bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome after 26 weeks of gestation: is there a role for fetoscopic laser surgery?
Authors: Middeldorp JM , Lopriore E , Sueters M , Klumper FJCM , Kanhai HHH , Vandenbussche FPHA , Oepkes D 
Published: May 2007

Objective  To compare fetoscopic laser surgery with amniodrainage in the treatment of twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) diagnosed after 26 weeks of gestation.Design  A retrospective cohort study.Setting  Leiden University Medical Centre, a tertiary referral hospital for fetal therapy.Population  Between January 1991 and February 2006, 21 TTTS cases were diagnosed and treated after 26 weeks of gestation.Methods  Treatment of TTTS consisted of either amniodrainage or fetoscopic laser coagulation of vascular anastomoses.Main outcome measures  Primary outcome: adverse outcome (intrauterine or neonatal death, major neonatal morbidity and/or severe cerebral injury). Secondary outcome: gestational age at birth.Results  Eleven TTTS cases were treated with amniodrainage and ten with laser surgery. Median gestational age at birth in the amniodrainage group and in the laser surgery group was 29 and 31 weeks, respectively (P = 0.17) All infants were born alive. Major neonatal morbidity occurred more often in the amniodrainage group than in the laser surgery group, 27% (6/22) and 0% (0/20), respectively (P = 0.02). Severe cerebral injury in the amniodrainage group and in the laser surgery group occurred in 23% (5/22) and 15% (3/20) of infants, respectively (P = 0.70). Neonatal mortality in the amniodrainage group and in the laser surgery group was 14% (3/22) and 0% (0/20), respectively (P = 0.23). Overall adverse outcome was 36% (8/22) in the amniodrainage group and 15% (3/20) in the laser surgery group (P = 0.17).Conclusion  In TTTS diagnosed after 26 weeks of gestation, amniodrainage and laser surgery both result in 100% survival. However, infants born after laser surgery have less major neonatal morbidity.
Maternal mortality in Yunnan, China: recent trends and associated factors
Authors: Li J , Luo C , Deng R , Jacoby P , De Klerk N 
Published: May 2007

Objective  Yunnan Province, located in southwest China, is one of the poorest province in China. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is about twice the national average (56.2/100 000 live births), and in remote mountainous regions, the rate is five times higher. This study aimed to examine the progress in reduction of maternal mortality in the 1990s and early 2000s and the factors associated with this reduction in Yunnan.Design  A population‐based, longitudinal, ecological correlation study.Setting  A remote province of China with a proportionately large indigenous population.Population  Populations at county, prefecture and provincial level.Methods  Using maternal mortality data collected at the province, prefecture/region and county levels, trend and time series analyses and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed using SPSS (Version 13).Main outcome measure  MMR and its change over time.Results  MMR declined substantially in the 1990s at a rate of 3.0% per year. Utilisation of prenatal and obstetric care increased and was significantly correlated with the declining trend in MMR. Hospital delivery was a strong predictor of MMR, independent of social and economic development. Both low income and illiteracy were significantly associated with increased MMR.Conclusions  Declines in maternal mortality in Yunnan over the past 14 years appear to reflect health, social and economic interventions implemented in the 1990s. The association of hospital delivery with maternal mortality may be due to the effective management of severe pregnancy and birth complications. Low income and illiteracy were associated with MMR but primarily through their impact on the use of prenatal and obstetric care.
Breed‐specific pro‐inflammatory cytokine production as a predisposing factor for susceptibility to sepsis in the dog
Authors: Nemzek Jean A. , Agrodnia Marta D. , Hauptman Joe G. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjective: To determine whether 2 dog breeds with a high risk for parvoviral enteritis, a disease associated with sepsis, produce stronger pro‐inflammatory cytokine responses to a stimulus than dogs with a lower risk.Design: Blinded comparison.Setting: University outpatient clinic.Animals: Healthy, unrelated, purebred Doberman Pinschers (n=10) and Rottweilers (n=9) with age‐matched mixed‐breed dogs (n=7).Interventions: Heparinized, whole‐blood samples were collected from each dog and incubated for 6 hours with lipopolysaccharide. Plasma was collected, and bioassays were used to determine the concentrations of TNF‐α and IL‐6. The mean values obtained from the high‐risk breeds were compared with the mean obtained from the mixed‐breeds.Measurements and main results: The mean TNF‐α production from dogs with a high risk for parvoviral enteritis (1321±161 pg/mL; Doberman Pinscher and Rottweiler) was greater (P<0.05) than that from lower risk, mixed‐breed dogs (674±186 pg/mL). There were no differences in TNF‐α levels between Doberman (1128±247 pg/mL) and Rottweiler (1563±pg/mL) breeds or between any breeds with regard to IL‐6 production.Conclusions: The magnitude of TNF‐α production by peripheral blood monocytes was the greatest in the dogs with breed‐related risk for parvoviral enteritis. However, additional studies are needed to prove a causal relationship between high TNF and predilection for parvoviral enteritis. Regardless, breed appears to be a predisposing factor for variations in cytokine production that could impact the host response to infection and other inflammatory insults.
Neurologic deficits associated with severe hyponatremia in 2 foals
Authors: Wong David M. , Sponseller Beatrice T. , Brockus Charles , Fales‐Williams Amanda J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjective:To describe the neurologic deficits associated with profound hyponatremia in 2 critically ill foals.Series summary:A 4‐month‐old Thoroughbred colt and an 11‐day‐old Paint filly presented for acute diarrhea and depression. Severe neurologic deficits including blindness and head pressing were noted upon initial examination along with marked hyponatremia observed on biochemistry profile. Aggressive intravenous sodium replacement increased the serum sodium concentration to subnormal values with concurrent resolution of neurologic deficits. Intensive monitoring and fluid therapy were continued; the Thoroughbred colt was euthanized due to lack of response to the primary disease while the Paint filly was discharged clinically healthy without further complications.New or unique information provided:Mild hyponatremia (122–132 mEq/L) is a common clinicopathologic finding in equine medicine associated with a variety of diseases. The vast majority of horses with mild hyponatremia do not demonstrate direct clinical manifestations as a result of low serum sodium concentration. However, when severe acute hyponatremia occurs (<122 mEq/L), such as with acute enterocolitis, subtle to profound neurologic deficits may be observed and immediate and rapid treatment as well as serial evaluations of serum sodium concentration are warranted. Significant, and potentially permanent, neurologic deficits can occur if water balance and tonicity are not properly addressed. The cases presented here describe additional cases of a previously published disease in foals, acute hyponatremia and associated neurologic deficits, and describe the microscopic examination of the central nervous system in one foal that did not survive.
Global localism: Recentering the research agenda for biodiversity conservation
Authors: Medley Kimberly E. , Kalibo Humphrey W. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Global environmental crisis narratives about biodiversity loss promote conservation research on how human activities impact natural resources and link scientific findings to protectionist policies. This paper critiques how local knowledge, over space and through time, is constructed for these studies and integrated with ecological measures and qualitative interpretations of biodiversity conditions. As a case example, we describe how ethnoecological research at Mt. Kasigau, a biodiversity hot spot in Southeastern Kenya, changes ‘scientific’ views on human–resource relations. Species richness in woody plants and local knowledge about trees show resource continua on the mountain that question the designation of diverse undisturbed forests and degraded human‐utilized lands. Local narratives document spatially dynamic and adaptive relationships between the Kasigau Taita and their plant resources as they moved up and down the mountain in response to environmental conditions and extra local forces. We argue that greater ‘local learning’ about local places is important to hypothesizing and potentially guiding ‘global action’ for biodiversity conservation.
Analysis of a rural water supply project in three communities in Mali: Participation and sustainability
Authors: Gleitsmann Brett A. , Kroma Margaret M. , Steenhuis Tammo 
Published: May 2007

Abstract This paper presents a qualitative assessment of the participatory water management strategies implemented at the community level in rural Mali through a water supply project — The West Africa Water Initiative (WAWI) — coordinated by World Vision International, a non‐governmental and humanitarian organization. Data for the study were generated through a combination of primary and secondary sources in three villages. Results of the study indicate that while community‐based rural water supply is a positive step in responding to the needs of rural Malians, the installation of boreholes with hand pumps informed merely by consultative participatory approaches and limited extension involvement will not necessarily proffer sustainable rural water supply in the region. A “platform” approach to rural water supply management that can mobilize the assets and insights of different social actors to influence decision making at all stages, including the design and choice‐of‐technology stages, in water supply interventions is instead advocated.
Sinus CT Scan Findings in “Sinus Headache” Migraineurs
Authors: Mehle Mark E. , Kremer Patricia S. 
Published: May 2007

Objective.— To evaluate the sinus CT scan findings in “sinus headache” migraineurs, and to compare the findings to nonmigraine “sinus headache” patients.Background.— The majority of patients presenting with “sinus headache” satisfy the International Headache Society (IHS) criteria for migraine headache. Few studies have correlated the rhinologic complaints and computed tomography (CT) findings in these patients.Methods.— Thirty‐five patients with “sinus headache” were evaluated prospectively and referred for CT of the paranasal sinuses. The CT scans were assessed for sinus abnormality (recorded as a Lund–Mackay [L‐M] score) and were analyzed for concha bullosa and septal deviation. The findings in the migraine cohort were compared with the nonmigraine “sinus headache” patients.Findings.— Twenty‐six patients (74.3%) satisfied the IHS criteria for migraine. The mean CT scan L‐M score did not differ significantly between the migraine (2.07) and nonmigraine cohort (2.66). Five of the migraine group had substantial sinus disease radiographically (with L‐M scores of 5 or above). Concha bullosa of at least 1 middle turbinate was more common in the nonmigraine cohort. An analysis of the sidedness of the headaches, sinus disease, concha bullosa, and/or septal deviation is presented.Conclusions.— The majority of “sinus headache” patients satisfy the IHS criteria for migraine. Surprisingly, these patients often have radiographic sinus disease. This raises the possibility of selection bias in otolaryngology patients, inaccurate diagnosis, or radiographic sinus disease and migraine as comorbid conditions. Positive migraine histories apparently do not obviate the need for a thorough ENT workup, possibly including CT scanning.
Migraine Comorbidity Constellations
Authors: Tietjen Gretchen E. , Herial Nabeel A. , Hardgrove Jacqueline , Utley Christine , White Leah 
Published: May 2007

Objectives.—To identify distinct constellations of comorbid disorders occurring in migraineurs, and to examine differences in demographics, headache profiles, and psychosocial features between the comorbidity constellations.Methods.—This is a retrospective electronic chart review of consecutive new female outpatients diagnosed with migraine (n = 223) using International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD)‐II criteria. Questionnaire collected information on comorbid diagnoses, current depression, somatic symptoms, psychosocial stressors, and antidepressant use, social and abuse history. Cluster analysis, based on nonheadache disorders, was performed and differences between the resulting groups were examined.Results.—We identified 3 groups. Group 1 (n = 55) was defined by hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and hypothyroidism; Group 2 (n = 83) by depression, anxiety, and fibromyalgia; Group 3 (n = 85) by the absence of defining comorbidities. Group 1 had more males (22% vs 5% vs 12%, P < .05), was older (median years: 52 vs 36 vs 32, P < .01), and had later age of headache onset (median years: 22 vs 16 vs 18, P < .05). Group 2 had the greatest disability (P < .05), and the lowest quality of life (P < .001). Persons in Group 2 more commonly reported sexual abuse (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.1 to 6.5), physical abuse (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.2 to 5.1), and emotional abuse (OR = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.9 to 8.9).Conclusion.—Within a headache clinic population, we identified 3 different migraine comorbidity constellations, with differing headache and psychosocial profiles, suggesting heterogeneity of genetic and environmental factors. This may have implications for diagnosis and disease management.
Capital Allocation for Insurance Companies—What Good IS IT?
Authors: Gründl Helmut , Schmeiser Hato 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn their 2001 Journal of Risk and Insurance article, Stewart C. Myers and James A. Read Jr. propose to use a specific capital allocation method for pricing insurance contracts. We show that in their model framework no capital allocation to lines of business is needed for pricing insurance contracts. In the case of having to cover frictional costs, the suggested allocation method may even lead to inappropriate insurance prices. Beside the purpose of pricing insurance contracts, capital allocation methods proposed in the literature and used in insurance practice are typically intended to help derive capital budgeting decisions in insurance companies, such as expanding or contracting lines of business. We also show that net present value analyses provide better capital budgeting decisions than capital allocation in general.
Financial Distress in Australian General Insurers
Authors: Sharpe Ian G. , Stadnik Andrei 
Published: May 2007

AbstractWe develop and test a statistical model to identify Australian general insurers experiencing financial distress over the 1999–2001 period. Using a logit model and two measures of financial distress we are able to predict, with reasonable confidence, the insurers more likely to be distressed. They are generally small and have low return on assets and cession ratios. Relative to holdings of liquid assets they have high levels of property and reinsurance assets, and low levels of equity holdings. They also write more overseas business, and less motor insurance and long‐tailed insurance lines, relative to fire and household insurance.
Competencies of genetic nursing practise in Japan: A comparison between basic and advanced levels
Authors: ARIMORI Naoko , NAKAGOMI Satoko , MIZOGUCHI Michiko , MORITA Minako , ANDO Hiroto , MORI Akiko , HORIUCHI Shigeko , HOLZEMER William L. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAim:  The purpose of this study was to identify the competencies of genetic nursing practise required for general and genetic nurses.Methods:  We conducted a four‐stage survey using a Delphi process. We conducted an interview with 27 nurses who were involved in genetics‐related care and extracted 89 items in seven categories. In the second survey, we mailed a questionnaire to 20 experts in genetics. In the third and fourth surveys, we asked 491 health‐care providers, including nurses and physicians, who were involved in genetics‐related care and agreed to participate in the study at 113 institutions in 40 prefectures. The respondents were asked to choose one of three options in each of 89 items: “A: General nurse’s role”, “B: Genetic nurse’s role”, and “C: Not appropriate as the nurse’s role”. The data were collected from August 2000 to March 2001. There were 295 final subjects, and the response rate was 60%.Results:  The competencies required for general nurses were identified as “living support”, “psychological support”, and “identification of the client’s wishes”, while those required for genetic nurses were “provision and exchange of accurate genetic information”, “referral to and collaboration with other organisations”, and “client support to understand disease.”Conclusions:  These results suggest a direction for genetic nursing curricula. It is our challenge to incorporate genetics into the education programming.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TASTE AND CHEWING PATTERNS OF VISCO‐ELASTIC MODEL FOODS
Authors: ALFONSO MATILDE , NEYRAUD ERIC , BLANC OLIVIER , PEYRON MARIE AGNES , DRANSFIELD ERIC 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTThe jaw movements and muscular activity of masticatory muscles of five assessors, having bitterness thresholds about 8 μM quinine in water, were monitored throughout chewing of similar strength gelatin gels containing 0, 40, 70 or 100 μM quinine. Gel bitterness ratings were not related to sensory texture which was 78kN/m2 by shear test. On average, 100 μM quinine gels were as bitter as 7 to 30 μM quinine in water, depending on the assessor. Chewing patterns were not affected by concentration of quinine in the gels. During mastication of acceptable gels, there appears to be no feedback from taste to the motor control of mastication. In gels of the same consistency and the same concentration of quinine, assessors who chewed more rated higher for bitterness. The implications for mimicking mastication by machine and the training of assessors for solid foods are discussed.
CFD
Study of Heat Transfer in a Spark-Ignition Engine Combustion
Chamber
Authors: Noori A.
R. , Rashidi M. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
The objective of this study is the thermal investigation of a typical spark-ignition (SI) engine combustion chamber with particular focus in determination of the locations where the heat flux and heat transfer coefficient are highest. This subject is an important key for some design purposes especially thermal loading of the piston and cylinder head. To this end, CFD simulation using the KIVA-3V CFD code on a PC platform for flow, combustion, and heat transfer in a typical SI engine has been performed. Some results including the temporal variation of the area-averaged heat flux and heat transfer coefficient on the piston, combustion chamber, and cylinder wall are presented. Moreover, the temporal variation of the local heat transfer coefficient and heat flux along a centerline on the piston as well as a few locations on the combustion chamber wall are shown. The investigation reveals that during the combustion period, the heat flux and heat transfer coefficient vary substantially in space and time due to the transient nature of the flame propagation. For example, during the early stages of the flame impingement on the wall, the heat flux undergoes a rapid increase by as much as around 10 times the preimpingement level. In other words, the initial rise of the heat flux at any location is related to the time of the flame arrival at that location.
Deleterious effects of short-term, high-intensity exercise on immune function: evidence from leucocyte mitochondrial alterations and apoptosis
Authors: Tuan T-C , Hsu T-G , Fong M-C , Hsu C-F , Tsai K K C , Lee C-Y , Kong C-W 
Published: May 2007

Background:Although moderate exercise can benefit health, acute and vigorous exercise may have the opposite effect. Strenuous exercise can induce alterations in the physiology and viability of circulating leucocytes, which have a causal relationship with exercise-induced immune distress.Objectives:To investigate the use of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP), a functional marker of the energy and viability status of leucocytes, for monitoring the immunomodulating effects of short-term, high-intensity exercise.Methods:12 healthy volunteers with a mean Vo2maxof 70.4 ml/kg/min carried out 3 consecutive days of high-intensity exercise (85% of Vo2maxfor 30 min every day). Blood samples were collected at multiple time points immediately before and after each exercise session and at 24 and 72 h after the completion of exercise. Leucocyte MTP, apoptosis and circulatory inflammation markers were measured by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.Results:MTP of peripheral blood leucocytes had declined immediately after the first exercise session and remained subnormal 24 h later. It did not normalise until 72 h after exercise. The sequential changes in MTP were consistent among the three leucocyte subpopulations (polymorphonuclear neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes) and were significant (p<0.05). Leucocytes displayed a gradual and incremental change in their propensity for apoptosis during and after exercise. Similarly, plasma concentrations of tumour necrosis factor-α and soluble Fas ligand were raised during the exercise sessions and had not normalised by 72 h after the completion of exercise. Correlation between changes in leucocyte MTP and plasma concentrations of tumour necrosis factor-α and soluble Fas ligand was variable, but significant for polymorphonuclear neutrophils and lymphocytes (p<0.05).Conclusions:Short-term, high-intensity exercise can lead to a significant and prolonged dysfunction of the mitochondrial energy status of peripheral blood leucocytes, which is accompanied by an increased propensity for apoptosis and raised pro-inflammatory mediators. These results support the immunosuppressive effects of excessive exercise and suggest that MTP is a useful marker of these effects.
SPIKING NEURALPSYSTEMS: AN EARLY SURVEY
Authors: PĂUN GHEORGHE , PÉREZ-JIMÉNEZ MARIO J. , SALOMAA ARTO 
Published: May 2007

Spiking neural P systems were introduced in the end of the year 2005, in the aim of incorporating in membrane computing the idea of working with unique objects ("spikes"), encoding the information in the time elapsed between consecutive spikes sent from a cell/neuron to another cell/neuron. More than one dozen of papers where written in the meantime, clarifying many of the basic properties of these devices, especially related to their computing power.The present paper quickly surveys the basic ideas and the basic results, presenting a complete to-date bibliography, and also giving a completing result related to the normal forms possible for spiking neural P systems: we prove that the indegree of such systems (the maximal number of incoming synapses of neurons) can be bounded by 2 without losing the computational completeness.A series of research topics and open problems are formulated.