bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of the stability of factor VIII inhibitors in plasma and plasma dried on filter paper discs stored at room temperature
Authors: Winikoff R. , Boulanger A. , St Louis J. , Lacroix S. , Rivard G.‐É. 
Published: March 2003

Summary. The transportation of plasma specimens to specialized haemophilia centre laboratories for anti‐factor VIII inhibitor titre determination is often necessary. The routine method of transporting frozen specimens on dry ice is limited by its cost and need for special handling. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of storing specimens at room temperature on the FVIII inhibitor titre determinations using the Bethesda assay. Specimens stored both in liquid phase as well as adsorbed onto filter paper discs were studied. The results of the present study demonstrate that plasma specimens stored for up to 2 weeks at room temperature, either in liquid phase or adsorbed onto filter paper, yield equivalent measures of FVIII inhibitor titres using the Bethesda assay to plasma specimens stored frozen at −70 °C. Plasma specimens dried on filter paper discs and stored at room temperature offers a reliable, more practical and less expensive alternative to frozen plasma as a means of transport to specialized referral laboratories for analysis of anti‐FVIII titres.
Distribution of edaphic‐endemic butterflies in the Sierra Nevada of California
Authors: Gervais* Bruce R. , Shapiro Arthur M. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTFive edaphically‐restricted or ‐endemic butterflies, mostly associated with serpentine, are shown to be distributed in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada in addition to their previously documented areas of occupancy in the California North Coast Ranges. Two species are absolutely limited by the edaphic restriction of their host plants, while the other three seemingly are not. The controversies concerning the origins of serpentine endemism in plants apply to butterflies as well. Long‐term relictualism can presumably apply only at the metapopulation level, not the local population level, due to the frequency of fire in these habitats. Development and habitat‐conversion trends pose a high risk to the long‐term survival of these species in the Sierra Nevada.
Estimating historical changes in land cover:North American croplands from 1850 to 1992
Authors: Ramankutty Navin , Foley Jonathan A. 
Published: March 2003

Summary 1. We present a simple algorithm for reconstructing spatially explicit historical changes in croplands. We initialize our simulation with a satellite‐derived characterization of present‐day croplands c. 1992. This data set of croplands is then used within a simple model, along with historical cropland inventory data at the national and subnational level, to reconstruct historical crop cover. We present an annual data set of cropland areas in North America between 1850 and 1992, at a spatial resolution of 5 min (≈10 km). 2. The reconstructed changes in North American crop cover are generally consistent with qualitative descriptions of change. Crop cover is initially concentrated in the eastern portions of the continent, and subsequently migrates westward into the Midwestern United States and the Prairie Provinces of Canada. We also see cropland abandonment in the eastern portions of the continent during the 20th century. The simulation, however, fails to characterize adequately the changes in crop cover in Mexico. 3. We also estimate the extent to which the different vegetation types of North America have been cleared for cultivation. We find that savannas/grasslands/steppes and forests/woodlands have undergone the most extensive conversion (1.68 and 1.40 million km2 cleared, respectively, since 1850). We further discuss the wider implications of such large‐scale changes in land cover.
Vegetational history of the Korean Peninsula
Authors: Kong Woo‐Seok 
Published: March 2003

Abstract1 The vegetational and environmental history of the Korean Peninsula has been reconstructed by the use of both macrofossils and pollen data. These data were analysed within the time‐frame between the Permian and the present day.2 The continuous appearances of presently occurring conifers and dicotyledons since the Cretaceous indicate both the absence of catastrophic environmental changes in the past, and a degree of long‐term climatic continuity. There were, however, climatic fluctuations occurring within the full time‐frame considered.3 The presence of a relatively rich flora in both the Oligocene and Miocene suggests the existence of a warm climate. The removal of the Tertiary and Quaternary conifers from the Holocene deposits and the continued survival of cryophilous conifers since the later Pleistocene may be due to climatic deterioration.4 Overall, an analysis on the vegetational history seems to provide information for the better understanding of the present vegetation as well as providing data on environmental change in the region.
Sensitization to horse hair, symptoms and lung function in grooms
Authors: Tutluoǧlu B. , Atış S. , Anakkaya A. N. , Altuǧ E. , Tosun G. A. , Yaman M. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryObjective This study aimed to investigate the rate of occupational sensitization to horse hair in grooms and whether occupational exposure to horse hair increases respiratory and allergic symptoms and affects lung function in grooms or not.Methods This is a cross‐sectional study. Two hundred grooms were randomly selected among 1000 grooms working in Veliefendi Hippodrome of Istanbul. One hundred and twenty‐five subjects agreed to enter the study. Ninety‐two workers who worked in the different parts of this hippodrome enrolled as the control group. A detailed questionnaire including respiratory and allergic symptoms was filled in, physical examination, skin prick tests and pulmonary function tests were performed.Results Sensitization to horse hair was 12.8% in grooms and 4.3% in controls. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.0035). Asthma was found in 14.4% of the grooms and 5.4% of the controls, allergic rhinitis in 42.4% of the grooms and 18.4% of the controls, allergic conjunctivitis in 35.2% of the grooms and 15.2% of the controls, and allergic skin diseases in 32.8% of the grooms and 13% of the controls. The differences were statistically significant (P = 0.043, P = 0.0002, P = 0.001 and P = 0.0008, respectively). The means of FEV1, FEV1/FVC and FVC parameters were significantly lower in the groom group (P = 0.006, P = 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, being in the groom group and working years were found to be predictive factors for impairments of lung function (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively).Conclusion Occupational exposure to horse increases the sensitization to horse hair, induces asthma and allergic symptoms and also impairs lung functions.
Influence of different dosage schedules of inhaled fluticasone propionate on peripheral blood cytokine concentrations in childhood asthma
Authors: Visser M. J. , Postma D. S. , Brand P. L. P. , Arends L. R. , Duiverman E. J. , Kauffman H. F. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Asthma is characterized by eosinophilic airways inflammation with elevated levels of IL‐4, IL‐5 and sICAM‐1, and reduced levels of IL‐10 and IFN‐γ. Inhaled corticosteroids powerfully reduce airways inflammation.Objective To investigate if eosinophil counts, serum eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) and sICAM‐1 levels, as well as serum and production of cytokines (IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10, IFN‐γ) by peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) are useful markers to monitor therapy with inhaled fluticasone propionate (FP) in asthmatic children.Methods In a double‐blind, 1‐year study, 55 asthmatic children (aged 6–10 years) stopped inhaled corticosteroids for a mean period of 24 days and were randomized to receive either FP 200 µg/day (constant dose group), or a starting dose of FP 1000 µg/day with two monthly reductions to 500, 200 and 100 µg/day (stepdown group). Hyper‐responsiveness, symptom scores and blood sampling were performed at 2‐month intervals.Results Symptoms and hyper‐responsiveness improved significantly in both treatment groups after reintroduction of FP. Eosinophil counts decreased significantly more during the first 2 months of FP in the stepdown group than in the constant dose group (P = 0.03). We found a trend towards a dose‐dependent response in changes of eosinophil counts and serum ECP levels during treatment. Serum IL‐4 and IL‐5 levels were undetectable in the majority of children. No significant effect of the dose of FP on the release of IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10 or IFN‐γ by Con A stimulated PBMCs was found. sICAM‐1 levels did not significantly differ at any time point between the two groups.Conclusion Serum ECP as well as peripheral blood eosinophils, cytokine production by PBMCs and sICAM‐1 levels are insensitive markers in titrating and monitoring therapy with inhaled corticosteroids over a wide dose range in childhood asthma.
Lotic meiofaunal community dynamics: colonisation, resilience and persistence in a spatially and temporally heterogeneous environment
Authors: Robertson Anne L. 
Published: March 2003

1. The spatial and temporal dynamics of lotic meiofaunal communities were examined with a focus on colonisation, maintenance of populations in lotic environments and persistence of meiofaunal communities.2. Lotic meiofaunal colonisation of new habitats may take place via a number of mechanisms and is rapid at both the patch scale (within hours–days) and the drainage basin scale (within 20 years). Successional patterns in lotic meiofaunal communities are evident although data are extremely limited.3. Lotic meiofaunal communities appear to be resilient to high flow disturbances. Resilience is moderated by the availability of in‐stream refugia and habitat hydrology. Lotic meiofauna may also adopt a ‘refuge as habitat‘ approach to such disturbances.4. Lotic cyclopoid copepods possess a common suite of life history characteristics that confers resilience to disturbances. Compared to pelagic planktonic species they have short generation times, many descendants per reproductive cycle and long lifespans. Females in ‘source‘ populations are likely to survive disturbances and so could continuously reproduce over a long period of time producing large numbers of offspring which develop rapidly and recolonise ‘sink‘ areas of the stream.5. Persistence of lotic meiofaunal communities is highly variable. Meiofaunal persistence does not increase with increasing proportions of in‐stream flow refugia.
Biogeographic variation in nest placement: a case study with conservation implications
Authors: Parody Jennifer M. , Parker Timothy H. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Local habitat characteristics are often used to describe a species’ niche despite the fact that habitat use can vary across the geographical range. We sought to quantify variation in habitat preferences by asking how nesting habit varies within and between populations of Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii) across its geographical range. Analyses of detailed nest placement data from three localities (Kansas, eastern New Mexico and western New Mexico) showed a general trend towards use of dense vegetation. However, there was substantial variation in nest placement and vegetation at nest sites between localities. Furthermore, a review of nest placement data from the literature shows strong differences in nest heights and species of trees even between populations less than 100 km apart. We evaluate these results in light of conservation and suggest that to be most effective, habitat conservation plans should be based on data collected at the locality where the population of interest occurs.
The use of evidence by health care user organizations
Authors: Glenton Claire , Oxman Andrew D. 
Published: March 2003

Objectives To explore the use of research evidence by consumer and patient organizations and the extent to which their goals and activities are consistent with evidence‐based health care and patient‐centred care. DesignA mailed survey, telephone and face‐to‐face interviews of leaders of organizations representing health care users. SettingNorway. Participants Sixty‐nine of 109 questionnaires that were mailed were included in our analysis and approximately 20 interviews were conducted with representatives of general consumer and patient advocacy groups and interest groups that focus on particular diseases or disabilities. MeasurementsInformation was collected on the goals of the organizations, the nature of their everyday work, the extent to which research information is required in this work and how research information is accessed and appraised. ResultsAn important focus of many user groups is peer support. They tend to emphasize experience‐based knowledge. A total of 82% of the respondents said that they often or sometimes had use for research results in their work. Research‐based information is most often obtained indirectly through physicians or researchers. ConclusionsNorwegian health care user organizations do not appear to promote evidence‐based health care. To the extent that they help to disseminate scientific information, they appear to do so uncritically, relying on few sources and traditional authorities.
Participation in treatment decision‐making by women with early stage breast cancer
Authors: Kenny Patricia , Quine Susan , Shiell Alan , Cameron Sue 
Published: March 2003

Objective This study aimed to assess the way women treated for early stage breast cancer perceived the treatment selection process. The purpose was to understand more fully patients’ experiences of the decision process and their preferences for participation in treatment decisions. Setting and participants The study informants were 40 women, treated at a teaching hospital in Sydney Australia, who were interviewed face to face 1 year after their first treatment for stage I or stage II breast cancer. Methods This study used a qualitative approach, based on the analysis of interview transcripts. The main areas covered were how the informants’ treatment decisions were made and their preferences for participation in treatment decisions. Content and thematic analyses were conducted with findings presented using verbatim quotations for illustration. Results and conclusions Many of the informants who preferred not to participate in decisions also failed to recognize the need for value judgements (as well as medical expertise) in the decision‐making process. Some informants believed they ought to be responsible for the consequences whilst others did not. Difficulties were identified in patient utilization of medical information for treatment decision‐making, and also in establishing preferences for the risks and benefits of treatments where few patients had prior experience of the potential outcomes. The findings indicate that patient participation in treatment decision‐making is a more complex issue than simply giving patients information and choices. Ways of enhancing patients’ involvement in the treatment selection process are discussed.
Patient participation in service improvement: the initial Measures Project experience
Authors: Millett  , Devlin  , Adams  , Gill  
Published: March 2003

Background ‘Measures’ is a 2‐year, part‐funded European Community project. It began in March 1998 and has, as its primary foci, the aims of continuing to improve the quality and efficiency of patient care by, (1) re‐examining healthcare processes and (2) determining how best to take advantage of information technology. Central to this has been patient involvement in the project. Initially the project is focused on aspects of rheumatology, diabetes and spinal injury services based across Pinderfields and Pontefract NHS Hospitals Trust. Approach Patient questionnaires, interactive cross‐specialty and individual specialty focus groups have been employed. The re‐enforcement of relationships with voluntary organizations has featured prominently. Conclusion Initial perception from patients participating in the process is highly positive and supportive. Specific areas to be considered for change have been addressed.
Doctor‐patient communication patterns in breast cancer adjuvant therapy discussions
Authors: Siminoff Laura A. , Ravdin Peter , Colabianchi Natalie , Sturm Christina M. Saunders 
Published: March 2003

Objective To identify variables within the patient‐oncologist communication pattern that impact overall patient comprehension and satisfaction within the breast cancer adjuvant therapy (AT) setting. Setting and participants Fifty patients were recruited from a number of academic and community‐based oncology practices. Fifteen oncologists participated. Main variables Three communication variables were identified: percentage of total utterances spoken by the patient, percentage of total physician utterances that were coded as affective (i.e. emotional), and total number of questions asked by the patient during the consultation. Knowledge and satisfaction were assessed by a variety of outcome measures, including knowledge items and satisfaction as measured by VASs, the satisfaction with decision scale and the decisional conflict scale. Results The level of patient knowledge about breast cancer and satisfaction with the clinical encounter showed a tendency to correlate with the variables measuring aspects of patient‐physician communication style. Patients who spoke more or asked more questions tended to be more knowledgeable whilst patients whose physicians used more affective language tended to know less but to be more satisfied with their clinical encounter. Conclusions In order to optimize patients’ degree of comprehension and satisfaction with their breast cancer adjuvant therapy, physicians need to increase their affective participation in clinical encounters whilst encouraging patients to ask questions and to actively participate in the decision‐making process.
Enhancing prevention in primary care: are interventions targeted towards consumers’ and providers’ perceived needs?
Authors: Beaulieu Marie‐Dominique , Talbot Yves , Jadad Alejandro R. , Xhignesse Marianne 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo explore perceived barriers to the implementation of prevention guidelines, with a particular interest to perceived information needs from the point of view of health professionals and consumers.Study DesignFocus group.Setting and ParticipantsEight focus groups were held in three Canadian cities: three with consumer, three with family physician, and two with primary care nurses.AnalysisInductive analysis based on transcribed interviews. The material was analysed by two of the investigators. Agreement on interpretation was checked independently by three other researchers on 10% of the material.ResultsLack of motivation, discontinuity of care and lack of adequate remuneration were perceived as the strongest barriers to prevention implementation. Computerized information management systems were not perceived by physicians and nurses as strong facilitating factors. Consumers expressed strongly a need for information on non‐traditional preventive interventions. Physicians and nurses expressed a need for patient education material more than for practice guidelines. Research evidence was not considered as the first criteria to judge the value of preventive information.ConclusionsEvidence‐based medicine has triggered a massive effort to develop technologies to support the dissemination of evidence‐based information on the assumption that poor access to such information is an important barrier to implementation of effective practices. Our results suggest that such an assumption may not be correct. Providing only evidence‐based information from the realm of traditional medicine will appear restrictive to most users, particularly to consumers, and may not be as valued as anticipated considering the expressed scepticism toward research evidence.
The role of health professionals in informing cancer patients: findings from The Teamwork Project (phase one)
Authors: Smith  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe Teamwork Project is managed by the National Cancer Alliance (NCA) and funded jointly by the National Lottery Charities Board and the Department of Health. The aim of the Project is to produce a Personal Information File to help people with cancer work in partnership with health professionals. Phase one was carried out between September 1998 and April 2000.The Teamwork Project arose as a direct result of the NCA report, ‘Patient‐Centred Cancer Services’? – What Patients Say,1 one of a number of studies that found people with cancer want to be involved in decisions about their treatment and care. The study also found that, for this involvement to be successful, health professionals need to support patients in accessing information relevant to their individual needs and help them understand and apply that information. The focus of The Teamwork Project is to help provide a practical solution to meeting this information need.ApproachThe Teamwork Project has used a wide‐range of methods including literature appraisal; patient questionnaires; focus groups; semi‐structured interviews and a consultation exercise. Throughout the Project there has been on‐going involvement from both patients and professionals.ConclusionsThere may be a divergence of views among health professionals in cancer services regarding their role as providers of patient information. Consequently, there may also be a significant variance in how their patients are informed in practice. This finding needs to be validated and the reasons for this understood if the full potential of the forthcoming National Health Service (NHS) Cancer Information Strategy is to be realised.
Involving consumers in a needs‐led research programme: a pilot project
Authors: Oliver Sandy , Milne Ruairidh , Bradburn Jane , Buchanan Phyll , Kerridge Lynn , Walley Tom , Gabbay John 
Published: March 2003

Objectives To describe the methods used for involving consumers in a needs‐led health research programme, and to discuss facilitators, barriers and goals. Design In a short action research pilot study, we involved consumers in all stages of the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme: identifying and prioritizing research topics; commissioning and reporting research; and communicating openly about the programme. We drew on the experience of campaigning, self‐help and patients’ representative groups, national charities, health information services, consumer researchers and journalists for various tasks. We explored consumer literature as a potential source for research questions, and as a route for disseminating research findings. These innovations were complemented by training, one‐to‐one support and discussion. A reflective approach included interviews with consumers, co‐ordinating staff, external observers and other programme contributors, document analysis and multidisciplinary discussion (including consumers) amongst programme contributors. Results When seeking research topics, face‐to‐face discussion with a consumer group was more productive than scanning consumer research reports or contacting consumer health information services. Consumers were willing and able to play active roles as panel members in refining and prioritizing topics, and in commenting on research plans and reports. Training programmes for consumer involvement in service planning were readily adapted for a research programme. Challenges to be overcome were cultural divides, language barriers and a need for skill development amongst consumers and others. Involving consumers highlighted a need for support and training for all contributors to the programme. Conclusions Consumers made unique contributions to the HTA Programme. Their involvement exposed processes which needed further thought and development. Consumer involvement benefited from the National Co‐ordinating Centre for Health Technology Assessment (NCCHTA) staff being comfortable with innovation, participative development and team learning. Neither recruitment nor research capacity were insurmountable challenges, but ongoing effort is required if consumer involvement is to be sustained.