bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of sternal skin conductance for detection of hot flashes in prostate cancer survivors
Authors: Hanisch Laura J. , Palmer Steven C. , Donahue Aletheia , Coyne James C. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe gold standard for objectively measuring hot flashes in women is an increased sternal skin conductance level (SCL), but validation studies in prostate cancer patients are lacking. In the laboratory, an SCL increase of ≥1.78 micro‐mho in 45 s had a sensitivity of 68% and a positive predictive value of 100% in detecting self‐reported hot flashes among prostate cancer patients. Outside the laboratory, 71% of the objective markers of hot flashes were accompanied by a subjective report of a hot flash, and 65% of subjective reports occurred in the absence of an objective criterion. This study demonstrates that sternal skin conductance can be used to detect hot flashes in men in a manner analogous to its utilization among women. Such use would improve outcome analysis of treatment studies.
Target‐to‐target interval, intensity, and P300 from an auditory single‐stimulus task
Authors: Gonsalvez Craig J. , Barry Robert J. , Rushby Jacqueline A. , Polich John 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTarget‐to‐target interval (TTI) is a primary determinant of P300 amplitude, such that longer TTIs yield larger components than shorter intervals. Systematic manipulations of TTI affect component amplitude, latency, and associated response time in a fashion that suggests that the template update hypothesis can account for these outcomes. The present study examines whether manipulations of TTI (from 1 to 16 s) and stimulus intensity (soft and loud tones) produce outcomes consistent with this hypothesis. A single‐stimulus task was employed in which only target stimuli were presented. P300 amplitude increased, peak latency decreased, and response time increased as TTI became longer, with less effect for soft compared to loud stimulus conditions on P300 amplitude at Pz. TTI increases also augmented N100 amplitude, with consistently smaller amplitudes obtained for soft relative to loud stimuli. Overall, P300 measures are sensitive to both temporal and physical stimulus factors. Theoretical implications are discussed.
Brain electrical correlates of dimensional weighting: An ERP study
Authors: Gramann Klaus , Toellner Thomas , Krummenacher Joseph , Eimer Martin , Müller Hermann J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn visual search, there is a reaction time (RT) cost for targets on a given trial if the previous target was defined in a different dimension. According to the “dimension‐weighting” account (Müller, Heller, & Ziegler, 1995), limited attentional weight needs to be shifted to the new dimension, resulting in slower RTs. The present study aimed at identifying brain electrical correlates associated with the weight shift. Analyses of ERPs revealed several components to reflect dimension changes whether the task was to detect the target or to identify its defining dimension. N2 amplitudes were more negative whenever the dimension changed. The P3 exhibited latency differences that mirrored RTs in both tasks, but the amplitudes showed no direct relation to stimulus‐ or response‐related processes. Finally, slow‐wave amplitudes were enhanced for dimension changes. Taken together, the results provide support for relatively early, perceptual processes underlying dimension change costs.
‘From saris to sarongs’ ethnicity and intergenerational influences on consumption among Asian Indians in the UK
Authors: Sekhon Yasmin K. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis paper investigates the role of ethnicity and intergenerational influences on the consumption patterns of Asian Indians living in the UK The research determines the extent to which (a) ethnicity and (b) intergenerational factors influence consumption and decision making. The empirical evidence suggests that ethnicity, background and cultural roots impact on consumer decision making and brand choice. The study aims to develop the research on the role and strength of intergenerational influences in an Asian Indian context; bringing together acculturation, generational and consumption theory.
A comparison of marketing practices: perspectives from first and second generation UK South Asians
Authors: McPherson Mark 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis paper highlights not only the differences and similarities in marketing activities between first and second generation South Asian entrepreneurs; but the extent to which such activities lead to convergence with the mainstream small business population also. Therefore, differences are found in the fact that first generation respondents consider organic growth, thus differentiation via expansion initiatives and related diversification, as a way to access new co‐ethnic and non‐ethnic customer markets. This contrasts with that of the second generation. Here these particular respondents prefer to adopt a more transparent and open approach to marketing via knowledge skills advantage, and technological expertise.A feature common to both sets of respondents, and again one which this paper argues may be indicative of any small business, finds respondents following some form of self‐directed informal customer care/customer centric philosophies. Interestingly, there is no evidence to support differences in customer care and practice between the various business sectors or generation, given that such practices appear even in the absence of any formal procedures and written policies also.
Lack of agreement between thermodilution and echocardiographic determination of cardiac output during normovolemia and acute hemorrhage in clinically healthy, anesthetized dogs
Authors: Day Thomas K. , Boyle Carolyn R. , Holland Merrilee 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective and hypothesis:To determine whether or not there is agreement between the thermodilution and echocardiographic measurement of cardiac output (CO) during normovolemia and acute hemorrhage. The hypothesis was that there will be agreement between echocardiographic measurement of CO (ECO) and thermodilution measurement of CO (TDCO) during normovolemia and acute hemorrhage.Design:CO was measured by both thermodilution and echocardiography during α‐chloralose anesthesia in dogs before and 15 and 30 minutes following acute arterial hemorrhage.Setting:Laboratory investigation.Animals:Eighteen clinically healthy dogs, weighing 20–25 kg, anesthetized with α‐chloralose.Interventions:Acute arterial hemorrhage of approximately 50% of the total blood volume. CO was measured by thermodilution and echocardiography before and 15 and 30 minutes following hemorrhage.Measurements and main results:Acute hemorrhage resulted in a significant decrease in CO. There was a lack of agreement between the 2 methods to measure CO at each time and at all anatomic points of measurement in the aorta and pulmonary artery.Conclusion:There is a lack of agreement between the 2 methods; thus, determination of CO by echocardiography may not be a clinically useful tool following hemorrhage in dogs.
Progression to cirrhosis in hepatitis C patients: an age‐dependent process
Authors: Pradat Pierre , Voirin Nicolas , Tillmann Hans Ludger , Chevallier Michèle , Trépo Christian 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground: Age at infection is known to be associated with disease progression rate in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients. The aim of this study was to assess when cirrhosis is expected to occur according to host and viral factors.Methods: Fibrosis progression was studied in 247 naive HCV patients using multiple regression analysis. The expected age at cirrhosis was calculated for each patient.Results: Progression rate was 0.13, 0.14, 0.27, and 0.36 U of fibrosis/year for patients with age at infection ≤19, 20–24, 25–36 and ≥37 years, respectively. Age at infection above 37 years was independently associated with fast progression (rate>0.13; P=0.001). Body mass index >25 kg/m2 and alanine aminotransferase>3 × ULN are also possibly associated with faster progression. Based on progression rates, the expected age at cirrhosis is 65.4, 64.6, 64.8 and 69.4 years for age at infection ≤19, 20–24, 25–36, ≥37 years, respectively.Conclusion: Most HCV patients, if untreated, are expected to develop cirrhosis at about 65 years, irrespective of the age at infection. Thus, age itself seems even more important than age at infection for predicting the occurrence of liver cirrhosis. A specific active monitoring and therapeutic approach should be adopted in older patients to prevent progression to cirrhosis and its complications.
Severe hepatitis C virus‐related cryoglobulinaemic sensory–motor polyneuropathy treated with pegylated interferon‐a2b and ribavirin: clinical, laboratory and neurophysiological study
Authors: Koskinas J. , Kilidireas C. , Karandreas N. , Kountouras D. , Savvas S. , Hadziyannis E. , Archimandritis A.J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground/Aims: Severe involvement of central and/or peripheral nervous system is a rare complication of hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related cryoglobulinaemia.Method: Four patients with HCV‐related type II/III cryoglobulinaemia (three males with genotype 1, one female with genotype 3) who presented with severe sensory–motor polyneuropathy, one with central nervous system involvement as well, were treated with pegylated IFNa‐2b 1.5 μg/kg/week and ribavirin 10.6 mg/kg/daily for 48 weeks. Neurological evaluation involved detailed clinical motor and sensory scores/scales and neurophysiological studies before and after treatment.Results/Conclusion: Three out of four patients had undetectable serum HCV‐RNA, normal levels of aminotransferases and substantially lower or undetectable levels of cryoglobulins at the end of treatment and at 24 weeks follow‐up period. Treatment was well tolerated and all patients exhibited significant improvement of neuropathy based on solid clinical and laboratory criteria that was associated with the virological response.
Treatment and retreatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C: 10 years clinical practice in a single centre
Authors: Economou Michael S. , Filis Spyridon , Vienna Helen , Christodoulou Dimitrios , Christou Leonidas , Tsianos Epameinondas V. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAim:Therapy for chronic hepatitis C (HCV) has mainly been evaluated in large clinical, select population, trials. We sought to evaluate whether prognostic factors of therapeutic response are similar in clinical practice, where treated population is more diverse.Methods:Retrospective study of HCV‐infected patients who completed >6 months of treatment/retreatment with various therapeutic regimens, in a single reference centre over a 10‐year period. Adjuvant treatment with hemopoetic growth factors was used when warranted by treatment side effects.Results:Overall, 77/125 patients (61.6%) achieved sustained virological response (SVR). Fifty‐four naïve patients (43.2%) achieved SVR; 19 (26%) with interferon‐α (IFN‐α), 13 (59.1%) with IFN‐α and ribavirin, and 22 (73.3%) with pegylated IFN‐α and ribavirin. Seventeen patients responded after two courses of therapy and six after more than three courses, achieving a total SVR of 32%. Patients with genotype‐1 were less probable to achieve SVR [odds ratio (OR)=6.23], while younger patients were more possible to achieve SVR, OR=0.97. Most non‐responders after >2 regimens were genotype‐1 patients (90%).Conclusions:In clinical practice, where strict selection criteria cannot be applied, genotype‐1 remains the most significant prognostic factor of response failure. Addition of adjuvant hemopoetic growth factors, when warranted, may increase compliance and thus overall SVR.
Tacrolimus for the treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Talwalkar Jayant A. , Gossard Andrea A. , Keach Jill C. , Jorgensen Roberta A. , Petz Janice L. , Lindor R. N. Keith D. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground: Results from a pilot investigation with tacrolimus for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) demonstrated biochemical improvement without excessive drug toxicity. To date, no confirmatory study has been performed.Aims: We sought to determine the safety and efficacy of tacrolimus in PSC.Methods: An open‐label, phase II study of tacrolimus 0.05 mg/kg twice daily for 1 year was performed. Target whole‐blood concentrations ranged between 3 and 7 ng/ml.Results: A total of 16 patients were enrolled. The median age was 50 years (range, 28–68), with 31% being women. The median serum alkaline phosphatase was 903 U/l, AST 88 U/l, total bilirubin 0.9 mg/dl, and albumin 3.8 g/dl. Based primarily on drug‐related adverse events, only eight (50%) patients completed 1 year of therapy. After 1 year of therapy, however, significant improvements in median serum alkaline phosphatase (903 vs. 483, P=0.0001) and AST levels (88 vs. 78, P=0.002) were observed in these patients. The median tacrolimus level in patients completing 1 year of therapy was 4.0 ng/ml. Drug‐related adverse events, however, were responsible for 31% of participants withdrawing from the study.Conclusions: Despite significant improvements in serum alkaline phosphatase, oral tacrolimus is poorly tolerated in patients with PSC.
In Vitro Bursting Pressures of Jejunal Enterotomy Closures in Llamas
Authors: SEMEVOLOS STACY A. , REED SHANNON K. , GAMBLE KARI 
Published: February 2007

Objective— To evaluate closure strength (in vitro bursting pressure) of jejunal enterotomies in llamas.Study Design— In vitro experimental study.Sample Population— Jejunal specimens (n=72) from 6 llamas.Methods— Differences in bursting pressures and luminal diameters were compared between 2 layer enterotomy closures with an initial full thickness simple continuous pattern oversewn with either a continuous Lembert or Cushing suture pattern using 3 sizes (2‐0, 3‐0, 4‐0) of polyglactin 910 and polydioxanone.Results— Bursting pressures were significantly higher for enterotomies closed with polydioxanone than polyglactin 910, independent of suture size, but there was no difference between Lembert and Cushing oversew patterns. Use of a Lembert pattern reduced intestinal diameter more than a Cushing pattern regardless of suture material or size.Conclusions— Although polydioxanone resisted higher bursting pressures than polyglactin 910, both suture materials should be considered satisfactory for jejunal enterotomy closure in llamas based on typical intraluminal pressures expected in clinical patients. The optimal oversew pattern may be continuous Cushing to maximize the luminal diameter in small intestinal enterotomy closures.Clinical Relevance— In vitro bursting pressures may help to predict which enterotomy sites would leak post‐operatively, although further studies are necessary to determine the outcome in clinical patients.
Diabetes mellitus promotes periodontal destruction in children
Authors: Lalla Evanthia , Cheng Bin , Lal Shantanu , Kaplan Selma , Softness Barney , Greenberg Ellen , Goland Robin S. , Lamster Ira B. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAim: The association between diabetes mellitus and periodontal attachment and bone loss is well established. Most of the prior literature has focused on adults, and studies in children have mostly reported gingival changes. Our aim was to assess the periodontal status of a large cohort of children and adolescents with diabetes.Material and Methods: We examined 350 children with diabetes (cases) and 350 non‐diabetic controls (6–18 years of age). Using three different case definitions for periodontal disease, which incorporated gingival bleeding and/or attachment loss findings, multiple logistic regression analyses adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, frequency of prior dental visits, dental plaque, and examiner were performed.Results: Subjects with diabetes had increased gingival inflammation and attachment loss compared with controls. Regression analyses revealed statistically significant differences in periodontal destruction between cases and controls across all disease definitions tested (odds ratios ranging from 1.84 to 3.72). The effect of diabetes on periodontal destruction remained significant when we separately analysed 6–11 and 12–18 year old subgroups.Conclusions: These findings demonstrate an association between diabetes and an increased risk for periodontal destruction even very early in life, and suggest that programmes to address periodontal needs should be the standard of care for diabetic youth.
Prognosis after unmanipulated HLA‐haploidentical blood and marrow transplantation is correlated to the numbers of KIR ligands in recipients
Authors: Zhao Xiang‐yu , Huang Xiao‐jun , Liu Kai‐yan , Xu Lan‐ping , Liu Dai‐hong 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectives:  The goal of this study was to explore the role of NK cell alloreaction in predicting prognosis under unmanipulated HLA‐haploidentical blood and marrow transplantation and examine whether the presence of any individual donor‐activating KIR gene had an influence on the clinical outcome.Methods:  We studied the HLA and KIR genotype of 64 donor‐recipient pairs, who underwent transplantation.Results:  In contrast to Perugia's KIR ligand–ligand mismatch model or Handgretinger's KIR receptor–ligand mismatch model or Bignon's KIR gene–gene mismatch model between donor‐recipient pairs, we found that the cumulative incidence of 3‐yr disease‐free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and transplantation‐related mortality (TRM) were best predicted by the number of KIR ligands carried by patients (HR 0.355, 95% CI 0.186–0.678, P = 0.002 for DFS; HR 0.445, 95% CI 0.233–0.848, P = 0.014 for OS; HR 0.450, 95% CI 0.219–0.926, P = 0.030 for TRM). Moreover, an analysis of KIR ligand numbers was found to be correlative in patients with lymphoid malignancy. The KIR ligand–ligand mismatch model is a good predictor of acute graft vs. host disease (aGVHD; HR 3.812, 95% CI 1.667–8.720, P = 0.002). Meanwhile, the presence of donor‐activating KIR2DS3 also contributed significantly to acute (HR 2.967, 95% CI 1.265–6.958, P = 0.012) and chronic GVHD (HR 2.541, 95% CI 1.127–5.730, P = 0.025).Conclusions:  These data indicate that prognosis after transplantation is associated with the numbers of KIR ligands in recipients and T‐cell alloreaction may play a predominant role in this model.
Profound neutropenia resulting from interaction between antiretroviral therapy and vinblastine in a patient with HIV‐associated Hodgkin's disease
Authors: Makinson Alain , Martelli Nicolas , Peyrière Hélène , Turriere Chrystell , Moing Vincent Le , Reynes Jacques 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA HIV infected patient was treated for stage IVB Hodgkin's lymphoma by ABVD (doxorubicine, bleomycine, vinblastine, dacarbazine) chemotherapy and lopinavir–ritonavir based antiretroviral therapy inducing profound life‐threatening neutropenia. Vinblastine and lopinavir–ritonavir interaction was managed with lopinavir–ritonavir interruption around chemotherapy administration, with complete remission and immunovirological success after six cycles. This unrecorded strategy is discussed.
Candida albicans does not invade carious human dentine
Authors: Maijala M , Rautemaa R , Järvensivu A , Richardson M , Salo T , Tjäderhane L 
Published: February 2007

Aim:  Candida albicans has been proposed to be a caries pathogen, but the evidence for its specific role is lacking. To be considered significant in caries progression, a marked amount of yeasts should be present in a lesion. The aim of the study was to investigate the presence of C. albicans in dentinal caries lesions.Materials and methods:  To demonstrate the extension of caries and to identify the bacteria in a lesion, sections of 10 carious human teeth were stained with Gram and Giemsa stains. C. albicans was detected with periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) staining and by immunohistochemistry using a C. albicans‐specific antibody 3H8. Thirty sections were used for each staining (in total 120 sections).Results:  Extensive bacterial invasion and intensive staining by PAS occurred in all samples. However, with the C. albicans‐specific antibody, only 30 (3.3%) sections stained weakly positive, with a few stained cells on the lesion surface. However, the positive identification of C. albicans, based on the morphology of the cells, was not possible.Conclusions:  The results do not support the previous suggestion that C. albicans is important in the dentine caries pathology. In addition, because of its unspecific nature, PAS turned out to be an unsuitable method for detecting yeasts in carious tooth samples.
Practice makes perfect? Evaluation of cricoid pressure task training for use within the algorithm for rapid sequence induction in critical care
Authors: May Peter , Trethewy Christopher 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective:  To assess task training in cricoid pressure application suitable for incorporation into the algorithm for rapid sequence induction in acute care.Method:  A blinded prospective direct observational study of 110 critical care staff of two hospitals in regional New South Wales. Each participant was instructed to apply blinded cricoid force within the target range of 30–40 N to a cricoid model mounted on a weighing scale and the result recorded. After up to 3 min of unblinded practice without coaching on the same model a repeat blinded application of force was recorded. The pre‐ and post‐intervention results were compared.Results:  At the pre‐intervention stage, 22 participants (20%) applied initial pressure within the target range, increasing to 57 (52%) at the post‐intervention stage (χ2 = 24.19, d.f. = 1, P < 0.01; odds ratio [OR] = 0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12–0.44). The post‐intervention results show a significant improvement in the number of participants achieving the target range in both nursing (χ2 = 20.42, d.f. = 1, P < 0.01; OR = 0.18; 95% CI 0.08–0.42) and medical subgroups (χ2 = 4.68, d.f. = 1, P = 0.03; OR = 0.34; 95% CI 0.11–1.02). The number applying force sufficient to prevent regurgitation, that is 30 N or greater, rose from 71 to 97 (65% to 88%) (χ2 = 17.02, d.f. = 1, P < 0.01; OR = 0.24; 95% CI 0.11–0.51). The number applying in excess of 44 N fell from 41 to 25 (37% to 21%) (χ2 = 5.54, d.f. = 1, P < 0.02; OR = 2.02; 95% CI 1.08–3.81).Conclusion:  The application of cricoid force by critical care staff can be significantly improved by up to 3 min of practice on a simple task trainer.
Frova intubating catheter position can be determined with aspirating oesophageal detection device
Authors: Kadry Tahir , Harvey Martyn , Wallace Muir , Imrie Justin 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective:  Intubating catheters (e.g. gum‐elastic bougie) are an invaluable adjunct in the management of a difficult airway. Traditional tactile ‘click’ (from tracheal rings) and ‘hold up’ (from carina or bronchus) techniques for confirming tracheal placement are, however, fallible, and definitive placement can only be confirmed following passage of the endotracheal tube. Ensuing delays might contribute to the development of arterial hypoxaemia. Our aim was to determine whether an aspirating oesophageal detector device might be useful for confirming placement of the Frova intubating catheter (a hollow‐bore intubating catheter).Method:  Eighteen adult patients (American Society of Anaesthiology category 1–2) undergoing elective surgery had the Frova intubating catheter alternately placed in the trachea, or oesophagus, following induction of anaesthesia. Catheter position was assessed using an aspirating oesophageal detector device prior to tracheal intubation.Results:  The oesophageal detector device correctly predicted tracheal (n = 18) and oesophageal (n = 18) placement in all patients. All procedures were completed in less than 15 s.Conclusion:  In the operating theatre setting the aspirating oesophageal detector device reliably predicts tracheal and oesophageal placement of the Frova intubating catheter.