bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Octenidine HCl on Liver Tissue: Could It Be an Alternative Scolicidal for Hidatid Disease?
Authors: Arikan Yüksel , Akbulut Gökhan , Sahin Dursun Ali , Dilek Fatma Hüsniye , Saykol Volkan , Dilek Osman Nuri 
Published: April 2007

AbstractOctenidine HCl is new topical antiseptic solution for wounds and abdominal washing that has been found to be highly effective for inactivating scolices in an in vitro study. However, the effects of octenidine HCl on the liver are not yet known. The aim of this study was to determine if there are any histopathologic changes after injecting octenidine HCl into the liver. A group of 50 male Sprague‐Dawley rats were included in the study and randomly divided into five groups of 10 rats each, as follows: sham group; 0.09% NaCl group; 20% NaCl group; undiluted octenidine HCl group; 1% octenidine HCl group. The scolicidal agents (0.3 ml) were directly injected into the left lobe of the liver (except in the sham group). At 3 and 7 days after the injection, the rats were sacrificed, and the left lobe of the liver was harvested. Liver tissue was scored for degree of necrosis and the diameter of the necrosis examined under light microscopy. The highest scores were found in the undiluted octenidine HCl group, although a similar effect was observed in the 20% NaCl group. There was no necrosis in the sham group, the 0.09% NaCl group, or the 1% octenidine HCl group. All of the injury was coagulation‐type necrosis. No mortality was observed throughout the study. The 1% octenidine HCl solution could thus be used as a scolicidal agent in liver tissue, whereas the undiluted form of octenidine and 20% NaCl solutions were shown to cause necrosis when directly injected into liver tissue in our animal model.
Building contexts that support effective community responses to HIV/AIDS: a South African case study
Authors: Campbell Catherine , Nair Yugi , Maimane Sbongile 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn this paper we discuss our conceptualisation of a ‘health‐enabling social environment’, and some of the strategies we are currently using to build social contexts most likely to support effective HIV/AIDS management in southern Africa. In developing these ideas, we draw on our on‐going collaboration with residents of Entabeni, a remote rural community in South Africa where 43% of pregnant women are HIV positive. The aim of this collaboration is to facilitate contextual changes that will enable more effective community‐led HIV/AIDS management in an isolated area where people have little or no access to formal health or welfare support, and where HIV/AIDS is heavily stigmatised. We give an account of the three phases of collaboration to date. These include research; the dissemination of findings and community consultation about the way forward; preliminary project activities (skills training for volunteer health workers; partnership building and a youth rally) as a way of illustrating what we believe are six key strategies for facilitating the development of ‘AIDS‐competent’ communities: building knowledge and basic skills; creating social spaces for dialogue and critical thinking; promoting a sense of local ownership of the problem and incentives for action; emphasising community strengths and resources; mobilising existing formal and informal local networks; and building partnerships between marginalized communities and more powerful outside actors and agencies, locally, nationally and internationally. We discuss some of the triumphs and trials of this work, concluding with a discussion of the need to set realistic goals when working at the community level in highly conservative patriarchal communities to tackle problems which may be shaped by economic and political processes over which local people have little control.
Influence of scattering processes on electron quantum states in nanowires
Authors: Pozdnyakov Dmitry , Galenchik Vadim , Borzdov Andrei , Borzdov Vladimir , Komarov Fadei 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
In the framework of quantum perturbation theory the self-consistent method of calculation of electron scattering rates in nanowires with the one-dimensional electron gas in the quantum limit is worked out. The developed method allows both the collisional broadening and the quantum correlations between scattering events to be taken into account. It is an alternativeper se to the Fock approximation for the self-energy approach based on Green’s function formalism. However this approach is free of mathematical difficulties typical to the Fock approximation. Moreover, the developed method is simpler than the Fock approximation from the computational point of view. Using the approximation of stable one-particle quantum states it is proved that the electron scattering processes determine the dependence of electron energy versus its wave vector.
Pronounced improvement in systolic and diastolic ventricular long axis function after treatment with metoprolol
Authors: Sveälv Bente Grüner , Täng Margareta Scharin , Waagstein Finn , Andersson Bert 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground:Although it is well known that left ventricular (LV) function improves after treatment with beta‐blockers in heart failure, little attention has been paid to the effects on LV long axis (LAX) function.Aims:To evaluate LV LAX function after treatment with metoprolol, and to assess whether LV LAX contractile reserve could predict future long‐term improvement.Methods:Twenty‐four heart failure patients were randomised to metoprolol or placebo for 6 months, followed by 6 months of open treatment with metoprolol. Rest and dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) was performed before and after each treatment period.Results:After treatment with metoprolol, LV LAX function improved significantly, systolic velocity from 29±8 to 32±15 mm/s, p<0.01 (metoprolol) vs. 28±7 to 28±11 mm/s, ns (placebo); atrioventricular plane fractional shortening (AVP‐FS) from 5.4±2.1 to 7.4±2.7%, p< 0.001 (metoprolol) vs. 5.9±2.1 to 5.8±2.9%, ns (placebo). The improvement in function was maintained during DSE. LV LAX contractile reserve could not predict treatment response; the treatment effect on LV LAX function was significantly greater than the contractile reserve at baseline. The relative improvement in LV LAX function after metoprolol was 38%, compared with a 20% improvement in LV ejection fraction (EF).ConclusionA significant improvement in LV LAX function was observed after treatment with metoprolol. AVP‐FS and systolic velocities increased significantly, and to a greater extent than LVEF.
Induction of labor on request in a resource‐poor setting
Authors: Chigbu C.O. , Ezeome I.V. , Okezie A.O. , Oyefara B. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjective: To determine the prevalence of and reasons for induction of labor on maternal request in a setting where aversion to induction of labor is the norm. Method: Women undergoing induction of labor on maternal request at three maternity centers in Enugu, Nigeria were interviewed by means of pre‐tested self‐administered questionnaires. The outcomes of labor in these women were also compared with those of a control group consisting of women who had induction of labor for medical reasons. Results: The prevalence of induction of labor on maternal request was 7.4%. Maternal convenience was the commonest reason for request induction. The outcomes of labor were similar between the subjects and their controls. Conclusion: Nigerian women are beginning to request induction of labor without medical indications and have comparable outcomes with those who have medical indications. There is need for appropriate regulatory guidelines.
The effects of concentrated barley β-glucan on blood lipids in a population of hypercholesterolaemic men and women
Authors: Keenan Joseph M. , Goulson Melanie , Shamliyan Tatyana , Knutson Nathan , Kolberg Lore , Curry Leslie 
Published: April 2007

Barley, like oats, is a rich source of the soluble fibre β-glucan, which has been shown to significantly lower LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C). However, barley foods have been less widely studied. Therefore, we evaluated the LDL-C-lowering effect of a concentrated barley β-glucan (BBG) extract as a vehicle to deliver this potential health benefit of barley. In a 10-week blinded controlled study, subjects were randomized to one of four treatment groups or control. Treatment groups included either high molecular weight (HMW) or low molecular weight (LMW) BBG at both 3 and 5 g doses. Treatment was delivered twice per day with meals in the form of two functional food products: a ready-to-eat cereal and a reduced-calorie fruit juice beverage. Levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), and TAG were determined at baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment. The study group comprised 155 subjects. All treatments were well tolerated and after 6 weeks of treatment the mean LDL-C levels fell by 15 % in the 5 g HMW group, 13 % in the 5 g LMW group and 9 % in both the 3 g/d groups, versus baseline. Similar results were observed for total cholesterol. HDL-C levels were unchanged by treatment. Concentrated BBG significantly improves LDL-C and total cholesterol among moderately dyslipidaemic subjects. Food products containing concentrated BBG should be considered an effective option for improving blood lipids.
REACHING PROVIDERS IS NOT ENOUGH TO INCREASE IUD USE: A FACTORIAL EXPERIMENT OF ‘ACADEMIC DETAILING’ IN KENYA
Authors: WESSON JENNIFER , OLAWO ALICE , BUKUSI VIOLET , SOLOMON MARSDEN , PIERRE-LOUIS BOSNY , STANBACK JOHN , JANOWITZ BARBARA 
Published: April 2007

SummaryAlthough the IUD is an extremely effective and low-cost contraceptive method, its use has declined sharply in Kenya in the past 20 years. A study tested the effectiveness of an outreach intervention to family planning providers and community-based distribution (CBD) agents in promoting use of the IUD in western Kenya. Forty-five public health clinics were randomized to receive the intervention for providers only, for CBD agents only, for both providers and CBD agents, or no detailing at all. The intervention is based on pharmaceutical companies’ ‘detailing’ models and included education/motivation visits to providers and CBD programmes, as well as provision of educational and promotional materials. District health supervisors were given updates on contraceptives, including the IUD, and were trained in communication and message development prior to making their detailing visits. Detailing only modestly increased the provision of IUDs, and only when both providers and CBD agents were targeted. The two detailing visits do not appear sufficient to sustain the effect of the intervention or to address poor provider attitudes and lack of technical skills. The cost per 3·5 years of pregnancy protection was US$49·57 for the detailing intervention including the cost of the IUD, compared with US$15·19 for the commodity costs of the current standard of care – provision of the injectable contraceptive depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). The effectiveness of provider-based activities is amplified when concurrent demand creation activities are carried out. However, the cost of the detailing in comparison to the small number of IUDs inserted indicates that this intervention is not cost-effective.
Two-point similarity in temporally evolving plane wakes
Authors: EWING D. , GEORGE W. K. , ROGERS M. M. , MOSER R. D. 
Published: April 2007

The governing equations for the two-point correlations of the turbulent fluctuating velocity in the temporally evolving wake were analysed to determine whether they could have equilibrium similarity solutions. It was found that these equations could have such solutions for a finite-Reynolds-number wake, where the two-point velocity correlations could be written as a product of a time-dependent scale and a function dependent only on similarity variables. It is therefore possible to collapse the two-point measures of all the scales of motions in the temporally evolving wake using a single set of similarity variables. As in an earlier single-point analysis, it was found that the governing equations for the equilibrium similarity solutions could not be reduced to a form that was independent of a growth-rate dependent parameter. Thus, there is not a single ‘universal’ solution that describes the state of the large-scale structures, so that the large-scale structures in the far field may depend on how the flow is generated.The predictions of the similarity analysis were compared to the data from two direct numerical simulations of the temporally evolving wakes examined previously. It was found that the two-point velocity spectra of these temporally evolving wakes collapsed reasonably well over the entire range of scales when they were scaled in the manner deduced from the equilibrium similarity analysis. Thus, actual flows do seem to evolve in a manner consistent with the equilibrium similarity solutions.
Lock-exchange flows in sloping channels
Authors: BIRMAN V. K. , BATTANDIER B. A. , MEIBURG E. , LINDEN P. F. 
Published: April 2007

Two-dimensional variable-density Navier–Stokes simulations have been conducted in order to investigate the effects of a slope on the classical lock-exchange flow. Simulations of full lock releases show that the flow goes through an initial quasi-steady phase that is characterized by a constant front velocity. This quasi-steady front velocity has a maximum for slope angles around 40°, and it persists up to a dimensionless time of the order of 10. The flow subsequently undergoes a transition to a second phase with a larger, unsteady, front velocity. These computational findings were confirmed by experimental observations of lock-exchange flows in a tube of circular cross-section.The reason for the observed transition from a quasi-steady front velocity to a larger, unsteady, value is found in the continuous acceleration of the stratified fluid layers connecting the two fronts by the streamwise component of the gravity vector. This acceleration leads to a situation where the fluid layers behind the current front move faster than the front itself. Initially the resulting addition of fluid to the current front from behind affects only the size of the front, while its velocity remains unchanged. Eventually, the current front is unable to absorb more fluid from behind and its velocity has to increase, thereby triggering the transition to the second, unsteady, phase. The transition time is determined as a function of the slope and the density ratio of the two fluids. For increasing density contrast, the transition is seen to occur earlier for the denser current.Conceptually simple models based on the analysis by Thorpe (1968) are compared with simulation results for the flow in the region connecting the fronts. For the early stages of the flow a two-layer stratification model is found to be appropriate, while the later stages require a three-layer stratification model, owing to the intense mixing in the central part of the channel cross-section. These models are employed to estimate the time after which the accelerating stratified fluid layers will affect the velocities of the current fronts. They provide upper and lower estimates for the transition time which are in good agreement with the simulation results.
Elliptic instability in a strained Batchelor vortex
Authors: LACAZE LAURENT , RYAN KRIS , LE DIZÈS STÉPHANE 
Published: April 2007

The elliptic instability of a Batchelor vortex subject to a stationary strain field is considered by theoretical and numerical means in the regime of large Reynolds number and small axial flow. In the theory, the elliptic instability is described as a resonant coupling of two quasi-neutral normal modes (Kelvin modes) of the Batchelor vortex of azimuthal wavenumbers m and m + 2 with the underlying strain field. The growth rate associated with these resonances is computed for different values of the azimuthal wavenumbers as the axial flow parameter is varied. We demonstrate that the resonant Kelvin modes m = 1 and m = −1 which are the most unstable in the absence of axial flow become damped as the axial flow is increased. This is shown to be due to the appearance of a critical layer which damps one of the resonant Kelvin modes. However, the elliptic instability does not disappear. Other combinations of Kelvin modes m = −2 and m = 0, then m = −3 and m = −1 are shown to become progressively unstable for increasing axial flow. A complete instability diagram is obtained as a function of the axial flow parameter for several values of the strain rate and Reynolds number.The numerical study considers a system of two counter-rotating Batchelor vortices in which the strain field felt by each vortex is due to the other vortex. The characteristics of the most unstable linear modes developing on the frozen base flow are computed by direct numerical simulations for two axial flow parameters and compared to the theory. In both cases, a very good agreement is obtained for the most unstable modes. Less unstable modes are also identified in the numerics and shown to correspond to peculiar resonances involving Kelvin modes from branches of different labels.
Vocal outcomes following subepithelial infiltration technique in microflap surgery: a review of 30 cases
Authors: Nerurkar N , Narkar N , Joshi A , Kalel K , Bradoo R 
Published: April 2007

AbstractUnderstanding of the anatomy and physiology of the vocal folds, availability of better diagnostic tools and precise instruments has spurred the development of newer techniques for the management of benign lesions arising in the vocal folds. As the propensity of the superficial lamina propria to regenerate is minimal, it is of paramount importance to maximally preserve it. Microflap surgery of the vocal folds is based on this principle.There exists a dichotomy in opinion regarding the role of subepithelial infiltration in microflap surgery; the disadvantages cited being possible confusion of the surgical plane following infiltration and hydrodissection of the normal basement membrane from the superficial layer of the lamina propria. A prospective study was therefore carried out in 30 cases of benign glottic lesions and microflap surgery was performed with and without infiltration in similar pathologic lesions. The vocal outcomes i.e. fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer and maximum phonation time were audited. The advantages of this technique with a review of the literature are discussed.
Preliminary report of associated factors in wound infection after major head and neck neoplasm operations — does the duration of prophylactic antibiotic matter?
Authors: Liu S-A , Tung K-C , Shiao J-Y , Chiu Y-T 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate whether an extended course of prophylactic antibiotic could reduce the wound infection rate in a subtropical country. Fifty-three consecutive cases scheduled to receive major head and neck operations were randomised into one-day or three-day prophylactic antibiotic groups. Thirteen cases (24.5 per cent) developed wound infections after operations. The duration of prophylactic antibiotic was not related to the surgical wound infection. However, pre-operative haemoglobulin less than 10.5 g/dl (odds ratio: 7.24, 95 per cent confidence interval: 1.28–41.0) and reconstruction with a free flap or pectoris major myocutaneous flap during the operation (odds ratio: 11.04, 95 per cent confidence interval: 1.17–104.7) were associated factors significantly influencing post-operative wound infection. Therefore, one day of prophylactic antibiotic was effective in major head and neck procedures but should not be substituted for proper aseptic and meticulous surgical techniques.
Epstein–Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumour mimicking bilateral vocal process granuloma
Authors: Gan E C , Lau D P C , Chuah K L 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA case is presented of a 36-year-old Chinese woman with a renal transplant for end-stage renal failure due to Goodpasture's syndrome. She presented with a year's history of throat discomfort and acid regurgitation into her throat. Videolaryngoscopy revealed bilateral vocal process granuloma, presumed to be due to gastroesophageal reflux. A four-week course of high dose omeprazole was prescribed. On follow up a month later, the granulomas had enlarged, and laser excision was undertaken. Histological and immunohistochemical staining was consistent with Epstein–Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumour. This is believed to be the first reported case in the English literature of such a tumour affecting the vocal process. The aim of this paper is to present the pathogenesis, clinical behaviour and treatment of Epstein–Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumour, and to review the literature concerning the differential diagnosis of polypoid vocal process lesions.
Infection by a vertically-transmitted microsporidian parasite is associated with a female-biased sex ratio and survival advantage in the amphipodGammarus roeseli
Authors: HAINE E. R. , MOTREUIL S. , RIGAUD T. 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYVertically transmitted parasites may have positive, neutral or negative effects on host fitness, and are also predicted to exhibit sex-specific virulence to increase the proportion or fitness of the transmitting sex. We investigated these predictions in a study on the survival and sex ratio of offspring of the amphipodGammarus roeselifrom females infected by the vertically transmitted microsporidiaNosema granulosis. We found, to our knowledge, the first evidence for a positive relationship betweenN. granulosisinfection and host survival. Infection was associated with sex ratio distortion, not by male-killing, but probably by parasite-induced feminization of putativeG. roeselimales. This microsporidia also feminizes another amphipod host,Gammarus duebeni, which is phylogenetically and biogeographically distant fromG. roeseli. Our study suggests that the reproductive system of gammarids is easily exploited by these vertically-transmitted parasites, although the effects of infections on host fitness may depend on specific host-parasite species interactions.
Uptake of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in at-risk populations in England and Wales 1999–2005
Authors: PEBODY R. G. , HIPPISLEY-COX J. , HARCOURT S. , PRINGLE M. , PAINTER M. , SMITH G. 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYThe UK has had a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination (PPV) programme for groups at higher risk of invasive disease since 1992. This paper presents data from a sample of primary-care practices (Q-RESEARCH) of PPV uptake in patients according to their risk status. Of 2·9 million registered patients in 2005, 2·1% were vaccinated with PPV in the preceding 12 months and 6·5% in the preceding 5 years. Twenty-nine per cent of the registered population fell into one or more risk groups. The proportion of each risk group vaccinated in the previous 5 years ranged from 69% (cochlear implants), 53·4% (splenic dysfunction), 36·5% (chronic heart disease), 34·7% (diabetes), 22·9% (immunosuppressed), 28·7% (chronic renal disease), 15·9% (sickle cell disease) to 12·6% (chronic respiratory disease). Uptake was lower in areas where the non-white proportion of population was >10%. In conclusion, there remain large gaps in the uptake of PPV in several high-risk populations in the United Kingdom. Effective strategies need to be developed to address these deficiencies.