bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Attitudes of research ethics board chairs towards disclosure of research results to participants: results of a national survey
Authors: MacNeil S Danielle , Fernandez Conrad V 
Published: August 2007

Background:The offer of aggregate study results to research participants following study completion is increasingly accepted as a means of demonstrating greater respect for participants. The attitudes of research ethics board (REB) chairs towards this practice, although integral to policy development, are unknown.Objectives:To determine the attitudes of REB chairs and the practices of REBs with respect to disclosure of results to research participants.Design:A postal questionnaire was distributed to the chairs of English-language university-based REBs in Canada. In total, 88 REB chairs were eligible. The questionnaire examined respondents’ attitudes towards offering participants completed study results, methods for delivering this information, and barriers to disclosing results.Findings:The response rate was 89.8%. Chairs were highly supportive (94.8%) of offering results to research participants. Only 19.5% of chairs responded that a policy or guideline that governed the return of research results to participants existed at their institution. Most chairs (72.0%) supported the idea of their REB instituting a set of guidelines recommending that researchers offer results to participants in a lay format. Chairs identified the major impediments to the implementation of programmes offering to return results to participants as being financial cost (57.5%) and retaining contact with research participants (78.1%).Conclusions:University-based REB chairs overwhelmingly support the offer of research results to participants. This is incongruent with the frequent lack of existing REB guidelines recommending this practice. REBs should support guidelines that diminish identified barriers and promote consistency in offering to return results.
Views of patients with heart failure about their role in the decision to start implantable cardioverter–defibrillator treatment: prescription rather than participation
Authors: Ågård Anders , Löfmark Rurik , Edvardsson Nils , Ekman Inger 
Published: August 2007

Background:There is a shortage of reports on what potential recipients of implantable cardioverter–defibrillators (ICDs) need to be informed about and what role they can and want to play in the decision-making process when it comes to whether or not to implant an ICD.Aims:To explore how patients with heart failure and previous episodes of malignant arrhythmia experience and view their role in the decision to initiate ICD treatment.Patients and methods:A qualitative content analysis of semistructured interviews was used. The study population consisted of 31 outpatients with moderate heart failure at the time of their first ICD implantation.Setting:The study was performed at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.Results:None of the respondents had discussed the alternative option of receiving treatment with anti-arrhythmic drugs, the estimated risk of a fatal arrhythmia, or the expected time of survival from heart failure in itself. Even so, very little criticism was directed at the lack of information or the lack of participation in the decision-making process. The respondents felt that they had to rely on the doctors’ recommendation when it comes to such a complex and important decision. None of them regretted implantation of the ICD.Conclusions:The respondents were confronted by a matter of fact. They needed an ICD and were given an offer they could not refuse, simply because life was precious to them. Being able to give well-informed consent seemed to be a matter of less importance for them.
The three official language versions of the Declaration of Helsinki: what’s lost in translation?
Authors: Carlson Robert V , van Ginneken Nadja H , Pettigrew Luisa M , Davies Alan , Boyd Kenneth M , Webb David J 
Published: August 2007

Background:The Declaration of Helsinki, the World Medical Association’s (WMA’s) statement of ethical guidelines regarding medical research, is published in the three official languages of the WMA: English, French and Spanish.Methods:A detailed comparison of the three official language versions was carried out to determine ways in which they differed and ways in which the wording of the three versions might illuminate the interpretation of the document.Results:There were many minor linguistic differences between the three versions. However, in paragraphs 1, 6, 29, 30 and in the note of clarification to paragraph 29, there were differences that could be considered potentially significant in their ethical relevance.Interpretation:Given the global status of the Declaration of Helsinki and the fact that it is translated from its official versions into many other languages for application to the ethical conduct of research, the differences identified are of concern. It would be best if such differences could be eliminated but, at the very least, a commentary to explain any differences that are unavoidable on the basis of language or culture should accompany the Declaration of Helsinki. This evidence further strengthens the case for international surveillance of medical research ethics as has been proposed by the WMA.
Low medically certified sickness absence among employees with poor health status predicts future health improvement: the Whitehall II study: Table 1
Authors: Kivimäki M , Ferrie J E , Shipley M J , Vahtera J , Singh-Manoux A , Marmot M G , Head J 
Published: August 2007

Background:High sickness absence is associated with poor health status, but it is not known whether low levels of sickness absence among people with poor health predict future health improvement.Objective:To examine the association between medically certified sickness absence and subsequent change in health among initially unhealthy employees.Methods:5210 employees (3762 men, 1448 women) whose self-rated health status remained stable (either good or poor) between data phases 1 and 2 were divided into three groups according to their rate of medically certified absences during this period (0 vs >0–5 vs >5 absence spells longer than 7 days per 10 person-years). Subsequent change in health status was determined by self-rated health at follow-up (phase 3).Results:After adjustment for age and sex, there was a strong contemporaneous association between lower sickness absence and better health status. Among participants reporting poor health, low absence was associated with subsequent improvement in health status (odds ratio 2.66, 95% CI 1.78 to 4.02 for no absence vs >5 certified spells per 10 years). This association was only partially explained by known existing morbidity, socioeconomic position and risk factors.Conclusions:Low levels of medically certified sickness absence seem to be associated with positive change in health status among employees in poor health. Further research is needed to examine whether lower sickness absence also marks a more favourable prognosis for specific diseases.
ON THE TENSOR PRODUCT OF AN ORIENTED QUANTUM ALGEBRA WITH ITSELF
Authors: RADFORD DAVID E. 
Published: August 2007

Let A be a finite-dimensional oriented quantum algebra over a field k There an oriented quantum algebra structure on A⊗A which is motivated by an algebra isomorphism of the quantum double D(A) with A⊗A when A has a factorizable Hopf algebra structure. We describe and study the oriented quantum algebra structure on A⊗A and work it out in detail when A = M 2(k) is the algebra of 2×2 matrices over k and has the oriented quantum algebra structure which gives rise to the Jones polynomial. The resulting 16×16 braiding matrix gives rise to a non-trivial ambient isotopy invariant of oriented links. Suppose that A is a finite-dimensional factorizable Hopf algebra over k and that the double D(A) has a ribbon element. Then the Hennings invariant of 3-manifolds is defined for D(A) and can be computed in a very natural way terms of an oriented quantum algebra structure on A⊗A. We supply details for future calculations which are developed in [2].
Endoscopic Management of Pancreatic Pseudocysts
Authors: Dohmoto M. , Rupp K. D. 
Published: August 2007

Recently, endoscopic interventional procedures were introduced for nonsurgical therapy of symptomatic pancreas pseudocysts. We reported 25 patients treated by endoscopic retrograde pancreas
drainage (ERPD), endoscopic cystogastrostomy (ECG), or endosopic cystoduodenostomy (ECD).ERPD was performed in 9 patients by placement of a 5 Fr. or 7 Fr. endoprosthesis transpapillary
into the cyst or the main pancreatic duct. ECG was carried out in 10 cases, in 7 of these, a double pigtail
catheter was additionally inserted. Three patients suffering from pseudocysts of the pancreas head
were treated by ECD. In a further 3 cases, ERPD and ECG were combined.All patients reported a dramatic reduction of pain with a simultaneous increase of appetite and
body weight. The drainage tubes were removed after disappearance of symptoms, and abnormal clinical
and endoscopic findings within 2 to 12 months. In 4 cases, a recurrence of the cyst was found 10
and 22 months later, in 3 cases the endoprostheses had to be renewed because of catheter occlusion
or dislocation. 2 patient underwent surgical treatment after insufficient endoscopic drainage due to
haemorrhage or recurrence.Endoscopic treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts yielded good results with low rates of recurrence
and complications. According to our experiences we think endoscopic interventional techniques will
oust surgery from its present dominant position in the next years.
Endoscopic CO2‐Laser Surgery for Vocal Cord Cancer
Authors: Czigner J. , Sávay L. 
Published: August 2007

A retrospective study is reported on endoscopic CO2‐laser microsurgery in 69 patients with histologically verified early vocal cord cancer. A flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscope (STORZ Co) was used for preoperative assessment and occasionally for postoperative follow‐up.Six years of experience with this technique have led to endoscopic cordectomy, previously not accepted as a therapeutic method alone, but which has become the favored method with use of the CO2
laser endoscopically. Laser surgery as a therapeutic endoscopic procedure provided successful treatment
of early vocal cord cancer in 59 (86%) of the 69 patients. The initial success rate together with
“salvage” treatment modalities reached 96% (66/69 patients).Endoscopic laser surgery resulted in a decrease in voice intensity and phonatory duration from
near normal to mildly abnormal. Voice preservation succeeded in 97% of all patients. Thus, the data
demonstrate that endoscopic laser surgery is a useful modem method of therapeutic endoscopy for
early vocal cord carcinoma.
Video‐Assisted Thoracoscopy is Superior to Standard Computer Tomography of the Thorax for Selection of Patients With Spontaneous Pneumothorax for Bullectomy
Authors: Janssen Julius P. , Golding Richard P. , Cuesta Miguel A. , Sutedja Thomas , Postmus Pieter E. 
Published: August 2007

Background: Spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) is a common disease of unknown cause often attributed to rupture of a subpleural bulla or bleb [in this study described as emphysema‐like changes (ELC)]. Treatment of SP varies from conservative (rest) to aggressive (surgery). Patients with bullae >2 cm diameter, found either by chest roentgenogram or during thoracoscopy, are often treated surgically (bullectomy and pleurectomy, or abrasion). Thoracoscopy is frequently used as the method of choice to select patients for surgery. With the recent introduction of video‐assisted thoracoscopy (VAT), it is now possible to combine a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure. However, to do this general anesthesia and a fully equipped operating theater are needed. Proper selection of patients for this costly and time‐consuming procedure is necessary. We evaluated whether standard computed tomography (CT) is appropriate for selection of patients with SP who are candidates for surgical intervention.Methods: In 43 patients with SP, CT was performed after re‐expanding the lung by suction through a chest tube if the lung was completely collapsed. After <48 hours VAT under general anesthesia was performed. All CT scans were scored by two investigators who were not informed about the VAT findings or the outcome of the patient. CT findings and VAT findings were compared.Results: In 16 patients (37%), CT scans of the affected lung were considered normal, while in 13 patients (30%) ELCs ≥2 cm were seen and in 14 patients (33%) ELCs <2 cm were found. VAT showed a normal lung in 11 patients (26%), in 24 patients ELCs ≥2 cm were seen, and in 8 patients ELCs <2 cm were present. Of these 32 patients, in 18 bullous degeneration of the apex of the upper lobe was found. Of the 24 patients with ELCs ≥2 cm detected during VAT, 13 were detected by CT. In no patient were ELCs ≥2 cm seen on CT scans that were not detected during VAT. The sensitivity of CT for ELCs ≥2 cm is 54%, and the specificity is 100%. The positive predictive value is 100%; the negative predictive value is 63%.Conclusions: CT detects ELCs ≥2 cm in 54% of the patients in whom VAT shows these abnormalities. If interventional therapy is deemed appropriate for first time or recurrent SP, VAT should be used since it is superior to CT in demonstrating the presence, number, and size of ELCs.
lmmuno Histochemical Profile of Endometrium in Patients With Genital Endometriosis
Authors: Mettler L. , Jürgensen A. , Volkov N. I. , Kulakov V. , Parwaresch M. R. 
Published: August 2007

The aim of present study was to investigate the occurence of different lymphocyte
subsets in the endometrium of endometriosis patients and in healthy women on every
day of the menstrual cycle with special emphasis to the proliferative activity of
endometrial cells with Ki‐S3 antibody. We also conducted immunohistochemical
studies of T‐lymphocytes, B‐lympho‐cytes, macrophages, natural‐killer‐cells and also
of antigens class II of the histocompatibility complex (HLA‐DR) during the different
phases of the menstrual cycle in endometriosis and non‐endometriosis patients.Endometrial lymphocyte subsets show equal quantity and distribution in endometriosis
patients and in the control group. After a peak in the early preoliferative phase
the absolute number of T‐lymphocytes decreases while a predominance of
T‐suppressor/cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes (CD8) compared to T‐helper/inducer lymphocytes
(CD4) occurs towards the end of the menstrual cycle.It can be concluded that endometrium as the potential parent epithelia of endometriotic
lesions seems not to be altered in its lymphatic cell content compared to healthy
women. Furthermore endometrium is clearly characterised as part of the mucosa
associated lymphatic tissue (MALT). T‐lymphocytes show specific quantitative
changes due to different phases of the menstrual cycle.
Thoracoscopy in Pleural Malignant Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Authors: Tassi G. F. , Marchetti G. P. , Fattibene F. , Chiodera P. L. 
Published: August 2007

On the basis of our personal experience in 70 cases (66 pleural effusions) observed
during the period January 1984‐ January 1996 we are here illustrating and discussing
the diagnostic role of thoracoscopy in malignant pleural mesothelioma.A histological diagnosis was achieved in 94.2% of cases. The endoscopic appearance
was clearly neoplastic (masses, nodules) in 53 patients (75.7%) and simply inflammatory
in 17 pachypleuritis in 13 (18.6%) and of diffuse hyperemia in 3 (5.7%). In all
cases fluid cytology (diagnostic yield: 18.5%) and needle biopsy (diagnostic yield
17.1%) were performed.The extension of pleural involvement (endoscopic staging according to Boutin) was
also determined. In 16 patients (22.8%) a parietal and diaphragmatic involvement
(stage Ia) was found. In 40 patients (57.2%) an associated visceral invasion (stage Ib).
In 14 cases (20%) a diffuse parietal, visceral and mediastinal extension (stage II).
The exam has always been well tolerated with few immediate complications: subcutaneous
emphysema (4 cases) and some negligeable parietal bleeding (2 cases).
Early Localization of Bronchogenic Cancerous/Precancerous Lesions With Lung Imaging Fluorescence Endoscope
Authors: Ikeda N. , Kim K. , Okunaka T. , Furukawa K. , Furuya T. , Saito M. , Konaka C. , Kato H. , Ebihara Y. 
Published: August 2007

The result of the clinical trial using the lung imaging fluorescence endoscope (LIFE) was reported. A total of 77 biopsy confirmed sites from 30 patients were evaluated. The sensitivity for metaplasia detection by the LIFE system was 96% compared to 28% by conventional bronchoscopy. The LIFE system was found to be useful in detecting subtle cancerous/precancerous lesions.Corrigendum to “Early Localization of Bronchogenic Cancerous/Precancerous Lesions With Lung Imaging Fluorescence Endoscope”dx.doi.org/10.1155/DTE.4.107
The Use of Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy During Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy With Laryngeal Mask
Authors: Rossi Maurizio , De Monti Marco , Sonnino Davide , Giacometti Bruno 
Published: August 2007

The aim of our research is to evaluate the advantage by the combined use of fiberoptic bronchoscopy and laryngeal mask during the performance of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy in an intensive care unit.Patients: 16 adult patients who were candidates to middle‐long term mechanical ventilation.Environment: Intensive Care Unit of a Community General Hospital.Results: We experienced 3 minor complications (2 minor bleedings and 1 neck emphysema). Difficulties were found in 3 patients with particular anatomical conformation (obese patients with short neck and limited mobility of the cervical spine).Conclusion: The combined use of fiberoptic tracheo‐bronchoscopy with the laryngeal mask permits a better endoscopic visualisation of the operatory field, providing a more secure and precise procedure.
Helicobacter Pylori Associated Antral Gastritis in Peptic Ulcer Disease Patients and Normal Healthy Population of Kashmir, India
Authors: Romshoo Gh. Jeelani , Malik G. M. , Bhat M. Youssuf , rather Ab. Rashid , Basu Javaid Ahmad , Qureshi Khursheed Ahmad 
Published: August 2007

Aim: To study the association of Helicobacter pylori infection with chronic antral
gastritis in peptic ulcer disease patients and healthy population of Kashmir.Methods: 50 peptic ulcer patients (duodenal ulcer = 46, gastric ulcer = 2 and combined
duodenal and gastric ulcer = 2) and 30 asymptomatic healthy volunteers were included in
this study. Peptic ulcer was diagnosed on endoscopic examination. 4–6 punch biopsies
were taken from gastric antrum in all the individuals and in case of gastric ulcer an
additional biopsy was taken from the edge of the ulcer to exclude its malignant nature.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) organism was diagnosed using three different test methods,
viz. Histology (using Giemsa Stain), Microbiology (Gram Stain) and Biochemistry
(using one minute Endoscopy Room Test). Histological diagnosis of H. pylori was taken
as the “gold standard” for the presence of H. pylori organism. Histological diagnosis of
gastritis was made using Hematoxylin and Eosin Stain and the gastritis was classified
as active chronic gastritis and superficial chronic gastritis.Results: Out of 30 peptic ulcer disease patients with associated antral gastritis, 27 (90%) were positive for H. pylori on histological examination (13 superficial chronic
gastritis and 14 active chronic gastritis) whereas out of 8 healthy volunteers with
histological evidence of chronic antral gastritis, H. pylori was observed in 7 individuals
(87.50%) (4 active chronic gastritis and 3 superficial chronic gastritis).Conclusion: A highly significant association between H. pylori infection with chronic
antral gastritis both in peptic ulcer disease patients and healthy volunteers of Kashmir
was found in this study. Association between H. pylori infection and chronic gastritis
was 90% in peptic ulcer group and 87.50% in healthy population (P < 0.005).
Video‐Assisted Thoracoscopy is Feasible Under Local Anesthesia
Authors: Smit Hans J. M. , Schramel Franz M. N. H. , Sutedja Tom G. , ter Laak-Uytenhaak Luud S. C. , Nannes-Pols Marjolein H. , Postmus Pieter E. 
Published: August 2007

Video‐assisted thoracoscopy (VAT) is usually performed under general anesthesia (GA). We performed an analysis to determine whether multithoracoport VAT under local anesthesia (LA) is feasible.Methods: Forty‐five VAT under LA were performed in 34 men and 11 women (mean age 46.8 years) in the endoscopy room.Results: The waiting time for VAT under LA was 0.5–6h on working days. There were no major complications during or after the VAT. In 9 patients, pleural malignancy was diagnosed, and in 7 patients suspected malignancy was excluded. In 5 patients we found bacterial empyema, of whom 4 had diathermic adhesiolysis during VAT. In 4 patients, the clinical diagnosis was tuberculosis by exclusion, and in 2 patients no conclusive diagnosis could be drawn. VAT influenced treatment policy 15 times, and in 17 pneumothorax patients talc poudrage was performed during the procedure.Conclusion: VAT under LA is safe, effective, logistically simple, and requires no long waiting times. No conversion to GA was necessary.
Gastroduodenal Morphology and Related Symptoms in Chronic Alcoholics
Authors: Hauge T. , Persson J. , Nilsson Å. 
Published: August 2007

Twenty‐four chronic alcoholics admitted to hospital for detoxification after a drinking spree were examined by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Biopsy specimens were taken from corpus/fundus, antrum and duodenum for tissue histology (eosin stain). From the duodenum villus index and ultrastructure (scanning electron microscopy, SEM) were also performed. As a control group 12 subjectively healthy non‐alcoholics referred to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy mainly for dyspepsia were chosen.Gastrointestinal symptoms were common in alcoholics (88%). Endoscopic and histological gastroduodenitis were not more common in the alcohol group. There was no correlation between gastrointestinal symptoms and endoscopic or histological gastroduodenitis in both groups. In the duodenum, 50% of the alcoholics and 82% in the control group had alterations by scanning electron microscopy. Ten of the 11 alcoholics with an abnormal ultrastructure had diarrhoea. In the control group dyspepsia (ulcus suspect) was correlated to a pathological SEM.
Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Endoscopic Biopsy Specimens of Gastric Cancer: A Preliminary Evaluation in a High Risk Population of Kashmir Valley
Authors: Malik G. M. , Kadla S. , Mubarik M. , Hussain T. , Jeelani G. , Basu J. , Rashid S. , Ahmad M. , Nafee A. , Khan A. R. 
Published: August 2007

Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of Helicobacter
pylori (H. pylori) infection in Kashmiri patients with gastric cancer and to compare this
with a matched control population.Methods: Fifty patients with gastric cancer and thirty age/sex matched controls were
included in the study. All the subjects were hailing from Kashmir Valley. For detection
of H. pylori, biopsy specimens were used both from cases and controls.Results: An insignificant association was shown between H. pylori and both intestinal
and diffuse type of gastric cancer.Conclusions: The data provides support against the significant association between
H. pylori and gastric cancer in this part of world, a place where the age standardized
incidence of gastric cancer is alarmingly high. We conclude that other factors like
personal and special dietary habits of Kashmiri population may be more important for
the development of gastric cancer.