bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IgG class antibodies from psoriasis patients recognize the 60‐KDa heat‐shock protein of Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Cancino‐Díaz Mario E. , Ruiz‐González Verónica , Ramírez‐Reséndiz Luis , Ortiz Blanca , Domínguez‐López María Lilia , Paredes‐Cabrera Giovanna C. , León‐Dorantes Gladys , Blancas‐González Fernando , Jiménez‐Zamudio Luis , García‐Latorre Ethel 
Published: April 2004

AbstractBackground  We have previously found that psoriatic patients have IgG autoantibodies that recognize lesions but not autologous normal skin. The reactivity of the autoantibodies can be adsorbed with streptococcal antigens.Methods  IgG antibodies were determined by immunoblot and ELISA to streptococcal antigens and by ELISA to the recombinants HSP60Sp, HSP70Sp, HSP60Ec and HSP60Hu, in plaque (PP) and guttate (GP) psoriasis patients, in healthy subjects (HC) and in individuals with streptococcal throat infections and high ASO titers, but without history of dermatological disease (ISp).Results  We found by immunoblot that the IgG response to 71‐, 60‐, and 14‐kDa protein fractions of Streptococcus pyogenes is important in psoriasis. We also found by ELISA that the response to the rHSP60Sp in PP was higher than in all the other three groups studied (P < 0.05) with an odds ratio of 11.11 (CI95% of 4.33–28.49). The PP infected with S. pyogenes had higher titers of the antirHSP60Sp, high ASO, and high PASI. The PP patients did not significantly recognize the HSP60Ec or the HSP60Hu. The GP patients had a higher response to the rHSP60Sp than the healthy controls or ISp patients (P < 0.05) but showed no association with the disease. The response of the ISp patients to the HSP60Sp was similar to the healthy controls. The response to the rHSP70Sp was similar in the PP patients and the healthy controls.Conclusion  Results suggest that a high response to the HSP60Sp could be associated with the chronic form of psoriasis.
A comparative study of antibody titers of blister fluid and serum in patients with subepidermal immunobullous diseases
Authors: Daneshpazhooh Maryam , Shahdi Majid , Aghaeepoor Mahnaz , Hasiri Gholamreza , Chams Cheida 
Published: April 2004

AbstractBackground  Subepidermal autoimmune bullous diseases (SABD) comprise several disorders, such as bullous pemphigoid (BP), cicatricial pemphigoid (CP), epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), herpes gestationis (HG), and linear immunoglobulin A (IgA) dermatosis (LAD), and are characterized by antibody production against the basement membrane structures of the skin and mucosa. Although indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) on serum is a routine test for the detection of basement membrane zone antibodies, there have only been a few studies related to IIF on blister fluid.Aim  To perform IIF on blister fluid and to compare the results with those of serum.Methods  IIF on salt‐split skin was performed on the serum and blister fluid of 35 patients with SABD (25 bp, three EBA, three HG, three LAD, and one bullous systemic lupus erythematosus) with conjugated IgG, IgA, and C3.Results  Twenty‐eight of the 35 patients showed IIF‐positive blister fluid with a titer similar or less than that of serum. In 25 patients with BP, the most common disease in this study, 23 cases (92%) had positive IIF on serum, 23 cases (92%) on blister fluid, and 24 cases (96%) on either serum or blister fluid. Immunoreactant titers in BP blister fluid and serum did not show significant differences (P > 0.05). Epidermal binding of immunoreactants was the most prevalent staining pattern of IIF on salt‐split skin (92%) in BP.Conclusions  From the findings of this study, the blister fluid of patients with SABD can be used for IIF. Although IIF sensitivity on blister fluid is no more than that on serum, the performance of this test on blister fluid in addition to serum may reduce the number of false negative results of IIF found using either of these two substrates alone.
A matter of trust – patient's views on decision‐making in colorectal cancer
Authors: Salkeld Glenn , Solomon Michael , Short Leonie , Butow Phyllis N 
Published: April 2004

AbstractObjectives To determine which aspects of the treatment decision process, therapy and outcomes are most important to patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).Design Cross‐sectional survey.Participants A total of 102 men and 73 women who had completed primary treatment for CRC in two teaching hospitals in Central Sydney, Australia.Main outcomes measures Patient's rating of the importance of the decision‐making aspects and outcomes of treatment for CRC.Results Trust in their surgeon and confidence of specialty training are of paramount importance to CRC patients. Patients also have a strong desire to get on with treatment quickly and rate the risk of disease recurrence and quality of life as being very important in their treatment decisions. Gender, age and whether the patient had undergone adjuvant radiotherapy were all significant predictors of preferred mode of treatment decision‐making. Fifty‐eight per cent of women preferred a shared decision‐making role compared with 36% of men, whilst older patients and those who had undergone adjuvant radiotherapy were significantly more likely to prefer that their surgeon decide upon treatment when compared with younger patients and respondents who have not had radiotherapy.Conclusions Regardless of whether a patient prefers an active or more passive role in decision‐making, having a surgeon explain treatment options in a clear, unhurried and open manner is vital to how patients feel about their treatment. Whilst acknowledging that individual patients will have different needs for information and preferences for treatment, there are several factors amongst many in the process of decision‐making which are considered very important by patients with CRC. A surgeon who adopts a consultation style that is open and informative, that offers patients the chance to participate in the process of decision‐making and clearly explain treatment options and outcomes will engender trust with their patient.
Evaluating decision aids – where next?
Authors: O'Cathain Alicia , Thomas Kate J 
Published: April 2004

AbstractDecision aids have been developed to help patients become involved in decision‐making about their individual health care. During the evaluation of a particular decision aid in maternity care – a set of 10 ‘Informed Choice’ leaflets – we considered the lessons learnt for evaluation of decision aids in the future. Decision aids have been tested mainly in explanatory trials and have been found to be effective. We argue that existing decision aids should be subjected to more pragmatic trials to test their effectiveness in the real world. The small amount of evidence on their use in the real world shows that they face challenges, resulting in poor implementation. Therefore, we propose that implementation strategies are developed which take heed of the findings of research on getting evidence into practice, and in particular address structural barriers such as the lack of time available to health professionals. We recommend that these ‘decision aid implementation packages’ are developed in conjunction with both health professionals and patients, and identify and address potential barriers to both the delivery of patient involvement in decision‐making, and the use of decision aids, in the real world. These ‘packages’ can then be submitted to pragmatic evaluation.
Patient‐focussed decision‐making in early‐stage prostate cancer: insights from a cognitively based decision aid
Authors: Feldman‐Stewart Deb , Brundage Michael D , Manen Lori Van , Svenson Ola 
Published: April 2004

AbstractPurpose  To study the cognitive processes of early‐stage prostate cancer patients as they determined which treatment they preferred, using our cognitively based decision aid.Method  The aid was a one‐to‐one interview that included the structured presentation of information, listing exercises in which the patient identified attributes important to his decision, and trade‐off exercises to help him weigh and integrate those attributes together. At various points of the interview, patients identified the attributes they felt were important to their decision, rated their treatment options and completed standardized assessments relating to their decision. In addition, patients participated in a follow‐up interview at the time they made their actual treatment decision and again 3 months later.Results  Sixty of 70 (86%) of the invited patients participated in the study. Participating patients identified a median of four important attributes (range 1–10); 36 different attributes were identified at some point in the interview by the group. During the interview, 78% of patients changed which attributes they considered important, and 72% changed their treatment ratings. Stability of treatment choice after the interview and lack of regret after the decision were each positively associated with increasing differentiation between treatment options over time.Conclusions  The decision process appears to be dynamic for the patients with great variability across patients in what is important to the decision. Increasing stability of choice and lack of regret appear to be related positively to increasing difference over time in how attractive the preferred option is over its closest competitor, rather than to the size of the difference at any one point in time.
Developing consumer involvement in rural HIV primary care programmes
Authors: Mamary Edward M , Toevs Kim , Burnworth Karla B , Becker Lin 
Published: April 2004

AbstractObjectives  As part of a broader medical and psychosocial needs assessment in a rural region of northern California, USA, five focus groups were conducted to explore innovative approaches to creating a system of consumer involvement in the delivery of HIV primary care services in the region.Design  A total of five focus groups (n = 30) were conducted with clients from three of five counties in the region with the highest number of HIV patients receiving primary care.Setting and participants  Participants were recruited by their HIV case managers. They were adults living with HIV, who were receiving health care, and who resided in a rural mountain region of northern California.Variables studied  Group discussions explored ideas for new strategies and examined traditional methods of consumer involvement, considering ways they could be adapted for a rural environment.Results  Recommendations for consumer involvement included a multi‐method approach consisting of traditional written surveys, a formal advisory group, and monthly consumer led social support/informal input groups. Specific challenges discussed included winter weather conditions, transportation barriers, physical limitations, confidentiality concerns, and needs for social support and education.Conclusions  A multiple‐method approach would ensure more comprehensive consumer involvement in the programme planning process. It is also evident that methods for incorporating consumer involvement must be adapted to the specific context and circumstances of a given programme.
Resistant bipolar disorder precipitated by Behcet's syndrome
Authors: Alevizos B , Anagnostara C , Christodoulou GN 
Published: April 2004

Objective:  To report a case of a patient with Behcet's syndrome who developed treatment resistant bipolar disorder (BD) several years after the onset of Behcet's syndrome.Methods:  A 62‐year‐old woman suffering from Behcet's syndrome since the age of 38, who developed a typical BD 6 years after the first manifestations of the syndrome was described.Results:  Once BD occurred, Behcet's syndrome became milder, while BD deteriorated and evolved into a rapid cycling illness. Lithium and carbamazepine were ineffective in controlling the affective symptoms, while sodium valproate combined with low doses of carbamazepine and olanzapine resulted in sufficient stabilization of her mood state.Conclusions:  Behcet's syndrome may have been the organic substrate for BD in this case. The appearance of BD in the setting of an organic‐immune disorder, like Behcet's syndrome, suggests that such disorders may be the neurobiologic substrate or contributor for BD, at least in certain cases.
Quetiapine with lithium or divalproex for the treatment of bipolar mania: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Sachs G , Chengappa KNR , Suppes T , Mullen JA , Brecher M , Devine NA , Sweitzer DE 
Published: April 2004

Objective:  Evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of quetiapine (QTP) combined with lithium (Li) or divalproex (DVP) in the treatment of acute mania.Methods:  Patients were randomized to 21 days of double‐blind treatment with QTP plus Li/DVP, or placebo (PBO) plus Li/DVP. QTP was rapidly dosed up to a maximum of 800 mg/day; Li was dosed to 0.7–1.0 mEq/L; or DVP to 50–100 μg/mL.Results:  Fifty‐six of 91 (61.5%) individuals in the QTP + Li/DVP group compared with 49 of 100 (49%) taking PBO + Li/DVP completed the study. A significantly greater mean reduction in total Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) score was observed at end‐point in patients receiving QTP + Li/DVP compared with those in the PBO + Li/DVP group (−13.76 versus −9.93; p = 0.021). The response rate (≥50% YMRS improvement) was significantly higher in the QTP + Li/DVP group than in PBO + Li/DVP‐treated patients (54.3% versus 32.6%; p = 0.005), as was the proportion of patients achieving clinical remission (YMRS < 12) (45.7% versus 25.8%; p = 0.007). Patients receiving QTP + Li/DVP also had a significantly greater improvement in Clinical Global Impressions‐Bipolar (CGI‐BP) Severity of Illness scores (−1.38 versus −0.78; p = 0.001). The mean last‐week dose of QTP was 584 mg/day in patients meeting response criteria. Common adverse events (at least 10% and twice the rate of Li/DVP) in the QTP + Li/DVP group included somnolence, dry mouth, asthenia, and postural hypotension.Conclusions:  Quetiapine combined with either Li or DVP has superior efficacy compared with Li or DVP monotherapy for treating patients with bipolar mania. Combination therapy was well‐tolerated and most adverse events were mild, withdrawal because of adverse events being only 5% compared with 6% on Li or DVP monotherapy.
Collective Consultation and Industrial Relations in China
Authors: Clarke Simon , Lee Chang‐Hee , Li Qi 
Published: April 2004

AbstractEconomic reform in China has seen the replacement of the administrative regulation of labour relations by their contractual regulation, with an increasing emphasis on the role of the collective contract system. Studies of the introduction of the system emphasized the determining role of the state. In this paper we examine the more recent development of the collective contract system and conclude that it is primarily the continued integration of the trade union into management at the workplace that prevents collective consultation from providing an adequate framework for the regulation of labour relations.
Shaping Union and Gender Identities: A Case Study of Women‐Only Trade Union Courses
Authors: Kirton Gill , Healy Geraldine 
Published: April 2004

AbstractIn the context of efforts to revitalize unions and the acknowledged need to widen participation within trade unions, this paper argues that women‐only trade union education acts as a vehicle for increasing women's participation and for improving their experiences of unions. Drawing on a qualitative research study of women‐only courses in two large male‐dominated British trade unions, the findings indicate that such courses provide the conditions for women to question, reinforce or transform their social identities and thereby can lead to greater union identification and participation.
Protest or Partnership? The Voluntary and Community Sectors in the Policy Process
Authors: Craig Gary , Taylor Marilyn , Parkes Tessa 
Published: April 2004

Abstract The growing emphasis on partnership is opening up new opportunities for voluntary and community organizations, many of which have felt themselves hitherto to be “outsiders” in the policy process. But it is also generating new dilemmas as they strive to maintain their autonomy while increasingly operating as insiders. This article examines the strategic choices that such organizations make in seeking to influence policy and the challenges that they face. It rejects the simple categorizations made between “insiders” and “outsiders” in the policy process, arguing that strategic choices are more complex and dynamic than this, with insider strategies dependent on outsider strategies and vice versa, and many organizations operating from both arenas.
Surgical Correction of Periocular Fat Pad Hypertrophy in Pot‐Bellied Pigs
Authors: Andrea C. Renee , George Lisle W. 
Published: April 2004

Objective To report surgical correction of hypertrophic periocular fat pads that cause loss of vision and behavioral changes in pot‐bellied pigs.Study Design A retrospective study.Animals or Sample Population Nine Vietnamese pot‐bellied pigs.Methods Medical records of nine pot‐bellied pigs admitted between 1994 and 1997 for loss of vision associated with hypertrophied periocular fat accumulations were reviewed. Outcome was assessed by contacting owners 4 months to 5 years after surgery.Results The most common clinical signs were related to impaired vision and included periocular dermatitis, lethargy, and aggressive behavior. Surgical removal of redundant periorbital fat and skin resulted in marked improvement in vision and behavior in all pigs. Overall client satisfaction was excellent.Clinical Relevance A novel method for removal of redundant fat and skin can be used to alleviate clinical signs associated with periocular fat pad hypertrophy of pot‐bellied pigs. A small percentage of Vietnamese pot‐bellied pigs are prone to abnormal fat accumulations in the facial region, particularly the periorbital region, that results in a mechanically narrowed palpebral fissure and impaired vision. This report describes a technique for surgically removing redundant fat and skin to improve vision and reports outcome in nine pigs.
Microvascular Transplantation of a Free Omental Graft to the Distal Extremity in Dogs
Authors: Roa Daren M. , Bright Ronald M. , Daniel Gregory B. , McEntee Michael F. , Sackman Jill E. , Moyers Tammy D. 
Published: April 2004

ObjectiveTo assess the survival of a free omental graft applied to an experimentally created wound on the distal extremity in dogs.Study DesignA free omental graft was evaluated as a primary method of treatment for dogs with distal extremity wounds in an experimental model.Animals or Sample PopulationFive adult intact female mixed breed dogs weighing 21.8 kg to 25.0 kg.MethodsA free omental graft was harvested from the abdomen and transferred to a wound bed overlying the medial aspect of the tibia. A microvascular anastomosis was performed between the graft vessels and vessels at the recipient site. Daily clinical assessment of graft viability was performed. Angiography and99mTechnetium labeled macroaggregated albumin (99mTc MAA) scintigraphic perfusion scans were performed on either day 4, 5, or 7. Postmortem collection of tissues for histopathologic analysis was performed immediately after imaging. Total operative time and graft ischemia time were evaluated for effects on graft survival.ResultsTwo of seven grafts survived to the end of the study, three of seven grafts failed because of ischemia, and two of seven grafts failed because of self‐trauma. There was no clinically significant morbidity associated with the abdominal portion of the procedure. Because of the small number of surviving grafts, the effects of operative time and graft ischemia time could not be statistically evaluated.ConclusionsMicrovascular transplantation of a free omental graft can result in a viable tissue covering of a distal extremity wound, however, the failure rate is unacceptably high.Clinical RelevanceA free omental graft may not have sufficient durability to be an acceptable wound covering by itself. Further studies combining omentum with a skin graft or other tissues may result in a clinically useful technique.
Investigation Into the Use of the Laryngeal Mask Airway in Pentobarbital Anesthetized Dogs
Authors: Braz José R.C. , Martins R.H.G. , Mori A.R. , Luna Stelio P.L. 
Published: April 2004

Objective To investigate the use of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in dogs.Study Design Prospective experimental study.Animals Eight healthy adult mixed breed dogs weighing from 15 to 20 kg.Methods The dogs were anesthetized with intravenous pentobarbital. An LMA was introduced after the induction of anesthesia and 1 L/min O2 plus 1 L/min air was delivered using a circle anesthetic system. Respiratory rate, tidal volume, arterial O2 saturation (pulse oximetry), end tidal CO2, inspired fraction of O2, pulse rate, and mean arterial blood pressure were measured after the insertion of the LMA and 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes afterwards.Results There were no changes in respiratory rate, tidal volume, arterial O2 saturation, and pulse rate during anesthesia. End tidal CO2 decreased significantly by the end of anesthesia and ventilation appeared satisfactory.Conclusions An LMA appeared to be an alternative option to maintain the patency of the airway in dogs.Clinical Relevance This device may allow safe maintenance of an airway in dogs when intubation is difficult or when it interferes with the procedure (eg, cervical myelography).
The Effect of Compacted Cancellous Bone Grafting on the Healing of Subchondral Bone Defects of the Medial Femoral Condyle in Horses
Authors: Jackson W.A. , Stick J.A. , S.P. Arnoczky , Nickels F.A. 
Published: April 2004

Objective—To compare the quality of second‐intention healing and that of compacting sternally harvested cancellous bone into subchondral bone defects of the medial femoral condyle in horses.Study Design—A controlled experiment using a surgical technique that minimizes soft tissue trauma, customized for consistency among horses.Animals or Sample Population—Ten horses, aged 2 to 5 years, free of hindlimb lameness and with radiographically normal stifles.Methods—After a 12.7‐mm‐diameter × 19‐mm‐deep defect was created into randomly selected medial femoral condyles, bone and cartilage healing was evaluated over a 6‐month period in control horses (n = 5) and horses receiving a compacted cancellous bone graft (n = 5). Healing was evaluated using lameness assessment, radiographic and microradiographic interpretation, arthroscopic appearance, percent bone fill, proteoglycan content, and histology.Results—Six months after surgery, there was no significant difference between grafted and ungrafted defects with respect to lameness, radiographic score, or percent bone fill. Histologically, grafted defects were characterized by the presence of dead graft and secondary cyst formation in four defects. Ungrafted defects filled with fibrous tissue and no cyst formation were identified.Conclusions—Grafted defects do not heal better than ungrafted defects, and lameness was not affected by surgical technique.Clinical Significance—Cartilage healing is similar in grafted and ungrafted defects in the equine medial femoral condyle at 6 months, suggesting that surgical debridement alone of cystic structures remains the treatment of choice.