bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short communication: Occupational stress and burnout among South African medical practitioners
Authors: Peltzer Karl , Mashego Teresa‐Anne , Mabeba Matlala 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe aim of this study was to identify job stress and burnout symptoms among randomly selected South African medical practitioners from a national survey. The sample included 402 doctors, 59.5 per cent male and 40.5 per cent female. The majority were Whites (59.3 per cent), followed by African Black (21.3 per cent), and Asians (14 per cent). Results showed that the overall job stress index indicated with 4.9, high job stress levels among the doctors. High severity job stress ratings included (1) fellow workers not doing their job, (2) inadequate salary and (3) covering work for another employee and high frequency of job stress, (4) working overtime, making critical on‐the‐spot decisions and dealing with crisis situations. Female doctors felt significantly more lack of support on job stress severity than male doctors. High levels of burnout (emotional exhaustion and depersonalization) were found among doctors. Job stress predicted emotional exhaustion and depersonalization but not personal accomplishment. Emotional exhaustion was associated with female doctors and personal accomplishment was significantly related to male doctors. White doctors reported more job stress and also burnout symptoms than doctors with colour. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterizing complex product architectures
Authors: Sharman David M. , Yassine Ali A. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractDue to the large‐scale nature of complex product architectures, it is necessary to develop some form of abstraction in order to be able to describe and grasp the structure of the product, facilitating product modularization. In this paper we develop three methods for describing product architectures: (a) the Dependency Structure Matrix (DSM), (b) Molecular Diagrams (MD), and (c) Visibility‐Dependency (VD) signature diagrams. Each method has its own language (and abstraction), which can be used to qualitatively or quantitatively characterize any given architecture spanning the modular‐integrated continuum. A consequence of abstraction is the loss of some detail. So, it is important to choose the correct method (and resolution) to characterize the architecture in order to retain the salient details. The proposed methods are suited for describing architectures of varying levels of complexity and detail. The three methods are demonstrated using a sequence of illustrative simple examples and a case‐study analysis of a complex product architecture for an industrial gas turbine. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 7: 35–60, 2004
Variability in maturity and growth in a heavily exploited stock: cod (Gadus morhua L.) in the Irish Sea
Authors: Armstrong M.J , Gerritsen H.D , Allen M , McCurdy W.J , Peel J.A.D 
Published: December 2003

Abstract
Maturity, sex ratio (proportion female by number) and length-at-age of cod in the Irish Sea were examined using data collected during groundfish surveys in spring 1992–2002. Skewed sex ratios with a predominance of males were observed in the survey catches of 2- and 3-year-old cod taken on the spawning grounds. In contrast, commercial midwater trawl catches of cod in the same area had consistently higher sex ratios, suggesting that mature males and females have different vertical migration behaviour. Estimates of proportion mature were not affected by method of capture. In a GLM analysis, the factor age explained most of the variation in maturity in each sex, whilst length, although a significant factor, explained less variation than year and region (spawning and non-spawning grounds). Maturity was observed in a variable proportion of 2-year-olds, whilst virtually no 1-year-olds and all 3-year-olds and older were mature irrespective of area or year of capture. Population estimates of proportion mature in 2-year-olds, from all years' data combined, were 0.87 in males and 0.45 in females. Estimates were higher in spawning areas than in non-spawning areas, and showed a general increase over time throughout the survey area. However, in any year, the proportion mature at age 2 varied little with length and was reduced only in the smallest fish (<40 cm) at this age in some years. The increase over time in proportion mature coincided with rising sea surface temperature (SST) and a decline in recruitment and stock biomass at high rates of fishing mortality. Mean length-at-age differed consistently between year classes, the differences being largely established in the first year of life. The fastest growth rates were apparent in very weak year classes produced in the late 1990s when SST was relatively high. The interrelationships between growth, maturity, SST and abundance are examined, and changes in growth and maturity since earlier studies in the 1970s are investigated.
An analysis of operations efficiency in large‐scale distribution systems
Authors: Ross Anthony D. , Droge Cornelia 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThis research applies Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methodology to evaluate the efficiency of units within a large‐scale network of petroleum distribution facilities in the USA. Multiple inputs and outputs are incorporated into a broad set of DEA models, yielding a comprehensive approach to evaluating supply chain efficiency. This study empirically separates three recognized, important and yet different causes of performance shortfalls which have been generally difficult for managers to identify. They are: (1) managerial effectiveness; (2) scale of operations and potential for a given market area (and efficiency of resource allocation given the scale); and (3) understanding the resource heterogeneity via programmatic differences in efficiency. Overall, the efficiency differences identified raised insightful questions regarding top management’s selection of the appropriate form and type of inputs and outputs, as well as questions regarding the DEA model form selected.
A detailed assessment of the pattern of moxidectin tissue distribution after pour‐on treatment in calves
Authors: Sallovitz J. M. , Lifschitz A. , Imperiale F. , Virkel G. , Lanusse C. 
Published: December 2003

The use of topical (pour‐on) administration of endectocide drugs in cattle has reached world‐wide acceptance. However, only limited information is available on the kinetic behaviour for topically administered moxidectin (MXD). To improve our understanding of the relationship between pharmacokinetics and efficacy for pour‐on preparations, MXD concentration profiles were measured in tissues of endo‐ and ectoparasites location over 35 days postadministration. MXD distribution to the fluid content and mucosal tissue of the abomasum and different intestinal sections (duodenum, ileum, caecum and colon) was assessed. The comparative patterns of MXD distribution to skin and hypodermic tissue from different anatomical sites (backline, rib cage, thigh and face) were also investigated following the pour‐on administration. Wide tissue distribution and long residence time characterized the kinetics of topically administered MXD. MXD was recovered between 1 and 35 days post‐treatment in all the tissues investigated. The highest MXD availabilities were observed in the skin layers at the site of administration (backline) and in the fat tissue. The fluid contents of different intestinal sections showed MXD concentrations higher than those measured in their respective mucosal tissues, particularly at day 1 post‐treatment. MXD concentrations in the skin (epidermis + dermis) were higher than those measured in the hypodermic tissue. Large differences in the availability of MXD in skin from different anatomical regions (backline > rib cage > thigh > face) were observed. The low plasma and the high skin availability indicate the formation of a skin depot of the drug, being released slowly to the plasma and reaching concentrations in systemic tissues (abomasal mucosa, lungs, etc.) similar to those measured after subcutaneous administration. These findings demonstrate that target parasites may be exposed to markedly different drug concentrations according to their location sites, which is particularly relevant for ectoparasites located in different anatomical regions. Knowledge of the tissue distribution of topically administered endectocides contributes to understand the differences observed in efficacy and/or persistence of activity and to optimize their use in cattle.
Oral treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia with etoposide, thioguanine, and idarubicin (ETI) in elderly patients: a prospective randomised comparison with intravenous cytarabine, idarubicin, and thioguanine in the second and third treatment cycle
Authors: Ruutu T. , Koivunen E. , Nousiainen T. , Pelliniemi T.‐T. , Almqvist A. , Anttila P. , Jantunen E. , Koistinen P. , Koponen A. , Mikkola M. , Oksanen K. , Pulli T. , Remes K. , Sarkkinen R. , Silvennoinen R. , Timonen T. , Vanhatalo S. , Elonen E. ,   Finnish Leukaemia Group
Published: December 2003

Abstract:A randomised multicentre study was conducted among patients over 65 yr of age with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) to compare oral treatment with etoposide 80 mg/m2 and thioguanine 100 mg/m2 twice daily on 5 d and idarubicin 15 mg/m2 on 3 d (ETI) to a mainly i.v. combination of cytarabine 100 mg/m2 twice daily on 5 d, idarubicin 12 mg/m2 × 1 , and thioguanine (TAI). Ninety‐two patients were enrolled. Their median age was 72 yr, range 65–84 yr. Sixty‐five patients had de novo AML, 21 AML subsequent to myelodysplastic syndrome, and six treatment‐related AML. They received at first a 6‐d i.v. treatment with cytarabine and idarubicin. After the first treatment, 68 patients were randomised to receive two cycles of ETI (n = 36) or TAI (n = 32) and thereafter maintenance with mercaptopurine and methotrexate. Of the 92 patients, 52 (57%) achieved remission at some stage. The median survival was 10 months. There were no significant differences between the patients randomised to ETI or TAI in the remission rate (67% vs. 72%), survival (12 months from randomisation in both arms), event‐free survival or relapse rate. The patients randomised to receive ETI spent significantly fewer days at hospital during the two randomised cycles (20 vs. 41 d, P = 0.010), and they had fewer days with infusions, shorter neutropenias and thrombocytopenias and fewer and less severe infections. In conclusion, treatment with oral ETI resulted in a similar antileukaemic effect as obtained with mainly i.v. TAI, with less toxicity and reduced need for hospitalisation.
Significant co‐expression of WT1 and MDR1 genes in acute myeloid leukemia patients at diagnosis
Authors: Galimberti S. , Guerrini F. , Carulli G. , Fazzi R. , Palumbo G. A. , Morabito F. , Petrini M. 
Published: December 2003

Abstract:A high expression of Wilms’ tumor gene (WT1) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) seems to correlate with a poor outcome and its increased levels can be predictive of an impending relapse. WT1 has been shown in vitro to interact with the promoter of the MDR1, a gene involved in the multidrug resistance phenomenon.The aim of this study was to measure, by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, levels of WT1 and MDR1 expression, in order to find a possible association between these genes, in a series of 50 newly diagnosed AML cases. Twenty‐five percent of patients carried very high (>75° percentile) MDR1‐ and 23.3%WT1‐mRNA levels. Interestingly, high levels of WT1 were significantly correlated with correspondent high levels of MDR1 gene. Nevertheless, the co‐expression of these genes did not significantly influence the complete response rate to the induction therapy.Reported data confirm the existence of a co‐expression of WT1 and MDR1 genes even in vivo; this may be relevant because one consequence could be the positive selection by chemotherapeutic regimens of cells with higher MDR1 levels already present before treatment. Thus, the association between these genes could suggest avoiding the use of drugs involved in the multidrug resistance (MDR) phenomenon in patients carrying high levels of WT1 at diagnosis.
A case of a long‐time survivor with chronic active Epstein–Barr virus infection
Authors: Takeoka Yasunobu , Nakao Yoshitaka , Ueda Misako , Koh Ki‐Ryang , Aoyama Yasutaka , Nakamae Hirohisa , Yamamura Ryousuke , Ohta Kensuke , Takubo Takayuki , Yamane Takahisa , Hino Masayuki , Tokura Yoshiki , Ishihara Shigehiko , Oshima Koichi , Kimura Hiroshi , Imashuku Shinsaku 
Published: December 2003

Abstract:Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is associated with hypersensitivity to mosquito bites (HMB) and fatal EBV‐associated hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS). The prognosis of patients with chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV) is very poor. We report a rare case of an adult woman patient with a 28‐yr history of HMB, who developed EBV‐HPS. EBV genome was detected in the serum and peripheral blood lymphocytes. Clonal proliferation of EBV was demonstrated by Southern blot analysis using an EBV genome terminal‐repeat probe. This is a very rare case of a long‐term survivor with CAEBV. The patient was initially treated with immunochemotherapy and achieved complete remission. However, the patient immediately relapsed and underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from her HLA‐matched brother. Peripheral blood cell recovered well, and EBV genome disappeared from the peripheral blood. Allogeneic BMT may be effective in eradicating EBV‐HPS. Unfortunately, the patient died of graft vs. host disease on the 92nd day after BMT.
Dendritic cell recovery after allogeneic stem‐cell transplantation in acute leukemia: correlations with clinical and transplant characteristics
Authors: Porta Matteo Della , Rigolin Gian Matteo , Alessandrino Emilio Paolo , Maiocchi Mariangela , Malcovati Luca , Vanelli Laura , Baratè Claudia , Rumi Elisa , Ciccone Maria , Cuneo Antonio , Lazzarino Mario , Castoldi Gianluigi 
Published: December 2003

Abstract:We have analyzed the kinetics of reconstitution of circulating dendritic cell (DC) subsets (myeloid‐DC1 and lymphoid‐DC2) in 19 patients affected by acute leukemia undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation (HSCT). We have found that pretransplant DC1 and DC2 were lower in leukemic patients than in healthy subjects (P = 0.003 and P = 0.004, respectively) and that the number of DC2 (but not DC1) infused with the graft was higher in patients receiving peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) (P = 0.03). Patients recovered to the pretransplant DC1 and DC2 levels within day +60; however, a normal DC1 number was reached on day +365, while DC2 remained lower than in controls up to 1 yr after transplant. DC1 reconstitution did not differ significantly between patients receiving bone marrow stem cells (BMSC) or PBSC, while patients receiving PBSC presented increased levels of DC2 on day +30 (P = 0.008) and +100 (P = 0.047) and a higher number of T lymphocytes and natural killer cells until day +365. The occurrence of graft vs. host disease (GVHD) was not influenced in our cases by DC1/DC2 graft composition, but patients with acute GVHD when compared with patients without acute GVHD presented a significantly less rapid DC recovery (DC1 P = 0.03, DC2 P = 0.009 on day +30, and DC1 P = 0.012, DC2 P = 0.006 on day +100). At the moment of relapse, a decrease of DC1/DC2 numbers was observed in four patients and the presence of two different DC populations one with a normal karyotype, and the other with the same cytogenetic abnormality as the malignant clone was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. In conclusion, these observations suggest that in allogeneic HSCT recipients, DC recovery is a slow process possibly contributing to the high risk of infections in the post‐transplant period and is possibly influenced by the source of HSC, the occurrence of GVHD and relapse. Further studies are warranted to investigate the significance of DC reconstitution in the transplant setting.
A comparison of fluorine‐18 fluoro‐deoxyglucose PET and technetium‐99m sestamibi in assessing patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Mileshkin L , Blum R , Seymour J. F , Patrikeos A , Hicks R. J , Prince H. M 
Published: December 2003

Abstract:Objective:  The extent of disease in patients with multiple myeloma or related conditions may be difficult to assess. In previous small studies, both FDG‐PET (PET) and Tc‐99m sestamibi scans (MIBI) have identified sites of occult disease in myeloma.Methods:  We reviewed the results for patients at our institution who have undergone PET and/or MIBI scans to assess myeloma. Concordance between the scans, ability to identify otherwise occult disease and impact on patient management was assessed.Results:  Thirty‐six patients had ≥1 PET scan, 56 had ≥1 MIBI scan and 23 had concurrent PET and MIBI scans. MIBI detected additional sites to skeletal survey in 38 of 56 (68%) cases. PET detected additional sites to skeletal survey in 18 of 36 (50%) cases. MIBI generally detected more disease sites than PET. PET and MIBI were concordant in eight of 23 (35%) cases. The percentage plasma cell infiltrate within the marrow correlated with the number of sites detected by MIBI, but not by PET. In 23 of 69 cases (33%), scan results impacted on management, particularly by upstaging disease at diagnosis and by recognising subsequent disease progression. The results were also helpful for evaluating the presence of ongoing disease activity in previously irradiated sites remaining abnormal on skeletal survey following treatment.Conclusions:  MIBI and PET are useful additional diagnostic tools for detecting otherwise occult sites of myeloma. The use of MIBI PET should particularly be considered in the evaluation of a patient with an early‐stage plasma cell dyscrasia to exclude the presence of more extensive disease.
Defoliation pattern, foraging behaviour and diet selection by lactating dairy cows in response to sward height and herbage allowance of a ryegrass‐dominated pasture
Authors: Tharmaraj J. , Wales W. J. , Chapman D. F. , Egan A. R. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe effects of sward surface height (SSH) and daily herbage allowance (HA) on the defoliation pattern and grazing mechanics of early lactation dairy cows grazing on irrigated perennial ryegrass–white clover pasture were studied. The hypothesis tested was that SSH and HA affect intake and diet selection through their effects on the pattern of defoliation which is influenced by the resistance to prehension bites.Factorial combinations of two initial SSH (14 and 28 cm) and two daily HA (35 and 70 kg DM cow−1 d−1) were examined in a replicated experiment. The peak longitudinal tensile force required to break the sward portion encompassed in a 100 cm2 area [bite fracture force (BFF100)] was measured as an index of the resistance to prehension.The volume of herbage defoliated and herbage intake increased with SSH (P < 0·05) and HA (P < 0·01). Corresponding to an increase in HA from 35 to 70 kg DM cow−1 d−1, there was a proportional increase in the total defoliation area (TDA) and intake by 0·24 and 0·55 in the short sward compared with 0·16 and 0·32 in the tall sward respectively. The results of this experiment suggest that a consistent spatial pattern of reduction of the canopy exists during defoliation by cows and that the volume of sward canopy defoliated is the major variable affecting herbage intake.The BFF increased down the sward profile at a rate that was higher (P < 0·05) for the taller sward than for the shorter sward. It is proposed that a relatively lower resistance to prehension in the short sward compared with the tall sward explains the greater proportionate increase in TDA and intake corresponding to an increase in HA. The rate at which BFF100 increases down the sward profile is suggested as a sward physical variable that can influence the defoliation process. The estimated time and energy costs of prehension bites are discussed in the context that larger bites are handled more efficiently than smaller bites.
Effects of polyethylene colour and thickness on grass silage quality
Authors: Snell H. G. J. , Oberndorfer C. , Lücke W. , Van den Weghe H. F. A. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe aim of the investigation was to determine the influence of variations in thickness and colour of agricultural plastic film on silage preservation conditions and grass silage quality. For this purpose, 30 cylindrical plastic containers (mini‐silos; 0·3 m3) were filled with chopped grass and covered with five films of different thickness and colour: 90 μm, white; 125 μm, green; 150 μm, black; 200 μm, green and 200 μm, white. Four replications of each film type were placed in the open air. Two replications were housed indoors and exposed to an ‘artificial sky’ in a test apparatus. The surface temperature of the films was found to be strongly dependent on film thickness and colour. Results of the chemical analysis of silages did not reveal any significant influence of the films. This was also the case when restricting the analysis to the uppermost silage layer. The results showed that under the conditions of this experiment, well preserved forage can be produced with films of differing colour, as well as of lesser thickness.
The effect of additives in silages of pure timothy and timothy mixed with red clover on chemical composition and in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics
Authors: Hetta M. , Cone J. W. , Gustavsson A.‐M. , Martinsson K. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe aim was to compare the effects of additives on direct cut silages of pure timothy and timothy mixed with tetraploid red clover. First and second growth cuts were ensiled during three consecutive years, 1994, 1995 and 1996, either without any additive or with the addition of formic acid, or lactic acid bacteria in combination with molasses. Effects of the additives on the degradation characteristics of the herbage and the silages were analysed using an automatic in vitro gas production (GP) technique. At the end of the in vitro procedures, organic matter and neutral‐detergent fibre (NDF) degradabilities were determined.The tetraploid red clover persisted in the leys during the 3 years and was the dominant species at the second growth in the mixed leys. The herbage from the mixed crops had lower dry‐matter contents, higher crude protein concentrations and higher buffering capacity compared with the pure timothy at both cuts. In general, the additives reduced pH, and the concentrations of ammonium‐N and acetic acid in the silages. The treated silages had a more rapid faster GP in both crops.The silages from the mixed crop benefited more from the additives compared with the grass silages. The additives affected the soluble fractions as well as the NDF degradability of the silages of the mixed crop more than those fractions of the grass silages. The addition of molasses in combination with a commercial inocula resulted in increased production of lactic acid and ethanol in silages from both crops. The silages without additives could not meet the requirements for good silages according to the standards of the Swedish dairy industry.