bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing an instrument to assess vision‐related and subjective quality of life in children with intellectual disability: data collection and preliminary analysis in a Chinese population
Authors: Cui Yu , Stapleton Fiona , Suttle Catherine 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPurpose:  Visual abnormalities are common in children and adolescents with intellectual disability, but it is not known whether these abnormalities impact on their quality of life. As a first step towards addressing this question, this study collects self‐perceptions on visual performance and life quality in school children with intellectual disability.Methods:  Questionnaires were modified from those used to assess vision‐ and health‐related quality of life in children with normal development, with guidance from a focus group of individuals who work or live with children with intellectual disability. The survey was conducted in a population of Chinese children with intellectual disability, using self‐completion and caregivers’ responses.Results:  Responses from subjects showed comparable dimensions in vision‐related quality of life to those revealed by previous studies in children with normal development. Some differences were apparent, however, and possible explanations for these are discussed. Our results showed good internal consistency and correlations between subscales within and across questionnaires.Conclusions:  The assessment of vision‐related quality of life is feasible in children and adolescents with at least mild‐to‐moderate intellectual disability. In this population of children with intellectual disability, perceived visual function is associated with quality of life.
Commentary: Nemoto T et al. (1999). Automatic control of pressure support mechanical ventilation using fuzzy logic
Authors: Blackwood Bronagh 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThere is currently no universally accepted approach to weaning patients from mechanical ventilation, but there is clearly a feeling within the medical community that it may be possible to formulate the weaning process algorithmically in some manner. Fuzzy logic seems suited to this task because of the way it so naturally represents the subjective human notions employed in much of medical decision‐making. The purpose of the present study was to develop a fuzzy logic algorithm for controlling pressure support ventilation in patients in the intensive care unit, utilizing measurements of heart rate, tidal volume, breathing frequency and arterial oxygen saturation. In this report, we describe the fuzzy logic algorithm and demonstrate its use retrospectively in 13 patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, by comparing the decisions made by the algorithm with what actually transpired. The fuzzy logic recommendation agreed with the status quo to within 2 cm H2O an average of 76% of the time, and to within 4 cm H2O an average of 88% of the time (although in most of these instances no medical decisions were taken as to whether or not to change the level of ventilatory support). We also compared the predictions of our algorithm with those cases in which changes in pressure support level were actually made by an attending physician, and found that the physicians tended to reduce the support level somewhat more aggressively than the algorithm did. We conclude that our fuzzy algorithm has the potential to control the level of pressure support ventilation from ongoing measurements of a patient’s vital signs. Abstract reprinted from the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, volume 160, Nemoto T et al., ‘(1999) Automatic control of pressure support mechanical ventilation using fuzzy logic.’, pages 550–556. © 1999, reproduced with permission from The American Thoracic Society.
Spiritual assessment in intensive and cardiac care nursing
Authors: Timmins Fiona , Kelly Jacinta 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAim:  The aim of this paper is to explore various approaches to spiritual assessments in contemporary intensive and cardiac care (ICU/CCU) environments.Background:  Despite the increasing recognition that spiritual care is essential for quality patient care, an agreed spiritual assessment approach and tool for use in ICU/CCU settings remains elusive.Method:  An overview of spiritual assessment and spiritual assessment tools.Conclusion:  It is suggested that the staff in ICU/CCU nursing settings choose or develop a formal assessment tool that most closely matches their considered collective definition of spirituality, which has been considered in light of their mission statement and philosophy of care.Relevance to clinical practice:  Spiritual assessment is essential to formulate a care plan as spiritual care provides a powerful inner resource to critically ill patients in acute clinical environments.
Peak Expiratory Flow as a Predictor of Subsequent Disability and Death in Community‐Living Older Persons
Authors: Vaz Fragoso Carlos A. , Gahbauer Evelyne A. , Van Ness Peter H. , Concato John , Gill Thomas M. 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether peak expiratory flow (PEF), when expressed by a validated method using standardized residual (SR) percentile, is associated with subsequent disability and death in older persons.DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.SETTING: New Haven, Connecticut.PARTICIPANTS: Seven hundred fifty‐four initially nondisabled, community‐living persons aged 70 and older.MEASUREMENTS: PEF was assessed at baseline along with chronic conditions and smoking history. The onset of persistent disability in activities of daily living (ADLs), continuous mobility disability, and death were ascertained during monthly interviews over a 5‐year period.RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 78.4, 63.7% had a smoking history, and 17.4% reported chronic lung disease. The incidence rates per 100 person‐months were 1.00 (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.90–1.12) for ADL disability, 0.80 (95% CI=0.70–0.93) for mobility disability, and 0.44 (95% CI=0.38–0.51) for death. At a PEF less than 10th SR percentile, identifying nearly one‐quarter of the cohort, hazard ratios (HRs) adjusted for multiple confounders, including age, smoking, and chronic lung disease, demonstrated a greater risk of ADL disability (HR=1.79, 95% CI=1.23–2.62), mobility disability (HR=1.89, 95% CI=1.15–3.10), and death (HR=2.31, 95% CI=1.29–4.12).CONCLUSION: In an elderly cohort, it was found that low PEF, when expressed as an SR percentile, is independently associated with subsequent disability and death. These results support the use of PEF as a potentially valuable risk assessment tool in community‐living older persons.
Serum Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Levels Predict Longevity in Men: 27‐Year Follow‐Up Study in a Community‐Based Cohort (Tanushimaru Study)
Authors: Enomoto Mika , Adachi Hisashi , Fukami Ako , Furuki Kumiko , Satoh Akira , Otsuka Maki , Kumagae Shun‐ichi , Nanjo Yasuki , Shigetoh Yoshiyuki , Imaizumi Tsutomu 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels could predict longevity in residents.DESIGN: Prospective community‐based cohort study.SETTING: Community.PARTICIPANTS: Nine hundred forty subjects (396 men, 544 women; aged 21 to 88) underwent a health examination in 1978. Serum DHEAS levels were measured according to radioimmunoassay at baseline in all subjects, and subjects were followed periodically until 2005.RESULTS: Baseline DHEAS levels were higher in men than in women and decreased with age in both sexes. In a Cox proportional hazards model, age, DHEAS (inversely), blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose were significantly associated with shorter longevity in men but not in women. Of these variables, high DHEAS levels in men were the strongest predictor of longevity (β=−2.032, hazard ratio=0.131, 95% confidence interval=0.029–0.584 in the Cox proportional hazards model after adjustment for age). The Kaplan‐Meier survival curve, stratified according to tertiles of DHEAS levels, in men after adjustments for age, systolic blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose showed significantly (log‐rank stat =10.6; P<.001) greater longevity in the highest group (200 μg/dL) than in the moderate (130–199 μg/dL) or lowest groups (129 μg/dL).CONCLUSION: This 27‐year study in a community‐based cohort indicated that DHEAS level may be a predictor of longevity in men, independent of age, blood pressure, and plasma glucose.
New mutations on platelet GPIIb in Sub‐Saharan African populations revealed by genotyping discrepancies
Authors: Hallé L. , Jallu V. , Mulen‐Imandy G. , Bigot A. , M'Bayo K. , Anani L. Y. , Kaplan C. 
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND: Previous studies of platelet allele frequencies in Sub‐Saharan African populations enabled us to identify discrepancies in HPA‐3 typing, suggesting the presence of new mutations and of a greater polymorphism than so far described in other populations.OBJECTIVES: To analyze these discrepancies and to assess the factors leading to potential alloimmunization in these populations.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples: Maternal samples from a Beninese woman following in utero death and panels of blood donors from Benin, Cameroon, Congo, and Pygmies from Central Africa. Techniques: Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP), PCR‐sequence specific primers (PCR‐SSP) and sequencing techniques.RESULTS: Three new mutations were found on GPIIb gene: exon 26 a) 2614C>A situated between HPA‐3 and HPA‐9w, b) 2645C>T downstream of HPA‐3, c) intron 26 IVS26+89G>A. These mutations may lead to discrepant DNA typing results, due either to a localization in the complementary sequence recognized by the primer or to the appearance of a new enzyme restriction site. Furthermore, a bilateral linkage << deletion (Δ9 bp) intron 21 and the HPA‐3b allele (exon 26) >> found in Caucasian, Asian, and Oceanian populations is not found in African populations, suggesting that its appearance was prior to HPA‐3.CONCLUSION: Three new mutations have been identified, two of them potentially immunogenic through their position. Furthermore, the polymorphism found on intron 26, localized in the complementary sequence of the PCR primer, may lead to a false typing assignation. It is therefore important to diversify techniques, both genomic (PCR‐RFLP and PCR‐SSP), and proteomic monoclonal antibody‐specific immobilization of platelets antigen (MAIPA) to ensure accurate HPA antigenic system typing.
Asymptomatic infection by Leishmania infantum in blood donors from the Balearic Islands (Spain)
Authors: Riera Cristina , Fisa Roser , López‐Chejade Paulo , Serra Teresa , Girona Enrique , Jiménez MaTeresa , Muncunill José , Sedeño Matilde , Mascaró Martín , Udina Maria , Gállego Montserrrat , Carrió Jaume , Forteza Alejandro , Portús Montserrat 
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania infantum is a zoonotic disease endemic throughout the Mediterranean basin. The existence of asymptomatic human infection entails the risk of transmission by blood transfusion.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The prevalence of Leishmania infection was studied in 1437 blood donors from the Balearic Islands (Majorca, Formentera, and Minorca) using immunologic (Western blot [WB] and delayed‐type hypersensitivity [DTH]), parasitologic (culture), and molecular (nested polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) methods. In addition, the efficiency of leukoreduction by filtration to remove the parasite was tested by nested PCR in the red blood cell (RBC) units.RESULTS: Leishmania antibodies were detected in 44 of the 1437 blood donors tested (3.1%). A sample of 304 donors from Majorca was selected at random. L. infantum DNA was amplified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) in 18 of the 304 (5.9%), and cultures were positive in 2 of the 304 (0.6%). DTH was performed on 73 of the 304 donors and was positive for 8 of them (11%). Of the 18 donors with positive L. infantum nested PCR, only 2 were seropositive. All the RBC samples tested (13 of 18) from donors with a positive PBMNC nested PCR yielded negative nested PCR results after leukodepletion.CONCLUSIONS: Cryptic Leishmania infection is highly prevalent in blood donors from the Balearic Islands. DTH and L. infantum nested PCR appear to be more sensitive to detect asymptomatic infection than the serology. The use of leukodepletion filters appears to remove parasites from RBC units efficiently.
Is Wider Worse? QRS Duration Predicts Cardiac Mortality in Patients with Right Bundle Branch Block
Authors: Adesanya Christiana O. , Yousuf Kabir A. , Co Carter , Gaur Shobhana , Ahmed Sameer , Pothoulakis Anthony , Suryaprasad Agaram , Gupta Satyendra 
Published: April 2008

Background: Increasing QRS duration may be of prognostic significance in patients with right bundle branch block (RBBB) and may assist in predicting overall cardiovascular risk. Methods: To test this hypothesis, we examined the Computerized Patient Records of patients with complete and persistent RBBB. Primary and secondary end points were all‐cause and cardiac mortality. The effects of QRS duration on death rates were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards regression model (P < 0.05). We identified 52,852 patients with EKGs and selected all those with diagnosis of RBBB (QRS ≥ 120 ms) between January 2000 and January 2004. Some patients had EKG records confirming RBBB since 1987. The QRS durations were categorized into four groups: 120–129, 130–139, 140–149, and ≥ 150 ms. Results: A total of 997 (1.9%) patients (mean age 68.9 ± 10 years) with RBBB were followed for 1–226 (median 45) months. All‐cause mortality occurred in 344 (34.5%), cardiac deaths in 59 (5.9%), noncardiac in 191 (19.2%), and unknown causes in 94 (9.4%) patients. Mean left ventricular EF for cardiac patients was 38 ± 15%. In patients with cardiac deaths, QRS duration was associated with increased morality (P < 0.007). For every 10 ms increase in QRS duration, the risk of death rose by 26.6%. The effect of QRS duration on all cause mortality was not statistically significant (P < 0.43). Conclusion: Increasing QRS duration was an independent predictor of cardiac mortality in patients with RBBB, but had no influence on all‐cause mortality. QRS duration has added prognostic information to the presence of right bundle branch block.
‘Bone map’ for a safe placement of miniscrews generated by computed tomography
Authors: Hernández L. C. , Montoto G. , Puente Rodríguez M. , Galbán L. , Martínez V. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract:Objectives: The aim of this manuscript is to provide a bone map that can be used as a general guide to determine the areas where miniscrews can be safely anchored.Materials and Methods: Twenty‐one computed tomographies (CTs) of maxilla and mandible were taken by the imaging centre ORTOSCAN® and two measures were taken: ‐First, the interradicular space in the mesiodistal plane of the maxillary and mandible teeth with slices taken at 3, 6, and 9 mm from the alveolar crest, in the palatine and vestibular slices. ‐Second, the interradicular space in the vestibular–lingual direction.Results: We can see that the greatest amount of mesiodistal bone is between the first and second inferior molars on the vestibular side and between the second and first inferior molars on the lingual side, whereas the least amount of bone on the mesiodistal plane is between the inferior incisors on the vestibular side. To determine the length of the miniscrew, we must take into account that the greatest amount of vestibular–lingual bone is between the first and second inferior molar, whereas the least amount is between the central and lateral inferior incisors.Conclusions: Mesiodistal values in vestibular are those that must be considered when inserting the microscrew so as not to damage the dental tissue. Mesiodistal measurements taken in palatal–lingual do not present problems when inserting microscrews.
In vitro osteogenic potential of bone debris resulting from placement of titanium screw‐type implants
Authors: Dhore Cherida R. , Snel Saskia J. , Jacques Siegfried V. N. , Naert Ignace E. , Frank Walboomers X. , Jansen John A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjectives: Histological sections of preclinical animal studies have shown that new bone formation around dental implants frequently contains debris derived from the original bone. Whether such debris by itself is osteogenic, i.e., can influence the process of new bone formation after implant placement, is still unknown. We therefore aim to investigate if such debris does have osteogenic potential.Material and methods: To substantiate our hypothesis, we performed an in vitro study in which titanium screws were placed into animal bone, and immediately removed. Without additional treatment these were placed into a cell culture medium provided with β‐glycerophosphate. We used Von Kossa staining and scanning electron microscopy to examine calcifications on the surface of the implants. Additionally, total DNA analysis, alkaline phosphates activity, and calcium content were assessed on the screw surface.Results: Light and electron microscopy revealed the increasing presence of calcified matter on the implant surface. DNA amounts doubled from days 1 to 6, while alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium content showed a pronounced increase over the entire incubation time. None of these phenomena occurred on the control samples in the same medium.Conclusions: From these results, we proved that bone debris, which arises from dental implant placement, and which is moved along by the inherent roughness of the implant, by itself has osteogenic potential.
The LX—M relation of clusters of galaxies
Authors: Rykoff E. S. , Evrard A. E. , McKay T. A. , Becker M. R. , Johnston D. E. , Koester B. P. , Nord B. , Rozo E. , Sheldon E. S. , Stanek R. , Wechsler R. H. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
We present a new measurement of the scaling relation between X-ray luminosity and total mass for 17 000 galaxy clusters in the maxBCG cluster sample. Stacking subsamples within fixed ranges of optical richness, N200, we measure the mean 0.1–2.4 keV X-ray luminosity, 〈LX〉 , from the ROSAT All-Sky Survey. The mean mass, 〈M200〉, is measured from weak gravitational lensing of SDSS background galaxies. For 9 ⩽ N200 &lt; 200, the data are well fitted by a power law, 〈LX〉/1042h−2 erg s−1=[12.6+1.4−1.3 (stat) ± 1.6 (sys)](〈M200〉/1014h−1 M⊙)1.65±0.13. The slope agrees to within 10 per cent with previous estimates based on X-ray selected catalogues, implying that the covariance in LX and N200 at a fixed halo mass is not large. The luminosity intercept is 30 per cent, or 2σ, lower than that determined from the X-ray flux-limited sample of Reiprich & Böhringer, assuming hydrostatic equilibrium. This slight difference could arise from a combination of Malmquist bias and/or systematic error in hydrostatic mass estimates, both of which are expected. The intercept agrees with that derived by Stanek et al. using a model for the statistical correspondence between clusters and haloes in a WMAP3 cosmology with power spectrum normalization s8= 0.85. Similar exercises applied to future data sets will allow constraints on the covariance among optical and hot gas properties of clusters at a fixed mass.
THERMAL INACTIVATION OF YERSINIA ENTEROCOLITICA IN LIQUID EGG PRODUCTS*
Authors: FAVIER GABRIELA ISABEL , ESCUDERO MARÍA ESTHER , DE GUZMÁN ANA MARÍA STEFANINI 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT Decimal reduction times (D values) and zD values for a three‐strain cocktail of Yersinia enterocolitica O:9 in three heat‐treated liquid egg products (whole eggs, egg yolks and egg whites) were determined. Products were inoculated at a final concentration of 2 × 107 cfu/mL and heated in capillary tubes to temperatures ranging from 51C to 64C for various time intervals. D values ranged from 0.06 (64C) to 11.30 min (55C) for liquid yolk, 0.058 (64C) to 11.29 min (55C) for liquid whole eggs and 0.39 (57C) to 9.88 min (51C) for liquid white. Thermal inactivation curves yielded zD values of 4.20C (whole eggs), 4.51C (egg whites) and 4.53C (egg yolks). D‐processes corresponding to the Y. enterocolitica inactivation during 3.5 min at temperatures required for egg pasteurization were estimated in 7D and 6.8D at 61C in liquid whole eggs and egg yolks respectively, and 8.9D at 57C in egg whites. The Y. enterocolitica risk should be considered in egg safety regulations.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSEven though the prevalence of potentially pathogenic Y. enterocolitica on eggshell has been estimated to be 2.3% in our region, there is possible risk of penetration and proliferation of this microorganism into eggs during storage. In the present study, thermal inactivation techniques usually applied to eliminate Salmonella from liquid eggs were assayed on Y. enterocolitica‐contaminated liquid egg products. D and zD values calculated for this microorganism allowed to estimate the bactericidal effect produced by heating on these products. Knowledge related to the thermal inactivation of Y. enterocolitica from liquid egg products might contribute to food safety.
Pharyngolaryngectomy using a free jejunal graft: a new anastomosis technique
Authors: Babar‐Craig H. , Clarke P.M. , Wood S.H. 
Published: April 2008

Keypoints

We describe a technique of staple anastomosis for pharyngolaryngeal reconstruction using a free jejunal graft.
Stapled anastomosis can be applied to both the upper and lower pharyngeal and oesophageal repair. Our series of 37 stapled anastomosis developed no post operative leaks.
This technique allows an easier method for inferior anastomosis low down in the upper mediastinum where access is often difficult.
Swallowing was established in all patients.
Primary puncture into oesophagus below the anastomosis, gives good results with a low stricture rate of 11% all of which resolved with a single subsequent dilatation.
Infant hearing screening: effects of timeline
Authors: Tsui P.W.Y. , McPherson B. , Wong E.C.M. , Ng I.H.‐Y. 
Published: April 2008

Objectives:  Universal infant hearing screening using otoacoustic emission and auditory brain‐stem response audiometry is widely administered to attain the goals of early identification of, and intervention for hearing impairment. Concerns regarding screening specificity have, however, been raised. False positives may result from vernix occlusion in the ear canal or transient middle ear effusion, and can result in substantial costs to health care systems. The current study investigates the effects of age and time interval between tests on hearing assessment results.Setting & participants:  Three hundred and seventeen positive screens from a 2‐stage distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) screening programme in Hong Kong, who subsequently received diagnostic auditory brainstem response (ABR) assessment and monitoring, were investigated.Main outcome measures:  Differences in diagnostic ABR results were compared among infants of different ages at tests, and with different time lapses after DPOAE screening. The proportion of those having persistent hearing impairment, conductive loss and impairment of moderate degree or above, were also compared.Results:  A significantly higher rate of normal ABR thresholds (60%versus 24%) was noted in infants assessed after age 50 days, and in infants diagnostically assessed with a time lapse of over 20 days post‐DPOAE screening (65%versus 42%).Conclusions:  Delaying diagnostic ABR assessment may reveal a higher percentage of normal thresholds, and hence probably higher specificity. Time delay may allow for spontaneous resolution of transient outer and middle ear conditions. However, the goals of early identification and intervention, as well as possible parental anxiety with delayed assessment, should also be considered when reviewing infant hearing screening schedules.