bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The laparoscopic nephrectomy learning curve: a single centre’s development of a de novo practice
Authors: Phillips J , Catto J W F , Lavin V , Doyle D , Smith D J , Hastie K J , Oakley N E 
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Objective
There has been a dramatic increase in the interest and practice of laparoscopic urology, with nephrectomy having become the commonest laparoscopic urological procedure. Compared with open nephrectomy, it results in reduced morbidity and shorter convalescence times while maintaining oncological safety. However, while these results predominately stem from institutions with well developed laparoscopic programmes, little is known about the results in centres that have newly adopted this technique. The introduction of a laparoscopic urological service at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital provided an opportunity to study these factors.

Methods
Since the appointment in October 2000 of a urological surgeon (N Oakley) to develop the laparoscopic service, there have been over 200 laparoscopic procedures including 121 nephrectomies performed at this centre. Full details were collected for each of these cases, and in addition, compared with retrospective data for 50 open nephrectomies performed during the same time period.

Results
With increased operator experience the median operative duration, complication, transfusion, and conversion rates significantly improved. While a learning curve was evident, the overall operative complication (9%) and conversion rates (6%) were low, in addition to patient morbidity (16.5%) and mortality (0%) rates, showing that this learning curve had no deleterious effects upon patient care. The median hospital stay was four days, which reduced to three with experience and was significantly shorter than for open nephrectomy at this institution (p = 0.001).

Conclusions
The development of a successful laparoscopic programme can be achieved with a comparatively short learning curve and without detriment to the patient provided the necessary steps are observed.
Ethical issues of resuscitation: an American perspective
Authors: Marco C A 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Challenging issues confront emergency physicians routinely when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Ethical issues surrounding resuscitation may include issues of futility, withholding or withdrawing interventions, advance directives, family presence, practising procedures on the newly dead, palliative care, and communication. Principles of bioethics can be valuable in assessing and debating ethical dilemmas. In many cases where curative care is not possible or is not desired, the goal of medical care at the end of life is to provide comfort to the patient and family, rather than initiating technological interventions that are unlikely to benefit the patient.
Potential role of interleukin 6 in reactive thrombocytosis and acute phase response in pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Ünsal E , Aksaray S , Köksal D , Şipit T 
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Objective
Reactive thrombocytosis is found in a number of clinical situations including infectious diseases such as pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). To examine the possible role of interleukin (IL6) in reactive thrombocytosis and acute phase response in PTB this study measured serum IL6, C reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), albumin concentrations in 62 PTB patients and 20 healthy volunteers.

Method
PTB patients were divided into two groups based on thrombocyte counts. Twenty seven PTB patients with normal thrombocyte counts constituted group 1, 35 PTB patients with thrombocytosis constituted group 2, and 20 healthy volunteers constituted group 3.

Results
The median IL6 concentration of group 1 was 12.8 pg/ml (95% CI: 12.1 to 56.9 pg/ml) and group 2 was 40.6 pg/ml (95% CI: 67.1 to 168.7 pg/ml). The comparison of IL6 concentrations in the three groups was significant (p = 0.0001). Patients in group 1 had a higher concentration of CRP (p = 0.0001) and lower concentration of albumin (p = 0.002) than group 3 whereas group 2 had higher concentration of CRP (p = 0.003) and lower concentration of albumin (p = 0.002) than group 1. Serum IL6 concentrations were significantly correlated with thrombocyte counts (p = 0.004, r = 0.36), CRP (p = 0.007, r = 0.34), and albumin concentrations (p = 0.005, r = −0.34). IL6 concentrations were significantly correlated with the number of involved zones (p = 0.005, r = 0.35) and acid fast bacilli positivity (p = 0.03, r = 0.27). Patients in group 2 had weight loss (p = 0.004), fever (p = 0.038), and night sweats (p = 0.007) more frequently than group 1. Also, group 2 had more extensive radiological findings (involved zones p = 0.001, bilateral disease p = 0.0001, presence of cavity p = 0.02) than group 1.

Conclusions
IL6 might play a contributory part in reactive thrombocytosis and acute phase response in PTB.
Diagnosis and management of gout: a rational approach
Authors: Suresh E 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Gout is one of the best understood among the rheumatological disorders and one of the most satisfying to treat. Even non-specialists should be able to diagnose and treat most patients provided some important principles are appreciated. Management of a minority of patients, including those with renal impairment is difficult and often unsatisfactory, because of restricted treatment options. In this paper, the basic principles underlying the diagnosis and management of gout are discussed first, followed by practical approaches.
Assessment of the efficacy of total lymphocyte counts as predictors of AIDS defining infections in HIV-1 infected people
Authors: Stebbing J , Sawleshwarkar S , Michailidis C , Jones R , Bower M , Mandalia S , Nelson M , Gazzard B 
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Background
The CD4 count is a dominant prognostic and predictive factor in HIV infection. This study assessed the utility of the total lymphocyte count (TLC) in place of the CD4 count to predict the development of AIDS defining opportunistic infections (ADOI).

Methods
The Chelsea and Westminster cohort was used to identify those people with a first episode of an ADOI. Corresponding CD4 and TLCs were recorded before diagnosis or at the time of first prescribing prophylaxis; patients without an AIDS defining opportunistic infection were defined as being at “risk” and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to display the results of sensitivity and the false positive error rate of total lymphocyte and CD4 count groups.

Results
A significant linear correlation was seen between the log10 CD4 count and log10 TLC (Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.70, p&lt;0.001). The finer cut off value for TLC where false positive error rate is minimum and sensitivity maximum was 1500–2000 cells/mm3. Patients with TLC 1000–1500 cells/mm3 were estimated to be at 40% increased risk of developing an ADOI. The cut off value for CD4 counts measured 200 cells/mm3 above which the risk developing an ADOI decreased. Patients with a CD4 count of 150–200 cells/mm3 were at a 34% increased risk of developing an ADOI. The area under the ROC curve for TLC was 10% lower than that for CD4 count.

Conclusions
The TLC is minimally less reliable than the CD4 count as a predictor of ADOIs. In the absence of expensive equipment for CD4 measurement, the TLC is a useful test.
Beyond indigenization and reconceptualization
Authors: Ferguson Kristin M. 
Published: September 2005

In light of the limitations of existing models of social work exchange, an alternative multidirectional model of technology transfer is presented. Based on social development principles, this model would be effective in depicting the global dissemination of initiatives originating in developing countries that are successfully applied in the developed world. French En l'absence d'un modèle d'échange en service social, cet article présente un modèle alternatif multidirectionnel de transfert de technologies. Fondé sur des principes de développement social, ce modèle pourrait s'avérer un moyen efficace visant à démontrer que des initiatives provenant de pays en voie de développement obtiennent du succès dans le monde développé. Spanish Para aclarar las limitaciones del intercambio existente de modelos de trabajo social, se presenta un modelo global y multidireccional de transferencia technológica. Basado en los principios del desarrollo social, este modelo sería efectivo para representar la diseminación global de iniciativas que se originan en los países en desarrollo, las cuales son aplicadas con éxito dentro del mundo desarrollado.
Health care in the social development context
Authors: Juliá María , Kondrat Mary E. 
Published: September 2005

Social development scholars and practitioners have long advocated an important role for indigenization and grassroots participation in designing and implementing social development programs. Because of the recognized connection between health and social development, they have increasingly advocated for more indigenous and participatory approaches in conducting health assessments and in the delivery of health programs of relevance to individuals, families and communities. This article presents a rationale for such participatory approaches and the arguments are illustrated by case studies from two different cultural contexts. French Les chercheurs et les practiciens dans le secteur du développement social préconisent depuis longtemps l'importance d'un rôle autochtone et tenant compte de la base de la société dans la planification et la mise en application de programmes de développement social. Reconnaissant le lien entre la santé et le développement social, ils recommandent une plus grande participation indigène dans l'évaluation de la santé et la mise en application de programmes de santé pertinents pour les individus, les familles et les communautés. Le présent article argumente en faveur d'une approche participative et illustre ses raisons pour ce faire à l'aide de deux études de cas provenant de deux différents contextes culturels. Spanish Estudiosos y practicantes del desarrollo social han asignado, desde hace tiempo, un papel importante a la participación indigenista y popular en el diseño e implementación de los programas de desarrollo social. A partir del reconocimiento de la conexión entre desarrollo social y salud, se han abocado a promover el aumento de la participación indígena en la conducción de las asesorías en salud y en el desarrollo de programas de salud de relevancia para individuos, familias y comunidades. Este trabajo presenta el fundamento de este tipo de acercamiento participativo y los argumentos se ilustran a partir de estudios de caso en dos contextos culturales diferentes.
A sampling of international practice variations
Authors: Norman Judith , Hintze Heather 
Published: September 2005

Across the globe, social workers generally share common values and purposes, yet the focus of activities and practice parameters vary greatly. In an exploratory study, a survey of international practitioners revealed variable definitions of practice. The recent joint IASSW and IFSW definition of social work practice would likely help specific countries to clarify practice descriptions while promoting a more unified voice in social work efforts worldwide. French À travers le monde, les travailleurs sociaux partagent en général des valeurs et des buts communs. Pourtant, le centre des activités et les paramètres de pratique varient énormément. Les résultats de cette étude exploratoire des travailleurs sociaux internationaux indiquent qu'il existe des définitions variables de la pratique. La définition récente de la pratique en travail social conçue par AIETS et FITS pourrait aider des pays spécifiques à élaborer des descriptions de pratique particulières tout en favorisant une voix plus unifiée pour le travail social à travers le monde. Spanish A través del mundo, los trabajadores sociales generalmente comparten valores comunes y propósitos, aún cuando el enfoque de las actividades y los parámetros de la práctica varían enormemente. En un estudio exploratorio, una encuesta internacional de practicantes reveló definiciones diferentes de la práctica. La reciente definición común de la práctica del trabajo social por parte de organismos como la IASSW y la IFSW ayudarían bastante para que países específicos clarificasen las descripciones de la práctica; y así mismo a promover una voz más unificada en los esfuerzos del trabajo social a nivel mundial.
The psychosocial needs of adolescents affected by HIV/AIDS
Authors: Strydom H. , Raath H. 
Published: September 2005

The article reports on HIV/AIDS-infected adolescents’ responses on their psychosocial needs and the responses of infected parents on the psychosocial needs of their adolescent children. Besides identifying particulars and other issues, specific psychosocial needs such as counselling, support, relationships and economic implications are discussed. French L'article révèle les réponses d'adolescents infectés par le VIH/SIDA sur leurs besoins psychosociaux et les réponses de parents infectés sur les besoins psychosociaux de leurs adolescents. Outre l'identification de particularités et de controverses, l'article discute des besoins en thérapie et en soutien et des implications économiques du problème. Spanish El artículo se basa en las respuestas sobre las necesidades psicosociales de los adolescentes infectados por el VIH y las respuestas de padres infectados sobre las necesidades psicosociales de sus hijos adolescentes. Además de identificar estas particularidades y otros aspectos, son discutidas también necesidades psicosociales específicas tales como consejo, apoyo, relaciones, y las implicaciones económicas.
The influence of HIV concordance and discordance on marital life
Authors: D’Cruz Premilla 
Published: September 2005

This article examines the effects of HIV concordance and discordance on marital life. In-depth interviews were conducted with seven couples from Mumbai, India. Thematic analysis of their narratives indicated the influence of HIV concordance and discordance on the spousal relationship, sexual functioning, family formation, care and support, and the future of the family. French Cet article examine les effets de la concordance et de la discordance du VIH sur la vie maritale. Sept couples de Mumbai en Inde ont participé à des entrevues en profondeur. Une analyse thématique de leurs discours révèle l'influence de la concordance et de la discordance du VIH sur les relations conjugales, sur le fonctionnement sexuel, sur la formation de la famille, sur les soins et le soutien et sur l'avenir de la famille. Spanish En este artículo se examinan los efectos de la concordancia y discordancia sobre los efectos del VIH en la vida marital. Se realizaron entrevistas en profundidad con siete parejas de Mumbai, India. El análisis temático de sus narrativas indicó la influencia de la concordancia y discordancia de la influencia del VIH en las relaciones de pareja, el funcionamiento sexual, la formación familiar, el cuidado y apoyo, y el futuro de la familia.
Organizing across borders
Authors: Holden Chris 
Published: September 2005

Internationalized providers of care services face competing incentives and pressures relating to profit and quality. Case studies of corporate providers of long-term care in the UK demonstrate that their mode of organization has important implications for both user choice and the organization of care work. French Les fournisseurs internationalisés sont soumis à des pressions et à des incitatifs concurrentiels pour produire des profits et de la qualité. Des études de cas portant sur les fournisseurs institutionnels d'assistance à long terme au Royaume-Uni révèlent que leur mode d'organisation a d'importantes répercussions tant au niveau du choix des bénéficiaires qu'au niveau de l'organisation du travail d'assistance. Spanish Los prestadores transnacionales de servicios se enfrentan con incentivos que compiten entre sí y con la tensión entre calidad y ganancia. Se estudian unoscasos de prestadores de cuidados de larga duración en el Reino Unido. Estos demuestran que el modo de organización tiene consecuencias importantes, tanto para opciones abiertas al usuario como para la organización de los cuidados.
Brief Note: Human rights and social work
Authors: Skegg Anne-Marie 
Published: September 2005

Some social commentators are divided over whether human rights discourse is a powerful and valuable tool or just another form of western imposition. While navigating the grey area between respecting cultural diversity and upholding human rights is not easy, it can be done. Furthermore, it is important that it is. French Les opinions des commentateurs sociaux sur le discours des droits de la personne sont partagées: s'agit-il d'un outil valable et puissant ou d'une autre contrainte occidentale? Bien qu'il ne soit pas facile de tenir une position dans la zone grise se situant entre la diversité culturelle et le respect des droits de la personne, il est possible de le faire. En fait, il est important de le faire. Spanish Los comentaristas sociales están divididos sobre si el discurso de los derechos humanos es un instrumento poderoso e importante o simplemente otra forma más de imposición occidental. Navegar el área gris entre el respeto a la diversidad cultural y la defensa de los derechos humanos no es fácil, sin embargo es hacedero. Y mucho importa que así sea.
Patients in the early phases of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders effectively treated with risperidone long-acting injectable
Authors: Parellada E. , Andrezina R. , Milanova V. , Glue P. , Masiak M. , Turner M. St. John , Medori R. , Gaebel W. 
Published: September 2005

The efficacy and safety of risperidone long-acting injectable (RLAI) was investigated in patients in the early phases of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders (≤ 3 years).Patients who required a treatment change received RLAI (2-weekly gluteal injections of 25, 37.5 or 50mg, per clinical judgement), without an oral risperidone run-in phase.A total of 382 patients were included in this 6-month open-label study; 73% of patients completed the study. A total of 84% had schizophrenia with a median duration of 1.0 year since diagnosis. Previous medications were mainly atypical antipsychotics (70%) and depot neuroleptics (24%). The main reasons for treatment change were non-compliance (42%) and insufficient efficacy (31%) of previous medication. The total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and all its subscale scores improved significantly (p ≤ 0.0001), with 40% of patients showing a 20% improvement on total PANSS. Global Assessment of Functioning, quality of life, patient satisfaction and movement disorders also improved significantly. Tolerability of RLAI was generally good and no unexpected adverse events were reported.The ensured delivery of medication with RLAI resulted in significant symptom improvement in this patient population. Direct initiation of RLAI is well accepted by patients. RLAI might represent a novel option for patients in the early phases of psychosis.
Long-acting risperidone in stable patients with schizoaffective disorder
Authors: Mohl A. , Westlye K. , Opjordsmoen S. , Lex A. , Schreiner A. , Benoit M. , Bräunig P. , Medori R. 
Published: September 2005

Oral and long-acting risperidone has been shown to be effective for acute and maintenance treatment of patients with schizoaffective disorders. The present analysis investigated the efficacy and tolerability of direct transition from other antipsychotics to risperidone long-acting injectable in patients with schizoaffective disorder. Patients aged ≥ 18 years with schizoaffective disorder (DSM-IV), who required a change of medication, received risperidone long-acting injectable 25mg (increased to 37.5 or 50mg, if necessary) every 2 weeks for 6 months. The analysis included 249 patients (47% male; mean age 43 years), of whom 74% completed the 6-month study. Mean scores for the total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and all three subscales were significantly reduced from baseline to week 4 (p < 0.001), with further improvements until treatment endpoint. Significant improvements from baseline to endpoint were seen in the mood symptom domains of anxiety/depression (10.4±4.1 vs 8.7±3.9) and uncontrolled hostility/excitement (7.6±3.6 vs 6.9±3.8). Mean Global Assessment of Function (GAF) score improved significantly from 59.4±15.6 at baseline to 66.4±17.7 (p < 0.001) at endpoint. Of 87 patients hospitalized at baseline, 67% were discharged at endpoint. Both quality of life (SF-36) and satisfaction with treatment were improved significantly at endpoint. Total ESRS scores fell progressively throughout the study, and the reduction was already statistically significant (p < 0.001) at 4 weeks. Small but statistically significant (p < 0.001) mean shifts of 1.8% were seen in body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI). Patients with schizoaffective disorder derived several benefits from a change to risperidone long-acting injectable, including reductions in psychiatric symptoms (particularly the mood symptom domains) and a reduction in the severity of drug-induced neurological movement disorders.
Benefits of Induction Welding of Reinforced Thermoplastics in High Performance Applications
Authors: Kagan Val A. , Nichols Russell J. 
Published: September 2005

The advantages of magnetic implant induction welding technology for various thermoplastics were widely discussed since the mid-1980s in a series of technical articles and reports. In 1998-2003, we reported to the Society of Automotive Engineers, our technical achievements in optimizing the mechanical performance of welded nylon (6, 66, 6/66, 46, etc.) using frictional (linear and orbital vibration, ultrasonic), contact (hot plate), and noncontact (laser through-transmission) welding technologies. Recent developments in magnetic implant induction welding have focused on optimizing the mechanical performance of joints in reinforced plastics through continuous improvement to the welding technology (including magnetic implant material properties, SPC process control, joint design optimization, etc.). In this study, 33 wt.% fiber-glass reinforced nylon 6 is used in a chain-optimization study to conduct a critical comparison of two alternatives for thermoplastic welding. Results demonstrate interactions between material composition, joint design, and welding process conditions.
Proangiogenic stimulation of bone marrow endothelium engages mTOR and is inhibited by simultaneous blockade of mTOR and NF-κB
Authors: Costa Lara F. , Balcells Mercedes , Edelman Elazer R. , Nadler Lee M. , Cardoso Angelo A. 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Most bone marrow (BM) malignancies develop in association with an angiogenic phenotype and increased numbers of endothelial cells. The molecular mechanisms involved in the modulation and recruitment of BM endothelium are largely unknown and may provide novel therapeutic targets for neoplastic diseases. We observed that angiogenic stimulation of BM endothelial cells activates mTOR and engages its downstream pathways 4E-BP1 and S6K1, which are inhibited by the mTOR-specific blockers rapamycin and CCI-779. Both mTOR blockers significantly inhibit growth factor- and leukemia-induced proliferation of BM endothelium by inducing G0/G1 cell-cycle arrest. This effect is associated with down-regulation of cyclin D1 and cdk2 phosphorylation, and up-regulation of the cdk inhibitors p27kip1 and p21cip1. Under conditions that reproduce the biomechanical fluidic environment of the BM, CCI-779 is equally effective in inhibiting BM endothelial-cell proliferation. Finally, simultaneous blockade of mTOR and NF-κB pathways synergize to significantly inhibit or abrogate the proliferative responses of BM endothelial cells to mitogenic stimuli. This study identifies mTOR as an important pathway for the proangiogenic stimulation of BM endothelium. Modulation of this pathway may serve as a valid therapeutic intervention in BM malignancies evolving in association with an angiogenic phenotype.