , Simic Mima , Pariante Carmine M. , Papadopoulos Andrew , Cleare Anthony , Brammer Michael , Fombonne Eric , Rubia Katya 
Published: March 2009

Background:  There is increasing recognition of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adolescence. In adult MDD, abnormalities of fronto‐striatal and fronto‐cingulate circuitries mediating cognitive control functions have been implicated in the pathogenesis and been related to problems with controlling negative thoughts. No neuroimaging studies of cognitive control functions, however, exist in paediatric depression. This study investigated whether medication‐naïve adolescents with MDD show abnormal brain activation of fronto‐striatal and fronto‐cingulate networks when performing tasks of attentional and cognitive control.Methods:  Event‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to compare brain activation between 21 medication‐naïve adolescents with a first‐episode of MDD aged 14–17 years and 21 healthy adolescents, matched for handedness, age, sex, demographics and IQ. Activation paradigms were tasks of selective attention (Simon task), attentional switching (Switch task), and motor response inhibition and error detection (Stop task).Results:  In all three tasks, adolescents with depression compared to healthy controls demonstrated reduced activation in task‐relevant right dorsolateral (DLPFC), inferior prefrontal cortex (IFC) and anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG). Additional areas of relatively reduced activation were in the parietal lobes during the Stop and Switch tasks, putamen, insula and temporal lobes during the Switch task and precuneus during the Simon task.Conclusions:  This study shows first evidence that medication‐naïve adolescents with MDD are characterised by abnormal function in ACG and right lateral prefrontal cortex during tasks of attention and performance monitoring, suggesting an early pathogenesis of these functional abnormalities attributed to MDD.
Using species distribution models to predict new occurrences for rare plants
Authors: Williams John N. , Seo Changwan , Thorne James , Nelson Julie K. , Erwin Susan , O’Brien Joshua M. , Schwartz Mark W. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAim To evaluate a suite of species distribution models for their utility as predictors of suitable habitat and as tools for new population discovery of six rare plant species that have both narrow geographical ranges and specialized habitat requirements.Location The Rattlesnake Creek Terrane (RCT) of the Shasta‐Trinity National Forest in the northern California Coast Range of the United States.Methods We used occurrence records from 25 years of US Forest Service botanical surveys, environmental and remotely sensed climate data to model the distributions of the target species across the RCT. The models included generalized linear models (GLM), artificial neural networks (ANN), random forests (RF) and maximum entropy (ME). From the results we generated predictive maps that were used to identify areas of high probability occurrence. We made field visits to the top‐ranked sites to search for new populations of the target species.Results Random forests gave the best results according to area under the curve and Kappa statistics, although ME was in close agreement. While GLM and ANN also gave good results, they were less restrictive and more varied than RF and ME. Cross‐model correlations were the highest for species with the most records and declined with record numbers. Model assessment using a separate dataset confirmed that RF provided the best predictions of appropriate habitat. Use of RF output to prioritize search areas resulted in the discovery of 16 new populations of the target species.Main conclusions Species distribution models, such as RF and ME, which use presence data and information about the background matrix where species do not occur, may be an effective tool for new population discovery of rare plant species, but there does appear to be a lower threshold in the number of occurrences required to build a good model.
More species, fewer specialists: 100 years of changes in community composition in an island biogeographical study
Authors: Christian Kerbiriou , Isabelle Le Viol , Frédéric Jiguet , Vincent Devictor 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAim  We measured the changes in an island avifauna over more than 100 years (1898–2006), using community indices accounting for difference in expected species sensitivity to land‐use and climate changes.Location  Ouessant Island, France, Great Britain.Methods  We assessed the temporal trend of the relative proportion of generalist species breeding on Ouessant island and whether high‐temperature tolerant species have replaced less tolerant species over this time period. We further tested the relationship between the observed change in the avifauna composition, and long‐term population species’ trends measured independently in potential source regions of colonist species (France and Great Britain).Results  During the whole study period, Ouessant island has experienced a strong increase in species richness (+41%), but a severe decline in specialist species. In contrast, we found no change in species composition in terms of their temperature‐tolerance. The observed trend was highly correlated with species trends measured in the Great Britain.Main conclusions  Our results revealed an ongoing biotic homogenization process towards more generalist species, coupled with a strong local increase in species richness. The observed trend was most likely driven by a strong habitat change in the island occurring during the period considered, favouring the colonization of generalist species. Our results show that an increase in species richness can be misinterpreted as a sign of conservation improvement and that assessing change in community composition using species‐specific ecological traits provides more accurate insights for conservation planning purposes.
Staff perceptions of e‐learning for teaching delivery in healthcare
Authors: Blake Holly 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground  Web‐based e‐learning methods are increasingly used in higher education to support learning in pre‐ and post‐registration healthcare subjects. Although new technologies are central to teaching and learning strategies, e‐learning is not currently accepted universally by academic staff.Aim  The aim of the study was to determine the attitudes towards and use of e‐learning among academic staff in nursing and midwifery.Methods  A questionnaire survey was completed by 102 teaching staff to determine their opinions towards and use of e‐learning in teaching.Results  Staff opinions were divergent with most acknowledging the benefits of e‐learning but many also expressing concerns over barriers such as lack of time, resources or technical support. Staff did not fully utilize the range of technologies available.Conclusion  Most staff exhibited positive attitudes towards the pedagogical value of technology in teaching and learning, though some remained hesitant or lacking in confidence to embark on e‐learning teaching developments or delivery. Barriers exist that may be partially addressed through better understanding of e‐learning tools and their potential application, and additional support and resources. E‐learning strategies need to focus on improving staff awareness of e‐learning methods to supplement rather than replace traditional teaching methods, while providing ongoing support and mentoring for development and delivery, technological training and incentives for staff involvement.
Sustained virological response is associated with clearance of hepatitis C virus RNA and a decrease in hepatitis C virus antibody
Authors: Maylin Sarah , Martinot‐Peignoux Michelle , Ripault Marie‐Pierre , Moucari Rami , Cardoso Ana Carolina , Boyer Nathalie , Giuily Nathalie , Castelnau Corinne , Pouteau Michelle , Asselah Tarik , Nicolas‐Chanoine Marie Hélène , Marcellin Patrick 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground/Aim: Viral eradication in chronic hepatitis C patients with sustained virological response (SVR) after interferon (IFN) therapy remains controversial.Methods: During a long‐term follow‐up study, 157 patients with SVR to IFN‐α‐2b‐based therapy were investigated with a transcription‐mediated amplification (TMA) assay in serum. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody was assessed by measuring the optical density (OD) (Axsym HCV v3.0) and the semiquantitative titres (RIBA HCV v3.0) of the HCV antibodies directed against the core, NS3, NS4 and NS5 proteins. A control group included 23 untreated patients with persistently normal serum alanine aminotransferase and detectable serum HCV‐RNA.Results: The median duration of follow‐up was 4.0 (0–10) years. Serum HCV‐RNA remained undetectable in all patients. The mean HCV antibody OD were 93 ± 19 and 45 ± 21 before therapy and in the last available serum sample respectively (P=0.001). There was a marked decrease in the HCV antibodies directed against the NS3, NS4 and NS5 proteins (P=0.001), while the core protein titre remained strongly positive. The 23 control patients were followed for a median of 5 (2–14) years. The mean HCV antibody OD were 65 ± 14 and 64 ± 19 in the first and the last measurements, respectively (NS), and HCV antibody titres for structural and non‐structural proteins remained unchanged.Conclusion: This long‐term study evaluating 157 patients demonstrated that SVR assessed by TMA is durable, and HCV antibodies were markedly decreased (mainly those directed against the non‐structural proteins), emphasizing an absence of ongoing infection. These results strongly suggest that HCV infection cured in patients who achieve an SVR.
The history of status epilepticus and its treatment
Authors: Neligan Aidan , Shorvon Simon D. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryDespite the fact that status epilepticus was been recognized since antiquity, its existence was largely ignored until the mid‐nineteenth century. In this review we cover the medical literature of status epilepticus from the late nineteenth century until the early 1970s when the modern era of status epilepticus began. We pay particular attention to the impact of the ILAE and its principal members on the understanding and awareness of status epilepticus. We also cover the evolution of treatment regimens advocated for status epilepticus from the late nineteenth century to the early 1970s when the benzodiazepines were established as first line treatments.
Characteristics of blood donors and donated blood in sub‐Saharan Francophone Africa
Authors: Tagny Claude Tayou , Diarra Amadou , Yahaya Rakia , Hakizimana Marc , Nguessan Antoine , Mbensa Guy , Nébié Yacouba , Dahourou Honorine , Mbanya Dora , Shiboski Caroline , Murphy Edward , Lefrère Jean Jacques 
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: The importance of blood safety in public health was recognized long ago, and data are essential to plan strategies to improve the status. This study aims to obtain data on blood donor and blood donation characteristics that would complement blood safety data from national and international organizations.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to seven Francophone countries (Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, and Rwanda) and was structured to obtain objective data on blood donors and donated blood and in administrative and technical organization.RESULTS: The results reflect a poor level of organization of blood transfusion centers in large regions of the African continent, insufficient supply of blood products, high prevalence of transfusion‐transmitted infections, limited financial resources, a lack of well‐trained personnel, and cultural obstacles. Six countries had less than 50% of their personnel trained in transfusion medicine. Only one country had the entire standard operating procedure written. Female donors represented less than 30% of the donors and the range of percentage of hepatitis B found in donors was 2.76% to 18.96%.CONCLUSION: The inclusion of these regions in future blood safety surveys and in the development of national blood transfusion programs is essential and will undoubtedly require the assistance of international organizations.
A randomized study of massed three‐week cognitive behavioural therapy schedule for panic disorder
Authors: Bohni M. K. , Spindler H. , Arendt M. , Hougaard E. , Rosenberg N. K. 
Published: March 2009

Objective:  To compare the efficacy of massed vs. spaced group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for patients with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia (PD).Method:  Thirty‐nine PD patients were randomly assigned to massed group CBT (daily 4‐h sessions in week 1, two 2‐h sessions in week 2 and one 2‐h session in week 3) or traditional spaced weekly group CBT (13 consecutive, weekly 2‐h sessions). The content and number of hours in the two treatment schedules were identical. Outcome was assessed after treatment, and at 3, 6 and 18 months of follow‐up.Results:  Both treatment groups achieved significant improvement on all measures with large pre‐ to post‐treatment and pre‐treatment to follow‐up effect sizes. No between‐group differences were registered. Adherence and patient satisfaction did not differ between groups.Conclusion:  The massed, 3‐week group CBT schedule proved to be effective and feasible for PD patients with outcomes comparable with that of standard, spaced group CBT.
Mandibular single‐implant overdentures: a review with surgical and prosthodontic perspectives of a novel approach
Authors: Alsabeeha Nabeel , Payne Alan G. T. , De Silva Rohana K. , Swain Michael V. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjectives: To review the literature on mandibular single‐implant overdentures (opposing complete maxillary dentures), and present surgical and prosthodontic perspectives of a novel approach for this treatment option.Material and methods: An electronic search through the databases of Pubmed, Embase and Medline using the linked key words ‘mandibular single implant overdentures’ was performed. The search was limited to English language articles published up to August 2008. Hand searches through articles retrieved from the electronic search, peer‐reviewed journals and recent conference proceedings were also conducted.Results: A limited number of reports were identified on mandibular single‐implant overdentures (opposing maxillary complete dentures). They comprised of case‐series reports, short‐term prospective trials and current randomized‐controlled clinical trials. Different loading protocols with different implant systems have been used, but always with regular diameter implants. Specific anatomical and vascular dangers of the mandibular midline symphysis are identified including a novel surgical approach using a currently available short, wide diameter tapered implant. In addition, the prosthodontic rationale for using a larger attachment system (incorporating a platform switch) for mandibular single‐implant overdentures is described.Conclusion: The review reveals that there is a lack of published randomized clinical trials using mandibular single‐implant overdentures, opposing maxillary complete dentures. Without the evidence from randomized clinical trials, routine use of this novel approach cannot be recommended, compared with using regular diameter implants and matching attachment systems.
Influence of the surgical technique and surface roughness on the primary stability of an implant in artificial bone with a density equivalent to maxillary bone: a laboratory study
Authors: Tabassum Afsheen , Meijer Gert J. , Wolke Johannes G. C. , Jansen John A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjective: The aim of this biomechanical study was to assess the effect of surgical technique and surface roughness on primary implant stability in low‐density bone.Material and methods: Eighty screw‐shaped (Biocomp®) implants with machined or etched surface topography were inserted into a low‐density bone equivalent. Solid rigid polyurethane blocks (Sawbones®) with two different bone densities (group A=0.32 g/cm3; group B=0.48 g/cm3) were used that are very similar to the density of the maxilla. The implant sites were prepared either by a press‐fit or by an undersized technique. Peak insertion and removal torques were measured using a Digital® torque gauge instrument.Results: Independent of the surgical technique used, both implant types showed an increased mean insertion and removal torque value with increasing bone density. Insertion and removal torque values were 54.3±5.3 and 43.5±6.5 N cm for group A and 89.3±7.6 and 55±9.1 for group B, respectively. For group A and B, both implant types showed statistically higher insertion and removal torque mean values for the undersized compared with the press‐fit technique (P<0.01). In addition, etched implants showed statistically higher insertion and removal torque mean values compared with machined implants (P<0.01).Conclusion: The placement of etched implants in synthetic bone models using an undersized preparation technique resulted in enhanced primary implant stability; further, a correlation was found between primary stability and bone density of the synthetic bone, implying that in case of an implant site with low bone density, by changing the surgical technique and choosing an implant with an optimal surface roughness, the primary stability can be enhanced significantly.