bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of life and symptom attribution in long‐term colon cancer survivors
Authors: Phipps Etienne , Braitman Leonard E. , Stites Shana , Leighton John C. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAims and objectives  This study investigates how long‐term colon cancer survivors evaluate their health, functional status and quality of life, and whether there are differences based on age, gender or ethnicity.Methods  Thirty long‐term survivors of at least stage I colon cancer were interviewed in person between December 2004 and May 2005. The interview protocol included the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short Form, Quality of Life – Cancer Survivor, and study‐specific questions that asked about physical and non‐physical problems they attributed to colon cancer.Results  Substantial percentages of survivors attributed their problems with lack of energy (83%), sexual functioning (67%), bowel problems (63%), poor body image (47%) and emotional problems (40%) to having had colon cancer. Of those problems attributed to colon cancer, sexual functioning and pain were given the highest severity rankings by survivors. The majority of long‐term colon cancer survivors reported distress regarding future diagnostic tests, a second cancer, and spread of cancer. Women reported greater problems completing daily activities as a result of physical problems (P = 0.003) and more pain (P = 0.07) than men. African Americans appear to report marginally better overall quality of life (P = 0.07) and psychological well‐being than whites (P = 0.07).Conclusion  The majority of long‐term colon cancer survivors with resected colon cancer and disease‐free for 5 years reported problems with low energy, sexual functioning and bowel problems.
What determines the management of anxiety disorders and its improvement?
Authors: Smolders Mirrian , Laurant Miranda , Van Wamel Anneke , Grol Richard , Wensing Michel 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIntroduction  Although anxiety disorders are highly prevalent, lack of correct diagnosis and related concerns about treatment are serious clinical problems. Several factors affect, positively or negatively, management of anxiety and its improvement. A literature review and thematic analysis was executed to obtain an overview of the types of determinants of anxiety care and its improvement.Methods  Literature was identified from electronic database searching (January 1995–March 2006), contact with authors of studies, and searching of websites of organizations concerned with mental health. By using a template analysis approach, a set of strong themes relating to determinants of anxiety care and its improvement was identified.Results  The 15 eligible studies identified 43 factors that impeded or facilitated optimal anxiety care and its improvement. Individual characteristics of both patients (n = 13) and professionals (n = 6) were most frequently reported as determinants of anxiety care and its improvement. A considerable number of factors were related to the organizational context (n = 12), such as practice type and location. Some factors related to the social context (n = 4), the economic context (n = 2), or to the innovation itself (n = 6) were identified.Conclusion  The findings show that there is a multitude of barriers and facilitators to optimal anxiety care and its improvement. Some determinants are modifiable, and thus responsive to interventions. Examples are collaboration within and between organizations, financial resources and assignment of both an opinion leader and responsible staff. The quality of anxiety care can be improved by systematically designing innovation strategies which are tailored to a selection of the determinants identified in this study.
Guidelines for the management of venous leg ulcers: a gap analysis
Authors: Van Hecke Ann , Grypdonck Maria , Defloor Tom 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackground and aim Since 1998, many leg ulcer practice guidelines were developed. The aim of this paper is to describe the methodological and clinical content quality of those guidelines.Methods PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and websites known for publishing or collecting clinical practice guidelines were explored from 1998 up to June 2006. Reference lists of all identified guidelines were reviewed for other guidelines to be included. Guidelines were eligible if they were written in English, Dutch, French or German, if the scope was the treatment of venous leg ulcers, if the guideline was systematically developed and if the steps in guideline development were reported clearly. Seven guidelines were critically appraised.Results The venous leg ulcer guidelines were clearly based on evidence. The stakeholder involvement varied during the development process. Especially patients’ perspectives were often not considered. There was no uniform method used to weigh the evidence. Limited attention was given to pain and lifestyle advice recommendations. A paucity of information on compliance, quality of life, organizational aspects of care and economic evaluation data was given. Most of the guidelines failed to consider the issues of dissemination and implementation. Revisions of the guidelines for leg ulcer treatment were often not available.Conclusion and implications for future guideline developers It is recommended that leg ulcer guidelines should incorporate a multidisciplinary approach and patient involvement is necessary. Extensive background information and the formulation of the rationale are needed. The development of an implementation guide that addresses the barriers particular to the adoption of guidelines for leg ulcer treatment could support the process of implementation. Recommendations on pain, lifestyle advice, compliance and other quality‐of‐life issues should be incorporated in guidelines for leg ulcer treatment.
Reaching a consensus on management practices and vaccine development targets for mitigation of infectious diarrhoea among deployed US military forces
Authors: Riddle Mark S. , Tribble David R. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  This study is part of a research effort to identify and quantify factors related to the cost‐effectiveness of a vaccine acquisition strategy to reduce the burden of infectious diarrhoea on US military personnel deployed overseas. Where evidence is lacking in the scientific literature, or considerable uncertainty exists, it is often necessary to develop best estimates with ranges of certainty. To this end, a modified ‘Delphi’ survey technique to obtain the best estimates for uncertain parameters including clinical care‐seeking behaviour for acute diarrhoea, routine diarrhoea management in a deployed setting, and vaccine development time frames and costs were developed from a diverse panel of experts.Methods  The study was conducted in three survey iterations. During each iteration, participants were contacted and given 2–3 weeks to complete a web‐based survey designed to ascertain estimates, ranges of variability, and level of certainty for these estimates.Results  In all, 25 of 43 solicited experts agreed to participate in the study. These included three (12%) experts who identified themselves primarily as being currently involved in Vaccine Industry, six (24%) Academic/Military Diarrheal Vaccine Development, five (20%) Military Product Acquisition, five (20%) Military Preventive Medicine, two (8%) Tropical/Travel Medicine and four (16%) Military Clinical Infectious Disease. Management practices in deployed military populations (for both provider and self‐treatment) were consistent with recently published literature. Similar target time frames for vaccine licensure were established for Enterotoxigenic E. coli, Campylobacter, Shigella and Norovirus of around 9–11 years. Targets for vaccine efficacy appear to be lower than currently licensed travel vaccines (60–80%), and there was consensus on more conservative adverse event rates.Conclusions  These data should prove useful to researchers and policy makers working in the area of vaccine acquisition for the US military and provide continued information on the gap in optimal travellers’ diarrhoea management practices in a deployed setting.
Prediction of breast cancer and lymph node metastatic status with tumour markers using logistic regression models
Authors: Hwa Hsiao‐Lin , Kuo Wen‐Hong , Chang Li‐Yun , Wang Ming‐Yang , Tung Tao‐Hsin , Chang King‐Jen , Hsieh Fon‐Jou 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAims  Early detection of breast cancer can improve disease mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of serum biomarkers in the detection of primary breast cancer and lymph node metastatic status.Methods  Serum samples were obtained from 55 female patients with breast cancer and 39 women without breast cancer. For these subjects, clinicopathological data were collected and serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen, breast cancer‐specific cancer antigen 15.3 (CA15‐3), tissue polypeptide‐specific antigen (TPS), soluble interleukin‐2 receptor (sIL‐2R) and insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3) were assayed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to evaluate the association between biomarkers and breast cancer, as well as lymph node metastatic status.Results  For breast cancer prediction, the serum level of TPS had the best predictive value, with a sensitivity of 80% at an optimal cut‐off value of 69.1 U L−1. The combination of TPS, CA15‐3 and IGFBP‐3 with logistic regression model increased the sensitivity to 85%. For lymph node metastasis prediction, the serum level of sIL‐2R had the best predictive value, with a sensitivity of 66% at an optimal cut‐off value of 286 U mL−1. The combination of sIL‐2R and TPS with logistic regression model increased the sensitivity to 69%.Conclusion  TPS may be useful in the detection of primary breast cancer, while sIL‐2R may be useful in lymph node metastasis prediction. The combination of more than one biomarker with logistic regression model can improve the predictive sensitivity.
Factor structure of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale in coronary heart disease patients in three countries
Authors: Martin Colin R. , Thompson David R. , Barth Jürgen 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackground  Depression and anxiety in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) is associated with a poorer prognosis. Therefore, the screening for psychological distress is strongly recommended in cardiac care and rehabilitation. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is a widely used screening tool that has demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity for mental disorders. The factor structure of the HADS was investigated in CHD populations across three countries (Germany, Hong Kong, United Kingdom).Methods  In total, HADS data from 1793 patients with CHD were explored using confirmatory factor analysis to establish the underlying factor structure of the instrument.Results  Three‐factor models were found to offer a superior fit to the data compared with two‐factor (anxiety and depression) models in all countries. The anxiety items can be separated in a factor labelled autonomic anxiety and negative affectivity.Conclusions  The HADS offers good possibilities to detect distressed patients with somatic illnesses, but the construct validity of the originally proposed two factors (depression, anxiety) remains unclear. In outcome studies, more precise scales should be used to reduce measurement errors based on the scales used.
Pressure ulcer risk screening in hospitals and nursing homes with a general nursing assessment tool: evaluation of the care dependency scale
Authors: Mertens Elke I. , Halfens Ruud J. G. , Dietz Ekkehart , Scheufele Ramona , Dassen Theo 
Published: February 2008

AbstractRationale  In view of an increasing necessity for systematic assessments, nursing practice would benefit from a simplification of assessment procedures. These assessments should be scientifically based.Aims  To evaluate the possibility of assessing pressure ulcer risk as well as care dependency simultaneously with a standardized instrument for nursing homes and hospitals.Methods  Care dependency was measured with the Care Dependency Scale (CDS). The quantitative analyses were accomplished with data from a cross‐sectional study that was performed in 2005 in 39 German nursing homes and 37 hospitals with a total of more than 10 000 participants. The scale's construct validity was calculated with Pearson's r, and predictive validity was evaluated by computing sensitivity and specificity values and the area under the curve (AUC). Item‐level analyses included calculations of odds ratios, relative risks and logistic regression analyses.Results  Construct validity of the CDS was r = 0.79 (P < 0.01) in nursing homes and r = 0.89 (P < 0.01) in hospitals. AUC was 0.80 in hospitals and 0.65 in nursing homes. Analyses on item level identified ‘mobility’ as a key item in both settings and additional differing key items for nursing homes and hospitals.Conclusions  The CDS is a well‐functioning tool for pressure ulcer risk detection in hospitals. For this purpose, the most appropriate cut‐off point is 69 while special regard is given to the items ‘continence’, ‘mobility’ and ‘hygiene’. In nursing homes the usefulness of the CDS for pressure ulcer risk detection is limited. Here, the most appropriate cut‐off point is 41 and attention is given to the items ‘mobility’, ‘getting (un)dressed’, ‘hygiene’ and ‘avoidance of danger’.
Detection of spring viraemia of carp virus (SVCV) by loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) in koi carp, Cyprinus carpio L
Authors: Shivappa R B , Savan R , Kono T , Sakai M , Emmenegger E , Kurath G , Levine J F 
Published: February 2008

AbstractSpring viraemia of carp virus (SVCV) is a rhabdovirus associated with systemic illness and mortality in cyprinids. Several diagnostic tests are available for detection of SVCV. However, most of these tests are time consuming and are not well adapted for field‐based diagnostics. In this study, a diagnostic tool for SVCV detection based on reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (RT‐LAMP) has been developed. Based on the nucleotide sequence of the glycoprotein (G) gene of SVCV North Carolina (NC) isolate, four sets (each set containing two outer and two inner) of primers were designed. Temperature and time conditions were optimized to 65 °C and 60 min, respectively, for LAMP and RT‐LAMP using one primer set. In vitro specificity was evaluated using four different strains of fish rhabdoviruses and RT‐LAMP was found to be specific to SVCV. Serial dilutions of SVCV NC isolate was used to evaluate the in vitro sensitivity of RT‐LAMP. Sensitivity of the assays was similar to RT‐PCR and detected SVCV even at the lowest dilution of 101 TCID50 mL−1. The ability of RT‐LAMP to detect SVCV from infected carp was also tested and the assay detected SVCV from all infected fish. The isothermal temperature requirements, high specificity and sensitivity, and short incubation time of the RT‐LAMP assay make it an excellent choice as a field diagnostic test for SVCV.
Changes in epidemiological patterns of sea lice infestation on farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in Scotland between 1996 and 2006
Authors: Lees F , Gettinby G , Revie C W 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAnalyses of a unique database containing sea lice records over an 11 year period provide evidence of changing infestation patterns in Scotland. The data, collected from more than 50 commercial Atlantic salmon farms, indicate that both species of sea lice commonly found in Scotland, Lepeophtheirus salmonis and Caligus elongatus, have declined on farms over the past decade. Reductions for both species have been particularly marked since 2001 when more effective veterinary medicines became available. Treatment data were also available in the database and these show a growing trend towards the use of the in‐feed medication emamectin benzoate (Slice®), particularly in the first year of the salmon production cycle. However, this trend towards single product use has not been sustained in 2006, the latest year for which data are available. There is some evidence of region to region variation within Scotland with the Western Isles experiencing higher levels of infestation. However, compared to the levels observed between 1996 and 2000, all regions have benefited from reduced lice infestation, with the overall pattern showing a particular reduction in the second and third quarters of the second year of production.
Proteomic analysis of the sarcosine‐insoluble outer membrane fraction of Flavobacterium columnare
Authors: Liu G Y , Nie P , Zhang J , Li N 
Published: February 2008

AbstractOuter membrane proteins (OMPs) of bacteria are key molecules interacting with the host environment. Flavobacterium columnare, a pathogen‐causing columnaris disease of fish worldwide, was studied in order to understand the composition of its OMPs. The sarcosine‐insoluble membrane fraction of the OMPs was analysed using sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) in combination with reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (RP‐HPLC MS/MS). Thirty‐six proteins were identified, including proteins involved in cell wall/membrane biogenesis, specific transport of various nutrients and in essential metabolism. The present study is the first report on the OMPs of F. columnare, and may serve as the basis for understanding the pathogenesis of the bacterium.
Molecular typing of Streptococcus agalactiae isolates from fish
Authors: Olivares‐Fuster O , Klesius P H , Evans J , Arias C R 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe genetic variability among Streptococcus agalactiae isolates recovered from fish was characterized using single‐stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of the intergenic spacer region (ISR), and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fingerprinting. A total of 46 S. agalactiae cultures isolated from different fish species and geographic origins as well as related reference strains were included in the study. ISR‐SSCP divided the S. agalactiae isolates analysed into five distinct genotypes. Genotype 1 grouped all Kuwait isolates while genotype 4 clustered the majority of non‐Kuwait isolates (USA, Brazil and Honduras). AFLP analysis offered a higher resolution level by dividing the isolates into 13 different genotypes. Two different AFLP profiles were identified within the Kuwait isolates. When data from both ISR‐SSCP and AFLP were combined through a multidimensional analysis (MDS), a good correlation between geographical origin and genotypes was observed. Both AFLP and ISR‐SSCP revealed genetic differences between S. agalactiae isolates from fish. While AFLP offered a higher resolution, ISR‐SSCP also provided valid information being a simpler and faster method.
Development of a diagnostic PCR to detectNeoparamoeba perurans, agent of amoebic gill disease
Authors: Young N D , Dyková I , Nowak B F , Morrison R N 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe recent description ofNeoparamoeba peruransas an aetiological agent of amoebic gill disease (AGD) advanced our understanding of the condition and has forced a re‐evaluation of methods used for the diagnosis of AGD. Currently, there are no tools available that are both specific forN. peruransand suitable for a routine diagnostic procedure. Therefore, in this study we describe an assay to detectN. perurans. The assay, which utilizes PCR to amplify theN. perurans18S rRNA gene, was shown to be specific and highly sensitive.Neoparamoeba peruranswas detected in both gill samples and primary isolates of non‐cultured gill‐derived amoebae obtained during necropsy or biopsy from AGD‐affected Atlantic salmon,Salmo salarL. The PCR‐based assay provides a simple, flexible tool that will be a useful addition to the diagnostic repertoire for AGD. It may also be used for the genotypic screening of trophozoites during culture and could facilitate further epidemiological and ecological studies of AGD.
Transients of Giggenbach’s ‘Na‐K‐Mg‐Ca Geoindicators’ preceding the 27 October 2004, Mw = 6.0 earthquake in Vrancea area (Romania)
Authors: Mitrofan Horia , Marin Constantin , Zugrăvescu Dorel , Tudorache Alin , Beşu?iu Lucian , Radu Mihaela 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe Na, K, Mg and Ca contents of certain deep‐origin groundwater discharges have been used by Giggenbach (1988) to define a series of ‘geoindicators’, which may provide hints on the up‐flow depth of origin, on the duration of the fluid ascent to the ground surface and on the associated CO2 flux. On occurrence of a Mw = 6.0 Vrancea earthquake, significant fluctuations of Giggenbach’s geoindicators have been recorded in a saline spring, some 50 km away from the epicentre. A pre‐seismic overall anomaly was monitored for 1 year and a half, the sharpest variations occurring about 3 months before the earthquake. Processes controlling the geoindicator fluctuations assumedly took place at 7–8 km depth, while the earthquake hypocenter depth was about 100 km. This could be an evidence for a mechanical coupling still existing between the seismogenic body in the lithosphere and the overlying crust.
Evidence that Lake Cheko is not an impact crater
Authors: Collins G. S. , Artemieva N. , Wünnemann K. , Bland P. A. , Reimold W. U. , Koeberl C. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIn a provocative paper Gasperini et al. (2007) suggest that Lake Cheko, a ∼300‐m‐wide lake situated a few kilometres downrange from the assumed epicentre of the 1908 Tunguska event, is an impact crater. In this response, we present several lines of observational evidence that contradicts the impact hypothesis for the lake’s origin: un‐crater‐like aspects of the lake morphology, the lack of impactor material in and around the lake, and the presence of apparently unaffected mature trees close to the lake. We also show that a tensile strength of 10–40 MPa is required for an asteroid fragment to traverse the Earth’s atmosphere and reach the surface intact and with sufficient velocity to excavate a crater the size of Lake Cheko. Inferred tensile strengths of large stony meteorites during atmospheric disruption are 10–100 times lower. We therefore conclude that Lake Cheko is highly unlikely to be an impact crater.
Lake Cheko and the Tunguska Event: impact or non‐impact?
Authors: Gasperini Luca , Bonatti Enrico , Longo Giuseppe 
Published: February 2008

AbstractSeveral lines of evidence were presented in Gasperini et al. [Terra Nova (2007), vol. 19, pp. 245–251] suggesting that Lake Cheko, a small lake close to the alleged epicentre of the 1908 Tunguska Event, might be a secondary impact crater. Collins et al. [Terra Nova (2008), this volume] argue against this hypothesis. We reply here arguing in favour of an impact origin for Lake Cheko.
Tectonic control on diagenesis in a foreland basin: combined petrologic and thermochronologic approaches in the Grès d’Annot basin (Late Eocene–Early Oligocene, French–Italian external Alps)
Authors: Labaume P. , Jolivet M. , Souquière F. , Chauvet A. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractCombined petrographic study and apatite fission track analysis (apatite FTA) across the Grès d’Annot basin document maximum temperatures reached by this turbiditic sandstone formation, from around 60 °C at the SW basin margin up to around 200 °C below the Penninic frontal thrust, in relation to burial below the front of Alpine nappes. Increasing diagenetic grade across the basin is primarily expressed by the development of silica transfer by pressure solution and correlated porosity loss. We infer the nappe thickness profile, from the nappe front in the SW up to around 8–10 km in the NE. Apatite FTA dates exhumation of the Grès d’Annot during the Late Miocene, in relation to thrusting of the underlying Argentera and Barrot Palaeozoic massifs. This study illustrates the influence of thrust front propagation on foreland basin diagenesis and exhumation, and highlights potential implications for the evolution of sediment reservoir properties in this context.