bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence for suboptimal use of periconceptional folic acid supplements globally
Authors: Ray Joel G. , Singh Gita , Burrows Robert F. 
Published: April 2004

Objective  To systematically summarise the available evidence concerning the rate of folic acid supplement use pre‐ and periconceptionally, to identify those characteristics associated with low rates of use and to assess whether folic acid public awareness campaigns are associated with higher folic acid use.Design  Systematic overview.Setting  Survey studies.Population  Women of reproductive age, most of whom were currently or recently pregnant.Methods  Two investigators searched MEDLINE, Embase and Nutriotiongate databases between 1990 and 2003. Bibliographies of retrieved references were scanned for other relevant publications, and authors were contacted if necessary. Studies were included that evaluated the rate of folic acid supplement use either before conception or in early pregnancy.Main outcome measures  Rate of preconceptional and/or periconceptional folic acid use, rate of planned pregnancy in each study, as well as significant characteristics differentiating non‐users from users of folic acid, including the effect of folic acid awareness campaigns.Results  A total of 52 studies were included. In 34 studies, reported preconceptional folic acid use varied from 0.9% to 50%. In 49 studies, the reported rate of periconceptional supplement use ranged from 0.5% to 52%. Significant predictors of reduced periconceptional folic acid use were a low level of formal education, immigrant status, young maternal age, lack of a partner and an unplanned pregnancy. Four studies examined the effect of mass media campaigns on periconceptional folic acid use; the reported rates increased significantly, by a factor of 1.7 to 7.2, but in no study was the post‐campaign rate above 50%.Conclusions  In many countries, fewer than 50% of women take periconceptional folic acid supplements. Consideration should be given to the practical advantages of folic acid fortification of centrally processed foods, such as wheat, corn and rice flour, while further promoting vitamin tablet supplement use and planned pregnancy.
The accuracy of various tests for bacterial vaginosis in predicting preterm birth: a systematic review
Authors: Honest Honest , Bachmann Lucas M. , Knox Ellen M. , Gupta Janesh K. , Kleijnen Jos , Khan Khalid S. 
Published: April 2004

Objective  To determine the accuracy with which various types of tests for bacterial vaginosis predict spontaneous preterm birth in pregnant women.Data sources  Studies were identified without language restrictions through nine different databases, and manual searching of bibliographies of known primary and review articles.Study selection and data extraction  There are four different bacterial vaginosis testing methods: Gram staining tests using either Nugent's or Spiegel's criteria, and gas liquid chromatography are laboratory based, and the fourth method uses clinical (Amsel's) criteria to diagnose bacterial vaginosis. Two reviewers independently selected studies and extracted data on their characteristics, quality and accuracy. Accuracy data were used to form 2 × 2 contingency tables of the bacterial vaginosis test results with spontaneous preterm birth as the reference standard.Data synthesis  Data on asymptomatic women and women with symptoms of threatened preterm labour were analysed separately. Data were pooled to produce summary estimates of likelihood ratios for positive (LR+) and negative (LR−) test results for the various types of tests.Results  There were 18 primary articles, involving altogether 17,868 women. There was unexplained heterogeneity in the meta‐analyses of the accuracy results, which requires caution in their interpretation. Meta‐analyses of studies testing asymptomatic women in the second trimester showed that clinical criteria had a LR+ of 0.98 (95% confidence interval 0.59 to 1.6) and a LR− of 1.00 (0.93 to 1.1), Gram staining (Nugent's criteria) had a LR+ of 1.6 (1.4 to 1.9) and a LR− of 0.9 (0.8 to 0.9), and Gram staining (Spiegel's criteria) had a LR+ of 2.4 (1.4 to 4.9) and a LR− of 0.81 (0.64 to 1.0). Among symptomatic women, Gram staining (Spiegel's criteria) had a LR+ of 1.3 (1.0 to 1.6) and LR− of 0.9 (0.7 to 1.0).Conclusion  There was a lack of difference in the accuracy of the various bacterial vaginosis tests for predicting preterm birth in both asymptomatic and symptomatic women of threatened preterm labour.
The Benefits of Exercise for Individuals with Arthritis: An Integrative Review with Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Rogers Sharon 
Published: April 2004

Abstract(1) While individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are frequently seen by caregivers in the health care system, some confusion still exists when it comes to making recommendations related to exercise and activity. While a number of research studies have supported the safety and benefits of moderate to rather intense exercise for both of these conditions, many practitioners continue to recommend limited activity for these populations. This review of the research literature and meta‐analysis seeks to explicate for the practitioner the “state‐of‐the‐art” in making exercise and activity recommendations to their clients with OA and RA.
The Effects of Saline Instillation Prior to Endotracheal Suctioning
Authors: Briening Eileen P. 
Published: April 2004

Abstract(1) Instillation of a bolus of saline down the endotracheal or tracheostomy tube prior to suction is common nursing practice. The rationale is that saline will thin tenacious secretions and assist in removal of them. This article reviews the research related to the effects of saline instillation and the controversies about its use. Recommendations for practice and future research are made.
Agreement of Patients' and Nurses' Perceptions of Burn Pain: A Research Review
Authors: Calvin Amy O. 
Published: April 2004

Abstract(1) The purpose of this study was to review all available research studies that reported the level of agreement between patients' and nurses' perceptions of burn pain. Findings from the eight studies included in this review varied, however, overall nurses appeared to be inclined to overestimate or underestimate patients' burn pain rather than rate patients' pain in accordance with patients' ratings. Possible factors that may have influenced the discrepancies in patients' and nurses' burn pain ratings and critiques of the eight research reports are discussed. Practice implications and recommendations for future research are provided.
An Integrative Review of Substance Abuse Among Nurses from 1981‐1997
Authors: Smardon Marguerite 
Published: April 2004

Abstract(1) The body of literature suggests that the prevalence of substance abuse among nurses and nursing students is less than or similar to the general population, but that younger nurses may be more at risk. Male nurses may be at increased risk for substance abuse. Prevalence of substance abuse by clinical specialty remains unclear. Several risk factors for impairment including depression and lack of social support were identified in the descriptive and qualitative studies. Perceptions and attitudes toward impaired nurses and colleagues reveal a lack of optimism about treatment by nursing management. Acceptance of the illness concept varied by ethnicity. Impaired nurses did not feel supported by nursing management. Peer assistance groups may be an effective means of addressing substance abuse among nurses.
Flushing Protocols for Tunneled Central Venous Catheters: An Integrative Review of the Literature
Authors: Buswell Lori , Beyea Suzanne C. 
Published: April 2004

Abstract(1) The flushing regimes for and associated practices related to tunneled central venous catheters (Hickman and Broviac) vary widely. Recommendations for flushing tunneled central venous catheters are abundant in the literature, but few are research‐based. This manuscript describes the clinical problem and summarizes six research‐based studies that appear in the literature. Practice recommendations based on this review include using 5 mL of 10 unit/mL of heparin once or twice weekly. It is clear that additional prospective randomized studies are needed to elucidate the optimal flushing regime for patients with tunneled central venous catheters.
Incongruent Hierarchies: Daughters and Younger Sons as Company CEOs
Authors: Barnes Louis B. 
Published: April 2004

The daughter or younger son who becomes head of the family business must struggle with both self-identity and changing family role expectations. How do they do this? Father CEO: My oldest son is the nicest guy in the world and expects to become president of the company. But, my second son would be better. I also have a younger daughter in the business. I don't know what to do. I've told the kids they may have to decide. Daughter CEO: From the time I became president eleven years after I joined the company, I was competing with my father—not from my side but from his side. Then the family struggle really started, particularly when my older brother wanted to join the business. Younger brother CEO: I can't replace him, because he's my older brother, and I have to think my way out of it, or we may have a confrontation.
Fabrication of Highly Ordered Anodic Porous Alumina Using Self-organized Polystyrene Particle Array
Authors: Masuda Hideki , Matsui Yoshitaka , Yotsuya Masato , Matsumoto Futoshi , Nishio Kazuyuki 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
Highly ordered anodic porous alumina was fabricated by anodization of vapor-deposited Al that had been deposited on a self-organized periodic array of polystyrene particles with a submicron-scale diameter on a glass plate. The ordered bumpy structure of the particle array surface was replicated on the deposited Al surface. Anodization was initiated at the concaves of the Al surface. Employment of the self-organized particle array to produce highly ordered anodic porous alumina with a submicron-scale channel structure was shown to be feasible.
Spatial and Orientational Templating of Semiconducting Polymers in a Cholesteric Liquid Crystal
Authors: Kang S.‐W. , Jin S.‐H. , Chien L.‐C. , Sprunt S. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractA one‐dimensional pattern‐forming state of a cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) is used as a template for the self‐organization of ordered, spatially orientated, acetylene‐based semiconducting polymers. The polymers are formed by metathesis reaction with all chemical components contained in an ordinary electro‐optic cell. The polymer morphology consists of parallel ∼ 1 μm thick bundles, uniformly spaced at ∼ 10 μm over the full macroscopic active area of the cell substrates. The polymer templating can be explained by a model that predicts a corrugation in polymer density determined by the spatially periodic profile of the orientational energy density associated with the pattern‐forming CLC state.
Synthesis of Nickel Sulfide Submicrometer‐Sized Hollow Spheres Using a γ‐Irradiation Route
Authors: Hu Y. , Chen J. F. , Chen W. M. , Li X. L. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractNickel sulfide (NiS) hollow spheres have been successfully synthesized by γ‐irradiation, at room temperature, of an aqueous PMMA–CS2–ethanol solution that contains NiSO4·6H2O. Electron microscopy results show that the diameter of the NiS hollow spheres and the thickness of the sphere shells are about 500 nm and 20 nm, respectively. The room‐temperature UV‐vis absorption spectrum of the NiS hollow spheres gives a peak centered at around 233 nm (5.56 eV) with a remarkable blue‐shift relative to that of bulk NiS (2.1 eV). This remarkable blue‐shift may be attributed to the small dimensions of the materials. A possible growth mechanism of NiS hollow spheres by γ‐irradiation method is also presented. The successful preparation of NiS hollow spheres on a large scale under mild conditions could be of interest for both applications and fundamental studies.
Robustness of Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) Tests of Significance against Misspecification of the Error Structure Model
Authors: Overall John E. , Tonidandel Scott 
Published: April 2004

AbstractGeneralized linear model analyses of repeated measurements typically rely on simplifying mathematical models of the error covariance structure for testing the significance of differences in patterns of change across time. The robustness of the tests of significance depends, not only on the degree of agreement between the specified mathematical model and the actual population data structure, but also on the precision and robustness of the computational criteria for fitting the specified covariance structure to the data. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) solutions utilizing the robust empirical sandwich estimator for modeling of the error structure were compared with general linear mixed model (GLMM) solutions that utilized the commonly employed restricted maximum likelihood (REML) procedure. Under the conditions considered, the GEE and GLMM procedures were identical in assuming that the data are normally distributed and that the variance‐covariance structure of the data is the one specified by the user.The question addressed in this article concerns relative sensitivity of tests of significance for treatment effects to varying degrees of misspecification of the error covariance structure model when fitted by the alternative procedures. Simulated data that were subjected to monte carlo evaluation of actual Type I error and power of tests of the equal slopes hypothesis conformed to assumptions of ordinary linear model ANOVA for repeated measures except for autoregressive covariance structures and missing data due to dropouts. The actual within‐groups correlation structures of the simulated repeated measurements ranged from AR(1) to compound symmetry in graded steps, whereas the GEE and GLMM formulations restricted the respective error structure models to be either AR(1), compound symmetry (CS), or unstructured (UN). The GEE‐based tests utilizing empirical sandwich estimator criteria were documented to be relatively insensitive to misspecification of the covariance structure models, whereas GLMM tests which relied on restricted maximum likelihood (REML) were highly sensitive to relatively modest misspecification of the error correlation structure even though normality, variance homogeneity, and linearity were not an issue in the simulated data.Goodness‐of‐fit statistics were of little utility in identifying cases in which relatively minor misspecification of the GLMM error structure model resulted in inadequate alpha protection for tests of the equal slopes hypothesis. Both GEE and GLMM formulations that relied on unstructured (UN) error model specification produced nonconservative results regardless of the actual correlation structure of the repeated measurements. A random coefficients model produced robust tests with competitive power across all conditions examined. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Generalized Estimating Equations in Controlled Clinical Trials: Hypotheses Testing
Authors: Dahmen G. , Ziegler A. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractGeneralized estimating equations (GEE) for the analysis of clustered data have gained increasing popularity. Recently, the first monograph on this method has been published. GEE have been repeatedly applied in controlled clinical trials. They have, however, been generally used as secondary or supplementary analysis. Instead, the primary analysis was mostly based on a classical method that usually ignored the clustered – mostly longitudinal – nature of the data. In this paper, we discuss the applicability of GEE as primary analysis in controlled clinical trials. From theoretical results in the literature, we derive recommendations how GEE should be used in therapeutic studies for testing statistical hypotheses. We hope that our paper is the starting point for a thorough discussion on the most appropriate analysis of controlled clinical trials with clustered dependent variables. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
In situ monitoring of cell death using Raman microspectroscopy
Authors: Verrier S. , Notingher I. , Polak J. M. , Hench L. L. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractWe investigated the use of Raman microspectroscopy to monitor the molecular changes in human lung carcinoma epithelial cells (A549) when cell death was induced by a toxic chemical. We treated A549 cells with 100 μM Triton X‐100 and carried out Raman microspectroscopy measurements in parallel with cell viability and DNA integrity assays at time points of 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours. We found that the important biochemical changes taking place during cell death, such as the degradation of proteins, DNA breakdown, and the formation of lipid vesicles, can be detected with Raman microspectroscopy. A decrease in the intensity of the O‐P‐O stretching Raman peak corresponding to the DNA molecule phosphate‐sugar backbone at 788 cm‐1 indicated DNA disintegration, an observation which was confirmed by DNA integrity analysis. We also found a decrease in the intensity of the Raman peaks corresponding to proteins (1005 cm‐1, 1342 cm‐1) and an increase in the concentration of lipids (1660 cm‐1, 1303 cm‐1). These changes are the effects of the complex molecular mechanisms during the induction of cell death, such as protein cleavage due to the activation of caspases, followed by DNA fragmentation. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers, 2004
Stereoscopic vision provides a significant advantage for precision robotic laparoscopy
Authors: Jourdan I C , Dutson E , Garcia A , Vleugels T , Leroy J , Mutter D , Marescaux J 
Published: April 2004

AbstractBackgroundCurrent surgical robots provide no sense of touch and rely solely upon vision. This study evaluated the effect of new stereoscopic technology on the performance of robotic precision laparoscopy.MethodsEight experienced laparoscopists with no experience in robotics performed five tasks of increasing complexity using a laparoscopic robot. The tasks were as follows: rope pass, paper cut, needle capping, knot tying and needle threading. Each test was performed ten times under both stereoscopic and monoscopic conditions. Performance times and errors were recorded.ResultsMean(s.e.m.) final performance times were calculated from the final five trial times for each test, and were as follows for monoscopic and stereoscopic conditions respectively: rope pass 112·8(4·2) and 97·0(3·7) s (P = 0·013), paper cut 117·1(6·0) and 98·4(9·8) s (P = 0·020), needle capping 144·5(12·7) and 99·7(6·8) s (P = 0·008), knot tying 138·7(14·3) and 70·3(6·0) s (P = 0·002), and needle threading 210·8(28·2) and 92·3(4·1) s (P = 0·002). The mean(s.e.m.) number of errors per candidate was 60·6(7·8) and 20·8(3·9) under monoscopic and stereoscopic conditions respectively (P = 0·004).ConclusionStereoscopic vision provided a significant advantage during robotic laparoscopy in situations that required a precise understanding of structural orientation.
Endothelin axis expression is markedly different in the two main subtypes of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Douglas Meaghan L. , Richardson Michelle M. , Nicol David L. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe endothelin axis has been implicated in cancer growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis, but to the authors' knowledge the expression of endothelin genes has not been defined in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).METHODSTissue specimens were harvested from both normal and tumor‐affected regions at the time of radical nephrectomy from 35 patients with RCC (22 with clear cell RCC [ccRCC] and 13 with papillary RCC [PRCC]). Real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis determined the expression profile of the preproendothelins (PPET‐1, PPET‐2, and PPET‐3), the endothelin receptors (ETA and ETB), and the endothelin‐converting enzymes (ECE‐1 and ECE‐2).RESULTSPPET‐1 was found to be up‐regulated in ccRCC tumor specimens and down‐regulated in PRCC tumor specimens. ETA was significantly down‐regulated in PRCC tumor specimens. ECE‐1 was expressed in all tissue specimens at comparable levels, with moderate but significant elevation in normal tissue specimens associated with PRCC. Of the other genes, PPET‐2 and ETB were expressed in all tissue specimens and no differences were observed between tumor subtypes or tumor‐affected and normal tissue specimens, whereas PPET‐3 and ECE‐2 were present in all tissue specimens but were barely detectable.CONCLUSIONSThe endothelin axis was expressed differently in the two main subtypes of RCC and appeared to match macroscopic features commonly observed in these tumors (i.e., high expression of PPET‐1 in hypervascular ccRCC contrasted against low PPET‐1 and ETA expression in hypovascular PRCC). The presence of ECE‐1 mRNA in these tissue specimens suggested that active endothelin ligands were present, indicating endothelin axis activity was elevated in ccRCC compared with normal kidney, but impaired in PRCC. The current study provided further evidence that it is not appropriate to consider ccRCC and PRCC indiscriminately in regard to treatment. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Mott‐hopping processes in neodymium oxide thin films prepared on Si(100) substrates
Authors: Dakhel A. A. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThin Nd oxide films were prepared on Si (P) substrates to form MOS structure. The oxide films were annealed at different conditions and their crystal structures were determined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The dc electrical transport properties of the devices with amorphous and crystalline Nd oxide were investigated. The current‐temperature J(T) characteristics suggest that the carrier transport through the insulator follows Mott's variable‐range hopping (VRH) mechanism and its results were compared with the results obtained from X‐ray diffraction. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Crystal growth, thermal, optical and microhardness studies of tris (thiourea) zinc sulphate ‐ a semiorganic NLO material
Authors: Ramajothi J. , Dhanuskodi S. , Nagarajan K. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractTris (thiourea) zinc sulphate (ZTS), a semiorganic nonlinear optical (NLO) material has been synthesized at 30 °C. The solubility was determined in different solvents such as water, ethanol and water mixture of ethanol (1:1). Good quality single crystals with size 10 × 8 × 6 mm3 were grown by slow evaporation technique within three weeks with approximate growth rate of 0.5 mm/day. The grown crystals have been subjected to single crystal X‐ray diffraction to determine the unit cell dimensions and morphology. The TGA and DTA reveal that the material has good thermal stability. The UV‐Vis spectrum shows that the material has wide optical transparency in the entire visible region. The second harmonic generation was confirmed by Kurtz powder method. The birefringence of the crystal was measured in the visible region and it was found to vary with the wavelength. The microhardness test was carried out in (100) plane and the load dependent hardness was measured. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)