bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Implications for Enforcement of Lawful Driving Behaviour
Authors: Layzell Andy 
Published: November 2007

That there are implications for traffic law enforcement which can be drawn from studying lawful driving behaviour appears at first to be something of a paradox. This paradox results, however, from considering individuals who break traffic regulations as, in some sense, deviants whose behaviour is radically different from that of the majority of the population. The argument put forward in this paper is that in many cases the decision whether or not to commit an unlawful act is based upon an ‘economic’ assessment of the benefits or disbenefits (in the broadest sense) to the individual of committing one or other action. If this approach is adopted it becomes just as pertinent to analyse those factors which may prevent motorists from breaking the law as it is to analyse stated or observed reasons for breaking laws. In policy terms, reinforcing positive attitudes towards the law might be a powerful preventative medicine to be used in conjunction with the more retrospective use of warnings and fines which are used to punish those individuals who do offend.
The number of traffic offences detected and dealt with by warning letters, fixed penalties or court prosecutions totals over five million per year.
Japan: the success and limitations of technocratic environmental policy
Authors: Weidner Helmut 
Published: November 2007

The recent prediction that Japan could not be prevented from committing ‘ecological hari-kari’ (Gunnarsson, 1974) has not been fulfilled although, on the other hand, Japan is still far from being an ecological paragon. The Japanese people had to suffer terrible experiences owing to the effects of environmental disruption and have still to cope with many unsolved problems. In a tremendous effort to mitigate damage to health and the environment in the wake of uncontrolled industrial growth, the Japanese have, however, developed some internationally unparalleled, and, more importantly, feasible and successful political and technical measures that deserve our full attention.
The Japanese have, particularly in the field of air pollution, demonstrated that a drastic reduction in sulphur dioxide (SO2) air pollution is achievable within a relatively short period of time and without any appreciable negative economic repercussions. The commonplace excuse ‘this may be good for the environment but will not work for the economy’ has been clearly refuted.
Inherited Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: New Selective-Sequencing Workup for α1-Antitrypsin Deficiency Identifies 2 Previously Unidentified Null Alleles
Authors: Prins Janke , van der Meijden Brenda B , Kraaijenhagen Rob J , Wielders Jos P M 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground: α1-Antitrypsin (α1AT) deficiency predisposes individuals to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and/or liver disease. Phenotyping of the protein by isoelectric focusing is often used to characterize α1AT deficiency, but this method may lead to misdiagnosis (e.g., by missing null alleles). We evaluated a workup that included direct sequencing of the relevant parts of the gene encoding α1AT, SERPINA1 [serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade A (alpha-1 antiproteinase, antitrypsin), member 1], for patients with α1AT concentrations ≤1.0 g/L.Methods: During a 5-year period, we identified 66 patients with α1AT concentrations ≤1.0 g/L and amplified and sequenced exons 2, 3, and 5 of the α1AT gene in these patients. To ensure that no relevant genotypes were missed, we sequenced the same exons in 48 individuals with α1AT concentrations between 1.0 and 1.5 g/L.Results: Sequence analysis revealed 18 patients with combinations of disease-associated α1AT alleles: 8 homozygous for the deficient Z allele and 10 compound heterozygotes for various deficient or null alleles. We identified and named 2 new null alleles, Q0soest (Thr102→delA, which produces a TGA stop signal at codon 112) and Q0amersfoort (Tyr160→stop). No relevant disease-associated allele combinations were missed at a 1.0-g/L threshold.Conclusions: Up to 22% of the alleles in disease-associated α1AT allele combinations may be missed by conventional methods. Genotyping by direct sequencing of samples from patients with α1AT concentrations ≤1.0 g/L detected these alleles and identified 2 new null alleles.
Dynamic Regulation of Mitotic Arrest in Fetal Male Germ Cells
Authors: Western Patrick S. , Miles Denise C. , van den Bergen Jocelyn A. , Burton Matt , Sinclair Andrew H. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
During fetal mouse development, germ cells enter the developing gonad at embryonic day (E) 10–11. In response to signaling from the male or female gonad, the germ cells commit either to spermatogenesis at E12.5 and enter mitotic arrest or to oogenesis and enter meiotic arrest at E13.5. It is unclear whether male commitment of the germ line and mitotic arrest are directly associated or whether they are developmentally separate. In addition, the published data describing the timing of mitotic arrest are inconsistent, and the molecular processes underlying the control of the cell cycle during mitotic arrest also remain unknown. Using flow cytometric techniques, 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine labeling, and immunofluorescent analysis of cell proliferation, we have determined that germ cells in the embryonic mouse testis arrest in G0 during E12.5 and E14.5. This process is gradual and occurs in an unsynchronized manner. We have also purified germ cells and analyzed molecular changes in male germ cells as they exit the cell cycle. This has allowed us to identify a series of molecular events, including activation of p27Kip1, p15INK4b, and p16INK4a; the dephosphorylation and degradation of retinoblastoma protein; and the suppression of CyclinE, which lead to mitotic arrest. For the first time, the data presented here accurately define the mitotic arrest of male germ cells by directly combining the analysis of cell cycle changes with the examination of functionally defined cell cycle regulators.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Constrictive/restrictive cardiac physiology: Pericarditis or right ventricular infarction?
Authors: Gavrila Dan , Horwitz Phillip A. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractHere we report on the case of a 71 year old man who presented with signs and symptoms suggestive of right heart failure and was diagnosed with and successfully treated for constrictive pericarditis. Radiographic, hemodynamic, and intra‐operative pathological findings typical of constrictive pericarditis are presented. The potential for right ventricular infarction which can mimic the hemodynamic findings in constrictive pericarditis is also discussed. Pericardiectomy was recommended and was successful in improving the patient's systemic vascular congestion and symptoms. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Salvage therapy in relapsed squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity: How and when?
Authors: Liao Chun‐Ta , Chang Joseph Tung‐Chieh , Wang Hung‐Ming , Ng Shu‐Hang , Hsueh Chuen , Lee Li‐Yu , Lin Chih‐Hung , Chen I‐How , Huang Shiang‐Fu , Cheng Ann‐Joy , Yen Tzu‐Chen 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND.Relapse of tumors in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is associated with a poor prognosis. In addition, salvage therapy may be a significant source of morbidity in patients with relapsing OSCC. The objective of the current study was to determine prognostic factors that predict which patients may benefit from such treatment.METHODS.From 953 patients who underwent primary radical surgery between 1996 and 2005, 272 patients with early‐relapsed OSCC (n = 161) or late‐relapsed OSCC (n = 111) were identified. The optimum cutoff point for relapse was chosen on the basis of 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS).RESULTS.The optimal cutoff value for relapse was 10 months. Late relapses were associated with a better prognosis than relapses that occurred within the first 10 months (P < .0001 for both 5‐year DSS and 5‐year OS). Among patients with early‐relapsed OSCC, a primary tumor depth <10 mm was associated significantly and independently with a better 5‐year DSS (P = .014) and OS (P = .011). Among patients with late‐relapsed OSCC, neck recurrence was a significant risk factor for adverse outcomes (P < .001 for both 5‐year DSS and 5‐year OS).CONCLUSIONS.A late relapse was associated with better survival than a relapse that occurred within the first 10 months. Patients with late‐relapsed OSCC may benefit from salvage therapy, especially those who have a local recurrence. Among patients with early‐relapsed OSCC, salvage therapy should be considered for those who have a primary tumor depth <10 mm. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Multiple risk markers for atherogenesis associated with chronic inflammation are detectable in patients with renal stones
Authors: Tsao Kuo‐Chien , Wu Tsu‐Lan , Chang Pi‐Yueh , Sun Chien‐Feng , Wu Lily L. , Wu James T. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractPatients with renal stones are known to be at risk of clinical complications such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), nephropathy, and cancer. Recently, it has been realized that almost all risk markers for CVD, nephropathy, etc. are all markers associated with the sequence of reactions of chronic inflammation. It has been reported that chronic inflammation is involved not only in the pathogenesis of nephrolithiasis but also contributes to the development of clinical complications in this condition; therefore, we decided to find out whether these multiple markers are detectable in patients with renal stones so that they can be used to predict the risk of clinical complications in these patients. There were 33 patients with nephrolithiasis included in this study. We found that almost all major markers of chronic inflammation were elevated in patients with renal stones, including proinflammatory cytokine, acute inflammation markers, adhesion molecules, urinary microalbumin (uMA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), 3‐nitrotyrosine (3NT), and monocyte chemoattractant protein. It appears that it is possible to assess the risk of clinical complications by monitoring these markers in patients with renal stones. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 21:426–431, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhanced Monoclonal Antibody Production in Hybridoma Cells by LPS and Anti‐mIgG
Authors: Martín‐López Alicia , García‐Camacho Francisco , Contreras‐Gómez Antonio , Molina‐Grima Emilio 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThis paper reports on a methodology for increasing proliferation and monoclonal antibody (mAb) production in hybridoma cultures. The 55–6 murine B cell hybridoma line (CD40 and CD19‐deficient expression) was treated with increasing concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Expression of CD69, CD40, and CD19 surface antigens on 55–6 cells did not show significant changes from untreated cells. The specific growth rate decreased at higher concentrations of LPS, but the monoclonal antibody production rate was highest at the highest LPS concentration assayed. These data are in agreement with the lowest growth rate found at this concentration of LPS. Furthermore, cells were cultured with anti‐mouse surface immunoglobulin G antibody (anti‐mIgG) plus LPS to find out whether LPS‐derived signals and anti‐mIgG stimuli are synergistic. CD69, CD40, and CD19 expression was greater than for either untreated cells (control culture) or cells stimulated with LPS alone. Moreover, LPS stimulation in combination with anti‐mIgG enhanced both the growth rate and IgG2a production over the control culture and cells stimulated with LPS alone. Maximum antibody concentration increased almost 500% compared to the control and about 100% with respect to culture stimulated with LPS alone. The maximum specific IgG2a production rate was about 300% higher than in the control culture and about 30% higher than in culture stimulated only with LPS.
Prevalence of polyhydramnios at a Danish hospital – a population‐based study
Authors: BUNDGAARD ANNE , RISTORP ANDERSEN BETINA , RODE LINE , LEBECH MORTEN , TABOR ANN 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of polyhydramnios, the related maternal and perinatal morbidity, and to estimate the association between perinatal outcome and the degree of polyhydramnios in a Danish population. Methods. The study population consisted of 168 women with singleton pregnancies and polyhydramnios diagnosed by ultrasound as a largest two‐diameter pocket of >50 cm2. Mild polyhydramnios defined a s>50 and <100 cm2, and severe polyhydramnios defined as ≥100 cm2. The background population consisted of 8,347 pregnant women from the same hospital. Outcome measures were compared using φ2 test or Fisher's exact test. Results. The incidence of polyhydramnios was 2%, with 66.7% of cases mild, and 33.3% were severe polyhydramnios. The study population had an increased risk of emergency (19 versus 10.5%, p<0.001) and elective (11.3 versus 5.0%, p<0.001) caesarean section, as well as perinatal death (1.2 versus 0.3%, p<0.05) compared to the background population. In cases of severe polyhydramnios, there was an increased risk of caesarean section (44.6 versus 23.1%, p<0.005), birth weight >4,000 g (28.6 versus 14.3%, p<0.05), and need for neonatal care (8.9 versus 0.9%, p<0.01) compared to mild cases. Apgar score <7, perinatal death and structural malformations only occurred in women with severe polyhydramnios. Conclusion. It is reasonable to distinguish between mild and severe polyhydramnios regarding special attention and follow‐up, as caesarean section and perinatal morbidity and mortality are related to the degree of polyhydramnios. A two‐diameter pocket≥100 cm2 could be used to separate mild from severe cases.
Organisation and quality of primary surgical intervention for ovarian cancer in Denmark
Authors: MARX CHARLOTTE , BENDIXEN ANETTE , HØGDALL CLAUS , OTTOSEN CHRISTIAN , KEHLET HENRIK , OTTESEN BENT 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground. The positive effect on survival of maximal primary cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer is well established, and the highest rates of optimal cytoreduction are achieved by gynecological oncologists. Danish women have not only one of the highest incidences of ovarian cancer, but also the highest mortality rate. From 1981 to 1989, the overall Danish optimal debulking rate was 25% in patients with stage III and IV tumors. The primary aim of the present study was, therefore, to evaluate the organisation and quality of current primary surgical intervention for ovarian cancer in Denmark. Methods. All women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian carcinoma (DC56) were identified through the Danish National Patient Registry during the study period from 1 July 2002 to 31 December 2003, and surgical notes and histopathology were evaluated by a board of 7 gynecological‐oncologists, focusing on maximal cytoreduction. Results. For stage III, the nationwide optimal debulking rate was 39%, significantly higher in the major hospitals (49%) versus other hospitals (29%) (p<0.005). In 19% of cases, there was insufficient information to evaluate debulking from the surgical notes, significantly less at the major hospitals versus other hospitals (12 versus 25%, p<0.001). Conclusions. In Denmark, the quality of the primary surgical intervention for ovarian cancer is not optimal. In order to enhance survival, compliance with international guidelines and improved registration of the surgical procedures in clinical databases are mandatory.
Maternal anxiety about first trimester nuchal translucency screening and impact of positive screening results
Authors: CHUEH HO‐YEN , CHENG PO‐JEN , SHAW SHENG‐WEN , LIN CHENG‐TAO , HSU JENN‐JEIH , HSIEH T'SANG‐T'ANG 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground. To assess pre‐ and post‐procedural maternal anxiety about nuchal translucency thickness screening for Down syndrome in the first trimester of pregnancy, and the psychological impact of positive screening results. Methods. A total of 172 women whose screens were positive for excess fetal nuchal translucency thickness, and 180 women whose screens were within normal limits (controls) were recruited. Anxiety levels were measured with the Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory just before screening, 1 week after screening, at 22 weeks’ gestation, and 6 weeks after delivery. After delivery, all women were asked to respond using a Likert‐type scale regarding their attitudes toward fetal nuchal translucency screening. Results. Women with positive screening results reported significantly greater psychological distress on state‐anxiety scores after the full report was received. The trait‐ and state‐anxiety scores before screening, at 22 weeks’ gestation, and after delivery did not differ between groups. Both groups of women were strongly positive about nuchal translucency screening, both in the current pregnancy and in future pregnancies. Conclusion. Women with positive screening results did not have a sustained increase in anxiety and remained supportive about the value of screening. Clinician concerns about causing maternal anxiety should not be an impediment to screening.
Characteristics and outcome of fetal cystic hygroma diagnosed in the first trimester
Authors: GRAESSLIN OLIVIER , DERNIAUX EMILIE , ALANIO ELISABETH , GAILLARD DOMINIQUE , VITRY FABIEN , QUÉREUX CHRISTIAN , DUCARME GUILLAUME 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjective. The aim of this study was to determine the course of pregnancy and the neonatal outcome of fetuses with cystic hygroma diagnosed at 10–14 weeks’ gestation. Methods. Maternal and fetal data (nuchal translucency, karyotype, pregnancy outcome) in cases of fetal cystic hygroma, admitted or referred to our antenatal diagnostic centre, were prospectively entered into a computer database. Paediatric outcome was analysed when relevant. Results. Some 72 fetuses had cystic hygroma. The mean size of the cystic hygroma was 7.9 mm. Chromosomal abnormalities were present in 52.7% of cases (38/72), including 14 cases (36.8%) of Down syndrome. A total of 34 chromosomally normal pregnancies gave rise to 18 live births (52.9%), with no visible serious structural abnormalities. The outcome of pregnancy was unfavourable (miscarriage, elective termination, serious structural abnormalities) in 77.7% of cases (56/72). The 18 live‐born infants were followed up for 17–98 months. Sixteen infants developed normally, while 1 developed Noonan's syndrome and 1 had a urinary tract abnormality (pyelo‐ureteral junction; PUJ). Conclusion. These data suggest that the prognosis of fetal cystic hygroma detected during the first trimester is poor, and show that sonographic evaluation of fetal nuchal translucency thickness in the first trimester is crucial.
Peripartum hysterectomy in Denmark 1995–2004
Authors: SAKSE ABELONE , WEBER TOM , NICKELSEN CARSTEN , SECHER NIELS JØRGEN 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground. Severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a potentially life‐threatening situation that sometimes requires a hysterectomy. We examined the national incidence, risk factors, indications, outcomes and complications of peripartum hysterectomy following vaginal and caesarean delivery. Methods. Peripartum hysterectomy was defined as a hysterectomy after birth until 1 month after delivery using the codes for hysterectomy from the NOMESCO classification (1995). National data from the period 1995–2004 were extracted from the Danish Medical Birth Register and linked to the Danish National Hospital Register followed by registration of relevant data from the medical records of all the patients. Results. We found 152 hysterectomies corresponding to an incidence of 0.24/1,000 deliveries. The risk of peripartum hysterectomy increased 11‐fold following caesarean compared to vaginal delivery. Placenta accrete was present in 37% of the cases and 68%. Conclusion. Peripartum hysterectomy has increased significantly during the last 20 years. Optimizing treatment of PPH may decrease the incidence of peripartum hysterectomy in the future.
Outcome of primary repair of obstetric anal sphincter rupture using the overlap technique
Authors: MOLANDER PONTUS , Väyrynen Tapio , PAAVONEN JORMA , LEPISTÖ ANNA , LUUKKONEN PEKKA 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground. Grade III and IV anal sphincter ruptures after vaginal delivery are an increasing problem. We assessed the outcome of an overlap technique in primary repair. Methods. In this retrospective observational study, from 2002 to 2004, 61 consecutive women with grade III and IV obstetric tears were included. Of the 61 women, 42 had complete rupture of the external sphincter and underwent sphincter repair using standardised overlap technique. The outcome was assessed by clinical examination, Wexner questionnaire, and endoanal ultrasonography (EAUS), after a median follow‐up of 9.4 months. Main outcome measure was continence following primary repair. Results. At follow‐up, 64% of the patients had no symptoms of anal incontinence. A total of 29% experienced occasional incontinence to flatus, 1 patient (2%) experienced occasional incontinence to liquid stools, and 1 patient to liquid or normal stools. EAUS revealed intact external sphincter in 29 of the 35 patients (83%). In 6 patients (17%), EAUS showed partial discontinuity of the sphincter muscle. Conclusion. The results show that the primary overlap technique in the repair of anal sphincter rupture following vaginal delivery is highly successful.
Pain and quality of life among long‐term gynecological cancer survivors: a population‐based case‐control study
Authors: RANNESTAD TORIL , EGIL SKJELDESTAD FINN 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground. The population of gynecological cancer survivors is growing, yet little is known about the effects of cancer and treatment on pain and quality of life well beyond the completion of therapy. The aims of this study were to investigate quality of life and the prevalence, intensity and presentation of pain in long‐term survivors of gynecological cancer compared to a representative group of women from the general population. Methods. The study comprised women aged 32–75, residing in a central part of Norway. Cases were gynecological cancer survivors treated at University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway, between 1987 and 1996, and age‐matched women selected at random from the general population served as controls. After 1 reminder, the response rate was 55% (176/319) and 41% (521/1,276) for survivors and controls, respectively. A total of 160 gynecological cancer survivors and 493 controls were eligible for final analyses. Pain was measured by the item ‘How often do you have pain?’ and marks on a body chart indicating pain sites. Ferrans and Powers’ Quality of Life Index (QLI) measured quality of life. The level of statistical significance was set at p≤0.05. A φ2 test for categorical variables, unpaired t‐test for continuous variables, and logistic regression were applied. Results. On average, the long‐term gynecological cancer survivors had a complete recurrence‐free period of 12 years (range: 7–18). The prevalence of pain was 26%. The results revealed no difference in the prevalence of pain between women who survived gynecological cancer and women without a gynecological cancer history. Women suffering from musculoskeletal disorders or living in households with low income are more likely to suffer pain. The small group of women with a previous history of gynecological cancer and living in a low income household experience more pain, particular if they suffer from edema. Pain shows a clear negative effect on quality of life, especially on the health and functioning domain. There was no difference in the quality of life between cancer survivors and controls. Conclusion. Long‐term gynecological cancer survivors do not differ from other women in terms of pain and quality of life. Pain is associated with musculoskeletal disorders and low income.