bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
International comparison of the technical efficiency of component preparation
Authors: Veihola Marketta , Aroviita Pekka , Linna Miika , Sintonen Harri , Kekomäki Riitta 
Published: October 2006

BACKGROUND: Under economical constraints, blood centers need to identify ways to improve their efficiency. Because there is little evidence regarding the technical efficiency of blood centers, international comparisons may be useful in identifying efficiency discrepancies and can reveal opportunities for enhancing efficiency, such as allocating resources more effectively.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were collected for years 2000 through 2002 from 16 blood centers in 10 European countries. Input variables included working hours, whole‐blood (WB) collections, premises, and equipment, and the output variables were red blood cells and platelets (PLTs). A nonparametric method, data envelopment analysis (DEA), was used in the analyses of technical efficiency in blood component preparation departments. Efficiency scores were calculated with DEA linear programming techniques and evaluated for site characteristics that possibly affect efficiency, such as the production method of PLTs and the proportion of BCs (buffy coats) from WB and BC PLTs from all PLTs produced.RESULTS: With working hours and equipment as inputs, median technical efficiency was 60 percent (range, 41%‐100%). Four departments were efficient (efficiency, >90%), and 12 were inefficient (range, 41‐89). Efficiency remained roughly the same in 13 departments through the 3‐year study period and decreased in 3. Efficiency was mainly affected by staffing levels (working hours). Efficiency did not directly relate to production volume, method, or any other site characteristic.CONCLUSIONS: The major cause of inefficiency was excess staffing resulting from a suboptimal combination of manpower and production output levels. Further research is needed to manage factors affecting efficiency, such as the fluctuation of demand in production planning.
Comparison of visual acuity measurements and Purkinje's vessel shadow perception for prediction of postoperative visual acuity in different ophthalmological diseases
Authors: Schulze Stephan , Hoerle Steffen 
Published: October 2006

Abstract.Purpose:  Prediction of postoperative visual acuity (VA) is extremely important to the patient and highly relevant to the surgeon. However, objective evaluation of the macula is frequently impossible in cases such as mature cataract, cataract in high myopia or vitreous haemorrhage. This study compares different preoperative examination techniques used to predict postoperative VA.Methods:  We retrospectively evaluated the charts of all patients who underwent any of the following procedures at our hospital in 2004: phacoemulsification for mature cataract or cataract in high myopia; vitrectomy for diabetic vitreous haemorrhage; macular pucker, and macular hole. The following methods were evaluated: preoperative distance and reading VA; laser interferential VA; Purkinje's vessel shadow perception, and postoperative distance VA.Results:  Complete documentation was available for 136 patients (29 mature cataracts, 25 immature cataracts in high myopia, 42 vitreous haemorrhages, 19 macular puckers, 21 macular holes). In cases of preoperative mature cataract, a positive Purkinje's vessel shadow perception predicted a postoperative VA ≥ 20/50 (odds ratio 11.2). In cases of high myopia, interferential VA correlated best with visual outcome (p < 0.05). In macular surgery laser interferential VA predicted postoperative VA to be better and preoperative reading VA predicted it to be worse than it actually turned out after surgery. Laser interferential VA and last known VA prior to vitreous haemorrhage (mean of 20 months previously) correlated best with postoperative VA (p < 0.05) in cases of vitreous haemorrhage. Purkinje's vessel shadow perception – if positive – predicted a postoperative VA ≥ 20/300 in these cases (odds ratio 15.0).Conclusions:  Postoperative VA after vitrectomy for macular pucker or macular hole and in cases of cataract in high myopia is best predicted by laser interferential VA. Postoperative VA after vitrectomy for diabetic vitreous haemorrhage is best predicted by prehaemorrhage VA or laser interferential VA, especially when prehaemorrhage VA is unknown. Positive Purkinje's vessel shadow perception is an excellent method of predicting postoperative VA ≥ 20/300 in cases of vitreous haemorrhage and VA = 20/50 in mature cataract.
Comparison of two pupillometers in determining pupil size for refractive surgery
Authors: Bootsma Sander , Tahzib Nayyirih , Eggink Fred , De Brabander John , Nuijts Rudy 
Published: October 2006

Abstract.Purpose:  To compare a handheld and a digital pupillometer in determining pupil size in a population of refractive surgery candidates (group 1) and after implantation of an Artisan phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) for correction of myopia (group 2).Methods:  Pupil size was measured with the Colvard and Procyon pupillometers in 121 eyes in group 1 and 83 eyes in group 2. Pupil sizes measured with the Colvard device were compared with the scotopic, mesopic‐low and mesopic‐high measurements taken with the Procyon pupillometer in both groups. Analysis of comparison between pupil measurements was performed according to methods described by Bland and Altman.Results:  The mean Colvard scotopic pupil diameter, scotopic, mesopic‐low and mesopic‐high Procyon pupil diameters were 5.86 ± 0.81 mm, 6.42 ± 0.88 mm, 5.55 ± 0.95 mm and 4.21 ± 0.73 mm in group 1 and 5.32 ± 0.67 mm, 6.14 ± 0.81 mm, 5.33 ± 0.78 mm and 4.02 ± 0.55 mm in group 2, respectively. The Colvard diameter compared most favourably with the Procyon mesopic‐low diameter (group 2; p = 0.78).Conclusions:  Measurements of pupil diameter with the Colvard pupillometer correlated best with measurements taken by the Procyon pupillometer under standardized mesopic‐low light conditions. We believe that digital binocular infrared pupillometry is advantageous for obtaining standardized measurements of pupil size.
B-mode contamination by synchrotron emission from 3-yr Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe data
Authors: Carretti E. , Bernardi G. , Cortiglioni S. 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
We study the contamination of the B-mode of the cosmic microwave background polarization (CMBP) by Galactic synchrotron in the lowest emission regions of the sky. The 22.8-GHz polarization map of the 3-yr Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) data release is used to identify and analyse such regions. Two areas are selected with signal-to-noise ratio S/N &lt; 2 and S/N &lt; 3, covering ∼16 and ∼26 per cent fraction of the sky, respectively. The polarization power spectra of these two areas are dominated by the sky signal on large angular scales (multipoles ℓ &lt; 15), while the noise prevails on degree scales. Angular extrapolations show that the synchrotron emission competes with the CMBP B-mode signal for tensor-to-scalar perturbation power ratio T/S= 10−3–10−2 at 70 GHz in the 16 per cent lowest emission sky (S/N &lt; 2 area). These values worsen by a factor ∼5 in the S/N &lt; 3 region. The novelty is that our estimates regard the whole lowest emission regions and outline a contamination better than that of the whole high Galactic latitude sky found by the WMAP team (T/S &gt; 0.3). Such regions allow T/S∼ 10−3 to be measured directly which approximately corresponds to the limit imposed by using a sky coverage of 15 per cent. This opens interesting perspectives on the investigation of the inflationary model space in lowest emission regions.
Interstitial pulmonary disorders in indium-processing workers
Authors: Chonan T. , Taguchi O. , Omae K. 
Published: October 2006

The production of indium-tin oxide has increased, owing to the increased manufacture of liquid-crystal panels. It has been reported that interstitial pneumonia occurred in two indium-processing workers; therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate whether interstitial pulmonary disorders were prevalent among indium workers.The study was carried out in 108 male workers in the indium plant where the two interstitial pneumonia patients mentioned above were employed, and included high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the lungs, pulmonary function tests and analysis of serum sialylated carbohydrate antigen KL-6 and the serum indium concentration.Significant interstitial changes were observed in 23 indium workers on HRCT and serum KL-6 was abnormally high (>500 U·mL-1) in 40 workers. Workers with serum indium concentrations in the highest quartile had significantly longer exposure periods, greater HRCT changes, lower diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide and higher KL-6 levels compared with those in the lowest quartile. The serum indium concentration was positively correlated with the KL-6 level and with the degree of HRCT changes.In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that serum KL-6 and high-resolution computed tomography abnormalities were prevalent among indium workers and that these abnormalities increased with the indium burden, suggesting that inhaled indium could be a potential cause of occupational lung disease.
8-Isoprostane as a marker of oxidative stress in nonsymptomatic cigarette smokers and COPD
Authors: Kinnula V. L. , Ilumets H. , Myllärniemi M. , Sovijärvi A. , Rytilä P. 
Published: October 2006

8-Isoprostane is a potentialin vivomarker for oxidant burden, but its usefulness in induced sputum of smokers and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has not been investigated.The current study investigated 58 subjects comprising 11 never-smokers, 11 ex-smokers, 13 healthy current smokers and 23 COPD with stage 0–III disease (according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria). 8-Isoprostane was determined from induced sputum by enzyme immunoassay.Sputum 8-isoprostane levels were similar in the never-smokers and ex-smokers, but were elevated in the healthy smokers compared with nonsmokers, and in those with stage I–III COPD. Sputum 8-isoprostane levels could not differentiate nonsymptomatic smokers from those with Stage 0 COPD. There was a correlation between sputum 8-isoprostane level and lung function parameters (forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity and sputum neutrophils.In conclusion, sputum 8-isoprostane levels correlate with the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, they do not appear to differentiate healthy smokers from those who are at risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage 0).
Impact of CPAP on asthmatic patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Lafond C. , Sériès F. , Lemière C. 
Published: October 2006

The impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on the airway responsiveness of asthmatic subjects with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has scarcely been studied.A prospective study was performed comparing the changes in airway responsiveness and quality of life in stable asthmatic OSA patients, before and 6 weeks after their nocturnal CPAP treatment.A total of 20 subjects (11 males and nine females) participated in the study. With the nocturnal CPAP treatment, the apnoea/hypopnoea index dropped from 48.1±23.6·h-1to 2.6±2.5·h-1. There were no significant changes in airway responsiveness after CPAP treatment (provocative concentration causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1; PC202.5 mg·mL-1(1.4–4.5)) compared with baseline (PC202.2 mg·mL-1(1.3–3.5)). There was no significant change in FEV1either. However, the asthma quality of life of the subjects improved from 5.0±1.2 at baseline to 5.8±0.9 at the end of the study.In conclusion, nocturnal continuous positive airway pressure treatment did not alter airway responsiveness or forced expiratory volume in one second in subjects with stable mild-to-moderate asthma and newly diagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea. However, nocturnal continuous positive airway pressure treatment did improve asthma quality of life.
A step test to assess exercise-related oxygen desaturation in interstitial lung disease
Authors: Dal Corso S. , Duarte S. R. , Neder J. A. , Malaguti C. , de Fuccio M. B. , de Castro Pereira C. A. , Nery L. E. 
Published: October 2006

A 6-min step test (6MST) may constitute a practical method for routinely assessing effort tolerance and exercise-related oxyhaemoglobin desaturation (ERD) in the primary care of patients with interstitial lung disease.In total, 31 patients (19 males) with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (n = 25) and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonia were submitted, on different days, to two 6MSTs. Physiological responses were compared with those found on maximal and submaximal cycle ergometer tests at the same oxygen uptake (V′O2). Chronic breathlessness was also determined, as measured by the baseline dyspnoea index (BDI).Responses to 6MST were highly reproducible: 1.3±2.0 steps·min-1, ±5 beats·min-1(cardiac frequency), ±50 mL·min-1(V′O2), ±7 L·min-1(minute ventilation) and ±2% (arterial oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry (Sp,O2)). The number of steps climbed in 6 min was correlated to peakV′O2and the BDI. There were significant associations among the tests in relation to presence (change inSp,O2between rest and exercise ≥4%) and severity (Sp,O2<88%) of ERD. Four patients, however, presented ERD only in response to 6MST. Resting diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide and alveolar–arterial oxygen tension difference were the independent predictors of the number of steps climbed.A single-stage, self-paced 6-min step test provided reliable and reproducible estimates of exercise capacity and exercise-related oxyhaemoglobin desaturation in interstitial lung disease patients.
Statin use is associated with reduced mortality in COPD
Authors: Søyseth V. , Brekke P. H. , Smith P. , Omland T. 
Published: October 2006

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have an increased risk of ischaemic heart disease (IHD). Statins reduce mortality and morbidity in IHD. It has been hypothesised that statin treatment is associated with reduced long-term mortality in patients with COPD.Using a retrospective cohort design, 854 consecutive patients (mean age 70.8 yrs; 51.5% female) with a diagnosis of COPD exacerbation were included in the study at discharge from a Norwegian teaching hospital.Median follow-up was 1.9 yrs, during which 333 patients died. The crude mortality rate per 1,000 person-yrs was 110 in patients treated with statins, and 191 in patients not treated with statins. After adjustment for sex, age, smoking, pulmonary function and comorbidities, the hazard ratio (HR) for statin usersversusstatin nonusers was 0.57 (95% confidence interval 0.38–0.87). When subdividing statin users and statin nonusers into groups according to concomitant treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) the following HRs were found: 0.75 (0.58–0.98) for ICS only; 0.69 (0.36–1.3) for statins only; and 0.39 (0.22–0.67) for the combined treatment with statin and ICS compared with no such treatment.Treatment with statins was associated with improved survival after chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation, while inhaled corticosteroids appeared to increase the survival benefit associated with statin use.
The correlation between asthma control and health status: the GOAL study
Authors: Bateman E. D. , Bousquet J. , Keech M. L. , Busse W. W. , Clark T. J. H. , Pedersen S. E. 
Published: October 2006

The present study examined the association between guideline-derived asthma control and health-related quality of life, assessed using the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), in patients with uncontrolled asthma whose treatment was directed towards achieving the highest possible level of control.The present randomised, double-blind, parallel-group study compared the efficacy of fluticasone propionate (FP) and salmeterol/fluticasone propionate combination (SFC) in achieving two composite, guideline-derived measures of control: total control (TC) and well-controlled (WC) asthma. Not achieving these levels was classed as not well-controlled (NWC). Doses were augmented until patients achieved TC or reached the maximum dose. This dose was maintained for the remainder of the study. AQLQ was assessed at baseline and at each clinic visit.AQLQ scores improved throughout the study, reaching near-maximal levels in patients achieving TC and WC, and 52-week mean scores in the three control groups were statistically significantly different. Clinically meaningful improvements (mean change from baseline) were: TC group (SFC 1.9, FP 1.8), WC (SFC 1.5, FP 1.5) and NWC (SFC 1.0, FP 0.9).In conclusion, the treatment aimed at controlling asthma improves the health-related quality of life to levels approaching normal. The difference in Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire scores between total control and well-controlled confirms that patients distinguish even between these high levels of control.
Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome: spectrum of CREBBP mutations in Italian patients
Authors: Bentivegna Angela , Milani Donatella , Gervasini Cristina , Castronovo Paola , Mottadelli Federica , Manzini Stefano , Colapietro Patrizia , Giordano Lucio , Atzeri Francesca , Divizia Maria T , Uzielli Maria L Giovannucci , Neri Giovanni , Bedeschi Maria F , Faravelli Francesca , Selicorni Angelo , Larizza Lidia 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackgroundRubinstein-Taybi Syndrome (RSTS, MIM 180849) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by mental and growth retardation, broad and duplicated distal phalanges of thumbs and halluces, facial dysmorphisms and increased risk of tumors. RSTS is caused by chromosomal rearrangements and point mutations in one copy of the CREB-binding protein gene (CREBBPorCBP) in 16p13.3. To date mutations inCREBBPhave been reported in 56.6% of RSTS patients and an average figure of 10% has ascribed to deletions.MethodsOur study is based on the mutation analysis ofCREBBPin 31 Italian RSTS patients using segregation analysis of intragenic microsatellites, BAC FISH and direct sequencing of PCR and RT-PCR fragments.ResultsWe identified a total of five deletions, two of the entire gene and three, all in a mosaic condition, involving either the 5' or the 3' region. By direct sequencing a total of 14 de novo mutations were identified: 10 truncating (5 frameshift and 5 nonsense), one splice site, and three novel missense mutations. Two of the latter affect the HAT domain, while one maps within the conserved nuclear receptor binding of (aa 1–170) and will probably destroy a Nuclear Localization Signal. Identification of the p.Asn1978Ser in the healthy mother of a patient also carrying a de novo frameshift mutation, questions the pathogenetic significance of the missense change reported as recurrent mutation. Thirteen additional polymorphisms, three as of yet unreported, were also detected.ConclusionA high detection rate (61.3%) of mutations is confirmed by this Italian study which also attests one of the highest microdeletion rate (16%) documented so far.
Cholesteatoma and chronic otitis media following middle ear intubation
Authors: Buckingham Richard A. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAs in any surgical procedure, complications can occur following middle ear intubation for secretory otitis media or atelectasis. Serial Kodachrome studies of the middle ear demonstrate the types of lesions that occur and the methods used to correct them. Chronic otitis media in the form of chronic granulomas or perforations are relatively simple problems that are easily corrected. Cholesteatomas can arise from intubation either by formation of atelectatic pockets following extrusion of the tube or from ingrowth of the surface epithelium of the tympanic membrane onto the medial surface of the tympanic membrane. These lesions often require surgical correction.Middle ear intubation should not be done indiscriminately, and prolonged follow‐up of patients is mandatory for the early detection of complications.
Homograft septal cartilage for attic support in intact canal wall tympanomastoidectomy and tympanoplasty
Authors: Pappas James J. , Bailey H. A. Ted , Mcgrew Robert N. , Graham Sharon S. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe postoperative formation of attic retraction pockets following tympanoplasty, with or without mastoidectomy, has often been a significant cause of recurrent disease accompanied by decreased hearing levels. Nasal septal cartilage is recommended as a successful homograft material for attic support. The basis and indications for its use are discussed. Preparation and storage of the homograft materials and surgical technique are described. Long‐term results are reported, including a special group in which the status of the homograft material was assessed during revision surgery. Minimal complications have been encountered.Conclusions support the overall advantages of this technique utilizing homograft septal cartilage as an effective means of posterosuperior canal wall support, an aid in preventing retraction pocket formation.
Evaluation and management of coagulation disorders in elective surgical patients
Authors: Fuller Alen Munson 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis is a review of coagulation disorders in elective surgical patients. The study represents both a personal experience in unusual bleeding and clotting disturbances and, in addition, a 15‐year review of unique problems evaluated by the Coagulation Department of a local general hospital. Of this group of cases, 17 were selected to illustrate the purpose of this report. Potential “bleeders” due to coagulation defects may be missed preoperatively both by history and by commonly accepted screening tests. The incidence of this situation is fortunately rare, but unfortunately this dulls the likelihood of early diagnosis with the initiation of specific treatment measures. The limitations of preoperative screening tests were apparent and should not be considered a fail‐safe detector of coagulation disorders. Qualitative and quantitative factor assays are the cornerstone for accurate diagnosis and a guide for specific replacement therapy. Although most surgeons will never have an in‐depth knowledge of hematology, the importance of having some fundamental awareness is apparent. This study encourages surgeons not to take the hemostatic mechanism for granted, and to see the need for understanding hematologic diagnosis and treatment.