bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term outcomes of laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty in 168 patients with snoring
Authors: Iyngkaran T , Kanagalingam J , Rajeswaran R , Georgalas C , Kotecha B 
Published: July 2006

Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) is an established treatment for snoring. Our institution has been using a modification of the Kamami technique since 1995. Between January 1995 and December 2001, 469 patients underwent LAUP for snoring. A telephone survey of these patients and their partners was conducted retrospectively. One hundred and sixty-eight patients and their partners were interviewed and the findings analysed.Of the 168 patients, 122 had LAUP alone, 42 had LAUP and tonsillectomy and four had LAUP and septoplasty. The median follow-up time was 59 months (range 19 to 98 months).Seventy-four per cent reported improvement at six weeks, 69 per cent reported improvement at nine months and 55 per cent reported improvement at the time of interview. To assess the degree of improvement, patients and their partners were asked to grade any improvement in percentage terms. The mean subjective improvement scores were 57 per cent at six weeks (95 per cent confidence interval (CI) 50–64 per cent), 45 per cent at nine months (95 per cent CI 38–59 per cent) and 30 per cent at the time of interview (95 per cent CI 23–35 per cent). Patients who reported weight gain since surgery did not have a poorer outcome than those who reported no weight change or weight loss. Neither did weight loss predict a better outcome. The procedure was generally well tolerated, with only 30 patients (18 per cent) reporting complications (mainly minor).The benefits of LAUP wane with time and the results are best in the first 12 months following surgery. Our study suggests that 55 per cent of patients selected after sleep studies and sleep nasendoscopy will enjoy long-term benefit.
Design and clinical application of the ‘styloidectome’ styloid process cutter
Authors: Zhibin W , Min J 
Published: July 2006

A styloid process (SP) cutter was developed and put into clinical use. The design of components of the ‘styloidectome’ was based on the principles of mechanics. The measurements of the individual parts were determined on the basis of morphological data of the oropharynx from 40 subjects undergoing tonsillectomy under general anaesthesia. Experiments showed that the instrument could be used to transect the SP and excise the amputated bones from the deep tissue space. We used the instrument for the resection of elongated SPs, via an oral approach, in seven in-patients (involving 10 SPs) under general anaesthesia and in two out-patients (involving three SPs) under local anaesthesia. The length of the resected SP ranged from 0.8 to 2.5 cm and the stump of the SP was smooth. The removal lasted only seconds and blood loss was minimal, without any complications. The styloidectome was reliable, easy to use and could be used for the resection of an elongated SP under general or local anaesthesia.
Should we aspirate middle-ear effusions prior to insertion of ventilation tubes?
Authors: Laina V , Pothier D D 
Published: July 2006

Background: Routine aspiration of middle-ear effusions prior to ventilation tube (grommet) insertion is practised by many surgeons. It has been suggested that removing the fluid from the middle ear improves immediate post-operative hearing levels and reduces the chance of the ventilation tube becoming obstructed. The potential adverse effects of applying suction to the middle ear include acoustic trauma and an increased risk of tympanosclerosis and otorrhoea. We undertook a review of the literature in order to determine the benefits or side effects associated with middle-ear aspiration prior to ventilation tube insertion.Objectives: To compare clinical outcomes associated with aspirating versus not aspirating the middle ear prior to ventilation tube insertion.Methods: The Cochrane ENT group trials register, DARE, the Cochrane central register of controlled trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (1960–2005) and EMBASE (1960–2005) were searched using relevant terms. Reference lists of selected studies were scanned for additional research material.Results: Seven studies were identified, of which three fitted the inclusion criteria of our review. Current evidence suggests that aspiration of middle-ear effusions prior to insertion of ventilation tubes is not associated with any improvement in clinical outcome, in terms of post-operative hearing levels, otorrhoea or rates of blockage of ventilation tubes. Significantly increased rates of tympanosclerosis were observed in one study and the development of acoustic trauma was observed; however, no significant association was confirmed. Although more research is needed, there is no evidence that aspiration of middle-ear effusion prior to grommet insertion confers any advantage.
Acute Isovolemic Hemodilution Triggers Proinflammatory and Procoagulatory Endothelial Activation in Vital Organs: Role of Erythrocyte Aggregation
Authors: MORARIU AURORA M. , MAATHUIS MARK‐HUGO J. , ASGEIRSDOTTIR SIGRIDUR A. , LEUVENINK HENRI G. D. , BOONSTRA PIET W. , VAN OEVEREN WIM , PLOEG RUTGER J. , MOLEMA INGRID , RAKHORST GERHARD 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTObjectives: The essential role of erythrocytes as oxygen carriers is historically well established, but their function to aggregate and the consequences on the microcirculation is under debate. The pathogenic potential of low erythrocyte aggregation could be important for patients undergoing on‐pump cardipopulmonary bypass. These patients are severely hemodiluted due to preoperative isovolemic hemodilution (IHD), circuit priming, and large fluid infusions perioperatively. Considering the vascular endothelium sensitivity to variations in blood rheology, the authors hypothesize that low erythrocyte aggregation will be responsible for activation of vascular endothelium during acute IHD.Methods: Acute IHD (30 mL/kg exchange transfusion with colloid solutions) was induced in an “aggregating species”(pigs, n = 15). The hypoxic oxidative stress (plasma malondialdehyde, ex vivo oxygen radicals production in heart, lung, kidney, liver, and ileum tissue biopsies), erythrocyte aggregation (LORCA), and endothelial activation (real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR on von Willebrand factor (vWF), E‐ and P‐selectins, endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene‐expression in tissue biopsies) were investigated.Results: The production of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, measured as H2O2 generation, was similar at all times in sham‐operated and hemodiluted animals, proving a maintained oxygen delivery to tissues. Acute IHD was followed by a dramatic drop in erythrocyte aggregation and immediate prothrombotic (significant vWF mRNA upregulation in heart, lungs, kidney, liver, ileum) and proinflammatory (significant E‐ and P‐selectins mRNA upregulation in lungs and ileum) endothelial activation. Low erythrocyte aggregation was significantly correlated with increased mRNA‐expression of vWF (heart, liver, ileum) and P‐selectin (lungs, ileum, and heart).Conclusions: These results suggest that low erythrocyte aggregation might trigger endothelium‐dependent thrombogenic and proinflammatory response during acute isovolemic hemodilution.
Connecting stuttering management and measurement: IV. Predictors of outcome for a behavioural treatment for stuttering
Authors: Block Susan , Onslow Mark , Packman Ann , Dacakis Georgia 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground: Clinical trials have shown that behavioural treatments based on variants of prolonged‐speech (PS) are best practice for reducing the stuttering rate in adults. However, while stuttering is significantly reduced or eliminated for most adults in the short‐term with such treatment, relapse in the longer‐term is common. Consequently, there has been interest in attempting to establish variables that predict responsiveness to PS‐based treatments. Identifying such variables would enable risk prediction and also contribute to the tailoring of treatments to suit individuals who are less likely to benefit in the long‐term from the conventional PS‐based treatments. Variables that have been investigated to date are the stuttering severity, the attitude to communication and the locus of control.Aims: The present study revisited this issue with methodological improvements.Methods & Procedures: Prospective, continuous measures of outcome several years after treatment, and well‐powered, least‐squares multivariate regression, with backwards elimination, were used to determine the best model to predict short‐ and long‐term outcomes of a PS‐based treatment. Other predictor variables were also included. The stuttering rates of 78 participants were measured immediately after the intensive stage of treatment, and during a surprize telephone call 3.5–5 years after treatment.Outcomes & Results: Attitude to communication and locus of control were separate constructs to stuttering rate. While the stuttering rate predicted outcome, neither of the two non‐behavioural variables predicted outcome in either the short‐ or the long‐term.Conclusions: The most significant finding is that the non‐behavioural variables of attitude to communication and locus of control did not predict treatment outcomes. This is contrary to the findings of most previous studies.
Corrosion protection of steels by PVD TaN thin films
Authors: Flores J.F. , Valdez S. B. , Schorr M. , Olaya J.J. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo investigate the protective properties of tantalum nitride (TaN) thin films deposited on to various steels immersed in a 3 per cent NaCl solution.Design/methodology/approachTaN thin films with a thickness of 250 nm were deposited on UNS G10180, UNS S30400 and UNS T11302 steels by means of magnetron sputtering technique. The electrochemical behaviour has been studied in 3 per cent NaCl solution using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization. The crystalline structure of the films was investigated by X‐ray diffraction. Surface analysis of the corroded samples was performed using scanning electron microscopy and light optical microscopy. The electrochemical impedance spectra were analysed in the context of equivalent circuit models (ECs).FindingsThe ECs incorporate a charge transfer process representing the TaN film on UNS G10180 steel, two time constants for that deposited on UNS T11302 and diffusion behaviour for the TaN film on UNS S30400 steel. TaN films demonstrate their protection properties, which were evidenced by increase of the electrochemical properties compared with the substrate. The major corrosion damage of coatings is caused by defects, pores, droplets and pinholes that allow the electrolyte penetration through the films.Practical implicationsCorrosion protections of steels by TaN thin films.Originality/valueThe information related to corrosion behaviour of TaN films in a chloride solution is poor. This paper presents not only a completely electrochemical characterization, but also the surface analysis of the corroded samples.
Influence of bismuth on electrochemical behavior of sacrificial aluminum anode
Authors: Karaminezhaad M. , Jafari A.H. , Sarrafi A. , Safi Gh. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo evaluate bismuth, which is inexpensive and non‐toxic, as a substitute for mercury, indium and gallium in Al‐5%Zn‐X sacrificial anode.Design/methodology/approachThe effect of bismuth on the electrochemical behavior of Al‐5%Zn‐Bi in the artificial sea water environment was investigated. Potentiodynamic, potentiostatic, galvanostatic, weight loss and efficiency test methods were employed. The surface of the specimens were studied by SEM and analyzed by EDAX. Image analyzer was also used.FindingsAdding 0.3‐0.5%Bi to Al‐5%Zn alloy produces considerable active sites on the anode surface and, when the corrosion process continues, the corrosion will be uniform by joining these numerous shallow pits and a high efficiency sacrificial anode will emerge.Research limitations/implicationsPreventing segregation by good casting practice or homogenization heat treatment will be helpful to prevent unpredicted localized corrosion and investigating the effect of these processes on the performance of this new alloy is helpful. Investigating the performance of this new suggested alloy in environments like soil is highly recommended.Practical implicationsOwing to the toxicity of mercury and high price of gallium and indium, bismuth, which has a much lower price and showed a good performance in the present laboratory tests, can be a good substitute for the above mentioned elements.Originality/valueThe previous lack of a systematic research on the effect of bismuth which can be a good substitute for indium and gallium, on anodic behavior of aluminum gives this paper its high value.
The corrosion and inhibition of Zn‐Al alloy in acidic media by pyridine and its methyl‐containing derivatives
Authors: Awad H.S. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeZn‐Al alloys are widely used as coatings for corrosion protection of steel. These alloys provide long‐term protection to steel in several aqueous media; however, little attention has been paid to their behaviour in acidic media. The aim of this investigation is to study the corrosion and inhibition of 90 per cent Zn‐10 per cent Al alloy in hydrochloric acid.Design/methodology/approachPyridine and a number of its methyl‐containing derivatives were applied in controlling the corrosion of 90 per cent Zn‐10 per cent Al alloy. The inhibitive action and mechanism of these compounds were investigated by weight loss tests, linear polarisation resistance measurements, galvanostatic polarisation tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.FindingsIt was found that the corrosion rate of this alloy was much higher than that of either Zn or Al alone. Pyridine and its derivatives exhibited good inhibition for the corrosion of 90 per cent Zn‐10 per cent Al alloy, their inhibition efficiency increased in the order: I < II < III < IV. Potentiodynamic polarisation studies revealed that the investigated pyridine derivatives were mixed‐type inhibitors and functioned by adsorption on reactive sites on the alloy surface through the influence of the nucleophilic nitrogen atom forming a good physical barrier to prevent access of aggressive ions to the alloy surface. This was supported by the impedance measurements which showed a change in the charge transfer resistance and double layer capacitance indicating adsorption on the alloy surface. It was shown that the introduction of the methyl group(s) into the pyridine ring enhanced the effectiveness of pyridine inhibition. The improvement was attributable to the electron‐donating tendency of this group that gives rise to the increase in the electron density at the adsorption site. All the investigated substituents showed negative values of the Hammett constant (σ), indicating their electron‐donating property. The negative value of this constant increased according to the order: I < II < III < IV, the greater the negative value ofσbeing consistent with the greater degree of corrosion inhibition. It also was revealed that the presence of these inhibitors increased the value of activation energy for corrosion with a ranking order that was consistent with that of their inhibition effectiveness.Research limitations/implicationsThe evaluated inhibitors assured significant corrosion inhibition of the Zn‐Al alloy in HCl, however, their behaviour in different acid media was ambiguous.Originality/valueThis paper makes significant contibution to understanding the corrosion and inhibition of one of the widely apply coatings for steel protection in one of the most widely used aqueous mineral acids in industry.
Mapping local foods: evidence from two English regions
Authors: Ilbery Brian , Watts David , Simpson Sue , Gilg Andrew , Little Jo 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper sets out to engage with current debate over local foods and the emergence of what has been called an alternative food economy and to examine the distribution of local food activity in the South West and West Midlands regions of England.Design/methodology/approachDatabases on local food activity were constructed for each region from secondary sources. The data were mapped by means of choropleth mapping at postcode district level.FindingsAlthough local food activity is flourishing in the South West and, to a lesser extent, the West Midlands, it is unevenly distributed. Concentrations occur in both regions. These may relate to a variety of factors, including: proximity to urban centres and particular trunk roads, landscape designations and the geography of farming types. The products that tend to predominate – horticulture, dairy, meat and poultry – can either be sold directly to consumers with little or no processing, or remain readily identifiable and defining ingredients after being processed.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings require testing through a larger‐scale survey using primary data. Many local food producers also supply conventional markets. Further research is required into their reasons for doing so and into whether the local food sector can become a significant alternative to conventional food supply chains.Originality/valueThe paper maps local food activity in England on a larger scale than attempted hitherto. It contributes to debate over the alternative food economy and provides a basis for further empirical research.
Can NLP help or harm your business?
Authors: Yemm Graham 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify what neurolinguistic programming (NLP) is, how it might be useful for individuals and organizations, and to explore the question whether NLP can help or harm a business. The paper also aims to give a balanced view of NLP, outlining how it can benefit organizations but also how it is most useful when it becomes part of everyday life and work and not just a set of tools to use when deemed necessary.Design/methodology/approachThe author draws on his own opinions and experiences from working as a Master Practitioner of NLP for many years and his involvement with setting up and running “The Business Group”, which promotes uses of NLP in organizations. Four key aspects are covered: why knowing more about NLP and its uses might be useful for you and others in your organization; what NLP is and some of the key principles; how it has been used in some organizations; and what you might be able to do with it in the future. Focuses on the main areas where NLP can help an organization: Management and leadership, sales and negotiation, and customer service.FindingsNLP can both help and harm a business. This article only scratches the surface of where NLP can help in the business world. However, there are also ways NLP can harm businesses too, as just being familiar with one or two concepts can do more harm than good.Originality/valueThe article aims to help business people become better informed about NLP, its applications both individually and in the workplace and also to dispel some myths about NLP and connotations people may already have with the term.
Improving organisational performance through developing our people
Authors: Mathieson Morag 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo share the learnings gained from the experiences of the training and development manager at The Glenmorangie Company.Design/methodology/approachThe practical approach taken is described in terms of getting management buy‐in to training and development through a bottom‐up approach.FindingsThe experiential approach used at The Glenmorangie Company echoes the findings documented in the CIPD research analysis paper based on 2005 Training and Development Survey.Practical implicationsWhen considering implementing new learning initiatives this approach will enable one to optimise one's success and prove sustainability, through managers' commitment and employee engagement.Originality/valueTo all those involved in training and development it provides a practical step‐by‐step approach to making effective learning interventions that managers are committed to adopt.
If I cannot see them, how can I lead them?
Authors: Gerke Susan K. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide leaders with a clear understanding of some key issues they face when leading remote workers and to provide practical suggestions on how to deal with those issues.Design/methodology/approachThe main method of research for this paper is data from participants in workshops over a ten‐year period. Participants included all levels of management, as well as non‐managers in a variety of large organizations across industries. Industries include high‐tech, food, consumer products, energy, entertainment and manufacturing. Participants included those with global teams, teams within a country and teams with work‐at‐home members.FindingsThe key finding is that remote leadership requires the same good management and leadership skills that co‐located leadership requires. However, in the remote environment, leaders must be more deliberate and planful about building relationships and trust and in communicating.Practical implicationsLeaders can implement specific techniques, several of which are presented in the paper, to increase their effectiveness of leading remote employees and teams.Originality/valueWhile remote leaders often struggle as they try to work effectively with their employees, they do not often identify that it is specifically the remote factor that is causing much of the challenge. This paper provides practical techniques for anyone trying to get work accomplished with remote employees.
Life coaching and the law
Authors: Perry Melanie J. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo deliver an “introduction to life coaching” workshop to local government lawyers and the benefits they could get from life coaching.Design/methodology/approachThe nature of the interactive workshop is outlined and the responses of the delegates examined.FindingsThe findings of the paper focus on the benefits to the delegates at both personal and professional levels. The holistic approach of life coaching impacting on how difficulties are viewed and the consequent reduction in stress.Originality/valueA case study on the experiences of delegates exposed to life coaching. This paper will be of value to HR in local government and high stress business environments.
Health information literacy and higher education: The King's College London approach
Authors: Haines Margaret , Horrocks Gary 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe Information Services and Systems Department at King's College London addresses information literacy in a variety of ways. This paper will review all these approaches and discuss future plans. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive paper describing a three part model of good practice for promoting health information literacy: through training delivered as part of the taught undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum; through the iGrad programme aimed at research students; and through work with the Personnel department, developing staff knowledge and information competencies via TrainIT, a suite of IT and information retrieval courses.FindingsThat the model described is robust but faces future challenges: for example, the challenge of sheer growth in student numbers and widening participation initiatives, the need to re‐model the curriculum to involve more online learning and to centre around clinical scenarios, the challenge of optimising the relationship between the National Health Service (NHS) and higher education (HE) sectors.Research limitations/implicationsIn particular, the models of assessment used and analysis of future challenges present potential for further research analysis.Practical implicationsThis paper offers many practice‐based examples of how to enhance levels of health information literacy.Originality/valueThe well developed methods of promoting information literacy outlined in this paper are worthy of note by practitioners both within and beyond the health information field.