bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health status before, during and after disability pension award: the Hordaland Health Study (HUSK)
Authors: Øverland S , Glozier N , Henderson M , Mæland J G , Hotopf M , Mykletun A 
Published: October 2008

Objectives:Up to one in eight of the working age population receives permanent disability benefits. As little is known about the consequences of this major event, analysis aimed to compare health status before and after disability pension award.Methods:Data from the population based Hordaland Health Study (HUSK) in Norway 1997–99 (n = 18 581) were linked to official disability benefits registries. The study identified 1087 participants who were awarded a disability pension before, during and after the health survey. These were grouped into different strata defined by temporal proximity between disability pension award and health survey participation. The study then compared health status across these strata covering the 7 years before to the 7 years after the award.Results:The study found an inverse U-shaped trend with an increase in reported symptoms (anxiety, depression, pain distribution, sleep problems and somatic symptoms) approaching the award, and a reversing of this trajectory afterwards (p<0.05 for the non-linear trend for all symptoms). We found no similar trend for the more objective health measures blood pressure, physical diagnoses and prescribed medication. For most measures, similar levels of health problems were found 3–7 years before compared to 3–7 years after the award.Conclusion:When comparing the strata defined by time to the event of disability pension award, there was an increase in symptoms around the time of the disability pension award, with a subsequent return towards pre-award levels. The design precludes any firm conclusions as to what causes the observed results, but possible explanations include temporary adverse health effects from the process itself, the beneficial effects of being removed from harmful work conditions, and recovery after increasing health problems leading up to disability pension award.
The validity and reliability of diagnoses of work-related mental ill-health
Authors: O’Neill E , McNamee R , Agius R , Gittins M , Hussey L , Turner S 
Published: October 2008

Objectives:To establish the reliability and validity of work-related mental ill-health diagnoses.Background:A UK-based surveillance scheme for work-related ill-health involving occupational physicians (OPs) reporting suggests that mental ill-health incidence is increasing by around 13% per year, with anxiety, depression and “other work-related stress” being the most common diagnoses. There have been no studies of the validity and reliability of such diagnoses. Given the existence of a large network of psychiatrists (PSYs) also involved in surveillance of work-related ill-health, an opportunity arose to measure the concurrent validity and reliability of work-related mental ill-health diagnoses.Methods:100 anonymised summaries of cases previously reported by OPs or PSYs were collected; each was sent to 5 PSYs and 5 OPs, who assigned a diagnosis and judged whether the case was work-related. Concurrent validity of the ill-health aspect of the diagnoses, and of the opinion as to work-relatedness, was assessed by comparing the overall classifications of cases by OPs and PSYs. Reliability of the diagnostic classification was measured by kappa matrices.Results:Diagnostic proportions for PSYs and OPs demonstrated good agreement for anxiety, depression, anxiety plus depression and “stress” (11%, 34%, 27%, 14%) and (14%, 30%, 27%, 17%), respectively. In both groups, kappa coefficients were high for a psychotic diagnosis (0.78, 95% CI: 0.74 to 0.83), but not as high for anxiety (0.27, 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.32), depression (0.34, 95% CI: 0.29 to 0.38) and “stress” (0.15, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.19). The odds ratio of classifying a case as work-related among PSYs compared to OPs was 2.39 (95% CI: 1.68 to 3.38), p<0.001.Conclusions:The overall agreement between OPs and PSYs on mental ill-health diagnoses suggests that OP diagnoses are valid for epidemiological purposes. However, the within-group reliability of the diagnosis “stress” is low. Given differences in judgements about work-relatedness, further research is needed to investigate this aspect of a diagnosis.
The evaluation and management of the solitary pulmonary nodule
Authors: Soubani A O 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) are increasingly detected with the widespread use of chest computed tomography (CT) scans. The primary goal of the evaluation of these nodules is to determine whether they are malignant or benign. Clinical factors such as older age, tobacco smoking and current or remote history of malignancy increase the pre-test likelihood of malignancy. Radiological features of the SPN based on chest CT with high resolution cuts are critical in differentiating between benign or malignant lesions. These features include size, change in size, the presence and pattern of calcification, edge characteristics, attenuation, and contrast enhancement. SPNs that are stable in size for &gt;2 years and those with benign pattern of calcification do not need further studies. Lesions with clear change in size are malignant until proven otherwise and require tissue diagnosis. Frequently, the aetiology of the SPN following chest CT scan remains indeterminate and requires further evaluation. The approach to the management of indeterminate SPN ranges between observation with repeat chest CT scan, further diagnostic studies such as positron emission tomography (PET) scan, or invasive procedures to obtain tissue diagnosis. These procedures include bronchoscopy, transthoracic needle aspirate, and resection by video assisted thoracoscopy or thoracotomy. Determination of which approach to follow depends on the pre-test probability of malignancy, whether the patient is a surgical candidate, and the patient's informed preferences. This article reviews the radiological features of the SPN and their value in differentiating between benign and malignant lesions. This is followed by discussion of the different approaches to the management of the SPN after initial characterisation by chest CT scan, including the benefits and limitations of the different diagnostic studies.
Association study between adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and the DPP9 gene which is located in the candidate region identified by linkage analysis
Authors: Qiu X S , Tang N L S , Yeung H Y , Qiu Y , Cheng J C Y 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background
It has been recognised that genetic or hereditary factors may contribute to the aetiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Recently, two linkage analyses have identified 19p13.3 as the candidate region for AIS. The dipeptidyl peptidase 9 (DPP9) gene is located on chromosome 19p13.3.

Objective
To investigate whether DPP9 gene polymorphisms are associated with the occurrence or curve severity of AIS.

Methods
571 girls with AIS and 236 normal controls were recruited. Using the Chinese data from the HapMap project, a set of tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (tagSNPs) were defined for the DPP9 gene. Five SNPs were genotyped by PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism. Statistical analysis of genotype frequencies between cases and controls was performed by the χ2 test. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare mean maximum Cobb angles with different genotypes in case-only analysis.

Results
Genotype frequencies were comparable between cases and controls for all five polymorphisms (p&gt;0.05). The mean maximum Cobb angles of different genotypes were similar to each other for all five polymorphisms.

Conclusions
The DPP9 gene is not associated with the occurrence or curve severity of AIS. It is neither a disease-predisposition nor a disease-modifying gene of AIS.
When ascites is not ascites
Authors: Sharma A , Teh B , Morgan D J R , Bell D , Woodhouse C 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe case is reported of a patient presenting with ascites and acute renal failure resulting from spontaneous rupture of the urinary bladder, 30 years after the successful initial treatment of childhood rhabdomyosarcoma. The delay in the presentation until the patient began to experience the symptoms due to urinary ascites, the diagnostic dilemma because of the rarity of the condition, and the possible aetiologies are discussed.
Evidence based practice: the practicalities of keeping abreast of clinical evidence while in training
Authors: Phillips R , Glasziou P 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
This paper gives a practical account of why and how to learn to practise evidence based medicine while still in clinical training. It highlights practical benefits to learning the skills (such as passing exams, coping with information overload and helping patients), and explains how to manage each of the four essential steps (asking questions, acquiring information, appraising evidence, and applying the results). Key resources to give the trainee rapid access to evidence based answers are highlighted, as are efficient ways of keeping up to date with the emerging literature.
Thyroid hormone resistance
Authors: Agrawal N K , Goyal R , Rastogi A , Naik D , Singh S K 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Thyroid hormone resistance (THR) is a rare syndrome of reduced end organ sensitivity. Patients with THR have elevated serum free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), but normal or slightly elevated serum thyrotropin values. The characteristic clinical feature is goitre without symptoms and metabolic consequences of thyroid hormone excess. THR can be classified on the basis of tissue resistance into pituitary, peripheral or generalised (both pituitary and peripheral) types. Mutations in the TRβ gene, cell membrane transporter and genes controlling intracellular metabolism of thyroid hormone have been implicated. THR is differentiated from thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) secreting pituitary adenoma by history of THR in the family. No specific treatment is often required for THR; patients with features of hypo- or hyperthyroidism are appropriately treated with levo-triiodothyronine (L-T3), levo-thyroxine (L-T4), dextro-thyroxine(D-T4) or 3,3,5 triiodo-thyroacetic acid (TRIAC). The diagnosis helps in appropriate genetic counselling of the family.
The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and the adoption of domestic tobacco control policies: the Ecuadorian experience
Authors: Albuja S , Daynard R A 
Published: October 2008

Background:The present work concerns the adoption of domestic tobacco control legislation in Ecuador after ratification of the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).Methods:Analysis of legislation, and data collection via interviews with key actors involved in the adoption and implementation of domestic legislation passed purportedly to implement the FCTC and research of the Ecuadorian Congressional Archives.Results:While the FCTC helped raise awareness about tobacco’s imminent and future threats to public health, paradoxically, it had the effect of further entrenching tobacco-friendly norms. Philip Morris, with 87% dominance over the Ecuadorian tobacco market, subtly harnessed the FCTC to protect its interests. This outcome was also influenced by poor governmental readiness and intervention, lack of legislative technical capabilities and weak civil society involvement.Conclusions:The Ecuadorian experience suggests that more support should be provided to health ministries, legislatures and local tobacco control organisations to offset the power of the tobacco industry as developing nations get ready to adopt domestic tobacco control legislation.
Implicit Iteration Process for Common Fixed Points of Strictly Asymptotically Pseudocontractive Mappings in Banach Spaces
Authors: Tian You Xian , Chang Shih-sen , Huang Jialin , Wang Xiongrui , Kim J. K. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIn this paper, a new implicit iteration process with errors for finite families of strictly asymptotically pseudocontractive mappings and nonexpansive mappings is introduced. By using the iterative process, some strong convergence theorems to approximating a common fixed point of strictly asymptotically pseudocontractive mappings and nonexpansive mappings are proved. The results presented in the paper are new which extend and improve some recent results of Osilike et al. (2007), Liu (1996), Osilike (2004), Su and Li (2006), Gu (2007), Xu and Ori (2001).
Massive platelet transfusion is a rapidly effective emergency treatment in patients with refractory autoimmune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Kiesewetter Holger , Kalus Ulrich , Movassaghi Kamran , Meyer Oliver , Salama Abdulgabar 
Published: October 2008

SummaryPatients with refractory autoimmune thrombocytopenia (ITP) may develop life-threatening bleeding that cannot be immediately controlled by drug administration. To date, there have been no studies conducted to evaluate the efficacy of platelet transfusion alone in such cases. Ten patients with refractory ITP and bleeding or a high bleeding risk were consecutively transfused (one unit/30 min) with apheresis platelet concentrates (APC) without the administration of new drugs. The used APCs (average 3 – 7 units) contained 2.7 × 1011 (medium) platelets and were leukodepleted (≤1 × 106 leukocytes/unit).Platelet serology was performed using standard techniques. Platelet transfusion resulted in an increase in the platelet count to 84 – 157 × 103/µl, and the cessation of bleeding in all patients without any serious adverse effects. Although platelet counts gradually decreased within a few days post-transfusion, bleeding was stopped in all cases. These findings indicate that consecutive platelet transfusion using APCs is a rapidly effective emergency treatment in patients with refractory ITP.
Thermal Mass Correction for the Evaluation of Salinity
Authors: Mensah Vigan , Le Menn Marc , Morel Yves 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
This paper revisits the thermal mass inertia correction of Sea-Bird Electronics, Inc., (SBE4) conductivity probes for the calculation of salinity. In particular, it is shown that the standard parameters recommended for the correction method are not satisfactory for the data collected during recent campaigns at sea. A method, based on Morison et al., is proposed to determine optimal values for the correction parameters from selected datasets. Values valid for general cases are then proposed that yield significant improvements in the reduction of salinity errors that occur during the upcasts and downcasts of CTD profilers in areas with sharp thermoclines. The sources of the differences found between the recommended coefficient values and the ones proposed here are also discussed.
Versatile Harmonic Tidal Analysis: Improvements and Applications
Authors: Foreman M. G. G. , Cherniawsky J. Y. , Ballantyne V. A. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
New computer software that permits more versatility in the harmonic analysis of tidal time series is described and tested. Specific improvements to traditional methods include the analysis of randomly sampled and/or multiyear data; more accurate nodal correction, inference, and astronomical argument adjustments through direct incorporation in the least squares matrix; multiconstituent inferences from a single reference constituent; correlation matrices and error estimates that facilitate decisions on the selection of constituents for the analysis; and a single program that analyzes one- or two-dimensional time series. This new methodology is evaluated through comparisons with results from old techniques and then applied to two problems that could not have been accurately solved with older software. They are (i) the analysis of ocean station temperature time series spanning 25 yr, and (ii) the analysis of satellite altimetry from a ground track whose proximity to land has led to significant data dropout. This new software is free as part of the Institute of Ocean Sciences (IOS) Tidal Package and can be downloaded, along with sample input data and an explanatory readme file.
Calibration of Probabilistic Forecasts of Binary Events
Authors: Primo Cristina , Ferro Christopher A. T. , Jolliffe Ian T. , Stephenson David B. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Probabilistic forecasts of atmospheric variables are often given as relative frequencies obtained from ensembles of deterministic forecasts. The detrimental effects of imperfect models and initial conditions on the quality of such forecasts can be mitigated by calibration. This paper shows that Bayesian methods currently used to incorporate prior information can be written as special cases of a beta-binomial model and correspond to a linear calibration of the relative frequencies. These methods are compared with a nonlinear calibration technique (i.e., logistic regression) using real precipitation forecasts. Calibration is found to be advantageous in all cases considered, and logistic regression is preferable to linear methods.
Perianchor Radiolucency after Knotless Anchor Repair for Shoulder Instability
Authors: Park Jin-Young , Lhee Sang-Hoon , Park Hong-Keun , Jeon Suk Ha , Oh Jung Hwan 
Published: October 2008

Background Although there would seem to be a logical relationship between radiolucency around the suture anchor and clinical result in Bankart repair, the correlation has not been demonstrated so far. Hypothesis Knotless suture anchor is a viable alternative for arthroscopic Bankart repair, but postoperative radiologic findings of radiolucency around anchors are correlated with poor clinical results. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Sixty-nine consecutive patients with Bankart lesions were treated with arthroscopic reconstruction using knotless metal suture anchors. The mean follow-up was 40 months. Clinical and radiologic analysis was performed retrospectively. A new concept of perianchor radiolucency was introduced and, according to this radiologic finding, patients were divided into 2 subgroups: the perianchor radiolucency group and those who did not reveal perianchor radiolucency. The perianchor radiolucency group was further subdivided by shape and location. “Root type” was defined as a radiolucent halo at the root of the anchor, and perianchor radiolucency without any root halo was named “branch type.” Location of perianchor radiolucency was described as above or below the equator of the glenoid. Results After operation, the mean Rowe score increased to 93.8 from 43.1, and computed tomography arthrogram showed a 97% healing rate. Reoperations were performed due to 1 case of redislocation and 2 cases of anchor arthropathy. All these reoperated cases revealed perianchor radiolucency before reoperation. Other than reoperated cases, 2 patients showed apprehension at final evaluation. The perianchor radiolucency group had a significantly lower Rowe scores than the group that showed no perianchor radiolucency. Some of the patients in the perianchor radiolucency group had peculiar radiologic findings frequently associated with complications. The radiologic findings that consisted of root-type perianchor radiolucency located below the equator of the glenoid was termed the “ominous sign.” Osteophytes of the humeral head together with the ominous sign is considered a warning sign of forthcoming progression of anchor arthropathy, and the authors suggest early surgical intervention with these findings. Conclusion After Bankart repair using knotless suture anchor, the ominous sign might be an important warning sign for possible forthcoming complications including redislocation, anchor arthropathy, and residual instability.
The Effect of Different Laminations on Mechanical and Physical Properties of Hybrid Composites
Authors: Aabdul Khalil H.P.S. , Kang C.W. , Khairul A. , Ridzuan R. , Adawi T.O. 
Published: October 2008

The mechanical properties of the vinyl ester reinforced with oil palm of empty fruit bunch fibers (EFB) laminated at different layer arrangements with glass fiber (CSM) composites were investigated. The EFB and CSM fibers were laminated at different layer arrangements and then were impregnated with vinyl ester resin using resin transfer molding (RTM). Post-cure was carried out after cool press for about 24 h in an oven at 50°C. Six different layers of lamination with a ratio of 50/50 fiber composite (50% EFB and 50% CSM) were manufactured. Control fiber composites with 100% mechanical fibers, 100% chemical fibers and 100% glass fibers were investigated for comparison. The mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and impact test) and physical properties (water absorption, dimension stability, and density) were analyzed. The mechanical properties, water absorption, and density of hybrid composites exhibited higher properties than control composites (chemical and mechanical fibers). While comparing the layers of orientation of hybrid composites, the results of the tensile and flexural tests showed that composites with glass fiber at the outer layer showed higher tensile and flexural properties than the others. The impact test and the composites with natural fibers in the outer layer showed the highest results as compared to other layer laminations. However, hybrid composites exhibited comparable properties as compared to glass fiber composites, alone.
Microemboli and Neurologic Dysfunction After Cardiovascular Surgery
Authors: Stump David A. , Brown William R. , Moody Dixon M. , Rorie Kashemi D. , Manuel Janeen C. , Kon Neal D. , Butterworth John B. , Hammon John W. 
Published: October 2008

Several recent studies have shown that cardiac surgery poses significant risks for negative neurologic and neu ropsychological outcome. Death and major stroke have become uncommon consequences of cardiac surgery, but more than two-thirds of the patients show evidence of neuropsychological dysfunction postoperatively. The mechanisms contributing to postcardiopulmonary bypass neuropsychological deficits are uncertain, and potentially there are many possible causative factors that may play a significant role in perioperative neuro logic injury. However, two major interrelated factors, hypoperfusion and emboli, are suggested as probable culprits. Perfusion is important because the level of global and focal cerebral blood flow during periods of high embolic risk will determine the amount of brain embolization as well as the localization of the lesions. Ultrasonically detected macroemboli have been re ported to be the best predictor of neurobehavioral outcome. Microemboli found in autopsy specimens may also be important predictors of negative outcome. The relationship between microemboli and changes in brain function, as detected by magnetic resonance spectroscopy, may provide further insight into the prob ability of the clinical expression of a neurobehavioral dysfunction after cardiac surgery. The incidence and severity of neuropsychological defi cits after cardiac surgery appear to be related to the delivery of macroemboli. The composition of the embo lus may be the most important determinant of the level and volume of focal injury, but the time of occurrence (ie, rewarming) of macroemboli during cardiopulmo nary bypass may also be important in determining the effect of emboli on neuropsychological outcome. How ever, the key variable in the manifestation of neurobe havioral dysfunction remains the location of the lesion site.