bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transforming growth factor‐β and forskolin attenuate the adverse effects of long‐term Schwann cell denervation on peripheral nerve regeneration in vivo
Authors: Sulaiman Olawale A.R. , Gordon Tessa 
Published: August 2002

AbstractTransforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) plays a central role in the regulation of Schwann cell (SC) proliferation and differentiation and is essential for the neurotrophic effects of several neurotrophic factors (reviewed by Unsicker and Krieglstein, 2000; Unsicker and Strelau, 2000). However, its role in peripheral nerve regeneration in vivo is not yet understood. Our studies were carried out to characterize (1) the effects of duration of regeneration, and chronic SC denervation on the number of tibial (TIB) motor neurons that regenerated axons over a fixed distance (25 mm into distal common peroneal [CP] nerve stumps), and (2) the effect of in vitro incubation of 6‐month chronically denervated sciatic nerve explants with TGF‐β and forskolin on their capacity to support axonal regeneration in vivo. TIB–CP cross‐suture in Silastic tubing was used, and regeneration into 0–24‐week chronically denervated CP stumps was allowed for either 1.5 or 3 months. Chronically denervated rat sciatic nerve explants (3 × 3 mm2) were incubated in vitro with either DMEM and 15% fetal calf serum (D‐15) plus TGF‐β/forskolin or D‐15 alone for 48 h and placed into a 10‐mm Silastic tube that bridged the proximal and distal nerve stumps of a freshly cut TIB nerve. The number of tibial motor neurons that regenerated axons through the explants and 25 mm into the distal nerve stump after 6 months, and TIB regeneration into the CP nerve stumps, were assessed using retrograde tracers, fluorogold, or fluororuby. We found that all tibial motor neurons regenerate their axons 25 mm into 0–4‐week denervated CP nerve stumps after a regeneration period of 3 months. Reducing regeneration time to 1.5 months and chronic denervation, reduced the number of motor neurons that regenerated axons over 25 mm. Exposure of 6‐month denervated nerve explants to TGF‐β/forskolin increased the number of motor neurons that regenerated through them from 258 ± 13; mean ± SE to 442 ± 22. Hence, acute treatment of atrophic SC with TGF‐β can reactivate the growth‐permissive SC phenotype to support axonal regeneration. GLIA 37:206–218, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regional cerebral volume measurements in late‐life depression: relationship to clinical correlates, neuropsychological impairment and response to treatment
Authors: Simpson Steve W. , Baldwin R. C. , Burns Alistair , Jackson Alan 
Published: August 2002

AbstractBackgroundElderly people who develop depression have demonstrable changes in cerebral structure but little is known of the relationship between regional cerebral volumes, treatment response and cognitive impairment.MethodForty‐four patients with major depression diagnosed according to DSM‐IIIR criteria underwent magnetic resonance imaging and regional cerebral volumes were quantified using multispectral analysis. Response to antidepressant treatment was assessed prospectively and a neuropsychological test battery was administered.ResultsThere was a trend for smaller fronto‐temporal volumes in the treatment‐resistant patients. Impaired immediate working memory was linked with reduced frontal and parietal lobe volume and impaired short‐term memory functioning was associated with reduced temporal lobe volume. Ventricular enlargement was associated with prior administration of electro‐convulsive therapy, poor physical health and later age at onset of first episode of depression.ConclusionIn late‐life depression, brain changes should not preclude vigorous antidepressant treatment. Regional cerebral volume changes may be a complication of poor physical health and are associated with memory dysfunction even upon recovery from depression. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Citalopram augmentation of antipsychotic treatment in older schizophrenia patients
Authors: Kasckow John W. , Mohamed Somaia , Thallasinos Arthur , Carroll Brendan , Zisook Sidney , Jeste Dilip V. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractBackgroundDepressive symptoms are common in older patients with schizophrenia; yet, few studies have examined the usefulness of antidepressants in this population.ObjectiveWe conducted a 10‐week single‐blind trial of citalopram (20–40 mg/day) vs no citalopram augmentation in 19 middle‐aged and elderly patients with schizophrenia hospitalized for more than six of the last 12 months. At study‐entry, the patients had been on stable doses of antipsychotics for at least two weeks, and had a 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating (HAM‐D) scale score of 12 or greater. Nine patients were randomly assigned to citalopram augmentation, and 10 to no augmentation of antipsychotics.ResultsPatients in both groups improved on positive and negative symptoms, but the citalopram group had significantly greater improvement in HAM‐D and Clinical Global Impression Scale scores than the control group. There were no major side effects.ConclusionLarger double‐blind studies are needed to follow up on these preliminary findings. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do visuospatial and constructional disturbances differentiate frontal variant of frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease? An experimental study of a clinical belief
Authors: Grossi Dario , Fragassi Nina Antonetta , Chiacchio Laura , Valoroso Luigi , Tuccillo Rosaria , Perrotta Concetta , Rapone Paola , Conchiglia Giovanna , Trojano Luigi 
Published: August 2002

AbstractBackgroundIn recent years several attempts have been made to distinguish frontotemporal dementia (FTD) from Alzheimer's disease (AD) on neuropsychological grounds; in particular, it has been suggested that FTD patients show spared spatial abilities with respect to AD patients.ObjectiveWe aimed at verifying whether patients with the frontal variant of frontotemporal dementia (fv‐FTD) and AD patients perform differently on visuospatial and constructional tasks.MethodsWe assessed a wide range of visuospatial abilities and provided a qualitative analysis of constructional performances in 14 fv‐FTD patients and 11 AD patients, matched for general cognitive abilities.ResultsThe two groups of patients achieved similar scores on two copying tasks, presented similar drawing procedures in copying Rey complex figure and made a similar quantitative and qualitative pattern of errors in copying simple geometrical drawings. Moreover, no significant difference was found between fv‐FTD and AD patients on a specific battery for visuospatial abilities.ConclusionsOur data and a review of the literature suggest that basic visuospatial and constructional skills cannot be taken as a reliable diagnostic criterion for distinguishing fv‐FTD and AD at a mild to moderate disease stage and that the clinical belief of spared spatial abilities in fv‐FTD has to be referred to the lack of topographic disorientation in comparison to AD. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Timing and connectivity in the human somatosensory cortex from single trial mass electrical activity
Authors: Ioannides Andreas A. , Kostopoulos George K. , Laskaris Nikolaos A. , Liu Lichan , Shibata Tadahiko , Schellens Marc , Poghosyan Vahe , Khurshudyan Ara 
Published: August 2002

AbstractParallel‐distributed processing is ubiquitous in the brain but often ignored by experimental designs and methods of analysis, which presuppose sequential and stereotypical brain activations. We introduce here a methodology that can effectively deal with sequential and distributed activity. Regional brain activations elicited by electrical median nerve stimulation are identified in tomographic estimates extracted from single trial magnetoencephalographic signals. Habituation is identified in both primary somatosensory cortex (SI) and secondary somatosensory cortex (SII), often interrupted by resurgence of strong activations. Pattern analysis is used to identify single trials with homogeneous regional brain activations. Common activity patterns with well‐defined connectivity are identified within each homogeneous group of single trials across the subjects studied. On the contralateral side one encounters distinct sets of single trials following identical stimuli. We observe in one set of trials sequential activation from SI to SII and insula with onset of SII at 60 msec, whereas in the other set simultaneous early co‐activations of the same two areas. Hum. Brain Mapping 15:231–246, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nonparametric permutation tests for functional neuroimaging: A primer with examples
Authors: Nichols Thomas E. , Holmes Andrew P. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractRequiring only minimal assumptions for validity, nonparametric permutation testing provides a flexible and intuitive methodology for the statistical analysis of data from functional neuroimaging experiments, at some computational expense. Introduced into the functional neuroimaging literature by Holmes et al. ([1996]: J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 16:7–22), the permutation approach readily accounts for the multiple comparisons problem implicit in the standard voxel‐by‐voxel hypothesis testing framework. When the appropriate assumptions hold, the nonparametric permutation approach gives results similar to those obtained from a comparable Statistical Parametric Mapping approach using a general linear model with multiple comparisons corrections derived from random field theory. For analyses with low degrees of freedom, such as single subject PET/SPECT experiments or multi‐subject PET/SPECT orfMRI designs assessed for population effects, the nonparametric approach employing a locally pooled (smoothed) variance estimate can outperform the comparable Statistical Parametric Mapping approach. Thus, these nonparametric techniques can be used to verify the validity of less computationally expensive parametric approaches. Although the theory and relative advantages of permutation approaches have been discussed by various authors, there has been no accessible explication of the method, and no freely distributed software implementing it. Consequently, there have been few practical applications of the technique. This article, and the accompanying MATLAB software, attempts to address these issues. The standard nonparametric randomization and permutation testing ideas are developed at an accessible level, using practical examples from functional neuroimaging, and the extensions for multiple comparisons described. Three worked examples from PET andfMRI are presented, with discussion, and comparisons with standard parametric approaches made where appropriate. Practical considerations are given throughout, and relevant statistical concepts are expounded in appendices. Hum. Brain Mapping 15:1–25, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pyridinium dichlorophosphinomethylides
Authors: Bansal Raj K. , Gupta Neelima , Baweja Mukta , Hemrajani Leena , Jain Vimal K. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractSeven new pyridinium dichlorophosphinomethylides 2 have been obtained from dichlorophosphinylation of the pyridinium methylides generated in situ. 2 give 1,3‐bis(alkoxycarbonyl)‐2‐phosphaindolizines 4 through 1,5‐electrocyclization of the intermediate, bis(pyridinium ylidyl)phosphenium chloride 3 which is generated either from disproportionation of 2 or from the reaction of 2 with pyridinium methylide. Formation of 3 has been confirmed by carrying out a crossed reaction. 3‐Substituted 2 forms 4 regiospecifically. Intramolecular 1,5‐cyclocondensation of 2‐methylpyridinium dichlorophosphinomethylide is preferred over its disproportionation. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 12:602–609, 2001
Synthesis of phosphorylated 1,3,5‐oxadiazines via N‐acyltrifluoroacetimidoylphosphonates
Authors: Onys'ko Petro P. , Sinitsa Aleksei A. , Pirozhenko Vladimir V. , Chernega Aleksandr N. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractN‐Benzoyl‐ and N‐methoxycarbonyltrifluoroacetimidoylphosphonates react with dimethylcyanamide in a [4+2]‐cycloaddition to give 4‐phosphorylated 1,3,5‐oxadiazines. The structures of the products were confirmed by NMR (1H, 13C, 19F, 31P) and IR spectra and by XRD analysis. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 13:22–26, 2002; DOI 10.1002/hc.1102
On the societal value of health care: what do we know about the person trade‐off technique?
Authors: Green Colin 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe person trade‐off (PTO) technique has been suggested as a means of eliciting social preferences for health care, both the valuation of health care interventions and, more recently, to inform on the weights that society may attach to other decision‐making criteria (e.g. the severity of a patients pre‐treatment condition). Given the increased attention afforded to the PTO technique, this review examines the current evidence to inform on the ability of the PTO to provide a measure of social preference. Applying criteria of practicality, reliability and validity to empirical and theoretical contributions to the PTO literature, the review finds that the technique has limited empirical support. Applications of the PTO have been in a largely experimental setting, the reliability of the PTO is unproven and the empirical validity of the technique, in terms its ability to reflect actual preferences, remains unclear. In the broader context of the valuation of health states or outcomes, all techniques are open to criticism. Given this position, the review finds support for the potential of the PTO in the assessment of the societal value of health care, and it supports further empirical inquiry on the PTO. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating hospital costs with a generalized Leontief function
Authors: Li Tong , Rosenman Robert 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThis paper estimates a long‐run hospital cost function with multiple outputs and inputs using a panel data set from Washington State hospitals during 1988–1993. We find that with our data the generalized Leontief function is more appropriate than a translog for estimating hospital cost functions. With respect to hospital costs, we find that hospitals readily adjust the use of intermediate products. Radiology, therapies and surgery, and other inpatient days, all serve as substitutes for core inpatient days. Outpatient services are found to be complementary to core inpatient services, indicating that the growth of stand‐alone outpatient clinics might increase the costs of providing healthcare services. Our analysis finds that hospitals show significant economies of scale, but there is a limited amount of evidence of scope economies. Also, there is some evidence that profit‐seeking hospitals achieve some of their goals by controlling costs, and that diagnostically related groups (DRG)‐based Medicare services are effective in getting hospitals to control costs. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cost efficiency of US hospitals: a stochastic frontier approach
Authors: Rosko Michael D. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThis study examined the impact of managed care and other environmental factors on hospital inefficiency in 1631 US hospitals during the period 1990–1996. A panel, stochastic frontier regression model was used to estimate inefficiency parameters and inefficiency scores.The results suggest that mean estimated inefficiency decreased by about 28% during the study period. Inefficiency was negatively associated with health maintenance organization (HMO) penetration and industry concentration. It was positively related with Medicare share and for‐profit ownership status. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cost prediction models for the comparison of two groups
Authors: Willan Andrew R. , O'Brien Bernie J. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractFor trial‐based economic evaluation where patient‐specific cost data are not routinely available, cost prediction models are commonly used to estimate total cost for each patient. Typically, multiple regression techniques are used on data from diagnosis‐matched, non‐trial patients (where patient‐level cost data are available) to model cost as a function of covariates that are observed on the trial subjects (e.g. length of hospital stay, procedures, etc.). The estimated beta coefficients provide a means of estimating the total cost for each patient in the trial. However, the variability of the beta coefficients due the measurement and sampling error is seldom included in the overall variance expression for mean costs by treatment group. In this paper we provide a method for estimating this variance and provide an example application Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal screening for cystic fibrosis: an economic analysis
Authors: Nielsen Randi , Gyrd‐Hansen Dorte 
Published: August 2002

AbstractCystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common life‐shortening genetically transmitted disease in Denmark with a birth prevalence of 1 in 4700, resulting in 12–15 new cases of cystic fibroses annually.The aim of this study is to disclose the societal resource implications of introducing a population wide prenatal screening programme for cystic fibrosis in Denmark. The present analysis is limited to the monetary consequences of introducing a screening programme, where costs of screening are compared to the potential benefits measured in cost savings involved if births of CF patients are avoided.Screening costs in a Danish setting were estimated at DKK 2 771 262 (£231 438) per aborted affected fetus in the first screening round, stabilising at DKK 1 864 594 (£155 383) per aborted affected fetus at subsequent screening rounds. Comparing this figure with the estimated benefits of avoiding a CF case (DKK 2.1–4.4 million; £175 000–366 667) suggests that introducing a screening programme for cystic fibrosis will be net cost saving irrespective of the perspective of the analysis, assumptions on replacement children and method of estimating long‐term production gains/losses. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is there a role for positron emission tomography with 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose in the initial staging of nodal negative oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Stoeckli Sandro J. , Steinert Hans , Pfaltz Madeleine , Schmid Stephan 
Published: August 2002

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of our study was to assess the value of positron emission tomography (PET) with 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) for the staging of clinically nodal negative necks in oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) using sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy and elective neck dissection (END) as “gold standard” for comparison.MethodsTwelve patients (10 men, 2 women) with oral or oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and no evidence of lymph node metastasis in the physical and radiologic examinations were eligible. At least 24 hours before surgery PET with FDG were performed. The SLN was localized by preoperative lymphoscintigraphy with 99m‐Tc‐Nanocoll and intraoperative use of a hand‐held gamma‐probe and selectively excised. All patients then underwent END.ResultsSLN and END revealed occult metastasis in 5 of 12 cases. SLN biopsy was accurately feasible in all 12 patients and diagnosed all 5 cases of occult metastasis (sensitivity and specificity of 100%). PET suggested two patients having occult metastasis, of which one turned out to be false positive (sensitivity 25%, specificity 88%). The mean size of the micrometastasis was 1.4 mm (range, 1.2–1.5 mm).ConclusionsPET with FDG turned out to have a poor sensitivity and specificity in revealing occult metastasis and has no role for the evaluation of otherwise clinically N0 necks. The failure to detect micrometastasis by PET is due to the technical limitations of resolution (4–5 mm). SLN biopsy, with END in cases of positive SLN, provides a highly accurate staging of N0 necks in oral and oropharyngeal carcinoma. Patients with negative SLN could be spared the risks and the morbidity of END. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 24: 345–349, 2002; DOI 10.1002/hed.10057
Sympathetic paraganglioma as an unusual cause of Horner's syndrome
Authors: Moyer Jeffrey S. , Bradford Carol R. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractBackgroundParagangliomas are rare tumors arising from paraganglionic tissue of neural crest origin. They are present in any location where autonomic ganglia are found. The most common location in the head and neck is the carotid body, followed by the jugular bulb and vagus nerve.MethodsA 30‐year‐old woman with a slowly growing left neck mass, aniscoria, and left eyelid ptosis was found to have a vascular tumor consistent with a paraganglioma arising near the left carotid bifurcation. After preoperative embolization, the patient underwent resection of the tumor.ResultsThe tumor was found to be arising from the left sympathetic trunk and did not involve any other surrounding structures. Histopathologic analysis revealed the typical findings of a paraganglioma.ConclusionsSympathetic paragangliomas are exceedingly rare tumors in the head and neck and should be considered in the differential diagnosis when clinical and radiographic evidence suggest a paraganglioma. The presentation is typically a slow‐growing neck mass with the presence of an ipsilateral Horner's syndrome. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 23: 338–342, 2001.
The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap: Is the subclavicular route safe?
Authors: Kerawala Cyrus J. , Sun Jian , Zhang Zhi‐yuan , Guoyu Zhou 
Published: August 2002

AbstractBackgroundThe pectoralis major myocutaneous flap has a proven track record as a reconstructive tool, but excessive bulk and a limited arc of rotation can be problematic. Although this can be addressed by passing the pedicle deep to the clavicle, some authors consider that this modification may compromise the flap. This prospective study therefore sought to compare the supraclavicular and subclavicular routes with particular emphasis on potential vascular sequelae.MethodsOne‐hundred patients were randomly allocation into two groups. Following flap harvest, the pedicle was passed in either a supraclavicular or subclavicular plane depending upon allocation. The survival rate and complications of each flap were assessed at 1 month.ResultsTotal flap necrosis occurred in three (7.0%) of the subclavicular flaps and two (3.5%) of the supraclavicular flaps. This difference was not significant (p = .77). Likewise no statistical difference was noted between the rates of partial flap necrosis, fistula formation infection, or secondary hemorrhage in either group.ConclusionsThe subclavicular route addresses the problem of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap bulk and may increase the arc of rotation of the flap without significantly compromising its vascular supply. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 23: 879–884, 2001.
The professional working environment consultant—A new actor in the health and safety arena
Authors: Limborg Hans Jørgen 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThis article examines the development of the professionalized working environment activities as they are executed in the Danish Occupational Health Service (OHS). In an historical analysis of OHS, the development of professional approaches to the working environment is shown to have shifted in focus from: an early concern with the control of occupational diseases and machine safety, to a more technical prevention emphasis in the early 1980s, through to a change agent and process consultant approach. The article concludes that we are entering a new era for cooperation with new role models for working environment professionals. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.