bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Primary cutaneous actinomycosis
Authors: Patil Deena , Siddaramappa B. , Manjunathswamy B. S , Pandit A. M. , Dastikop Shilpa , Fernandes Carol , Kutre Sameer , Angolkar Mubashir 
Published: November 2008

AbstractActinomycosis is a chronic, progressive, suppurative infection, prevalent over the neck, thorax or abdomen. As it rarely occurs with few clinical symptoms, its diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion. We report a case of primary cutaneous actinomycosis affecting the back. The patient was treated with benzyl penicillin and sulfonamides and showed no recurrence at 1 year follow‐up.
The wrinkles soothing effect on the middle and lower face by intradermal injection of botulinum toxin type A
Authors: Chang Shao‐Ping , Tsai Hsiou‐Hsin , Chen Wei‐Yu , Lee Woan‐Ruoh , Chen Ping‐Ling , Tsai Tsung‐Hsien 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground  Botulinum toxin type A (BTA) has been used on facial expressive muscles to reduce wrinkles. We assumed that intradermal injection with BTA on the middle and lower face can produce face‐lifting and wrinkles‐soothing effect by promoting collagen synthesis.Methods  Nine volunteers were included to undergo intradermal injections of a total dose of 20~25 U BTA into one‐half of the face, and normal saline into the other half as control. Clinical photographs were taken every 4 weeks for 16 weeks, and evaluated by a doctor blinded to the assignments. Patients graded the results of wrinkles elimination on each follow‐up. Skin biopsies were taken before the treatment and 8 weeks after the injection. The specimens were assessed by a pathologist using hematoxylin and eosin stain, elastin stain, Masson trichrome stain and immunohistochemical stain with type I procollagen.Results  By photographic documentation, there was no significant face‐lifting effect. However, there was statistical significance in wrinkles reduction on the BTA sides compared to pre‐treatment. Subjectively, six subjects noticed better wrinkles soothing effect on the BTA sides. This effect was noted as early as 4 weeks after injection, and lasted for a minimum 8 weeks. The histologic examination revealed slight neocollagen synthesis by Masson trichrome stain on both sides.Conclusions  Based on this pilot study, the face‐lifting effect of intradermal injection with BTA was not conclusive. Interestingly, BTA showed moderate but significant wrinkles‐soothing effect without obvious side effects on the lower face.
Pilot study comparing patients’ valuation of health‐care services with Medicare’s relative value units
Authors: Kravet Steven J. , Jones Heather , Howell Eric E. , Wright Scott M. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground and aims Physician reimbursement for services and thus income are largely determined by the Medicare Resource‐Based Relative Value Scale. Patients’ assessment of the value of physician services has never been considered in the calculation. This study sought to compare patients’ valuation of health‐care services to Medicare’s relative value unit (RVU) assessments and to discover patients’ perceptions about the relative differences in incomes across physician specialties.Design Cross‐sectional survey.Participants and setting Individuals in select outpatient waiting areas at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center.Methods Data collection included the use of a visual analog ‘value scale’ wherein participants assigned value to 10 specific physician‐dependent health‐care services. Informants were also asked to estimate the annualized incomes of physicians in specialties related to the abovementioned services. Comparisons of (i) the ‘patient valuation RVUs’ with actual Medicare RVUs, and (ii) patients’ estimations of physician income with actual income were explored usingt‐tests.Outcomes Of the 206 eligible individuals, 186 (90%) agreed to participate. Participants assigned a significantly higher mean value to 7 of the 10 services compared with Medicare RVUs (P < 0.001) and the range in values assigned by participants was much smaller than Medicare’s (a factor of 2 vs. 22). With the exception of primary care, respondents estimated that physicians earn significantly less than their actual income (allP < 0.001) and the differential across specialties was thought to be much smaller (estimate: $88 225, actual: $146 769).Conclusion In this pilot study, patients’ estimations of the value health‐care services were markedly different from the Medicare RVU system. Mechanisms for incorporating patients’ valuation of services rendered by physicians may be warranted.
The psychosocial concerns and needs of women recently diagnosed with breast cancer: a qualitative study of patient, nurse and volunteer perspectives
Authors: Beatty Lisa , Oxlad Melissa , Koczwara Bogda , Wade Tracey D. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjective  To qualitatively identify the concerns and needs of Australian women recently diagnosed with breast cancer.Background  Breast cancer diagnosis can lead to impairment in multiple areas of psychosocial well‐being, including physical, social and emotional functioning. Research has therefore begun to focus on identifying and addressing survivors’ concerns and needs, with most research examining the time of treatment completion. However diagnosis and treatment are also key times of psychological need, and less is known about the psychosocial concerns and needs at these times.Research design  Seven focus group interviews were conducted examining three categories of participants: (i) patients diagnosed with early‐stage breast cancer within the past 12 months, (ii) oncology nurses, and (iii) volunteers who work with cancer patients. Sampling was discontinued when informational redundancy was achieved.Setting and participants  Thirty‐four participants took part in one of seven focus group meetings held in a hospital patient resource room.Results  A wide variety of psychosocial concerns and needs were discussed, and five specific areas of concern were identified: (i) coping with side‐effects; (ii) dealing with self‐concept change; (iii) stress and adjustment reactions; (iv) having to manage others’ unhelpful beliefs, expectations and emotions; and (v) issues with survival and growth. There was a large degree of consistency in the concerns and needs identified by the different group categories.Conclusion  In general, the concerns and needs expressed were consistent with survivorship issues previously identified in the literature; however, several new insights were obtained. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Accumulation of soluble inflammatory mediators between blood donation and pre‐storage leucocyte depletion
Authors: Chudziak D. , Sireis W. , Pfeiffer H.‐U. , Henschler R. , Seifried E. , Bönig H. 
Published: November 2008

Background and Objectives   Leucocyte‐derived cytokines accumulate in stored whole blood. Pre‐storage leucocyte depletion has reduced cytokine levels and, consequently, febrile non‐haemolytic transfusion reactions. As leucocyte filtration and component separation can be performed until 24 h after donation, we hypothesized that within this time, inflammatory cytokines might accumulate.Materials and Methods   Serial plasma samples were collected 4, 10 and 20 h after donation and cytokine concentrations were measured.Results   Interleukin‐8 increased > 20‐fold and soluble CD40 ligand > sixfold during the observation time, less pronounced changes for several other mediators were also observed.Conclusion   Leucocyte depletion within 10 h of blood donation will reduce the concentrations of pyrogenic mediators.
The importance of flow and pressure release in emergency jet ventilation devices
Authors: HAMAEKERS ANKIE , BORG PIETER , ENK DIETMAR 
Published: November 2008

SummaryBackground:  Several self‐assembled devices, consisting of a three‐way stopcock connected to a high pressure oxygen source, have been proposed for transtracheal jet ventilation in an emergency situation. As a three‐way stopcock acts as a ‘flow splitter’ it will, when connected to a continuous oxygen flow, never ensure total flow and pressure release through its side port. The aim of the present study was to measure the efficacy of flow and pressure release of three previously described self‐assembled jet devices and one commercially available tool.Methods:  In a laboratory setting simulating an obstructed upper airway the generated pressure at the cannula tip (PACT) during the expiration phase was measured in three self‐assembled jet devices consisting of a three‐way stopcock with an inner diameter of 2 mm (device A), 2.5 mm (device B), and 3 mm (device C), respectively, and in the Oxygen Flow Modulator (OFM) at oxygen flows of 6, 9, 12, and 15 l·min−1.Results:  The PACT of device A at on oxygen flow of 15 l·min−1 was 71.1 (±0.08) cm H2O. At a reduced flow of 9 l min−1 the PACT of device A was still 25.8 (±0.08) cm H2O. In device B and C the PACT was 35.6 (±0.04) and 17.6 (±0.04) cm H2O, respectively, at an oxygen flow of 15 l·min−1. In contrast, the PACT in the OFM (five side holes open) was 4.4 (±0.02) cm H2O at the same flow.Conclusion:  In case of complete upper airway obstruction the OFM provides sufficient flow and pressure release, whereas the self‐assembled jet devices tested are inherently dangerous constructions.
Dysplastic kidney and not renal agenesis is the commonly associated anomaly in infants with seminal vesicle cyst
Authors: Schukfeh Nagoud , Kuebler Joachim F. , Schirg Eckart , Petersen Claus , Ure Benno M. , Glüer Sylvia 
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVETo determine whether the association of seminal vesicle cyst (SVC) and renal anomaly in young children correlates with previously reported cases of SVCs in adolescent and adult patients, as congenital SVCs, although rare, are frequently described in association with ipsilateral renal agenesis, mainly in adolescent and adult patients, whereas reports on SVCs in younger children are sparse.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe report on nine infants (median age 4 months) with congenital SVCs, all of them associated with ipsilateral dysplastic kidneys. All patients had ultrasonography of the renal system and voiding cysto‐urethrography. Magnetic resonance imaging was used in two patients.RESULTSThe SVCs were found incidentally during ultrasonography for the renal anomaly. Three patients had dysplastic and six had multicystic dysplastic kidneys. In previous reported adult cases of SVCs the most common associated renal anomaly was agenesis of the ipsilateral kidney (25 of 44 cases), whereas only one case of dysplastic kidney was reported.CONCLUSIONAs the appearance of renal agenesis might result from a former congenital dysplastic kidney, our findings indicate that cases of ipsilateral renal agenesis in adult patients with congenital SVCs might represent former dysplastic or multicystic dysplastic kidney.
Urethral in situ biocompatibility of new drug‐eluting biodegradable stents: an experimental study in the rabbit
Authors: Kotsar Andres , Isotalo Taina , Uurto Ilkka , Mikkonen Joonas , Martikainen Paula , Talja Martti , Kellomäki Minna , Salenius Juha‐Pekka , Tammela Teuvo L.J. 
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVETo assess the effect of drug‐eluting properties on the degradation process and the biocompatibility of biodegradable drug‐eluting urethral stents.MATERIALS AND METHODSBraided biodegradable 80 L/20D‐PLGA (copolymer of polylactide and polyglycolide) stents with drug‐eluting properties were used as the test material. The drugs analysed were indomethacin, dexamethasone and ciprofloxacine. 80 L/20D‐PLGA stents without a drug coating served as controls. In all, 16 male rabbits were used and divided into four groups. The stents were inserted under general anaesthesia into the posterior urethra. After 1 month, the rabbits were killed and the urethra removed for histological and optic microscopy analyses.RESULTSControl stents and the dexamethasone‐eluting stents degraded totally during the follow‐up period. Conversely, in both indomethacin‐ and ciprofloxacine‐eluting stent groups, the degradation process was significantly delayed and they induced an increase in epithelial hyperplasia. Histological analysis showed that all the stents induced eosinophilia, but there were no significant differences in the intensity of acute or chronic inflammatory reactions and fibrosis.CONCLUSIONSA drug‐eluting capacity can be added to biodegradable stents. The addition of a drug influences the biodegradation time of PLGA urethral stents. Further studies are needed, to find the proper concentrations and releasing profiles of the drugs to achieve the desired bioactivity and biocompatibility properties.
Outcome of nephron‐sparing surgery for T1b renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Joniau Steven , Eeckt Kathy Vander , Srirangam Shalom J. , Van Poppel Hein 
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVETo present our experience with nephron‐sparing surgery (NSS) for T1b renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in a high‐volume tertiary referral centre. NSS for RCC of <4 cm (T1a) is increasingly accepted, although its role for RCC of 4–7 cm (T1b) remains controversial.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe records of 67 consecutive patients who had NSS for RCC of 4–7 cm at our institution were reviewed retrospectively. Data were collected on surgical indications, tumour characteristics, complications, changes in serum creatinine level, time to recurrence and time to death. Clinical progression‐free survival (CPFS), overall survival (OS), cancer‐specific survival (CSS) rates were estimated statistically.RESULTSThe mean patient age was 62 years. Surgical indications were absolute in 26 (39%) patients, relative in 11 (16%) and elective in 30 (45%). Two patients (3%) required postoperative embolization, and none developed a urinary fistula. Four patients (6%) had positive resection margins; none of these developed tumour recurrence. After a median (range) follow‐up of 40.1 (1–98.3) months, 10 patients (15%) had died, of whom only one death was related to NSS (postoperative hypovolaemic shock). The tumour recurred in seven patients (10%) all of whom were alive at the last follow‐up. Three patients (4%) developed a local recurrence and four (6%) developed locoregional or distant disease. The projected 5‐year CPFS, CSS and OS rates were 84%, 99% and 72%, respectively. Seven (10%) patients developed de novo renal insufficiency. Elective and relative indications were not associated with a significant change in serum creatinine level (P = 0.22 and 0.10, respectively); in the absolute category this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.005). The main limitation is that the study was uncontrolled and retrospective, with a medium‐term follow‐up.CONCLUSIONSThis study showed the excellent surgical feasibility and CSS for NSS in T1b RCC. Local cancer control was achieved in the large majority of patients, with preservation of renal function in those with elective indications. Absolute indications significantly correlated with loss of renal function.
Changing Vertical Integration Strategies under Pressure from Foreign Competition: The Case of US and German Multinationals
Authors: Hutzschenreuter Thomas , Gröne Florian 
Published: November 2008

abstractThis study contributes to the emerging body of research into the influence of foreign competition on firm scope. Industrial organization economics, the resource‐based view of the firm, and transaction cost economics consistently predict vertical de‐integration in the face of intensifying pressure from imports and foreign direct investment. We show this was the case for 407 US firms between 1987 and 2003. Results for a panel of 95 German firms reveal a similar reaction to pressure from an increase in imports, but show no reaction to increased exposure to incoming foreign direct investment during the same time frame.
Infants use shared experience to interpret pointing gestures
Authors: Liebal Kristin , Behne Tanya , Carpenter Malinda , Tomasello Michael 
Published: November 2008

Abstract We investigated whether 1‐year‐old infants use their shared experience with an adult to determine the meaning of a pointing gesture. In the first study, after two adults had each shared a different activity with the infant, one of the adults pointed to a target object. Eighteen‐ but not 14‐month‐olds responded appropriately to the pointing gesture based on the particular activity they had previously shared with that particular adult. In the second study, 14‐month‐olds were successful in a simpler procedure in which the pointing adult either had or had not shared a relevant activity with the infant prior to the pointing. Infants just beginning to learn language thus already show a complex understanding of the pragmatics of cooperative communication in which shared experience with particular individuals plays a crucial role.
More than just another face in the crowd: superior detection of threatening facial expressions in children and adults
Authors: LoBue Vanessa 
Published: November 2008

Abstract Threatening facial expressions can signal the approach of someone or something potentially dangerous. Past research has established that adults have an attentional bias for angry faces, visually detecting their presence more quickly than happy or neutral faces. Two new findings are reported here. First, evidence is presented that young children share this attentional bias. In five experiments, young children and adults were asked to find a picture of a target face among an array of eight distracter faces. Both age groups detected threat‐relevant faces – angry and frightened – more rapidly than non‐threat‐relevant faces (happy and sad). Second, evidence is presented that both adults and children have an attentional bias for negative stimuli overall. All negative faces were detected more quickly than positive ones in both age groups. As the first evidence that young children exhibit the same superior detection of threatening facial expressions as adults, this research provides important support for the existence of an evolved attentional bias for threatening stimuli.
Intended and unintended consequences of student use of an online questioning environment
Authors: Ng'ambi Dick , Brown Irwin 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWhile supplementation of face‐to‐face (F2F) teaching with online engagement is increasingly common, the educators' challenge of teaching F2F personalities and facilitating online personalities has not been widely explored. In this paper, we report on a project in which 1st‐year students attended F2F sessions and engaged with an anonymous online questioning environment. The differences between students' F2F and online behaviour led to intended and unintended consequences. The purpose of this paper is to explore these intended and unintended consequences of technology use. The project was undertaken over a 3‐year period, starting in 2004. In 2004, a pilot project was conducted based on a class of 35 students studying a 1st‐year programming course in information systems. The investigation was again conducted in 2005 for the same course, this time with 63 students. In 2006, the project was extended to a class of 610 1st‐year commerce students studying an introductory information systems course. In all cases, students met F2F and when online, engaged with an anonymous Web/SMS collaborative tool. The intended consequence was that a blending of F2F with online interaction extended student engagement beyond the limitation of a classroom and provided a forum for further collaboration and consultation. The intended outcome was achieved. An unintended consequence was that the tool provided the lecturer with diagnostic information that was used to impact on pedagogical designs. This was often a result of students taking on an online personality that would very often be extremely frank and honest about the manner in which the course was conducted, and how learning was taking place. The findings show that students used the tool in ways that exceeded the envisaged intention, and student use of the tool positively impacted on the curriculum, pedagogy and general running of the course. The paper concludes that integration of online engagement with F2F teaching adds value to the teaching and learning experience.
Creating a psychologically safe online space for a student‐generated questions learning activity via different identity revelation modes
Authors: Yu Fu‐Yun , Liu Yu‐Hsin 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis study focuses on mitigating evaluation apprehension, which is usually unavoidable in identifiable social situations, via the constructive use of prominent features of networked technologies. Specifically, this study investigated learners' attitudes towards different user‐identity revelation modes, namely, real‐identity, anonymity and created‐identity, in an online question‐construction and peer‐assessment context. Forty university freshmen, taking a physics laboratory course, participated for one semester in 2007. A learning system called The Question Authoring and Reasoning Knowledge System which allowed students to contribute and benefit from cyclic process of constructing and reviewing questions, was devised. Analysis of the data gathered found that students reacted statistically differently to the modes of real name, anonymity and nickname. Furthermore, participating students adjusted their preferred mode in different roles and circumstances. The data obtained suggest that program developers should embed flexible and versatile capabilities of computer and communication technologies by allowing individuals the opportunity not to be identified or only be identified via a nickname of their choice, so as to help eliminate feelings of embarrassment and uneasiness, which are not psychologically sound and may hinder the learning process.
Optimising the use of note‐taking as an external cognitive aid for increasing learning
Authors: Makany Tamas , Kemp Jonathan , Dror Itiel E. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractTaking notes is of uttermost importance in academic and commercial use and success. Different techniques for note‐taking utilise different cognitive processes and strategies. This experimental study examined ways to enhance cognitive performance via different note‐taking techniques. By comparing performances of traditional, linear style note‐taking with alternative non‐linear technique, we aimed to examine the efficiency and importance of different ways of taking notes. Twenty‐six volunteer adult learners from an information management course participated in this study. Cognitive performance scores from a traditional linear note‐taking group were compared with another group by using a commercially available non‐linear note‐taking technique. Both groups were tested in two settings: after a classroom lecture and a panel forum discussion. Tasks included measures on story comprehension, memory, complexity of mental representations and metacognitive skills. Data analysis revealed that the non‐linear note‐takers were significantly better than the linear group both in terms of the quantity and the quality of the learned material. This study demonstrates the importance of using cognitively compatible note‐taking techniques. It identifies the cognitive mechanisms behind effective note‐taking and knowledge representation. Using such techniques enables deeper understanding and more integrated knowledge management.