bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variability of pressure provided by sustained compression
Authors: Moffatt Christine 
Published: May 2008

AbstractCompression therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for patients with venous leg ulcers (VLUs). Although it is generally accepted that the therapeutic outcomes are directly related to the quality of compression therapy, delivering precise and sustained compression therapy is an ongoing challenge for health care professionals. Several factors influence quality of compression therapy: physical structure and elastomeric properties of the compression system, size and shape of the leg, skill and technique of the bandager and physical activity undertaken by the patient. Graduated compression is achieved by applying a bandage at the same tension from ankle to knee, providing the shape of the leg is normal. Many patients with VLUs have distorted legs, challenging the delivery of a desired pressure gradient. Poor bandaging technique can result in little or no benefit or may deliver too high a pressure causing a detrimental effect to the wearer. If the wearer is unable to tolerate the compression, patient concordance and effectiveness are affected. Training has been shown to reduce variability of sub‐bandage pressure. Sub‐bandage pressure increases during standing and walking. These pressure changes are related to the elastomeric properties of the compression systems. Health care professionals need to understand the properties of the available compression systems and how their application technique must be adjusted.
Dressing‐related pain in patients with chronic wounds: an international patient perspective
Authors: Price Patricia E , Fagervik‐Morton Hilde , Mudge Elizabeth J , Beele Hilde , Ruiz Jose Contreras , Nystrøm Theis Huldt , Lindholm Christina , Maume Sylvie , Melby‐Østergaard Britta , Peter Yolanda , Romanelli Marco , Seppänen Salla , Serena Thomas E , Sibbald Gary , Soriano Jose Verdú , White Wendy , Wollina Uwe , Woo Kevin Y , Wyndham‐White Carolyn , Harding Keith G 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis cross‐sectional international survey assessed patients’ perceptions of their wound pain. A total of 2018 patients (57% female) from 15 different countries with a mean age of 68·6 years (SD = 15·4) participated. The wounds were categorised into ten different types with a mean wound duration of 19·6 months (SD = 51·8). For 2018 patients, 3361 dressings/compression systems were being used, with antimicrobials being reported most frequently (n= 605). Frequency of wound‐related pain was reported as 32·2%, ‘never’ or ‘rarely’, 31·1%, ‘quite often’ and 36·6%, ‘most’ or ‘all of the time’, with venous and arterial ulcers associated with more frequent pain (P= 0·002). All patients reported that ‘the wound itself’ was the most painful location (n= 1840). When asked if they experienced dressing‐related pain, 286 (14·7%) replied ‘most of the time’ and 334 (17·2%) reported pain ‘all of the time’; venous, mixed and arterial ulcers were associated with more frequent pain at dressing change (P < 0·001). Eight hundred and twelve (40·2%) patients reported that it took <1 hour for the pain to subside after a dressing change, for 449 (22·2%) it took 1–2 hours, for 192 (9·5%) it took 3–5 hours and for 154 (7·6%) patients it took more than 5 hours. Pain intensity was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) (0–100) giving a mean score of 44·5 (SD = 30·5, n= 1981). Of the 1141 who reported that they generally took pain relief, 21% indicated that they did not feel it was effective. Patients were asked to rate six symptoms associated with living with a chronic wound; ‘pain’ was given the highest mean score of 3·1 (n= 1898). In terms of different types of daily activities, ‘overdoing things’ was associated with the highest mean score (mean = 2·6, n= 1916). During the stages of the dressing change procedure; ‘touching/handling the wound’ was given the highest mean score of 2·9, followed by cleansing and dressing removal (n= 1944). One thousand four hundred and eighty‐five (80·15%) patients responded that they liked to be actively involved in their dressing changes, 1141 (58·15%) responded that they were concerned about the long‐term side‐effects of medication, 790 (40·3%) of patient indicated that the pain at dressing change was the worst part of living with a wound. This study adds substantially to our knowledge of how patients experience wound pain and gives us the opportunity to explore cultural differences in more detail.
Assessment and management of persistent (chronic) and total wound pain
Authors: Woo Kevin , Sibbald Gary , Fogh Karsten , Glynn Chris , Krasner Diane , Leaper David , Österbrink Jurgen , Price Patricia , Teot Luc 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPersistent (chronic) wound‐related pain is a common experience that requires appropriate assessment and treatment. It is no longer adequate for health care professionals to concentrate on the acute (temporary) pain during dressing change alone. The study provides useful recommendations and statements for assessing and managing total wound‐related pain for patients, health care professionals and other policymakers. The recommendations have been developed with the involvement of an interprofessional panel of health care professionals from around the world.
Evaluation of the impact of restructuring wound management practices in a community care provider in Niagara, Canada
Authors: Hurd Theresa , Zuiliani Nancy , Posnett John 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe burden of chronic wounds is substantial, and this burden is set to increase as the population ages. The challenge for community health services is significant. Wound care is labour intensive, and demand for services is set to increase at a time when the availability of nursing resources is likely to be severely limited. In March 2005, the Niagara community health care provider implemented a radical reorganisation of wound management practices designed to ensure that available resources, particularly nurse time, were being used in the most efficient way. An evaluation of the impact of the reorganisation has shown improvements in clinical practice and better patient outcomes. The use of traditional wound care products reduced from 75% in 2005 to 20% in 2007 in line with best practice recommendations, and frequency of daily dressing changes reduced from 48% in 2005 to 15% in 2007. In a comparison of patients treated in 2005 and 2006, average time to healing was 51·5 weeks in 2005 compared with 20·9 weeks in 2006. Total treatment cost was lower in 2006 by $10 700 (75%) per patient. Overall, improvements in wound management practice led to a net saving of $3·8 million in the Niagara wound care budget.
Low Levels of Androgens in Men with Erectile Dysfunction and Obesity
Authors: Corona Giovanni , Mannucci Edoardo , Fisher Alessandra D. , Lotti Francesco , Petrone Luisa , Balercia Giancarlo , Bandini Elisa , Forti Gianni , Maggi Mario 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The relationship between obesity and erectile dysfunction (ED) has not been completely clarified.

Aim
The aim of this study is to investigate the association between different obesity class (the World Health Organization definition) with several hormonal and instrumental parameters, in a large sample of patients with ED.

Methods
A consecutive series of 2,435 (mean age 52.1 ± 13.0 years) male patients with ED was investigated.

Main Outcome Measures
Several hormonal and biochemical parameters were studied, along with a structured interview on erectile dysfunction (SIEDY), a psychometric questionnaire (Middle Hospital Questionnaire), and penile doppler ultrasound (PDU).

Results
Among patients studied, 41.5% were normal weight, while 42.4%, 12.1% and 4.0% showed a BMI of 25–29.9, 30–34.9 and 35 kg/m2 or higher, respectively. Androgen levels (including sex hormone-binding globuline bound and unbound testosterone) decreased as a function of obesity class, while luteinising hormone levels did not show any significant change. Obesity was significantly associated with a higher organic contribution to ED (as assessed by SIEDY scale 1 score), and worse PDU parameters. At multivariate linear regression analysis, after adjustment for confounders (including metabolic syndrome), low androgens remained associated with BMI, while both basal and dynamic (after prostaglandin E1 [PGE1] stimulation) peak systolic velocity (PSV) at PDU resulted significantly associated with age and elevated blood pressure (Adj. r = −0.179, −0.285 and −0.094, −0.071 for age, hypertension and for basal and dynamic PSV, respectively; all P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusion
Obesity is characterized by low levels of androgens in men with ED, after adjustment for comorbidities. Obesity associated comorbidities, particularly hypertension, are the most important determinants of arteriogenic obesity–associated ED.
Patients' Knowledge about Risk Factors for Erectile Dysfunction is Poor
Authors: Baumgartner Martin K. , Hermanns Thomas , Cohen Aron , Schmid Daniel M. , Seifert Burkhardt , Sulser Tullio , Strebel Räto T. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Well informed and educated patients ideally manage to prevent or delay the onset of severe chronic diseases. With respect to erectile dysfunction (ED) this is of importance because ED is considered to herald debilitating cardiovascular diseases like coronary artery disease.

Aim
This survey aimed to assess patient's knowledge about risk factors (RF) for ED and to identify their preferred source of information.

Main Outcome Measures
Knowledge of RF for ED and sources used to gather information about ED as reported by patients with ED.

Methods
Between July 2004 and June 2006, 126 patients who presented at our outpatient clinic for an assessment of their ED were prospectively evaluated. The patients received a questionnaire about their demographic and socioeconomic circumstances, their strategies to gather information about ED, and their knowledge of specific RF for this disease. The questionnaire was completed by 81 patients (64%).

Results
Forty-one patients (51%) could not name one single RF for ED. Three men knew more than three RF. The two most popular sources of information were the Internet and general practitioners. Well-educated patients were significantly better informed than others. Patients using the Internet as source for health information were significantly younger and had a better knowledge about RF for ED compared to those not using the Internet.

Conclusion
Patients' knowledge about RF for ED is poor. The Internet seems to be the most useful information source for patients with ED and is predominantly used by younger and better educated patients. Given that ED is considered to be a precursor lesion of severe cardiovascular diseases, patient information and education deserves more attention.
Site fidelity and association patterns in a deep‐water dolphin: Rough‐toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) in the Hawaiian Archipelago
Authors: Baird Robin W. , Webster Daniel L. , Mahaffy Sabre D. , McSweeney Daniel J. , Schorr Gregory S. , Ligon Allan D. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn the Pacific, rough‐toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) are typically found in the open ocean and in deep waters around oceanic islands. We examined habitat use, site fidelity, movements, and association patterns of this species in the main Hawaiian Islands. Sighting rates were highest in depths >1,500 m. There were frequent within‐ and between‐year resightings off the island of Hawai'i, indicating a small population size with high site fidelity. Resighting rates were lower off Kaua'i/Ni'ihau, indicating a larger population size, but with some site fidelity. Two individuals were documented moving from Kaua'i to Hawai'i, a distance of 480 km, but were not seen to associate with dolphins off Hawai'i. Observed movements were consistent with at most 2% dispersal per year between these two areas. Differences in group sizes, habitat use, and behavior imply that movements among the islands may be limited. Little is known about the diet of rough‐toothed dolphins in Hawai'i, but they are thought to feed primarily on near‐surface species. High fidelity to deep‐water areas off the island of Hawai'i likely reflects an increase in the predictability of prey associated with upwelling due to the island mass effect, wind stress curl and cyclonic eddies that form off the island.
Substantial Archaeocortical Atrophy and Neuronal Loss in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Papadopoulos Dimitrios , Dukes Sumayya , Patel Ryan , Nicholas Richard , Vora Abhilash , Reynolds Richard 
Published: May 2008

AbstractRecent studies have revealed extensive neocortical pathology in multiple sclerosis (MS). The hippocampus is a unique archaeocortical structure understudied in MS. It plays a central role in episodic and anterograde memory—the most frequently impaired cognitive modalities in MS. This histopathological study aimed to investigate inflammatory demyelination and neurodegenerative changes in the MS archaeocortex. A detailed quantitative analysis was performed on hippocampal autopsy tissue from 45 progressive MS cases and seven controls. Forty‐one lesions were identified in 28 of the 45 hippocampal MS‐blocks examined, with percentage area of demyelination averaging 30.4%. The majority of lesions were chronic and subpially or subependymally located. Compared to controls, neuronal numbers were decreased by 27% in CA1 and 29.7% in CA3‐2. Furthermore, the size of neurones was decreased by 17.4% in CA1. There was evidence of gross hippocampal atrophy with a 22.3% reduction in the average cross‐sectional area, which correlated with neuronal loss. Our study provides evidence of substantial archaeocortical pathology largely resembling patterns seen in the neocortex and suggests that hippocampal involvement could contribute to memory impairments often seen in MS.
Involvement of Electron Transfer in the Photoreaction of Zebrafish Cryptochrome‐DASH†
Authors: Zikihara Kazunori , Ishikawa Tomoko , Todo Takeshi , Tokutomi Satoru 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPhotoreaction of a blue‐light photoreceptor Cryptochrome‐DASH (Cry‐DASH), a new member of the Cryptochrome family, from zebrafish was studied by UV–visible absorption spectroscopy in aqueous solutions at 293 K. Zebrafish Cry‐DASH binds two chromophores, a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and a N5,N10‐methenyl‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydrofolate (MTHF) noncovalently. The bound FAD exists in the oxidized form (FADox) in the dark. Blue light converts FADox to the neutral radical form (FADH?). Formed FADH? is transformed to the fully reduced form FADH2 (or FADH−) by successive light irradiation, or reverts to FADox. FADH2 (or FADH−) reverts to FADH? or possibly to FADox directly. The effect of dithiothreitol suggests a possible electron transfer between FAD in zebrafish Cry‐DASH and reductants in the external medium. This is the first report on the photoreaction pathway and kinetics of a vertebrate Cry‐DASH family protein.
The Photosensitizing Potential of Compact Fluorescent vs Incandescent Light Bulbs
Authors: Chignell Colin F. , Sik Robert H. , Bilski Piotr J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractRecently an article about the new energy‐saving compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs appeared in Parade magazine [Rosenfeld, I. (2008) ParadeFeb 3, 22]. Under the heading “Bright Lights, Bad Headache?” the writer states that “new research suggests some dangers” involving these lights because they are fluorescent and “can aggravate skin rashes in people with lups, eczema, dermatitis or porphyria.” We measured the emission spectrum of a 14 W compact fluorescent bulb (with the same luminous flux as a 60 W incandescent bulb) and compared it to 60 W soft white incandescent and cool white fluorescent (CWF) bulbs. Our results clearly show that the spectral irradiance of the compact fluorescent bulb is similar to that of the CWF bulb; both exhibit sharp Hg emission lines at 365 nm (very weak), 404 nm (weak), 435 nm (moderate) and 543 nm (strong). In contrast, the emission of the incandescent bulb begins at 375 nm and then increases monotonically to above 750 nm. From their respective absorption spectra we calculated the potential photosensitization indices of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX; a prototypic porphyria skin photosensitizer) and riboflavin (a putative lens photosensitizer) vs 14 W compact fluorescent, CWF and 60 W incandescent bulbs. A higher photosensitization index would indicate a greater chance that the light/photosensitizer combination would cause photosensitization of the skin or eyes. We found that for PPIX and riboflavin the photosensitization index of the compact fluorescent bulb is less than half that of the 60 W incandescent bulb. These results suggest that substitution of a compact fluorescent bulb for an incandescent bulb of the same luminous flux should not increase the phototoxicity of skin porphyrins or lens riboflavin.
Measurement of Ultraviolet Exposure in Epidemiological Studies of Skin and Skin Cancers
Authors: Worswick Scott Drayton , Cockburn Myles , Peng David 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAs our understanding of the role of UV in causing skin cancer continues to expand, researchers and clinicians must continue to remain up to date on the various means by which UV exposure can be quantified. The purpose of this article was to review the current methods used to measure lifetime exposure to UV and to summarize the strengths and weaknesses of each of these approaches. Thus we include here a review of research articles that deal with questionnaire reliability and physical examination. We also review more technologically advanced techniques used to measure chronic UV exposure; these include microtopography, histology, gene studies and spectroscopy. Both the utility of using a specific measurement technique and the accuracy of particular techniques are explored. Finally, we touch upon the results of articles that link UV exposure to skin cancer and what this means for the future of UV‐induced skin cancer research.
Self‐application of single‐use eyedrop containers in an elderly population: comparisons with standard eyedrop bottle and with younger patients
Authors: Dietlein Thomas S. , Jordan Jens F. , Lüke Christoph , Schild Andrea , Dinslage Sven , Krieglstein Guenter K. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  To test whether patients aged ≥80 years can safely and successfully apply eyedrops from a single‐use eyedrop container without support, and to compare the results with those of younger patients using single‐use containers and older patients using standard eyedrop bottles.Methods:  Patients aged ≥80 years who had no physical or mental conditions hindering self‐application of eyedrops and actually did so because of glaucoma or dry eyes were included consecutively in the study group (n = 44) in order to perform self‐application of eyedrops from single‐use eyedrop containers. Patients were observed meticulously by two investigators, who documented practical problems during the procedure in a checklist. In control group A (n = 22), glaucoma or sicca patients aged between 50 and 65 years applied drops from single‐use eyedrop containers; in control group B (n = 28), glaucoma or sicca patients aged ≥80 years used a traditional eyedrop bottle.Results:  Successful application of the drops into the conjunctival sac was achieved by 57% in the study group (95% and 89% in control groups A and B, respectively). Scratching of the eyedrop container along the conjunctiva or cornea was observed in 68% of the study group (41% and 61% in control groups A and B, respectively). Frequency of problems during opening and self‐application of single‐use eyedrop containers in the study group showed an inverse correlation to visual acuity in the better eye and previous experience with this kind of eyedrop container.Conclusion:  Older patients have massive problems in self‐administering eyedrops from single‐use containers. Factors influencing the success of self‐application may include the patient’s previous experience with this kind of eyedrop container and the patient’s visual acuity.
Epidemiology of aniridia in Sweden and Norway
Authors: Edén Ulla , Iggman David , Riise Ruth , Tornqvist Kristina 
Published: May 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  To investigate the epidemiology of aniridia in the populations of Sweden and Norway.Methods:  A thorough search for aniridia patients has been performed in Sweden and Norway. All participants had a clinical ophthalmological examination documented through photography. Blood samples were taken for mutation analysis and pedigrees were established.Results:  A total of 181 patients with aniridia were identified in the two countries. This gives an age‐specific prevalence of 1:72 000 in the entire region, 1:70 000 in Sweden and 1:76 000 in Norway. A total of 124 individuals (69%) were examined. Male/female ratio was 0.94 (Sweden 0.85 and Norway 1.2). Mean age of the examined patients was 29 years and median age 25 years. We did not find any significant age difference between the two countries. The mean visual acuity (VA) was 0.19 (Sweden 0.19 and Norway 0.18).The number of families with more than one affected member was 31 and the number of sporadic cases was 40.Conclusion:  We have done a thorough search of the literature, but we have found no earlier studies describing aniridia in an entire country and only a few reports from larger areas. We assume that most aniridia patients have been found and the aniridia prevalence of 1:72 000 can be regarded as well supported. Further studies on other aspects of aniridia are in progress, and information from these can contribute to guidelines for the care of patients with this rare but serious disease.
First Molecular Characterization of Group B Streptococci with Reduced Penicillin Susceptibility
Authors: Kimura Kouji , Suzuki Satowa , Wachino Jun-ichi , Kurokawa Hiroshi , Yamane Kunikazu , Shibata Naohiro , Nagano Noriyuki , Kato Haru , Shibayama Keigo , Arakawa Yoshichika 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

Group B streptococci (GBS;
Streptococcus agalactiae
) are the leading cause of neonatal invasive diseases and are also important pathogens for adults. Penicillins are the drugs of first choice for the treatment of GBS infections, since GBS have been regarded to be uniformly susceptible to penicillins so far. Here we characterize the first strains of GBS with reduced penicillin susceptibility (PRGBS) identified in Japan. Fourteen PRGBS strains were clinically isolated from the sputa of elderly patients from 1995 to 2005; and the MICs of penicillin, oxacillin, and ceftizoxime ranged from 0.25 to 1 μg/ml, 2 to 8 μg/ml, and 4 to 128 μg/ml, respectively. Moreover, some strains were also insusceptible to ampicillin, cefazolin, cefepime, and cefotaxime. All the PRGBS isolates tested possessed a few amino acid substitutions adjacent to the conserved SSN and KSG motifs (amino acids 402 to 404 and 552 to 554, respectively) of PBP 2X, and the amino acid substitutions could be classified into two types, Q557E and V405A. Western blotting analysis of the 14 clinical isolates with anti-PBP 2X-specific serum suggested that the amount of PBP 2X among the 14 PRGBS isolates was reduced, although the 2 ATCC strains produced a significant amount of PBP 2X. The introduction of PRGBS-derived PBP 2X genes into penicillin-susceptible strains through allelic exchange elevated their penicillin insusceptibility, suggesting that these altered PBP 2X genes are responsible for the penicillin insusceptibility in PRGBS strains. In this study, we characterized for the first time PRGBS strains on a molecular basis, although several reports have so far mentioned the existence of β-lactam-insusceptible GBS from a phenotypic standpoint.