bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nurses’ and carers’ appraisals of workload in care of frail elderly awaiting nursing home placement
Authors: Fjelltun Aud‐Mari Sohini , Henriksen Nils , Norberg Astrid , Gilje Fredricka , Normann Hans Ketil 
Published: November 2008

Aim:  The aim of this study is to describe carers’ and nurses’ appraisals of workload in care of frail elderly awaiting nursing home (NH) placement.Background:  Carers’ workload of care for frail elderly awaiting NH placement has been studied separately from that of nurses’ workload. The literature neither addressed a comparison of carers’ and nurses’ appraisals of psychological and physical workloads nor the most strenuous factors common to the workloads of both nurses and carers in care of the same elderly person. The terms ‘carers’ and ‘nurses’ in this paper refer to informal caregivers and to both enrolled nurses and Registered Nurses respectively, when no particular one is stated.Method:  The sample comprised 11 nurses and 11 carers paired based on care provided to the same elderly person awaiting NH placement in Norway. Data collected by a workload‐scale was analyzed by descriptive statistics. Data collected by individual interviews were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. Carers’ and nurses’ appraisals of workload were compared and contrasted and most strenuous factors described.Findings:  The findings show that both carers and nurses rated workload levels maximum. Carers’ highest ratings concerned psychological workload, while nurses’ highest ratings concerned physical workload. The workload ratings concerning elderly with advanced dementia disease were most similarly aligned. Qualitative content analysis showed three categories that describe the most strenuous factors common to the workloads of both carers and nurses. These were feeling responsible, burdened and ambivalent.Conclusion:  This study reports carers’ and nurses’ appraisals of workload in care of frail elderly awaiting NH placement. The results show many similarities and some differences. These results may help guide policy development to address resource allocations to elderly care. Further research is needed to address workloads of care for elderly awaiting NH placement.
The American Community Survey and Health Insurance Coverage Estimates: Possibilities and Challenges for Health Policy Researchers
Authors: Davern Michael , Quinn Brian C. , Kenney Genevieve M. , Blewett Lynn A. 
Published: November 2008

Objective. To introduce the American Community Survey (ACS) and its measure of health insurance coverage to researchers and policy makers.Data Sources/Study Setting. We compare the survey designs for the ACS and Current Population Survey (CPS) that measure insurance coverage.Study Design. We describe the ACS and how it will be useful to health policy researchers.Principal Findings. Relative to the CPS, the ACS will provide more precise state and substate estimates of health insurance coverage at a point‐in‐time. Yet the ACS lacks the historical data and detailed state‐specific coverage categories seen in the CPS.Conclusions. The ACS will be a critical new resource for researchers. To use the new data to the best advantage, careful research will be needed to understand its strengths and weaknesses.
Land Heterogeneity, Agricultural Income Forgone and Environmental Benefit: An Assessment of Incentive Compatibility Problems in Environmental Stewardship Schemes
Authors: Fraser Rob 
Published: November 2008

Abstract This paper examines the issue of incentive compatibility within environmental stewardship schemes, where incentive payments to farmers to provide environmental goods and services are based on foregone agricultural income. The particular focus of the paper is land heterogeneity, either of agricultural or environmental value, leading to divergence between the actual and socially optimal level of provision of environmental goods and services. Given land heterogeneity, such goods and services are likely to be systematically over‐ or under‐provided in response to a flat rate payment for income foregone.
Road junction extraction from high‐resolution aerial imagery
Authors: Ravanbakhsh Mehdi , Heipke Christian , Pakzad Kian 
Published: November 2008

AbstractRoad junctions are important components of a road network. However, they are usually not explicitly modelled in existing road extraction approaches. In this research, road junctions are modelled in detail as area objects and an approach is proposed for their automatic extraction through the use of an existing geospatial database. Prior knowledge derived from a topographic geospatial database is used to facilitate the extraction. A new snake‐based approach is proposed that makes use of the “ziplock snake” concept and whose external force is a combination of the gradient vector flow (GVF) force and the balloon force in order to delineate the junction border. Road arm extraction results provide fixed boundary conditions for the proposed snake. The approach was tested using aerial black‐and‐white Digital Mapping Camera (DMC) ortho‐images of 0·1 m ground resolution taken from suburban and rural areas. The results obtained demonstrate the validity of this approach.
Stop saying epileptic
Authors: Fernandes Paula T. , De Barros Nelson F. , Li Li M. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact upon attitude and perceived stigma of using different terms for referring to persons with epilepsy among teenagers. High school students received one of two versions of a brief questionnaire and of the Stigma Scale of Epilepsy (SSE). The versions differed only in the term used: “people with epilepsy” (PWE) in the group‐1 (N = 109) and “epileptics” in group‐2 (N = 105). Group‐1 responded that 62% of PWE and group‐2, that 93% of epileptics have more difficulty finding employment. Group‐1 responded that 37% of PWE and group‐2, that 70% of epileptics have more difficulties at school. Group‐1 responded that 41% of PWE and group‐2, that 87% of epileptics are rejected by the society. None of individuals in group‐1 indicated that they were prejudiced toward PWE, whereas 3% of group‐2 indicated that they were prejudiced toward epileptics. The SSE score (range from 0 to 100, higher the score, higher the degree of perceived stigma) was 49 [confidence interval (CI) = 46.9–52.0] for group‐2 and 45 (CI = 42.4–48.2) for group‐1 (p = 0.03). In conclusion, the words we use can influence our perceptions and have consequences in terms of social stigma associated with epilepsy. We should refrain from using the term “epileptic” to refer to a person with epilepsy, and consider the importance of our choice of words as part of the effort to bring epilepsy out of the shadows.
Fenofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor‐α agonist, exerts anticonvulsive properties
Authors: Porta Natacha , Vallée Louis , Lecointe Cécile , Bouchaert Emmanuel , Staels Bart , Bordet Régis , Auvin Stéphane 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThe underlying mechanisms of the ketogenic diet (KD) remain unknown. Involvement of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor‐α (PPARα) has been suggested. The aim of this study was to assess the anticonvulsant properties of fenofibrate, a PPARα agonist. Wistar rats were fed at libitum during 14 days by regular diet, KD, regular diet containing 0.2% fenofibrate (F), or KD containing 0.2% fenofibrate (KD + F). Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) threshold and latencies to the onset of status epilepticus induced by lithium–pilocarpine were used to assess diet treatments with anticonvulsive effects. Myoclonic and generalized seizure PTZ thresholds were increased in F‐ and KD‐treated animals in comparison to control. No difference was observed between KD + F group and the others groups (control, F, KD). Latencies to the onset of status epilepticus were increased in F and KD groups compared to control. Fenofibrate exerts anticonvulsive properties comparable to KD in adult rats using PTZ and lithium–pilocarpine models. The underlying mechanisms such as PPARα activation and others should be investigated. These findings may provide insights into future directions to simplify KD protocols.
Report of the American Epilepsy Society and the Epilepsy Foundation Joint Task Force on Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy
Authors: So Elson L. , Bainbridge Jacquelyn , Buchhalter Jeffrey R. , Donalty Jeanne , Donner Elizabeth J. , Finucane Alexandra , Graves Nina M. , Hirsch Lawrence J. , Montouris Georgia D. , Temkin Nancy R. , Wiebe Samuel , Sierzant Tess L. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThe American Epilepsy Society and the Epilepsy Foundation jointly convened a task force to assess the state of knowledge about sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The task force had five charges: (1) develop a position statement describing if, when, what, and how SUDEP should be discussed with patients and their families and caregivers; (2) design methods by which the medical and lay communities become aware of the risk of SUDEP; (3) recommend research directions in SUDEP; (4) explore steps that organizations can take to perform large‐scale, prospective studies of SUDEP to identify risk factors; and (5) identify possible preventive strategies for SUDEP. Some of the major task force recommendations include convening a multidisciplinary workshop to refine current lines of investigation and to identify additional areas of research for mechanisms underlying SUDEP; performing a survey of patients and their families and caregivers to identify effective means of education that will enhance participation in SUDEP research; conducting a campaign aimed at patients, families, caregivers, coroners, and medical examiners that emphasizes the need for complete autopsy examinations for patients with suspected SUDEP; and securing infrastructure grants to fund a consortium of centers that will conduct prospective clinical and basic research studies to identify preventable risk factors and mechanisms underlying SUDEP. For now, the principal effort in preventing SUDEP should be prompt and optimal control of seizures, especially generalized convulsive seizures.
The founding of the American Epilepsy Society: 1936
Authors: Goodkin Howard P. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryFollowing its collapse as a result of World War I, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) was reorganized in 1935; and William G. Lennox was appointed its president. Among his initial efforts was developing a professional organization that would be dedicated to the study and care of people with epilepsy and would serve as the International League’s American chapter. His efforts resulted in the founding of the American Epilepsy Society (AES) in Kansas City, MO, on May 12, 1936. This article presents previously lost details of Lennox’s role in establishing the AES and in defining its mission.
Influence of Matrix Type on Surface Roughness of Three Resins for Provisional Crowns and Fixed Partial Dentures
Authors: Ayuso‐Montero Raul , Martinez‐Gomis Jordi , Lujan‐Climent Mar , Salsench Juan , Peraire Maria 
Published: November 2008

Abstract Purpose: This study evaluated the effect of matrix type on the surface roughness of resins for provisional crowns and fixed partial dentures. Materials and Methods: Ninety specimens of two acrylic resins (Trim II, Tab2000) and one bis‐acryl composite (Protemp II Garant) were fabricated using one of three matrices: irreversible hydrocolloid (Cavex CA37), poly(vinyl siloxane) (Aquasil) or vacuum‐formed matrix (Bio‐flow Hard). The sample size for each resin‐matrix combination was 10. The vestibular face of one natural maxillary central incisor was used as a model to fabricate all the specimens, following the custom fabrication technique. The average roughness measurements, Ra (μm), were obtained using a profilometer, and the data were analyzed using Kruskal‐Wallis and Mann‐Whitney U‐tests. The results were contrasted against the surface roughness of the tooth using a one‐sample t‐test. Results: Aquasil and vacuum‐formed matrix had a smoother surface than Cavex CA37 regardless of the resin tested (p < 0.05). Protemp II Garant had the smoothest surface regardless of the matrix used, with no significant differences when polymerized against the three different matrices. Trim II polymerized against Cavex CA37 had a rougher (p < 0.05) surface than Aquasil or vacuum‐formed matrix. Tab2000 had the smoothest surface (p < 0.05) when polymerized against a vacuum‐formed matrix. Conclusions: There is no universal matrix that produces the smoothest surface: this depends on the compatibility between the resin and the matrix. Protemp II Garant polymerized against Cavex CA37 matrix yields a surface that is smooth enough not to require polishing unless this surface is adjusted.
Correlations between Color Differences Based on Three Color‐Difference Formulas Using Dental Shade Guide Tabs
Authors: Kim Jong‐Gil , Yu Bin , Lee Yong‐Keun 
Published: November 2008

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation among color‐difference values based on three formulas between shade tab pairs from two shade guides [Vita Lumin (VITA) and Chromascop (CHRO)]. Materials and Methods: The color of shade tabs was measured relative to the standard illuminant D65 under the 8° standard observer function, and distributions for CIE L*, a*, and b* values were compared. One hundred and twenty shade pairs from VITA and 190 shade pairs from CHRO were used to calculate color differences using CIELAB, DIN99, and CIEDE2000 formulas (ΔE*ab, ΔE99, and ΔE00, respectively). A paired t‐test was used to determine the difference between each pair of the three color‐difference values (α= 0.01). Regression analysis was used to determine the correlations between the color differences (α= 0.01). Results: For both shade guides, there were significant differences between ΔE*ab and ΔE00, ΔE*ab and ΔE99, and ΔE99 and ΔE00 (p < 0.01). ΔE*ab and ΔE00, and ΔE*ab and ΔE99 were strongly correlated (r2= 0.90 to 0.94, p < 0.05). Although a simplified a* rescaling function of the CIE a* axis has been added in the CIEDE2000 formula, the influence of the opposite signs in the a* value were found to be irrelevant to the ΔE00 value. Conclusion:ΔE*ab,ΔE99, and ΔE00 can be used interchangeably for the evaluation of color difference of shade tabs.
Effects of Tooth Preparation Burs and Luting Cement Types on the Marginal Fit of Extracoronal Restorations
Authors: Ayad Mohamed F. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract Purpose: Although surface roughness of axial walls could contribute to precision of a cast restoration, it is unclear how the roughness of tooth preparation affects marginal fit of the restoration in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to describe the morphologic features of dentin surfaces prepared by common rotary instruments of similar shapes and to determine their effects on the marginal fit for complete cast crowns. Materials and Methods: Ninety crowns were cast for standardized complete crown tooth preparations. Diamond, tungsten carbide finishing, and crosscut carbide burs of similar shape were used (N = 30). The crowns in each group were subdivided into three groups (n = 10) for use with different luting cements: zinc phosphate cement (Fleck's), glass ionomer cement (Ketac‐Cem), and adhesive resin cement (Panavia 21). Marginal fit was measured with a light microscope in a plane parallel to the tooth surface before and after cementation between four pairs of index indentations placed at equal distances around the circumference of each specimen. Difference among groups was tested for statistical significance with analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Ryan‐Einot‐Gabriel‐Welsch Multiple Range Test (α= 0.05). Results: Analysis of measurements disclosed a statistically significant difference for burs used to finish tooth preparations (p < 0.001); however, luting cement measurements were not significantly different (p= 0.152). Also, the interaction effect was not significantly different (p= 0.685). For zinc phosphate cement, the highest marginal discrepancy value (100 ± 106 μm) was for tooth preparations refined with carbide burs, and the lowest discrepancy value (36 ± 30 μm) was for tooth preparations refined with finishing burs. For glass ionomer cement, the highest marginal discrepancy value (61 ± 47 μm) was for tooth preparations refined with carbide burs, and the lowest discrepancy value (33 ± 40 μm) was for tooth preparations refined with finishing burs. For adhesive resin cement, the highest marginal discrepancy value (88 ± 81 μm) was for tooth preparations refined with carbide burs, and the lowest discrepancy value (19 ± 17 μm) was for tooth preparations refined with finishing burs. Conclusions: Marginal fit of complete cast crowns is influenced by tooth preparation surface characteristics, regardless of the type of luting agent used for cementation. Tooth preparations refined with finishing burs may favor the placement of restorations with the smallest marginal discrepancies, regardless of the type of cement used.
Dimensional Accuracy of an Epoxy Die Material Using Different Polymerization Methods
Authors: Prisco Rosario , Cozzolino Giancarlo , Vigolo Paolo 
Published: November 2008

Abstract Purpose: Shrinkage of resinous die materials during setting reaction limits their acceptance, even though these materials show several advantages compared to stone die materials with respect to strength, abrasion resistance, and detail reproduction. The purpose of this study was to determine if retarding the setting reaction during polymerization and altering the base‐to‐catalyst ratio, as suggested by previous studies, can be recommended for resinous die materials to reduce the inaccuracy in transferring the spatial position of teeth or implants from the oral cavity to the master cast. Materials and Methods: A Blue Star Type E epoxy resin die material was tested. A reference triangular metal master die was fabricated. Forty medium‐consistency polyether impressions of this model were made. Four groups (S, M, N, P) were compared, and ten dies were fabricated for each group. In the S group, the epoxy resin die material was manipulated according to the manufacturer's instructions; in the other three groups, the epoxy resin die material was manipulated by retarding the setting reaction and by modifying the epoxy resin base/activator ratio. Results: One‐way ANOVA revealed significant differences between the four groups of the epoxy resin die material (p < 0.0001). Tukey's multiple comparisons test (p < 0.05) revealed that none of the resin groups was similar to the metal master die for each of the tested dimensions (A, B, and C). For the specific dimension C, however, the P group was statistically closer to the metal master die than the S group. Conclusion: The epoxy resin die material tested in this research did not improve its dimensional accuracy following retarding polymerization or modifying the epoxy resin base/activator ratio. The epoxy resin material exhibited higher contraction variability across all tested groups. This shrinkage can significantly affect the dimension of the master cast.
Bertolotti's Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Mitra Raj , Carlisle Mark 
Published: November 2008

AbstractStudy Design:  A case report and literature review is presented.Objective:  To review relevant data for the management of Bertolotti's syndrome and to determine whether the transverse process‐ilium articulation may be a pain generator.Background:  Bertolotti's syndrome is associated with axial low back pain secondary to arthritic changes; the pain generator in the disorder is unclear.Methods:  We present a case report of symptomatic Bertolotti's syndrome managed with intra‐articular steroid injections.Results:  A patient with Bertolotti's syndrome had significant relief of axial pain after steroid injection of the ilium‐transverse process articulation.Conclusions:  Steroid therapy may be a non‐surgical alternative for the treatment of symptomatic Bertolotti's syndrome.
Ten‐year quality control of a semiautomated procedure of cord blood unit volume reduction
Authors: Lecchi Lucilla , Perego Lucia , Garcea Filomena , Ratti Ilaria , Brasca Manuela , Dotti Deborah , Cimoni Silvia , Pezzali Ilaria , Celeste Teresa , Giovanelli Silvia , Butti Barbara , De Fazio Nicola , Lopa Raffaella , Rebulla Paolo 
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND: Volume reduction of cord blood units decreases the cost of cryogenic storage. This study reports the analysis of a 10‐year quality control program of a semiautomated cord blood volume reduction procedure.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Cord blood was collected in a plastic bag containing 29 mL citrate‐phosphate‐dextrose, centrifuged at 2124 × g for 12 minutes, and processed with a semiautomated device. The procedure was aimed at removing most red blood cells and plasma and concentrating hematopoietic progenitors in the buffy coat (BC), thus reducing the unit volume and saving cryogenic space. Finally, the BC was cryopreserved with an equal volume of 20 percent dimethyl sulfoxide. Total nucleated cells (TNCs) were counted before and after processing in the 4311 units banked from 1998 through 2007, whereas CD34+ cells and colony‐forming units–granulocyte‐macrophage (CFU‐GM) were counted in 420 random units from 2001 through 2007.RESULTS: Mean postvolume reduction annual recoveries of TNCs, CD34+ cells, and CFU‐GM ranged from 82.8 ± 12.3 (standard deviation) to 91.4 ± 6.4 percent, from 87.8 ± 14.1 to 95.2 ± 23.8 percent, and from 101.5 ± 51.4 to 117.8 ± 59.5 percent, respectively. Very strong correlations were found (r > 0.87) between postprocessing versus preprocessing TNCs, CD34+ cells, and CFU‐GM; a moderate correlation between initial TNC count and unit's volume (r = 0.51); and no correlation between TNC percentage of recovery in the BC and initial unit's volume. The latter data indicate that most TNCs concentrate in the BC.CONCLUSIONS: The semiautomated procedure of cord blood unit volume reduction used in this study provides high and stable cellular recoveries during several years of routine cord blood banking.
The persistence and evanescence of blood group alloantibodies in men
Authors: Tormey Christopher A. , Stack Gary 
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND: Non‐ABO blood group (BG) alloantibodies can disappear over time, confounding compatibility testing and predisposing patients to delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions. The goal of this study was to analyze BG antibody disappearance after transfusion‐related alloimmunization in men.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The transfusion service records of 18,750 military veterans at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center were screened to identify male patients with one or more BG alloantibodies and who had at least one type and screen performed after initial antibody detection (n = 304). Antibodies were categorized as to whether they were present at a patient's first antibody screening test (“preexisting”) or after initial negative testing (“hospital‐acquired”).RESULTS: Overall, the evanescence of hospital‐acquired antibodies (108/222; 48.6%) was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) than that of preexisting antibodies (36/185; 19.5%). Half (54/108) of evanescent, hospital‐acquired alloantibodies disappeared within 6 months of detection, and all disappeared by 10 years. Evanescence of hospital‐acquired antibodies was dependent on duration of follow‐up testing, because antibodies tested 5 or more years after initial development demonstrated the highest evanescence rate (35/55; 64%; p < 0.01). Some evanescent antibodies (9/407; 2.2% of total antibodies) disappeared and reappeared one or more times without known antigenic reexposure (“multiple evanescence”). Among commonly observed alloantibodies, disappearance varied with antigenic specificity.CONCLUSIONS: Approximately two‐thirds of BG alloantibodies disappeared within 5 years of induction, a rate higher than previously reported in mixed‐sex populations. Evanescence did not appear to be a random, first‐order decay process, as evidenced by the lower evanescence rate of preexisting antibodies.