bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An investigation into the agreement between clinical, biomechanical and neurophysiological measures of spasticity
Authors: Malhotra Shweta , Cousins Elizabeth , Ward Anthony , Day Charles , Jones Peter , Roffe Christine , Pandyan Anand 
Published: December 2008

Objective: To quantify agreement between three clinically usable methods of measuring spasticity. Methods: Patients with a first stroke who had no useful functional movement in the upper limb within six weeks from stroke onset were eligible to participate. Spasticity at the wrist joint was simultaneously measured using three methods, during an externally imposed passive stretch at two (uncontrolled) displacement velocities. The measures used were a common clinical measure (modified Ashworth Scale), a biomechanical measure (resistance to passive movement) and a neurophysiological measure (muscle activity). Results: One hundred patients (54 men and 46 women) with a median age of 74 years (range 43—91) participated. Median time since stroke was three weeks (range 1—6), the right side was affected in 52 patients and the left in 48 patients. Based on muscle activity measurement, 87 patients had spasticity. According to the modified Ashworth score 44 patients had spasticity. Sensitivity of modified Ashworth score, when compared with muscle activity recordings, was 0.5 and specificity was 0.92. Based on muscle activity patterns, patients could be classified into five subgroups. The biomechanical measures showed no consistent relationship with the other measures. Conclusion: The presentations of spasticity are variable and are not always consistent with existing definitions. Existing clinical scales that depend on the quantification of muscle tone may lack the sensitivity to quantify the abnormal muscle activation and stiffness associated with common definitions of spasticity. Neurophysiological measures may provide more clinically useful information for the management and assessment of spasticity.
Capacity to make a decision about discharge destination after stroke: a pilot study
Authors: Mackenzie JA , Lincoln NB , Newby GJ 
Published: December 2008

Objective: To investigate the effect of cognitive problems and other factors on the capacity to make a decision about discharge destination and to compare the impressions of multidisciplinary team (MDT) members regarding capacity with a formal assessment. Design: Between-subjects comparison design. Setting: One stroke rehabilitation unit. Subjects: Thirty-four stroke patients. Procedure: For six months, all patients admitted to a stroke rehabilitation unit were asked to take part after one week and assessed on the outcome measures. Main outcome measures: The multidisciplinary team completed questionnaires regarding risk, capacity and referral plans. All participants had a cognitive assessment. Capacity was assessed blind to the results of the cognitive assessment and independently rated by another assessor. Clinical and demographic information were collated. Results: No significant association was found between cognitive functioning and capacity (P>0.05). Age, weeks post-stroke, Barthel and dysphasia were not significantly associated with capacity (P>0.05). Multidisciplinary team members were often unsure about the capacity of people to make decisions. Inter-rater reliability for the capacity assessment was reasonable (72%; P=0.06). Conclusions: The preliminary conclusions are that cognitive test scores, age and dysphasia are not good predictors of capacity to decide about discharge destination in stroke patients receiving rehabilitation. Impressions of capacity should not be used to determine the need for a formal capacity assessment.
Home rehabilitation after hip fracture. A randomized controlled study on balance confidence, physical function and everyday activities
Authors: Zidén Lena , Frandin Kerstin , Kreuter Margareta 
Published: December 2008

Objective: To investigate whether home rehabilitation can improve balance confidence, physical function and daily activity level compared to conventional care in the early phase after hip fracture. Design: A randomized controlled study. Setting: Geriatric rehabilitation clinic. Subjects: One hundred and two community-dwelling elderly people. Interventions: A geriatric, multiprofessional home rehabilitation programme focused on supported discharge, independence in daily activities, and enhancing physical activity and confidence in performing daily activities was compared with conventional care in which no structured rehabilitation after discharge was included. Main measures: Falls efficacy, degree of dependency and frequency in daily activities, habitual physical activity and basic functional performance. Results: When comparing status one month after discharge with baseline, the home rehabilitation group showed a higher degree of recovery in self-care (P<0.0001), mobility (P = 0.002), locomotion (P = 0.0036) and domestic activities (P = 0.0098), as well as larger increase in balance confidence on stairs (P = 0.0018) and instrumental activities (mean increase home rehabilitation 19.7 and conventional care 7.1, P<0.0001) compared with the conventional care group. At one month, a majority of the home rehabilitation participants (88%) took outdoor walks, compared with less than half (46%) of the conventional care group (P<0.001) and were also more independent in outdoor activities (P = 0.0014). Conclusions: This study indicates that home rehabilitation, focused on supported discharge and enhancing self-efficacy, improves balance confidence, independence and physical activity in community-dwelling older adults in the early phase after hip fracture.
Roots/Routes
Authors: Swanson Dalene M. 
Published: December 2008

Part 1 This narrative and poetic rendering acts as an articulation of a journey of many routes. It is a storying of critical research issues and events as performances of lived experience. It is a métissage of hybrid, but interrelated, themes that find cohesion through fragmentation and coalescence, severance, and regrowth. These themes are invoked by the (inter)relationship of the metaphors of roots/routes and the play on meaning through the play on words. The storying is a journey of seeking that calls forth, highlights, and attempts to dislodge, or “root out,” the dilemmas and contradictions in discourses and practices that emerge through the choices we make as we search or “root”—like a wild sow in the sod—for routes toward transcendence. This ethical seeking occurs as we reflexively unearth our understandings of the histories, epistemologies, practices, and prejudices of ours and others' roots/routes and routedness/rootedness. Part II of “Roots/Routes” follows Part I. Part II This narrative acts as an articulation of a journey of many routes. Following Part I of the same research journey of rootedness/routedness, it debates the nature of transformation and transcendence beyond personal and political paradoxes informed by neoliberalism and related repressive globalizing discourses. Through a more personal, descriptive, and philosophical approach, the author seeks to move, in a reflexive manner, beyond the delimiting roots of deficit discourse and its unrootedness with the daily, local, and lived. Through the use of a nontraditional writing–research approach, the author explores other, less objectifying, ways of being in research and attempts to provide alternative pedagogies of possibility away from dichotomous and positivist research engagement. By confronting socially constructed knowledges and identities, and “(re)sourcing” these through “humble togetherness” (Ubuntu), the storying seeks to find a transcendent spirituality through the routes/roots of research and achieve the emergence of transformative possibilities through pedagogies of hope!
Splenic plasma cells can serve as a source of amyloidogenic light chains
Authors: Solomon Alan , Macy Sallie D. , Wooliver Craig , Weiss Deborah T. , Westermark Per 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Bone marrow-derived clonal plasma cells, as found in systemic amyloidogenic light chain–associated (AL) amyloidosis, are presumed to be the source of light chains that deposit as fibrils in tissues throughout the body. Paradoxically, people with this disorder, in contrast to multiple myeloma, often have a low percentage of such cells, and it is unknown whether this relatively sparse number can synthesize enough amyloidogenic precursor to form the extensive pathology that occurs. To investigate whether another hematopoietic organ, the spleen, also contains monoclonal light chain–producing plasma cells, we have immunostained such tissue from 26 AL patients with the use of antiplasma cell, antifree κ and λ, and anti-VL subgroup-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). In 12 cases, there was statistically significant evidence of a monoclonal population bearing the same κ or λ isotype as that within the bone marrow and identical to the amyloid. Our studies have shown that the spleen may be another source of amyloidogenic light chains.
Relationship between Plasma Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 Concentration and Bone Mineralization in Children with Renal Failure on Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Wesseling-Perry Katherine , Pereira Renata C. , Wang Hejing , Elashoff Robert M. , Sahney Shobha , Gales Barbara , Jüppner Harald , Salusky Isidro B. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Context: Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23 is produced in bone, and circulating levels are markedly elevated in patients with end-stage kidney disease, but the relationship between plasma levels of FGF-23 and bone histology in dialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism is unknown.
Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between plasma levels of FGF-23 and bone histology in pediatric patients with end-stage kidney disease who display biochemical evidence of secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Design: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the relationship between plasma FGF-23 levels and bone histomorphometry.
Setting: The study was conducted in a referral center.
Study Participants: Participants consisted of forty-nine pediatric patients who were treated with maintenance peritoneal dialysis and who had serum PTH levels (1st generation Nichols assay) greater than 400 pg/ml.
Intervention: There were no interventions.
Main Outcome Measure: Plasma FGF-23 levels and bone histomorphometry were measured.
Results: No correlation existed between values of PTH and FGF-23. Bone formation rates correlated with PTH (r = 0.44; P &lt; 0.01), but not with FGF-23. Higher FGF-23 concentrations were associated with decreased osteoid thickness (r = −0.49; P &lt; 0.01) and shorter osteoid maturation time (r = −0.48; P &lt; 0.01).
Conclusions: High levels of FGF-23 are associated with improved indices of skeletal mineralization in dialyzed pediatric patients with high turnover renal osteodystrophy. Together with other biomarkers, FGF-23 measurements may indicate skeletal mineralization status in this patient population.
Pendrin Is a Novel Autoantigen Recognized by Patients with Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases
Authors: Yoshida Akio , Hisatome Ichiro , Taniguchi Shinichi , Shirayoshi Yasuaki , Yamamoto Yasutaka , Miake Junichiro , Ohkura Tsuyoshi , Akama Takeshi , Igawa Osamu , Shigemasa Chiaki , Kamijo Keiichi , Ikuyama Shoichiro , Caturegli Patrizio , Suzuki Koichi 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Context: Pendrin is an apical protein of thyroid follicular cells, responsible for the efflux of iodide into the follicular lumen via an iodide-chloride transport mechanism. It is unknown whether pendrin is recognized by autoantibodies.
Objective: Our objective was to examine the prevalence of pendrin antibodies in autoimmune thyroid diseases and compare with that of thyroglobulin, thyroperoxidase, TSH receptor, and sodium iodide symporter antibodies.
Design: In a prevalent case-control study, we analyzed the sera of 140 autoimmune thyroid disease cases (100 with Graves’ disease and 40 with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) and 80 controls (50 healthy subjects, 10 patients with papillary thyroid cancer, 10 with systemic lupus erythematosus, and 10 with rheumatoid arthritis). Pendrin antibodies were measured by immunoblotting using extract of COS-7 cells transfected with pendrin and a rabbit polyclonal pendrin antibody.
Results: Pendrin antibodies were found in 81% of the cases and 9% of controls (odds ratio = 44; P &lt; 0.0001). Among cases, pendrin antibodies were more frequent and of higher titers in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis than in Graves’ disease. Pendrin antibodies correlated significantly with thyroglobulin, thyroperoxidase, and sodium iodide symporter antibodies but not with TSH receptor antibodies. Pendrin antibodies were equally effective as thyroglobulin and thyroperoxidase antibodies in diagnosis of autoimmune thyroid diseases, especially Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Conclusions: The study identifies pendrin as a novel autoantigen recognized by patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases and proposes the use of pendrin antibodies as an accurate diagnostic tool.
The Antiresorptive Effects of a Single Dose of Zoledronate Persist for Two Years: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial in Osteopenic Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Grey Andrew , Bolland Mark J. , Wattie Diana , Horne Anne , Gamble Greg , Reid Ian R. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Context: Annual iv administration of 5 mg zoledronate decreases fracture risk. The optimal dosing interval of 5 mg zoledronate is not known.
Objective: Our objective was to determine the duration of antiresorptive action of a single 5-mg dose of iv zoledronate.
Design, Setting, and Participants: We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial over 2 yr at an academic research center, in a volunteer sample of 50 postmenopausal women with osteopenia.
Intervention: Intervention included 5 mg zoledronate.
Main Outcome Measures: Biochemical markers of bone turnover and bone mineral density of the lumbar spine, proximal femur, and total body.
Results: Compared with placebo, zoledronate treatment decreased mean levels of each of four markers of bone turnover by at least 38% (range 38–45%) for the duration of the study (P &lt; 0.0001 for each marker). After 2 yr, bone mineral density was higher in the zoledronate group than the placebo group by an average of 5.7% (95% confidence interval = 4.0–7.4) at the lumbar spine, 3.9% (2.2–5.7) at the proximal femur, and 1.7% (0.8–2.5) at the total body (P &lt; 0.0001 for each skeletal site). Between-groups differences in markers of bone turnover and bone mineral density were similar at 12 and 24 months. Mild secondary hyperparathyroidism was present throughout the study in the zoledronate group.
Conclusion: The antiresorptive effects of a single 5-mg dose of zoledronate are sustained for at least 2 yr. The magnitudes of the effects on markers of bone turnover and bone mineral density are comparable at 12 and 24 months. Administration of zoledronate at intervals of up to 2 yr may be associated with antifracture efficacy; clinical trials to investigate this possibility are justified.
Assessing current alcohol use with the FORM 90 in a student sample
Authors: Meyer Thomas D. , Hautzinger Martin 
Published: December 2008

Objectives Alcohol use disorders are one of the most common problems among males. A calendar‐based instrument for assessing alcohol use, the FORM 90, has been developed and its validity has been tested in clinical samples as an alternative to prospective assessment. Our goal was to examine its validity in a (non‐clinical) student sample with and without alcohol‐related disorders.Method Using the CIDI we interviewed 120 male students and identified individuals with alcohol abuse, alcohol dependency or no substance‐related disorder. We compared these groups on a global and a calendar‐based measure – the FORM 90 – to see whether both lead to comparable results. CIDI and FORM 90 were completed by independent interviewers.Results Overall a global and calendar‐based assessment showed comparable results, but differed in the estimated number of days of alcohol consumption. More importantly, looking at the average amount of alcohol consumed at each drinking occasion, the FORM 90 revealed a highly stable alcohol consumption pattern for individuals with alcohol dependence, but a significantly less stable pattern for abusers and individuals without a lifetime‐history of alcohol‐related problems.Conclusion Even in a non‐clinical sample, using the FORM 90 can identify differences in drinking patterns in individuals with abuse and dependency who have never been treated for these conditions. This study supports the validity of the FORM 90 and suggests that this instrument might allow the examination of specific associations between drinking pattern and its correlates in such populations.
A single point NMR method for an instantaneous determination of the moisture content of wood
Authors: Merela Maks , Oven Primož , Serša Igor , Mikac Urša 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) enables an instantaneous determination of the proton density in liquids and is thus convenient for determining the moisture content (MC) of wood. We demonstrated that the MC of a wood sample can be determined instantaneously on the basis of its mass (m) and the amplitude of its NMR free-induction-decay (FID) signal. The measurement is based on the assumption that the only liquid in the wood is water and that the relationship between the amplitude of the FID signal (S) and the mass of the water (m

w
) in the sample is linear, i.e., S=k m

w
+k′ (m-m

w
), and can be precisely calibrated for a given NMR probe and NMR spectrometer setup (in our case k=105 AU g-1 and k/k′ =34). With the FID signal converted into the mass of water, the MC is calculated as: MC=(S-m k′)/(m k-S). After the initial calibration of the FID signal with respect to the content of water, the correctness of the method was verified on samples of different wood species with various MCs. The results confirmed that the proposed method is comparable in terms of accuracy and reliability to the gravimetric method, regardless of the species of wood. As the method is instantaneous, it might become the method of choice in applications where a short measurement time combined with a high accuracy is demanded.
International Consumer Product Testing Across Cultures and Countries: General Principles
Authors: Muñoz Alejandra M. , King Silvia C. 
Published: December 2008

This publication presents a discussion of issues involved in the planning, design, and execution of international consumer product tests across cultures and countries (cross-cultural consumer research tests), and the data analysis and interpretation of the results. This document addresses the unique situations involved in the design and execution of tests conducted with different cultures or in foreign countries. Special consideration is given to language issues, questionnaire design, and test execution based on key cultural differences among countries.
This publication consists of two sections: the main document (General Principles) and individual documents covering specific countries or cultures. The former addresses the general test conditions and issues involved in international consumer product testing across cultures and countries. While some specifics and examples are provided throughout the General Principles document, explicit examples and country information are provided in the country specific documents. For discussion purposes the country specific documents will be referred to as appendices. These appendices focus on country-specific testing information, caveats, and scenarios.
This document does not recommend a specific test method or procedure. Rather, it is a discussion of relevant topics applicable to consumer research conducted with different cultures and in different countries.
International Consumer Product Testing Across Cultures and Countries: Argentina
Authors: Hough Guillermo , Mucci Andrea , Findling Liliana Graciela 
Published: December 2008

The Argentine Republic is located at the southernmost part of the American Continent. Its area is 3.7 million sq. km, including 964 000 sq. km of the Antarctic Continental area and the South Atlantic Islands. Continental Argentina is 3700 km long, extending between 22 and 55° latitude. This large extension determines great variations in climate, going from subtropical in the North to the cold climate in the South. The prevailing climate is mild. Bear in mind that seasons are reverse to those in the Northern Hemisphere.
The east central part of the country, known as the Pampean plain, extends over 600000 sq. km and is the main farming, livestock, and industrial region of the country. It concentrates 70 % of the population, 80 % of agricultural production, and 85 % of industrial activity.
According to the last census (2001), the Argentine territory is inhabited by 36.2 million people, and it is divided into 23 provinces and its capital city is Buenos Aires. Spanish is the official language. Its form of government is democratic, with a President and Congress freely elected by the people.
Culturally speaking, the major influence on people’s habits and behavior is European. This is explained by Western European immigration in the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century. This immigration was predominantly Spanish and Italian. Afro-American population originating from the slave trade of the 18th century is practically nonexistent. Indigenous population is small. In the Northeast of the country there is some cultural influence from Brazil and Paraguay, and in the Northwest from Bolivia. Generally speaking, no great differences are to be expected between the Argentine and U.S. population as regards behavior and attitude towards a consumer test. There are some unique issues explained below.
International Consumer Product Testing Across Cultures and Countries: Brazil
Authors: de Faria Eliete Vaz , Kohl Therese M. 
Published: December 2008

As a consequence of its history and large area, Brazil is a country of contrasts and cultural differences among people from different geographical regions.
Habits, attitudes, and consumer preferences are variable from region to region. It is not unusual for companies, especially large ones, to develop a product differently for two or more markets to meet the specific consumer requirements of different geographical regions. For example, consumers in the Northeast prefer margarines with strong yellow color while consumers in the Southeast prefer clear yellow-colored margarines. The Northeastern consumers prefer more spices in their food, more brightly colored products, more intense perfumes, etc. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that consumer tests be carried out in the region where the product will be sold. This should be applied to every kind of consumer product including food, beverages, personal care, home care, etc.