bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender differences in health‐related quality of life among stroke patients
Authors: Kuroda Akiko , Kanda Tadashi , Sakai Fumihiko 
Published: August 2006

Background:  To determine whether differences in health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) exist between male and female stroke patients and, if present, to identify factors influencing these differences.Methods:  A questionnaire assessing HRQOL, measured by the EuroQol questionnaire, and functional outcome was mailed to 792 stroke patients and responded by 604 patients 39.6 ± 18.4 (mean ± standard deviation) months after stroke onset. A total of 480 patients who lived at home after discharge were considered eligible for the analysis.Results:  The mean quality of life (QOL) utility score for men (0.79 ± 0.22) was significantly higher than that for women (0.69 ± 0.26; P < 0.001). At discharge, men had a significantly better ability to walk than women (P < 0.001). The ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) was also better among men than women after discharge (P < 0.01). A close relationship was observed between QOL utility scores and performance of ADL in both genders. A higher proportion of women were found to be in a state of anxiety or depression. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the QOL utility scores for men and women were influenced by functional changes, and the ADL items walking and dressing ability after discharge. In addition, the score for women was influenced by walking ability at discharge.Conclusions:  HRQOL among men was significantly better than that among women. The difference in QOL scores appears to be influenced by the poorer outcome of ADL and the higher proportion of post‐stroke anxiety and depression among women.
Percutaneous vertebroplasty for elderly patients with unhealed osteoporotic spinal fractures
Authors: Harada Atsushi , Matsui Yasumoto , Okuizumi Hiroyasu , Wakao Norimitsu , Suzuki Takeshi , Ito Zenya 
Published: August 2006

Background:  Vertebroplasty is a procedure in which bone cement is injected percutaneously into the vertebral body.Methods:  We used this technique with 15 patients who had pseudarthrosis or delayed union of osteoporotic spinal fractures with vacuum clefts, and in whom conservative treatment did not relieve persistent pain. The procedure was performed in a short time with little blood loss, and no generic complications, leakage of bone cement to blood vessels or the spinal canal, or neural compression.Results:  At 1 week after the operation, pain was eliminated in seven patients, alleviated in seven patients, unchanged in one patient, and worsened in none. The rate of alleviation or elimination of pain after 1 week and 6 months was 93% and 85%, respectively. Recurrence of the pain was seen in four cases, but this was caused by new spinal fractures in separate locations, confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging, in three patients, and by multiple myeloma in one patient.Conclusion:  Thus, vertebroplasty, which alleviates pain rapidly and with low invasiveness, is a new and promising therapy for osteoporotic spinal fractures in which conservative treatment has failed. It seems to provide a large benefit to elderly patients if performed with prudent care with regard to complications at the time of bone cement injection, and in conjunction with treatment for osteoporosis.
Serum concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA‐S) in oldest old Japanese women correlate with cognitive activity rather than activities of daily living
Authors: Yanase Toshihiko , Muta Kazuo , Nawata Hajime 
Published: August 2006

Background:  Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its interconvertible sulfate ester, DHEA sulfate (DHEA‐S), mainly produced by the adrenal glands, are progressively decreased with aging and are proven markers of longevity. Although serum level of DHEA (‐S) has been shown to be decreased in dementing diseases, the issue remains controversial. We investigated the physiological significance of DHEA‐S in oldest old Japanese women in respect of activities of daily living (ADL) or cognitive activities.Methods:  Cross‐sectional study of 50 women aged 90–103 years old. Serum concentrations of DHEA‐S levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. ADL and cognitive activity were evaluated by the Bathel index and revised Hasegawa’s dementia rating scale (HDS‐R), respectively. Univariate or multivariate regression analyzes were used for statistics.Results:  Of the 50 subjects, 80% exceeded the lowest level of the normal range for women in their forties. Serum concentrations of DHEA‐S were significantly correlated with HDS‐R but not with the Barthel index.Conclusion:  Relatively higher levels of serum DHEA‐S in oldest old women may reflect the longevity of this population and the levels might be associated with cognitive activity rather than ADL.
Quantifying uncertainty in the potential distribution of an invasive species: climate and the Argentine ant
Authors: Hartley Stephen , Harris Richard , Lester Philip J. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractMaps of a species’ potential range make an important contribution to conservation and invasive species risk analysis. Spatial predictions, however, should be accompanied by an assessment of their uncertainty. Here, we use multimodel inference to generate confidence intervals that incorporate both the uncertainty involved in model selection as well as the error associated with model fitting. In the case of the invasive Argentine ant, we found that it was most likely to occur where the mean daily temperature in mid‐winter was 7–14 °C and maximum daily temperatures during the hottest month averaged 19–30 °C. Uninvaded regions vulnerable to future establishment include: southern China, Taiwan, Zimbabwe, central Madagascar, Morocco, high‐elevation Ethiopia, Yemen and a number of oceanic islands. Greatest uncertainty exists over predictions for China, north‐east India, Angola, Bolivia, Lord Howe Island and New Caledonia. Quantifying the costs of different errors (false negatives vs. false positives) was considered central for connecting modelling to decision‐making and management processes.
The prognostic impact of the time interval to recurrence for the mortality in recurrent colorectal cancer
Authors: Kaiser A. M. , Kang J.‐C. , Chan L. S. , Beart R. W. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractObjective  The risk of a cancer recurrence has been correlated with the stage of the primary tumour at the time of presentation. However, once a recurrence has developed, the primary tumour stage may not be the determining prognostic factor anymore. The objective of this study was (i) to evaluate the association between the recurrence interval and the outcome of the recurrence, and (ii) to determine whether that interval was affected by the use of adjuvant radiation and/or chemotherapy.Method  This retrospective study analysed 212 patients who developed recurrent colorectal cancer from 1987 to 1993. Primary parameters such as age, gender, primary tumour site and stage, and use of postoperative adjuvant treatment were correlated with the recurrence interval, the type and site of the recurrence (i.e. locoregional vs distant metastases), and the outcome. Uni‐ and multivariate analysis was used to compare the recurrence interval and survival between different subgroups as defined by risk factors.Results  The mean time between the primary and the recurrent tumour was 25 months (range 1–252 months) with 82% of the recurrences developing within 3 years after surgery. The recurrence interval was inversely correlated with the initial tumour stage. Poor survival was associated with a short recurrence interval (less than 12 months) and a distant recurrence site. Even after adjusting for the initial tumour stage, the use of adjuvant treatment did not prolong the interval, i.e. delay the onset of recurrent cancer.Conclusion  The recurrence interval of colorectal cancer is a prognostic factor. However, the use of adjuvant therapy did not prolong that interval.
Perceived involvement of network members in courtships: A test of the relational turbulence model
Authors: KNOBLOCH LEANNE K. , DONOVAN‐KICKEN ERIN 
Published: August 2006

AbstractWe seek to understand how the climate of courtship predicts people’s appraisals of the behavior of close friends and family members. To that end, we employ the relational turbulence model to examine the associations among intimacy, relational uncertainty, interference and facilitation from partners, and perceived network involvement. We conducted a cross‐sectional study in which 260 participants reported their perceptions of how much network members help and hinder their courtships. As we hypothesized, people perceived the least helpfulness and the most hindrance from network members at moderate levels of intimacy. Relationship uncertainty mediated the concave curvilinear association between intimacy and perceived helpfulness from network members, but interference from partners mediated the convex curvilinear association between intimacy and perceived hindrance from network members. We discuss how our findings (a) contribute to the literature on perceived network involvement, (b) illuminate nuances in perceived hindrance from network members, (c) extend the relational turbulence model, and (d) suggest the utility of educating people about how the climate of courtship may color their views of network members.
Stability and change of attachment representations during emerging adulthood: An examination of mediators and moderators of change
Authors: SCHARFE ELAINE , COLE VALERIE 
Published: August 2006

AbstractUsing Bartholomew’s model of attachment (K. Bartholomew, 1990; K. Bartholomew & L. Horowitz, 1991), we explored stability and change of attachment in a group of young adults graduating from university and examined reasons for change of attachment. Consistent with previous research, we found that attachment dimensions were moderately stable; however, several variables predicted change. We explored the effect of changing relationship status and parental divorce on attachment and found that individuals who remained single reported lower stability of avoidance over time. Next, we tested whether distress reported before the transition would mediate stability of attachment. The results provided some support for J. Bowlby’s (1969/1982) proposal that distress would be associated with stability and change of attachment. We found that participants who reported low distress at Time 1 (T1) were more likely to report changes in attachment anxiety than participants who reported high distress at T1.
Helicobacter pylori Eradication for the Prevention of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Kuipers Ernst J. , Sipponen Pentti 
Published: August 2006

AbstractEven though Helicobacter pylori infection is an obvious cause of chronic non‐atrophic and atrophic gastritis, as well as gastric dysplasia and cancer, several recent controlled intervention trials for the prevention of gastric cancer by H. pylori eradication have yielded disappointing results. They showed that cancer eradication may still appear in relatively high frequency after successful treatment of H. pylori. One explanation for this observation is that H. pylori treatment has less influence in development of gastric cancer in atrophic gastritis than in development of cancers in non‐atrophic gastritis, and that eradication does not prevent the progression of precancerous lesions and small invisible early cancers to overt tumors. Noteworthy however, the available intervention trials show that gastric cancer can be prevented by H. pylori treatment in patients with non‐atrophic gastritis. Trials with higher number of patients, with longer follow‐up periods, and with more careful controlling of cancer type and underlying gastric mucosal conditions are needed.
Extragastric Manifestations of Helicobacter pylori Infection – Other Helicobacter Species
Authors: Solnick Jay V. , Franceschi Francesco , Roccarina D. , Gasbarrini Antonio 
Published: August 2006

AbstractRecent studies have indicated a strong link between Helicobacter pylori and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and iron deficiency anemia. Interesting results have also been obtained for ischemic heart disease, though most putative associations between H. pylori infection and extragastric disease remain speculative. With regard to other Helicobacter species, Helicobacter felis has been shown to play a role in gastric carcinogenesis in mouse models. An increased susceptibility to cholesterol gallstone formation has been described in animals fed a lithogenic diet and infected with Helicobacter bilis, or co‐infected with Helicobacter hepaticus and Helicobacter rodentium. Finally, enterohepatic Helicobacter species have also been exploited to better understand inflammatory bowel disease.
Parallel Screw Cylinder Implants: Comparative Analysis Between Immediate Loading and Two‐Stage Healing of 1005 Dental Implants with a 2‐Year Follow Up
Authors: Degidi Marco , Piattelli Adriano , Carinci Francesco 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTBackground  Recently, several authors have focused on the possibility of an immediate functional loading of dental implants to minimize the delay between surgical and prosthetic phases.Purpose  The aim of this study was a reevaluation of the XiVE® dental implant (Dentsply‐Friadent, Mannheim, Germany) with: (1) a longer follow‐up period; (2) a higher number of fixture; and (3) a proper statistical method.Materials and Methods  In July 2001 and December 2002, 371 patients (180 males and 191 females; ages ranging from 17 to 83; mean age, 53 years) were consecutively enrolled in this study. In 371 patients, a total of 1005 XiVE dental implants were distributed as follows: 484 immediately loaded implants (test group) were inserted in 130 patients, whereas 521 unloaded implants were inserted in 241 patients (control group).Results  The implant survival was 98.7 and 99.4% in immediate loading and control group, respectively. Univariate analysis showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups.Conclusion  In a previous report, we showed that immediate loading offered a predictable and reliable procedure also for XiVE implants, at least in the short period. In this study, we confirmed the results of the previous study and added information regarding the survival rate and marginal bone level stability with a 2‐year follow up.
Syncrystallization: A Technique for Temporization of Immediately Loaded Implants with Metal‐Reinforced Acrylic Resin Restorations
Authors: Degidi Marco , Gehrke Peter , Spanel Andre , Piattelli Adriano 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTBackground  Rigid temporization has been recognized to have a significant impact on the peri‐implant tissue response in immediate implant loading since it reduces the mechanical stress exerted on each implant.Purpose  A successful protocol for immediate loading of multiple implants depends on an adequate fixation and immobility of the implants to prevent the risk of micromovements in relation to the surrounding bone. The objective of this article was to evaluate a prosthetic concept for an accelerated rigid splinting of multiple implants for same‐day immediate loading with metal‐reinforced provisional restorations using a technique of welding temporary implant abutments with a prefabricated titanium bar directly in the oral cavity (syncrystallization).Materials and Methods  Between June 2004 and January 2005, immediate loading of threaded implants with a metal‐ reinforced acrylic resin provisional restoration at stage 1 surgery was evaluated in 40 consecutive patients. A total of 192 implants were placed in selected edentulous or partially edentulous patients using the syncrystallization technique. Once the titanium bar was welded intraorally to the abutments, opaque was applied and the provisional restoration was relined and screw‐retained the same day. In addition, a comparison of deformations and stress distributions in implant‐supported, metal‐reinforced and nonmetal‐reinforced resin provisional restorations was analyzed in the edentulous mandible by a three‐dimensional finite element model (FEM).Results  All of the 192 rigidly temporized immediately loaded implants osseointegrated. An implant success rate of 100% was achieved over a period of 6 months postplacement. No fracture or luting cement failure of the provisional restoration occurred during the observation time. Compared to mere acrylic superstructures, a significant reduction of deformation and strain within metal‐reinforced provisional restorations was detected by FEM analysis.Conclusion  The results of this study indicate that the syncrystallization technique allows an expedite and adequate rigid splinting of multiple immediately loaded implants. The advantages of the technique are: (1) reduction of treatment time for immediate temporization at stage 1 surgery; (2) predictable fixation and immobility of implants in the early stages of bone healing; and (3) less time for repairing provisional restorations as a result of no or rare fracture.
Occupational noise exposure and ischaemic heart disease mortality
Authors: McNamee R , Burgess G , Dippnall W M , Cherry N 
Published: August 2006

Aims:To investigate the hypothesis that long term exposure to excessive noise can increase the risk of ischaemic heart disease.Methods:A case-control design, nested within a cohort of nuclear power workers employed at two sites in England over the period 1950–98, was used. Cases were men who died from ischaemic heart disease (ICD-9: 410–414) aged 75 or under; each was matched to a surviving control of the nearest age who joined the same site at the same time. Personal noise exposure was assessed retrospectively for each man by hygienists using (1) company work histories, (2) noise survey records from 1965–98, and (3) judgements about likely use of hearing protection devices. Men were classified into four groups according to their cumulative exposure to noise, with men whose exposure at the company never exceeded 85dB(A) for at least one year being considered “unexposed”. Risks were compared via odds ratios (ORs) using conditional logistic regression and adjusted for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, height, BMI, and smoking, as measured at recruitment to the company.Results:Analysis was based on 1101 case-control pairs. There was little difference between the exposure groups at recruitment. There was no evidence of increased risk at site A: the ORs for ischaemic heart disease mortality among low, medium, and high exposure categories, compared to unexposed men, being 1.04, 1.00, and 0.77. The corresponding ORs (95% CIs) at site B were 1.15 (0.81–1.65) 1.45 (1.02–2.06), and 1.37 (0.96–1.96). When the comparison was confined to men with at least five years of employment, these dropped to 1.07 (0.64–1.77), 1.33 (0.88–2.01), and 1.21 (0.82–1.79) respectively.Conclusions:The authors did not find statistically robust evidence of increased risk but the estimates at site B are consistent with those in a major cohort study. A strength of the present study is that the validity of noise estimation at site B has been demonstrated elsewhere.
Comparison of parental reports of smoking and residential air nicotine concentrations in children
Authors: Gehring U , Leaderer B P , Heinrich J , Oldenwening M , Giovannangelo M E C A , Nordling E , Merkel G , Hoek G , Bellander T , Brunekreef B 
Published: August 2006

Background:Using questionnaires to assess children’s residential exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) may result in misclassification from recall and response bias. Questionnaire data have frequently been validated against urinary cotinine measurements, but rarely against actual measurements of residential air nicotine.Objective:To compare questionnaire reported smoking with air nicotine concentrations in a large population of children and with urinary cotinine levels in a subpopulation; and to assess the potential impact of the symptom status of the children on the agreement between different measures of exposure.Methods:The authors assessed residential exposure to ETS in 347 German, 335 Dutch, and 354 Swedish preschool and schoolchildren by questionnaire and air nicotine measurements, and in a subset of 307 German children by urinary cotinine measurements. They then compared the different measures of ETS exposure.Results:In all countries, air nicotine concentrations increased with increasing questionnaire reported smoking in a dose-response fashion. Specificity and negative predictive values of questionnaire reports for nicotine concentrations were excellent. Sensitivity and positive predictive values were moderate to good. Excluding occasional smokers, the overall percentage of homes misclassified was 6.9%, 6.7%, and 5.1% in Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden, respectively. Similar results were found for the agreement of urinary cotinine concentrations with questionnaire reports and air nicotine levels. There was no indication of underreporting by parents of symptomatic children.Conclusion:Despite some misclassification, questionnaire reports are an inexpensive and valid estimate of residential ETS exposure among preschool and school children.
Rectal cancer and exposure to metalworking fluids in the automobile manufacturing industry
Authors: Malloy Elizabeth J , Miller Katie L , Eisen Ellen A 
Published: August 2006

Background:Rectal cancer has been previously associated with exposure to metalworking fluids in a cohort mortality study of autoworkers.Objective:To better specify the exposure–response relationship with straight metalworking fluids (mineral oils) by applying non-parametric regression methods that avoid linearity constraints and arbitrary exposure cut points and by lagging exposure to account for cancer latency, in a nested case–control analysis.Methods:In addition to the classical Poisson regression with categorical exposure, survival models with penalised splines were used to estimate the exposure–response relationship between cumulative exposure to straight metalworking fluid and mortality from rectal cancer. Exposures to water-based metalworking fluids were treated as potential confounders, and all exposures were lagged by 5, 10, 15 and 20 years to account for cancer latency. The influence of the highest exposures was dealt with by a log transformation and outlier removal. The sensitivity of the penalised splines to alternative criteria for model selection and to the placement of knots was also examined.Results:The hazard ratio for mortality from rectal cancer increased essentially linearly with cumulative exposure to straight metalworking fluid (with narrow confidence bands) up to a maximum of 2.2 at the 99th centile of exposure and then decreased (with wide confidence bands). Lagging exposure up to 15 years increased the initial steepness of the curve and raised the maximum hazard ratio to 3.2.Conclusions:Non-parametric smoothing of lagged exposures has shown stronger evidence for a causal association between straight metalworking fluid and rectal cancer than was previously described using standard analytical methods. This analysis suggests an exposure–response trend that is close to linear and statistically significant over most of the exposure range and that increases further with lagged exposures. Smoothing should be regularly applied to environmental studies with quantitative exposure estimates to refine characterisation of the dose–response relationship.