bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between body mass index and the prevalence of obesity‐related diseases based on the 1995 National Health Interview Survey in Korea
Authors: Moon O. R. , Kim N. S. , Jang S. M. , Yoon T. H. , Kim S. O. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThis study estimated the body mass index (BMI) distribution of Koreans and examined the relationship between BMI and obesity‐related diseases, in particular hypertension and diabetes mellitus. We also attempted to provide primary data to determine suitable BMI cut‐off points for obesity in Korea. The 1995 National Health Interview Study (NHIS) data were used to estimate BMI and the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. A random sample of 5750 Koreans (15–69 years of age) were investigated. BMI was calculated by self‐reported weights and heights. The diagnoses of hypertension and diabetes mellitus were obtained from self‐reported conditions specified in response to consultations with physicians. The mean BMI was 22.6 ± 2.6 kg m−2 for males and 21.7 ± 4.8 kg m−2 for females. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus increased with BMI. The odds ratios of the third quartile of BMI (21.9–23.8 kg m−2) for hypertension and diabetes mellitus compared with the first quartile were 6.04 and 3.22, respectively. The odds ratio of the fourth quartile (>23.8 kg m−2) of BMI was not significantly different from that of the third quartile. The risk of hypertension and diabetes mellitus increased at the third quartile of BMI (21.9–23.8 kg m−2), this quartile being much lower than both the current World Health Organization (WHO) BMI cut‐off point of overweight of 25.0 kg m−2, and the 90th percentile proposed in the Monica project, BMI 26.4 kg m−2. This finding was notable considering the fact that both hypertension and diabetes mellitus occur in Koreans with lower BMIs than whites. Further studies are necessary to identify the BMI cut‐off point for obesity in Korea.
Enteric viral infections as a cause of diarrhoea in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
Authors: Thomas PD. , Pollok RcG. , Gazzard BG. 
Published: March 2003

Background and aims The role of non‐cytomegalovirus (CMV) enteric viral infection in causing diarrhoea in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is poorly understood. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of these infections in acute and chronic diarrhoea. Methods Stool specimens from 377 HIV‐infected patients presenting with diarrhoea were studied prospectively for evidence of non‐CMV enteric viral infection. Patients with diarrhoea underwent investigation for gastrointestinal pathogens, including electron microscopic examination of stool for enteric viruses. We collected data on patients in whom enteric virus was identified and examined the association of enteric virus infection with diarrhoeal symptomatology. Results Eighty‐nine (10.3%) stool specimens from 60 (15.9%) HIV+ individuals were positive for coronavirus (n = 13, 22%), rotavirus (n = 11, 18%), adenovirus (n = 30, 50%) and small round structured viruses (n = 5, 8%) or dual infection (n = 2, 3%). Thirty‐four of 52 (65%) patients available for analysis had acute diarrhoea, and 18/52 (35%) had chronic diarrhoea. Twenty‐three of 52 (44%) patients had a concurrent gut pathogen. After exclusion of concurrent pathogens enteric viral infections were found to be significantly associated with acute as opposed to chronic diarrhoea (P = 0.004). The presence of adenovirus colitis was significantly more likely to be associated with chronic diarrhoea (15/21 cases) than adenovirus isolated from stool alone (9/23 cases) (P = 0.03). There was a trend towards an association between adenovirus colitis and colonic cytomegalovirus infection (P = 0.06). Conclusion Enteric viral infection is strongly associated with acute diarrhoea in patients with HIV. Light microscopic examination of large bowel biopsies can identify adenovirus colitis which is significantly associated with chronic diarrhoea, and in addition may facilitate gastrointestinal co‐infection with CMV.
PENTA guidelines for the use of antiretroviral therapy in paediatric HIV infection
Authors: Sharland M , Gattinara di Zub G Castelli , Tomas Ramos J , Blanche S , Gibb DM 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo produce European Guidelines for the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV‐infected children.DesignSystematic literature review using Medline, the major antiretroviral conference reports, and IDSA recommendations on guideline production.SettingPediatric European Network for Treatment of AIDS (PENTA) Steering Committee.Outcome measureGuidelines have been produced for the use of antiretroviral therapy in HIV‐infected children in Europe. Recommendations on when to start ART and which ART to start, with dosages and a summary of the relevant literature, have been produced.ConclusionsThese guidelines are aimed at assisting paediatricians in Europe with ART prescribing, and provide a more cautious approach to starting therapy than current paediatric USA guidelines.
Long‐term assessment of neuropsychiatric adverse reactions associated with efavirenz
Authors: Lochet P , Peyrière H , Lotthé A , Mauboussin JM , Delmas B , Reynes J 
Published: March 2003

ObjectivesThe Sensio study objectives were to assess the outcome of neuropsychiatric adverse reactions (NPAR) that develop after initiation of efavirenz (EFV) therapy, to ascertain the late NPAR after a 3‐month treatment period, to evaluate the impact of NPAR on patients' quality of life (QoL) in a real‐life population.MethodsDuring a 6‐month period, consecutive HIV‐infected adult outpatients receiving an ongoing EFV therapy for at least 3 months were asked to fill in a specifically designed self‐administered questionnaire addressing sleep disturbances, behavioural changes, mood disturbances, anxiety, cognitive disorders, hallucinations, dizziness and the general impact on patients' QoL.ResultsA total of 174 questionnaires were analyzed. The main late emergent NPAR were sleep disorders: abnormal dreams 24.7%, nocturnal waking 19.6%, trouble falling asleep 17.8%; cognitive disorders: memory disorders 23.0%, impaired concentration 18.9%; anxiety 15.5%; mood disorders: sadness 19.3%, suicidal ideations 9.2%. Global neuropsychic discomfort was moderate to severe in 23% of patients after a 3‐month treatment period.ConclusionNPAR occur mainly during the first month of EFV therapy but often persist thereafter. A significant percentage of patients reported suicidal ideations at the time of the study. Our results suggest the need for routine screening for NPAR among patients receiving EFV therapy and better management.
An open study of efficacy and safety of long‐term treatment with mometasone furoate fatty cream in the treatment of adult patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Faergemann Jan , Christensen Ole , Sjövall Peter , Johnsson Annika , Hersle Kjell , Nordin Peter , Edmar Birgitta , Svensson Åke 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground Atopic dermatitis is a severe chronic skin disease often deteriorated by the presence of microorganisms and often responds well to treatment with potent corticosteroids. However, the long‐term use of potent topical corticosteroids are accompanied by side‐effects such as skin atrophy.Objective To study the effect and safety of prophylactic treatment with mometasone furoate fatty cream (contains hexylene glycol) for 6 months in patients with atopic dermatitis.Results Sixty‐one of 68 (90%) patients were still free of their disease after 6 months of twice weekly treatment and only one showed possible treatment related signs of skin atrophy. The number of Staphylococcus aureus and Pityrosporum ovale were significantly reduced in cleared patients.Conclusions Mometasone furoate fatty cream is effective and safe both for treatment and as a prophylaxis in patients with atopic dermatitis.
Oral pigmentation
Authors: Lenane P , Powell Fc 
Published: March 2003

AbstractOral pigmentation may be physiological or pathological in nature. It may represent a localized anomaly of limited significance or the presentation of potentially life‐threatening multisystem disease. Evaluation of a patient with oral pigmentation requires a systematic approach with resource to appropriate investigations in certain circumstances. A full history of evolution of the pigmentary changes, as well as inquiring into family history, drug ingestion and systemic symptoms of concurrent disease are clearly important in the assessment. The duration, pattern, hue and distribution of colour changes can provide useful diagnostic clues. Special attention is given to newly appearing lesions, or those that have changed significantly in appearance, and biopsy may be needed to validate the clinical impression.This review should enable the reader to increase their familiarity with the assessment of oral pigmentation, the common causes of oral pigmentary change and the rarer disorders of pigmentation seen in this area. The systemic diseases that may give rise to oral pigmentation are detailed and the early signs of oral melanoma are highlighted, as well as the drugs which may cause pigmentary changes in this area and the different pattern of pigmentation they may induce.
Dapsone in rosacea fulminans
Authors: Bormann G , Gaber G , Fischer M , Marsch WC 
Published: March 2003

AbstractRosacea fulminans is a rare disease with female predominance characterized by abrupt onset of pustules, papules, and confluent nodules on the face. The conventional treatment consists of systemic glucocorticoids and isotretinoin. We present the case of a 56‐year‐old woman with a marked facial papulopustular eruption that had followed an initial period of severe seborrhoea. Conventional treatment produced no clear improvement. Dapsone treatment achieved complete healing in 5 weeks.
Sun awareness and sun protection practices in Malta
Authors: Scerri L , Aquilina S , Gauci A Amato , Dalmas M 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground Concern regarding the rising incidence of melanoma and non‐melanoma skin cancers in Malta has led to the organization of annual campaigns since the early 1990s. These aim to inform the public of the dangers of sun exposure and to promote sun protection.Objective  To help guide future campaigns, a survey was carried out to evaluate current sun protection measures among the Maltese people and to assess their level of knowledge regarding harmful effects of the sun on the skin.Study design  A total of 559 pedestrians were interviewed in the main street of the capital city of Malta in the summer of 1999.Results  Self‐reported rates of regular sunscreen and hat use in adults exposed to the spring/summer sun between 10.00 h and 15.00 h were 51% and 32%, respectively, for leisure activities, and 25% and 37%, respectively, for outdoor work. Men reported using sunscreen less often than women during both leisure and work. The fairer‐skinned outdoor workers actually reported making less use of a sunscreen and/or hat than their darker counterparts, and rates of sunscreen and/or hat use during leisure and work were not found to increase with the amount of time spent in the sun. Almost 75% of sunscreen users were using a sun protection factor of at least 15. Parents reported much higher rates of regular sunscreen and hat use by their young children than by themselves, with 87% of children under 12 years of age reported to be using sunscreen and 78% reported to be wearing a hat. The great majority knew that injudicious sun exposure is associated with skin cancer and skin ageing, but 48% were still regarding a suntan achieved without skin burning as ‘healthy’. The mass media was by far considered to be the main source of information for the general public regarding effects of the sun on the skin.Conclusions  The positive impact of past campaigns can be seen in the high reported rates of sun protection in children. However, much remains to be done with adults in order to change their attitude about a ‘healthy suntan’ and to convince them that it is worthwhile to protect themselves from the sun.
Repair of acetone‐ and sodium lauryl sulphate‐damaged human skin barrier function using topically applied emulsions containing barrier lipids
Authors: De Paepe K , Roseeuw D , Rogiers V 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTBackground It is generally acknowledged that well‐formulated moisturizing skin care products can restore disturbed barrier function that can be assessed by transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements. When ceramides and/or other barrier lipids are incorporated, it is, however, not always clearly demonstrated which ingredients of the formulation exert the beneficial effects.Objectives In this study the effects of topically applied ceramide‐containing mixtures on the barrier repair of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS)‐ and acetone‐induced skin damage have been studied in human volunteers. TEWL and stratum corneum hydration measurements were carried out. The emulsions applied contained either a mixture of two types of ceramides, CerIII and CerIIIB (emulsion 1) or a complete mixture of ceramides III, IIIB and VI together with phytosphingosine, cholesterol and the free fatty acid linoleic acid (emulsion 2).Results After SLS damage, it was observed that barrier recovery was significantly accelerated by topical application (14 days, 2 ×/d) of emulsion 2 compared with the results obtained with emulsion 1. Corneometrical results were not relevant due to the occurrence of scaly fissured skin, failing to provide a good skin/probe contact. Although no effect on TEWL could be observed, the improvement of skin hydration after acetone treatment and a single application of the emulsions, was significantly more positive for emulsion 2 than for emulsion 1.Conclusions The investigative methods used in this study show that ceramides combined with other skin lipids can improve barrier repair after damage.
Calcinosis cutis universalis
Authors: Ogretmen Z , Akay A , Bicakci C , Bicakci HC 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTWe report the case of a 49‐year‐old female who complained of hardening of the skin, with onset about 1.5 years before presentation. The laboratory data showed normal biochemistry profile. Routine haematochemical examinations showed slight anaemia, an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate and negative rheumatological markers. Calcium excretion in a 24‐h urine sample was normal, but the phosphate excretion was slightly low. The clinical diagnosis was verified by soft tissue ultrasound examination showing subcutaneous calcifications. X‐ray examination of bones evidenced no abnormal calcification. Mammography revealed deep seated bilateral reticular calcifications, even in the axillary region. Histological examination showed calcinosis cutis. On these grounds, the diagnosis of idiopathic universal calcinosis cutis was made. The authors describe the clinical and histological picture and discuss the laboratory findings.
Leukoplakia and intraoral malignancies: female cases increase in Greece
Authors: Zavras AI , Laskaris C , Kittas C , Laskaris G 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTIn the developed world, intraoral malignancies are more frequent in males than females. Recent observations from Greece suggest that the number of females is increasing.Aim The present study investigates gender and age statistics among subjects with cancers of the mouth or leukoplakia.Methods Five hundred and twelve subjects of Greek origin participated in this analysis. Chi‐square and logistic regression statistics were used to compare if there are differences in participants’ gender and age, stratified by histological type.Results Epithelial cancers and leukoplakia exhibited equal distributions among men and women. Men were diagnosed at a much younger age than women. Our data also indicates a progression in the process of epithelial cancer development, as benign leukoplakia was diagnosed 2–4 years earlier than epithelial dysplasia and 8 years earlier than squamous cell carcinoma (SSC). The same age difference was observed in non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, although the male to female ratio was 3 : 1. In regards to anatomy, 47% of SSC appeared in the tongue. The most prevalent site for the development of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma was the gingival (50%), followed by the palate (40%).Conclusion Although oral cancer occurs earlier in men than women, the risk of females tends to be similar to that of males.
Role of Music Therapy in Social Skills Development in Children with Moderate Intellectual Disability
Authors: Duffy Barbara , Fuller Ray 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe present study investigated the effectiveness of a music therapy programme in the enhancement of the social skills of children with moderate intellectual disability. Thirty‐two children (age range = 5–10 years) from four intellectual disability centres participated. At each centre, four children were randomly selected to participate in the music therapy programme, while four children were assigned to a non‐music control group programme. One staff member was trained in each group procedure at each centre, and requested to run 30‐min group sessions twice weekly over an 8‐week intervention period. Five social skills were targeted for intervention: turn‐taking, imitation, vocalization, initiation and eye contact. Measures of effectiveness involved comparison of pre‐ and post‐intervention scores on five target skills using a brief social skills test specifically designed for the study. Evaluation forms completed by teachers also provided feedback on the effectiveness of the intervention. The results reflect significant improvements in the five target social skills across both conditions following the 8‐week intervention. However, this difference was found to be independent of the music/non‐music intervention.
Differences in Stress Levels between Managers and Direct Care Staff in Group Homes
Authors: Rose John , Jones Catherine , Elliott Julie 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA survey examined the differences between managers and direct carers working in community homes for people with intellectual disabilities in terms of the nature and causes of stress. Fifty‐seven managers and 49 direct carers provided data relating to perceived levels of pressure and support from a variety of sources. The questionnaire administered consisted of the Powell questionnaire of sources of stress and support ratings, a stress measure, and information on the background characteristics of participants. Analysis of the data revealed that managers of group homes were reporting higher levels of anxiety and pressure than direct carers. This was associated with managers reporting higher ratings for sources of stress. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Assessing the Severity of Challenging Behaviour: Psychometric Properties of the Challenging Behaviour Interview
Authors: Oliver Chris , McClintock Karen , Hall Scott , Smith Melanie , Dagnan Dave , Stenfert‐Kroese Biza 
Published: March 2003

Background  The Challenging Behaviour Interview (CBI) was developed as an assessment of the severity of challenging behaviour. The CBI is divided into two parts. Part I of the interview identifies the occurrence of five clearly operationalized forms of challenging behaviour that have occurred in the last month. Part II of the interview assesses the severity of the behaviours identified on 14 scales measuring the frequency and duration of episodes, effects on the individual and others and the management strategies used by carers. In this paper we report upon its psychometric properties and discuss potential clinical and research uses of the new scale.Methods  The CBI was administered to 40 adults and 47 children. Test–retest and inter‐rater agreement was assessed for 22 participants in the adult sample. Concurrent validity was assessed by correlating total scores for the child sample with the subscale and total scores of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC). Content validity was assessed by comparing scores for each behaviour on specific items relating to relevant aspects of severity of impact that would be expected to differ based upon the topographies of the behaviour.Results  Mean inter‐rater and test–retest reliability kappa indices for the behaviours in Part I of the interview were 0.67 (range: 0.50–0.80) and 0.86 (range: 0.70–0.91), respectively. Mean inter‐rater and test–retest reliability Pearson‘s correlation indices for the behaviours in Part II of the interview were 0.48 (range: 0.02–0.77) and 0.76 (range: 0.66–0.85), respectively. Correlations with the ABC varied between 0.19 and 0.68. The majority of content validity comparisons were in line with prediction.Conclusions  The potential of the interview for clinical assessment, as an outcome measure for services and individual interventions and research purposes, is discussed.
The clinical significance of absent or reverse end‐diastolic flow in the fetal aorta and umbilical artery
Authors: Mandruzzato G. P. , Bogatti P. , Fischer L. , Gigli C. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe clinical utility of Doppler blood flow investigations of the fetal and fetoplacental vessels is still under debate as far as timing of the delivery is concerned. However, in cases of absent or reverse end‐diastolic flow, fetal compromise is usually very severe. As a consequence, we have investigated the possibility of using this information as a guide to obstetrical management. Altogether, 32 fetuses with absent or reverse end‐diastolic flow in the fetal descending aorta and/or umbilical artery were studied.Reverse flow was observed in 11 cases and absence of end‐diastolic flow in 21 cases. The two groups are considered separately. No significant difference was found in the mean gestational age at delivery. However, a highly significant difference was found in the mean birth weight and perinatal mortality rate.All the cases of perinatal mortality were encountered in the group presenting with reverse flow (mortality rate, 63.6%). All the live fetuses were delivered by Cesarean section and no neonatal mortality was observed in this group. Two cases of handicap were observed, one in each group. In our experience, reverse flow indicates the necessity for immediate delivery if no other clinical contraindications are present. Absence of end‐diastolic flow can be observed for longer periods without adverse outcome. Absence of end‐diastolic flow always precedes the appearance of fetal distress. Therefore, we believe that, after exclusion of conditions such as fetal abnormalities or extreme prematurity, a planned delivery should be considered. Copyright © 1991 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Doppler ultrasound examination of the renal artery in healthy women, normotensive pregnant women and in pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Gudmundsson S. , Maršál K. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA combination of real‐time linear array ultrasound scanning and pulsed Doppler ultrasonography was used to record blood flow signals from the right renal artery in 17 healthy women, in 15 normotensive pregnant women and in I7 women with pre‐eclampsia. The maximum blood velocity waveforms were analyzed for pulsatility index and systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D ratio). As compared with the two healthy groups, in pre‐eclamptic women the pulsatility index was slightly lower (p < 0.05), and the systolic/diastolic ratio non‐significantly different. These variables were unrelated to mean arterial pressure or the degree of proteinuria. A theory of renal arteriovenous shunts in pre‐eclampsia is proposed. Doppler ultrasound examination of the renal artery would seem to be of limited value‐for the purpose of monitoring renal vascular pathology in pre‐eclampsia. Copyright © 1991 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology