bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence of BVDV1 and BVDV2 Infections in Cattle Submitted for Necropsy in Northern Germany
Authors: Liebler‐Tenorio E. M. , Kenklies S. , Greiser‐Wilke I. , Makoschey B. , Pohlenz J. F. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryThe incidence of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) 1 and 2 infections was determined in calves, young cattle and older cattle with signs of mucosal disease (MD) submitted for necropsy to three laboratories in Northern Germany between June 2000 and May 2001. At necropsy, tonsils, retropharyngeal lymph nodes, mesenteric lymph nodes, ileal Peyer's patch and spleen were collected and examined by immunohistochemistry and virus isolation. From 311 animals examined, 30 (9.6%) were positive for BVDV. All viral isolates were typed by polymerase chain reaction after reverse transcription using species‐specific primers and determined to be BVDV1. Based on the distribution of lesions and viral antigen, animals with MD, persistent infection (PI) and acute, transient infection could be distinguished. Twelve of the positive animals had characteristic signs of MD: severe diarrhoea, erosive to ulcerative lesions throughout the digestive tract and severe depletion of all lymphoid tissues. Viral antigen was present in all tissues and cell types, but particularly in depleted lymphoid follicles and altered epithelium. In seven calves, viral antigen was detectable in all tissues and cell types, but lesions were mild or missing. This is typical for PI. The remaining 11 calves most likely represent animals with acute, transient infection. Distribution of antigen was more variable, predominantly restricted to lymphoid follicles and often not seen in all tissues examined. Clinical findings were combined bronchopneumonia and enteritis. The detection of BVDV1 in young calves with pneumonia and enteritis emphasizes the importance of BVDV1 and not only BVDV2 for severe respiratory and enteric diseases of calves.
Detection of Echinococcus multilocularis in Foxes: Evaluation of a Protocol of the Intestinal Scraping Technique
Authors: Tackmann K. , Mattis R. , Conraths F. J. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryThe intestinal scraping technique (IST) is widely used for the detection of definitive hosts infected with Echinococcus multilocularis. The sensitivity of the method has been questioned in recent years. Several variations of the technique are used that may differ in their performance. We therefore estimated the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the IST protocol used in our lab by examining the small intestines of 210 E. multilocularis‐infected foxes and 294 foxes that had tested negative for this parasite. To this end, IST was first performed on 48 and 294 intestines from infected and uninfected foxes respectively, followed by an examination of the entire remaining mucosa of the small intestine to discover any infections with E. multilocularis that had not been detected by IST. The point estimate for diagnostic sensitivity was 100%. Five different classes of infection intensities were formed. The lower limits of the 95% confidence intervals ranged between 76.8% and 92.6% depending on the number of samples analysed per class. When the small intestines of another 162 infected foxes were examined by IST and the results recorded separately for the anterior, middle and posterior third of the small intestine, a strong preference of E. multilocularis for the posterior third was observed. For epidemiological purposes, it may thus be possible to restrict routine investigations to the posterior portion of the small intestine. By contrast, a reduction of the number of slides examined per infected animal may lead to a considerable loss in sensitivity in animals with a low intensity of infection.
Epithelial microchimerism: Consistent finding in human liver transplants
Authors: Gaia Silvia , Cappia Susanna , Smedile Antonina , Bacillo Elisa , Gaia Ezio , Gubetta Luciano , Rizzetto Mario 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground:  Eleven liver biopsies from six male patients who received a liver transplant (LT) from female donors were examined in order to determine whether male host‐derived hepatic cells were present in female grafts that exhibited minimal or important inflammatory damage.Methods:  Immunohistochemistry for epithelial cell type differentiation (anticytokeratin monoclonal antibody) and fluorescence in situ hybridization for XY chromosomes identification were performed on each slide.Results:  Host‐derived hepatic cells were found in all except one transplant, with a frequency ranging from 2.3 to 25‰ of the total hepatocytes in the biopsy specimen. They were usually found as isolated cells scattered throughout the hepatic lobule; in one patient they were grouped into little clusters. Host‐derived hepatic cells persisted throughout the histological follow up (up to 535 days after LT). Polyploidy for XY chromosome was observed.Conclusion:  Hepatocytes derived from extra‐hepatic stem cells are frequently found in small numbers in human liver grafts and persist over time.
Endoscopic reflux esophagitis in patients with upper abdominal pain‐predominant dyspepsia
Authors: Song Ho June , Choi Kee Don , Jung Hwoon‐Yong , Lee Gin Hyug , Jo Ji Yun , Byeon Jeong‐Sik , Yang Suk‐Kyun , Hong Weon‐Seon , Kim Jin‐Ho 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground:  Reflux symptom assessment had reliable accuracy in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, patients may recognize heartburn or regurgitation as dyspepsia because of inaccurate understanding or atypical presentation. The aim of the present study was to estimate endoscopic reflux esophagitis in patients with upper abdominal pain as a predominant symptom in the absence of heartburn or regurgitation.Methods:  Two hundred and sixty‐three consecutive patients presenting dyspepsia without heartburn or regurgitation were enrolled. Patients with heartburn or regurgitation were excluded using the symptom interviewer method. Dyspepsia was categorized into pain‐predominant or dysmotility‐predominant groups according to the Rome II proposal. Endoscopic reflux esophagitis was graded using the Los Angeles classification.Results:  One hundred and five patients were included in the pain‐predominant group and 119 in the dysmotility‐predominant group. Reflux esophagitis was found in 18.8% (42/224) of all dyspeptic patients. Grade A esophagitis was noted in 27.6% (29/105) of the pain‐predominant group and in 7.6% (9/119) of the dysmotility‐predominant group. Grade B was noted in two patients in each group. A total of 29.5% (31/105) and 9.3% (11/119) had reflux esophagitis, respectively (P < 0.001). Comparing patients with or without reflux esophagitis, there was no difference in body mass index, smoking habit, alcohol consumption, or Helicobacter pylori infection status.Conclusions:  A significant proportion of patients presenting dyspepsia, especially pain‐predominant dyspepsia, have endoscopic reflux esophagitis. In view of GERD, pain‐predominant dyspepsia should be investigated and managed differently from dysmotility‐predominant dyspepsia.
POINT OF CARE TESTING OF ASPIRIN RESISTANCE IN PATIENTS WITH VASCULAR DISEASE
Authors: Wong Shen , Ward Christopher M. , Appleberg Michael , Lewis David R. 
Published: September 2006

Introduction:  The reported range in rates of aspirin resistance (5.5–60%) may reflect difficulties in studying platelet function and the variety of tests used. This study used a platelet function analyzer (PFA‐100) to prospectively document aspirin resistance in a cohort of patients with arterial disease.Methods:  Patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis or intermittent claudication (IC) were recruited. Exclusion criteria were contraindications to aspirin, prescription of other medication with known antiplatelet effects or known platelet abnormalities. After prescription of 100 mg aspirin/day for 2 weeks an uncuffed venous blood sample was taken and analysed with the PFA‐100. Aspirin resistance was defined as closure time (CT) less than the upper limit of normal (158 s collagen/epinephrine agonist; 118 s collagen/adenosine diphosphate (ADP) agonist).Results:  Thirty‐three patients with IC and 12 patients with ICA stenosis were recruited (n = 45). Median (range) age was 74 years (49–85) and the male to female ratio was 1.5:1. The median (range) CT was >300 (85 to >300) s with collagen/epinephrine and 100 (52 to >300) s with collagen/ADP agonist. Twelve patients (27%) in the collagen/epinephrine group had normal CT despite treatment with 100 mg aspirin, indicating resistance. Of the 33 patients with collagen/epinephrine CT prolonged by aspirin, 10 patients also had prolonged collagen/ADP CT, suggesting excessive platelet inhibition.Conclusion:  A significant proportion of patients taking aspirin do not show laboratory evidence of platelet inhibition and may not be protected from atherothrombotic events. The PFA‐100 appears to be a useful tool to screen for both aspirin resistance and excessive aspirin mediated platelet inhibition.
ARE BIOCHEMICAL VALUES PREDICTIVE OF ADENOMA’S WEIGHT IN PRIMARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM?
Authors: Hamidi Sepehr , Aslani Afshin , Nakhjavani Manouchehr , Pajouhi Mohammad , Hedayat Anushiravan , Kamalian Nasser 
Published: September 2006

Background:  Preoperative laboratory findings may carry some predictive value about the size of the abnormal parathyroid tissue that needs to be removed in primary hyperparathyroidism.Methods:  In a retrospective study from 1988 to 2003, records of 71 patients with parathyroid adenoma were reviewed. The correlation between preoperative serum calcium, phosphate and parathyroid hormone (PTH) with adenoma’s weight was analysed separately.Results:  There was a significant correlation between preoperative serum PTH and calcium with adenoma’s weight (P < 0.001 and P = 0.03, respectively). The correlation between preoperative serum phosphate and adenoma’s weight was not significant (P = 0.1).Conclusion:  Preoperative PTH level cannot be used as a definite guide to the parathyroid adenoma’s weight. Large parathyroid adenomas seem to secrete less PTH per unit weight than small adenomas. Calcium and phosphate do not seem to be of much value in predicting adenoma’s weight in primary hyperparathyroidism.
PREDICTING FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY OUTCOME 12 MONTHS AFTER HOSPITALIZED INJURY
Authors: Schluter Philip J. , McClure Roderick J. 
Published: September 2006

Background:  There is a recognized need to move from mortality to morbidity outcome predictions following traumatic injury. However, there are few morbidity outcome prediction scoring methods and these fail to incorporate important comorbidities or cofactors. This study aims to develop and evaluate a method that includes such variables.Methods:  This was a consecutive case series registered in the Queensland Trauma Registry that consented to a prospective 12‐month telephone conducted follow‐up study. A multivariable statistical model was developed relating Trauma Registry data to trichotomized 12‐month post‐injury outcome (categories: no limitations, minor limitations and major limitations). Cross‐validation techniques using successive single hold‐out samples were then conducted to evaluate the model’s predictive capabilities.Results:  In total, 619 participated, with 337 (54%) experiencing no limitations, 101 (16%) experiencing minor limitations and 181 (29%) experiencing major limitations 12 months after injury. The final parsimonious multivariable statistical model included whether the injury was in the lower extremity body region, injury severity, age, length of hospital stay, pulse at admission and whether the participant was admitted to an intensive care unit. This model explained 21% of the variability in post‐injury outcome. Predictively, 64% of those with no limitations, 18% of those with minor limitations and 37% of those with major limitations were correctly identified.Conclusion:  Although carefully developed, this statistical model lacks the predictive power necessary for its use as a basis of a useful prognostic tool. Further research is required to identify variables other than those routinely used in the Trauma Registry to develop a model with the necessary predictive utility.
EARLY TRAUMA MANAGEMENT SKILLS IN AUSTRALIAN GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Authors: Lopez Derrick G. , Hamdorf Jeffrey M. , Ward Alison M. , Emery Jon 
Published: September 2006

Background:  General practitioners (GPs) have a role in the early management of major trauma in rural Australia. The Early Management of Severe Trauma (EMST) course fulfils their educational needs by providing skills for the systematic management of the seriously injured patient. However, with any skill there is a natural loss over time. This study surveyed GPs who have completed the EMST course to determine their confidence in trauma management.Methods:  A two‐page survey was mailed in December 2004 to all GPs who had completed an EMST course from 1989 to 2004 and were currently residing in Western Australia. The survey consisted of background questions, open‐ended questions regarding the EMST course and skills confidence ratings using visual analogue scales. The final sample size was 223.Results:  Response rate was 55%. GPs were least confident in carrying out diagnostic peritoneal lavage and cricothyroidotomy. They were most confident inserting i.v. cannulas and managing fluid replacement. Their confidence in some of these skills were related to the frequency of managing trauma patients but not to the interval since completing the EMST course. GPs found the systematic approach to trauma management and practical/procedural skills as the most relevant components of EMST. They felt that EMST could be improved with more accessible refresher courses and more practical/procedural skills.Conclusion:  Most of these GPs were involved in rural hospital work where they may be required to manage seriously injured patients. They require regular refresher courses to maintain their confidence levels in treating seriously injured patients.
MANAGEMENT OF POPLITEAL ARTERY ANEURYSMS
Authors: Hamish Maher , Lockwood Alistair , Cosgrove Christine , Walker Alasdair J. , Wilkins Denis , Ashley Simon 
Published: September 2006

Background: Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAA) are the most common peripheral aneurysm and are recognized as ‘the silent killer of the leg circulation’. The timing and type of interventions used in their treatment is still controversial. This review examines the published data on the natural history, epidemiology, clinical presentation and management options available. The aim of this study is to try and reach a consensus with regards to the best management of PAA.Method: A systematic review of data in the English published works since 1980.Results: The authors include 53 studies containing 2854 patients with 4291 PAA. Most published data involves retrospective studies and personal experience, with one multicentre study. No randomized controlled studies exist regarding the management of PAA.Conclusions: 1. Although most PAA are of atherosclerotic origin in old patients, trauma, infection and family history are the main causes in young patients.2. Great vigilance is needed for diagnosis as only approximately five patients are seen each year by a major vascular centre. There is no place for screening programmes to detect PAA.3. Approximately 45% of patients are asymptomatic at the time of initial diagnosis. Aortic aneurysms are found in 40% and bilateral PAA in 50% of patients. More than 95% of patients are men with a mean age of 65 years and 45% have hypertension.4. Surgical reconstruction is recommended for all symptomatic and asymptomatic aneurysms larger than 2 cm. Five‐year graft patency rates after surgical repair range from 30 to 97%, with 5‐year limb salvage ranging from 70 to 98%. Patient survival rates at 5 and 10 years are 75 and 46%, respectively.5. If carried out carefully, intra‐arterial thrombolysis can safely prepare patients presenting with acute ischaemia from occluded PAA, for surgical revascularization to restore distal run‐off.6. Endovascular repair of a PAA is a feasible option, although little evidence is yet available.7. Lifelong, careful patient surveillance is essential to detect and treat new aneurysms at other sites.
Ownership, investment climate and firm performance
Authors: Hallward‐Driemeier Mary , Wallsten Scott , Xu Lixin Colin 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe importance of a country's ‘investment climate’ for economic growth has recently received much attention. In this paper we use a new survey of 1,500 Chinese enterprises in five cities to measure more precisely components of the investment climate and their effects on firm performance. Our firm‐level analysis reveals that both ownership and investment climate measures matter for investment, productivity and growth. In particular, firm performance is positively correlated with foreign and domestic private ownership, light regulatory burdens, limited corruption, technological infrastructure and labour market flexibility. In contrast, gains from improving banking access and physical infrastructure are quite limited.
Barter, credit and welfare
Authors: Noguera José , Linz Susan J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThis paper develops a model to investigate the welfare implications of barter in Russia and other transition economies during the 1990s. We argue that barter is a welfare‐improving phenomenon that acts as a defence mechanism against monetary instability. When firms react to tighter credit markets by switching to barter, the risk they face diminishes, allowing for a higher level of production.
The effects of transition and political instability on foreign direct investment inflows
Authors: Brada Josef C. , Kutan Ali M. , Yigit Taner M. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThis paper examines the effects of transition and of political instability on foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to the transition economies of Central Europe, the Baltics and the Balkans. We find that FDI flows to transition economies unaffected by conflict and political instability exceed those that would be expected for comparable West European countries. Success with stabilization and reform increased the volume of FDI inflows. In the case of Balkan counties, conflict and instability reduced FDI inflows below what one would expect for comparable West European countries, and reform and stabilization failures further reduced FDI to the region. Thus, we find that the economic costs of instability in the Balkans in terms of foregone FDI have been quite high.
The Visiting Specialist Model of Rural Health Care Delivery: A Survey in Massachusetts
Authors: Drew Jacob , Cashman Suzanne B. , Savageau Judith A. , Stenger Joseph 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT:
Context: Hospitals in rural communities may seek to increase specialty care access by establishing clinics staffed by visiting specialists. Purpose: To examine the visiting specialist care delivery model in Massachusetts, including reasons specialists develop secondary rural practices and distances they travel, as well as their degree of satisfaction and intention to continue the visiting arrangement. Methods: Visiting specialists at 11 rural hospitals were asked to complete a mailed survey. Findings: Visiting specialists were almost evenly split between the medical (54%) and surgical (46%) specialties, with ophthalmology, nephrology, and obstetrics/gynecology the most common specialties reported. A higher proportion of visiting specialists than specialists statewide were male (P = .001). Supplementing their patient base and income were the most important reasons visiting specialists reported for having initiated an ancillary clinic. There was a significant negative correlation between a hospital’s number of staffed beds and the total number of visiting specialists it hosted (r =−0.573, P = .032); study hospitals ranged in bed size from 15 to 129. Conclusions: The goal of matching supply of health care services with demand has been elusive. Visiting specialist clinics may represent an element of a market structure that expands access to needed services in rural areas. They should be included in any enumeration of physician availability.
Nonfatal All‐Terrain Vehicle–Related Injuries to Youths Living on Farms in the United States, 2001
Authors: Goldcamp E. Michael , Myers John , Hendricks Kitty , Layne Larry , Helmkamp Jim 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT:
Context: Use of all‐terrain vehicles (ATVs) in agriculture appears to be growing. Purpose: To provide estimates of ATV ownership and exposure on US farms and an overview of injuries to youths as a result of ATV use on the farm in 2001. Methods: Analysis of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and US Department of Agriculture 2001 Childhood Agricultural Injury Survey. These data, collected via telephone surveys, provide information on nonfatal injuries that occurred to youths younger than 20 years living on US farms during 2001. The injuries included both occupational and nonoccupational incidents. Findings: Of an estimated 1.1 million youths living on farms, 36% had operated an ATV in 2001. Youths younger than 16 years were more likely to have operated an ATV than a tractor on these farms. An estimated 2,246 nonfatal ATV‐related injuries occurred to youths younger than 20 years on US farms during 2001. The majority of these ATV injuries (1,668, 74%) occurred to youths identified as members of the household. Males accounted for 1,145 (69%) of the ATV injuries to household youths. The majority of the injuries were to youths aged 10‐15 years (1,170, 70%). Most ATV injuries were the result of recreational activities (970, 58%). In addition, many of these injury events involved youths riding without helmets and using ATVs that were larger than the recommended size for their age.
Pharmacist Staffing, Technology Use, and Implementation of Medication Safety Practices in Rural Hospitals
Authors: Casey Michelle M. , Moscovice Ira S. , Davidson Gestur 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT:
Context: Medication safety is clearly an important quality issue for rural hospitals. However, rural hospitals face special challenges implementing medication safety practices in terms of their staffing and financial and technical resources. Purpose: This study assessed the capacity of small rural hospitals to implement medication safety practices, with particular focus on pharmacist staffing and the availability of technology. Methods: A telephone survey of a national random sample of small rural hospitals was conducted from March to May 2005 (N = 387 hospitals, 94.6% response rate). Survey respondents included pharmacists (89%) and directors of nursing (11%). Multivariate analyses examined the relationships between hospital organizational and financial variables and (1) the amount of pharmacist staffing; (2) use of pharmacy computers for medication safety activities; and (3) implementation of medication safety practices. Findings: Many small rural hospitals have limited hours of on‐site pharmacist coverage. Almost one quarter of hospitals either do not have a pharmacy computer or are not using it for clinical purposes. Half of the hospitals have implemented 4 key medication safety practices. Level of pharmacist staffing, use of technology, and implementation of medication safety practices are significantly related to hospital financial status and accreditation. Conclusions: Implementation of protocols related to medication use and key medication safety practices are areas where small rural hospitals could improve. The study results support a continuation of Medicare cost‐based reimbursement policies to help ensure financial stability and support quality and patient safety activities in small rural hospitals.