bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of center‐based vs. home‐based daily hemodialysis for patients with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: KRAUS Michael , BURKART John , HEGEMAN Rebecca , SOLOMON Richard , COPLON Norman , MORAN John 
Published: October 2007

AbstractHome hemodialysis has been a therapeutic option for almost 4 decades. The complexity of dialysis equipment has been a factor‐limiting adoption of this modality. We performed a feasibility study to demonstrate the safety of center‐based vs. home‐based daily hemodialysis with the NxStage System One portable hemodialysis device. We also performed a retrospective analysis to determine if clinical effects previously associated with short‐daily dialysis were also seen using this novel device. We conducted a prospective, 2‐treatment, 2‐period, open‐label, crossover study of in‐center hemodialysis vs. home hemodialysis in 32 patients treated at 6 U.S. centers. The 8‐week In‐Center Phase (6 days/week) was followed by a 2‐week transition period and then followed by the 8‐week Home Phase (6 days/week). We retrospectively collected data on hemodialysis treatment parameters immediately preceding the study in a subset of patients. Twenty‐six out of 32 patients (81%) successfully completed the study. Successful delivery of at least 90% of prescribed fluid volume (primary endpoint) was achieved in 98.5% of treatments in‐center and 97.3% at home. Total effluent volume as a percentage of prescribed volume was between 94% and 100% for all study weeks. The composite rate of intradialytic and interdialytic adverse events per 100 treatments was significantly higher for the In‐Center Phase (5.30) compared with the Home Phase (2.10; p=0.007). Compared with the period immediately preceding the study, there were reductions in blood pressure, antihypertensive medications, and interdialytic weight gain. Daily home hemodialysis with a small, easy‐to‐use hemodialysis device is a viable dialysis option for end‐stage renal disease patients capable of self/partner‐administered dialysis.
What is a surrogate marker for optimal dialysis?
Authors: ISHIZAKI Makoto , MATSUNAGA Tomohito , ITAGAKI Ichiro 
Published: October 2007

AbstractTo find a surrogate marker to obtain optimal dialysis delivery from the viewpoint of nutrition, 180 maintenance hemodialysis patients (109 males/71 females) were enrolled between October 1999 and June 2006 at our kidney center. In the 449 hemodialysis treatments, ultrapure dialysis solutions and high‐flux synthetic membranes were utilized. Parameters were measured by Kt/Vurea and postdialysis urea rebound, Kc (the cellular membrane clearance for urea), urea clear space (CS), %creatinine generation rate, %lean body mass, total body water, and so on. We examined the correlation between dialysis delivery and nutritional parameters: Kt/Vurea and postdialysis urea rebound were found to be strongly and negatively correlated with nutritional parameters. However, Kc and CS have shown positive and strong correlations with nutritional parameters such as %creatinine generation rate, %lean body mass, and total body water as well. In addition, the age factor was correlated with Kt/Vurea positively, and it influenced Kc and CS negatively. As a conventional dialysis parameter, Kt/Vurea did not reflect nutrition, but Kc was found to improve nutrition due to the increase of the dialysis delivery. Therefore, Kc might be a reliable surrogate marker for optimal dialysis.
Evidence for male‐ and juvenile‐specific contact pheromones of the common bed bug Cimex lectularius
Authors: Siljander Eric , Penman Dan , Harlan Harold , Gries Gerhard 
Published: October 2007

AbstractMales and females of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. (Heteroptera: Cimicidae), have been shown to produce and respond to an aggregation pheromone. We tested whether juvenile C. lectularius also produce and respond to aggregation pheromone, and whether the pheromone is perceived by contact chemoreception. In dual‐choice laboratory experiments, juveniles, but not males or females, preferred juvenile‐exposed paper discs to control discs. Unlike juveniles, males and females preferred male‐exposed paper discs to control discs. Neither juveniles, males, nor females preferred female‐exposed discs to control discs. When test stimuli were inaccessible, C. lectularius failed to show any preference. Male‐ and juvenile‐specific contact pheromones may have contrasting functions of marking shelters as safe refugia for development and growth (juveniles) or mate encounter (adults), but result in the same phenomenon, the aggregation of conspecifics.
Stable isotopes as markers to investigate host use by Rhyzopertha dominica
Authors: Mahroof Rizana M. , Phillips Thomas W. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) is a serious worldwide pest of stored cereal grains that also has the ability to breed in non‐agricultural host plant material. Stable isotope signatures (concentrations of isotopes) were used as internal tissue markers to determine dietary differences among adult R. dominica and to make inferences about source habitats of field‐trapped insects. Adult R. dominica collected near granaries or from non‐agricultural forested sites near Stillwater, OK, USA, and insects reared on selected hosts under laboratory conditions were studied to determine the carbon and nitrogen isotope signatures. Laboratory‐reared R. dominica showed δ13C (stable isotope ratio of carbon) values similar to the host on which they developed with an enrichment of about 1 in the insect body. Insects reared on seeds of wheat and oak, which have C3 photosynthetic pathways, showed much depleted δ13C values (–23.7 and –26.2, respectively) in comparison to insects reared on seeds of corn, a C4 photosynthetic plant (–11.3). A majority of the field‐collected R. dominica showed δ13C values similar to expectations for a C3 host. However, a few field‐collected insects had δ13C signatures similar to the C4 plant‐reared insects in the laboratory experiment. Stored grain of C4 crops were lacking at many of the sample field sites. These results suggest that R. dominica occurs on either C3‐ or C4‐based hosts in the field, and point to utilization of non‐grain C4 plants as hosts. Our studies indicated that 13C isotope is a reliable marker to infer types of hosts used in the feeding history of R. dominica.
The additional therapeutic effect of group music therapy for schizophrenic patients: a randomized study
Authors: Ulrich G. , Houtmans T. , Gold C. 
Published: October 2007

Objective:  Schizophrenia is one of the most serious mental disorders. Music therapy has only recently been introduced as a form of treatment. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of music therapy for schizophrenic in‐patients needing acute care.Method:  Thirty‐seven patients with psychotic disorders were randomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group. Both groups received medication and treatment indicated for their disorder. Additionally, the experimental group (n = 21) underwent group music therapy.Results:  Significant effects of music therapy are found in patients’ self‐evaluation of their psychosocial orientation and for negative symptoms. No differences were found in the quality of life.Conclusion:  Musical activity diminishes negative symptoms and improves interpersonal contact. These positive effects of music therapy could increase the patient’s abilities to adapt to the social environment in the community after discharge from the hospital.
Physical illness and schizophrenia: a review of the literature
Authors: Leucht S. , Burkard T. , Henderson J. , Maj M. , Sartorius N. 
Published: October 2007

Objective: The lifespan of people with schizophrenia is shortened compared to the general population. We reviewed the literature on comorbid physical diseases in schizophrenia to provide a basis for initiatives to fight this unacceptable situation.Method: We searched MEDLINE (1966 – May 2006) combining the MeSH term of schizophrenia with the 23 MeSH terms of general physical disease categories to identify relevant epidemiological studies.Results: A total of 44 202 abstracts were screened. People with schizophrenia have higher prevalences of HIV infection and hepatitis, osteoporosis, altered pain sensitivity, sexual dysfunction, obstetric complications, cardiovascular diseases, overweight, diabetes, dental problems, and polydipsia than the general population. Rheumatoid arthritis and cancer may occur less frequently than in the general population. Eighty‐six per cent of the studies came from industrialized countries limiting the generalizability of the findings.Conclusion: The increased frequency of physical diseases in schizophrenia might be on account of factors related to schizophrenia and its treatment, but undoubtedly also results from the unsatisfactory organization of health services, from the attitudes of medical doctors, and the social stigma ascribed to the schizophrenic patients.
Bone sialoprotein and its transcriptional regulatory mechanism
Authors: Ogata Y. 
Published: October 2007

Background and Objective:  Bone sialoprotein is a mineralized tissue‐specific noncollagenous protein that is glycosylated, phosphorylated and sulfated. The temporo‐spatial deposition of bone sialoprotein into the extracellular matrix of bone, and the ability of bone sialoprotein to nucleate hydroxyapatite crystal formation, indicates a potential role for bone sialoprotein in the initial mineralization of bone, dentin and cementum. Bone sialoprotein is also expressed in breast, lung, thyroid and prostate cancers.Material and Methods:  We used osteobast‐like cells (rat osteosarcoma cell lines ROS17/2.8 and UMR106, rat stromal bone marrow RBMC‐D8 cells and human osteosarcoma Saos2 cells), and breast and prostate cancer cells to investigate the transcriptional regulation of bone sialoprotein. To determine the molecular basis of the transcriptional regulation of the bone sialoprotein gene, we conducted northern hybridization, transient transfection analyses with chimeric constructs of the bone sialoprotein gene promoter linked to a luciferase reporter gene and gel mobility shift assays.Results:  Bone sialoprotein transcription is regulated by hormones, growth factors and cytokines through tyrosine kinase, mitogen‐activated protein kinase and cAMP‐dependent pathways. Microcalcifications are often associated with human mammary lesions, particularly with breast carcinomas. Expression of bone sialoprotein by cancer cells could play a major role in the mineral deposition and in preferred bone homing of breast cancer cells.Conclusion:  Bone sialoprotein protects cells from complement‐mediated cellular lysis, activates matrix metalloproteinase 2 and has an angiogenic capacity. Therefore, regulation of the bone sialoprotein gene is potentially important in the differentiation of osteoblasts, bone matrix mineralization and tumor metastasis. This review highlights the function and transcriptional regulation of bone sialoprotein.
Comparative analysis of putative periodontopathic bacteria by multiplex polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Morikawa M. , Chiba T. , Tomii N. , Sato S. , Takahashi Y. , Konishi K. , Numabe Y. , Iwata K. , Imai K. 
Published: October 2007

Background and Objective:  The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been applied for the rapid and specific detection of periodontopathic bacteria in subgingival plaque and is potentially of clinical benefit in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis subjects. However, several technical points need to be modified before the conventional PCR detection system can be used by clinicians.Material and Methods:  To develop a PCR‐based technique more applicable for clinical use than conventional PCR, we established a multiplex PCR for five putative periodontopathic (Treponema denticola, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia and Tannerella forsythia) and two nonperiodontopathic (Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus salivarius) species of bacteria using whole‐plaque suspension as templates, and detected bacteria in subgingival plaque taken from 85 subjects at the supportive periodontal therapy stage after active periodontal treatments.Results:  Among putative periodontopathic bacteria, the detection frequency of T. denticola and P. gingivalis was elevated in parallel with higher probing pocket depth and clinical attachment loss, and had 4.2–14.1 times increasing odds of the clinical parameters tested. Detection of any of the five species of putative periodontopathic bacteria markedly increased the odds ratio of a higher probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss and bleeding on probing.Conclusion:  The multiplex PCR system developed in this study enabled the detection of all the bacteria under investigation in one reaction tube in a less time‐ and labor‐intensive manner than conventional PCR. These results support the potential clinical use of multiplex PCR for detecting periodontopathic bacteria and for evaluating therapeutic strategies and predicting the prognosis for each subject.
Particularities in managing melanoma patients with tattoos:case report and review of the literature
Authors: Gall Natalie , Bröcker Eva‐Bettina , Becker Jürgen C. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryAssessing pigmented lesions within or covered by tattoos is difficult, both at a clinical and dermatoscopic level. Patients with tattoos may provide a challenge in the early recognition and follow‐up of melanoma.
Prehospital analgesia in adults using inhaled methoxyflurane
Authors: Buntine Paul , Thom Ogilvie , Babl Franz , Bailey Michael , Bernard Stephen 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjective:  For many years, ambulance services throughout Australia have been administering methoxyflurane as a first‐line analgesic agent. However, there is a paucity of literature regarding its efficacy, safety and usage profile. The present study was designed to examine the efficacy of methoxyflurane in adults.Methods:  An observational case series was conducted over a 10 month period. Adults to whom methoxyflurane was administered while traveling by ambulance to an urban teaching hospital were enrolled. Data analysed included indications for use, verbal numerical pain scores, depth of sedation and adverse effects. Data were collected via paramedic, patient and ED staff surveys.Results:  Eighty‐three adult patients were enrolled over a 10 month period. A mean reduction in verbal numerical rating scale (VNRS) scores of 2.47 ± 0.24 (on a 10‐point scale) was recorded 5 min post methoxyflurane, with a total reduction of 3.21 ± 0.24 at time of arrival at the ED. Both VNRS scores were significantly different from baseline (P < 0.0001). Fifteen patients (18.1%, 95% CI 9.8–26.4%) reported mild side‐effects either during or shortly after administration. A total of 68 (81.9%, 95% CI 72.0–89.5%) of the paramedics and 60 (72.3%, 95% CI 61.4–81.6%) of the patients interviewed said that they felt satisfied with the level of analgesia provided by methoxyflurane.Conclusion:  The use of methoxyflurane as a prehospital analgesic significantly reduced pain in patients, with no significant side‐effects attributed to its use. The majority of patients and paramedics interviewed were satisfied with its effects and indicated a willingness to use it again.
Use of information technology in New Zealand emergency departments
Authors: Tan Eunicia , Yates Kim M 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjectives:  To determine previous computer training and current computer confidence of emergency medicine (EM) specialists and trainees, and to determine the accessibility of computer and Internet resources in New Zealand ED.Methods:  A prospective, cross‐sectional study of all New Zealand EM specialists and trainees between July 2005 and October 2005, using a 47‐item postal questionnaire. Descriptive statistics with 95% confidence intervals were compiled. Fisher's exact test was used to compare proportions, with t‐test and Mann–Whitney U‐test to compare continuous variables.Results:  A total of 226 EM specialists and trainees were sent questionnaires. In total, 144 (62 specialists and 82 trainees) out of 224 were analysed (response rate 64.3%). The majority of respondents (136, 94.4% (95% CI 89.4–97.6)) had access to a computer at home. Almost all respondents (143, 99.3% (95% CI 96.2–100.0)) also had computer access in the ED 24 h/day. The vast majority (140, 97.2% (95% CI 93.0–99.2)) had access to medical educational materials via the Internet in the ED 24 h/day. Most respondents had limited prior computer training. Respondents felt most confident using word processing and e‐mail/communications applications, and least confident using statistical and graphics programs. Compared with specialists, trainees were significantly less confident with spreadsheets (P = 0.002), literature searching (P = 0.034), and e‐mail/communications (P = 0.040).Conclusions:  Increased access to computer technology has not been parallelled by increased confidence in the use of computers among EM specialists and trainees. Training must address gaps in computer literacy if computer technology is to be used to its full potential.
Evaluation of the root dentine cutting effectiveness of the HERO 642®, HERO Apical® and HERO Shaper® Rotary Systems
Authors: Câmara Andréa Cruz , Aguiar Carlos Menezes , De Figueiredo Jose Antonio Poli 
Published: October 2007

AbstractDifferent HERO rotary systems were evaluated by pre‐ and postoperative images of a cross‐section of their mesiobuccal root thirds with a stereoscopic magnifier (45×). Fifty mesiobuccal canals of human mandibular first molars were divided into five groups: 1 – HERO 642®; 2 – HERO 642® and HERO Apical®; 3 – HERO Shaper®; 4 – HERO Shaper® and HERO Apical®; 5 – NitiFlex files. The perimeter of the canal was calculated using Image Tool software (UTHSCA). Final, post‐instrumentation perimeters were compared by Kruskal–Wallis test (P = 0.05). The distribution of the values of the final canal perimeter for each instrumentation method was not statistically significant in any of the thirds (P = 0.174, cervical third; P = 0.874, middle third; and P = 0.631, apical third). An increase in canal perimeter was observed in all groups. In the cervical third the greatest increase was Group 5; in the middle third, Group 4, and in the apical third, Group 2.
Flare‐ups in endodontics and their relationship to various medicaments
Authors: Ehrmann Ernest H. , Messer Harold H. , Clark Robert M. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this research is to investigate the frequency of endodontic flare‐ups using a visual analogue scale. Definitions of flare‐ups vary widely as does their reported frequency. A flare‐up was defined as an increase of 20 or more points on the visual analogue scale for a given tooth, within the periods of 4 h and 24 h after the initial treatment appointment. The data from a previous study were used to determine the incidence of flare‐ups after using three modalities (Ledermix, calcium hydroxide and no medication) to manage patients presenting for relief of pain of endodontic origin. A statistical analysis showed that there were no significant differences in flare‐up rates at both the 4‐h and 24‐h periods between the three modalities. Further research is required using the above definition of a flare‐up and standardising treatment protocols.
Computed tomography assessment of three techniques for removal of filling material
Authors: Barletta Fernando Branco , De Sousa Reis Magda , Wagner Márcia , Borges Janusa Casali , Dall'Agnol Cristina 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIn this study, computed tomography (CT) was used to assess three techniques for root canal filling removal. Seventy‐five roots of extracted human lower incisors were filled with zinc oxide‐eugenol sealer and gutta‐percha and separated into three groups before gutta‐percha removal (group 1, Gates Glidden burs + K‐type hand instrumentation; group 2, K‐type reciprocating instrumentation + NSK TEP E16R; group 3, ProTaper rotary instrumentation + NSK NAC E16R). Specimens were CT‐scanned before and after filling removal. The mean rate of filling removal was 94.88%. Reciprocating instrumentation was the most effective and manual instrumentation associated with Gates Glidden burs was the least effective technique. Removal rate was significantly different for the three groups according to one‐way anova (P = 0.049). The Tukey test showed a significant difference between groups 1 and 2 (P = 0.039) only. CT proved to be a reliable method for assessing root filling removal techniques.
The effects of hypoxia and hypercapnia on renal and heart function, haemodynamics and plasma hormone levels in stable COPD patients*
Authors: Hemlin Mats , Ljungman Susanne , Carlson Jan , Maljukanovic Svetlana , Mobini Reza , Bech‐Hanssen Odd , Skoogh Bengt‐Eric 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBackground:  Fluid retention with oedema is an important clinical problem in advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Objective:  The aim of this study was to investigate cardiovascular, hormonal, renal and pulmonary function data and their possible relation to fluid retention in COPD.Methods:  The study group consisted of 25 stable outpatients with COPD. The presence of oedema was assessed by clinical examination and the intake of diuretics was recorded. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the renal blood flow (RBF) were measured. Lung function was assessed with standard spirometry. Cardiac function and haemodynamic variables were studied using echocardiography and equilibrium radionucleotide angiography. The plasma levels of noradrenaline, plasma renin activity, angiotensin II, aldosterone, atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide and antidiuretic hormone were measured.Results:  Systolic and diastolic cardiac functions were found to be well preserved in the patients. Hypercapnia and impaired lung function, but not hypoxia, were clearly associated with oedema/intake of diuretics, low diuresis, low GFR, low RBF and high renal vascular resistance. These effects had no significant relationship to central haemodynamics or the measured plasma hormone levels.Conclusions:  In stable COPD, renal fluid retention and oedema are enhanced by hypercapnia‐induced renal vasoconstriction and antidiuresis. In contrast to some earlier reports, this effect does not seem to be mediated via the central haemodynamic reflex systems or the measured plasma hormones. In addition, hypoxia had no significant effect on fluid retention in this group of patients.Please cite this paper as: Hemlin M, Ljungman S, Carlson J, Maljukanovic S, Mobini R, Bech‐Hanssen O and Skoogh B‐E. The effects of hypoxia and hypercapnia on renal and heart function, haemodynamics and plasma hormone levels in stable COPD patients. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2007; 1:80–90.