bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methodology and measurement properties of health-related quality of life instruments: A prospective study of patients undergoing breast reduction surgery
Authors: Thoma Achilleas , Sprague Sheila , Veltri Karen , Duku Eric , Furlong William 
Published: July 2005

Abstract

Background
Breast hypertrophy is associated with clinically important morbidity. A prospective study was conducted to assess the change in health-related quality of life (HRQL) following breast reduction mammoplasty. This paper describes the measurement properties of each of the HRQL questionnaires used.

Methods
The reliability, responsiveness, and the construct validity of each HRQL instrument (the Health Utilities Index Mark 2 (HUI2) and Mark 3 (HUI3) and the Breast Reduction Assessment Value and Outcomes (BRAVO) instruments) were assessed. The BRAVO instruments are a set of separate instruments including the Short Form-36 (SF-36), the Multidimensional Body Self Relations Questionnaire Appearance Assessment (MBSRQ-AS), and the Breast Related Symptoms Questionnaire (BRSQ).

Results
The HUI2, the HUI3, the MBSRQ-AS, and the breast severity symptom (BSS) score from the BRSQ all demonstrated good test-retest reliability. The SF-36 physical component summary, the MBSRQ-AS, and the BSS score demonstrated high responsiveness. The SF-36 mental component summary and the HUI3 had a moderate effect size and the HUI2 had a small effect size. All of the changes in scales are correlated in the same direction except for the SF-36 physical component summary and the SF-36 mental component summary.

Conclusion
All four instruments were found to be reliable and responsive. These instruments can be used in similar clinical settings to evaluate the change in patients' HRQL.
Radiation induced osteogenic sarcoma of the maxilla
Authors: Prakash Om , Varghese Bipin T , Mathews Anita , Nayak Nileema , Ramchandran Krishnankutty , Pandey Manoj 
Published: July 2005

Abstract

Background
Radiation induced sarcoma arise as a long term complication of radiation treatment for other benign or malignant conditions. They are of very rare occurrence in jaw bones and are even rarer in maxilla.

Case presentation
Here we report a case of radiation induced sarcoma in a patient treated for squamous cell carcinoma of buccal mucosa with radiation who developed osteosarcoma of maxillary bone after six years. The patient was treated successfully with surgery.

Conclusion
What should be the best treatment of radiation induced sarcoma is still debatable; however, surgery offers the best chance of cure. Role of reradiation and adjuvant chemotherapy needs to be further evaluated.
Evidence that 17alpha-estradiol is biologically active in the uterine tissue: Antiuterotonic and antiuterotrophic action
Authors: Perusquía Mercedes , Navarrete Erika 
Published: July 2005

Abstract

Background
17alpha-Estradiol has been considered as the hormonally inactive isomer of 17beta-estradiol. Recently, nongenomic (smooth muscle relaxation) and genomic (light estrogenic activity) effects of 17alpha-estradiol have been reported, but no reports have yet determined its possible antiestrogenic activity. Therefore, this study investigated: the nongenomic action of 17alpha-estradiol on uterine contractile activity and its potential agonist-antagonist activity on uterine growth.

Methods
Uterine rings from rats were isometrically recorded. Different concentrations (0.2–200 microM) of 17alpha-estradiol were tested on spontaneous contraction and equimolarly compared with 17beta-estradiol. To examine the mechanism of 17alpha-estradiol action, its effect was studied in presence of beta2-antagonist (propranolol), antiestrogens (tamoxifen and ICI 182,780) or inhibitors of protein synthesis (cycloheximide) and transcription (actinomycin D). Moreover, contractions induced by high potassium (KCl) solution or calcium in depolarized tissues by KCl-calcium free solution were exposed to 17alpha-estradiol. Collaterally, we performed an uterotrophic assay in adult ovariectomized rats measuring the uterine wet weight. The administration for three days of 0.3 microM/day/Kg 17beta-estradiol was equimolarly compared with the response produced by 17alpha-estradiol. Antiuterotrophic activity was assayed by administration of 0.3 microM/day/Kg 17beta-estradiol and various doses ratios (1:1, 1:3, 1:5, and 1:100) of 17alpha-estradiol.

Results
The estradiol isomers elicited an immediate relaxation, concentration-dependent and reversible on spontaneous contraction. 17alpha-Estradiol presented lower potency than 17beta-estradiol although it did not antagonize 17beta-estradiol-induced relaxation. Relaxation to 17alpha-estradiol was not inhibited by propranolol, tamoxifen, ICI 182,780, cycloheximide or actinomycin D. The KCl contractions were also sensitive to 17alpha-estradiol-induced relaxation and calcium contractions in depolarized tissues were markedly prevented by 17alpha-estradiol, implying a reduction of extracellular calcium influx through voltage-operated calcium channels (VOCCs). Uterotrophic assay detected significant increase in uterine weight using 17alpha-estradiol, which was significantly minor as compared with 17beta-estradiol. 17alpha-Estradiol, at all doses ratios, significantly antagonized the hypertrophic response of 17beta-estradiol.

Conclusion
17alpha-Estradiol induces a relaxing effect, which may be independent of the classical estrogen receptor, nongenomic action, apparently mediated by inactivation of VOCCs. 17alpha-Estradiol is also a weak estrogen agonist (uterotrophic response); likewise, 17alpha-estradiol may act as an antiestrogen (antiuterotrophic response). The overall data document a nongenomic relaxing action and a novel antiestrogenic action of 17alpha-estradiol, which are relevant in estrogen-mediated uterine physiology.
Medicines and vaccines for the world's poorest: Is there any prospect for public-private cooperation?
Authors: Scheffler Richard M , Pathania Vikram 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
This paper reviews the current status of the global pharmaceutical industry and its research and development focus in the context of the health care needs of the developing world. It will consider the attempts to improve access to critical drugs and vaccines, and increase the research effort directed at key public health priorities in the developing world. In particular, it will consider prospects for public-private collaboration. The challenges and opportunities in such public-private partnerships will be discussed briefly along with a look at factors that may be key to success. Much of the focus is on HIV/AIDS where the debate on the optimal balance between intellectual property rights (IPR) and human rights to life and health has been very public and emotive.
The protective effect of licofelone on experimental osteoarthritis is correlated with the downregulation of gene expression and protein synthesis of several major cartilage catabolic factors: MMP-13, cathepsin K and aggrecanases
Authors: Pelletier Jean-Pierre , Boileau Christelle , Boily Martin , Brunet Julie , Mineau François , Geng Changshen , Reboul Pascal , Laufer Stefan , Lajeunesse Daniel , Martel-Pelletier Johanne 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThis study sought to evaluate the levels of mRNA expression and protein synthesis of MMP-13, cathepsin K, aggrecanase-1 (ADAMTS-4), aggrecanase-2 (ADAMTS-5) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) in cartilage in the experimental anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) dog model of osteoarthritis (OA), and to examine the effects of treatment with licofelone, a 5-lipoxygenase (LOX)/cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, on the levels of these catabolic factors. Sectioning of the ACL of the right knee was performed in three experimental groups: group 1 received no active treatment (placebo group); and groups 2 and 3 received therapeutic concentrations of licofelone (2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg/day orally, respectively) for 8 weeks, beginning the day following surgery. A fourth group consisted of untreated dogs that were used as normal controls. Specimens of cartilage were selected from lesional areas of OA femoral condyles and tibial plateaus, and were processed for real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical analyses. The levels of MMP-13, cathepsin K, ADAMTS-4, ADAMTS-5 and 5-LOX were found to be significantly increased in OA cartilage. Licofelone treatment decreased the levels of both mRNA expression and protein synthesis of the factors studied. Of note was the marked reduction in the level of 5-LOX gene expression. The effects of the drug were about the same at both tested dosages. In vivo treatment with therapeutic dosages of licofelone has been found to reduce the degradation of OA cartilage in experimental OA. This, coupled with the results of the present study, indicates that the effects of licofelone are mediated by the inhibition of the major cartilage catabolic pathways involved in the destruction of cartilage matrix macromolecules. Moreover, our findings also indicate the possible auto-regulation of 5-LOX gene expression by licofelone in OA cartilage.
Somatosensation, circulation and stance balance in elderly dysvascular transtibial amputees
Authors: Quai Tammie M , Brauer Sandra G , Nitz Jennifer C 
Published: July 2005

Objective: To establish the relationship between poor lower limb somatosensory and circulatory status with standing balance, falls history, age and mobility level in dysvascular transtibial amputees (TTAs). Design: Within-subjects evaluation of somatosensation, circulation and stance balance measures in dysvascular transtibial amputees. Setting: Physiotherapy department of a tertiary metropolitan hospital in Australia. Participants: Twenty-two community-dwelling unilateral dysvascular transtibial amputee volunteers, aged between 54 and 86 recruited from a metropolitan hospital outpatient amputee clinic. Main outcome measures: Lower limb vibration sense, light touch sensation and circulatory status were related to centre of pressure excursion during quiet stance, dynamic balance measures of forward and lateral reach distance, and demographic information such as falls history and mobility level. Results: Overall, poor somatosensory status was associated with poor stance balance. There was an association between poor vibration and circulation and increased centre of pressure excursion in quiet stance and reduced reach distance, whereas poor light touch was linked with even weight-bearing in quiet stance. Poor vibration sense was associated with a history of frequent falls. Conclusions: Compromised lower limb somatosensation and circulation was linked with poor balance and a history of frequent falls in the elderly dysvascular amputee population.
Determinants of functional independence and quality of life in children with spina bifida
Authors: Schoenmakers M AGC , Uiterwaal C SPM , Gulmans V AM , Gooskens R HJM , Helders P JM 
Published: July 2005

Objective: To investigate determinants of functional independence and study which functional abilities were determinants for ‘health-related quality of life’ in children with myelomeningocele. Design: Cross-sectional study by means of clinical assessment, ‘disability’ measurement and questionnaires. Uniand multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate factors that were determinants for these outcomes. Results were expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Setting: Outpatient spina bifida clinic at a university hospital. Subjects: One hundred and twenty-two children with myelomeningocele. Mean age 7.9; range 1-18 years. Main measures: Functional independence as measured by the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), and quality of life as measured by the Spina Bifida Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results: Lesion level below L3 (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.1-1.0), mental status of IQ] - 80 (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.2-14.9), having no contractures in lower extremities (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.3 -8.8), and having normal strength of knee extensor muscles (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.4 -11.5) were most strongly associated with independence in self-care. Mental status (OR 16.1, 95% CI 2.8 -93.9), having no contractures in lower extremities (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.4 -5.3), and normal strength in knee extensors (OR 11.0, 95% CI 1.3-97.0) were the most important determinants for independence in mobility. Concerning functional abilities, being independent with regard to mobility was the most important determinant for ‘health-related quality of life’ (OR 5.3, 95% CI 1.6-17.4). Conclusions: In children with myelomeningocele, good muscle strength, mental ability and being independent in mobility appeared to be much more important for daily life function and quality of life than other medical indicators of the disorder.
The reliability of hip scoring systems for total hip arthroplasty candidates: assessment by physical therapists
Authors: Kirmit Linda , Karatosun Vasfi , Unver Bayram , Bakirhan Serkan , Sen Ayse , Gocen Zeliha 
Published: July 2005

Objective: Hip rating systems have been widely used in assessing severity of hip dysfunction but no uniform method has emerged. The current study was performed to determine the interobserver reliability of five different hip scores on patients with coxarthrosis. Design: Test reliability among physical therapists for five commonly used hip scores. Subjects: Thirty-five patients (48 hips) who had coxarthrosis and who were candidates for total hip arthroplasty were included in the study. Methods: Patients were evaluated preoperatively by three physical therapists using five different hip rating systems; the Harris Hip Score, the Iowa Hip Score, the Charnley Hip Score, the Merle d'Aubigne Hip Score and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' Hip Score. Results: The average age of the patients was 58.89±2.2 years (range 28=–76 years). For all scores, an excellent interobserver reliability between the physical therapists were found ( k=0.77–0.95). The best correlation between first and second observer was on Harris Hip Score ( k=0.91), between second and third was on Merle d'Aubigne Hip Score ( k=0.95) and between first and third was on Iowa Hip Score ( k=0.87). Conclusion: There was an excellent interobserver reliability for all hip scores between the physical therapists, suggesting that all these hip scores are suitable for use by physical therapists.
A modified Hill muscle model that predicts muscle power output and efficiency during sinusoidal length changes
Authors: Lichtwark G. A. , Wilson A. M. 
Published: July 2005

SUMMARYThe power output of a muscle and its efficiency vary widely under different activation conditions. This is partially due to the complex interaction between the contractile component of a muscle and the serial elasticity. We investigated the relationship between power output and efficiency of muscle by developing a model to predict the power output and efficiency of muscles under varying activation conditions during cyclical length changes. A comparison to experimental data from two different muscle types suggests that the model can effectively predict the time course of force and mechanical energetic output of muscle for a wide range of contraction conditions, particularly during activation of the muscle. With fixed activation properties, discrepancies in the work output between the model and the experimental results were greatest at the faster and slower cycle frequencies than that for which the model was optimised. Further optimisation of the activation properties across each individual cycle frequency examined demonstrated that a change in the relationship between the concentration of the activator (Ca2+) and the activation level could account for these discrepancies. The variation in activation properties with speed provides evidence for the phenomenon of shortening deactivation, whereby at higher speeds of contraction the muscle deactivates at a faster rate. The results of this study demonstrate that predictions about the mechanics and energetics of muscle are possible when sufficient information is known about the specific muscle.
Carbon dioxide instantly sensitizes female yellow fever mosquitoes to human skin odours
Authors: Dekker Teun , Geier Martin , Cardé Ring T. 
Published: July 2005

SUMMARY
Female mosquitoes are noted for their ability to use odours to locate a host for a blood meal. Two sensory organs contribute to their sense of smell:the maxillary palps, which measure the level of CO2, and the antennae, which detect other host-released odours. To establish the relative importance and interactions of CO2 and other body emissions in freely flying mosquitoes, we presented female yellow fever mosquitoes Aedes aegypti L. with broad plumes of human skin odour and CO2 at natural concentrations and dilutions thereof in a wind tunnel. 3-D video-recorded flight tracks were reconstructed. Activation,flight velocity, upwind turning and source finding waned quickly as skin odours were diluted, whereas in the presence of CO2 these parameters remained unchanged over more than a 100-fold dilution from exhaled concentrations. Although mosquitoes were behaviourally less sensitive to skin odours than to CO2, their sensitivity to skin odours increased transiently by at least fivefold immediately following a brief encounter with a filament of CO2. This sensitization was reflected in flight velocity, track angle, turning rate upon entering and exiting the broad odour plume and, ultimately, in the source-finding rate. In Ae. aegypti,CO2 thus functions as a `releaser' for a higher sensitivity and responsiveness to skin odours. The initially low responsiveness of mosquitoes to skin odours, their high sensitivity to CO2, and the sensitization of the olfactory circuitry by CO2 are ecologically relevant, because rapidly fluctuating CO2 levels reliably signal a potential host. Possible mechanisms of the instantaneous sensitization are considered.
Formation and Nonlinear Optical Properties of a Novel Polymeric Cadmium(II) Complex Bridged by Sulfur Ions
Authors: Li Sheng-Li , Wu Jie-Ying , Tian Yu-Peng , Tao Xu-Tang , Jiang Min-Hua , Fun Hoong-Kun 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
The title coordination polymer, [Cd(NH2NHCSNH2)(HS)2]n·nH2O, has been obtained by self-assembling from the reaction of a methanol/water (volume ratio, 1/1) solution containing cadmium chloride with equivalent amount of succinic acid and thiosemicarbazide. The X-ray crystal analysis reveals that the cadmium atoms are bridged by HS− ligands and mutual sulfur atoms which contribute to formation of the infinite one-dimensional (1D) inorganic–organic chain in a zig-zag way. The second harmonic generation (SHG) response of the complex is much stronger than that of urea.
Intercalation of Natural Cyclodextrins into Layered Double Hydroxide by Calcination–Rehydration Reaction
Authors: Sasaki Satoru , Yokohama Yuugou , Aisawa Sumio , Hirahara Hidetoshi , Narita Eiichi 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
Natural α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrins (CDs) were intercalated in the interlayer of layered double hydroxide (LDH) by calcination–rehydration reaction using the calcined precursor of Mg–Al/CO3/LDH. The intercalated amount was considerably large in spite of nonanionic macrocyclic molecule in the wide CD concentration range. The presence of hydroxyl group on upper and lower rim in CD molecule favors the intercalation driving force by hydrogen bond with the hydroxide basal layer. In addition, CDs in the CD/LDHs were deintercalated by the ion exchange with carbonate ion with regeneration of the pristine Mg–Al/CO3/LDH.
Limited English Proficiency and Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening in a Multiethnic Population
Authors: Jacobs Elizabeth A. , Karavolos Kelly , Rathouz Paul J. , Ferris Timothy G. , Powell Lynda H. 
Published: July 2005

Objectives. We examined the relationship between ability to speak English and receipt of Papanicolaou tests, clinical breast examinations, and mammography in a multiethnic group of women in the United States. Methods. We used longitudinal data from the Study of Women Across the Nation to examine receipt of breast and cervical cancer screening among Chinese, Japanese, Hispanic, and White women who reported reading and speaking (1) only a language other than English, (2) another language more fluently than English, or (3) only English or another language and English with equal fluency. Logistic regression was used to analyze the data. Results. Reading and speaking only a language other than English and reading and speaking another language more fluently than English, were significantly and negatively associated with receipt of breast and cervical cancer screening in unadjusted models. Although these findings were attenuated in adjusted models, not speaking English well or at all remained negatively associated with receipt of cancer screening. Conclusions. These findings suggest that language barriers contribute to health disparities by impeding adequate health communication.
Patient and Staff Perspectives on the Impacts and Challenges of Hospital-Based Harm Reduction
Authors: Fraimow-Wong Leah , Martín Marlene , Thomas Laura , Giuliano Ro , Nguyen Oanh Kieu , Knight Kelly , Suen Leslie W. 
Published: February 2024

ImportanceHarm reduction is associated with improved health outcomes among people who use substances. As overdose deaths persist, hospitals are recognizing the need for harm reduction services; however, little is known about the outcomes of hospital-based harm reduction for patients and staff.ObjectiveTo evaluate patient and staff perspectives on the impact and challenges of a hospital-based harm reduction program offering safer use education and supplies at discharge.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis qualitative study consisted of 40-minute semistructured interviews with hospitalized patients receiving harm reduction services and hospital staff at an urban, safety-net hospital in California from October 2022 to March 2023. Purposive sampling allowed inclusion of diverse patient racial and ethnic identities, substance use disorders (SUDs), and staff roles.ExposureReceipt of harm reduction education and/or supplies (eg, syringes, pipes, naloxone, and test strips) from an addiction consult team, or providing care for patients receiving these services.Main Outcomes and MeasuresInterviews were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes.ResultsA total of 40 participants completed interviews, including 20 patients (mean [SD] age, 43 [13] years; 1 American Indian or Alaska Native [5%], 1 Asian and Pacific Islander [5%], 6 Black [30%]; 6 Latine [30%]; and 6 White [30%]) and 20 staff (mean [SD] age 37 [8] years). Patients were diagnosed with a variety of SUDs (7 patients with opioid and stimulant use disorder [35%]; 7 patients with stimulant use disorder [35%]; 3 patients with opioid use disorder [15%]; and 3 patients with alcohol use disorder [15%]). A total of 3 themes were identified; respondents reported that harm reduction programs (1) expanded access to harm reduction education and supplies, particularly for ethnically and racially minoritized populations; (2) built trust by improving the patient care experience and increasing engagement; and (3) catalyzed culture change by helping destigmatize care for individuals who planned to continue using substances and increasing staff fulfillment. Black and Latine patients, those who primarily used stimulants, and those with limited English proficiency (LEP) reported learning new harm reduction strategies. Program challenges included hesitancy regarding regulations, limited SUD education among staff, remaining stigma, and the need for careful assessment of patient goals.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this qualitative study, patients and staff believed that integrating harm reduction services into hospital care increased access for populations unfamiliar with harm reduction, improved trust, and reduced stigma. These findings suggest that efforts to increase access to harm reduction services for Black, Latine, and LEP populations, including those who use stimulants, are especially needed.