bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Prospective Pediatric Clinical Trial of Digital Music Players: Do They Interfere with Pacemakers?
Authors: CHIU CHRISTINE C. , HUH JUNE , DE SOUZA LAURA , ALFARO‐RAMIREZ ARMANDO , CLEGG ROBIN , FENWICK LAURA , HAMILTON ROBERT M. , KIRSH JOEL A. , GROSS GIL J. , GAO DONGSHENG , STEPHENSON ELIZABETH A. 
Published: August 2008

Background:
There has been recent concern in the media about iPod™ interference with pacemakers. We systematically tested two types of digital music players (DMP) on pacemaker or ICD function in children.
Methods/Results:
Patients were monitored by a 6‐lead ECG and programmer telemetry. The pacemaker was tested in bipolar and unipolar sensing at normal and maximal sensitivities. The order of DMP tested was randomized. Each DMP was placed on top of the pacemaker pocket, put into “play” mode three times (5 seconds each), with and without programmer wand placed one cm adjacent to DMP. Pacemaker interference was defined as: pacing inhibition, inappropriate pacing, oversensing, or detection of high‐rate episodes associated with the use of DMP. Of the 67 patients (mean age 12 ± 5 years), 62 had pacemakers and five had ICDs; 39 endocardial and 28 epicardial systems. Patients were tested with Sansa™ (67), iPod™ 30 GB (51), and other DMPs (43). There was no evidence of interference with pacemaker function by any DMP under any of the study conditions (each performed in triplicate). Reproducible programmer telemetry interference was shown in 11 cases (Medtronic 6/47, St. Jude Medical 5/18, Guidant 0/2) related to use of iPod™ (6), Sansa™ (1), or others (4). None of these were associated with any evidence of pacemaker malfunction.
Conclusion:
Interference with pacemaker function could not be shown with iPod™ or MP3 players. No additional precaution beyond standard is necessary for patients with pacemakers when they are using these players.
Influence of methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphisms and coadministration of antimetabolites on toxicity after high dose methotrexate
Authors: Van Kooten Niekerk Peter Buur , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Schroeder Henrik 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground and objective:  Through interruption of maintenance treatment with 6‐mercaptopurine (6MP), toxicity after high‐dose methotrexate (HDMTX) may compromise the efficiency of the treatment of children with acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL). We investigated the influence of polymorphisms in the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and coadministration of antimetabolites on post‐HDMTX toxicity.Methods:  Toxicity was retrospectively analysed after 656 HDMTX courses administered to 88 paediatric ALL patients at a single treatment centre.Results:  High‐dose methotrexate with high‐intensity co‐treatment (6MP 75 mg/m2/d + MTX 20 mg/m2/wk) was found associated with increased odds of haematological toxicity (OR’s: 3.47–7.88; P’s: <0.001), hepatic toxicity (OR = 6.91; P < 0.001), hospitalization with fever (OR = 2.2; P = 0.004) and interruption maintenance treatment (OR = 15.9; P < 0.001) compared to HDMTX with low‐intensity co‐treatment (6MP 25 mg/m2/d). Addition of cytarabine to the low‐intensity co‐treatment increased the odds of neutropenia (OR = 3.51; P = 0.002), thrombocytopenia (OR = 6.56; P < 0.001), hepatic toxicity (OR = 3.84; P = 0.012) and interruption of maintenance treatment (OR = 4.25; P = 0.002). Alterations in 6MP dose were associated with significant changes in toxicity. Dose reduction reduced the odds of haematological toxicity (OR’s: 0.22–0.34; P’s: <0.001–0.020), while dose increase increased the odds of haematological toxicity (OR’s: 2.72–7.42; P’s: 0.006–0.027), fever (OR = 2.65; P = 0.037) and interruption of maintenance treatment (OR = 3.04; P = 0.032). No convincing associations were found between the MTHFR C677T or A1298C polymorphisms and toxicity.Conclusion:  Our findings demonstrate that toxicity after HDMTX is influenced by coadministrated antimetabolites, and modifiable by alterations in 6MP dose. Prevention of toxicity related withdrawals through 6MP dose reduction could be a way of increasing total dose intensity.
Simple Traits among Diaspore Weight/Number, Plant Height and Ability of Vegetative Propagation
Authors: Šerá Božena 
Published: August 2008

Abstract Several expected correlations among followed internal plant traits were confirmed using the dataset of 492 herbaceous species from the temporal zone of Central Europe. Average diaspore weight (seed mass), reproductive capacity of population (number of produced diaspores), species height, and ability of lateral spread were the plant traits considered. The evident correlations were confirmed among all investigated traits: (i) The reproductive capacity of population negatively correlated with diaspore weight, plant height, and vegetative propagation. The diaspore weight and their number are closely correlated and co‐adapted. (ii) Bigger plant species produce bigger diaspores. These trends are obvious at the inter‐ and intra‐family levels. (iii) Larger plant species showed higher ability to vegetative propagation.
The 2008 May burst activation of SGR 1627–41
Authors: Esposito P. , Israel G. L. , Zane S. , Senziani F. , Starling R. L. C. , Rea N. , Palmer D. M. , Gehrels N. , Tiengo A. , De Luca A. , Götz D. , Mereghetti S. , Romano P. , Sakamoto T. , Barthelmy S. D. , Stella L. , Turolla R. , Feroci M. , Mangano V. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
In 2008 May, the soft gamma-ray repeater (SGR) SGR 1627–41 resumed its bursting activity after nearly a decade of quiescence. After detection of a bright burst, Swift pointed its X-ray telescope in the direction of the source in less than five hours and followed it for over five weeks. In this Letter, we present an analysis of the data from these Swift observations and an XMM–Newton one performed when SGR 1627–41 was still in a quiescent state. The analysis of the bursts detected with Swift/Burst Alert Telescope shows that their temporal and spectral properties are similar to those found in previous observations of SGR 1627–41 and other SGRs. The maximum peak luminosity of the bursts was ∼2 × 1041 erg s−1. Our data show that the outburst was accompanied by a fast flux enhancement and by a hardening of the spectrum with respect to the persistent emission.
The Future of the Murray River: Amenity Re‐Considered?
Authors: HOWARD J.L. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractMost efforts to restore environmental flows to the Murray River assume that it means resolving a dilemma between two competing needs: those of the environment and those of agriculturalists. This paper provides evidence to show amenity is also important, it is not being adequately considered, and that this, in turn, is impeding efforts to restore environmental flows.The paper contains a literature review of a number of studies which, when combined, show that the importance of amenity (tourism, recreation and lifestyle) is of similar scale (has significant economic value and community support) to productive values. Three case studies show that community concerns about loss of amenity values have impeded restoration programs despite evidence that existing practices are causing environmental damage. The debate about water use in the Murray is clearly not simply one between environment and production but also one involving lifestyles. The challenge is to better understand the nature and scale of amenity and its relationship to other natural resource management issues.
Family and Racial Factors Associated With Suicide and Emotional Distress Among Latino Students
Authors: Garcia Carolyn , Skay Carol , Sieving Renee , Naughton Sandy , Bearinger Linda H. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTBackground:  Latino youth experience disproportionate rates of mental health problems including suicide and depression. Better understanding of underlying risk and protective factors on the part of school‐based health professionals, teachers, and health care providers in their lives is warranted. The aims of this secondary analysis of 2004 Minnesota Student Survey data were to (1) describe the mental health status of a statewide sample of Latino 9th‐ and 12th‐grade students; (2) explore relationships of family protective factors (communication, caring, and connection) with suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, and emotional distress; and (3) highlight similarities and differences in family protective factors among subgroups of Latino students.Methods:  Parallel analyses were completed for Latino‐only and Latino‐mixed students. Bivariate logistic regression models were used to examine associations between each family variable and each study outcome.Results:  Nearly 1 in 5 Latino high school students have had suicidal thoughts in the past year; past year suicide attempts ranged from 6% to 18.5% across grade and gender subgroups. Most concerning are ninth‐grade Latino girls, a group in which 30‐40% reported suicidal thoughts and 14‐19% reported attempting suicide in the past year.Conclusions:  An important study finding is the high rate of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and emotional distress among students who self‐identified as being of mixed ethnicity. Study findings can be used to inform mental health promotion initiatives and culturally tailor interventions with Latino students.
Improvement of Rural Children’s Asthma Self‐Management by Lay Health Educators
Authors: Horner Sharon D. , Fouladi Rachel T. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTBackground:  The purpose of the present analysis is to examine changes in rural children’s asthma self‐management after they received lay health educator (LHE)‐delivered classes.Methods:  Elementary schools were randomly assigned to the treatment or attention‐control condition and their participating students received either asthma education or general health promotion education, respectively. The triethnic sample was composed of 183 children (46% Hispanic, 29.5% non‐Hispanic white, 22% African American, and 2.6% other categories) who had a mean age of 8.78 years (SD = 1.24). The time frame from baseline to postintervention was 12 weeks.Results:  Repeated measures analysis of variance found main effects in changes in scores for children’s asthma knowledge, asthma self‐management, self‐efficacy for managing asthma symptoms, and metered dose inhaler (MDI) technique and significant group interaction effects for the treatment intervention on the measures of children’s asthma knowledge, asthma self‐management, and MDI technique.Conclusions:  The delivery of an asthma health education intervention by trained LHEs to school‐aged children was an effective means for improving children’s knowledge and skills in asthma self‐management.
Can the North Sea still save Europe?
Authors: Nakhle Carole 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIn the 1980s and 1990s the North Sea emerged as a key non‐Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries oil‐producing province. Yet today overall production is declining, in both the British and Norwegian sectors, and the big oil companies and investors are losing interest in what they now see as a mature province. But apparent maturity is not a bar to new prospects and new possibilities. This paper analyses not merely the still significant potential of the North Sea, but also the wider and increasingly attractive prospects offered by the opening up of the High North, the Barents Sea and part of the Arctic region—all areas of rapidly growing interest that are on Europe's doorstep. Success will depend heavily on key questions such as the world oil price trend, technological advance and the structure of fiscal regimes for oil and gas extraction. But the opportunities are there and they could be to Europe's great advantage.
Investment risk allocation in decentralised electricity markets. The need of long‐term contracts and vertical integration
Authors: Finon Dominique 
Published: August 2008

AbstractNone of the far‐reaching experiments in electricity industry liberalisation was able to ensure the timely and optimal capacity mix development. The theoretical market model features market failures due to the specific volatility of prices, and the difficulty of creating complete markets for hedging. In this paper, we focused on a specific failure, i.e. the impossibility of allocating the various risks borne by the producer onto suppliers and consumers in order to allow capacity development. Promotion of short‐term competition by mandating vertical de‐integration tends to distort investments in generation by impeding efficient risk allocation.FollowingJoskow's (2006) line, we developed an empirical analysis of how to secure investments in generation through vertical arrangements between decentralised generators and large purchasers, suppliers or consumers. Empirical observations as risk analysis shows that adopting such arrangements may prove necessary. Various types of long‐term contracts between generators and suppliers (fixed‐quantity and fixed‐price contract, indexed price contract, tolling contract, financial option) appear to offer effective solutions for risk allocation. Vertical integration appears to be another effective way to allocate risk. But it remains an important complementary condition to efficient risk allocation, i.e. that retail competition is sticky or legally limited in order to have a large part of risks borne by consumers on the different market segments.
Estimating energy price elasticities for the non‐oil manufacturing industries in Kuwait
Authors: Eltony Mohamed Nagy 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis study dealt with the estimation of price elasticities for the non‐oil manufacturing industrial energy demand for the case of Kuwait using the two‐stage inter‐fuel substitution approach. The estimated model has performed quite well and thus was simulated assuming a 100 per cent price shock in order to gain the short‐ and long‐run own‐ and cross‐price elasticities. The results suggest that a great deal of adjustment to higher prices comes from total energy demand and not from inter‐fuel substitution.
INTRAVENOUS IRON IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: HAEMOGLOBIN CHANGE SHORTLY AFTER TREATMENT OF PATIENTS NEITHER ON DIALYSIS NOR ON ERYTHROPOIETIN
Authors: Tagboto Senyo , Cropper Liz , Mostafa Samiul , Turner June , Bailey Georgina , Pugh‐Clarke Karen 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYAnaemia is a common in chronic kidney disease. Although erythropoietin and iron supplementation are established treatments, knowledge on the use of IV iron alone in patients not on dialysis or erythropoietin is incomplete. The responses of 82 patients referred to the renal anaemia service with haemoglobin of 11.5 g/dl or less were assessed 1 week after completing four once weekly doses of 200 mg of venofer. No patients were on dialysis or erythropoietin. The haemoglobin rise 1 week after treatment was 0.53 g/dl. Ferritin levels improved from 110.8 to 410.2 ng/l and transferrin saturation from 17.7 to 27.3%. Ferritin levels remained below our target range (200–500 ng/l) in 7.7% while 25.6% had levels above this. Ferritin levels remained less than 800 ng/l in nearly all patients. Intravenous iron is cost effective and should be considered for use in patients with renal anaemia. Patients with CKD stage 5 appeared to respond less well.
CE: Continuing Education Article PATIENT MANAGEMENT IN CKD STAGES 1 TO 3
Authors: Murphy Fiona , Jenkins Karen , Chamney Melissa , McCann Margaret , Sedgewick John 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYThis is the first article in a two‐part Continuing Education (CE) series on the management of patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). CKD is now recognised as a global public health concern. It has been classified into five stages to assist healthcare professionals to care for patients presenting with this chronic illness. Numerous risk factors are associated with CKD including anaemia, hypertension and cardiovascular risk. Nephrology nurses play an important role in the monitoring and management of these factors along with educating patients and their families/carers to encourage self‐management of their illness
QUESTIONNAIRE TO EVALUATE AND ELUCIDATE PATIENTS' PERCEPTIONS OF RENAL DIETARY ADVICE
Authors: Sutton Debbie , Hollingdale Rachel , Hart Kathryn 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYThis study aims to explore the knowledge and beliefs of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients about the role of diet in their disease presentation and management.Focus Groups (FG) with nephrology and dialysis patients informed the development of a questionnaire. A sixty percent response rate was achieved (115/190) with 100 complete questionnaires available for analysis.80 respondents said they would like to receive dietary advice as soon as they know they have renal damage. In most cases this would have been months or years sooner than they were referred to a dietitian. Group work and ‘expert patient’ assistance offer the means of delivering this service in a patient‐centred way.It is also essential that doctors have access to accurate dietary advice so they can support patients appropriately to change their dietary behaviour.
DEVELOPMENT OF A SELF‐MANAGEMENT PACKAGE FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES AT RISK OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (CKD)
Authors: Thomas Nicola , Bryar Ros , Makanjuola David 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYKidney disease progression in diabetes can be slowed by strict blood pressure and blood sugar control, prescription of medicines that modify the renin‐angiotensin system and lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation. This paper describes the development of a self‐management package for people with diabetes at risk of kidney damage.This multi‐method study entailed a literature review, case‐finding of all patients with diabetes and microalbuminuria in six family practitioner (FP) surgeries and interviews with 15 patients at high‐risk of progressive kidney disease.Results identified 23% of the study population (n = 1946) at risk of kidney damage, within a population with 3.14% incidence of diabetes.The most important finding from the interviews was that although most people had some understanding of the possible risk of kidney disease, they had little idea of exactly how they could control the condition themselves. This study highlights the importance of incorporating self‐management tools in the care and management of patients with diabetes in primary care.
Histological profile of tumours fromMYCNtransgenic mice
Authors: Moore H C , Wood K M , Jackson M S , Lastowska M A , Hall D , Imrie H , Redfern C P F , Lovat P E , Ponthan F , O’Toole K , Lunec J , Tweddle D A 
Published: August 2008

Background:MYCNis the most commonly amplified gene in human neuroblastomas. This proto-oncogene has been overexpressed in a mouse model of the disease in order to explore the role ofMYCNin this tumour.Aims:To report the histopathological features of neuroblastomas fromMYCNtransgenic mice.Methods:27 neuroblastomas from hemizygous transgenic mice and four tumours from homozygous mice were examined histologically; Ki67 and MYCN immunocytochemistry was performed in 24 tumours.Results:Tumours obtained fromMYCNtransgenic mice resembled human neuroblastomas, displaying many of the features associated with stroma-poor neuroblastoma, including heterogeneity of differentiation (but no overt ganglionic differentiation was seen), low levels of Schwannian stroma and a high mitosis karyorrhexis index. The tumours had a median Ki67 labelling index of 70%; all tumours expressed MYCN with a median labelling index of 68%. The most striking difference between the murine and human neuroblastomas was the presence of tingible body macrophages in the transgenic mouse tumours reflecting high levels of apoptosis. This has not previously been described in human or other murine neuroblastoma models.Conclusions:These studies highlight the histological similarities between tumours fromMYCNtransgenic mice and human neuroblastomas, and reaffirm their role as a valuable model to study the biology of aggressive human neuroblastoma.
Telephoning of interim blood culture results: a regional survey
Authors: Petkar H M , Breathnach A S 
Published: August 2008

Aims:Most staphylococci grown from blood cultures are contaminants. Since they are microscopically indistinguishable from non-contaminants, considerable time and resources may be spent following up all patients with positive blood cultures before the identification is made the following day. Since there is no formal guidance or standard available in this area, this report surveyed practice in our region.Methods:An interview was conducted by telephone, using a standardised questionnaire. Results were analysed using descriptive techniques.Results:The majority of microbiologists did not communicate all presumptive staphylococci but waited for identification in some cases.Conclusion:There is a range of practice in laboratories due to conflicting pressures: limited time, fear of criticism if results are not phoned, fear of causing confusion with provisional information and lack of clarity concerning what is “good practice.” This survey concludes that a decision not to telephone every presumptiveStaphylococcusin blood cultures on Day 1 is reasonable.
Assessment of the clinical significance of intestinal spirochaetosis
Authors: O’Donnell S , Swan N , Crotty P , Sangster D , O’Morain C 
Published: August 2008

Background:Spirochaetes are well known causative agents of diarrhoea in veterinary medicine. However, there is no agreement as to whether or not they have any clinical significance in humans.Aims:To assess the symptoms associated with intestinal spirochaetosis, their response to treatment and the natural history of untreated cases.Methods:A retrospective review of all cases of intestinal spirochaetosis identified within an eight year period in a single university teaching hospital was performed. A chart review and follow up telephone interview was performed to assess the indications for colonoscopy that led to the diagnosis, treatment received, and duration and nature of symptoms.Results:18 cases were identified. The indications for colonoscopy were diarrhoea in 50% and rectal bleeding in 16.7%; also investigation of constipation, anaemia and abdominal pain, and in two cases reassessment of chronic proctitis. Two subjects were treated with metronidazole and two were treated with aminosalicylates. 69% had complete resolution of symptoms at follow-up, 15% had persistent symptoms and 15% had intermittent symptoms. Of the two patients treated with metronidazole, one had resolution of symptoms and one has persistent abdominal pain.Conclusion:Symptoms do not appear to parallel spirochaete persistence or eradication and therefore it seems appropriate to adopt a wait and see approach to treatment of patients in whom spirochaetes are identified, giving a trial of antimicrobial treatment only in those who have severe or persistent symptoms. Careful consideration of both host and pathogen should be undertaken.
REPRESENTATIONS AND CHARACTERIZATIONS OF LANGUAGES IN CHOMSKY HIERARCHY BY MEANS OF INSERTION-DELETION SYSTEMS
Authors: PĂUN GHEORGHE , PÉREZ-JIMÉNEZ MARIO J. , YOKOMORI TAKASHI 
Published: August 2008

Insertion-deletion operations are much investigated in linguistics and in DNA computing and several characterizations of Turing computability and characterizations or representations of languages in Chomsky hierarchy were obtained in this framework. In this note we contribute to this research direction with a new characterization of this type, as well as with representations of regular and context-free languages, mainly starting from context-free insertion systems of as small as possible complexity. For instance, each recursively enumerable language L can be represented in a way similar to the celebrated Chomsky-Schützenberger representation of context-free languages, i.e., in the form L = h(L(γ) ∩ D), where γ is an insertion system of weight (3, 0) (at most three symbols are inserted in a context of length zero), h is a projection, and D is a Dyck language. A similar representation can be obtained for regular languages, involving insertion systems of weight (2,0) and star languages, as well as for context-free languages – this time using insertion systems of weight (3, 0) and star languages.