bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Atmospheric Processes Associated with Hurricane Olga in the December 2001 Floods in Israel
Authors: Krichak Simon O. , Alpert Pinhas , Dayan Melina 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
Over the period from 0000 UTC 3 December to 0000 UTC 5 December 2001, heavy rains fell in northern Israel. Intensity of the rainfall in some areas exceeded 250 mm (24 h)−1. Results of an investigation of the case including back-trajectory evaluations, numerical simulation experiments, and a potential vorticity (PV) analysis are presented. It is demonstrated that the unusual eastern Mediterranean process has been initiated by the formation of a tropical storm that later became Hurricane Olga from 25 to 29 November. The consequent synoptic processes were associated with the development of a large-scale anticyclone to the NE of the tropical storm. Large-scale subsidence in the anticyclone played a central role in the process by leading to a convergence of the moist air masses in a narrow band on the outskirts of the system. The air masses from the area were later transported into the midtroposphere over western Europe. The interaction of these relatively warm and wet air masses with the cold and dry upper-tropospheric air over Europe has led to an intensification of the upper-tropospheric northerly airflow, extrusion of stratospheric air into the upper troposphere, and formation of a PV streamer system over southern Europe. Finally, the positioning and intensity of the PV streamer, as well as the large amounts of air moisture over the Mediterranean region, contributed to the intensity of the 3–5 December 2001 torrential rains over Israel.
Effects of an ankle-foot orthosis on balance performance in patients with hemiparesis of different durations
Authors: Wang Ray-Yau , Yen Lu-Lu , Lee Chao-Chung , Lin Pei-Yi , Wang Mei-Fang , Yang Yea-Ru 
Published: January 2005

Objective: To examine the effects of an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) on balance performance in patients with hemiparesis of short and long duration. Design: Within-subject random order of intervention, cross-sectional study design. Settings: Medical centres and district hospitals. Subjects: Forty-two subjects with hemiparesis of short duration (B=six months) and 61 subjects of long duration (=12 months). Measurements: The balance and gait ability of subjects were evaluated both with an AFO and without. The static and dynamic balance activities were evaluated by the Balance Master System, whereas the functional balance was assessed with the Berg Balance Scale. The speed and cadence were also measured during a 10-metre walk. Paired t-test was used to determine the effect of the AFO. Results: In subjects with hemiparesis of short duration, we found that subjects wearing an AFO showed significant improvements in (1) weight-bearing distribution during quiet standing (p / 0.042, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.521, 7.325), (2) body sway during standing on foam surface with eyes open (p / 0.020, 95% CI 0.020, 0.680) and eyes closed (p / 0.041, 95% CI 0.023, 0.921), (3) movement velocity during limit of stability test (LOS) / toward the affected side (p / 0.037, 95% Cl / 0.978, / 0.042) and nonaffected side (p / 0.008, 95% CI / 2.223, / 0.377), (4) maximal excursion toward the affected side (p / 0.042, 95% CI / 19.546,=0.071), and (5) speed (p / 0.028, 95% CI / 0.204, / 0.017) and cadence (p / 0.021, 95% CI / 22.983, / 1.864). Such effects were not observed in subjects with hemiparesis of long duration. Conclusions: For the subjects with hemiparesis of short duration, the AFO improves the symmetry in quiet and dynamic standing balances. It also increases speed and cadence. However, its effectiveness is minimal for patients of long duration.
The development and validation of a handicap questionnaire for children with a chronic illness
Authors: Detmar S B , Hosli E J , Chorus A MJ , van Beekum T , Vogels T , Mourad-Baars P EC , Engelberts A C , Groothuis-Oudshoorn C GM , Verrips G HW 
Published: January 2005

Introduction: This paper describes the development and initial psychometric evaluation of the Handicap Scale for Children (HSC). This questionnaire is based on the London Handicap Scale (LHS), a valid and reliable utility instrument for measuring social participation in adults. Methods: A multidisciplinary research group was involved in developing the HSC. The questionnaire was tested in 114 children with a chronic disease and 239 healthy children in the 8-18 age range. Relating the Health Utility Index Mark 3 (HUI3) attributes to corresponding HSC scores tested the assumption that a negative health status would lead to participation problems. Results: Questionnaire development resulted in a five-dimension questionnaire: mobility, physical independence, daily activities, social integration and orientation. Each dimension included one item with a six-point response scale. A higher score indicates greater handicap. Feasibility testing with 10 children showed that none of the children experienced difficulties in filling in the questionnaire. Conceptual validity, measured by correlations between the dimensions of the HSC and HUI3, was satisfactory. As expected, moderate correlation coefficients between predefined pairs of HUI and HSC attributes were found; other correlation coefficients were low. Criterion validity was also satisfactory, as shown by large differences between the healthy and the chronically ill group and by several criteria within the chronically ill group. Conclusion: Based on this initial evaluation, the questionnaire seems feasible and valid for use with children in the age range 8-18 years.
Diagnosis of Gastric Inflammation and Malignancy in Endoscopic Biopsies Based on Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Li Qing-Bo , Sun Xue-Jun , Xu Yi-Zhuang , Yang Li-Min , Zhang Yuan-Fu , Weng Shi-Fu , Shi Jing-Sen , Wu Jin-Guang 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
Background: Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy is an effective tool for investigation of chemical changes at the molecular level. We previously demonstrated that FT-IR spectroscopy can reliably distinguish multiple types of carcinoma from healthy tissue. Because various stomach diseases are common, it is important to explore a noninvasive and rapid method to detect malignancy and gastritis in endoscopic biopsies. Our aim was to classify endoscopic biopsies into healthy, gastritis, and malignancy through the use of FT-IR spectroscopy.
Methods: A total of 103 endoscopic samples, including 19 cases of cancer, 35 cases of chronic atrophic gastritis, 29 cases of chronic superficial gastritis, and 20 healthy tissue samples, were obtained at the First Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, China. A modified attenuated total reflectance accessory was linked to a WQD-500 FT-IR spectrometer for biopsy measurement. The spectral characteristics for different types of tissues were correlated with the corresponding pathology results. The gastric biopsies were classified by FT-IR spectroscopy and a discriminant analysis method.
Results: There were significant differences in the FT-IR spectra of four types of gastric biopsies. The discriminant analysis results demonstrated that the sensitivity of FT-IR detection for healthy, superficial gastritis, atrophic gastritis, and gastric cancer was 90%, 90%, 66%, 74%, respectively, which could help satisfy clinical diagnostic requirements.
Conclusion: FT-IR spectroscopy can distinguish disease processes in gastric endoscopic biopsies.
Predictive Markers in Breast and Other Cancers: A Review
Authors: Duffy Michael J 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
Background: Unpredictable efficacy and toxicity are hallmarks of most anticancer therapies. Predictive markers are factors that are associated with response or resistance to a particular therapy.
Methods: The English literature relating to predictive markers in oncology was reviewed. Particular attention was paid to metaanalyses, systematic reviews, prospective trials, and guidelines issued by expert panels.
Results: The prototype predictive tests in oncology are the estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR), which are used to select patients with breast cancer likely to respond to hormone therapy. A more recently introduced predictive marker is HER-2 for selecting patients with advanced breast cancer for treatment with the therapeutic antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin). In adjuvant breast cancer, overproduction of HER-2 may also indicate an enhanced sensitivity to high-dose anthracycline-based regimens. On the other hand, in both early and advanced breast cancer, high concentrations of HER-2 appear to correlate with a lower probability of response to hormone therapy. Although many different anticancer drugs appear to mediate tumor regression by inducing apoptosis, there is currently no consistent evidence that any of the molecules implicated in this process can be used as predictive markers.
Conclusions: Currently, the only recommended predictive markers in oncology are ER and PR for selecting endocrine-sensitive breast cancers and HER-2 for identifying breast cancer patients with metastatic disease who may benefit from trastuzumab. For malignancies other than breast cancers, validated predictive markers do not exist at present.
Monitoring of fibrinolysis parameters during myocardial revascularization according to type of procedure
Authors: Živković Marcela , Brkić Kristina , Nikić Nada , Hašperger Dragica , Juriček Jasna , Husedžinović Ino , Sutlić Željko 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe aim of the study was to assess the effect of cardiothoracic surgery on the dynamics of plasminogen, D-dimers and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-I) during the first 24h after surgery. The study included 14 patients operated with (on-pump) and 14 without (off-pump) the use of extracorporeal circulation (ECC). Blood sampling was carried out on induction of anesthesia (timepoint 1), on introduction of heparin (point 2) and protamine (point 3), at the end of surgery (point 4), and the next morning (point 5). Relative to point 1, the utilization of plasminogen at point 2 was 24% and 17% in the on-pump and off-pump groups, respectively (p=0.001 both). Increased D-dimer concentration from the baseline was more pronounced in the on-pump group (p=0.001). At point 5, D-dimer concentrations were comparable in both groups and different from baseline levels. PAI-I activity showed within-group differences from baseline at point 5 in the off-pump group (p=0.001), and at points 3 and 5 in the on-pump group (p=0.002 and 0.001, respectively). At point 5, the activity of PAI-I was comparable in both groups, yielding p=0.001 vs. baseline. Fibrinolysis was more pronounced and more dynamic in the on-pump group due to activation of the systemic inflammatory response induced by the use of ECC. In the off-pump group, fibrinolysis was a normal physiological response to the surgical procedure.
Unprotected Anal Intercourse Among HIV-Positive Men Who Have a Steady Male Sex Partner With Negative or Unknown HIV Serostatus
Authors: Denning Paul H. , Campsmith Michael L. 
Published: January 2005

Objectives. We sought to determine the prevalence and predictors of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) among HIV-positive men who have a single steady male partner with negative or unknown HIV serostatus. Methods. We analyzed behavioral surveillance data from HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) interviewed in 12 states between 1995 and 2000. Results. Of 970 HIV-positive MSM who had a single steady male sex partner with negative or unknown serostatus, 278 (29%) reported UAI during the previous year. In a subset of 674 men who were aware of their infection, 144 (21%) had UAI. Among the men who were aware of their infection, factors found to be predictive of UAI in multivariate modeling were heterosexual self-identification, crack cocaine use, no education beyond high school, and a partner with unknown serostatus. Conclusions. Even after learning of their infection, one fifth of HIV-positive MSM who had a single steady male partner with negative or unknown serostatus engaged in UAI, underscoring the need to expand HIV prevention interventions among these men.
Drive-by Readings: A Creative Strategy for Tuberculosis Control Among Immigrants
Authors: Gany Francesca M. , Trinh-Shevrin Chau , Changrani Jyotsna 
Published: January 2005

Objectives. We explored an innovative strategy for targeted testing and disease management among immigrant communities at risk for tuberculosis. Methods. Taxi drivers were recruited at an airport holding lot to undergo tuberculin skin testing (Mantoux). After receiving their test results in a location convenient for them, drivers with positive results were referred for evaluation and treatment. We conducted baseline and follow-up assessments. Results. Of 123 drivers who participated, two thirds (82) were at high risk for tuberculosis. Seventy-eight (63%) of the 123 returned for test readings; 62% of these drivers had positive test results. All drivers with positive results received a complete physician evaluation, but 64% of those evaluated were not treated for latent TB infection. Of the untreated drivers, 37.5% were at high risk. Systemic and physician barriers (e.g., lack of knowledge, erroneous beliefs regarding vaccines) affected adherence to evaluation and treatment. Conclusions. Targeted testing and treatment are important to the control of tuberculosis. The results of this study highlight the need for an aggressive physician educational campaign to identify latent tuberculosis infection and to tailor service delivery to meet the unique needs of foreign-born communities.
Organizing, Educating, and Advocating for Health and Human Rights in Vieques, Puerto Rico
Authors: Torres Maria Idalí 
Published: January 2005

I briefly review the process of community organization, education, and advocacy activities that ended the harmful military practices in the island-municipality of Vieques, Puerto Rico, while drawing attention to the intersection of human rights and social justice in the context of local and global implications. The Viequense experience was one of building an organization based on people’s experiences and strengths, educating people to increase individual and collective efficacy and power, and advocating for policy change with an assertive cohesive action. Public health practitioners must continue supporting community-led interventions in the restoration of the island’s environment and other resources vital for people’s health and well-being.
US College Students’ Exposure to Tobacco Promotions: Prevalence and Association With Tobacco Use
Authors: Rigotti Nancy A. , Moran Susan E. , Wechsler Henry 
Published: January 2005

Objectives. We assessed young adults’ exposure to the tobacco industry marketing strategy of sponsoring social events at bars, nightclubs, and college campuses. Methods. We analyzed data from the 2001 Harvard College Alcohol Study, a random sample of 10904 students enrolled in 119 nationally representative 4-year colleges and universities. Results. During the 2000–2001 school year, 8.5% of respondents attended a bar, nightclub, or campus social event where free cigarettes were distributed. Events were reported by students attending 118 of the 119 schools (99.2%). Attendance was associated with a higher student smoking prevalence after we adjusted for demographic factors, alcohol use, and recent bar/nightclub attendance. This association remained for students who did not smoke regularly before 19 years of age but not for students who smoked regularly by 19 years of age. Conclusions. Attendance at a tobacco industry–sponsored event at a bar, nightclub, or campus party was associated with a higher smoking prevalence among college students. Promotional events may encourage the initiation or the progression of tobacco use among college students who are not smoking regularly when they enter college.
Understanding and Addressing AIDS-Related Stigma: From Anthropological Theory to Clinical Practice in Haiti
Authors: Castro Arachu , Farmer Paul 
Published: January 2005

For the past several years, diverse and often confused concepts of stigma have been invoked in discussions on AIDS. Many have argued compellingly that AIDS-related stigma acts as a barrier to voluntary counseling and testing. Less compelling are observations regarding the source of stigma or its role in decreasing interest in HIV care. We reviewed these claims as well as literature from anthropology, sociology, and public health. Preliminary data from research in rural Haiti suggest that the introduction of quality HIV care can lead to a rapid reduction in stigma, with resulting increased uptake of testing. Rather than stigma, logistic and economic barriers determine who will access such services. Implications for scale-up of integrated AIDS prevention and care are explored.
Addressing the Growing Burden of Trauma and Injury in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Hofman Karen , Primack Aron , Keusch Gerald , Hrynkow Sharon 
Published: January 2005

Low- and middle-income countries suffer disproportionately from reduced life expectancy and quality of life. Injuries are overlooked as contributors to global inequities in health, yet the long-term disabilities they frequently produce represent a significant burden. The Fogarty International Center of the National Institutes of Health convened a panel of experts in trauma and injury from the United States and low- and middle-income nations to identify research gaps in this area and opportunities to create new knowledge. Panel members identified sustainable programs of research established through stable linkages between institutions in high-income nations and those in low- and middle-income nations as a priority. The resulting benefits of addressing the growing burden of trauma and injury to communities in resource-constrained settings around the world would be substantial.
Stress Markers, Executive Functioning, and Resilience Among Early Adolescents With Complex Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: von Werdt Lilian , Binz Tina M. , O’Gorman Ruth Tuura , Schmid Alenka , Naef Nadja , Rousson Valentin , Kretschmar Oliver , Liamlahi Rabia , Latal Bea , Ehrler Melanie 
Published: February 2024

ImportanceInfants with complex congenital heart disease (cCHD) may experience prolonged and severe stress when undergoing open heart surgery. However, little is known about long-term stress and its role in neurodevelopmental impairments in this population.ObjectiveTo investigate potential differences between early adolescents aged 10 to 15 years with cCHD and healthy controls in physiological stress markers by hair analysis, executive function (EF) performance, and resilience.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis single-center, population-based case-control study was conducted at the University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Switzerland. Patients with different types of cCHD who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass surgery during the first year of life and who did not have a genetic disorder were included in a prospective cohort study between 2004 and 2012. A total of 178 patients were eligible for assessment at ages 10 to 15 years. A control group of healthy term-born individuals was cross-sectionally recruited. Data assessment was between 2019 and 2021. Statistical analysis was performed from January to April 2023.ExposurePatients with cCHD who underwent infant open heart surgery.Main Outcomes and MeasuresPhysiological stress markers were quantified by summing cortisol and cortisone concentrations measured with liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry in a 3-centimeter hair strand. EFs were assessed with a neuropsychological test battery to produce an age-adjusted EF summary score. Resilience was assessed with a standardized self-report questionnaire.ResultsThe study included 100 patients with cCHD and 104 controls between 10 and 15 years of age (mean [SD] age, 13.3 [1.3] years); 110 (53.9%) were male and 94 (46.1%) were female. When adjusting for age, sex, and parental education, patients had significantly higher sums of hair cortisol and cortisone concentrations (β, 0.28 [95% CI, 0.12 to 0.43]; P &amp;lt; .001) and lower EF scores (β, −0.36 [95% CI, −0.49 to −0.23]; P &amp;lt; .001) than controls. There was no group difference in self-reported resilience (β, −0.04 [95% CI, −0.23 to 0.12]; P = .63). A significant interaction effect between stress markers and EFs was found, indicating a stronger negative association in patients than controls (β, −0.65 [95% CI, −1.15 to −0.15]; P = .01). The contrast effects were not significant in patients (β, −0.21 [95% CI, −0.43 to −0.00]; P = .06) and controls (β, 0.09 [95% CI, −0.11 to 0.30]; P = .38).Conclusions and RelevanceThis case-control study provides evidence for altered physiological stress levels in adolescents with cCHD and an association with poorer EF. These results suggest that future studies are needed to better understand the neurobiological mechanisms and timing of alterations in the stress system and its role in neurodevelopment.
Commissioning and implementing a Quality Assurance program for dedicated radiation oncology MRI scanners
Authors: Poulin Eric , Lacroix Frederic , Archambault Louis , Jutras Jean‐David 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeACR and AAPM task group's guidelines addressing commissioning for dedicated MR simulators were recently published. The goal of the current paper is to present the authors' 2‐year experience regarding the commissioning and introduction of a QA program based on these guidelines and an associated automated workflow.MethodsAll mandatory commissioning tests suggested by AAPM report 284 were performed and results are reported for two MRI scanners (MAGNETOM Sola and Aera). Visual inspection, vendor clinical or service platform, third‐party software, or in‐house python‐based code were used. Automated QA and data analysis was performed via vendor, in‐house or third‐party software. QATrack+ was used for QA data logging and storage. 3D geometric distortion, B0 inhomogeneity, EPI, and parallel imaging performance were evaluated.ResultsContrasting with AAPM report 284 recommendations, homogeneity and RF tests were performed monthly. The QA program allowed us to detect major failures over time (shimming, gradient calibration and RF interference). Automated QA, data analysis, and logging allowed fast ACR analysis daily and monthly QA to be performed in 3 h. On the Sola, the average distortion is 1 mm for imaging radii of 250 mm or less. For radii of up to 200 mm, the maximum, average (standard deviation) distortion is 1.2 and 0.4 mm (0.3 mm). Aera values are roughly double the Sola for radii up to 200 mm. EPI geometric distortion, ghosting ratio, and long‐term stability were found to be under the maximum recommended values. Parallel imaging SNR ratio was stable and close to the theoretical value (ideal g‐factor). No major failures were detected during commissioning.ConclusionAn automated workflow and enhanced QA program allowed to automatically track machine and environmental changes over time and to detect periodic failures and errors that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. The Sola is more geometrically accurate, with a more homogenous B0 field than the Aera.