bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison between XPS‐ and FTIR‐analysis of plasma‐treated polypropylene film surfaces
Authors: Morent R. , De Geyter N. , Leys C. , Gengembre L. , Payen E. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPlasma treatment is often used to modify the surface properties of polymer films, since it offers numerous advantages over the conventional surface modification techniques. In this paper, a polypropylene (PP) film is plasma‐treated using a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) operating in air at medium pressure (5.0 kPa). The modified polymer films are characterized using contact angle measurements, XPS‐analysis and attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy. Results show that plasma treatment leads to a remarkable decrease in contact angle owing to the implantation of oxygen‐containing functional groups. Using XPS and ATR‐FTIR, these oxygen‐containing groups can be identified as CO, CO and OCO. In this paper, it is also shown that XPS is well‐suited to provide quantitative chemical analysis of the PP films, while ATR‐FTIR can only give qualitative information. To perform quantitative ATR‐FTIR measurements, chemical derivatization will be explored in the near future. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Height of the cerebellar vermis and gestational age at birth
Authors: Pogliani L. , Radaelli G. , Manfredini V. , Lista G. , Zuccotti G. V. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this study was to construct reference ranges of the neonatal cerebellar vermis height with respect to the gestational age at birth.MethodsThis observational study assessed 434 neonates born at 25–42 weeks' gestation. The neonates were singleton and appropriate in size for gestational age, and did not exhibit any abnormalities or neonatal disease. Gestational age was based on the date of the last menstrual period and confirmed by ultrasound examination performed within the 12th week of pregnancy. Sonographic measurements of the height of the cerebellar vermis in the mid‐sagittal plane were performed within 24 h of birth by the same neonatal sonographer. Reference ranges (5th, 50th and 95th centiles) were estimated by a mean and SD model based on least‐squares polynomial regression.ResultsNeonatal sonographic measurements were obtained in all cases. Mean (SD) maternal age was 30.2 (4.3) years. Mean cerebellar vermis height adjusted for gestational age did not differ between males and females, the mean adjusted difference being 0.012 (95% CI, − 0.009 to 0.033) cm. Mean cerebellar vermis height (cm) against gestational age (weeks) was suitably modeled by a linear‐cubic polynomial as − 1.784 + 0.137 × GA − 0.000019 × GA3 (SD = − 0.147 + 0.008 × GA), where GA = gestational age.ConclusionsReference ranges for the height of the cerebellar vermis at birth with respect to gestational age at birth have been constructed in appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age neonates. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frontomaxillary facial angle in trisomy 21 fetuses at 16–24 weeks of gestation
Authors: Molina F. , Persico N. , Borenstein M. , Sonek J. , Nicolaides K. H. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo establish a normal range for the frontomaxillary facial (FMF) angle by three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging and to examine the FMF angle in trisomy 21 fetuses at 16–24 weeks of gestation.MethodsWe measured the FMF angle using 3D volumes of the fetal profile obtained with the transducer parallel to the long axis of the nose and at 45° to the palate, which had been acquired from 150 normal fetuses and 23 fetuses with trisomy 21.ResultsIn the normal group there was no significant association between the FMF angle and gestational age; the mean FMF angle was 83.9° (range, 76.9–90.2°) and the 95th centile was 88.5°. In 15 (65.2%) of the fetuses with trisomy 21 the FMF angle was greater than 88.5°. Repeatability studies demonstrated that in 95% of cases the difference between two measurements of FMF angle by the same operator and different operators was less than 5°.ConclusionsIn the majority of second‐trimester fetuses with trisomy 21 the FMF angle is increased. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant and Antithrombotic Activities of Rapeseed Peptides
Authors: Zhang Shao Bing , Wang Zhang , Xu Shi Ying 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe antioxidant and antithrombotic activities of crude rapeseed peptides (CRPs) and peptide fractions (RP25 and RP55) prepared from aqueous enzymatic extraction (AEE) of rapeseed were determined. The reducing power of RP55 and CRPs was higher than that of RP25 at the same concentrations. Rapeseed peptides exhibited marked antioxidant activities. The median effective dose (ED50) values of CRPs, RP25 and RP55 for α,α‐diphenyl‐β‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging were 72, 499 and 41 μg/mL, respectively. The ED50 values for RP25 and RP55 for hydroxyl radicals scavenging were 2.53 and 6.79 mg/mL, respectively while the ED50 values of RP55 and CRPs for inhibition of lipid peroxidation in a liposome model system were 4.06 and 4.69 mg/mL, respectively. The inhibitory effect on lipid oxidation of RP55 was similar to that of ascorbic acid at a concentration of 5.0 mg/mL. A good positive correlation existed between the peptide concentration and antioxidant activity. RP55 generally showed more potent antioxidant activities except for hydroxyl radicals scavenging ability than RP25 and CRPs at the same concentrations, which was thought to relate to the significantly higher contents of hydrophobic amino acid, tannin, and the brown color substances in RP55. Rapeseed peptides possessed marked inhibitory activities on the thrombin‐catalyzed coagulation of fibrinogen, however, their inhibitory effects were not comparable to that of heparin.
Preterm births: Can neonatal pain alter the development of endogenous gating systems?
Authors: Goffaux Philippe , Lafrenaye Sylvie , Morin Mélanie , Patural Hugues , Demers Geneviève , Marchand Serge 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPrematurity is known to affect the development of various neurophysiological systems, including the maturation of pain and cardiac circuits. The purpose of this study was to see if numerous painful interventions, experienced soon after birth, affect counterirritation‐induced analgesia (triggered using the cold pressor test) later in life. A total of 26 children, between the ages of 7 and 11 participated in the study. Children were divided into three groups, according to their birth status (i.e., term‐born, born preterm and exposed to numerous painful interventions, or born preterm and exposed to few painful interventions). Primary outcome measures were heat pain thresholds, heat sensitivity scores, and cardiac reactivity. Results showed that preterm children and term‐born children had comparable pain thresholds. Exposure to conditioning cold stimulation significantly increased heart rate and significantly decreased the thermal pain sensitivity of term‐born children. These physiological reactions were also observed among preterm children who were only exposed to a few painful interventions at birth. Changes in heart rate and pain sensitivity in response to conditioning cold stimulation were not observed in preterm children that had been exposed to numerous painful procedures during the neonatal period. These results suggest that early pain does not lead to enhanced pain sensitivity when premature babies become children, but that their endogenous pain modulatory mechanisms are not as well developed as those of children not exposed to noxious insult at birth. Greater frequency of painful procedures also dampened the rise in heart rate normally observed when experimental pain is experienced.
Massage or music for pain relief in labour: A pilot randomised placebo controlled trial
Authors: Kimber L. , McNabb M. , Mc Court C. , Haines A. , Brocklehurst P. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractResearch on massage therapy for maternal pain and anxiety in labour is currently limited to four small trials. Each used different massage techniques, at different frequencies and durations, and relaxation techniques were included in three trials. Given the need to investigate massage interventions that complement maternal neurophysiological adaptations to labour and birth pain(s), we designed a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) to test the effects of a massage programme practised during physiological changes in pain threshold, from late pregnancy to birth, on women's reported pain, measured by a visual analogue scale (VAS) at 90min following birth. To control for the potential bias of the possible effects of support offered within preparation for the intervention group, the study included 3 arms – intervention (massage programme with relaxation techniques), placebo (music with relaxation techniques) and control (usual care). The placebo offered a non‐pharmacological coping strategy, to ensure that use of massage was the only difference between intervention and placebo groups. There was a trend towards slightly lower mean pain scores in the intervention group but these differences were not statistically significant. No differences were found in use of pharmacological analgesia, need for augmentation or mode of delivery. There was a trend towards more positive views of labour preparedness and sense of control in the intervention and placebo groups, compared with the control group. These findings suggest that regular massage with relaxation techniques from late pregnancy to birth is an acceptable coping strategy that merits a large trial with sufficient power to detect differences in reported pain as a primary outcome measure.
The correlation between pharyngeal narrowing and the severity of sleep‐disordered breathing
Authors: Kim Hyo Yeol , Bok Kwon Hyo , Dhong Hun‐Jong , Chung Seung‐Kyu 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to examine the correlation between the degree or shape of pharyngeal narrowing as observed during the Muller maneuver and the severity of sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB).SUBJECTS AND METHODSWe enrolled 33 patients with SDB, and they underwent polysomnography (PSG). The degree of pharyngeal narrowing (grade I‐IV) according to fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy with the Muller maneuver (FNMM) and the shape of pharyngeal narrowing were evaluated at different anatomical levels. These variables were compared with the total apnea hypopnea index (AHI), the supine AHI, and the lateral AHI obtained by PSG.RESULTSThe retroglossal FNMM grades revealed significant correlation with total AHI (P = 0.030) and supine AHI (P = 0.012). The retropalatal FNMM grades were significantly correlated with lateral AHI (P = 0.020). The lateral‐narrowing type at the retropalatal level is more significantly associated with higher total AHI compared with the anteroposterior‐narrowing type (P = 0.010).CONCLUSIONThe anatomic level and the degree of pharyngeal narrowing observed during FNMM revealed a correlation with the AHIs of different sleeping positions.
The impact of cochlear implantation on quality of life: The role of audiologic performance and variables
Authors: Hirschfelder Anke , Gräbel Stefan , Olze Heidi 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to assess the impact of cochlear implantation (CI) on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), to correlate the results with audiologic performance, and to analyze the influence of variables that possibly affect the CI outcome.STUDY DESIGNA retrospective study.SUBJECTS AND METHODSFifty‐six adult CI users were evaluated by two HRQOL‐questionnaires (the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire [NCIQ] and the Medical Outcome Study Short‐Form 36 [SF‐36]) and speech‐perception tests (Freiburger monosyllable and Hochmair, Schulz, Moser (HSM) sentence test).RESULTSThe NCIQ showed significant improvements in the total score and in all subdomains after CI. The NCIQ total score and the advanced sound‐perception and speech‐production score correlated significantly with speech test results. Significant inverse relationships were noted between speech test results and duration of deafness. Significant associations were found between time since CI, NCIQ total score, and speech test results.CONCLUSIONThe NCIQ was able to detect significant effects of CI on HRQOL and correlated with audiologic measures, supporting its use as a measurement tool in CI.
Childhood epistaxis and nasal colonization with Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Whymark Andrew D. , Crampsey David P. , Fraser Lyndsay , Moore Philip , Williams Craig , Kubba Haytham 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVEEpistaxis is very common in children but its cause remains unknown. We postulate that nasal colonization with Staphylococcus aureus leads to inflammation, crusting, and ultimately new vessel formation.STUDY DESIGNA prospective case‐control study.SUBJECTS AND METHODSSixty‐seven children were recruited, 42 with epistaxis (22 had crusting in the nasal vestibule; 20 did not) and 25 control subjects. A microbiology swab was taken from the anterior nasal cavity of each child.RESULTSAll groups were equally likely to have a positive culture. S aureus was more common in the epistaxis group (P = 0.008) compared with the control group. There was no difference in the prevalence of S aureus between crust and noncrust groups. Epistaxis patients were much less likely to have isolates of respiratory pathogens or a skin commensal.CONCLUSIONChildren with epistaxis are more likely to have nasal colonization with S aureus than controls. Our data would support the hypothesis that S aureus replaces existing nasal flora and causes inflammation and new vessel formation.
Chemical meningitis following cerebellopontine angle tumor surgery
Authors: Sanchez Gabriela B. , Kaylie David M. , O'Malley Matthew R. , Labadie Robert F. , Jackson C. Gary , Haynes David S. 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVEPostoperative chemical meningitis mimics bacterial meningitis, complicating the diagnosis until results of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures can be obtained. We analyzed clinical and laboratory data from a series of 1146 patients to identify findings that could exclude bacterial meningitis.SUBJECTS AND METHODSWe reviewed the charts of patients who developed meningitis after cerebellopontine angle surgery. Lumbar puncture data from asymptomatic postoperative patients were our control.STUDY DESIGNClinical symptoms, CSF profiles, and serum white blood cell (WBC) counts were compared between patients with chemical meningitis, bacterial meningitis, and asymptomatic patients.RESULTSThe incidence of meningitis in our series of 1146 patients was 4.54 percent; 0.87 percent was culture‐proven bacterial meningitis. The patients with bacterial meningitis had significantly higher CSF and serum WBC counts, and lower CSF glucose. The major difference between asymptomatic patients and those with chemical meningitis was the significantly lower ratio of CSF WBCs to red blood cells (RBCs) in asymptomatic patients.CONCLUSIONPatients with mild CSF leukocytosis and normal CSF glucose without high serum WBC counts or focal neurological deficits may be treated for chemical meningitis.
Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea and quality of life: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Baldassari Cristina M. , Mitchell Ronald B. , Schubert Christine , Rudnick Emily F. 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE1) To assess the quality of life (QOL) in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) compared with QOL of children with chronic medical conditions, and 2) To determine QOL in children with OSA after adenotonsillectomy in short‐ and long‐term follow‐up.DATA SOURCES/REVIEW METHODSA literature review on QOL in pediatric OSA using the PubMed database.RESULTSThe literature search yielded 10 articles that satisfied inclusion and exclusion criteria. In three studies, the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) survey was used to compare 193 patients who had OSA with 93 children who had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) and with 815 healthy children. Of 12 CHQ subscale scores for children with OSA, 8 scores were significantly lower (indicating a poorer QOL) than controls. Children with OSA scored 19.23 points lower than healthy children in the subscale of parental impact‐emotional. Children with OSA had QOL scores that were similar to those of children with JRA. In seven publications, 369 children with OSA undergoing adenotonsillectomy were studied by using the OSA‐18 QOL instrument. The total OSA‐18 score and each of the domain scores showed significant improvement (P < 0.0001) after adenotonsillectomy. At long‐term follow‐up, QOL scores remained significantly improved.CONCLUSIONSPediatric OSA has a significant impact on QOL. QOL in pediatric OSA is similar to that of children with JRA. Large improvements in QOL occur after adenotonsillectomy, and these findings are maintained in the long‐term. The literature lacks control studies on QOL in pediatric OSA.
A randomized crossover trial of conservative snoring treatments: Mandibular repositioning splint and nasal CPAP
Authors: Robertson Stuart , Murray Maria , Young David , Pilley Richard , Dempster John 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVETo compare the effectiveness of a mandibular repositioning splint (MRS) and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device as first‐line treatments for disruptive snoring.STUDY DESIGNProspective randomized crossover trial.SUBJECTS AND METHODSTwenty snorers received 3 months of treatment with both an MRS and nasal CPAP. Snoring Outcomes Survey (SOS), Snoring Bed Partner Survey, and Epworth questionnaires were completed serially. Changes in questionnaire scores were analyzed with a general linear statistical model and by analysis of variance.RESULTSThere was a significant difference between the three preference outcomes for the mean SOS changes (P = 0.003). The mean SOS change was significantly greater for those who preferred MRS to CPAP (mean score difference, 27.15). Eight snorers chose final long‐term MRS treatment, five chose nasal CPAP, and seven chose neither.CONCLUSIONThe majority of disruptive snorers can be managed effectively with conservative treatments and therefore avoid surgery.
Comparative study of four radiofrequency generators for the treatment of snoring
Authors: Blumen Marc B. , Chalumeau Frédéric , Gauthier Anne , Bobin Serge , Coste André , Chabolle Frédéric 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy and safety of four radio‐frequency generators (Ellman, Select Sutter, Coblator, Somnus) for the treatment of simple snoring.MATERIALS AND METHODSMulticenter, randomized, prospective single‐blind study on 120 selected patients with simple snoring (apnea/hypopnea index <10/h of sleep). Snoring sound intensity was measured on a visual analog scale and the partner's short‐term satisfaction rate was evaluated after two treatment sessions maximum. Discomfort, pain, and medication intake were compared.RESULTSRadiofrequency decreased the snoring sound intensity from 7.9 ± 1.7 to 4.4 ± 2.7 (P < 0.0001). The four radio‐frequency generators had a statistically comparable efficacy. The Ellman generator caused less discomfort and required less antiinflammatory drugs.CONCLUSIONDespite different technical characteristics, the four generators had a comparable efficacy with good safety. The Ellman generator induced the least discomfort.
Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis and otitis media: Changes in pathogenicity following widespread use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
Authors: Benninger Michael S. 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVEAcute bacterial rhinosinusitis and acute otitis media are two of the most common respiratory tract infections. The common pathogenic bacteria associated with these infections are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Staphylococcus aureus. With the recent widespread use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, there is evidence that there is a shift of both the pneumococcal serotypes and the distribution of pathogenic bacteria. The purpose of this article was to investigate whether the literature supports changes in pathogenicity of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis and otitis media after widespread use of conjugate pneumococcal vaccine.DATA SOURCESMEDLINE search of the literature was performed between 1995 and 2007.REVIEW METHODSLiterature review of changes in distribution of pathogens, resistance rates, and pneumococcal serotype changes before and after widespread use of conjugate pneumococcal vaccine.RESULTSThere is evidence that the distribution of pneumococcal serotypes has changed after the widespread use of conjugate pneumococcal vaccine. There appears to be both less invasive and noninvasive pneumococcal disease and with childhood immunization there also appears to be a protective effect on adults (herd immunity). Increases in nonvaccine serotypes, some with high levels of resistance are being identified in some communities. There is also growing evidence that there may be an increasing prevalence of Haemophilus influenzae in these infections.CONCLUSIONSWidespread use of conjugate pneumococcal vaccine has led to decreasing incidence of pneumococcal otitis media and likely also acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, which may have implications for treatment recommendations for these infections.
Prospective analysis of epicutaneous testing for inhalant allergy: Comparison of arm and back subsites with mRAST
Authors: Batra Pete S. , Yappel‐Sinkko Kathy , Bena James , Leong Jern‐Lin , Citardi Martin J. , Lanza Donald C. 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVES1) To compare epicutaneous testing (ET) from four skin subsites (forearm, upper arm, upper back, lower back) and 2) to compare ET to modified RAST (mRAST) for inhalant allergens.STUDY DESIGNProspective clinical trial.SUBJECTS AND METHODSFifty one patients underwent ET at four skin subsites and mRAST to six antigens and positive and negative controls.RESULTSThe forearm and upper back showed best sensitivity to positive controls and all subsites demonstrated similar specificity to negative controls. The forearm and upper back demonstrated best sensitivity and specificity for most antigens. No statistically significant differences were noted for antigen sensitivity and specificity for the four subsites. ET and mRAST agreed best on D. farinae and timothy grass and least on short ragweed and dog epithelium.CONCLUSIONThis study confirms that forearm and upper back demonstrate very good sensitivity and specificity for positive and negative controls and most tested antigens. This has important diagnostic implications for clinical practice of inhalant allergy.
Effect of topical ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone or dexamethasone alone on acute Streptococcus pneumoniae rhinosinusitis in mice
Authors: Sahin‐Yilmaz Asli , Baroody Fuad , Markaryan Adam , Thompson Kenneth , Wall G. Michael , Naclerio Robert 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVETo test whether intranasal ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone or dexamethasone alone affects the course of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis in mice.STUDY DESIGNWe performed a randomized, double‐blind, parallel, placebo‐controlled study in mice.SUBJECTS AND METHODSThree groups of 10 C57B1/6 mice were infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae, and then 1 day later randomized to treatment with placebo, ciprofloxacin plus dexamethasone, or dexamethasone. The mice were killed 3 or 10 days after treatment was begun.RESULTSThe placebo‐treated mice became infected and developed an inflammatory cell infiltration in their sinuses. None of the treatments significantly affected the course of the illness.CONCLUSIONThe lack of topical, intranasal efficacy of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone could be attributed to subpotent dosage, rapid nasal clearance, or inability of the drops to reach the site of infection. Treatment with dexamethasone neither improved nor worsened the bacterial infection.