bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism in pregnancy and puerperium without antithrombotic prophylaxis
Authors: Stefano Valerio De , Martinelli Ida , Rossi Elena , Battaglioli Tullia , Za Tommaso , Mannuccio Mannucci Pier , Leone Giuseppe 
Published: September 2006

SummaryWhether or not pregnant women with a previous episode of venous thromboembolism (VTE) should receive antithrombotic prophylaxis is a matter of debate. In order to estimate the rate of recurrent deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) during pregnancy and puerperium we retrospectively investigated a cohort of 1104 women with previous VTE; after a single DVT or isolated PE, 88 of them became pregnant at least once without receiving antithrombotic prophylaxis. Overall, 155 pregnancies and 120 puerperium periods without prophylaxis were recorded. There were nine recurrences during pregnancy and 10 during puerperium, with a rate of 5·8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 3·0–10·6] and 8·3% (95%CI 4·5–14·6) respectively. In pregnancy, the rate of recurrence was 7·5% (95%CI 4·0–13·7) if the first VTE was unprovoked, related to pregnancy or to oral contraceptive use, whereas no recurrence occurred if the first VTE was related to other transient risk factors. In puerperium, the rate of recurrence was 15·5% (95%CI 7·7–28·7) in women with a pregnancy‐related first VTE, with a risk 3·9‐times higher than in the remaining women. Inherited thrombophilia was not associated with a statistically significant increase in risk of recurrence in pregnancy or in puerperium, yet the rate of recurrence in puerperium was 14·2% (95%CI 5·7–31·4) in overall carriers of factor V Leiden and 30% (95%CI 10·7–60·3) in carriers with a pregnancy‐related first VTE, with a risk 6·8 times higher than in women without thrombophilia and with a non pregnancy‐related first VTE.
Resolution of ambiguous low‐level positive quantitative polymerase chain reaction results in TEL‐AML1 positive ALL using a post‐PCR fluorescent oligoligation method*
Authors: Chen I‐Ming , Chakerian Artemis , Devidas Meenakshi , Borowitz Michael J. , Hunger Stephen P. , Willman Cheryl L. , Viswanatha David S. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryThe interpretation of low‐level or non‐reproducible amplification results in clinical quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q‐PCR) assays can be difficult to definitively resolve. Concerning minimal residual disease detection in leukaemia, indeterminate low‐level results might create prognostic or therapeutic dilemmas. We evaluated low‐level, ambiguous Q‐PCR results in a study of paired diagnostic and end‐induction (day 29) TEL‐AML1 positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia samples utilising a novel fluorescent primer ligation detection assay. The data presented here indicate that a significant number of low‐level apparent Q‐PCR positive results may be spurious or non‐specific in nature, requiring additional technical manoeuvres for confirmation of true positive cases.
[CO2]‐ and density‐dependent competition between grassland species
Authors: Van KLEUNEN MARK , ANDRE STEPHAN M. , SCHMID BERNHARD 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe predicted ongoing increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide levels is considered to be one of the main threats to biodiversity due to potential changes in biotic interactions. We tested whether effects of intra‐ and interspecific planting density of the calcareous grassland perennialsBromus erectusandCarex flaccachange in response to elevated [CO2] (600 ppm) by using factorial combinations of seven densities (0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24 tillers per 8 × 8 cm2cell) of both species in plots with and without CO2enrichment. Although aboveground biomass ofC. flaccawas increased by 54% under elevated [CO2], the combined aboveground biomass of the whole stand was not significantly increased.C. flaccatended to produce more tillers under elevated [CO2] whileB. erectusproduced less tillers. The positive effect of [CO2] on the number of tillers ofC. flaccawas strongest at high intraspecific densities. On the other hand, the negative effect of [CO2] on the number of tillers ofB. erectuswas not present at intermediate intraspecific planting densities. Seed production ofC. flaccawas more than doubled under elevated [CO2], while seed production ofB. erectuswas not affected. Moreover, the mass per seed ofC. flaccawas increased by elevated [CO2] at intermediate interspecific planting densities while the mass per seed ofB. erectuswas decreased by elevated [CO2] at high interspecific planting densities. Our results show that the responses ofC. flaccaandB. erectusto elevated [CO2] depend in a complex way on initial planting densities of both species. In other words, competition between these two model species is both [CO2]‐ and density dependent. On average, however, the effects of [CO2] on the individual species indicate that the composition of calcareous grasslands is likely to change under elevated [CO2] in favor ofC. flacca.
Evaluation of the integrity of aseptic packages containing various filling products
Authors: Hsu Chuan‐Liang , Chang Ku‐Shang 
Published: September 2006

SummaryThe objective of this study was to investigate the integrity of aseptic aluminium laminate packages for different filling products after form‐fill‐seal processing using various testing methods. The integrity of the package was found to be influenced by the physical properties of filling product. When soyamilk (watery) was the filling product, the measured currents were lower than 10 μA for all of the packages subjected to electrolytic testing. If guava juice (high viscosity with high particulate content beverage) was the filling product, a total of 40% of tested packages showed escalation of current to greater than 1000 μA. This poor integrity was found to have resulted from compromise of the inner layer of packaging because of the particulate content of the juice. It was also demonstrated that the damage to the inner lining of the packages did not lead to the deterioration of the filling product by causing the development of penetrating micro holes. The cyclic voltammetry method is applicable to distinguish whether penetrating micro holes and damage have occurred in the plastic inner layer of a package.
HACCP effect on microbiological quality of minimally processed vegetables: a survey in six mass‐catering establishments
Authors: Kokkinakis Emmanuel N. , Fragkiadakis Georgios A. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryHazard analysis critical control points (HACCP) implementation effect in the microbiological quality of minimally processed vegetables was investigated, in mass‐catering establishments: two big hotels, two Universities and two major hospitals. Only one of each category had implemented HACCP and was purchasing vegetables produced with good agricultural practices (GAP). Samples from tomatoes in each food‐processing step; water, and personnel's hands were analysed microbiologically: totally, 240 tomatoes flora, 24 water and 60 personnel's hands samples. Tomatoes produced with GAP exhibited low microbial levels compared with conventional ones, while vegetable‐sanitation decreased microbial levels. Salads were safe in establishments applying HACCP methodology: Microbial‐level mean values (CFU g−1) of Escherichia coli was <20; total coliforms 3.67–3.88 log10; aerobic plate count 4.69–5.07 log10. The application of good manufacturing practices and good hygiene practices as parts of HACCP implementation, were found critical for the quality of the products. Based on actual results we present recommendations for a safer mass catering.
Effect of Calcium Lactate, 4‐Hexyl Resorcinol and Vacuum Packing on Physico‐chemical, Sensory and Microbiological Qualities of Minimally Processed Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.)
Authors: Shah Narendra Singh , Nath Nirankar 
Published: September 2006

SummaryLitchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) fruits are very susceptible to pericarp browning which adversely affects consumer acceptability even though the aril portion remains in excellent condition. Litchi arils (litchis) were treated with a solution containing 0–2% (w/v) calcium lactate (CL), 0–0.02% (w/v) 4‐hexyl resorcinol (4‐HR) and 1% potassium sorbate. The pH of solution was adjusted to 4.0 with citric acid. Treated litchis were packed in polystyrene trays, over‐wrapped with polypropylene film, vacuum‐packed (0, 47409.3, 94831.9 Pa) and stored at 4 ± 2 °C. Drip losses, pH, total soluble solids (TSS), sensory attributes and microbiological quality of stored samples were estimated. A four‐factor, three‐level experimental design (D6 Hokes design) with 19 experiments was chosen. Mathematical models were developed to analyse and predict the effect of CL, 4‐HR, in‐package vacuum and storage time on the responses. TSS, pH and sensory scores decreased significantly (P  0.01), whereas drip losses and microbial count increased significantly (P  0.01) with time. Drip loss was significantly (P  0.1) reduced by addition of CL. 4‐HR prevented browning and changes in colour score during storage were significantly less. Vacuum in packages exerted significant (P  0.01) effect over pH, TSS, sensory and microbiological qualities of minimally processed litchis.
Impact of patient‐reported outcome measures on routine practice: a structured review
Authors: Marshall Susan , Haywood Kirstie , Fitzpatrick Ray 
Published: September 2006

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Regular use of patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) by health care providers in their routine practice may help to improve the quality of care, but more evidence is needed before routine use of PROMs can be recommended. A structured review was undertaken to examine whether and how regular use of PROMs might improve routine practice.Methods  A systematic search of Medline accessed through Webspirs Silverplatter was undertaken for the years 1976–2004. Controlled trials in English evaluating the impact of clinical use of PROMs on routine practice were included. Data regarding study design, characteristics of PROMs feedback, patient populations and study results were extracted by three reviewers.Results  Feedback of PROMs results to health care providers appears to have a substantial impact on some processes of care, particularly on diagnosis of mental health conditions. However, the impact on patient health status is less consistent. Most of the published studies evaluated PROMs as a one‐off screening technology and measured only provider behaviours and patient health outcomes.Conclusions  The pattern of results suggests a general lack of clarity in the field, especially regarding appropriate goals for PROMs and the mechanisms by which they might achieve them. To fully evaluate their role in routine practice, studies need to use PROMs that capture issues of importance to patients and to measure impacts relating to the patient–provider relationship and patient contributions to their well‐being. Until studies evaluate PROMs as a means facilitate patient‐centred care, their full potential in clinical practice will remain unknown.
Preventing paediatric admissions for respiratory disease: a qualitative analysis of the views of health care professionals
Authors: Maharaj Veena , Hsu Ronald , Beadman Anna 
Published: September 2006

AbstractRationale  The number of emergency paediatric admissions is increasing each year. The reasons for this are unclear but may include increasing demand from parents, changes in GP working patterns, and an increase in unnecessary admissions. Respiratory disease is the commonest diagnostic category for emergency admission in childhood.Aims  To generate hypotheses for reduction in unnecessary admissions for respiratory disease by qualitative analysis of the views of health care professionals, to determine the proportion of preventable admissions as perceived by clinicians, and to assess the modified Paediatric Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol against clinicians judgements of appropriateness of admission.Design  Eight health care professionals analysed clinical data from primary and secondary care for 94 cases that were admitted to an emergency assessment unit and received a hospital discharge diagnosis of respiratory disease. They assessed whether each admission was appropriate, whether it was preventable, and how it might have been prevented.Results  A total of 31% of cases admitted to the assessment unit (29/94) were classified as preventable by the majority of professionals assessing the case. Provision of additional support, monitoring, and observation in the community was cited as a means of prevention in 33/94 cases. There was poor agreement between the modified PAEP and clinicians’ assessments of appropriateness of admission (kappa 0.1).Conclusions  If the agreed views of these experienced doctors and nurses are correct, provision of additional services in the community could be an important means of preventing emergency admissions for respiratory disease. This hypothesis should be tested by further research including the views of families. The study provides further evidence that the modified PAEP may not be valid for use in UK practice. If inappropriate admission rates are to be used to measure effectiveness of services we need to develop an objective measure of appropriateness valid for use in the UK.
Use of a multidimensional assessment tool in a psychiatric adolescent care unit
Authors: Laget Jacques , Sofia Caroline , Bolognini Monique , Plancherel Bernard , Halfon Olivier , Stéphan Philippe 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAims  Adolescent mental health problems require treatment and care that are adapted to their needs. To evaluate this issue, it was decided to implement a multidimensional instrument focused on a global approach to adolescent social and behavioural functioning, combined with the ICD‐10 classification.Methods  The combination of an assessment interview and a classification tool enabled the method to integrate the measurement of several domains of patient‐based outcome rather than focus on the measurement of symptoms. A group of 68 adolescents from an inpatient unit were compared with 67 adolescents from the general population.Results  Results suggest that adolescents from the care unit adopt significantly riskier behaviour compared with adolescents from the control group. As expected, the main problems identified refer to the psychological and familial areas. A cluster analysis was performed and provided three different profiles: a group with externalizing disorders and two groups with internalizing disorders. On the basis of a structured interview it was possible to obtain information in a systematic way about the adolescents’ trajectory (delinquency, physical and sexual abuse, psychoactive substance use).Conclusion  It was shown that treatment and care should not focus exclusively on mental health symptoms, but also upon physical, psychological and social aspects of the adolescent. A global approach helps in the consideration of the multitude of factors which must be taken into account when working with people with serious mental health problems and may help to turn the care unit’s activity more specifically towards the needs of these adolescents.
The basicoxal gland, a new exocrine structure in poneromorph ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)
Authors: Billen Johan , Ito Fuminori 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe tegumental epithelium of the outer dorsolateral region in the proximal part of the coxae in the mid‐ and hindlegs of both workers and queens of the ants Odontomachus rixosus and O. simillimus is differentiated into a conspicuous and hitherto unknown exocrine gland. The glandular cells display a clear microvillar differentiation of their apical cell membrane, and are lined with the tegumental cuticle, which in this part contains crack‐like channels perpendicular to its surface, that carry the glandular secretions to the outside. Apical microvilli support the transport of substances, and contain an extension of tubular smooth endoplasmic reticulum in their centre. The function of the gland may be that of providing lubricant substances to the articulation region of the generally heavily sclerotized ponerine ant species. The gland is also found in several other ponerine and amblyoponine species, but not in the ectatommine species studied. The foreleg coxae lack a basicoxal gland in all species examined, which may be explained by the more limited articulation between the thorax and the coxae in the forelegs compared to the mid‐ and hindlegs.
Spermiogenesis and introsperm ultrastructure of Scoloplax distolothrix (Ostariophysi: Siluriformes: Scoloplacidae)
Authors: Spadella Maria Angélica , Oliveira Claudio , Quagio‐Grassiotto Irani 
Published: September 2006

AbstractSpermiogenesis in scoloplacids is characterized by initial lateral development of the flagellum, nuclear rotation, medial nuclear fossa formation, complex centriolar migration, and cytoplasmic channel formation. The scoloplacid spermiogenesis is similar to those found in Diplomystidae, the most primitive siluriform family. The scoloplacid spermatozoa have all the main characteristics of introsperm. They exhibit a conic head, a symmetric midpiece, a medial flagellum, and no acrosome. The conic forward‐elongated nuclei contain homogeneous chromatin. The thin extremity of the nuclei is strongly curved and along its internal face there is a well‐developed membranous compartment. The centrioles are completely inside the medial nuclear fossa, perpendicular to each other and with an electron‐dense material between them. In a cross view of the midpiece, the mitochondria form a ring surrounding internally the cytoplasmic channel, and in a longitudinal view they are organized in a row along it. Several elongated vesicles are distributed peripherally, mainly concentrated in the mid‐piece basal region. The flagellum contains the classical axoneme (9 + 2) and has two lateral projections or fins. The spermatozoa of scoloplacids share several characteristics with those of Auchenipteridae. Since these two families are not phylogenetically related this similarity seems to be due to convergence once both families are, until now, the only known siluriform families with introsperm.
Caffeine improves barrier function in male skin
Authors: Brandner J. M. , Behne M. J. , Huesing B. , Moll I. 
Published: September 2006

SynopsisThe influence of androgens, especially testosterone and its effector dihydrotestosterone, results in a constitutive disadvantage for male skin, e.g. reduced viability of hair at the scalp and reduced epidermal permeability barrier repair capacity. Dihydrotestosterone can act, among others, as an adenyl cyclase inhibitor. Caffeine on the other hand is an inexpensive and (in regular doses) harmless substance used in various cosmetic products, which can act as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. To prove the hypothesis that caffeine as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor is able to override testosterone‐induced effects on barrier function, we performed a double‐blind placebo controlled study with healthy volunteers. In this study, 0.5% caffeine in a hydroxyethylcellulose gel preparation (HEC) was applied on one forearm, HEC without caffeine on the other forearm of male and female volunteers for 7 days and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured before and at the end of the treatment period. Basal TEWL did not differ significantly between male and female subjects but the application of caffeine significantly reduced TEWL in male skin compared with female skin. We conclude that caffeine is beneficial for barrier function in male skin.
Gender Differences and Mental Health: An Exploratory Study of Knowledge and Attitudes to Mental Health Among Scottish Teenagers
Authors: Williams Brian , Pow Janette 
Published: September 2006

Method:  A cross‐sectional survey of 496 teenagers was conducted in order to explore their knowledge and attitude towards mental health and people with mental health problems.Results:  Boys reported lower levels of knowledge and different sources of stress than girls. Negative attitudes were more common among boys than girls. Boys were less likely to think that an understanding of mental health was important, less likely to want to know more about mental health issues and twice as likely to think that they had already been given enough education.Conclusion:  Gender specific educational interventions may be more appropriate and effective than whole school approaches.
Bayesian Alphas and Mutual Fund Persistence
Authors: BUSSE JEFFREY A. , IRVINE PAUL J. 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTWe use daily returns to compare the performance predictability of Bayesian estimates of mutual fund performance with standard frequentist measures. When the returns on passive nonbenchmark assets are correlated with fund holdings, incorporating histories of these returns produces a performance measure that predicts future performance better than standard measures do. Bayesian alphas based on the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) are particularly useful for predicting future standard CAPM alphas. Over our sample period, priors consistent with moderate to diffuse beliefs in managerial skill dominate more skeptical prior beliefs, a result that is consistent with investor cash flows.
HLA markers in familial Lichen Sclerosus
Authors: Aslanian Flavia M. N. P. , Marques Maria Teresa Q. , Matos Haroldo J. , Pontes Luciane F. S. , Porto Luis Cristóvão S. , Azevedo Lucia M. S. , Filgueira Absalom L. 
Published: September 2006

Summary Background: Lichen sclerosus (LS) has been identified with increased frequency in families,often associated with HLA markers, mainly DQ7. A genetic co‐etiology seems likely in this setting. Moreover, there is an association of LS with autoimmune disorders, such as the presence of anti‐thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies (anti‐TPO), a hallmark of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Patients and Methods: In 3 families affected by LS, we verified their HLA markers, and identified previously undiagnosed cases of LS and autoimmune disorders. 30 individuals were examined with history, skin biopsy, HLA class I and II typing by PCR‐SSP, and measurement of anti‐TPO, free thyroxine and thyroidstimulating hormones (TSH) levels. Results: There were 8 cases of LS, 50 % of them anti‐TPO+. Autoimmune disorders were found in 40 % (total) and in 87.5 % of those affected. Most common HLA markers were B*15, B*57, CW*03, CW*07, CW*18, DRB1*04, DRB1*07, DRB4*. The three latter have been previously associated with LS. Conclusion: New cases of LS and autoimmune disorders can be detected in first degree relatives of patients with LS. The presence of anti‐TPO antibodies strongly suggests autoimmune thyroiditis. There is intra‐familial association between the haplotype HLA‐B*15 ‐DRB1*04 ‐DRB4* and anti‐TPO,emphasizing their link with thyroiditis. New familial approaches might help to make clear the pathogenesis of LS and its association with autoimmune diseases.
Diabetic foot screening: why is it neglected?
Authors: Abu‐Qamar Ma’en Zaid 
Published: September 2006

AbstractUnderstanding reasons for the neglect of foot screening during the annual review of people with diabetes enables the development of solutions for this omission. This study explores the reasons within the context of health care delivery systems in terms of the professional, social, political and economic aspects of this screening. Information was obtained through reviewing publications on diabetic foot and health care reform. The omission of annual foot examination for people with diabetes is attributed to the nature of diabetes‐related foot problems, people with diabetes, health care professionals and the current structure of health care delivery systems. Increasing the adherence to foot screening for those with diabetes requires short‐ and long‐term strategies. Short‐ and long‐term strategies for reminding patients and staff about foot screening are suggested.