bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotection trials in Parkinson's disease: Systematic review
Authors: Hart Robert G. , Pearce Lesly A. , Ravina Bernard M. , Yaltho Toby C. , Marler John R. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractTreatments to slow the progression are a major unmet need in Parkinson's disease. Detailed assessment of randomized trials testing putative neuroprotective drugs was undertaken to inform the design, reporting, and interpretation of future studies. This study is a systematic review of trials testing neuroprotective drugs. Data were extracted independently by two coauthors. Fifteen completed, published trials involving 4,087 participants tested 13 different drugs in 18 double‐blind comparisons with placebo. Seven comparisons involving 2,000 subjects assessed MAO‐B inhibitors. The primary outcome was change in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score in eight trials and time to need for dopaminergic therapy in seven. Mean participant age was 62 years, 35% were women, the interval from diagnosis to entry averaged 11 months, and the number of participants averaged 272 (largest = 806). Follow‐up averaged <16 months in all but two trials. Detailed randomization methods and success of double‐blinding were reported in 20% and 13%, respectively. Based on the investigators' conclusions, six trials were interpreted as consistent with a neuroprotective effect, three as negative, and five as either confounded or not meeting criteria for futility. Neuroprotection trials have involved relatively uniform groups of participants early in the clinical disease course, with outcomes weighted heavily toward motor deterioration. Future trials should include participants with wider ranges of disease stages and assess broader neurological outcomes. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Diffusion‐weighted imaging in multiple system atrophy: A comparison between clinical subtypes
Authors: Pellecchia Maria Teresa , Barone Paolo , Mollica Carmine , Salvatore Elena , Ianniciello Marta , Longo Katia , Varrone Andrea , Vicidomini Caterina , Picillo Marina , De Michele Giuseppe , Filla Alessandro , Salvatore Marco , Pappatà Sabina 
Published: January 2009

AbstractMultiple system atrophy can be classified into two main types, a Parkinsonian (MSA‐P) and a cerebellar (MSA‐C) variant based on clinical presentation. We obtained diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) in 9 MSA‐P and 12 MSA‐C patients and 11 controls, and correlated DWI changes with disease duration and severity. We found that Trace (D) values in the entire and anterior putamen were significantly higher in MSA‐P than in MSA‐C patients and controls, whereas Trace (D) values in the cerebellum and middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP) were significantly higher in MSA‐C than in MSA‐P patients and controls. Increased disease duration was significantly correlated with increased Trace (D) values in pons of MSA‐P patients, and in cerebellum and MCP of MSA‐C patients. Both UMSARS and UPDRS motor scores positively correlated with entire and posterior putaminal Trace (D) values in MSA‐P patients. The diffusivity changes parallel phenotypical and pathologic differences between MSA‐P and MSA‐C patients, suggesting that DWI is a feasible tool for in vivo evaluation of neurodegeneration in MSA. Based on our findings, Trace (D) measurements in the putamen and pons in MSA‐P patients and in the cerebellum and MCP in MSA‐C patients could serve as quantitative markers for microstructural damage in the course of disease. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Morphology, microhardness, and electrical properties of composites based on polypropylene, montmorillonite, and polypyrrole
Authors: Pandis C. , Logakis E. , Peoglos V. , Pissis P. , Omastová M. , Mravčáková M. , Janke A. , Pionteck J. , Peneva Y. , Minkova L. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe morphology, microhardness, and electrical properties of composites consisting of conductive polypyrrole (PPy) dispersed into a nonconductive polypropylene matrix (PP) as pure component or in form of a sodium montmorillonite/PPy (MMT/PPy) composite have been studied. For comparison, also PP/MMT composites were studied. All types of composites were processed by compression molding or by melt mixing followed by compression molding into plates, which were used for characterization. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the morphology of the prepared materials. The investigation of electrical and dielectric properties was done by dielectric relaxation spectroscopy in a wide frequency range and was related to the composite composition and processing method. The analysis of the conductivity as a function of temperature indicated that the charge transfer mechanism could be described by the variable range hopping model in three dimensions. The microhardness of PP/MMT/PPy composites with different content of MMT or PPy was determined and the creep rate has been estimated. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 407–423, 2009
Dielectric relaxation processes in epoxy resin—ZnO composites
Authors: Soulintzis A. , Kontos G. , Karahaliou P. , Psarras G. C. , Georga S. N. , Krontiras C. A. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractPolymer matrix‐ZnO microcomposites were prepared in different filler concentrations. The electrical relaxation dynamics of all samples was examined by means of broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) over a wide temperature range. Two relaxation modes (namely β and γ), observed in the low temperature region, are attributed to the reorientation of small polar groups of the polymer matrix. Glass‐rubber transition (α‐mode) of the polymeric matrix and interfacial polarization phenomena are considered as responsible for the recorded relaxation processes in the high temperature region. An additional relaxation mode, named intermediate dipolar effect (IDE), is recorded at temperatures higher than −30 °C in all composites. Its occurrence and dynamics are related to the presence and concentration of the filler. IDE and α‐relaxation are observed in the same frequency and temperature range, leading to a mutual superposition. The two processes were distinguished following a simulation procedure employing the simultaneous fitting of two Havrilliak‐Negami terms and a third term describing the contribution of DC conductivity to dielectric losses. The temperature dependence of relaxation times for α‐mode follows the Vogel‐Tamann‐Fulcher equation, whereas IDE relaxation times follow unusual temperature dependence. The latter is discussed under the assumption of intrinsic interfacial polarization phenomena within ZnO crystal domains. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 445–454, 2009
A randomized control trial of a supervised versus a self‐directed exercise program for allogeneic stem cell transplant patients
Authors: Shelton Margarette L. , Lee Jeannette Q. , Morris G. Stephen , Massey Pamela R. , Kendall Deborah G. , Munsell Mark F. , Anderson Karen O. , Simmonds Maureen J. , Giralt Sergio A. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjectives: To determine if therapist supervision of an exercise program produced better functional outcomes in allogeneic stem cell transplant patients than a patient‐directed exercise program.Methods: Sixty‐one patients who were less than 6 months post allogeneic stem cell transplant were randomly assigned to either a therapist supervised training group (supervised) or a patient‐directed training group (Self‐directed). Training consisted of aerobic exercises (treadmill, bicycle ergometer versus walking) and resistance exercises (free weights, weight machines versus resistive band activities). Subjects completed physical performance tests (50‐foot fast walk, 6‐min walk, forward reach, repeated sit‐to‐stand, uniped stance) and the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) before and after 4 weeks of training. Pre‐ and post‐training outcomes and group differences were analyzed by a Student t‐test.Results: Patients in both groups were similarly deconditioned at baseline. Training increased the 6‐min walk distance and 50‐foot walk in the supervised group by 12 and 14%, respectively, and increased the 6‐min walk distance by 10% in the Self‐directed group (p<0.05). BFI score for worst level of fatigue declined in both groups but not significantly.Conclusions: These results demonstrate that allogeneic transplant patients derive functional benefits from short‐term exercise training regardless of how the training program is supervised. Determining (1) the reasons for the low participation rate (28%), (2) the patient‐preferred characteristics of each exercise supervision style and (3) how best to match patient preference to exercise supervision style remain significant issues in this area of patient delivery services. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The report of coping strategies and psychosocial adjustment in Korean mothers of children with cancer
Authors: Han Hae‐Ra , Cho Eun Joo , Kim Daehee , Kim Jiyun 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjective: Parents of children with cancer must cope with multiple challenges over time. As most research on parental coping has been conducted in Western countries, little information is available on the parental experience of coping in non‐Western countries. Using a new cultural sample of Korean mothers, this study describes their coping strategies. In addition, the association of particular coping patterns with mothers' report of psychosocial adjustment is investigated.Methods: A total of 200 Korean mothers of children with cancer participated in the study. Coping strategies were measured by the Coping Health Inventory for Parents in the following three categories: Maintaining Family Integration and an Optimistic Outlook for the Situation, Seeking Social Support, and Seeking Information. Maternal psychosocial adjustment was measured by psychological distress, family relationship, and social relationship subscales from the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale.Results: Korean mothers reported coping strategies related to Maintaining Family Integration and an Optimistic Outlook for the Situation as being most helpful. More frequent use of coping pattern, Maintaining Family Integration and an Optimistic Outlook for the Situation, and less frequent use of coping pattern, Information‐Seeking were significantly associated with lower psychological distress and better family relationship after children's medical and maternal characteristics were controlled for. Coping pattern, Seeking Social Support was only predictive of social relationships.Conclusions: This study suggests that culture may play a significant role in the report of coping among Korean mothers. Future studies should consider culturally preferred coping methods and available resources as they relate to different adjustment outcomes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of dimethylhydrazine on p‐type conductivity of as‐grown Mg‐doped GaN
Authors: Kim Dong Hyuk , Lee Go Eun , Yoon Euijoon , Park Do‐Young , Cheong Hyeonsik , Choi Woo Seok , Noh Tae Won , Cho Jin‐Hyoung , Park Joong‐Seo 
Published: January 2009

AbstractMg dopants in GaN need post‐growth thermal activation to be activated. However, it was observed that GaN grown with dimethylhydrazine (DMHy) resulted in p‐type conductivity without activation. The reduction of NH3 flow by adding DMHy resulted in a very low hydrogen concentration of 2.8 × 1017 cm–3 in Mg‐doped GaN, which was even lower than the hole concentration. The low‐temperature infrared transmittance spectra also showed that many hydrogen atoms were captured by incorporated carbon impurities. The combined effect of low concentration of hydrogen and the preferred trapping of hydrogen at carbon impurities is attributed to the p‐type conductivity of as‐grown Mg‐doped GaN when a mixture of DMHy and NH3 was used for group V sources. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Boundary maintenance in living systems theory and social entropy theory
Authors: Bailey Kenneth D. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractPast analyses of social systems have too often relied upon obsolete dualities such as open system/closed system. The purpose of this paper is to provide a more comprehensive analysis of the full range of boundary‐maintenance operations that are at work in the modern complex social system. I first analyse the role of the boundary in Living Systems Theory (LST), and then turn to the analysis and comparison of boundary maintenance in Social Entropy Theory (SET). Among the topics discussed are boundary control for matter‐energy (M‐E) flows, boundary control for information flows, types of information inflows across social‐system boundaries, types of information outflows across social‐systems boundaries and types of M‐E inflows and outflows across social systems boundaries. Among the types of information inflows discussed are neutral, fatal, catalytic and cancelling. Among the types of information outflows discussed are obligatory, routine and formatted. Finally, some of the M‐E inflows and outflows discussed are obligatory, optional and routine. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of Commercial Dietary Oils on Lipid Composition and Testosterone Production in Interstitial Cells Isolated from Rat Testis
Authors: de Catalfo Graciela E. Hurtado , de Alaniz María J. T. , Marra Carlos Alberto 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the influence of dietary fat on lipid composition, as well as on the steroidogenic function of interstitial cells isolated from Wistar rats that had been fed semi‐synthetic diets containing four different commercial oils (S soybean, O olive, C coconut, and G grape seed). Steroidogenic enzyme activities, lipid composition, and androgen production were measured in testicular interstitial cells. Lipid analysis included measurement of the contents of major lipid subclasses (neutral lipids, polar lipids, free and esterified cholesterol), as well as principal polar and neutral lipid fatty acyl compositions. Significant differences in lipid composition were observed among the groups, most of them reflecting the specific fatty acyl composition of the diet tested. Testosterone concentration was higher in O and C groups compared with S or G. In agreement with this observation, the activity of both key enzymes involved in testosterone biosynthesis (3‐β‐HSD and 17‐β‐HSD) was higher in O and C groups with significant differences between them (O > C). A significant negative correlation was found between cellular testosterone production and cellular cholesterol ester content. Additionally, testosterone concentration directly correlated with cholesterol levels. We conclude that dietary oils qualitatively and quantitatively modified the lipid composition of interstitial cells, producing either a direct or indirect regulatory effect on testicular steroidogenic function.
Goal frustration, coping and well‐being in the context of adolescent headache: A self‐regulation approach
Authors: Massey Emma K. , Garnefski Nadia , Gebhardt Winifred A. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between goal frustration, coping and well‐being in the context of adolescent headache. Firstly, we investigated whether adolescents with weekly, monthly or no headache complaints differed with regard to the importance assigned to their personal goals, experience of goal frustration, coping with goal frustration and well‐being. Secondly, the extent to which goal and coping factors contributed to well‐being and whether this relationship differed according to the frequency of headache complaints was examined. For this purpose, 1202 adolescents aged 12–18 completed self‐report questionnaires in schools. Adolescents were divided into three groups based on their experience of headache: no headache reported (38%); monthly headache (40%); weekly headache (18%). Results show that these groups did not differ with respect to the importance they attach to goals. They did, however, differ according to experience of goal frustration, use of strategies to cope with goal frustration and well‐being, although effect sizes were small. After controlling for individual and headache characteristics, frustration of self acceptance and health goals, and the use of self blame, rumination and other blame were consistently related to lower well‐being. Moreover, interactions with headache group indicated that for adolescents with weekly headache, greater frustration of school and self acceptance goals and a lower importance assigned to health goals was more detrimental to well‐being than for those with no headache complaints. We conclude that frustration to goal pursuit and strategies for coping with this frustration are important factors in adolescent well‐being and may offer important targets for intervention.
Categories of congruence between inpatient self‐reported pain and nurses evaluation
Authors: Melotti Rita Maria , Dekel Boaz Gedaliahu Samolsky , Carosi Francesca , Ricchi Ennio , Chiari Paolo , D'Andrea Rocco , Di Nino GianFranco 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTObjective: To enhance the awareness that biased pain estimation may undermine its treatment, we sought to determine the congruence categories (CCs) between inpatient self‐reported pain (PSRP) and nurse pain‐evaluation (NEP) and to look for associations between CCs and inpatient and situational moderators.Design: A point cross‐sectional survey.Subjects: The inpatient population [(n=869), ≥6years old and hospitalised for at least 24h] and n=115 nurses of the University of Bologna's teaching hospital, Italy.Measures: Using numerical rating scale, inpatients self‐reported their pain while nurses indirectly rated these patients’ pain using information acquired during their professional activity prior to the study and by reviewing patients’ medical charts.Outcome measures: Congruence moderator data were: gender, age, marital status, clinical area and length of hospital stay. The study was set to assess: PSRP–NEP mean of absolute difference (MAD), agreement and correlation; and to analyse the CCs dependence upon the PSRP and the congruence moderator variables.Results: PSRP–NEP agreement and correlation were mild and moderate, respectively, while their MAD=2.0 (95% CI 1.8–2.2). Congruence was found in 50% of the cases. Under‐estimation (21%) was directly proportional to the PSRP severity, while congruence and over‐estimation (29%) were inversely proportional to it. The ‘PSRP effect’ on the CCs detected was further modulated by the moderators studied.Conclusions: PSRP–NEP congruence was limited while CCs were associated with PSRP, inpatient and situational moderators. Further prospective studies are needed to verify generalization and whether the studied moderators operate through patient stereotyping mechanisms. Awareness of the influence of such mechanisms on pain evaluation may ameliorate pain assessment.
Diathermy power settings as a risk factor for hemorrhage after tonsillectomy
Authors: Lowe David , Cromwell David A. , Lewsey James D. , Copley Lynn P. , Brown Peter , Yung Matthew , van der Meulen Jan H. 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVETo investigate bipolar diathermy power settings as a risk factor for postoperative hemorrhage following tonsillectomy.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGA prospective cohort study was undertaken between July 2003 and September 2004 in National Health Service (NHS) and independent hospitals in England and Northern Ireland. Data were collected on patient characteristics, tonsillectomy technique, and postoperative hemorrhage within 28 days of surgery.RESULTSAmong the 9572 patients who had a tonsillectomy performed with bipolar diathermy dissection and hemostasis, the overall rate of hemorrhage was 4.6 percent and the risk of hemorrhage was not associated with the diathermy power setting. Among the 8465 patients who had tonsillectomy with cold steel dissection and bipolar diathermy hemostasis, the rate of hemorrhage increased from 1.8% in patients with the lowest power settings (6 to 8 watts) to 3.7% in those with settings above 18 watts (P value for trend = 0.005).CONCLUSIONIn tonsillectomies using cold steel dissection and bipolar diathermy for hemostasis, the risk of postoperative hemorrhage becomes greater as diathermy power increases.
Influence of Cochlear Implantation on Sacculus Function
Authors: Krause Eike , Wechtenbruch Juliane , Rader Tobias , Gürkov Robert 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVESTo examine the influence of cochlear implantation (CI) on the sacculus function and to analyze a possible correlation with resulting vertigo symptoms.METHODSIn a prospective study including 25 patients undergoing CI, preoperative and postoperative assessment of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP), caloric horizontal semicircular canal (hSCC) response, and subjective vertigo symptoms were assessed. The patients with postoperative vertigo were compared to the patients without postoperative vertigo with regard to the findings of VEMP responses and caloric testing.RESULTSNine patients reported postoperative vertigo. Before surgery, eight of 23 patients (35%) had regular VEMP responses. Two months after CI, four patients had a new loss of sacculus function on VEMP testing. The CI represents a significant risk factor for sacculus impairment. In seven of 12 patients with preoperatively preserved caloric response, this decreased after the operation. The impaired vestibular function did not correlate with vertigo symptoms. When comparing the patient group with vertigo and the group without vertigo after CI, there is a significant difference in the patients' age.CONCLUSIONSAlthough CI can cause damage to sacculus and hSCC function, this is probably not the only cause for postoperative vertigo. Advanced age is a significant risk factor for vertigo after CI.
Practical guide to efficient analysis and diagramming articles
Authors: Gail Neely J. , Karni Ron J. , Wang Eric W. , Rich Jason T. , Paniello Randal C. , Voelker Courtney C. J. , Nussenbaum Brian 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVEIn a busy practice, time is a commodity in rare supply, and keeping abreast of the relevant medical literature is a daunting task. Even after reading an article carefully, important information may be lost because of undue attention to the methodological minutia.METHODFundamental to reducing a complex article into a well‐organized and consistent format is the technique of quantitatively diagramming the principal components in the design and findings of the study. This approach allows a coherent brief summary statement of the article, and a platform for a focused scientific discussion and analysis of the clinical applicability of the findings.CONCLUSIONSThe technique of diagramming an article is a tool that the senior author has used for years and has found it valuable in capturing the scientific fundamentals of a manuscript. Once prepared, the diagram has proven to be useful in clarifying presentations during journal club, preparing the background and significance sections of grant applications, reviewing articles as a journal editor and as a journal reviewer, and easily retrieving documents to support evidence‐based practice efforts.