bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of long-term storage of filter paper blood samples on neonatal thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroxin and 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone measurements
Authors: Lando Valeria S , Batista Marcelo C , Nakamura Izabel T , Mazi Cassia R , Mendonca Berenice B , Brito Vinicius N 
Published: October 2008

Objectives Clinical laboratories store filter paper samples used in neonatal screening for various periods of time after performing hormonal measurements. However, due to lack of data concerning specimen stability, it is unclear for how long these samples should be stored. The objective of this study is to determine the stability and reproducibility of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4) and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) measurements in filter paper blood samples stored for up to 60 months. Methods Two hundred and twenty-eight blood samples, drawn between the second and the fourth day of life, were divided into seven distinct groups and kept at 4–8°C for one day or 2, 12, 24, 36, 48 or 60 months after basal hormonal measurements. In each group, TSH, T4 and 17-OHP levels were initially assayed 24–48 hours after collection (basal) and repeated once at the end of storage timing. All the measurements were performed by time-resolved fluorometry (1235 AutoDELFIA, Wallac Oy, Turku, Finland). Repeated and basal levels of each hormone were compared within the same group by Student's paired t-test. Differences were considered significant at P < 0.05. Results Compared with basal measurements, TSH and T4 levels declined significantly only when these hormones were re-assayed at 48 or 60 months of sample storage. In contrast, 17-OHP concentrations decreased earlier, starting at 24 months and continuing throughout the remaining period. Conclusion Our data suggest that neonatal screening of filter paper samples kept at 4–8°C are reliable for repeating the hormonal measurements when specimens are stored for up to one year, in the case of 17-OHP, or three years, in the case of T4 and TSH.
Ethnic differences in participation in flexible sigmoidoscopy screening in the UK
Authors: Robb Kathryn A , Power Emily , Atkin Wendy , Wardle Jane 
Published: October 2008

Objectives The aim of the study was to examine ethnic differences in participation in colorectal cancer screening by flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS). It assessed both intentions to be screened and actual screening uptake, and considered whether demographic, health and psychosocial factors mediated the ethnic differences. The setting of this study follows a subset of participants from the UK FS Trial. Methods A postal questionnaire assessed ethnicity, demographic characteristics, health, attitudes to screening and FS screening intentions. Data on screening intentions were available for 17,333 adults aged 55–64 years (Sample 1). Screening uptake was recorded in a subsample of 4303 respondents who were subsequently randomized to receive an invitation to screening (Sample 2). Results Screening intentions in Sample 1 were equally high across all the ethnic groups (>80% [13,724/17,042] reported they were interested). In contrast, attendance (Sample 2) was considerably lower among Asians (54% [43/79]) compared with White (69% [2843/4123]) or Black (80% [33/41]) respondents. Multivariate analysis showed that potential explanatory factors, including socioeconomic deprivation, poor health and fearful and fatalistic attitudes did not account for the lower screening attendance among Asians. Conclusion Further research is required to identify explanations for the gap between intentions and behaviour in UK Asians if any future FS screening programme is to be introduced equitably.
Diabetic retinopathy and socioeconomic deprivation in Gloucestershire
Authors: Scanlon P H , Carter S C , Foy C , Husband R F A , Abbas J , Bachmann M O 
Published: October 2008

Objectives To investigate socioeconomic variations in diabetes prevalence, uptake of screening for diabetic retinopathy, and prevalence of diabetic retinopathy. Methods The County of Gloucestershire formed the setting of the study. A cross-sectional study of people with diabetes was done on a countywide retinopathy-screening database. Diabetes prevalence with odds ratios, uptake of screening, prevalence of any retinopathy and prevalence of sight-threatening retinopathy at screening were compared for different area deprivation quintiles. Logistic regression was used to adjust for confounding. Results With each increasing quintile of deprivation, diabetes prevalence increased (odds ratio 0.84), the probability of having been screened for diabetic retinopathy decreased (odds ratio 1.11), and the prevalence of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy among screened patients increased (odds ratio of 0.98), while the prevalence of non-sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy remained unchanged with each increasing quintile of deprivation. Conclusion Sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy was associated with socioeconomic deprivation, but non-sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy was not. Uptake of screening was inversely related to socioeconomic deprivation.
Population characteristics related to colorectal cancer testing in New South Wales, Australia: results from the 45 and Up Study cohort
Authors: Weber Marianne F , Banks Emily , Ward Robyn , Sitas Freddy 
Published: October 2008

Objective To compare the characteristics of people who utilize colorectal cancer screening tests with those who do not. Setting Self-reported questionnaire data from 15,900 women and 14,953 men aged 50 or over who had never had colorectal cancer were taken from the 45 and Up Study cohort in Australia in 2006. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of colorectal cancer test behaviour within the last five years by faecal occult blood test (FOBT), or by any test (FOBT, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy) was performed. Results A total of 36.2% of participants reported colorectal cancer testing and 17.9% reported having a FOBT. Both FOBT and any testing were reduced significantly in groups with the following attributes compared with the remaining population; ages 50–59 and 80+; female; no family history of colorectal cancer; lower education; lower income; not speaking English at home; lack of private health insurance; not being retired; not living with a partner and not having other screening tests. Compared with other participants, test uptake was particularly low among current smokers (relative risk 0.76, 95% CI 0.71–0.80), sedentary participants (0.71, 95% CI 0.66–0.77), those without fruit (0.77, 95% CI 0.71–0.84) or vegetables (0.79, 95% CI 0.69–0.90) in their daily diet and those with a disability (0.91, 95% CI 0.85–0.97). Compared with participants from major cities, outer regional area participants were significantly more likely to report a FOBT (1.31, 95% CI 1.23–1.39) however participants in remote areas were significantly less likely to have had any colorectal cancer test (0.75, 95% CI 0.67–0.85). Conclusion Subgroups of the Australian population may require targeted intervention to ensure equity in colorectal cancer screening.
A Comparison of Facial and Lingual Cortical Thicknesses in Edentulous Maxillary and Mandibular Sites Measured on Computerized Tomograms
Authors: Flanagan Dennis 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Edentulous ridges suitable for implant treatment depend on cortical bone for implant stability, especially for ridge-expansion procedures. This study was done to find and compare the actual thicknesses of the facial and lingual edentulous cortices of the maxilla and mandible as measured on computerized tomograms. The collected computerized tomographs (CT) of one implantologist's practice (D.F.) were measured. The measurements taken demonstrated that the edentulous lingual cortex is almost always thicker than the facial cortex in the maxilla and mandible. The combined maxillary and mandibular facial cortices measurement sites average was 1.79 mm. The combined maxillary and mandibular lingual cortices measurement sites average was 2.33 mm. The average cortical thickness measurement of the maxillary facial cortices was 1.66 mm. The lingual maxillary average was 2.16 mm. The mandibular facial cortical sites averaged 1.83 mm, while the lingual cortical sites were 2.40 mm. These data confirm that the lingual cortex of the maxilla and mandible is thicker than the facial cortex at a ratio of 1:1.3. This ratio was consistent for maxilla and mandible.
Postnatal affective disorders. Part 2: prevention and management
Authors: Oates Margaret 
Published: October 2008

Women with a history of mental illness should be screened during early pregnancy, as the risk of recurrence following delivery is substantial.
The risk of suicide in seriously mentally ill women is elevated following childbirth.
Postpartum psychiatric illnesses respond to the same treatments as at other times; breastfeeding, however, limits medication choice.
Mothers requiring admission to a psychiatric hospital following delivery should be admitted to a mother and baby unit unless contraindicated.

Learning objectives:

To recognise the risk factors and preventative measures for postnatal affective disorders.
To discuss the psychological, pharmacological and social management.
To understand the potential adverse effects of pharmacological treatment on the developing infant via breast milk.

Ethical issues:

Do the risks to both mother and infant of not treating postpartum psychiatric illness outweigh the risk to the infant of psychotropic medication?

Please cite this article as: Oates M. Postnatal affective disorders. Part 2: prevention and management. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2008;10:231–235.
Subspecialty training in urogynaecology
Authors: Mayne Christopher , Cutner Alfred , Toozs‐Hobson Philip M 
Published: October 2008

This article outlines the background and history of subspecialty training in urogynaecology.
There have been many changes in training brought about by the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board.
The new curriculum and assessment tools are reviewed.

Learning objectives:

To review the position of subspecialty training in the new training structure.
To provide up‐to‐date information for those considering subspecialty training in urogynaecology.

Ethical issues:

A centralised generic body controlling all postgraduate medical training represents a considerable advance over individual colleges working in isolation.
All women with urogynaecological problems must only be seen by doctors appropriately accredited in the subspecialty.

Please cite this article as: Mayne C, Cutner A, Toozs‐Hobson PM. Subspecialty training in urogynaecology. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2008;10:263–266.
Comparisons of Catch and Precision of Pop Nets, Push Nets, and Seines for Sampling Larval and Juvenile Yellow Perch
Authors: Paradis Yves , Mingelbier Marc , Brodeur Philippe , Magnan Pierre 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Abundance estimates of larval and juvenile fish require unbiased and precise sampling techniques. Even if an appropriate sampling technique is chosen, fish abundance estimates can be inaccurate if there is no assessment of the gear precision. Our first objective was to compare catch characteristics of pop nets, push nets, and seines for sampling occurrence, abundance, and size of age-0 yellow perch Perca flavescens in shallow habitats with different vegetation densities. The second objective was to estimate the precision (coefficient of variation (CV)) with which each sampling gear measured larval and juvenile yellow perch abundance. Larval fish were collected in May 2003 via pop nets and push nets, and juveniles were collected in July 2003 via pop nets and seines. Significant differences in yellow perch occurrence and abundance were observed between sampling gears and sampling periods. May occurrence and abundance of larval yellow perch were higher for push nets than for pop nets in open-water habitats but were the same in vegetated sites. The seine was the most effective gear for sampling juvenile yellow perch in both sparsely and densely vegetated habitats during July. The average total length of larval yellow perch sampled with pop nets in May was significantly higher than that of fish sampled with push nets. Average total length of juvenile yellow perch in July was significantly higher for seine samples than for pop-net samples. Our results showed that (1) high precision levels can be reached with pop nets and push nets during May sampling of yellow perch larval stages but (2) the precision level is lower in July when pop nets and seines are used to sample juvenile stages. The CV suggests that aggregations of age-0 yellow perch increased between May and July, which has important implications for sampling design.
Evaluating habitat vulnerability to hazardous air pollutants in the southeastern United States
Authors: Mehaffey Megan , Tankersley Roger , Miller Latoya , Smith Elizabeth 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Long term protection and maintenance of ecological communities and populations must consider the effect of atmospheric pollutants in addition to stressors that occur on the ground. We describe a technique for identifying species ranges and ecosystems across the landscape where there could be potential effects from air toxics releases. We modified the ranking equations for hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from the Chemical Scoring and Ranking Assessment Model (SCRAM) to come up with a weighted relative toxicity value. The model combines toxicity rankings from SCRAM, chemical ambient air concentration data from the Assessment System for Population Exposure Nationwide model, and species richness data from the Southeast Gap Analysis Project. The final output was a 30-m pixel grid of potential vulnerability to HAP exposures. We found that the model, in general, resulted in a circular pattern around major urban areas with vulnerability decreasing with distance from the urban center. Those areas having high acreage of federal, state, and locally protected lands were also highlighted by the models added weight for species richness. Since the final toxicity maps were in a raster format the data can be aggregated into any number of assessment units for use by multiple levels of decision makers including federal and state entities who want to compare relative toxicity exposures across a region and local groups who want to evaluate the vulnerability of lands under their management.
Lack of Predictability at Work and Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction: An 18-Year Prospective Study of Industrial Employees
Authors: Väänänen Ari , Koskinen Aki , Joensuu Matti , Kivimäki Mika , Vahtera Jussi , Kouvonen Anne , Jäppinen Paavo 
Published: October 2008

Objectives. We examined whether the distinctive components of job control—decision authority, skill discretion, and predictability—were related to subsequent acute myocardial infarction (MI) events in a large population of initially heart disease–free industrial employees. Methods. We prospectively examined the relation between the components of job control and acute MI among private-sector industrial employees. During an 18-year follow-up, 56 fatal and 316 nonfatal events of acute MI were documented among 7663 employees with no recorded history of cardiovascular disease at baseline (i.e., 1986). Results. After adjustment for demographics, psychological distress, prevalent medical conditions, lifestyle risk factors, and socioeconomic characteristics, low decision autonomy (P < .53) and skill discretion (P < .10) were not significantly related to subsequent acute MI. By contrast, low predictability at work was associated with elevated risk of acute MI (P = .02). This association was driven by the strong effect of predictability on acute MI among employees aged 45 to 54 years. Conclusions. Prospective evidence suggests that low predictability at work is an important component of job control, increasing long-term risk of acute MI among middle-aged employees.
Dual Loyalty of Physicians in the Military and in Civilian Life
Authors: Benatar Solomon R. , Upshur Ross E. G. 
Published: October 2008

The concept of the dual loyalty physicians may have to both a patient and a third party is important in elucidating the obligations of physicians. The extent to which loyalty may be deflected from a patient to a third party (e.g., an insurance company or a prison commander) is greatly underestimated and has not attracted significant scholarly analysis.We examined dual loyalty in civilian and military contexts and used the principles of public health ethics to construct a framework for determining the legitimacy of physicians' obligations. We illustrate the application of these principles to problems physicians encounter regarding communicable diseases, elder abuse, and driving fitness. In the complex military context, independent ethics tribunals should be created to adjudicate loyalty conflicts.
Enhancement of Influenza Surveillance With Aggregate Rapid Influenza Test Results: New Mexico, 2003–2007
Authors: Baumbach Joan , Mueller Mark , Smelser Chad , Albanese Bernadette , Sewell C. Mack 
Published: October 2008

Objectives. We sought to determine whether monitoring rapid influenza laboratory tests improved the influenza-like illness surveillance already in place in New Mexico. Methods. For the past 3 influenza seasons, the New Mexico Department of Health examined influenza-like illness visits and positive rapid influenza test results. Results. The proportion of positive rapid influenza test results started to rise earlier than did the percentage of clinical visits because of influenza-like illness in each of the past 3 influenza seasons: 5 weeks earlier during the 2004–2005 season; 3 weeks earlier in 2005–2006; and 2 weeks earlier in 2006–2007. In addition, rapid influenza tests showed a spike in influenza B activity late in the 2005–2006 season that influenza-like illness syndrome surveillance did not. Conclusions. Laboratory-based rapid influenza test surveillance required relatively few resources to implement and offered a sensitive mechanism to detect the onset of influenza activity while allowing for the distinction of influenza types.
The Association Between Perceived Discrimination and Obesity in a Population-Based Multiracial and Multiethnic Adult Sample
Authors: Hunte Haslyn E. R. , Williams David R. 
Published: October 2008

Objectives. We examined whether perceived chronic discrimination was related to excess body fat accumulation in a random, multiethnic, population-based sample of US adults.Methods. We used multivariate multinomial logistic regression and logistic regression analyses to examine the relationship between interpersonal experiences of perceived chronic discrimination and body mass index and high-risk waist circumference.Results. Consistent with other studies, our analyses showed that perceived unfair treatment was associated with increased abdominal obesity. Compared with Irish, Jewish, Polish, and Italian Whites who did not experience perceived chronic discrimination, Irish, Jewish, Polish, and Italian Whites who perceived chronic discrimination were 2 to 6 times more likely to have a high-risk waist circumference. No significant relationship between perceived discrimination and the obesity measures was found among the other Whites, Blacks, or Hispanics.Conclusions. These findings are not completely unsupported. White ethnic groups including Polish, Italians, Jews, and Irish have historically been discriminated against in the United States, and other recent research suggests that they experience higher levels of perceived discrimination than do other Whites and that these experiences adversely affect their health.
Corporate Philanthropy, Lobbying, and Public Health Policy
Authors: Tesler Laura E. , Malone Ruth E. 
Published: October 2008

To counter negative publicity about the tobacco industry, Philip Morris has widely publicized its philanthropy initiatives. Although corporate philanthropy is primarily a public relations tool, contributions may be viewed as offsetting the harms caused by corporate products and practices. That such donations themselves have harmful consequences has been little considered. Drawing on internal company documents, we explored the philanthropy undertaken as part of Philip Morris's PM21 image makeover. Philip Morris explicitly linked philanthropy to government affairs and used contributions as a lobbying tool against public health policies. Through advertising, covertly solicited media coverage, and contributions to legislators’ pet causes, Philip Morris improved its image among key voter constituencies, influenced public officials, and divided the public health field as grantees were converted to stakeholders.
Past Trends and Current Status of Self-Reported Incidence and Impact of Disease and Nonbattle Injury in Military Operations in Southwest Asia and the Middle East
Authors: Riddle Mark S. , Tribble David R. , Putnam Shannon D. , Mostafa Manal , Brown Theodore R. , Letizia Andrew , Armstrong Adam W. , Sanders John W. 
Published: October 2008

Objectives. To evaluate the evolutional changes in disease and nonbattle injury in a long-term deployment setting, we investigated trends of selected disease and nonbattle injury (NBI) incidence among US military personnel deployed in ongoing military operations in Southwest Asia and the Middle East. Methods. Participants completed an anonymous questionnaire concerning diarrhea, acute respiratory illness (ARI), and NBIs. We compared incidence, morbidity, and risk associations of disease and NBI incidence with historical data. We analyzed a clinic screening form to describe trends in diarrhea incidence over a 3-year period. Results. Between April 2006 and March 2007, 3374 troops completed deployment questionnaires. Incidence of diarrhea was higher than that of ARI and NBI (12.1, 7.1, and 2.5 episodes per 100 person-months, respectively), but ARI and NBI resulted in more-frequent health system utilization (both P < .001) and decreased work performance (P < .001 and P = .05, respectively) than did diarrhea. Compared with historical disease and NBI incidence rates, diarrhea and NBI incidence declined over a 4-year period, whereas ARI remained relatively constant. Conclusions. Diarrhea, ARI, and NBI are important health concerns among deployed military personnel. Public health and preventive measures are needed to mitigate this burden.