bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute generalized peritonitis in adult African patients: Assessment of severity using APACHE II score
Authors: Adesunkanmi Abdul Rashid K. , Badmus Tajudeen A. , Agbakwuru E. Augustine , Ogunronbi Akinwumi B. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Generalized surgical acute abdomen is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the Nigerian environment. Severity assessment is useful in order to prioritize treatment and reduce morbidity and mortality. High severity scores are often faced with high morbidity and mortality; these patients, often require more intensive treatment than those with low severity scores. The purpose of this study was to assess the severity of generalized surgical acute abdomen in adult patients using the Acute Physiological and Chronic Ill Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score.Methods:  All patients (184) aged 16 years and above, admitted and operated for generalized acute abdomen over a period of 6 years from January 1993 to December 1998 were prospectively studied. Demographic, clinical, preoperative, operative and postoperative data on each patient were entered into a prepared proforma. Severity of illness was assessed using APACHE II parameters. Postoperative outcome and severity of illness were compared to determine the significance of severity of illness on postoperative outcome.Results:  Thirty‐one patients (17%) died and 78 (42.4%) developed other postoperative complications. The APACHE II scores significantly correlated with the mortality and such other postoperative complications as residual intra‐abdominal abscess, abdominal sepsis, chest infection and faecal fistula (P < 0.05) and the duration of hospital stay (P < 0.05). The APACHE II scores ranged from 0 to 18, the mean score for survivors was 5.7, while it was 12.3 for those who did not survive. Only three (4%) patients who scored 0–5 died, six (9.4%) patients who scored 6–10, 15 (50%) patients who scored 11–15 and seven patients (87.5%) died who scored 16–20.Conclusion:  The study showed that the severity of generalized peritonitis can be suitably assessed by APACHE II score in our environment and may serve as means of objective assessment of the quality of care. APACHE II score predicted mortality and morbidity in the patients studied. A further study is needed involving a larger number of patients to further validate our findings. We recommend to surgeons practicing in an environment similar to ours and to use the APACHE II scoring system in the assessment of patients with acute generalized peritonitis.
Surgical treatment of thyrotoxicosis: a local institution's perspective
Authors: Chow Tam‐Lin , Li Hok‐Nam , Chan Frank Chi‐Ho , Kwok Samuel Po‐Yin 
Published: December 2004

Objective:  The most optimal form of thyroidectomy for thyrotoxicosis is controversial. Geographical factor, possibly due to the difference in iodine intake, can profoundly influence the therapy outcomes. The results of different forms of thyroidectomy in a local hospital for thyrotoxicosis is presented. Their pros and cons were evaluated.Methods:  From January 1995 to December 2001, 69 patients with toxic goitres treated surgically were retrospectively studied. The factors potentially affecting the postoperative thyroid function were also analysed.Results:  The mean follow‐up duration was 22.6 ± 17.2 months. The incidence of permanent vocal cord palsy and hypoparathyroidism were 0 and 2.9%, respectively. Remission, hypothyroidism, and recurrent hyperthyroidism occurred in 39, 52.5 and 8.5% respectively, of patients who have undergone either subtotal thyrodiectomy or Dunhill procedure (hemithyroidectomy plus contralateral subtotal lobectomy). Only the size of the remnant was found to be a significant factor of postoperative hypothyroidism (P = 0.048).Conclusion:  Subtotal thyroidectomy or Dunhill procedure are efficacious in treating thyrotoxicosis with acceptable incidence of operative complications and recurrent hyperthyroidism. A significant portion of patients were rendered euthyroid without the need of thyroxine replacement.
Cystic squamous cell carcinoma metastasis to the neck masquerading as branchiogenic carcinoma
Authors: Ying Shun‐yuen , Ho Wai‐sun , Ahuja Anil , To Ka‐fai 
Published: December 2004

Primary branchiogenic carcinoma was previously a debated entity for its existence. It was a popular diagnosis for any cystic carcinoma in the neck until in 1950 Martin et al. proposed specific and strict diagnostic criteria for this condition. Only a handful of cases successfully fulfilled all the criteria were reported afterwards. We report the management of a case who was diagnosed to have cystic squamous cell metastasis from a tonsillar origin. We suggest carrying out thorough search of the upper aero digestic tract for occult primaries upon finding of a cystic metastasis in the neck. Random biopsies in the region of Waldeyer's ring are of particular importance in this situation. Bilateral tonsillectomies should be carried out in doubtful cases. Radical neck dissection and postoperative radiotherapy to the diseased side is recommended.
Should we replace the mercury in glass thermometer with the tympanic thermometer?
Authors: Lo Siu‐Fai , Lau Lan‐Hing , Law In‐Chak , Yip Andrew Wai‐Chun 
Published: December 2004

Objective:  The tympanic thermometer is very popular and has been recently introduced to the hospitals of the Hospital Authority of Hong Kong. However, disagreement between the tympanic thermometer and the traditional mercury in glass thermometer is quite frequent. We attempt to explore the feasibility of using the tympanic thermometer in surgical patients and analyse if this thermometer is mature enough to replace the mercury in glass thermometer.Method:  Fifty consecutive febrile and afebrile patients admitted into the surgical ward of a regional hospital were enrolled. Temperature was recorded by both thermometers. Mean differences and averages of the recordings were analysed.Results:  A mean difference of 0.018 ± 0.54°C was found between the readings of the two thermometers in afebrile patients. Clinically, this translates to a difference of 0.54°C above or below the oral temperature. For febrile patients the mean difference was 0.24 ± 0.53°C. Thus, this translates to a difference of 0.67°C above or below the oral temperature.Conclusions:  There was almost 1°C discrepancy between the tympanic thermometer and the mercury in glass thermometer. Whether this will affect clinical management is not known. Further clinical study is required. We do not recommend the replacement of the traditional mercury in glass thermometer by the tympanic thermometer.
A double‐blind placebo controlled study of tamsulosin in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia in an Indian population
Authors: Mohanty Nayan Kumar , Nayak Rajiba L. , Malhotra Vineet , Arora Rajender Prakash 
Published: December 2004

Objective:  Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common disorder in ageing males worldwide affecting one out of four males over 50 years of age. The aim of the present study is to demonstrate safety and efficacy of tamsulosin in its medical management.Methods:  A total of 72 patients were enrolled; 38 patients given tamsulosin and 34 in the placebo group were enrolled. The mean age group was 61 years. Patients with an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of> 10, maximum flow rate < 13 mL/s and average flow rate < 6 mL/s with post residual urine volume (PRUV) > 100 mL and prostate‐specific antigen < 4 ng/mL, were given 0.4 mg of tamsulosin/placebo daily on a randomized double‐blind controlled study for 2 months. Patients with renal or hepatic failure, carcinoma prostate, stricture urethra, neurogenic bladder were excluded. All patients were followed up at the end of the second, fourth and eighth week.Results:  There were three dropouts leaving 69 patients for evaluation. Improvement in the IPSS score was significantly greater with tamsulosin compared with the placebo. Similarly there was significant improvement in uroflowrate with tamsulosin compared to the placebo. The PRUV decreased by 38.8% with tamsulosin compared with the placebo. No significant change in blood biochemistry was noted between the two groups excepting for blood pressure, which showed a fall with tamsulosin compared to placebo. Adverse reaction was noted in five patients (7%), but none were withdrawn from the study.Conclusions:  Our study confirms tamsulosin as a very effective and safe drug in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia patients not having absolute indication for surgery with excellent patient compliance.
Neuromast formation in the prehatching embryos of the Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)
Authors: Otsuka Machiko 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe present paper clarifies the initial development of the lateral line organs in the embryonic Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. The first appearances of lateral line primordia, and the proliferation, distribution and morphological development of the free neuromasts, including nerve ending formation: establishment of hair cell innervations via the formation of synapses, were examined by light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The first pair of neuromast primordia appeared in the otic region ≈ 30 h prior to hatching and subsequently differentiated into free neuromasts, otic neuromasts, after ≈ 8 h. At hatching, a pair of free neuromasts and three pairs of neuromast primordia were present on the head, and three pairs of neuromast primordia were present on the trunk. The hair cell polarity of the otic neuromast until just prior to hatching was radial, but not bi‐directional. The typical afferent and efferent nerve endings in the otic neuromasts had formed by the time of hatching, suggesting that the otic neuromasts are functional prior to hatching. The three neuromast primordia located on each side of the trunk were derived from a long, narrow ectodermal cell cluster and erupted through the epidermis after hatching.
Epidermal ciliary ultrastructure of adult and larval sipunculids (Sipunculida)
Authors: Lundin Kennet , Schander Christoffer 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe ultrastructure of the ciliary apparatus of multiciliated epidermal cells in larval and adult sipunculids is described and the phylogenetic implications discussed. The pelagosphera of Apionsoma misakianum has a dense cover of epidermal cilia on the head region. The cilia have a long, narrow distal part and two long ciliary rootlets, one rostrally and one vertically orientated. The adult Phascolion strombus has cilia on the nuchal organ and on the oral side of the tentacles. These cilia have a narrow distal part as in the A. misakianum larva, but the ciliary rootlets have a different structure. The first rootlet on the anterior face of the basal body is very short and small. The second, vertically orientated rootlet is long and relatively thick. The two ciliary rootlets present in the larval A. misakianum are similar to the basal metazoan type of ciliary apparatus of epidermal multiciliated cells and thus likely represent the plesiomorphic state. The minute first rootlet in the adult P. strombus is viewed as a consequence of a secondary reduction. No possible synapomorphic character with the phylogenetically troublesome Xenoturbella was found.
The sperm ultrastructure of Merluccius merluccius (Teleostei, Gadiformes): phylogenetic considerations
Authors: Medina Antonio , Megina César , Abascal Francisco J. , Calzada Alfonso 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe anacrosomal aquasperm of the gadiform Merluccius merluccius is ultrastructurally similar to the advanced type II spermatozoa (perciform‐type sperm) typically found in most Perciformes. The perciform‐type spermatozoon is characterized by the lateral insertion of the flagellum and the location of the centrioles outside the nuclear fossa. Apart from these characteristics, the spermatozoon of M. merluccius is remarkable because of the mutually parallel arrangement of the centrioles, a rare feature among fishes, which is considered an apomorphic condition for animal sperm cells. Within the superorder Paracanthopterygii, which contains a large diversity of sperm patterns resulting from a high number of apomorphies, a perciform‐type sperm is present only in the order Gadiformes. The significance of the presence of perciform‐type spermatozoa in the three investigated gadiform families is discussed in a phylogenetic context.
First description of collar receptors in Temnocephalidae (Platyhelminthes)
Authors: De León Rodrigo Ponce , Volonterio Odile 
Published: December 2004

AbstractTwo species of Temnocephala (Platyhelminthes, Temnocephalida, Temnocephalidae), namely Temnocephala iheringi and Temnocephala haswelli, have collar receptors in the epidermis of the tentacles and general body surface, but not in the sucker region. These receptors were seen associated with clusters of 20–22 monociliary receptors. All collar receptors found in these temnocephalids bore six stereocilia. Other neoophoran platyhelminths have a constant number of eight stereocilia per collar receptor, the only exception being members of another family of Temnocephalida, the Didymorchidae, where collar receptor cells with five and six stereocilia have been recorded. Therefore, the presence of a lower number of stereocilia per collar receptor is likely to be an apomorphic trait of the Temnocephalida.
Uterine artery embolisation for symptomatic fibroids: the effect of the large uterus on outcome
Authors: Prollius A. , de Vries C. , Loggenberg E. , du Plessis A. , Nel M. , Wessels P.H. 
Published: December 2004

Objective  The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of uterine artery embolisation (UAE) in myomatous uteri larger than 24 week's gestation (780 cm3).Design  Prospective case contro study.Setting  Universitas Hospital, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.Population  Sixty‐one women, who underwent UAE, were included in the study. The study group comprised of 12 women with uteri ≥780 cm3 and the control group 49 women with uteri <780 cm3.Methods  UAE was performed and the difference in outcome for the two groups was determined at 12 months.Main outcome measure  Symptomatic improvement with embolisation of the large uterus.Results  Reduction of dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia and pressure effects was similar for both groups. The median reduction in uterine volume (pre‐ to post‐embolisation) was 188 cm3 (range 28–2038 cm3) with a 95% CI for the median difference for paired data of 146.5 and 236. Only 66% of the study group had, however, a reduction in volume to <780 cm3. The complication rates were similar for the two groups with regards to post‐embolisation syndrome, fibroid slough, haematoma formation, infection, hysterectomy and failure to embolise. Satisfaction was similar between the two groups, with 91% of women satisfied with the procedure.Conclusion  The large uterus does not decrease UAE's efficacy. Although 33.3% of the study group still had a uterus of ≥780 cm3, symptom reduction was still similar for both groups. Women may thus still be left with a large uterine volume but without symptoms. This must be taken into consideration when counselling women with an extremely large uterus for UAE.
Does Postpartum Length of Stay Affect Breastfeeding Duration? A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Heck Katherine E. , Schoendorf Kenneth C. , Chávez Gilberto F. , Braveman Paula 
Published: December 2004

Abstract: Background: Short postpartum hospital stays may leave inadequate time for women to receive assistance with breastfeeding. Women leaving the hospital early may also have household responsibilities that could interfere with breastfeeding. This study examined the relationship between postpartum length of stay and breastfeeding cessation.Methods: This study used data from 10,519 respondents to the California Maternal and Infant Health Assessment (MIHA) surveys from 1999 to 2001. MIHA is an annual statewide stratified random sample, population‐based study of childbearing women in California. Survival analysis was used to examine the relationship between length of stay and length of time breastfeeding. Women were asked about the number of nights their infant stayed in the hospital at birth, whether they breastfed, and if so, the age of the child when they stopped. Hospital stay was defined in three categories: standard (2 nights for a vaginal delivery, 4 nights for a cesarean section), or shorter or longer than the standard stay.Results: Approximately 88 percent of women initiated breastfeeding. Unadjusted predictors of breastfeeding cessation included short or long postpartum stay; young maternal age; Hispanic, African American, or Asian/Pacific Islander race/ethnicity; being unmarried; low income or education level; primiparity; being born in the 50 United States or the District of Columbia; smoking during pregnancy; and low infant birthweight. After adjustment for potential confounders, women with a short stay remained slightly more likely to terminate breastfeeding than women with a standard stay (relative risk, 1.11, 95% confidence interval 1.01, 1.23).Conclusion: Women who leave the hospital earlier than the standard recommended stay are at somewhat increased risk of terminating breastfeeding early. (BIRTH 30:3 September 2003)
Impact of Postnatal Depression on Breastfeeding Duration
Authors: Henderson Jennifer J. , Evans Sharon F. , Straton Judith A.Y. , Priest Susan R. , Hagan Ronald 
Published: December 2004

Abstract: Background: Postnatal depression can cause adverse effects on both mother and infant, but its impact on breastfeeding duration is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between maternal postnatal depression and breastfeeding duration.Methods: A cohort of 1745 women was recruited on the postnatal wards of two large Australian obstetric hospitals. Self‐report questionnaires were completed at recruitment, and at 2, 6, and 12 months postpartum. Breastfeeding status was determined at each follow‐up, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to screen for symptoms of depression. Diagnostic psychological interviews were conducted on a subsample of women at each interval.Results: Breastfeeding was initiated by 96 percent of the participants; at 2 months 79 percent were still breastfeeding, 57 percent at 6 months, and 22 percent at 12 months. Of the 18 percent of participants diagnosed with postnatal depression, the onset occurred before 2 months in 63 percent of cases. Median duration of breastfeeding was 26 weeks for women with early‐onset depression, 28 weeks for women with late‐onset depression, and 39 weeks for women without depression. After adjustment for confounding factors, early cessation of breastfeeding was found to be significantly associated with postnatal depression (adjusted hazard ratio 1.25, 95% CI 1.03–1.52). Onset of postnatal depression occurred before cessation of breastfeeding in most cases.Conclusions: Postnatal depression has a significant negative impact on breastfeeding duration. Assistance with breastfeeding issues should be included in the management of postnatal depression. (BIRTH 30:3 September 2003)
Breastfeeding Patterns of Primiparous Mothers in Hong Kong
Authors: Dodgson Joan E. , Tarrant Marie , Fong Daniel Y.T. , Peng Xiu‐Hong , Hui Wai‐Hing Choi 
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Background:  An understanding of patterns of breastfeeding is necessary for the effective implementation of breastfeeding promotion and intervention programs. In Hong Kong, little current data have been gathered on women's breastfeeding rates. The objective of this study was to determine how patterns of breastfeeding, maternal demographics, and maternal employment affect continuation of breastfeeding in primiparous women in Hong Kong.Method:  A longitudinal self‐report survey was used to collect data when first‐time mothers (n = 218) were in the hospital, at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postpartum, or until they weaned their infant. All data (self‐report survey, demographic data, and follow‐up telephone surveys) were collected in Cantonese and then translated into English. Data were analyzed by determining, first, the influence of individual variables on the length of breastfeeding using a simple Cox regression analysis, and second, by grouping variables according to time sequence and entering them into a Cox regression model in 4 sequential phases.Results:  Factors that were significantly associated with continuation of breastfeeding were maternal age (HR = 0.97; p = 0.048); attendance at a prenatal breastfeeding class (HR = 0.69; p = 0.020); intended weeks of breastfeeding (HR = 0.97; p < 0.001); breastfeeding score in hospital (HR = 0.99; p = 0.009); and length of exclusive breastfeeding (HR = 0.93; p < 0.001). Similar results were obtained in the multiphase Cox regression analysis; only the breastfeeding score in hospital became marginally insignificant (p = 0.053) after adjusting for demographics, prenatal, and other immediate postpartum factors.Conclusions:  Short periods of exclusive breastfeeding and early supplementation were common in this sample. Unlike previous research, maternal employment was not a statistically significant factor in length of continued breastfeeding. Study findings show that multiple factors influence continued breastfeeding in Hong Kong, suggesting further areas for investigation. Changes in practice may improve continued and exclusive breastfeeding rates. (BIRTH 30:3 September 2003)
Polynomial detection of matrix subalgebras
Authors: Birmajer Daniel 
Published: December 2004

The double Capelli polynomial of total degree

2
t

2t

is

∑

{
(

s
g

σ
τ
)

x

σ
(
1
)

y

τ
(
1
)

x

σ
(
2
)

y

τ
(
2
)

⋯

x

σ
(
t
)

y

τ
(
t
)

|

σ
,

τ
∈

S
t

}

.

\begin{equation*} \sum \left \{ (\mathrm {sg}\, \sigma \tau ) x_{\sigma (1)}y_{\tau (1)}x_{\sigma (2)}y_{\tau (2)}\cdots x_{\sigma (t)}y_{\tau (t)} |\; \sigma ,\, \tau \in S_t\right \}. \end{equation*}

It was proved by Giambruno-Sehgal and Chang that the double Capelli polynomial of total degree

4
n

4n

is a polynomial identity for

M
n

(
F
)

M_n(F)

. (Here,

F
F

is a field and

M
n

(
F
)

M_n(F)

is the algebra of

n
×
n

n \times n

matrices over

F
F

.) Using a strengthened version of this result obtained by Domokos, we show that the double Capelli polynomial of total degree

4
n
−
2

4n-2

is a polynomial identity for any proper

F
F

-subalgebra of

M
n

(
F
)

M_n(F)

. Subsequently, we present a similar result for nonsplit inequivalent extensions of full matrix algebras.
Uncorrelatedness sets for random variables with given distributions
Authors: Ostrovska Sofiya 
Published: December 2004

Let

ξ
1

\xi _1

and

ξ
2

\xi _2

be random variables having finite moments of all orders. The set
\[

U
(

ξ
1

,

ξ
2

)
:=

{
(
j
,
l
)
∈

N

2

:

E

(

ξ
1
j

ξ
2
l

)

=

E

(

ξ
1
j

)

E

(

ξ
2
l

)

}

U(\xi _1,\xi _2):=\left \{(j,l)\in \textbf {N}^2:\textbf {E}\left (\xi _1^j\xi _2^l\right )=\textbf {E}\left (\xi _1^j\right )\textbf {E}\left ( \xi _2^l\right )\right \}

\]
is said to be an uncorrelatedness set of

ξ
1

\xi _1

and

ξ
2

.

\xi _2.

It is known that in general, an uncorrelatedness set can be arbitrary. Simple examples show that this is not true for random variables with given distributions. In this paper we present a wide class of probability distributions such that there exist random variables with given distributions from the class having a prescribed uncorrelatedness set. Besides, we discuss the sharpness of the obtained result.
On the topology of nested set complexes
Authors: Feichtner Eva , Müller Irene 
Published: December 2004

Nested set complexes appear as the combinatorial core of De Concini-Procesi arrangement models. We show that nested set complexes are homotopy equivalent to the order complexes of the underlying meet-semilattices without their minimal elements. For atomic semilattices, we consider the realization of nested set complexes by simplicial fans proposed by the first author and Yuzvinsky and we strengthen our previous result showing that in this case nested set complexes in fact are homeomorphic to the mentioned order complexes.