bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Innovative Techniques for Placement of Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Leads in Patients with Limited Venous Access to the Heart
Authors: CANNON BRYAN C. , FRIEDMAN RICHARD A. , FENRICH ARNOLD L. , FRASER CHARLES D. , McKENZIE E. DEAN , KERTESZ NAOMI J. 
Published: February 2006

Background: Because of venous occlusion, intracardiac shunting, previous surgery, or small size placement of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) leads may not be possible using traditional methods. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and describe innovative methods of placing ICD leads.
Methods: The records of all patients undergoing ICD implantation at our institution were reviewed to identify patients with nontraditional lead placement. Indications for ICD, method of lead and coil placement, defibrillation thresholds, complications, and follow‐up results were reviewed retrospectively.
Results: Eight patients (aged 11 months to 29 years) were identified. Six patients with limited venous access to the heart (four extracardiac Fontan, one bidirectional Glenn, one 8 kg 11‐month‐old) underwent surgical placement of an ICD coil directly into the pericardial sac. A second bipolar lead was placed on the ventricle for sensing and pacing. Two patients with difficult venous access had a standard transvenous ICD lead inserted directly into the right atrium (transatrial approach) and then positioned into the ventricle. All patients had a defibrillation threshold of <20 J, although one patient required placement of a second coil due to an elevated threshold. There have been no complications and two successful appropriate ICD discharges at follow‐up (median 22 months, range 5–42 months).
Conclusions: Many factors may prohibit transvenous ICD lead placement. Nontraditional surgical placement of subcutaneous ICD leads on the pericardium or the use of a transatrial approach can be effective techniques in these patients. These procedures can be performed at low risk to the patient with excellent defibrillation thresholds.
Prevalence and predictors of depression in populations of elderly: a review
Authors: Djernes J. K. 
Published: February 2006

Objective:  To offer an update on prevalence and predictors of old age depression in populations of elderly Caucasians.Method:  The databases MEDLINE and Psychinfo were searched and relevant literature from 1993 onwards was reviewed.Results:  The prevalence of major depression ranges from 0.9% to 9.4% in private households, from 14% to 42% in institutional living, and from 1% to 16% among elderly living in private households or in institutions; and clinically relevant depressive symptom ‘cases’ in similar settings vary between 7.2% and 49%. The main predictors of depressive disorders and depressive symptom cases are: female gender, somatic illness, cognitive impairment, functional impairment, lack or loss of close social contacts, and a history of depression.Conclusion:  Depression is frequent in populations of elderly. Methodological differences between the studies hinder consistent conclusions about geographical and cross‐cultural variations in prevalence and predictors of depression. Improved comparability will provide a basis for consistent conclusions.
A new system to detect residual subgingival calculus: in vitro detection limits
Authors: Meissner Grit , Oehme Bernd , Strackeljan Jens , Kocher Thomas 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAim: We recently introduced an experimental surface detection system based on a conventional dental ultrasonic scaler. This device automatically discriminates cementum and dental calculus, which is the prerequisite for complete and thorough calculus removal. In the present study, the detection limits of this device were tested in vitro.Material and Methods: From 50 extracted teeth, subgingival calculus was gradually removed using a Gracey curette. During this stepwise procedure, detection properties of the surface detection system were continuously monitored and systematically verified until the system stopped discriminating calculus from the root surface. By measuring the diameter, circumference and area of the smallest, yet recognizable deposit, and of the no longer recognizable deposit, the cut‐off point of the discriminative capability of the detection device was determined.Results: The cut‐off points for the correct classification of residual deposits averaged on a diameter of 219 μm, an area of 21,600 μm2, and a circumference of 748 μm. This means a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 80% in this critical area.Conclusions: This calculus detection system was able to detect small deposits. In clinical practice, this device may support dentists in deciding whether to stop or to continue the debridement.
Clinical and radiological results of patients treated with two loading protocols for mandibular overdentures on Brånemark implants
Authors: Turkyilmaz Ilser 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjective: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes of the unsplinted implants supporting mandibular overdenture when applying conventional or early loading protocols.Material and Methods: Twenty‐six edentulous patients were treated with two unsplinted Brånemark System implants supporting mandibular overdenture. There was a test group, in which the overdenture was connected 1 week after surgery, and a control group, in which the overdenture was connected 3 months after surgery. Peri‐implant paremeters were recorded 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Clinical stability measurements were performed at surgery, and after 3, 6, and 12 months. Marginal bone levels were evaluated at implant surgery, after 6, and after 12 months.Results: No implant from either group was lost. Clinical peri‐implant parameters, clinical stability measurements, and marginal bone resorptions showed no statistically significant differences between two groups during 12 months.Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that one‐week of early loading protocol of two Brånemark implants supporting mandibular overdenture does not compromise implant stability, marginal bone loss, and peri‐implant soft‐tissue health.
Risk factors and prevalence of periodontitis in community‐dwelling elders in Mexico
Authors: Borges‐Yáñez S. Aída , Irigoyen‐Camacho María Esther , Maupomé Gerardo 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAim: The objective of this study was to determine whether an association existed between chronic systemic diseases/conditions, risk factors common in old age, and the extent and severity of chronic periodontal disease.Materials and Methods: Sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics were examined by contrasting rural, urban‐marginal, and urban social environments in Central Mexico. Data were analysed with Analysis of Variance, χ2 tests, and multivariable logistic regression.Results: A total of 473 adults 60 years old and over were interviewed; 315 were also examined and underwent laboratory assays (participation rate, 66%); women, 62%; mean age 73±8 years; 23% edentulous. The distribution of periodontitis by sociodemographic variables showed differences across locales (73% low‐urban, 57% middle‐urban, 29% rural). The regression model indicated that periodontitis was more frequently associated with low‐urban locale, higher systolic blood pressure, higher body mass index, and worse calculus readings, with an interaction whereby being obese and having a high calculus index was associated with a high probability of having periodontitis.Conclusions: Overall periodontal conditions were fair. While we identified oral, systemic, and social variables that modulated the experience of periodontitis, it would appear that urban, low social class elders appeared to have worse periodontal conditions.
Sexual Activity, Prevalence of Sexual Problems, and Associated Help-Seeking Patterns in Men and Women Aged 40–80 Years in Korea: Data from the Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors (GSSAB)
Authors: Moreira Edson D. , Kim Sae-Chul , Glasser Dale , Gingell Clive 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Although there is considerable interest in the prevalence and impact of sexual problems worldwide, to date only male erectile dysfunction has been studied systematically in Asian countries.

Aim
To study the prevalence of sexual problems and associated help-seeking patterns, among mature adults in Korea and to compare the results with those obtained in other Southeast Asian and East Asian countries.

Methods
As part of the Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors (GSSAB), a survey was conducted in Korea during 2001 and 2002. Sampling was based on an intercept methodology and 1,200 individuals (600 men and 600 women) aged 40–80 years completed the survey out of 3,691 eligible subjects (response rate of 32.5%).

Main Outcome Measures
General health, relationships, and sexual behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs.

Results
Ninety-one percent of men and 71% of women had engaged in sexual intercourse during the 12 months preceding the interview. Early ejaculation (33%) and erectile difficulties (32%) were the sexual problems most frequently reported by Korean men; these conditions were more common in Korea than in other Asian regions. Increasing age, physical inactivity, smoking, and prostate disease were significant correlates of erectile difficulties. The sexual problems most frequently reported by women in Korea were lack of sexual pleasure (37%) and inability to reach orgasm (31%). Only 2% of men and women in Korea had talked to a medical doctor about their sexual problems.

Conclusions
Middle-aged and older adults in Korea regard sex as an important part of life and report continued sexual activity. Several sexual problems are highly prevalent in this population, but very few individuals seek medical help for these disorders. This is largely due to believing that the problem is not serious, not being bothered by the problem, difficulties regarding access to or affordability of medical care, and/or a lack of awareness of available treatments.
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Menopausal Women: A Survey of Western European Women
Authors: Dennerstein Lorraine , Koochaki Patricia , Barton Ian , Graziottin Alessandra 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe prevalence of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in menopausal women and the frequency of sexual activity, sexual behavior, and relationship or sexual satisfaction associated with HSDD have not been studied using validated instruments to identify women with HSDD.AimsTo determine: (i) the prevalence of HSDD among women who have undergone hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy (surgical menopause) with that of premenopausal or naturally menopausal women; (ii) the relationship between low sexual desire and sexual activity and behavior; and (iii) the relationship between low sexual desire and sexual or partner relationship satisfaction.MethodsCross-sectional survey of 2,467 European women aged 20–70 years, resident in France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Measures were the Profile of Female Sexual Function© (PFSF©), Personal Distress Scale© (PDS©), and a sexual activities measure.Outcome MeasuresClinically derived cutoff scores for the desire domain of the PFSF and the PDS were used, sequentially, to classify women as having low sexual desire and to further classify these women with low desire as distressed or nondistressed. Thus, women with HSDD had low sexual desire and were distressed by their low desire. The analysis population included 1,356 women who had current sexual partners and were surgically menopausal, regularly menstruating, or naturally postmenopausal.ResultsA greater proportion of surgically menopausal women had low sexual desire compared with premenopausal or naturally menopausal women (odds ratio [OR] = 1.4; confidence interval [CI] = 1.1, 1.9; P = 0.02). Surgically menopausal women were more likely to have HSDD than premenopausal or naturally menopausal women (OR = 2.1; CI = 1.4, 3.4; P = 0.001). Sexual desire scores and sexual arousal, orgasm, and sexual pleasure were highly correlated (P &lt; 0.001), demonstrating that low sexual desire is frequently associated with decreased functioning in other aspects of sexual response. Women with low sexual desire were less likely to engage in sexual activity and more likely to be dissatisfied with their sex life and partner relationship than women with normal desire (P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsSurgically menopausal women are at increased risk for HSDD. HSDD is associated with diminished sexual and partner relationship satisfaction and negative emotional states.
The Effect of Ovariectomy on Rat Vaginal Tissue Contractility and Histomorphology
Authors: Önol F. Fatih , Ercan Feriha , Tarcan Tufan 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Ovarian hormones have an important role in age-related genital arousal disorders; however, our knowledge regarding possible vaginal wall morphology and contractility changes in low-hormonal states is limited.

Aims
To investigate morphological and functional alterations in the vaginal tissue in a rat ovariectomy model and to show the differences between proximal and distal vagina.

Methods
Six weeks following ovariectomy, vaginal tissues were examined under light and electron microscopy. Circularly cut distal and proximal tissues were studied in the organ bath under isometric tension and compared with age-matched controls. Contractile responses to electrical field stimulation (EFS), phenylephrine, carbachol, and the effects of alpha-1 and alpha-2 blockade on EFS-induced contractility were investigated. Relaxation responses to EFS and vardenafil were investigated in precontracted strips.

Main Outcome Measures
Differences between control and ovariectomy groups in terms of vaginal tissue contractility and histomorphological properties.

Results
Distal vagina showed different epithelial characteristics and a better-developed muscularis compared with proximal vagina. Ovariectomy caused thinning of the epithelium, severe degeneration in epithelial architecture, and smooth muscle atrophy. Contraction and relaxation responses of distal strips were significantly lower in ovariectomized rats. Contractile responses to neuropharmacological stimulation were insignificant in proximal strips of both groups. EFS-induced contractions in distal strips diminished significantly after alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic blockade. EFS caused frequency-dependent relaxation responses in precontracted distal strips, which were significantly decreased after nitric oxide synthase inhibition.

Conclusions
Ovariectomy causes significant alteration in rat vaginal tissue morphology and contractility. Contraction and relaxation responses of distal vagina are significantly greater compared with morphologically distinct proximal vagina. Alpha-1 and alpha-2 receptors are the main mediators of contraction in distal rat vaginal tissue whereas nitric oxide pathway may have at least a partial role in relaxation. Main mediators of the rat vaginal tissue relaxation and the effect of ovariectomy on this regulation are yet to be defined.
MULTIVARIATE DETERMINATION OF PROPYL GALLATE IN RBD PALM OLEIN USING PARTIAL LEAST SQUARES AND PRINCIPAL COMPONENT REGRESSION BASED ON FTIR SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: AMMAWATH W. , CHE MAN Y.B. , BAHARIN B.S. , ABDUL RAHMAN R.B. 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with transmission cell was used to determine propyl gallate (PG) in refined, bleached and deoderized (RBD) palm olein. Partial least squares (PLS) and principal component regression (PCR) methods coupled with the “leave‐one‐out” cross‐validation procedure were employed to construct the calibration models for predicting PG in the FTIR spectral region of 3707–3262 cm−1. The prediction capabilities of these calibration models were evaluated by comparing their standard errors of calibration and standard errors of prediction. The precision of this method was shown to be comparable to the accuracy of the method used by the International Union for Pure and Applied Chemistry for the measurement of PG content in oil samples, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9921 for PLS and an R2of 0.9902 for PCR techniques. The results indicate that FTIR serves as a useful analytical tool for the determination of PG in RBD palm olein.
REGIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF TOCOPHEROLS AND DISTRIBUTION OF FATTY ACIDS WITHIN SOYBEAN SEEDS (GLYCINE MAX L.)
Authors: YOSHIDA HIROMI , KANREI SAKI , TOMIYAMA YUKA , MIZUSHINA YOSHIYUKI 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT Seed coat, embryonic axis and sections of cotyledons in four soybean cultivars were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography for tocopherols, and by gas–liquid chromatography for acyl lipids and their fatty acid profiles. Tocopherols were predominantly detected in axis, followed by cotyledons and seed coat. With a few exceptions, dominant components were γ‐ and δ‐tocopherols, with much smaller amounts of α‐ and β‐tocopherols. However, α‐tocopherol was present in higher (P < 0.05) amounts in axis than in other tissues. Triacylglycerols were the major component of total lipids, respresenting 92.0% of cotyledons and 70.0% of axis or seed coat. Regardless of the soybean cultivar, phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylinositol (PI) were the major phospholipids in all tissues; PC was present in highest concentration followed by PE and PI. These results indicate that the differences in soybean cultivars can be predicted by determining the regional distribution of tocopherols and fatty acids within soybean component parts.
EFFECTS OF EMULSIFIERS ON CRYSTALLIZATION PROPERTIES OF LOW‐MELTING BLENDS OF PALM OIL AND OLEIN
Authors: MISKANDAR M.S. , CHE MAN Y.B. , ABDUL RAHMAN R. , NOR AINI I. , YUSOFF M.S.A. 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT The effects of sorbitan tristearate (STS) and soy lecithin on palm oil and on palm olein blends with low slip melting points for fluidized palm oil formulation, by temperature cycling, were studied. The dispersion of crystals in the liquid influenced the viscosity and the solid fat content (SFC) of the product at the end of the temperature cycling treatment. The fluidized palm oil formulations were melted at 80C. STS and lecithin were added; the formulation was cooled at 20C for 80 min, was heated at 30C for 45 min and was cooled again at 20C for 30 min to reproduce the production temperatures of fluid shortening. The crystal development, SFC and viscosity were determined. Fine crystal aggregates were produced using 0.09% STS and 0.03% lecithin. Generally, however, lecithin produced uniform crystal aggregates. Crystal growth in the absence of emulsifier was limited, while the addition of emulsifiers increased the growth. Lecithin produced higher SFC than STS at 0.03%. STS was a crystal inhibitor in blends with much lower melting triacylglycerol. Lecithin and STS had little effect on viscosity: 0.06 and 0.09%, respectively. Thus, emulsifiers could be useful agents for controlling crystallization in fluidized palm oil formulations.
Effectiveness of a
Spiral-Plate Heat Exchanger With Equal Capacitance
Rates
Authors: Burmeister Louis
C. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
A formula is derived for the dependence of heat exchanger effectiveness on the number of transfer units for a spiral-plate heat exchanger with equal capacitance rates. The difference-differential equations that describe the temperature distributions of the two counter-flowing fluids, neglecting the effects of thermal radiation, are solved symbolically to close approximation. Provision is made for the offset inlet and exit of the hot and cold fluids at the outer periphery and for large heat transfer coefficients in the entrance regions. The peak effectiveness and the number of transfer units at which it occurs are linear functions of the maximum angle of the Archimedean spiral that describes the ducts; entrance region effects reduce both.
Comparison of Methods for Inverse Design of Radiant Enclosures
Authors: Daun Kyle , França Francis , Larsen Marvin , Leduc Guillaume , Howell John R. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractA particular inverse design problem is proposed as a benchmark for comparison of five solution techniques used in design of enclosures with radiating sources. The enclosure is three-dimensional and includes some surfaces that are diffuse and others that are specular diffuse. Two aspect ratios are treated. The problem is completely described, and solutions are presented as obtained by the Tikhonov method, truncated singular value decomposition, conjugate gradient regularization, quasi-Newton minimization, and simulated annealing. All of the solutions use a common set of exchange factors computed by Monte Carlo, and smoothed by a constrained maximum likelihood estimation technique that imposes conservation, reciprocity, and non-negativity. Solutions obtained by the various methods are presented and compared, and the relative advantages and disadvantages of these methods are summarized.
VALIDATION OF FINITE ELEMENT MODELS OF THORACOLUMBAR T11-T12 AND T12-L1 AND COMPARISON OF THEIR BIOMECHANICAL RESPONSES
Authors: Qiu Tian-Xia , Teo Ee-Chon , Zhang Qing-Hang 
Published: February 2006

The objective of this study was to build and validate the FE models of thoracolumbar junctional T11-T12 and T12-L1 functional spinal units (FSUs) and compare the biomechanical responses of the two FSUs under physiological loading modes: flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation. Anatomically accurate FE models of thoracolumbar T11-T12 and T12-L1 FSUs were developed and validated against published experimental results in terms of load displacement responses and range of motion (ROM) under flexion and extension pure moments of 7.5 Nm, left and right lateral bending pure moments of 7.5 Nm and left and right axial torque of 7.5 Nm. The overall responses predicted by the T11-T12 and T12-L1 FE models showed differences in stiffness under different load configurations. Amongst all loading configurations, the motions at T11-T12 and T12-L1 were the stiffest under axial torque. The lateral bending motions of T11-T12 and T12-L1 were relatively flexible. Under sagittal moments, the motion in extension was greater than in flexion at level T11-T12, while the rotation in flexion was greater than in extension at level T12-L1.
Evolutionary conserved structures as indicators of medical risks: increased incidence of cervical ribs after ovarian hyperstimulation in mice
Authors: Steigenga Marc , Helmerhorst Frans , De Koning Jurien , Tijssen Ans , Ruinard Sebastiaan , Galis Frietson 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe presence of a rib on the seventh cervical vertebra (a cervical rib) represents one of the most common intraspecific variations of the number of cervical vertebrae in mammals. Cervical ribs are highly associated with stillbirths, congenital abnormalities and embryonal tumours. These associations indicate strong stabilising selection against such a change to the highly conserved number of cervical vertebrae in humans. We propose, therefore, that the presence of variation for this highly conserved trait can be used as an indicator of medical risks. We have tested for prolonged effects of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation treatments (OHS) in mice by analysing the frequency of cervical ribs in the offspring of females that had received OHS treatment. We found that OHS treatment in mice had several significant effects on the offspring after adjusting for multiple pregnancy: these included an increase in cervical rib incidence, gestational period and nest size, and a decrease in birth weight and ossification, indicating growth retardation.The high incidence of cervical ribs in the OHS group compared to the control group (39.5% vs. 4.7%) indicates that the OHS treatment affects embryogenesis during a period that is highly sensitive to disturbance, the early organogenesis stage (phylotypic stage). This implies that in mice OHS treatment of the mother has a prolonged effect and continues during early pregnancy.