bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the triangular fibrocartilage in cadaveric wrists by means of arthrography, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and MR arthrography
Authors: Berná-Serna J. D. , MartÍnez F. , Reus M. , Alonso J. , Doménech G. , Campos M. 
Published: March 2007

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of arthrography, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and MR arthrography in the detection and localization of defects of the triangular fibrocartilage (TFC) in cadaveric wrists, using arthroscopy as a reference standard. Material and Methods: Twenty-four specimen wrists were evaluated. The different imaging modalities were blinded to reviewers and were interpreted independently. A classification of TFC defects was used for the evaluation of images in the different imaging modalities, thus permitting a more uniform correlation. Two cases were excluded from the MR imaging study because of poor image quality. Contingency tables with the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Defects of the TFC were identified in 17 of the 24 specimen wrists by means of arthroscopy, and 16 defects were observed when arthrography was carried out. With MR imaging 14 defects of the TFC were detected in the 22 specimen wrists evaluated, and with MR arthrography 16 defects were observed. Most defects were central or combined (two or more defects). In comparison to arthroscopy, the accepted diagnostic gold standard, the following results were found for arthrography in the detection of TFC defects: sensitivity 95%, specificity 100%, and accuracy 95% ( P<0.0005); for MR imaging: sensitivity 86%, specificity 85%, and accuracy 70% ( P<0.002); and for MR arthrography: sensitivity 100%, specificity 85%, and accuracy 95% ( P<0.0005). Conclusion: The results of the study seem to indicate that both arthrography and MR arthrography have high accuracy, and either would be useful for evaluation of the TFC. The combined approach using both techniques would have a very high accuracy equivalent to that resulting from arthroscopy.
Multidetector computed tomography in acute knee injuries: assessment of cruciate ligaments with magnetic resonance imaging correlation
Authors: Mustonen A. O. T. , Koivikko M. P. , Haapamaki V. V. , Kiuru M. J. , Lamminen A. E. , Koskinen S. K. 
Published: March 2007

Purpose: To evaluate whether non-contrast multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for suspected acute knee fractures can also be used to evaluate cruciate ligament pathology. Material and Methods: A total of 42 patients (17–65 years) underwent four-section MDCT. The images were independently evaluated at clinical workstations by four radiologists. They assessed the integrity (normal or torn) and the best slice direction (axial, sagittal, or coronal) for visualization of the cruciate ligaments. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), performed within 4 weeks (mean 6 days) in relation to MDCT, was considered the gold standard. Results: Ligament integrity at MDCT: the mean interobserver proportion of agreement for a normal anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was 0.73, for a torn ACL 0.41, for a normal posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) 0.96, and for a torn PCL 0.54. Interobserver variation for ACL was significant ( P = 0.0136–0.0260), but insignificant for PCL ( P = 0.3389–0.7212). Intra-observer variation was insignificant. Visualization was best in the axial and sagittal direction for ACL and PCL, respectively. At MRI, 29 normal, one partially, and 12 completely torn ACLs, and 37 normal, four partially and one completely torn PCL were found. Conclusion: MDCT can detect an intact ACL and PCL with good specificity, accuracy, and negative predictive value. The assessment of torn ligaments is unreliable.
Iodixanol in multidetector-row computed tomography angiography (MDCTA): diagnostic accuracy for abdominal aorta and abdominal aortic major-branch diseases using four-, eight- and 16-detector-row CT scanners
Authors: Nonent M. , Thouveny F. , Simons P. , Cappeliez O. , Reiser M. F. , Duddalwar V. , Bonomo L. , Liessi G. 
Published: March 2007

Purpose: To compare iodixanol-enhanced multidetector-row computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) with digital subtraction angiography (DSA), perioperative angiography, or surgical findings in the evaluation of the abdominal aorta and its main branches. Material and Methods: 173 patients with known or suspected aortic aneurysms or stenosis/occlusion of the abdominal aorta or its major branches were enrolled. The iso-osmolar contrast medium iodixanol (320 mg Ι/ml) was used, and data were acquired using four-, eight-, or 16-active-detector-row scanners. Reference diagnoses were provided by surgical findings, interventional findings, or DSA. Diagnostic accuracy was estimated with reference to surgery or interventional arteriography or DSA. Image quality was assessed as excellent, good, sufficient, or insufficient, and correlations were made with attenuation values in the aortic lumen. Tolerability of iodixanol was monitored during the injection for discomfort and other adverse events, and for 72 hours after contrast injection. Results: In 132 of 136 evaluable cases, MDCTA diagnosis matched the reference diagnosis, yielding an agreement rate of 97.1% (95% CI 92.6–99.2%). The quality of most MDCTA scans (147/173) was rated as excellent. Overall mean attenuation was 305.7 HU. MDCTA appeared more accurate than DSA for identification of lesion calcification, thrombus, irregularity, and ulceration. Tolerability of iodixanol was good, and no serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion: MDCTA using iodixanol is a promising, noninvasive alternative for evaluating patients with abdominal aortic disease.
Quantitative magnetic resonance techniques in the evaluation of intracranial tuberculomas
Authors: Vasudev M. K. , Jayakumar P. N. , Srikanth S. G. , Nagarajan K. , Mohanty A. 
Published: March 2007

Purpose: To evaluate intracranial tuberculomas using quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) techniques such as T2 relaxometry, magnetization transfer (MT), and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Material and Methods: Thirty-three patients with intracranial tuberculomas (histologically confirmed in 22) were evaluated using proton density/T2-weighted, T1-weighted (with and without MT), and echo-planar diffusion-weighted imaging sequences. T2 relaxation times, MT ratios (MTR), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were calculated from the center of the lesion, the periphery, perilesional edema, and contralateral normal white matter. The mean and standard deviation values of each variable were calculated and correlated using Pearson's test ( P = 0.05). Results: The measured mean values of T2 relaxation time, MTR, and ADC in the center of lesions were 155.5 ms, 14.1, and 1.27×10−3 mm2/s, respectively, compared to 117 ms, 23.72, and 0.74×10−3 mm2/s in normal white matter, and a T2 relaxation time of 187.45 ms in normal gray matter. Significant inverse correlations were noted between T2 relaxation values and MTR ( P<0.001) and between MTR and ADC ( P = 0.046). Significant positive correlation was seen between T2 relaxation and ADC values ( P = 0.03). Conclusion: Intracranial tuberculomas are characterized by relatively short T2 relaxation times (compared to normal gray matter), decreased MTR, and mostly no restriction of diffusion. A combination of these quantitative parameters could be of help in the noninvasive diagnosis of tuberculomas.
Transrectal ultrasound performed immediately after prostate biopsy: imaging features and ultrasound-guided compression to bleeding biopsy tract
Authors: Park B. K. , Kim S. H. 
Published: March 2007

Purpose: To evaluate the imaging features of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) performed immediately after prostate biopsy, and to determine whether TRUS-guided compression can stop active bleeding. Material and Methods: Systematic 12-core biopsy was performed in 57 consecutive patients, 24 of whom underwent additional target biopsy. The imaging features of grayscale and power Doppler TRUS performed immediately after biopsy were prospectively analyzed, and the complication rate following TRUS-guided bleeding compression was registered. Results: Hyperechoic, hypoechoic biopsy needle tracts, or both were seen in 88% (50/57), 72% (41/57), or 61% (35/57), respectively. Power Doppler TRUS performed immediately after biopsy showed 76 bleeding needle tracts in 43 of the 57 (75%) patients, of which 17 were on the right part of the gland and 59 were on the left ( P<0.01). TRUS-guided compression times ranged from 1 to 8 min (mean 2.9 min). Hematuria was seen in 38 of 57 patients (67%), with a mean duration of 2.6 days. Hematochezia was seen in 19 of 57 patients (33%), with a mean duration of 0.6 days. Hematuria lasting longer than 3 days occurred in 16 of 57 patients (28%). Hematospermia occurred in 13 of 40 cases (33%). Conclusion: TRUS performed immediately after biopsy depicted various imaging features and may control postbiopsy bleeding.
e‐Research Infrastructures and Open Science: Towards a New System of Knowledge Production?
1
Authors: Schroeder Ralph 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Major efforts are currently under way to develop e‐infrastructures for research. At the same time, there have been a number of calls for research in the digital realm to foster ‘openness’, for example in ‘open access’ policies. This paper explores the relation between e‐infrastructures and open science, and argues that there are a number of factors apart from research policy that will shape e‐research. These include not only the legal and economic environment, but also the ethos of science, ‘open’ initiatives outside of research, the momentum of large technological systems, and the activism of experts and wider social movements. The paper assesses the strengths and weaknesses of these factors, as well as the tensions and confluences between openness and e‐infrastructures.
Therapeutics for alcoholism: what's the future?
Authors: LAWRENCE ANDREW J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAs with other addictions, human alcoholism is characterised as a chronically relapsing condition. Consequently, the therapeutic goal is the development of clinically effective, safe drugs that promote high adherence rates and prevent relapse. These products can then be used in conjunction with psychosocial approaches. In this review, preclinical studies are highlighted that indicate the mechanism of action of currently used anti‐craving medications or demonstrate the potential of novel pharmacological agents for the treatment of alcohol use disorders. While current pharmacological strategies are far from ideal, there are a number of candidate molecules that may ultimately be developed into therapeutic agents. In addition, prescribing clinicians should also consider strategies such as combinations of various drugs to aid in the regulation of aberrant alcohol consumption.
Problem drinking in relation to treatment outcome among opiate addicts in methadone maintenance treatment
Authors: STENBACKA M. , BECK O. , LEIFMAN A. , ROMELSJÖ A. , HELANDER A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis study analyzed indicators of alcohol‐related problems in opiate addicts before, during, and after leaving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), in relation to illicit drug use and retention in treatment. The study was based on 204 patients, admitted to MMT for the first time between 1 January 1995 and 31 July 2000, and followed until 31 December 2000. Three measures were used to indicate alcohol use and alcohol‐related problems; records of hospital care with an alcohol‐related diagnosis, any treatment with alcohol‐sensitizing drugs (disulfiram or calcium carbimide) during MMT, and results of the 5‐hydroxytryptophol to 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid ratio (5HTOL/5HIAA) in urine, a sensitive biomarker for recent drinking. Use of illicit drugs was determined by routine urine drug testing. About one third of the patients (n = 69) had a lifetime prevalence of hospital treatment for an alcohol‐related diagnosis, 45 of whom had been hospitalized (mean 4.2 stays) prior to the start of MMT. There was a significant association (p<0.05) between the number of alcohol‐related diagnoses prior to treatment and a positive 5HTOL/5HIAA test during MMT. The alcohol indicators first became positive on average 1.6 years after admission to treatment, compared with after about 4 months for illicit drugs. Use of cannabis or benzodiazepines was significantly associated with alcohol use. Female methadone patients with indications of alcohol‐related problems relapsed more often into illicit drug use than did women without such indications (3.9 vs. 2.5 relapse periods/year; p<0.005), whereas no significant association was found for men. The results of the present study indicate that drinking problems among patients undergoing MMT is associated with an increased risk of relapse into illicit drug use and with discharge from treatment. Concurrent treatment of alcohol‐related problems, including systematic monitoring of alcohol use, therefore should be recommended to reduce the risk for relapse into illicit drug use and improve overall treatment outcome in MMT.
Parent attitudes on the supply of alcohol to minors
Authors: KYPRI KYPROS , DEAN JOHANNA I. , STOJANOVSKI ELIZABETH 
Published: March 2007

AbstractInappropriate supply of alcohol by parents is often cited as a cause of teenage hazardous drinking. We investigated parental attitudes regarding supply of alcohol to minors, in a country which recently increased alcohol availability and where drinking per se is not prohibited at any age. A postal survey of 748 parents of 13‐17 year‐olds (80% response) in three New Zealand communities was undertaken. Parents indicated agreement/disagreement with statements concerning teenage drinking and sources of alcohol, and described factors they considered in deciding whether to supply alcohol. Four in five parents disagreed with permissive statements such as ‘It's okay for parents to give their teenager one or two drinks to take to an unsupervised party’, and 59% agreed that ‘No one should supply alcohol to someone who is underage’. Recent suppliers commonly said they would only supply if there was suitable adult supervision at the drinking location. Many said they would only supply at home with a meal and reported restrictions on quantity and strength, e.g. ‘no spirits or mixed drinks’, ‘small quantity only’. Parents generally opposed supply to minors or they specified responsible conditions of supply. They favoured legal restrictions on availability and promotion, and greater enforcement of liquor laws. The findings should be interpreted in light of social desirability bias and limitations of generalisability outside the participating communities.
Detection of and intervention for excessive alcohol and tobacco use among adult hospital in‐patients
Authors: SHOURIE SWATI , CONIGRAVE KATHERINE M. , PROUDE ELIZABETH M. , HABER PAUL S. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractEarly detection and intervention for alcohol problems have been shown to reduce subsequent health consequences. However, the extent to which these practices have been implemented is unclear. The study assessed among hospital in‐patients (1) the prevalence of at‐risk drinking and smoking, (2) current practice in detection and intervention for at‐risk drinking and smoking and (3) self‐reported effect of any intervention. A brief self‐administered questionnaire was administered to adult in‐patients addressing alcohol use [Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire], smoking and self‐reported effect of any recent intervention for drinking or smoking. The participant's smoking status and alcohol use as recorded by medical and nursing staff was compared to self‐reports. Of 448 in‐patients, 50% (226) participated in the study; 38% (170) were ineligible and 12% (52) refused. Participants were aged 61.3 (±18.9) years. A higher number of problem drinkers (11.9% vs. 3.5%, p < 0.0001) and current smokers (17.3% vs. 9.3%, p < 0.0001) were identified by the questionnaire compared to the medical records. Hospital staff quantified smoking more consistently than alcohol (54% vs. 42%, p = 0.02). Of those who recalled an intervention, 19% of drinkers and 27% of smokers said they had stopped drinking or smoking for a period since that intervention. Further improvement is required in the rates of detection and interventions for alcohol use disorders and smoking in the hospital setting.
Changes in the use of medical services and prescription drugs among heroin users over two years
Authors: DARKE SHANE , HAVARD ALYS , ROSS JOANNE , WILLIAMSON ANNA , MILLS KATHERINE L. , TEESSON MAREE 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe study aimed to determine patterns of use of medical services and prescriptions for pharmaceuticals among 438 heroin users interviewed for the Australian Treatment Outcome Study (ATOS) at baseline, 12 and 24 months. Drug use declined markedly, and there were significant improvements in health. There were declines in the proportion of participants who had attended a general practitioner (GP) (baseline: 60%, 12 months: 53%, 24 months: 52%), who had an ambulance attendance (11%, 7%, 5%), and who were treated in an accident and emergency department (11%, 6%, 5%). While there was no decrease in the proportion who obtained a prescription (47%, 45%, 46%), there was a decrease in the mean number of reported prescriptions obtained (2.3, 1.0, 0.9). There were also differences across follow‐up in the reported types of medications obtained, with a significant decrease in the proportion obtaining psychotropic medications (38%, 21%, 19%). In particular, there were large declines in the proportion who reported benzodiazepines (30%, 12%, 10%) or narcotic analgesics (8%, 3%, 4%) on prescription. While ATOS participants continued to be frequent users of health services, the cohort reported reduced levels of drug‐seeking and risk commensurate with their reductions in drug use.
The influence of structured education and clinical experience on the attitudes of medical students towards substance misusers
Authors: SILINS EDMUND , CONIGRAVE KATHERINE M. , RAKVIN CHRISTINE , DOBBINS TIMOTHY , CURRY KENNETH 
Published: March 2007

AbstractNegative attitudes to patients with substance misuse disorders form a well‐recognised barrier to the implementation of best practice. The influence of structured education and clinical experience on the attitudes of medical students towards substance misusers was investigated at an Australian university. First‐year students were surveyed before and after 3 weeks of drug and alcohol education and in the same year, fourth‐year students were surveyed before and after a 9‐week block. Males, older students and those with prior clinical experience tended to have more negative attitudes. Attitudes improved significantly after exposure to interactive learning modules which included contact with patients with substance dependence, including individuals in remission. The level of dislike of problem drinkers significantly decreased after teaching. After fourth‐year education, students reported a greater sense of responsibility towards providing intervention and less anticipation of discomfort working with these patients. In particular, confidence and attitudes towards heroin users improved near the end of training after contact with illicit drug users in the small group or individual interview setting. By the end of drug and alcohol education, less than half (42%) of students reported they could not imagine working with substance misusers as a career. Findings support the provision of structured drug and alcohol education and supported clinical experience for every medical student if appropriate evidence‐based treatment is to be provided.
Implementation of a First Presentation Psychosis Clinical Pathway in an Area Mental Health Service: The Trials of a Continuing Quality Improvement Process
Authors: Reilly John , Newton Richard , Dowling Rosemary 
Published: March 2007

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the process of improving early psychosis services in a generic Victorian adult area mental health service from 1998 to 2004 and to give consideration to whether to implement a first presentation psychosis clinical pathway and how that should be done. Method: A description will be given of the quality improvement process and practical difficulties in the sequential implementation of guidelines then pathways for early psychosis. Results: We experienced many of the commonly reported difficulties in quality improvement and implementation of evidence-based practice in real clinical settings. Conclusions: Developing and implementing an evidence-based first presentation psychosis clinical pathway was a difficult but rewarding learning experience.
Predicting Treatment Response During the Acute Phase of Hospitalization
Authors: Peterson Mary , Michael William 
Published: March 2007

Objective: This study sought to determine if an initial assessment for an acute inpatient population was able to predict treatment response as measured by progress through clinical pathways. In addition, we sought to analyze the impact of comorbidity on treatment response. Method: A total of 170 adults (18–75 years) admitted for an acute inpatient hospitalization, received a full assessment including the Brief Symptom Inventory. Based on assessment results, patients were placed on one of five clinical pathways. Treatment response was measured by the number of days spent on each level of the clinical pathway. Results: Results revealed an unexpected, significant negative correlation between symptom severity on admission and movement through the clinical pathway; that is, patients with more severe symptomatic presentations at assessment made more rapid progress through the clinical pathways. However, comorbidity showed the strongest relationship with treatment response. Taken together, these variables explained 52% of the variance in treatment response. Conclusions: Responsiveness to antipsychotic medications, as well as high levels of subjective distress and the consequent motivation to achieve relief, may help explain the unexpected relationship between symptom severity and treatment response. Findings also demonstrated the utility of an initial assessment in predicting treatment response.