bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methacrylate and acrylate allergy in dental personnel
Authors: Aalto‐Korte Kristiina , Alanko Kristiina , Kuuliala Outi , Jolanki Riitta 
Published: October 2007

Background:  Methacrylates are important allergens in dentistry.Objective:  The study aimed to analyse patch test reactivity to 36 acrylic monomers in dental personnel in relation to exposure.Methods:  We reviewed the test files at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health from 1994 to 2006 for allergic reactions to acrylic monomers in dental personnel and analysed the clinical records of the sensitized patients.Results:  32 patients had allergic reactions to acrylic monomers: 15 dental nurses, 9 dentists, and 8 dental technicians. The dentists and dental nurses were most commonly exposed to 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2‐HEMA), triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TREGDMA), and 2,2‐bis[4‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methacryloxypropoxy) phenyl]propane (bis‐GMA). 8 dentists and 12 dental nurses were allergic to 2‐HEMA. The remaining dentist was positive to bis‐GMA and other epoxy acrylates. The remaining 3 dental nurses reacted to diethyleneglycol diacrylate (DEGDA) or triethyleneglycol diacrylate (TREGDA), but not to monofunctional and multifunctional methacrylates. Our dental technicians were mainly exposed and sensitized to methyl methacrylate (MMA) and ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). 1 technician reacted only to 2‐HEMA, and another to ethyl methacrylate (EMA) and ethyl acrylate (EA).Conclusions:  2‐HEMA was the most important allergen in dentists and dental nurses, and MMA and EGDMA in dental technicians. Reactions to bis‐GMA, DEGDA, TREGDA, EMA and EA were relevant in some patients.
Positron Emission Tomography‐Computerized Tomography in the Management of Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Bolek Luke , Graham Michael M. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryPET/CT plays an important role in the evaluation and follow up of patients with various head and neck neoplasms.The role of PET/CT in the management of a wide variety of head and neck cancers varies based on the TNM tumour stage. Futhermore, because there is a large overlap between tumour and physiologic FDG uptake, interpretation of malignancies in the head and neck on PET/CT can be confusing/unclear.Thus, it is essential to have knowledge of the patient's prior history, including relevant surgical procedures as well as prior chemo and radiation treatment for proper interpretation of head and neck malignancies.This article examines how FDG PET/CT is utilized in squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharyax and larynx.
The Value of Imaging Methods with Emphasis on PET/CT in Head and Neck Tumours: a Comparison between a Novel Diagnostic Regime Using 18F‐FDG PET and Conventional Techniques – Own Results and Literature Review
Authors: Kresnik E. , Mikosch P. , Gallowitsch H. J. , Kohlfürst S. , Lind P. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryHead and neck cancers are rising in incidence. In the diagnosis of malignant head and neck cancer, conventional morphological imaging methods, i.e. ultrasonography, radiography, computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MR) play a routine role besides clinical investigation. Despite these diverse techniques, the primary tumour often cannot be found. Furthermore, for staging purposes as well as for the detection of tumour recurrence after chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, morphological examination techniques such as CT and MR are of limited accuracy. Due to promising results in the literature, 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography has been playing an increasing role in the assessment of malignant head and neck cancer. The authors present a literature review as well as their own data in comparison to conventional imaging methods.
B 221, a medical food containing antisecretory factor reduces child diarrhoea: a placebo controlled trial
Authors: Zaman Shakila , Mannan Javaria , Lange Stefan , Lönnroth Ivar , Hanson Lars‐Åke 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAim: We investigated whether egg yolk in the form of B221 (Salovum), a medical food containing antisecretory factor (AF) might be used for treatment of acute and prolonged diarrhoea.Methods: 240 children 6–24 months of age, half with acute diarrhoea (<7 days) and half with prolonged diarrhoea (≥7 days) were randomly given 2 g of B221 or placebo every 5 h for 3 days, added to an oral rehydration salt solution.Results: B221 reduced the number of stools in the acute diarrhoea group compared with placebo (day 3, p = 0.0054). Stools normalizing in consistency (day 3, p = 0.053) and recovery within 3 days was commoner in the B221 group (p < 0.001). A successful outcome was recorded in 82.8% in the B221 group, compared to 54.4% in the placebo group. In the group with prolonged diarrhoea the stool consistency normalized earlier in the patients receiving B221 than in the patients receiving placebo (p = 0.008). A successful outcome was obtained in 90.9% and 63.2%, (p = 0.0011) in the B221 and placebo‐treated groups respectively.Conclusion: B221, which is a medical food, can be used to significantly improve the condition of children with acute, as well as prolonged diarrhoea caused by a broad range of undefined pathogens.
Body mass index reference values (mean and SD) for Japanese children
Authors: Inokuchi Mikako , Matsuo Nobutake , Anzo Makoto , Hasegawa Tomonobu 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe aim of this study was to derive the mean and ±1, 2 and 2.5 SD body mass index (BMI) reference ranges as a supplement to the BMI centile reference values published previously for the same group of Japanese children. It is based on 14 012 boys and 13 781 girls of 1.5–18.5 years of age as studied in 1978–1981. The LMS method was utilized for the study.Conclusions: The BMI‐SD reference values and charts presented have appropriately reflected the age‐dependent skewed distribution of BMI values, and could be a useful tool in growth and nutritional evaluation of Japanese children.
Breastfeeding promotion in neonatal intensive care unit: impact of a new program toward a BFHI for high‐risk infants
Authors: Dall'Oglio Immacolata , Salvatori Guglielmo , Bonci Enea , Nantini Barbara , D'Agostino G. , Dotta A. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAim: The study evaluates a breastfeeding promotion program in an Italian neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) over a period of time.Methods: Clinical data of the newborns admitted in the NICU of the Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital in Rome in 2002 were gathered (78; program implemented) and were compared to similar data collected in 1998 (76; prior to the program) and in 2000 (50; program activated). Breastfeeding management during hospitalization and infant feeding after discharge were examined through maternal interviews.Results: The general features of the newborns and their parents were comparable. In 2002, the rate of exclusively breastfeeding (at breast and/or expressed mother's milk) the first day at home was 51.2% and 64% in 2000 versus 21.2% in 1998 (p < 0.001). In the subset of newborns <1500 g (VLBWI), the exclusively breastfeeding rate improvement was even more striking after program activation: 55.5% (2002) and 64.3% (2000) versus 4.5% (1998; p < 0.001). The impact of several recognized risk factors (medical condition of the infants, length of hospitalization, distance from maternal residence, type of delivery) on exclusively breastfeeding rate was significantly reduced after the program was implemented, except for higher maternal age.Conclusions: The implementation of a breastfeeding promotion program in NICU has a markedly positive effect on exclusive breastfeeding rate early after discharge. Further studies are necessary in order to adapt the Baby‐Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) approach to the NICU setting, taking into account the characteristics of such high‐risk infants.
Stomatal Density and Bio‐water Saving
Authors: Wang Yao , Chen Xi , Xiang Cheng‐Bin 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Bio‐water saving is to increase water use efficiency of crops or crop yield per unit of water input. Plant water use efficiency is determined by photosynthesis and transpiration, for both of which stomata are crucial. Stomata are pores on leaf epidermis for both water and carbon dioxide fluxes that are controlled by two major factors: stomatal behavior and density. Stomatal behavior has been the focus of intensive research, while less attention has been paid to stomatal density. Recently, a number of genes controlling stomatal development have been identified. This review summarizes the recent progress on the genes regulating stomatal density, and discusses the role of stomatal density in plant water use efficiency and the possibility to increase plant water use efficiency, hence bio‐water saving by genetically manipulating stomatal density.
Much Improved Irrigation Use Efficiency in an Intensive Wheat‐Maize Double Cropping System in the North China Plain
Authors: Fang Quanxiao , Chen Yuhai , Yu Qiang , Ouyang Zhu , Li Quanqi , Yu Shunzhang 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Crop yield and water use efficiency (WUE) in a wheat‐maize double cropping system are influenced by short and uneven rainfalls in the North China Plain (NCP). A 2‐year experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of irrigation on soil water balance, crop yield and WUE to improve irrigation use efficiency in the cropping system. Soil water depletion (ΔSWS) by crop generally decreased with the increase of irrigation and rainfall, while ΔSWS for the whole rotation was relatively stable among these irrigation treatments. High irrigations in wheat season increased initial soil moisture and ΔSWS for subsequent maize especially in the drought season. Initial soil water influenced mainly by the irrigation and rainfall in the previous crop season, is essential to high yield in such cropping systems. Grain yield decreased prior to evapotranspiration (ET) when ET reached about 300 mm for wheat, while maize showed various WUEs with similar seasonal ET. For whole rotation, WUE declined when ET exceeded about 650 mm. These results indicate great potential for improving irrigation use efficiency in such wheat‐maize cropping system in the NCP. Based on the present results, reasonable irrigation schedules according to different annual rainfall conditions are presented for such a cropping system.
Screening for Drought Resistance of Rice Recombinant Inbred Populations in the Field
Authors: Zou Gui‐Hua , Liu Hong‐Yan , Mei Han‐Wei , Liu Guo‐Lan , Yu Xin‐Qiao , Li Ming‐Sou , Wu Jing‐Hong , Chen Liang , Luo Li‐Jun 
Published: October 2007

Abstract In a 2‐year experiment, 187 genotypes were grown under well‐watered and drought stress conditions, imposed at panicle initiation stage. The relationship of genotypic variation in yield under drought conditions to potential yield, heading date and flowering delay, reduction in plant height, and to a drought response index (DRI) was detected. Grain yield under drought stress conditions was associated with yield under well‐watered conditions (r = 0.47**, and r = 0.61** during 2 years of tests). The delay of heading date ranged from –1 (no delay) to 24 days, and was negatively associated with grain yield (r = –0.40*), spikelet fertility percentage (r = –0.40**), harvest index (r = –0.58**), but positively associated with yield reduction percentage (r = 0.60**). The reduction in plant height was negatively associated with grain yield (r = –0.24**, and r = –0.29**), spikelet fertility percentage (r = –0.23**, and r = –0.21*), harvest index (r = –0.37**, and r = –0.54**), and positively associated with yield reduction percentage (r = 0.58**, and r = 0.58**) in 2003 and 2004, respectively. The DRI of genotypes was strongly associated with grain yield (r = 0.87**, and r = 0.77**), fertility percentage (r = 0.66** and r = 0.54**), harvest index (r = 0.67** and r = 0.61**), and negatively associated with grain reduction percentage (r = –0.70**, and r = –0.73**) under drought stress. The results indicate that genotypes with drought resistance can be identified by measuring yield potential, delay in flowering, reduction in plant height, or DRI under test environments of well‐watered and drought stress.
Relationship between Carbon Isotope Discrimination and Grain Yield in Spring Wheat Cultivated under Different Water Regimes
Authors: Xu Xing , Yuan Hanming , Li Shuhua , Trethowan Richard , Monneveux Philippe 
Published: October 2007

Abstract In C3 plants, carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) has been proposed as an indirect selection criterion for grain yield. Reported correlations between Δ and grain yield however, differ highly according to the analyzed organ or tissue, the stage of sampling, and the environment and water regime. In a first experiment carried out in spring wheat during two consecutive seasons in the dry conditions of northwest Mexico (Ciudad Obregon, Sonora), different water treatments were applied, corresponding to the main water regimes available to spring wheat worldwide, and the relationships between Δ values of different organs and grain yield were examined. Under terminal (post‐anthesis) water stress, grain yield was positively associated with Δ in grain at maturity and in leaf at anthesis, confirming results previously obtained under Mediterranean environments. Under early (pre‐anthesis) water stress and residual moisture stress, the association between grain Δ and yield was weaker and highly depended on the quantity of water stored in the soil at sowing. No correlation was found between Δ and grain yield under optimal irrigation. The relationship between Δ and grain yield was also studied during two consecutive seasons in 20 bread wheat cultivars in the Ningxia region (Northern China), characterized by winter drought (pre‐anthesis water stress). Wheat was grown under rainfed conditions in two locations (Guyuan and Pengyang) and under irrigated conditions in another two (Yinchuan and Huinong). In Huinong, the crop was also exposed to salt stress. Highly significant positive associations were found between leaf and grain Δ and grain yields across the environments. The relationship between Δ and yield within environments highly depended on the quantity of water stored in the soil at sowing, the quantity and distribution of rainfall during the growth cycle, the presence of salt in the soil, and the occurrence of irrigation before anthesis. These two experiments confirmed the value of Δ as an indirect selection criterion for yield and a phenotyping tool under post‐anthesis water stress (including limited irrigation).
Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital: A local experience
Authors: KICHENADASSE Ganessan , ZAKARIA Jasiah , RODDA David J , HEWETT Peter J , RIEGER Nicholas A , STEPHENS Jacqueline H , PITTMAN Ken , PATTERSON Kevin , BORG Martin , PRICE Timothy J 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAim:  Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the standard treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of anal canal. We describe our experience of treating such patients at our center.Methods:  Patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma were treated with a uniform sphincter preserving protocol at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, South Australia. Standard radiotherapy along with 5‐fluorouracil (750 mg/m2 on days 1–5 and days 29–32) and mitomycin C (12 mg/m2 on day 1 only) was given to eligible patients.Results:  Of the 34 patients included in this study, nearly 60% were women. Most (89.3%) had T1‐2 disease. One‐third had nodal involvement. Twenty‐seven had chemoradiotherapy, six had local excision alone and one had radiotherapy alone. Among those who had chemoradiation, 71.5% had a complete response and remained colostomy free until the last follow‐up. Most completed the treatment without major side‐effects. The 3 and 5‐year disease free survival rate was 62% and 53%, respectively. All patients who failed chemoradiation underwent salvage surgery with a median survival time of 32.5 months.Conclusion:  Sphincter preservation is the goal for anal cancers. Chemoradiotherapy is an important modality to achieve this goal.
EFFECT OF HIGH‐INTENSITY PULSED ELECTRIC FIELDS ON SURVIVAL OF ESCHERICHIA COLI K‐12 SUSPENDED IN MEAT INJECTION SOLUTIONS
Authors: ROJAS M.C. , MARTIN S.E. , WICKLUND R.A. , PAULSON D.D. , DESANTOS F.A. , BREWER M.S. 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT Survival of Escherichia coli K12 suspended in solutions used for enhancing meat products after high‐intensity pulsed electric field (PEF) treatments was examined. Solutions were prepared to provide 0.3% salt, 0.3% phosphate and/or 0, 1, 2 or 3% sodium lactate in a finished product enhanced to 110% of initial weight. Therefore, enhancement solutions contained water, 3% NaCl, 3% phosphate and/or 0, 10, 20 or 30% sodium lactate. Samples containing 0.1% NaCl were run as controls. Single PEF strengths used for PEF treatments were 12.5, 7.0, 6.0, 5.0 and 3.5 kV/cm. For 12.5, 7.0 and 6.0 kV/cm, two levels of pulse controller resistance were used, ∝ and 200 ohm; for 5 and 3.5 kV/cm, only 200 ohm was tested. Above 7 kV/cm, arcing occurred which limited the application of this technology in these solutions. Electrical field strength at 7 kV/cm with a pulse controller resistance of 200 ohm resulted in a reduction of about 2 log cfu/mL when cells were suspended in the enhancement solution containing no lactate. Lower electrical field strengths (≥6 kV/cm) were generally ineffective.
AUTOINDUCER‐2‐MEDIATED QUORUM SENSING IS NOT INVOLVED IN LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES' ADAPTIVE RESPONSES TO THE FOOD PRESERVATIVES LACTIC ACID AND NISIN
Authors: TUROVSKIY YEVGENIY , ROSENBERG LINDA , CHIKINDAS MICHAEL L. 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT Recent reports indicate the presence of autoinducer‐2 (AI‐2)‐like activity in foods such as milk and tofu; it is unclear what effect this molecule may have on virulence and survivability of foodborne pathogens. Quorum sensing has been implicated in stress responses of certain bacteria, and in this study we investigated AI‐2‐mediated quorum sensing as one of the mechanisms through which the general stress response in Listeria monocytogenes could be triggered. In particular, the ability of L. monocytogenes to acquire resistance to the food preservatives nisin and lactic acid was examined. The cells were pre‐exposed to extracellular AI‐2 and then challenged with the specific stresses so the level of adaptation caused by the pre‐exposure could be assessed. Our data suggested that the resistance to the studied antimicrobials was not mediated through AI‐2‐dependent quorum sensing pathways. No evidence was found suggesting that quorum sensing in general was involved in L. monocytogenes response to stress.
Coping with stress incontinence: women’s experiences of everyday inconveniences
Authors: Li Florence Ling Wai , Low Lisa Pau Le , Lee Diana Tze Fan 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Stress incontinence (SI) is a growing health concern among women. However, sufferers would choose to accept and not report their condition until it becomes too much to bear. Scant research is available to examine women who begin coping with SI and later decide to seek active advice and treatment. This study examined community‐dwelling women’s experiences of coping with SI and coping strategies used to manage incontinent situations prior to seeking professional help. A qualitative study was conducted on nine women from an out‐patient nurse‐led continence clinic of a Hong Kong hospital. Participants diagnosed with genuine SI and who were first‐time visitors to the clinic were interviewed. Data were content analysed. Five categories emerged to encapsulate the participant’s unique experiences of coping. The essence of coping with SI was for sufferers to gain ‘personal’ understanding of how the physiological problem impacted on daily lives. Based on self‐assessment of the situation, sufferers reassured themselves that the problem was manageable and devised strategies to take control of everyday inconveniences, without needing to seek professional help. However, sufferers eventually succumbed to physical and psychosocial impacts of the condition. SI was difficult to conceal from others, and experiences were fearful and distressing. However, women were eager to share their coping experiences, particularly about fears and useful coping strategies. As it was women’s first visit to the continence clinic, findings will inform the development of interventions to support newly diagnosed women sufferers’ mixed emotions and unique disruptions of SI in daily living.
Prostate cancer treatment options (observation versus prostatectomy) – the available evidence
Authors: Hegarty Josephine , Walsh Ella 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAdvanced screening programmes have led to an increased incidence of prostate cancer worldwide. Prostate Cancer is currently the most common site of male cancers worldwide; accounting for 21% of all male cancers in Ireland. This article presents an in‐depth review of the available evidence (January 1997 to April 2007), which directly compares outcomes (in terms of urinary function, bowel function, sexual function, quality‐of‐life (QOL) outcomes and survival statistics) post radical prostatectomy versus a conservative watch‐and‐wait approach for the treatment of clinically localized prostate cancer. The aim of this paper is to equip health‐care professionals with the best available research evidence. Best research evidence is a component of evidence‐based practice, which is very much ‘in vogue’ in health care today. The authors recommend that practitioners utilize this, the available evidence in combination with their clinical expertise and their patients’ opinions in order to assist these patients’ to make wise and informed treatment decisions. As this paper will demonstrate, the treatment chosen can have important implications in terms of patient outcomes. Therefore, making an informed decision early on can prevent any regret at a later stage. Overall this review of the literature revealed significant disparity in terms of which treatment option is more favourable. Patients overall are faced with a difficult dilemma when making this treatment decision – to live longer at the expense of potential erectile dysfunction and possible urinary incontinence or to live for a potentially shorter time without these adverse consequences.
Bacteroides: the Good, the Bad, and the Nitty-Gritty
Authors: Wexler Hannah M. 
Published: October 2007

SUMMARYSummary:Bacteroides species are significant clinical pathogens and are found in most anaerobic infections, with an associated mortality of more than 19%. The bacteria maintain a complex and generally beneficial relationship with the host when retained in the gut, but when they escape this environment they can cause significant pathology, including bacteremia and abscess formation in multiple body sites. Genomic and proteomic analyses have vastly added to our understanding of the manner in which Bacteroides species adapt to, and thrive in, the human gut. A few examples are (i) complex systems to sense and adapt to nutrient availability, (ii) multiple pump systems to expel toxic substances, and (iii) the ability to influence the host immune system so that it controls other (competing) pathogens. B. fragilis, which accounts for only 0.5% of the human colonic flora, is the most commonly isolated anaerobic pathogen due, in part, to its potent virulence factors. Species of the genus Bacteroides have the most antibiotic resistance mechanisms and the highest resistance rates of all anaerobic pathogens. Clinically, Bacteroides species have exhibited increasing resistance to many antibiotics, including cefoxitin, clindamycin, metronidazole, carbapenems, and fluoroquinolones (e.g., gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin).