bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical and economic burden of infused iron chelation therapy in the United States
Authors: Payne Krista A. , Desrosiers Marie‐Pierre , Caro J. Jaime , Baladi Jean‐François , Lordan Noreen , Proskorovsky Irina , Ishak Khajak , Rofail Diana 
Published: July 2007

BACKGROUND: Patients requiring chronic blood transfusions are at risk for iron overload, which, if not treated by iron chelation therapy (ICT), can create serious organ damage and reduce life expectancy. Current ICT requires burdensome 8‐ to 12‐hour infusions five to seven times per week.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A naturalistic study of the burden of infused ICT was conducted in four US centers. Data from the initial and most recent years of ICT were collected from medical charts of consenting thalassemia (n = 40) and sickle cell disease (n = 9) patients. Quality of life (QoL), treatment satisfaction, and ICT‐related resource utilization data were also collected from a patient interview.RESULTS: Mean serum ferritin levels during the initial (2519 ± 1382 ng/mL) and most recent (2741 ± 2532 ng/mL) years remained unacceptably high and increased over time (306 ± 2200 ng/mL; mean of 20± years of therapy). Within 30 days before interview, 55 percent of patients suffered at least one ICT‐related adverse event; 76 percent missed at least one dose. QoL, measured by the SF‐36, and treatment satisfaction appear compromised in this cohort. Although total annual costs of ICT were estimated at USD $30,000 to $35,000, drug accounted for only 50 to 60 percent of this amount.CONCLUSIONS: Infused ICT may not provide adequate effectiveness in the real world. High ferritin levels seem to be associated with ICT noncompliance, likely in relation to the bothersome mode of administration and side effects. The total cost of ICT appears to well exceed that of drug alone.
Incidence and prevalence of keratoconus in Denmark
Authors: Nielsen Kim , Hjortdal Jesper , Aagaard Nohr Ellen , Ehlers Niels 
Published: July 2007

Abstract.Purpose:  To estimate the prevalence and incidence of hospitalized keratoconus (KC) in Denmark.Methods:  Data extracts from the National Patient Registry under the National Board of Health (which covers the entire Danish population) were analysed.Results:  The prevalence of KC was estimated at 86 patients per 100 000 residents and the incidence at 1.3 per 100 000 per year.Conclusion:  KC is rather widespread in Denmark, with more than 4600 affected individuals.
A controlled 6‐month clinical trial to study the effects of a stannous fluoride dentifrice on gingivitis
Authors: Mallatt Mark , Mankodi Suru , Bauroth Karen , Bsoul Samer A. , Bartizek Robert D. , He Tao 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectives: This study was conducted to assess anti‐plaque and anti‐gingivitis benefits of a stabilized stannous fluoride (SnF2)/sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) dentifrice versus a negative control.Material and Methods: This was a randomized, 6‐month, stratified, single‐centre, double‐blind, parallel group, clinical study conducted in harmony with the guidelines for evaluating chemotherapeutic products for the control of gingivitis outlined by the American Dental Association. A stabilized 0.454% SnF2/SHMP dentifrice was tested against a commercially available negative control dentifrice. Following baseline measurements, subjects received a dental prophylaxis. Subjects were instructed to brush twice daily for 60 s using their assigned product. Efficacy measurements were obtained at baseline, 3 and 6 months post treatment using the Modified Gingival Index, Gingival Bleeding Index and the Turesky Modified Quigley‐Hein Plaque Index. Oral tissue examinations were performed at all visits.Results: A total of 140 subjects were enroled and 128 completed the study. Results after 6 months showed the SnF2 dentifrice delivered a 16.9% reduction in gingivitis (p<0.001), a 40.8% reduction (p<0.001) in gingival bleeding, and an 8.5% reduction in plaque (p=0.001) versus the negative control. Both treatments were well tolerated.Conclusions: Twice daily use of the SnF2/SHMP dentifrice over 6 months provided statistically significant anti‐plaque and anti‐gingivitis benefits relative to a negative control.
Biomechanical properties of human hair with different parameters
Authors: Erik Berivan , Havitcioglu Hasan , Aktan Sebnem , Karakus Nuriye 
Published: July 2007

Background/purpose: Investigations on the mechanical properties of human hair are inadequate. This research explores the break force of anagen hair by forming criteria according to the diameter of hair, gender, age, strain, use of drugs and hair dyes and how these criteria affect the mechanical resistance of hair.Methods: The resistances of anagen hair of 120 volunteers were investigated in our biomechanics laboratory. The relationship between the value of break force of hair and hair diameter, gender, age, strain, use of drugs and hair dyes was examined. Tensile tests were applied to each hair with a 50 N load cell device.Results: The statistical evaluation demonstrated a significant difference between the break forces of hairs with different hair diameters. The hairs with a diameter of 51 μm and above had a significantly higher break force than those of 50 μm and below (P=0.000). An insignificant correlation was observed between break force and strain (P=0.554, r=−0.055) whereas the correlation between diameter and strain was statistically significant (P=0.000, r=0.361).Conclusion: The break force of hairs did not show any significant dependency on age, presence of hair dyes, gender and usage of drugs. Yet, a statistically significant difference was observed between the break forces of hairs when compared according to their diameters and strain. More research on the mechanical properties of human hair consistent with biological properties like protein structure, α keratin fibers and microfibril–matrix composite behaviors would guide dermatologists for diagnostic symptoms.
Relationships between skin properties and environmental parameters
Authors: Cravello Barbara , Ferri Ada 
Published: July 2007

Background/purpose: Many authors have written about skin physiological parameters and their changes according to different environmental conditions. Nevertheless, the literature puts in evidence disagreement among different studies due to the great variability in these parameters and due to the difficulty in comparing the results obtained under different working conditions. Hence, the aim of this work is to attempt to clarify the relationship between some skin properties, such as transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration and mean skin temperature (Tsk), and the environmental parameters of ambient temperature (Ta) and relative humidity (RH), with the help of a climatic chamber to make the environment reliable. This work must be considered as the preliminary step of a wider project dealing with textile engineering: the results will be used in identifying criteria for textile design with the aim of producing more comfortable clothing.Methods: Experiments were carried out in a climatic chamber with independently controlled Ta and RH. All the combinations between three levels of Ta (20°C, 25°C and 30°C) and four levels of RH (25%, 45%, 65% and 85%) were used on a panel of six young female subjects. The assessments made were: skin surface hydration using an electrical capacitance method, TEWL using a Tewameter and Tsk using a set of thermistors.Results: The results showed a significant correlation between TEWL and Ta, while the RH had a weaker effect on TEWL in the temperature range under investigation. Also, Tsk showed a higher correlation with Ta compared with RH. Finally, skin surface hydration was found to be strongly affected by both environmental parameters.Conclusions: The analysis of experimental data resulted in the elaboration of some easy empirical models useful to evaluate the changes in TEWL, skin hydration and Tsk in different climatic conditions. These relationships must be considered to be valid only in a restricted range of Ta (20–30°C) and RH (25–85%) for young female subjects (25–35 years old).
Alternative evaluation method in vitro for the water‐resistant effect of sunscreen products
Authors: Ahn Sungyeon , Yang Hyejin , Lee Haekwang , Moon Seongjoon , Chang Ihseop 
Published: July 2007

Background/purpose: Sunscreen products today represent a trend of providing not only simple sun protection factor (SPF)/protection of UVA (PFA) but also other additional benefits. For example, as popularized by seasonless use of sunscreens, the special function of water resistance or sand proof is added to sunscreens as well as for leisure. Because a human in vivo test is time consuming and expensive, a screening process has been tried using an accurate in vitro system. In this study, we suggest the development of an in vitro test that can predict the result of in vivo water resistance of sunscreens.Methods:
Water resistance is presented as a comparison of initial SPF and water‐exposed SPF by immersion and washing. In order to be comparable with the in vivo test, water immersion and flow were defined as the basic statements. Also, substrate, revolutions per minute (r.p.m.) – rotative velocity – of propeller inducing water flow, and time of immersion were defined as controlled factors. Considering the strength, separation of test material and adhesive texture, a PMMA plate was selected as suitable among commercial substrates: Transpore tape™, VITRO SKIN, and PMMA plate. Also, when the PMMA plate was adhered on the wall of a water bath, the water turbulence of the rotational propeller alone was not strong enough to wash off the test material from the substrate. Therefore, PMMA plates were fixed on the axis. In this experiment, the most important thing is whether this in vitro system can predict correctly. Hence, we tried to match the in vitro water resistance following from our control factors and water resistance value of the in vivo test.Results: We found the immersion time and r.p.m. of controlled factors to obtain the target water resistance using design of experiment, MiniTab statistical package. Response optimization yielded the optimal in vitro conditions of 150 r.p.m./60 min. The repeatability and reproducibility of this in vitro system were also good in validation studies.Conclusions: This study enables to modify an in vivo water resistance test and predict the result of in vivo water resistance by the manufacture of effective equipment and choosing a suitable substrate. Compared with in vivo results, our in vitro system is more time and cost effective, and provides reliable results.
Thoughts on the behavioural phenotypes in Prader-Willi syndrome and velo-cardio-facial syndrome: a novel approach
Authors: Verhoeven Willem , Egger Jos , Tuinier Siegfried 
Published: July 2007

Background:In both Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and 22q11 deletion syndrome [velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS)], an increased risk for psychotic disorders is reported, which are as a rule not included in the behavioural phenotype of these two syndromes. For the description of a behavioural phenotype, the complete spectrum of physical, developmental, neuropsychological and psychiatric aspects is generally not taken into account. Moreover, psychiatric signs and symptoms often do not meet the criteria for a categorical diagnosis.Objective:In this study, a further specification of psychotic symptoms in PWS and VCFS is shown as well as a proposal for a new model to ascertain predictors, including behavioural, for a genetic syndrome.Methods:Over the past years, 27 patients with PWS and 19 with VCFS were referred for neuropsychiatric evaluation because of psychotic symptoms. In all the patients, a standardised psychiatric examination was performed; seven of the patients with VCFS were evaluated by means of an extensive neuropsychological battery.Results:In both patient groups, a rather specific psychopathological profile seemed to be present, which in the case of patients with PWS showed some resemblance with bipolar affective disorder. In patients with VCFS, no formal psychiatric diagnosis could be established. Because the psychopathological profiles were rather aspecific, they are not sufficient to predict membership of a certain syndrome.Conclusions:A quantitative probabilistic approach toward the description of a (behavioural) phenotype is suggested. For such a procedure, large data sets and international collaboration are required.
Masticatory muscular activation in elderly individuals during chewing
Authors: Galo Rodrigo , Vitti Mathias , Mattos Maria da Glória Chiarello , Regalo Simone Cecílio Hallak 
Published: July 2007

Background:  Old‐age is the last stage of human evolution and, unfortunately, the ageing of the oral cavity and masticatory system seems accelerated. As a consequence, there is a reduction in the amount of food ingested, which can lead to an imbalance in nutrition.Objective:  The purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of muscular activation of elderly individuals, during chewing, and to compare with young individuals.Materials and Methods:  An electromyographical analysis of the masticatory system in 10 individuals aged between 60 and 75 years (elderly group) and a similar number between 23–30 years old (young group ‐ control) was carried out. The analysis was performed using a MyoSystem‐Br1 electromyographer with differential active electrodes. The test was recorded during functional conditions, and the muscles assessed were the temporalis and masseter. Data were normalised by maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), and the results were analysed using an independent t‐test for comparison between the groups.Results:  The normalised electromyographic data obtained showed significant differences in both groups. Comparing the normalised values obtained for MVC, the mean values for the masseter and temporalis muscles of elderly group were statistically lower (p ≤ 0.05) than control group for harder foods, but there were no significant differences for food with the lowest consistency.Conclusion:  It can be concluded that elderly individuals show slight hypoactivity of their masticatory musculature during chewing when compared to young individuals.
Surviving atlanto‐occipital dislocation
Authors: Bloom Benjamin M , Powell Bruce P 
Published: July 2007

AbstractTraumatic atlanto‐occipital dislocation carries a significant mortality and morbidity. We present the clinical and radiological features of a case of traumatic skeletal and central nervous system disunion. Thanks to a combination of early resuscitation and luck, the patient survived an improbably severe injury to leave hospital and enjoy a degree of independent life. Such severe injuries are usually fatal and the literature on such extensive cervical disruption is often confined to postmortem evidence.
The safety of nurse clearance of the cervical spine using the National Emergency X‐radiography Utilization Study low‐risk criteria
Authors: Meek Robert , McGannon Dan , Edwards Liza 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectives:  To determine the level of agreement between trained ED nursing staff and senior ED medical staff in the application and interpretation of the National Emergency X‐radiography Utilization Study (NEXUS) low‐risk criteria (NLC).Methods:  A NEXUS training and accreditation package was developed. It was successfully undertaken by 22 senior ED nursing staff and 26 senior ED medical staff. A study nurse and doctor independently applied the NLC to a convenience sample of patients who had been placed in a hard cervical collar prior to arrival in the ED. The findings for each of the NLC and the overall decision regarding collar removal were recorded on specific case report forms. The primary endpoint was the level of agreement for the overall decision to leave the collar in place. Levels of agreement for the individual NLC were also examined.Results:  In total, 183 patients were recruited. The level of ‘safe agreement’ where nursing and medical staff agreed that the collar should be left in place was 94.3% (95% CI: 89.5–97.2%). Agreement with regard to individual NLC varied from good to fair. The median times from patient arrival to completion of study nurse and doctor assessments were 14 min (interquartile ranges [IQR] 5–30) and 29 min (IQR 15–47), respectively.Conclusion:  The study demonstrated a high level of agreement between nursing and medical staff for stable low‐risk trauma patients.
Review of management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax: Is the best evidence clearer 15 years on?
Authors: Kelly Anne‐Maree 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn 1993 Emergency Medicine Australasia (then Emergency Medicine [Fremantle]) published a therapeutic review on the management of spontaneous pneumothorax. That review found a lack of high‐quality evidence on which to base management decisions and a variety of therapeutic options without clear superiority one over another. Now, almost 15 years later, the present paper aims to revisit the evidence base to see if management choices are clearer.
Review of techniques for port closure: 1987–2007
Authors: Ng Wai‐Tat , Luk Hung‐To 
Published: July 2007

Background:  2007 marks the 20th anniversary of the first successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Exactly two decades down the road now, laparoscopic surgery has evolved from a limited innovation to a routine surgical tool used to treat virtually all surgical indications. To commemorate this landmark historical event, we set out to collate all published literature to compile an archive encompassing all the techniques and their variations described for port‐site closure − an integral part of essentially every laparoscopic operation.Methods/Results:  A Medline search in conjunction with diligent cross‐referencing of the index articles retrieved a total of 39 relevant publications. The array of differing techniques of various sophistications and their myriad modifications are systematically categorized into external hand‐sutured techniques (15) and laparoscopic‐assisted techniques (25). The latter constitutes the main bulk of the work and is further subdivided into methods making use of: (i) specially designed complex devices; (ii) suture carrier; (iii) straight needle; and (iv) needle/angiocatheter as conduit. They are critically appraised in terms of ergonomics, security and cost‐effectiveness.Conclusion:  Publications dedicated to perfection of the closure technique have proliferated and improvements are continuously being made. Practising surgeons should be cognisant of the full range of techniques while familiarizing themselves with the useful ones deemed simple, safe and effective.
Influence of salt stress on seed yield and oil quality of two sunflower hybrids
Authors: Di Caterina R. , Giuliani M.M. , Rotunno T. , De Caro A. , Flagella Z. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSunflower is a major oil seed crop worldwide, and it is also an important crop in Mediterranean areas where salinity is an increasing problem. In this paper, the effect of saline irrigation water on seed yield and quality of sunflower was evaluated. A pot experiment was carried out over two crop seasons on two hybrids – a standard one (Carlos) and a high oleic one (Tenor) – submitted to five salinity levels of irrigation water (0.6, 3, 6, 9 and 12 dS m−1). Soil salinity was monitored over the entire crop cycle, and leaf ion content was determined at maturity. Tenor showed higher Na+and Mg2+content but lower K+values. No difference between the two hybrids was observed for Cl−content. A progressive increase in leaf Na+, K+and Cl−contents and Na+/K+ratio with increasing salinity level was observed. Seed weight per head, 1000 achene weight, number of seeds per plant and oil yield significantly decreased under salt stress in both hybrids. The percent seed yield decrease was higher per unit increase in electrical conductivity of irrigation water, ECw (8%), than per unit increase in electrical conductivity of saturated‐soil extracts, ECe (5%). Concerning oil fatty acid composition, the main significant difference as result of salt stress was a progressive increase in oleic acid content, from 82.2% to 86.7% for Tenor and from 21.8% to 27.3% for Carlos, which was consistent with a decrease in linoleic acid content, from 5.9% to 3% for Tenor and from 66% to 61.3% for Carlos. These results confirm the possible inhibition of oleate desaturase under salt stress.
Bean seed fly (Delia platura, Delia florilega) and onion fly (Delia antiqua) incidence in England and an evaluation of chemical and biological control options
Authors: Ellis S.A. , Scatcherd J.E. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBean seed fly and onion fly are significant pests of alliaceous crops in the UK. Their activity was monitored using yellow water traps at three field sites in England in 2002 and 2003. Bean seed fly were not split between Delia platura or Delia florilega because from the growers point of view control measures are independent of species. The traps were effective at catching bean seed fly, which was present from April until September. A total of 1729 bean seed fly were trapped in 2002 and 4501 in 2003, with peak activity in May in both years. In 2003, there appeared to be three to four peaks in abundance of the pest. Only 113 onion flies were trapped in 2002 and 23 in 2003. More male onion fly were trapped than females. Pot experiments were carried out to evaluate efficacy of a range of insecticides, garlic and two parasitic nematode species (Steinernemafeltiae and Steinernema kraussei) against bean seed fly and onion fly. Pots of salad onions were exposed to natural oviposition by bean seed fly, but the onion fly experiment was carried out in a glasshouse with eggs of the pest being inoculated into the pots. Tefluthrin seed treatment appeared to be especially effective at preventing bean seed fly damage and produced the most robust seedlings but did not appear to kill the larvae. A drench of chlorpyrifos at the ‘crook’ stage gave 100% control of bean seed fly larvae. A chlorpyrifos drench was the only treatment to give effective control of onion fly. There was some evidence that the parasitic nematode S. feltiae reduced numbers of bean seed fly larvae by about 50%. Guidelines for control of both bean seed fly and onion fly are discussed.
Seed germination of the weed Rumex obtusifolius after on‐farm conventional, biodynamic and vermicomposting of cattle manure
Authors: Zaller J.G. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis study investigated whether composting methods differ in their impact on seed germination of Rumex obtusifolius (broad‐leaved dock). Weed seeds were buried in windrows of cattle farmyard manure, removed at monthly intervals and germinated during the course of 7 months. Composting methods differed in the maximum temperatures reached (63°C for conventional and biodynamic composting and 35°C for vermicomposting), the addition of 1000 m−2 earthworms (Eisenia fetida) for vermicomposting and the inoculation of biodynamic preparations for biodynamic composting. After 1 month in windrows, germination rate of Rumex seeds was significantly higher in vermicompost (48%) than in conventional (28%) or biodynamic compost (18%). After 2 months in windrows, 26% of the seeds germinated in vermicomposting windrows, while those inserted in conventional and biodynamic windrows showed a negligible germination (0% and 2%, respectively). After 3 and 4 months, only seeds under vermicomposting germinated (22% and 3%, respectively). No germination was determined when seeds were inserted for longer than 4 months in any of the treatments. Seeds stored at room temperature germinated at 89% over the course of the experiment. Results suggest that the maximum temperature reached in windrows is not the single main factor reducing weed seed germination during composting.