bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spirulina did not ameliorate idiopathic chronic fatigue in four N‐of‐1 randomized controlled trials
Authors: Baicus Cristian , Baicus Anda 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIdiopathic chronic fatigue is an exclusion diagnosis established when no chronic disease is found. Spirulina platensis is an alga with a rich content of proteins, vitamins, minerals and amino acids and is considered as a bioactive additive with multiple effects, among them being effects against fatigue. However, despite the worldwide utilization of Spirulina, there are only a few quality studies with it and none concerning fatigue. The N‐of‐1 randomized trials are made on one patient, and by this kind of study the efficacy of a treatment on that particular patient can be assessed. A series of four N‐of‐1 double‐blind, randomized trials were performed on four physicians who complained of chronic fatigue. Each patient was his own control and received three pairs of treatments comprising 4 weeks of spirulina and 4 weeks of placebo. Spirulina platensis was administered in a dose of 3 g/day. For each pair, the order of treatments was randomized. Outcome measures were severity of fatigue measured on a 10‐point scale.The scores of fatigue were not significantly different between spirulina and placebo.Spirulina administered in a dose of 3 g/day did not ameliorate fatigue more than the placebo in any of the four subjects, and possibly it has no effect on chronic fatigue. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating the utility of ion mobility separation in combination with high‐pressure liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry to facilitate detection of trace impurities in formulated drug products
Authors: Eckers Christine , Laures Alice M.‐F. , Giles Kevin , Major Hilary , Pringle Steve 
Published: March 2007

AbstractMany formulated products contain complex polymeric excipients such as polyethylene glycols (PEGs). Such excipients can be readily ionized by electrospray and may be present at very high concentrations, thus making it very difficult to identify trace level impurities such as degradants in samples, even if hyphenated techniques such as liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) are used. Ion mobility (IM) spectrometry is a very rapid gas‐phase separation technique and offers additional separation capability within the LC timeframe. This work investigates the use of an IM separator in combination with high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and MS, to improve the separation of drug‐related materials from excipients, thus aiding the identification of trace‐level impurities in an anti‐HIV medication, Combivir. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New method for caffeine quantification by planar chromatography coupled with electropray ionization mass spectrometry using stable isotope dilution analysis
Authors: Aranda Mario , Morlock Gertrud 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA new high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPTLC/ESI‐MS) method for the quantification of caffeine in pharmaceutical and energy drink samples was developed using stable isotope dilution analysis (SIDA). After sample preparation, samples and caffeine standard were applied on silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC plates and over‐spotted with caffeine‐d3 used for correction of the plunger positioning. After chromatography, densitometric detection was performed by UV absorption at 274 nm. The bands were then eluted by means of a plunger‐based extractor into the ESI interface of a single‐quadrupole mass spectrometer. For quantification by MS the [M+H]+ ions of caffeine and caffeine‐d3 were recorded in the positive ion single ion monitoring (SIM) mode at m/z 195 and 198, respectively. The calibration showed a linear regression with a determination coefficient (R2) of 0.9998. The repeatability (RSD, n = 6) in matrix was ≤ ± 3.75%. The intermediate precisions (RSD, n = 2) for two samples of different brand names were determined three times and ranged between RSD ±0.68% and ±2.64% (sample 1) and between ±3.44% and ±8.60% (sample 2). The method accuracy was evaluated by comparing the results obtained by HPTLC/SIDA‐ESI‐MS with those from the validated HPTLC/UV method. The results for pharmaceutical and energy drink samples were (ng/band) 99.82 ± 3.75 and 338.09 ± 4.87 by HPTLC/SIDA‐ESI‐MS and 104.74 ± 1.51 and 334.86 ± 5.63 by HPTLC/UV. According to the F‐test (homogeneity of variances) and the t‐test (comparison of means) the two methods show no significant difference. The detection and quantification limits were 75 and 250 µg L−1 (0.75 and 2.5 ng/band), respectively, which were a factor of 13 lower than those established for HPTLC/UV. The positioning error (RSD ±6%) was calculated by comparing HPTLC/SIDA‐ESI‐MS with HPTLC/ESI‐MS. However, using SIDA the positioning error was nullified. HPTLC/SIDA‐ESI‐MS was demonstrated to be a highly reliable method for the quantification of compounds by planar chromatography coupled online with mass spectrometry. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current issues in non‐inferiority trials
Authors: Fleming Thomas R. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractNon‐inferiority (NI) trials enable a direct comparison of the relative benefit‐to‐risk profiles of an experimental intervention and a standard‐of‐care regimen. When the standard has clinical efficacy of substantial magnitude that is precisely estimated ideally using data from multiple adequate and well‐controlled trials, with such estimates being relevant to the setting of the NI trial, then the NI trial can provide the scientific and regulatory evidence required to reliably assess the efficacy of the new intervention. In clinical practice, considerable uncertainty remains regarding when such trials should be conducted, how they should be designed, what standards for quality of trial conduct must be achieved, and how results should be interpreted. Recent examples will be considered to provide important insights and to highlight some of the challenges that remain to be adequately addressed regarding the use of the NI approach for the evaluation of new interventions. ‘Imputed placebo’ and ‘margin’‐based approaches to NI trial design will be considered, as well as the risk of ‘bio‐creep’ with repeated NI trials, use of NI trials when determining whether excess safety risks can be ruled out, higher standards regarding quality of study conduct required with NI trials, and the myth that NI trials always require huge sample sizes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A typology of offshoring and outsourcing in electronically transmitted services
Authors: Metters Rich 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe offshoring and outsourcing of service work from high‐wage to low‐wage countries has received considerable exposure in the popular press. Some have claimed that virtually all services that can be electronically transmitted should be offshored due to the extreme labor rate differentials. Relatively little work has actually been offshored to date, making empirical assessment difficult. Here, a normative model of the appropriate role of offshoring is proposed. We present a strategic contingency model, to be viewed at the process level, intimating that firms with the same processes should come to different solutions regarding these decisions.
Is more IT offshoring better?
Authors: Bhalla Ajay , Sodhi ManMohan S. , Son Byung‐Gak 
Published: March 2007

AbstractWe explore the link between a company's performance and the extent of its offshoring of IT‐enabled services, focusing on large western companies. Our performance measures comprise sales, profit as percentage of sales, profit/employee and sales/employee over 1999–2004. To measure offshoring, we consider the extent to which these companies have offshored: (1) software development and other IT‐related development and maintenance, (2) business processes such as payroll or claims processing, and (3) call centers. We performed cluster analysis using the three corresponding offshoring variables to obtain broad patterns of offshoring. Then we compared the average performance of the companies in different clusters using ANOVA; did a regression analysis of the performance measures against the three offshoring variables; and performed non‐parametric correlations within industry sectors. None of these tests indicated any clear link between company performance and the extent of offshoring thus suggesting that further study is needed to understand when to offshore and how best to do it.
Invisible costs in offshoring services work
Authors: Stringfellow Anne , Teagarden Mary B. , Nie Winter 
Published: March 2007

AbstractOffshoring service work is an accelerating trend. While the cost‐savings from offshoring service work are usually clear, operating at a distance also brings with it certain “invisible costs.” We combine existing service operations theory with insights from the literature on communications and culture to present a new conceptual framework, organized around interaction intensity and interaction distance. We identify the drivers of these costs. We conclude with recommendations for controlling or attenuating invisible costs in offshoring service work.
The epidemiology of DSM-IV specific phobia in the USA: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions
Authors: STINSON FREDERICK S. , DAWSON DEBORAH A. , PATRICIA CHOU S. , SMITH SHARON , GOLDSTEIN RISE B. , JUNE RUAN W. , GRANT BRIDGET F. 
Published: March 2007

Background. There is a lack of current detailed national data on the prevalence, correlates, disability and co-morbidity of DSM-IV specific phobia (SP), the prevalence of specific objects and situations feared, and associations between impairment, treatment and co-morbidity and the number of specific situations and objects feared, among adults in the USA.Method. The data were derived from a large (43093) representative sample of the adult population in the USA.Results. Prevalences of 12-month and lifetime DSM-IV SP were 7·1% and 9·4% respectively. Being female, young, and low income increased risk, while being Asian or Hispanic decreased risk (p<0·05). The mean age at onset of SP was 9·7 years, the mean duration of episode was 20·1 years and only 8·0% reported treatment specifically for SP. Most specific phobias involved multiple fears, and an increasing number of fears, regardless of content, was associated with greater disability and impairment, treatment seeking and co-morbidity with other Axis I and II disorders.Conclusions. SP is a highly prevalent, disabling and co-morbid disorder in the US adult population. The early onset of SP and the disorders most strongly associated with it highlights the need for longitudinal studies beginning in early childhood. Results suggest the existence of a generalized subtype of SP much like social phobia, which, once revealed, may lead to a classification of SP that is more etiologically and therapeutically meaningful.
The gradual emergence of sex differences in aggression: alternative hypotheses
Authors: HAY DALE F. 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTNearly a century of observational studies and more recent longitudinal surveys reveal that, in infancy, girls and boys use force at similar rates. Over the next few years boys become significantly more aggressive. Alternative hypotheses accounting for the widening gender gap are evaluated. These include hypotheses about normative patterns of male escalation and female desistance; boys' preference for active play that promotes aggression; girls' tendency to hide aggression; girls' use of alternative forms of aggression; boys' increased risk for the cognitive and emotional problems that are linked to aggression; boys' sensitivity to situational triggers of aggression; and boys' vulnerability to adverse rearing environments. The evidence bearing on each hypothesis is mixed. In general, the overall difference between the sexes appears to be produced by a minority of boys who deploy aggression at high rates. Three general principles govern the emergence of sex differences in aggression: female precocity, male vulnerability, and the salience of sex as a social category that shapes children's lives.
Increase in bloodstream infections in Finland, 1995–2002
Authors: SKOGBERG K. , LYYTIKÄINEN O. , RUUTU P. , OLLGREN J. , NUORTI J. P. 
Published: March 2007

SUMMARYA national, population-based laboratory surveillance of bloodstream infections (BSI) in Finland was performed. Blood-culturing rates were determined from data from clinical microbiology laboratories and trends in rates were evaluated using Poisson regression. During 1995–2002, 51 510 cases of BSI were notified; the annual incidence increased from 104 to145 cases/100 000 (40%). Rates increased in all age groups but persons aged ⩾75 years accounted for 28% of cases and showed the largest rate increase. Escherichia coli, coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae accounted for 58% of isolates and their relative proportions were unchanged over time. The annual blood-culturing rate increased by one-third during the study period but the number of BSI detected per blood cultures remained unchanged. Regional BSI incidence was significantly associated with blood-culturing rates. We conclude that the increase in BSI rates may have been due to more frequent blood culturing but was not associated with changes in the reporting system or aetiology of BSI.
The effect of discontinued use of antimicrobial growth promoters on the risk of therapeutic antibiotic treatment in Danish farrow-to-finish pig farms
Authors: VIGRE H. , LARSEN P. B. , ANDREASEN M. , CHRISTENSEN J. , JORSAL S. E. 
Published: March 2007

SUMMARYThis study estimated the effect of discontinued use of antimicrobial growth promoters (duAGPs) on the risk of antibiotic treatment for diarrhoea, arthritis, pneumonia, unthriving and miscellaneous disorders in Danish pig farms. The estimation was done in a case-crossover study comparing: (1) the proportion of days per farm where treatment was performed (PDT) and (2) the proportion of pigs treated per day per farm at days where treatment was performed (PPT) before and after duAGPs at 68 farrow-to-finish farms. The farms were selected using a two-stage (veterinarian/farm) convenience sampling. On average, during the first year after duAGPs there was a significant increase in the risk of antibiotic treatment for diarrhoea (PDT: OR 2·5, 95% CI 1·7–3·8; PPT: OR 1·6, 95% CI 1·1–2·2). However, the effect varied among farms – some farms experienced substantial problems, while others experienced few problems after duAGPs. No effect was identified for the risk of treatment for other diseases.
Clinical surveillance of thrombotic microangiopathies in Scotland, 2003–2005
Authors: POLLOCK K. G. J. , YOUNG D. , BEATTIE T. J. , TODD W. T. A. 
Published: March 2007

SUMMARYThe prevalence, incidence and outcomes of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) and thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura (TTP) are not well established in adults or children from prospective studies. We sought to identify both outcomes and current management strategies using prospective, national surveillance of HUS and TTP, from 2003 to 2005 inclusive. We also investigated the links between these disorders and factors implicated in the aetiology of HUS and TTP including infections, chemotherapy, and immunosuppression. Most cases of HUS were caused by verocytotoxin-producingEscherichia coli(VTEC), of which serotype O157 predominated, although other serotypes were identified. The list of predisposing factors for TTP was more varied although use of immunosuppressive agents and severe sepsis, were the most frequent precipitants. The study demonstrates that while differentiating between HUS and TTP is sometimes difficult, in most cases the two syndromes have quite different predisposing factors and clinical parameters, enabling clinical and epidemiological profiling for these disorders.
Seasonal food insecurity and perceived social support in rural Tanzania
Authors: Hadley Craig , Mulder Monique Borgerhoff , Fitzherbert Emily 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo examine whether the occurrence of seasonal food insecurity was related to ethnicity, household wealth and perceived social support, and to assess whether social support was more efficacious in protecting against food insecurity in wealthier households. Secondary objectives were to assess the association between past food insecurity, current dietary intake and perceived health.Design, setting and subjectsA sample of 208 randomly selected mothers from two ethnic groups living in the same villages in rural Tanzania participated in a cross-sectional survey.ResultsFood insecurity was highly prevalent in this area, particularly among the poorer ethnic group. Half of ethnically Sukuma households fell into the most food-secure category, compared with only 20% of ethnically Pimbwe households. Among both groups, measures of household wealth and social support were strongly associated with food security. Interestingly, social support appeared to be more effective among the wealthier ethnic group/community. Past food insecurity was also related to current indicators of dietary intake and women's self-perceptions of health.ConclusionGreater social support is associated with food security, suggesting that it may protect against the occurrence of seasonal food insecurity. Social support also interacts with wealth to offer greater protection against food insecurity, suggesting that increasing wealth at the community level may influence food insecurity through both direct and indirect means. Seasonal food insecurity also appears to have lasting effects that likely create and reinforce poverty.
Energy, macro- and micronutrient intake among a true longitudinal group of South African adolescents at two interceptions (2000 and 2003): the Birth-to-Twenty (Bt20) Study
Authors: MacKeown Jennifer M , Pedro Titilola M , Norris Shane A 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectiveThis study reports on the energy, macro- and micronutrient intakes of a true longitudinal group of 143 urban black South African children from the Birth-to-Twenty (Bt20) study at two interceptions (2000 and 2003) when they were 10 and 13 years old, respectively.MethodsSubjects resided in the urban Johannesburg/Soweto area of the Gauteng Province in South Africa. Dietary intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. The coded data were analysed using SAS.ResultsMean daily intake of energy, all six macronutrients and most micronutrients (17/19) increased from 2000 to 2003. Of the 19 micronutrients investigated, the mean daily intake of eight (calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin A, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid and biotin) fell below the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) at both interceptions. More than 70% of the children consumed less than the RDA for these same eight nutrients. From 2000 to 2003, there was a decrease in the percentage of children falling below the RDA for energy (from 73 to 59%), but an increase in the percentage of children falling below the RDA for most of the micronutrients. There was a positive percentage change in mean daily intake for all 26 macro- and micronutrients from 2000 to 2003.ConclusionMean daily intake of nutrients increased from 2000 to 2003, but intakes for most micronutrients were still below the RDA at both interceptions for a large percentage of the children. The study has provided valuable information on the nutrient intake and change in intake over time among a longitudinal group of South African adolescents.
Adiposity, education and weight loss effort are independently associated with energy reporting quality in the Ontario Food Survey
Authors: Ward Heather , Tarasuk Valerie , Mendelson Rena 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo examine the associations of adiposity, dietary restraint and other personal characteristics with energy reporting quality.Design/subjectsSecondary analysis of 230 women and 158 men from the 1997/98 Ontario Food Survey.MethodsEnergy reporting quality was estimated by ratios of energy intake (EI) to both basal metabolic rate (BMR) and total energy expenditure (TEE). Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to examine energy reporting quality between two dietary recalls and in relation to body mass index (BMI) with adjustment for potential confounders. Energy reporting quality was explored across categories of age, BMI, income, education, dieting status and food insecurity through analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsFrom the ANOVA, energy reporting quality was associated with BMI group, age category and weight loss for men and women, as well as with education among women (P < 0.05). The multivariate regression analyses indicated that energy reporting quality was positively associated with education and inversely associated with obesity and dieting. No associations were observed in relation to food insecurity or income (P>0.05). EI:BMR and EI:TEE on the first and second 24-hour recalls were positively related (P < 0.0001 for men and women). A higher proportion of variance in energy reporting quality was explained for women than for men (R2 = 0.19 and 0.14, respectively).ConclusionsStudies of diet and adiposity are probably hindered to some extent by BMI-related variation in energy reporting quality. Methods to address this issue are urgently needed if population surveys will continue to serve as the primary source of dietary intake data.
Strategies to promote healthier food purchases: a pilot supermarket intervention study
Authors: Mhurchu Cliona Ni , Blakely Tony , Wall Joanne , Rodgers Anthony , Jiang Yannan , Wilton Jenny 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo pilot the design and methodology for a large randomised controlled trial (RCT) of two interventions to promote healthier food purchasing: culturally appropriate nutrition education and price discounts.DesignA 12-week, single-blind, pilot RCT. Effects on food purchases were measured using individualised electronic shopping data (‘Shop ’N Go’ system). Partial data were also collected on food expenditure at other (non-supermarket) retail outlets.SettingA supermarket in Wellington, New Zealand.ParticipantsEligible customers were those who were the main household shoppers, shopped mainly at the participating store, and were registered to use the Shop ’N Go system. Ninety-seven supermarket customers (72% women; age 40 ± 9.6 years, mean ± standard deviation) were randomised to one of four intervention groups: price discounts, nutrition education, a combination of price discounts and nutrition education, or control (no intervention).ResultsThere was a 98% follow-up rate of participants, with 85% of all reported supermarket purchases being captured via the electronic data collection system. The pilot did, however, demonstrate difficulty recruiting Maori, Pacific and low-income shoppers using the electronic register and mail-out.ConclusionsThis pilot study showed that electronic sales data capture is a viable way to measure effects of study interventions on food purchases in supermarkets, and points to the feasibility of conducting a large-scale RCT to evaluate the effectiveness of price discounts and nutrition education. Recruitment strategies will, however, need to be modified for the main trial in order to ensure inclusion of all ethnic and socio-economic groups.