bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrical stimulation of wrist and fingers for sensory and functional recovery in acute hemiplegia
Authors: Yozbatiran Nuray , Donmez Birgül , Kayak Nuray , Bozan Ozgür 
Published: January 2006

Objective: To investigate the effects of a short-term electrical stimulation in conjunction with neurodevelopmental exercises on sensory and functional recovery of hemiparetic upper limb in acute stroke patients. Design: Controlled clinical trial with alternate allocation. Setting: Acute inpatient medical care setting of a university hospital. Subjects: Thirty-six acute stroke patients (18 TENS group; 18 control group) who experienced their first stroke were studied. Intervention: Both groups received 1 h/day neurodevelopmental exercises in accordance with Bobath for 10 days. In addition to exercises the TENS group received electrical stimulation of the wrist and finger extensors for 1 h. Main outcome measures: Kinaesthesia and position sense tests, a hand function test and a hand movement scale were performed before and after treatment. Results: Both groups showed considerable improvement in kinaesthesia sense and position sense after treatment. Comparison of the two groups after treatment revealed that this difference was not significant ( P>0.05). Both groups showed improvement in hand movement scores ( P<0.05), whereas hand function improved only in the TENS group ( P<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that additional stimulation of the hand and fingers leads to an improved sensorimotor outcome immediately after the intervention.
Microwave Enhancement of Elasticity in Poly(propylene)–Carbon Nanotube Composites
Authors: Yoshida Suguru , Mitsumata Tetsu , Sano Masahito 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Irradiating weak microwave to a poly(propylene) composite containing a small amount of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) enhances the storage modulus but has no effect on the loss modulus. We postulate that local melting and recrystallization of the polymer in the close vicinity of the SWCNT surface lead to better wetting and larger contact areas for the improved elastic response.
Consequences of HIV testing without consent
Authors: Obi Samuel N , Ifebunandu Ngozi A 
Published: January 2006

The objective of this study is to explore the HIV-infected individuals' experience with HIV testing, counselling, disclosure of diagnosis and subsequent life events following diagnosis. The method used is a questionnaire survey of 340 consecutive HIV-positive victims, seen in two health institutions in southeast Nigeria within a one-year-period, November 2003 to October 2004. Three hundred and twenty respondents answered the questionnaire, 121 were men and 199 women, with 79% in the age range 20–39 years. Most respondents had known their HIV status for 3.2 (±1.1) years and the majority are in the lower social class. About 80% reported that their consent for HIV test was not asked for, resulting in feelings of fear, disbelief, shock and embarrassment on learning about their HIV status. Despite the initial reaction to the diagnosis, majority (81.9%) expressed satisfaction with the pattern of disclosure of diagnosis. There was some reluctance to inform spouse/partner of the diagnosis especially among asymptomatic, unmarried, childless or divorced victims. A serodiscordant couple resulted in mistrust and increased incidence of abandonment. Apart from spouse/partner the respondents are more likely to inform their siblings of the diagnosis than parents, children or friends. Despite being supportive, the respondents are more likely to suffer more neglect from siblings than their spouse ( P<0.05) but the risk of being abandoned was more with the spouse than with siblings ( P<0.05). Only 32.6% of the 129 respondents on antiretroviral therapy are regular with it mainly because of cost and non-availability of drugs. Default in treatment was more evident among the unmarried, those with low educational status and treatment with antiretroviral drugs for more than two years. Proper pre- and post-test counselling, promotion of behavioural change among the society about HIV/AIDS and provision of support and cost-effective care for HIV victims is advocated.
Clinical illness as a marker for initiation of HIV antiretroviral therapy in a rural setting, Rakai, Uganda
Authors: Spacek Lisa A , Gray Ronald H , Wawer Maria J , Sewankambo Nelson K , Serwadda David , Wabwire-Mangen Fred , Kiwanuka Noah , Kigozi Godfrey , Nalugoda Fred , Quinn Thomas C ,   Rakai Project Study Group
Published: January 2006

The aim of this study is to assess whether HIV-related illness and World Health Organization (WHO) clinical stage can be used to guide initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in rural Rakai District, Uganda. A retrospective cohort analysis of 910 HIV-seroprevalent individuals randomly sampled from a community cohort was conducted. The associations between HIV-related clinical illness and HIV viral loads >55,000 copies/mL and death were evaluated as a guide for initiation of ART. Reporting one or more HIV-related illnesses was associated with high specificity for identifying HIV viral load >55,000 copies/mL and predicting death within 30 months. There were more deaths in those with one symptom at baseline (16.3%) and two or more symptoms (25.0%) than in those reporting no symptoms (9.6%; P = 0.001). HIV-related illness and WHO stage predicted disease progression. The specificity of clinical illness to predict viral load >55,000 copies/mL was high and could be used to rule in HIV disease requiring ART.
Client acceptability of the use of computers in a sexual health clinic
Authors: Tideman R L , Pitts M K , Fairley C K 
Published: January 2006

Computers in sexual health medicine largely remain provider-centred for use in client care, data collection, administration and education. As a formative study for further work we undertook a cross-sectional survey of 679 consecutive new clients attending Melbourne Sexual Health clinic (MSHC) between 9 September 2002 and 15 October 2002 to establish client familiarity and experience with computers and acceptance of computer use in the clinic. A response rate of 616/679 (91%) was achieved. Important findings were 1. 491/612 (80%) participants reported experience with a personal computer. 2. The majority 488/609 (80%) of clients expected computer technologies to be used in the clinic. 3. The proportion of clients not willing to supply their registration, general health or sexual behaviour details using a computer was 9%, 7% and 21%, respectively. 4. Clients assessed as being at higher risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection were no more reluctant than others to provide their details using a computer-assisted self-interview.
Modified-Release Tacrolimus
Authors: Chisholm Marie A , Middleton Matthew D 
Published: February 2006

Objective: To review the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, adverse effects, and clinical trials of modified-release tacrolimus (MR-4) concerning its equivalence to non-modified-release tacrolimus. Data Sources: A PubMed/MEDLINE search was conducted (1966–July 2005) using the following terms: MR-4, tacrolimus, FK506, Prograf, transplantation, calcineurin inhibitors, and immunosuppression. Additional data sources included meeting abstracts, bibliographies from identified publications, and information from the manufacturer. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All English-language, published, randomized clinical trials evaluating MR-4 were included in this review. Clinical trials that used tacrolimus for the prevention of solid-organ graft rejection were also selected from the data sources. Data Synthesis: Studies demonstrated that MR-4 has pharmacokinetic profiles similar to those of tacrolimus in healthy volunteers, renal transplant recipients, and liver transplant recipients. Similar efficacy and safety profiles have also been demonstrated. Data also suggest that the target whole blood trough concentration range of MR-4 is similar to that of tacrolimus and that it is safe to convert from tacrolimus twice daily to MR-4 once daily using a 1:1 conversion. Conclusions: Short-term clinical trials indicated that MR-4 has efficacy and safety profiles similar to those of tacrolimus. MR-4's once-daily dosing offers an advantage over the currently available calcineurin inhibitors in preventing graft rejection. However, adherence studies with MR-4 that measure clinical and economic outcomes are needed.
Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus Due to Ifosfamide
Authors: Kilickap Saadettin , Cakar Mustafa , Onal Ibrahim K , Tufan Abdurrahman , Akoglu Hadim , Aksoy Sercan , Erman Mustafa , Tekuzman Gulten 
Published: February 2006

Objective: To report 2 cases of nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) following infusion of ifosfamide. Case Summaries: Two patients who received ifosfamide-containing chemotherapy developed NCSE. One woman received ifosfamide 1000 mg/m2 (1 h infusion on days 1–5); confusion, lethargy, and speech deterioration developed on day 3. The second patient developed similar symptoms on day 3 of treatment with 2500 mg/m2. Both patients responded to intravenous administration of diazepam 10 mg and were given levetiracetam as maintenance therapy. Discussion: The severity and presentation of central nervous system toxicity due to ifosfamide varies greatly and involves a spectrum ranging from subclinical electroencephalogram changes to coma. NCSE, an epileptic disorder in which typical convulsive activity is absent, has previously been reported in only 4 patients receiving ifosfamide. Levetiracetam may be used for maintenance antiepileptic therapy after diazepam administration. Conclusions: Among the many presentations of ifosfamide neurotoxicity, clinicians should consider NCSE as a possible explanation for changes in consciousness in a patient receiving this agent. An objective causality assessment by use of the Naranjo probability scale revealed that NCSE due to ifosfamide was probable.
Considerations for Supplementing with Coenzyme Q10 During Statin Therapy
Authors: Levy Hedva Barenholtz , Kohlhaas Heather K 
Published: February 2006

Objective: To review the literature concerning the effects of statin use on coenzyme (Co) Q10 concentrations and explain the rationale behind considering CoQ10 supplementation. Data Sources: A MEDLINE search was conducted through January 2006. Search terms included ubiquinone, coenzyme Q10, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, statins, myotoxicity, and clinical trials. Data Synthesis: Statin therapy reduces blood CoQ10 concentrations. Studies exploring how this affects the development of myotoxicity have been small and dissimilar, thus limiting the ability to draw strong conclusions. Isolated studies suggested that statins induce mitochondrial dysfunction, but the clinical implications of this effect are limited. Limited data suggest that patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, heart failure, or who are over 65 years of age might represent at-risk populations who would benefit from CoQ10 supplementation. Conclusions: Routine CoQ10 supplementation for all patients taking statins to prevent myotoxicity is not recommended. However, certain subpopulations might be at risk and warrant further study.
Erythropoietin Dose Requirements When Converting from Subcutaneous to Intravenous Administration Among Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Moist Louise M , Muirhead Norm , Wazny Lori D , Gallo Kerri L , Heidenheim A Paul , House Andrew A 
Published: February 2006

Background: The optimal route for administration of exogenous erythropoietin remains controversial, particularly after the increased incidence in pure red cell aplasia. In Canada, the majority of hemodialysis units have converted to the intravenous route for administration of erythropoietin to potentially decrease the risk of pure red cell aplasia. Objective: To compare the difference in the weight-adjusted, weekly erythropoietin dose (units/kg/wk) administered by the subcutaneous compared with the intravenous route in a chronic hemodialysis population followed for 12 months. Methods: This prospective cohort study recruited patients receiving subcutaneous erythropoietin for at least 3 months while undergoing dialysis in a tertiary care hemodialysis program. Participants were switched to intravenous erythropoietin, and the average weekly dose was recorded at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months. Anemia management and hemoglobin, iron, and delivered dialysis dose targets remained constant throughout the study. Results: The erythropoietin dose increased by 24.5 units/kg/wk (95% Cl 12.7 to 36.3; p < 0.001), representing a 20.2% increase (95% Cl 10.5% to 29.9%; p < 0.001) 12 months after conversion from the subcutaneous to intravenous route of administration. Both patients with and without residual renal function at baseline required a significant increase in the intravenous dose. Conclusions: A 20.2% increase in erythropoietin dose was required to maintain hemoglobin targets between 11 and 12 g/dL after conversion from a subcutaneous to intravenous formulation. Healthcare funding agencies need to reexamine the cost benefit of using intravenous erythropoietin in the hemodialysis population with a low incidence of pure red cell aplasia.
Obsessive‐compulsive disorder across developmental trajectory: Cognitive processing of threat in children, adolescents and adults
Authors: Farrell Lara , Barrett Paula 
Published: January 2006

Background . While the cognitive theory of obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most widely accepted accounts of the maintenance of the disorder in adults, no study to date has systematically evaluated the theory across children, adolescence and adults with OCD.Method . This paper investigated developmental differences in the cognitive processing of threat in a sample of children, adolescents and adults with OCD. Using an idiographic assessment approach, as well as self‐report questionnaires, this study evaluated cognitive appraisals of responsibility, probability, severity, thought‐action fusion (TAF), thought‐suppression, self‐doubt and cognitive control. It was hypothesised that there would be age related differences in reported responsibility for harm, probability of harm, severity of harm, thought suppression, TAF, self‐doubt and cognitive control.Results . Results of this study demonstrated that children with OCD reported experiencing fewer intrusive thoughts, which were less distressing and less uncontrollable than those experienced by adolescents and adults with OCD. Furthermore, responsibility attitudes, probability biases and thought suppression strategies were higher in adolescents and adults with OCD. Cognitive processes of TAF, perceived severity of harm, self‐doubt and cognitive control were found to be comparable across age groups.Conclusions . These results suggest that the current cognitive theory of OCD needs to address developmental differences in the cognitive processing of threat. Furthermore, for a developmentally sensitive theory of OCD, further investigation is warranted into other possible age related maintenance factors. Implications of this investigation and directions for future research are discussed.
Atorvastatin Reduces the Expression of COX-2 mRNA in Peripheral Blood Monocytes from Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction and Modulates the Early Inflammatory Response
Authors: Deng Ping , Zhao Shui-ping , Dai Hai-ying , Guan Xian-song , Huang Hong-guang 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Background: We examined the effect of atorvastatin on the expression of COX-2 in peripheral blood monocytes from patients with early stage of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and the plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were also examined.
Methods: Patients with AMI (n = 40) and with stable coronary heart disease (CHD; n = 18) were registered, and patients with AMI were randomly separated to a group that received routine therapy (group A, n = 20) or to a group that received routine therapy plus atorvastatin at 20 mg/day (group B, n = 20) for a week. Peripheral blood monocytes from patients with AMI both before and after treatment and from patients with stable CHD were isolated and cultured for 24 h. COX-2 mRNA expression was analyzed by reverse transcription-PCR. We measured concentrations of CRP in plasma by ELISA.
Results: COX-2 expression was activated in peripheral blood monocytes from patients with AMI [0.92 (0.13)] compared with patients with stable CHD [0.19 (0.08)]; after a week of treatment, COX-2 expression in group B (reduced by 66%) was obviously lower than in group A (reduced by 24%; P &lt;0.05). Plasma concentrations of CRP from patients with AMI [43.3 (14.9) mg/L] were increased compared with those from patients with stable CHD [1.65 (0.78) mg/L; P &lt;0.05]; after a week of treatment, CRP concentrations in group B (reduced by 62%) were lower than in group A (reduced by 35%; P &lt;0.05). COX-2 expression in peripheral blood monocytes from patients with AMI was positively correlated with plasma CRP concentration (r = 0.662; P &lt;0.05).
Conclusions: COX-2 may promote acute inflammatory process after AMI. Atorvastatin may improve the antiinflammatory effects through the COX-2 pathway.
Full Breastfeeding Duration and Associated Decrease in Respiratory Tract Infection in US Children
Authors: Chantry Caroline J. , Howard Cynthia R. , Auinger Peggy 
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for an infant's first 6 months of life. When compared with exclusive breastfeeding for 4 months, greater protection against gastrointestinal infection, but not respiratory tract infection, has been demonstrated for the 6-month duration. The objective of this study was to ascertain if full breastfeeding of ≥6 months compared with 4 to &lt;6 months in the United States provides greater protection against respiratory tract infection.
METHODS. Secondary analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, a nationally representative cross-sectional home survey conducted from 1988 to 1994, was performed. Data from 2277 children aged 6 to &lt;24 months, who were divided into 5 groups according to breastfeeding status, were compared. Children who required neonatal intensive care were excluded. SUDAAN software was used to account for the complex sampling design. Logistic regression adjusted for confounding factors. Outcome measures included adjusted odds of acquiring pneumonia, ≥3 episodes of cold/influenza, ≥3 episodes of otitis media (OM), or wheezing in the past year or acquiring first OM at &lt;12 months of age.
RESULTS. In unadjusted analyses, infants who were fully breastfed for 4 to &lt;6 months (n = 223) were at greater risk for pneumonia than those who were fully breastfed for ≥6 months (n = 136) (6.5% vs 1.6%). There were not statistically significant differences in ≥3 episodes of cold/influenza (45% vs 41%), wheezing (23% vs 24%), ≥3 episodes of OM (27% vs 20%), or first OM at &lt;12 months of age (49% vs 47%). Adjusting for demographic variables, childcare, and smoke exposure revealed statistically significant increased risk for both pneumonia (odds ratio [OR]: 4.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27–14.35) and ≥3 episodes of OM (OR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.06–3.59) in those who were fully breastfed for 4 to &lt;6 months compared with ≥6 months.
CONCLUSIONS. This nationally representative study documents increased risk of respiratory tract infection including pneumonia and recurrent OM in children who were fully breastfed for 4 vs 6 months. These findings support current recommendations that infants receive only breast milk for the first 6 months of life.
Identification of Inflicted Traumatic Brain Injury in Well-Appearing Infants Using Serum and Cerebrospinal Markers: A Possible Screening Tool
Authors: Berger Rachel Pardes , Dulani Tina , Adelson P. David , Leventhal John M. , Richichi Rudolph , Kochanek Patrick M. 
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE. Inflicted traumatic brain injury (iTBI) is the leading cause of death from TBI in infants. Misdiagnosis of iTBI is common and results in increased morbidity and mortality. Biomarkers may be able to assist in screening infants who are at high risk for iTBI and whose injury might otherwise be missed. We investigated whether serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), S100B, and myelin-basic protein (MBP) are sensitive and specific for iTBI in high-risk infants.METHODS. A prospective case-control study was conducted of 98 well-appearing infants who presented with nonspecific symptoms and no history of trauma. Serum or CSF was collected. NSE, S100B, and MBP concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Abnormal marker concentrations were defined a priori. Patients were followed for 12 months to assess for subsequent abuse.RESULTS. Fourteen patients received a clinical diagnosis of iTBI. Using preestablished cutoffs, NSE was 77% sensitive and 66% specific and MBP was 36% sensitive and 100% specific for iTBI. S100B was neither sensitive nor specific for iTBI. Five patients who were not identified with iTBI at enrollment were identified at follow-up as being possible victims of abuse; 4 had an increased NSE concentration at enrollment.CONCLUSIONS. Serum and/or CSF concentrations of NSE and MBP may be useful as a screening test to identify infants who are at increased risk for iTBI and may benefit from additional evaluation with a head computed tomography scan. S100B is neither sensitive nor specific for iTBI in this study population. The ability to identify iTBI that might otherwise be missed has important implications for decreasing the morbidity and the mortality from iTBI.
Time Well Spent? Relating Television Use to Children's Free-Time Activities
Authors: Vandewater Elizabeth A. , Bickham David S. , Lee June H. 
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVES. This study assessed the claim that children's television use interferes with time spent in more developmentally appropriate activities.METHODS. Data came from the first wave of the Child Development Supplement, a nationally representative sample of children aged 0 to 12 in 1997 (N = 1712). Twenty-four-hour time-use diaries from 1 randomly chosen weekday and 1 randomly chosen weekend day were used to assess children's time spent watching television, time spent with parents, time spent with siblings, time spent reading (or being read to), time spent doing homework, time spent in creative play, and time spent in active play. Ordinary least squares multiple regression was used to assess the relationship between children's television use and time spent pursuing other activities.RESULTS. Results indicated that time spent watching television both with and without parents or siblings was negatively related to time spent with parents or siblings, respectively, in other activities. Television viewing also was negatively related to time spent doing homework for 7- to 12-year-olds and negatively related to creative play, especially among very young children (younger than 5 years). There was no relationship between time spent watching television and time spent reading (or being read to) or to time spent in active play.CONCLUSIONS. The results of this study are among the first to provide empirical support for the assumptions made by the American Academy of Pediatrics in their screen time recommendations. Time spent viewing television both with and without parents and siblings present was strongly negatively related to time spent interacting with parents or siblings. Television viewing was associated with decreased homework time and decreased time in creative play. Conversely, there was no support for the widespread belief that television interferes with time spent reading or in active play.