bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of capillary blood count parameters in adults
Authors: Schalk E. , Heim M. U. , Koenigsmann M. , Jentsch‐Ullrich K. 
Published: August 2007

Background and Objectives  Capillary samples can provide blood for cell counts in haematologic patients and blood donors. However, some accept only values from venous blood. This study compares capillary and venous blood counts to verify the hypothesis that they are equivalent.Materials and Methods  We analysed 463 capillary (fingerstick) and venous blood samples from 428 adults of both sexes (71% haematologic patients, 29% potential blood and apheresis donors). Both samples were taken at the same time from each subject. Haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Hct), white blood cells (WBC), platelets, red blood cells (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular Hb (MCH) and mean corpuscular Hb concentration (MCHC) were measured using a haematology analyser (Advia 120, Bayer).Results  Capillary Hb, Hct, WBC, RBC, MCV and MCH were all significantly higher than the venous values [+0·2 mmol/l (+0·3 g/dl), +0·02 l/l (+2%), +0·2 × 109/l, +0·1 × 1012/l, +3·1 fl and +0·01 fmol, respectively], whereas the capillary MCHC was lower (–0·6 mmol/l). There was no difference in platelets (–1 × 109/l). Capillary Hb and Hct values were higher in patients with anaemia and polycythaemia, respectively. However, no significant differences occurred in severe thrombocytopenia.Conclusion  In adult haematologic patients, however, only the differences in Hb and Hct values may be of clinical relevance. For potential blood and apheresis donors, Hb and platelet screening are equivalent with either capillary and venous blood using a haematology analyser.
Treatment Acceptability of Healthcare Services for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Dahl Norm , Tervo Raymond , Symons Frank J. 
Published: August 2007

Background  Although treatment acceptability scales in intellectual and developmental disabilities research have been used in large‐ and small‐scale applications, large‐scale application has been limited to analogue (i.e. contrived) investigations. This study extended the application of treatment acceptability by assessing a large sample of care givers’ perceptions of treatment for children with cerebral palsy (CP) in a real‐world setting and tested if responses differed across child characteristics, type of medical service or respondent demographics.Method  One hundred and fifty four care givers’ for children with CP rated the acceptability of treatments and related medical services by clinicians working in a multi‐disciplinary children's specialty setting using Kazdin's (Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 13, 1980, 259) Treatment Evaluation Inventory.Results  There were significant (P < 0.05) differences between male and female respondents’ ratings of treatment acceptability. There were no other significant differences for caregiver ratings in relation to child characteristics, type of appointment, severity of CP or other respondent demographic characteristics.Conclusion  Mothers and fathers of children with developmental disabilities may differ in their perceptions of the acceptability of medical treatment services for children with developmental disabilities. Future studies addressing treatment acceptability should expand the scope of demographic information assessed and include items specific to the roles respondents have in providing and coordinating therapeutic regimens for their children's medical needs.
Isolation of microsatellite loci from the coqui frog, Eleutherodactylus coqui
Authors: PETERS MAUREEN B. , BEARD KAREN H. , HAGEN CRIS , O’NEILL ERIC M. , MOCK KAREN E. , PITT WILLIAM C. , GLENN TRAVIS C. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThirteen microsatellite loci were isolated from the coqui frog (Eleutherodactylus coqui) and optimized for future research. The loci were screened across 37 individuals from two Puerto Rican populations. Loci were variable with the number of alleles per locus ranging from three to 38. Polymorphic information content ranged from 0.453 to 0.963 and observed heterozygosity for each population ranged from 0.320 to 0.920.
Methodological considerations of ultrasound measurement of carotid artery intima–media thickness and lumen diameter
Authors: Wikstrand John 
Published: August 2007

SummaryBackground  With an increasing number of randomized studies investigating the anti‐atherosclerotic effects of different preventive measures utilizing ultrasound evaluation of intima–media thickness of the carotid artery as the primary endpoint, it is of interest to critically evaluate the validity of these measurements.Methods and results  Small structures, the dimensions of which are far beyond the resolution limits of the equipment, may produce an ultrasound echo. Thus the very thin interface between two fluids such as oil and water will produce an echo that is much thicker than the interface itself, which is infinitely thin. Thus, the thickness of any echo defining an interface is of no anatomical interest. The thickness of an anatomical entity, such as the intima–media complex, is always defined as the distance between the leading edges of two different echoes. In spite of the similarity of the near and far wall images the thickness of the intima–media complex can only be measured in a valid way in the far wall position.Conclusions  We conclude that main outcome variables in ultrasound studies of atherosclerosis should be from the far wall. It would seem advisable to focus on far wall common carotid artery and carotid artery bulb recordings. It is likely that including near wall measurements and measurements from the internal carotid artery will decrease measurement precision and lead to increases in sample size in scientific studies; or even dilute positive results in an otherwise well designed study.
Organic acidemia in a young cat associated with cobalamin deficiency
Authors: Kelmer Efrat , Shelton G. Diane , Williams David A. , Ruaux Craig G. , Kerl Marie E. , O'Brien Dennis P. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjective:To describe a case of severe metabolic acidosis and encephalopathy secondary to cobalamin (Cbl) deficiency in a young cat.Case summary:A 4‐year‐old spayed female domestic short hair cat weighing 2.5 kg, presented with a 2‐day history of neurological signs referable to the cerebrum. The cat was evaluated for similar episodes twice before, however, no definitive diagnosis was made for either visit. On presentation the cat was minimally responsive and had a metabolic acidosis and ketonuria with no apparent reason, such as lactic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis. The patient was diagnosed postmortem with an organic acidemia secondary to low Cbl levels.New or unique information provided:The purpose of this report is to alert emergency clinicians to be suspicious of an organic acidemia in any case of metabolic acidosis and ketonuria that cannot be explained. Early identification of inherited organic acidemias in domestic animals may allow prompt and appropriate treatment of these conditions.
Xylitol intoxication associated with fulminant hepatic failure in a dog
Authors: Todd Jeffrey M. , Powell Lisa L. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjective: To describe a case of xylitol intoxication causing fulminant hepatic failure in a dog.Case summary: A 2.5‐year‐old castrated male English Springer Spaniel weighing 26 kg, was presented after ingestion of half of a loaf of bread containing the sweetener xylitol. Toxic effects of the xylitol in this dog included vomiting, mild hypoglycemia and fulminant hepatic failure. Clinical management of acute hepatic failure and subsequent coagulopathy with supportive care and fresh frozen plasma is described. The dog was discharged 3 days after admission after a full clinical recovery.New or unique information provided: This paper describes the clinical consequence and successful treatment of fulminant hepatic failure in a dog following ingestion of xylitol.
Novel Genotypes in Helicobacter pylori Involving Domain V of the 23S rRNA Gene
Authors: Garrido Leonardo , Toledo Hector 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground:  Helicobacter pylori is a pathogenic bacterium that infects a half of the human population. In Chile, between 55% and 79% of people are colonized by H. pylori. At present, therapeutic strategies to eradicate the bacterium depend on the knowledge of its resistance to antibiotics. The clarithromycin resistance in H. pylori is associated with point mutations in the 23S rRNA. This study analyzes 23S rRNA gene mutations and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for clarithromycin in H. pylori isolates from patients of the metropolitan region of Chile.Materials and methods:  H. pylori isolates from 50 dyspeptic patients with no history of clarithromycin exposure were tested for clarithromycin resistance by agar dilution method. Resistant strains were analyzed for mutations in the 23S rRNA gene by polymerase chain reaction‐based restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing.Results:  Primary resistance was observed in 10 isolates (20%). A single mutation was detected in four of the 10 isolates and two or more mutations in the other six cases. The C2147G transversion and G1939A, T1942C, and A2142G transitions in the peptidyltransferase region of domain V were novel.Conclusions:  The study shows: 1, novel variants of the H. pylori 23S rRNA gene; and 2, a high prevalence of H. pylori displaying primary clarithromycin resistance with low level of MIC in an urban area of the Metropolitan Region of Chile.
E‐cadherin Gene Promoter Hypermethylation in H. pylori‐Induced Enlarged Fold Gastritis
Authors: Miyazaki Tamana , Murayama Yoko , Shinomura Yasuhisa , Yamamoto Takahiro , Watabe Kenji , Tsutsui Shusaku , Kiyohara Tatsuya , Tamura Shinji , Hayashi Norio 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground:  Promoter hypermethylation of E‐cadherin plays an important role on gastric carcinogenesis. We have previously reported that the odds ratio for gastric carcinoma and the prevalence of diffuse‐type early gastric carcinoma in Helicobacter pylori‐induced enlarged fold gastritis increased with increasing fold width. Thus, we examined E‐cadherin methylation in gastric mucosa from H. pylori‐induced enlarged fold gastritis before and after H. pylori eradication. Moreover, we analyzed the mechanism of H. pylori infection‐induced E‐cadherin hypermethylation.Materials and methods:  Twenty‐three H. pylori‐positive patients with enlarged folds, 18 H. pylori‐positive and seven H. pylori‐negative patients without enlarged folds, were involved in the study. E‐cadherin promoter methylation was studied using quantitative methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction. We investigated methylation percentage and DNA methyltransferase activity in gastric cancer cell lines treated with EGF, TNFα, and MG132.Results:  E‐cadherin methylation percentage of the gastric antral and body mucosa in H. pylori‐positive patients with enlarged folds was much greater than that in both H. pylori‐positive and ‐negative patients without enlarged folds. After H. pylori eradication, the methylation percentage in six patients with enlarged fold gastritis decreased significantly from 15.6 ± 3.9 to 8.8 ± 2.2 (p < .05). Moreover, the methylation was induced by TNFα, MG132, and EGF treatment, and DNA methyltransferase activity was induced by EGF treatment in MKN‐1 cells.Conclusions:  Our findings suggest that the hypermethylation of E‐cadherin promoter might be involved in the process of gastric carcinoma through the specialized factors in H. pylori‐induced enlarged fold gastritis.
Involvement of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Impaired Glucose Metabolism in the Increase of Brachial–Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity
Authors: Yoshikawa Hiroyuki , Aida Kayo , Mori Atsuyoshi , Muto Shigeki , Fukuda Takanori 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground:  The role of Helicobacter pylori in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis remains controversial. The present study was designed to elucidate the pathogenic role of H. pylori in the early stages of atherosclerosis by measurement of brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in relation to glucose metabolism.Materials and methods:  baPWV level, anti‐H. pylori antibody, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and other conventional risk factors for cardiovascular diseases were measured in 947 subjects who attended their annual medical check‐up.Results:  Multiple regression analyses indicated that age, gender (male), body mass index, FBG, systolic blood pressure, and smoking habits were each independently related to baPWV values. In younger subjects (30–49 years), H. pylori seropositivity was significantly correlated with an increase of baPWV levels (r = 0.100, p = .0445). baPWV values in the H. pylori‐positive subjects with impaired glucose metabolism (IG: FBG ≥ 110 mg/dL and/or HbA1c ≥ 5.9%) were significantly greater than those in the H. pylori‐negative subjects with IG (p = .0078). Furthermore, H. pylori‐positive subjects with IG were at higher risk for increase of baPWV, in younger (r = 0.203, p < .0001) as well as in older subjects (50–69 years, r = 0.099, p = .0009).Conclusions:  These results suggest that H. pylori seropositivity is a potential risk factor for increased baPWV levels, and that H. pylori infection accelerates the effect of IG on an increase of baPWV, especially in younger subjects. Thus, the possible interaction between H. pylori infection and IG may contribute to the early development of atherosclerosis.
Eradication of Helicobacter pylori Does Not Reduce the Incidence of Gastroduodenal Ulcers in Patients on Long‐term NSAID Treatment: Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: De Leest Helena T.J.I. , Steen Kirsti S.S. , Lems Willem F. , Bijlsma Johannes W.J. , Van De Laar Mart A.F.J. , Huisman A. Margriet , Vonkeman Harald E. , Houben Harry H.M.L. , Kadir Sylvana W. , Kostense Piet J. , Van Tulder Maurits W. , Kuipers Ernst J. , Boers Maarten , Dijkmans Ben A.C. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground:   Helicobacter pylori and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the major causes of gastroduodenal ulcers. Studies on the benefit of eradication of H. pylori in NSAID users yielded conflicting results.Objective:  To investigate whether H. pylori eradication in patients on long‐term NSAIDs reduces the incidence of gastroduodenal ulcers.Methods:  Patients on long‐term NSAID treatment and who are H. pylori positive on serologic testing, were randomly assigned to either H. pylori eradication (omeprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin) or placebo. Primary endpoint was the presence of endoscopic gastric or duodenal ulcers 3 months after randomization.Results:  One hundred sixty‐five (48%) of a total of 347 patients were on gastroprotective medication. At endoscopy, gastroduodenal ulcers were diagnosed in 6 (4%) and 8 (5%) patients in the eradication and placebo group, respectively (p = .65). During follow‐up of 12 months, no symptomatic ulcers or ulcer complications developed. No significant differences were found in the development of gastroduodenal erosions, dyspepsia, or in quality of life.Conclusion:  H. pylori eradication therapy in patients on long‐term NSAID treatment had no beneficial effect on the occurrence of ulcers, erosions, or dyspepsia. Ulcer rates in both study arms are remarkably low, in both patients with and without gastroprotective therapy.
Use of Stents and Stent Grafts to Salvage Angioplasty Failures in Patients with Hemodialysis Grafts
Authors: Vesely Thomas M. , Amin Mohammed Zaheer , Pilgram Thomas 
Published: August 2007

AbstractTo determine the efficacy of using stents and stent grafts for treatment of hemodialysis graft‐related stenoses which have failed angioplasty. This retrospective study was composed of 51 patients with polytetrafluoroethylene hemodialysis grafts who underwent angioplasty of a graft‐related stenosis but subsequently required insertion of a stent or stent graft. The study group included 40 patients with >30% residual stenosis and 11 patients with angioplasty‐induced venous ruptures. The patient’s medical records and radiology reports were reviewed. Patient demographics, indication for stent placement, and the type of stent were recorded. Stent patency was determined using Kaplan–Meier analysis. A total of 70 stents were used; most (57.7%) were deployed across the venous anastomosis. A variety of different types of stents and stent grafts were used including 26 SMART, 18 Viabahn, 13 aSpire, and 13 other stents. The technical success rate for insertion of the device was 100%. Following insertion of the device the primary patency of the vascular access was 81%, 70%, and 54% at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. The secondary patency of the vascular access was 89%, 82%, and 74% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. The primary patency of the stent or stent graft was 96%, 93%, 87%, and 47% at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Stents and stent grafts are useful for salvaging failed angioplasty procedures and thereby maintaining patency of the hemodialysis graft. By inserting a stent, the resultant patency rates are similar to those following a successful angioplasty procedure. Importantly, the primary patency of the stent was substantially better than the primary patency of the entire vascular access.
New Tunneled Hemodialysis Catheter Placement through the Old Exit Site
Authors: Atray Naveen , Asif Arif 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAccidental loss of tunneled hemodialysis catheters has been observed in chronic hemodialysis patients. Although a new catheter could be inserted using a fresh site, catheter insertion can also be accomplished by utilizing the existing exit site. In this analysis, we report 10 cases of an extruded tunneled hemodialysis catheter. The catheters had been in place for 2–6 months. The time elapsed after catheter extrusion ranged from 6 to 72 hours. None of the patients demonstrated any evidence of exit site or tunnel infection. Patient age ranged from 45 to 77 years. Diabetes mellitus was the cause of renal failure in 40% of the cases. Catheter insertion was accomplished by inserting a guidewire into the exit site and navigating it through the tunnel to the central venous system and into the right atrium. A diagnostic catheter was then navigated over the wire and contrast study performed to confirm the position. The wire was reinserted and a new tunneled hemodialysis catheter fed over the wire and into the atrium. Nine catheters were successfully placed using this technique. One patient had nausea and hiccups upon wire insertion into the atrium. There were no hemodynamic consequences. The wire was removed and a new catheter inserted on the other side using the left internal jugular vein. All of the catheters inserted using this technique functioned appropriately. There were no exit site or tunnel infections for up to 4 weeks’ follow‐up. We conclude that patients with catheter extrusion can receive a new catheter through the existing exit site, tunnel, and venotomy.
Innovation: The Five Disciplines for Creating What Customers Want by Curtis R. Carlson and William W. Wilmot
Authors: Kingston George 
Published: August 2007

Books reviewed in this issue:

Innovation: The Five Disciplines for Creating What Customers Want
Making Innovation Pay: People Who Turn IP into Shareholder Value
Agile Retrospectives
Hard Facts, Dangerous Half‐Truths, and Total Nonsense: Profiting from Evidence‐Based Management
Percutaneous Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale and Atrial Septal Defect: Procedure Outcome and Medium‐Term Follow‐Up
Authors: EGRED M. , ANDRON M. , ALBOUAINI K. , ALAHMAR A. , GRAINGER R. , MORRISON W.L. 
Published: August 2007

Percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) has become increasingly utilized. The indications and results of percutaneous closure are diverse.
Aim: To assess the indications, results, and complications of percutaneous closure of ASD and PFO in our tertiary center.
Method: Case note review and retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous closure over a 3‐year period from January 2003 to October 2005 with a mean follow‐up of 19 months (4–36).
Results: There were 185 consecutive patients. The mean age was 44.9 years (SD 12.9) and 53% (n = 98) were males. There was 59% (n = 109) PFO and 41% (n = 76) ASD. The predominant indication for PFO closure was cerebrovascular accident (CVA) (42.2%, n = 46)‐ and for ASD, dilated right ventricle (68.4%, n = 52). Of all procedures, 94.6% (n = 175) were first time and 5.4% (n = 10) were redo for residual shunt. Overall, the success rate was 96.8% (n = 179) with two patients referred for surgical closure due to the large size of ASD and unsuitability for percutaneous closure, two procedures abandoned due to pericardial effusion, and two abandoned because the PFO was too small to cross. The Amplatzer device was used in 92.7% (n = 166) and the Starflex in 7.3% (n = 13). Minor complications were recorded in 10 patients (5.4%), of which 4 (2.2%) had minor venous access bleeding, 1 patient (0.5%) had retroperitoneal hematoma, and 2 patients (1.1%) had transient atrial fibrillation. One patient (0.5%) had transient inferior ST elevation during the procedure, one patient (0.5%) reported chest pain postprocedure, and one patient (0.5%) developed septicemia 3 weeks postprocedure. Major complications were recorded in three patients (1.5%), one patient (0.5%) with retroperitoneal hematoma requiring blood transfusion and two patients (1%) with pericardial effusion following transseptal puncture, requiring aspiration. No death, stroke, or device embolization was recorded.
Conclusion: Our experience with percutaneous closure in adults demonstrates excellent results and safety with few complications. Percutaneous device closure will replace surgical closure for many ASDs and PFOs.
Faustens ≥ Entelechie ≤ ‐ doch der Doctor Marianus?
Authors: Bern Werner Kohlschmidt 
Published: August 2007

Die Arbeit sammelt Indizien fümlr die Mömlglichkeit einer neuen Inter‐pretation des Schlusses von Faust 11. Sie vertritt die (Hypo‐) these, dass die Figur des Doctor Marianus die von Goethe in Ent‐wümlrfen angesprochene, aber in der Eile des Abschlusses nicht mehr ausdrümlcklich so genannte himmlische Entelechie Fausts selber sei. Sie erwämlgt das auf Grund von Argumenten, die in der Ent‐stehungsgeschichte der letzten Partieen des Dramas liegen, in Interpretation der Worte, die der Doctor Marianus zu sprechen hat, innerhalb ihres Kontextes, schlieslich aus Grümlnden der Drama‐turgie, die sich ergeben, falls Faust bis zuletzt im stummen Pup‐penstand verharren wümlrde.Sie kommt zu dem Ergebnis, dass im Text nichts dagegen spricht, im Doctor Marianus den verwandelten Faust zu sehen, vielmehr vieles dafümlr.
Point of View and Unreliability in Brontë's 〈〈Wuthering Heights〉〉, Conrad's 〈〈Under Western Eyes〉〉 and Mann's 〈〈Doktor Faustus〉〉
Authors: Viswanathan Jacqueline 
Published: August 2007

Point of view is used as the basis for a comparison between the three novels. We first examine the common features of the narrators’position. We then analyze the various narrative techniques which enable the reader to go beyond the narrators’comments. Two levels of composition can be distinguished: one, acknowledged by the narrators, follows the model of non‐fictional narratives (biography, Dr. Faustus; historical documents, Under Western Eyes; family chronicle, Wuthering Heights), the other makes use of characteristic features of a work of fiction: scenic presentation, symbolic imagery, complex time sequence, etc… The second le&#x030a;vel of composition goes beyond the narrators’understanding.The narrators’unreliability is then defined in terms of contrastive features which oppose them to the main characters. The narrators’views are undermined because of their inability to cope with a side of human nature which they stubbornly refuse to acknowledge.