bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of homeopathy on analgesic intake following knee ligament reconstruction: a phase III monocentre randomized placebo controlled study
Authors: Paris A. , Gonnet N. , Chaussard C. , Belon P. , Rocourt F. , Saragaglia D. , Cracowski J. L. 
Published: August 2007

What is already known about this subject • The efficacy of homeopathy is still under debate and a recent meta‐analysis recommended further randomized double‐blind clinical trials to identify any clinical situation in which homeopathy might be effective. What this study adds • The complex of homeopathy tested in this study (Arnica montana 5 CH, Bryonia alba 5 CH, Hypericum perforatum 5 CH and Ruta graveolens 3 DH) is not superior to placebo in reducing 24 h morphine consumption after knee ligament reconstruction.Aims The efficacy of homeopathy is still under debate. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of homeopathic treatment (Arnica montana 5 CH, Bryonia alba 5 CH, Hypericum perforatum 5 CH and Ruta graveolens 3 DH) on cumulated morphine intake delivered by PCA over 24 h after knee ligament reconstruction.Methods This was an add‐on randomized controlled study with three parallel groups: a double‐blind homeopathic or placebo arm and an open‐label noninterventional control arm. Eligible patients were 18–60 years old candidates for surgery of the anterior cruciate ligament. Treatment was administered the evening before surgery and continued for 3 days. The primary end‐point was cumulated morphine intake delivered by PCA during the first 24 h inferior or superior/equal to 10 mg day−1.Results One hundred and fifty‐eight patients were randomized (66 in the placebo arm, 67 in the homeopathic arm and 25 in the noninterventional group). There was no difference between the treated and the placebo group for primary end‐point (mean (95% CI) 48% (35.8, 56.3), and 56% (43.7, 68.3), required less than 10 mg day−1 of morphine in each group, respectively). The homeopathy treatment had no effect on morphine intake between 24 and 72 h or on the visual analogue pain scale, or on quality of life assessed by the SF‐36 questionnaire. In addition, these parameters were not different in patients enrolled in the open‐label noninterventional control arm.Conclusions The complex of homeopathy tested in this study was not superior to placebo in reducing 24 h morphine consumption after knee ligament reconstruction.
Plant traits relate to whole‐community litter quality and decomposition following land use change
Authors: QUESTED H. , ERIKSSON O. , FORTUNEL C. , GARNIER E. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryGiven the speed and extent of changes in vegetation as a result of human activity, there is a need to investigate ways in which individual species’ impacts on ecosystem processes can be generalized and scaled‐up to the community level.We focus on linking community functional parameters (mean of the traits of the plants in the community, weighted using four different methods) with litter chemistry and decomposition, in a chronosequence of currently managed and abandoned semi‐natural grasslands in southern Sweden.Changes in plant community composition with age since abandonment were reflected in community functional parameters: as expected, aggregated specific leaf area (SLA) declined, and aggregated leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and leaf carbon : nitrogen ratio (C : N) increased with plot age.Several litter chemistry indices were closely linked with plant traits at the community level; in particular, community aggregated LDMC was correlated with the lignin and fibre content of the community litter.Aggregated LDMC stood out as the trait most closely linked to community litter decomposition. This relationship was consistent across all three incubation periods (by which time up toc.70% mass loss had occurred) and as strong as that between the best single chemical index of litter quality (lignin : N ratio) and litter mass loss.Mass loss of whole community litter, incubated in its plot of origin, was related to mass loss of the same litter incubated under standard conditions, but not to decomposition of a standard substrate, indicating dominant substrate quality control over decomposition.This study demonstrates the potential of the traits of living plants as a tool to link changes in species composition with ecosystem processes at the community level.
Fracture strength of bovine incisors after intra‐radicular treatment with MTA in an experimental immature tooth model
Authors: Bortoluzzi E. A. , Souza E. M. , Reis J. M. S. N. , Esberard R. M. , Tanomaru‐Filho M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAim  To evaluate, using an experimental immature tooth model, the fracture resistance of bovine incisors submitted to different reinforcement treatments with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA).Methodology  An immature tooth model was created by sectioning the coronal and apical portions of 40 bovine incisors 8 mm above and 12 mm below the cementoenamel junction. The root canals were irrigated with 1.0% sodium hypochlorite. They were enlarged both coronally and apically using number 703 carbide burs (ISO: 500–104‐168‐007‐021) and their internal diameter was standardized to 2.1 mm. The specimens were assigned to four groups (n = 10): GI‐control (without filling); GII‐apical MTA plug + filling with gutta‐percha and endodontic sealer; GIII‐filling with MTA; GIV‐apical MTA plug + filling with MTA + metallic post (Reforpost I). A polyether impression material was used to simulate the periodontal ligament. The specimens were submitted to a compressive load at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm min−1 in a servo‐hydraulic universal testing machine (MTS 810) applied at 45° to the long axis of the tooth until failure. Data were submitted to statistical analysis by the Kruskal–Wallis test at 5% significance level.Results  GIV presented the highest fracture resistance (32.7N) and differed significantly from the other groups (P < 0.05). No statistically difference was found between GII (16.6N) and GIII (23.4N) (P > 0.05). GIII had a significantly higher fracture resistance than GI (P < 0.05).Conclusions  The use of MTA + metallic post as an intra‐radicular reinforcement treatment increased the resistance to fracture of weakened bovine teeth in an experimental immature tooth model.
Nonexercise activity thermogenesis – liberating the life‐force
Authors: Levine J. A. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObesity occurs when energy intake exceeds energy expenditure over a protracted period of time. The energy expenditure associated with everyday activity is called NEAT (Nonexercise activity thermogenesis). NEAT varies between two people of similar size by 2000 kcal day−1 because of people’s different occupations and leisure‐time activities. Data support the central hypothesis that NEAT is pivotal in the regulation of human energy expenditure and body weight regulation and that NEAT is important for understanding the cause and effective treatment for obesity.
Numerical study of sediment transport above rippled beds under the action of combined waves and currents
Authors: LI MING , O'CONNOR BRIAN A. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractTo study sediment suspension above ripples under the combined action of waves and currents, a three‐dimensional numerical model has been developed based on the use of FLUENT software, and an external sediment transport model. The computer model has been tested against laboratory measurements involving oscillatory wave motion, as well as cases of co‐linear waves with following and opposing currents, with satisfactory results. Compared with the situation in which only waves are present (called waves‐alone cases), the effects from the steady current on both vortex shedding and sediment suspension above ripples have clearly been revealed by the model results. In particular, the vortices generated in combined waves and currents tend to stay low in the trough area of the ripple and are ejected earlier than those in the waves‐alone case at both the ripple crest and trough, which leads to concentration peaks at different phases and with different magnitudes. The model was also applied to a field case from a multi‐barred, dissipative beach at Egmond‐an‐Zee, in the Netherlands, to investigate the influences of a long‐shore current on cross‐shore sediment transport. The model results show reasonable overall agreement with the field measurements, as well as the important effects of the three dimensional flow structure on the sediment entrainment process close to the ripple surface, which is very difficult to observe in such detail in field studies.
Plasma levels of endothelin‐1 after a pulmonary embolism of bone marrow fat
Authors: Krebs J. , Ferguson S. J. , Nuss K. , Leskosek B. , Hoerstrup S. P. , Goss B. G. , Shaw S. , Aebli Nikolaus 
Published: August 2007

Background:  During orthopedic surgery, embolization of bone marrow fat can lead to potentially fatal, intra‐operative cardiovascular deterioration. Vasoactive mediators may also be released from the bone marrow and contribute to these changes. Increased plasma levels of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) have been observed after pulmonary air and thrombo‐embolism. The role of ET‐1 in the development of acute cardiovascular deterioration as a result of bone marrow fat embolization during vertebroplasty was therefore investigated.Methods:  Bone cement was injected into three lumbar vertebrae of six sheep in order to force bone marrow fat into the circulation. Invasive blood pressures and heart rate were recorded continuously until 60 min after the last injection. Cardiac output, arterial and mixed venous blood gas parameters and plasma ET‐1 concentrations were measured at selected time points. Post‐mortem, lung biopsies were taken for analysis of intravascular fat.Results:  Cement injections resulted in a sudden (within 1 min) and severe increase in pulmonary arterial pressure (>100%). Plasma concentrations of ET‐1 started to increase after the second injection, but no significant changes were observed. Intravascular fat and bone marrow cells were present in all lung lobes.Conclusion:  Cement injections into vertebral bodies elicited fat embolism resulting in subsequent cardiovascular changes that were characterized by an increase in pulmonary arterial pressure. Cardiovascular complications as a result of bone marrow fat embolism should thus be considered in patients undergoing vertebroplasty. No significant changes in ET‐1 plasma values were observed. Thus, ET‐1 did not contribute to the acute cardiovascular changes after fat embolism.
Effects of thoracic epidural anaesthesia on pulmonary venous admixture and oxygenation during one‐lung ventilation
Authors: ÖZcan P. E. , ŞEntürk M. , Sungur Ulke Z. , Toker A. , Dilege Ş. , Ozden E. , ÇAmci E. 
Published: August 2007

Background:  In this clinical randomized study, the effects of four anaesthesia techniques during one‐lung ventilation [total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with or without thoracic epidural anaesthesia (TEA) (G‐TIVA‐TEA and G‐TIVA), isoflurane anaesthesia with or without TEA (G‐ISO‐TEA and G‐ISO)] on pulmonary venous admixture (Qs/Qt) and oxygenation (OLV) were investigated.Methods:  In 100 patients (four groups, 25 patients in each) undergoing thoracotomy, a thoracic epidural catheter was inserted pre‐operatively. In G‐TIVA‐TEA and G‐ISO‐TEA, bupivacaine 0.1% + 0.1 mg/ml morphine was administered intra‐operatively (10 ml of first bolus + 7 ml/h infusion). Propofol infusion or isoflurane concentration was adjusted to keep a bispectral index (BIS) of between 40 and 50 in all groups. FiO2 was 0.8 during OLV and 0.5 before and after OLV. Partial arterial and central venous oxygen pressures (PaO2 and PvO2), arterial and venous oxygen saturations and Qs/Qt values were recorded before, during and after OLV.Results:  During OLV, PaO2 was significantly higher and Qs/QT significantly lower in G‐TIVA‐TEA and G‐TIVA compared with G‐ISO‐TEA and G‐ISO (PaO2: 188 ± 36; 201 ± 39; 159 ± 33; 173 ± 42 mmHg, respectively; Qs/Qt: 31.2 ± 7.4; 28.2 ± 7; 36.7 ± 7.1; 33.7 ± 7.7%, respectively). No statistical changes were observed in patients with TEA compared with without TEA in any measurement.Conclusion:  During OLV, TEA does not significantly affect the oxygenation and Qs/Qt and can be used safely regardless of whether TIVA or inhalation techniques are used.
Levosimendan improves the initial outcome of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a swine model of cardiac arrest
Authors: Koudouna E. , Xanthos T. , Bassiakou E. , Goulas S. , Lelovas P. , Papadimitriou D. , Tsirikos N. , Papadimitriou L. 
Published: August 2007

Background:  Cardiac arrest remains the leading cause of death in Western societies. Advanced Life Support guidelines propose epinephrine (adrenaline) for its treatment. The aim of this study was to assess whether a calcium sensitizer agent, such as levosimendan, administered in combination with epinephrine during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, would improve the initial resuscitation success.Methods:  Ventricular fibrillation was induced in 20 Landrace/Large‐White piglets, and left untreated for 8 min. Resuscitation was then attempted with precordial compressions, mechanical ventilation and electrical defibrillation. The animals were randomized into two groups (10 animals each): animals in Group A received saline as placebo (10 ml dilution, bolus) + epinephrine (0.02 mg/kg), and animals in Group B received levosimendan (0.012 mg/kg/10 ml dilution, bolus) + epinephrine (0.02 mg/kg) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Electrical defibrillation was attempted after 10 min of ventricular fibrillation.Results:  Four animals in Group A showed restoration of spontaneous circulation and 10 in Group B (P = 0.011). The coronary perfusion pressure, saturation of peripheral oxygenation and brain regional oxygen saturation were significantly higher during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in Group B.Conclusions:  A calcium sensitizer agent, when administered during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, significantly improves initial resuscitation success and increases coronary perfusion pressure during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Disturbances in melatonin and core body temperature circadian rhythms after minimal invasive surgery
Authors: Gögenur I. , Middleton B. , Kristiansen V. B. , Skene D. J. , Rosenberg J. 
Published: August 2007

Background:  Sleep disturbances, fatigue and reduced general well‐being frequently occur after minimal invasive surgery. The circadian rhythms of melatonin and core body temperature are central to the regulation of normal sleep. The aim of this study was to assess changes in these circadian rhythms after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Methods:  Twelve women were studied before and after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The major urinary melatonin metabolite, 6‐sulphatoxymelatonin (aMT6s), and the core body temperature were measured for 1 day before and 1 day after surgery. The basal and maximum secretion of aMT6s were determined, as well as the timing and amplitude of aMT6s and the temperature rhythm. The patients’ rest–activity and calculated sleep parameters were assessed by actigraphy.Results:  A significant delay in the timing of aMT6s rhythm was observed after surgery [median (range) peak time of aMT6s: after surgery, 05:49 h (02:57–08:23 h); before surgery, 04:32 h (02:18–06:49 h); P≤ 0.05]. The amplitude of the aMT6s rhythm was also significantly decreased after surgery [after surgery, 7.1 ng aMT6s/mg creatinine (1–15.9 ng); before surgery, 13.2 ng aMT6s/mg creatinine (2.9–22.7 ng); P≤ 0.005]. There was almost a12‐h phase delay of the core body temperature rhythm after surgery [peak time: before surgery, 17:39 h (15:17–22:06 h); after surgery, 05:14 h (03:24–21:43 h); P≤ 0.01].Conclusions:  Following laparoscopic cholecystectomy, there was a delay in the timing of the aMT6s rhythm and a decreased evening decline in the temperature rhythm.
Laminar organization of spinal dorsal horn neurones activated by C‐ vs. A‐heat nociceptors and their descending control from the periaqueductal grey in the rat
Authors: Koutsikou Stella , Parry Dilys M. , MacMillan Frankie M. , Lumb Bridget M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe periaqueductal grey can differentially control A‐ vs. C‐nociceptor‐evoked spinal reflexes and deep spinal dorsal horn neuronal responses. However, little is known about the control of A‐ vs. C‐fibre inputs to lamina I and the lateral spinal nucleus, and how this correlates with the control of deeper laminae. To address this, the laminar distributions of neurones expressing Fos‐like immunoreactivity were determined following preferential activation of A‐ or C‐heat nociceptors, using fast or slow rates of skin heating, respectively, in the absence or presence of descending control evoked from the periaqueductal grey. In lamina I, numbers of Fos‐positive neurones following both fast and slow rates of skin heating were reduced significantly following activation in the ventrolateral and dorsolateral/lateral periaqueductal grey. In contrast, in the deep dorsal horn (laminae III–VI), activation in both the ventrolateral and dorsolateral/lateral periaqueductal grey significantly reduced the numbers of Fos‐positive neurones evoked by C‐ but not A‐nociceptor stimulation. C‐ but not A‐heat nociceptor activation evoked Fos bilaterally in the lateral spinal nucleus. Stimulation in the ventrolateral but not the dorsolateral/lateral periaqueductal grey significantly increased the numbers of Fos‐positive neurones evoked by A‐ and C‐nociceptor stimulation bilaterally in the lateral spinal nucleus. These data have demonstrated differences in the descending control of the superficial vs. the deep dorsal horn and lateral spinal nucleus with respect to the processing of A‐ and C‐fibre‐evoked events. The data are discussed in relation to the roles of A‐ and C‐nociceptors in acute and chronic pain.
Enhanced affective brain representations of chocolate in cravers vs. non‐cravers
Authors: Rolls Edmund T. , McCabe Ciara 
Published: August 2007

AbstractTo examine the neural circuitry involved in food craving, in making food particularly appetitive and thus in driving wanting and eating, we used fMRI to measure the response to the flavour of chocolate, the sight of chocolate and their combination in cravers vs. non‐cravers. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analyses showed that the sight of chocolate produced more activation in chocolate cravers than non‐cravers in the medial orbitofrontal cortex and ventral striatum. For cravers vs. non‐cravers, a combination of a picture of chocolate with chocolate in the mouth produced a greater effect than the sum of the components (i.e. supralinearity) in the medial orbitofrontal cortex and pregenual cingulate cortex. Furthermore, the pleasantness ratings of the chocolate and chocolate‐related stimuli had higher positive correlations with the fMRI blood oxygenation level‐dependent signals in the pregenual cingulate cortex and medial orbitofrontal cortex in the cravers than in the non‐cravers. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that there are differences between cravers and non‐cravers in their responses to the sensory components of a craved food in the orbitofrontal cortex, ventral striatum and pregenual cingulate cortex, and that in some of these regions the differences are related to the subjective pleasantness of the craved foods. Understanding individual differences in brain responses to very pleasant foods helps in the understanding of the mechanisms that drive the liking for specific foods and thus intake of those foods.
Evaluation of a radiographer‐provided barium enema service
Authors: Law R. L. , Titcomb D. R. , Carter H. , Longstaff A. J. , Slack N. , Dixon A. R. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAim  Radiographers performed and reported 5516 double contrast barium enemas (RDCBEs) over 4 years to October 2001. This study was undertaken to assess the accuracy of RDCBE and the sensitivity for diagnosing colorectal cancer (CRC).Method  A total of 224 consecutive outpatient RDCBEs were reported; normal (C1), diverticulosis (C2), diverticulosis with filling defect (C3), diverticulosis & other pathology (C4) and abnormal (C5). RDCBEs were then reported by a radiologist (AL, NS) and the two reports compared. Of 450 CRCs, 153 had undergone DCBE; 152 RDCBEs. Reports were analysed to establish concurrence between radiographer and radiologist and final CRC diagnosis.Results  By category: C1 – 37%, C2 – 31%, C3 – 21%, C4 – 11%, C5 – 0%. C4s included polyps (50%), cancer (12.5%), disrupted anastomosis (8%) and colitis (4%). There was no discrepancy between RDCBE and radiologist reports. Radiology and CRC diagnosis agreed in 145 of 152 DCBEs. There were three exclusions: DCBEs occurred outside the study period (2), one only with raised possibility of malignancy. Of eight remaining RDCBEs, seven were false negatives and one false positive. Sensitivity score for RDCBE was 94.5%. Double reporting by a radiologist did not improve sensitivity.Conclusion  RDCBEs are as accurate as those performed by radiologists and have a very high sensitivity for CRC. In a time of ever increasing demands for complex staging investigations for CRC and interventional radiology, the ACPGBI needs to reconsider its guidelines on radiographers not only performing but also reporting DCBE.
Was It Something I Ate? Implementation of the FDA Seafood HACCP Program
Authors: Alberini Anna , Lichtenberg Erik , Mancini Dominic , Galinato Gregmar I. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractWe develop a theoretical model of enforcement and compliance under HACCP regulation and use the FDA's seafood inspection records to examine: (1) if the FDA has targeted its inspections under HACCP regulation; (2) the effects of inspections on compliance with HACCP and plant sanitation standards; and (3) the relationship between compliance with HACCP and preexisting sanitation standards. There is some evidence of targeting based on product risk, but not on past compliance performance. The threat of an inspection increases the likelihood of compliance, but only for sanitation inspections, not for HACCP. HACCP compliance does not improve compliance with sanitation standards.
Domestic Support and Border Measures for Processed Horticultural Products
Authors: Rickard Bradley J. , Sumner Daniel A. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractIn horticultural markets, trade barriers often apply to the processed products whereas domestic support applies to farm‐produced raw commodities. Here we assess the effects of such trade barriers and domestic support by simulating the effects of policy reform on global processing tomato markets, which are faced with modest processed product tariffs and high domestic support in the European Union (EU). Both protection and EU subsidy drive down world welfare, but we find that reducing import tariffs for tomato products would yield greater effects on markets and larger welfare impacts outside Europe than would reductions in EU domestic support.
Farmers' Health Insurance and Access to Health Care
Authors: Zheng Xiaoyong , Zimmer David M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractWe estimate farmers' health care consumption given their insurance status, explicitly taking into account the possible endogeneity of insurance. Data come from the 1996–2001 waves of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey conducted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Results show that farmers have problems accessing affordable health insurance coverage, and these access problems lead to an overall reduction in the utilization of health care services by uninsured farmers. After controlling for selection, we observe quantitatively large and statistically significant direct effects of uninsurance on the utilization of health care services.