bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of 4-methylthioamphetamine in clinical specimens
Authors: Elliott Simon P 
Published: October 2002

There has been much publicity, particularly in Europe, regarding a new phenylethylamine-based compound called 4-methylthioamphetamine (4-MTA), also known as para-methylthioamphetamine (p-MTA), MTA or 'Flatliner'. Chemically, 4-MTA is an amphetamine derivative and is a potent, non-neurotoxic serotoninreleasing agent and reversible inhibitor of rat monoamine oxidase-A. Its effects, therefore, appear different from those of amphetamine. Analysis of various plasma and urine specimens in three clinical cases implicating 'Ecstasy' ingestion revealed the presence of 4-MTA. Presumed metabolites were also detected, with one compound identified as being 4-MTA sulphoxide. The concentrations of 4-MTA measured in the plasma ranged from 0·131mg/L to 0·760mg/L. In one patient the 4-MTA concentration was determined in a series of plasma samples and this allowed a presumptive half-life of approximately 7h to be estimated. This paper describes the first reported data regarding possible pharmacokinetics of 4-MTA in humans and presents the first reported non-fatal instances of 4-MTA intoxication in the UK.
Point-of-care testing of blood glucose in the neonatal unit using the AVL Omni 9 analyser
Authors: Newman Julie D , Pecache Nerissa S , Barfield Charles P , Balazs Nicholas DH 
Published: October 2002

Background: Blood glucose measurements in newborns at risk of hypoglycaemia are an essential part of their medical management. Blood glucose measurements obtained by point-of-care testing using an AVL Omni 9 blood gas and metabolite analyser were compared with those obtained in the central laboratory using a Dade Dimension RXL analyser. Methods: Blood glucose was measured at the point of care by nursing staff using an AVL Omni 9 blood gas and metabolite analyser and compared to results obtained in the central laboratory using a DADE Dimension RXL analyser. In total, 123 samples were taken from 114 babies admitted to the neonatal unit. Results: The limits of agreement between the AVL Omni 9 and the central laboratory were 0·0±0·6 mmol/L for glucose values between 0·5 and 13 mmol/L. Regression analysis showed: AVL Omni 9 glucose = 0·977 x plasma glucose+0·14. There was also a good correlation ( r=0·92) between the AVL Omni 9 and the DADE Dimension RXL analyser for glucose values <3 mmol/L. The limits of agreement for the AVL Omni 9 when compared with the DADE Dimension RXL analyser were -0·1±0·5 mmol/L. Discussion: Point-of-care testing of blood glucose using the AVL Omni 9 blood gas and metabolite analyser is a reliable means of measuring blood glucose and has the advantage of providing a fast result using small volumes of blood.
Clinico-pathological correlation between allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma
Authors: Varghese Bipin T. , Murthy P. S. N. , Rajan Ranjit 
Published: October 2002

A prospective study was carried out on 52 patients with allergic rhinitis, during March 1993–January 1995. This was to analyse the occurrence of bronchial asthma among them and to correlate the symptoms, signs and pathological findings of allergic rhinitis with that of bronchial asthma in those patients with both the disorders. The therapeutic benefits with regard to the symptoms of bronchial asthma in these patients were assessed after treatment of their nasal allergy for a period of at least four months.A definite aetio-clinico-pathological correlation could be established between allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma and it could be concluded from the study that prompt attention to nasal symptoms in cases with co-existent bronchial asthma helps to a large extent in curbing the symptoms of the latter.
Haemangiopericytoma of infratemporal fossa
Authors: Kanazawa Takeharu , Nishino Hiroshi , Miyata Mamoru , Kuriki Ken , Abe Kouichi , Ichimura Keiichi 
Published: October 2002

Haemangiopericytomas (HPCs) are rare vascular tumours that commonly involve the soft tissues of the trunk and lower extremities. In the head and neck, the most common sites are the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses, and unusually, the orbital region, the parotid gland, and the neck. We report a patient with HPC that originated in the infratemporal fossa and involved the pterygopalatine and the middle cranial fossae, apparently the first such case to be reported. Although the patient has undergone resection on three separate occasions, the tumour recurred. We then performed an extended resection using the infratemporal fossa approach type D. The patient has shown no recurrence in the past five years.Although histopathologic confirmation of this malignancy may be difficult, extensive resection remains the most effective treatment in such cases.
Resident training in head and neck flap reconstruction in U.S. academic otolaryngology programmes
Authors: Bhaya Mahesh H. , Har-El Gady 
Published: October 2002

The main objective of this study was to assess resident training in head and neck flap reconstruction, and to determine the confidence of graduating residents in performing these flaps independently. Questionnaires were distributed to otolaryngology residents graduating in 1997. Respondents recorded the number of pedicled and free flap procedures they performed, or assisted with, and indicated flaps they felt confident about performing independently.Pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) (n = 560, mean 6.59) and radial forearm (RF) (66, 0.78) were the most common pedicled and free flaps performed. There was a significant difference (p = 0.0002, Mann-Whitney U test) between median confidence for pedicled (44.5 per cent) and free flaps (two per cent). Ten of the 17 flaps showed a significant Pearson correlation (p<0.05) between number of procedures performed and confidence in performing them independently. Of the pedicled flaps, latissimus dorsi (LD) showed good correlation (r = 0.67), PMMC showed low correlation (r = 0.19) and other pedicled flaps fair correlation. Of the free flaps, LD (r = 0.64) and fibula (r = 0.50) showed good correlation and rectus abdominis and RF fair correlation. There was a fair inverse correlation (r =−0.29) between numbers of pedicled and free flaps performed.Higher correlation in flaps uncommonly performed reflects greater operative training necessary to achieve the confidence for performing these flaps independently. As respondents perfomed greater numbers of free flaps, the number of pedicled flaps decreased. It might thus be important to train residents in all aspects of pedicled flaps. Most respondents were of the opinion that additional training in free flaps was necessary for those planning a career in head and neck reconstructive surgery.
Co-existing cholesteatoma and vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Ogungbo Biodun , Holliman Damian , Mendelow A. David , Hill John 
Published: October 2002

A 69-year-old man presented with a cholesteatoma in the right mastoid process and a vestibular schwannoma at the left internal acoustic meatus. Cholesteatoma co-existing with a vestibular schwannoma has not been documented previously in the contemporary literature. The clinical dilemma in the managementof his progressive bilateral hearing loss is discussed. He presented with dizziness and bilateral hearing loss worse on the right side. Pressure over the mastoid process elicited vertigo and nystagmus. He had no history of previous operation or infection in the ear canal. Audiograms confirmed high-tone hearing loss. Radiological investigations revealed a symptomatic cholesteatoma on the right side and an incidental vestibular schwannoma on the left. We have elected to manage bothlesions conservatively.Bilateral cholesteatoma and bilateral vestibular schwannomas have been previously reported. Co-existing lesions, as in our patient have, however, not been reported previously. The management options of his hearing loss are discussed.
Disability, handicap and benefit analysis with the bone-anchored hearing aid: the Glasgow hearing aid benefit and difference profiles
Authors: McDermott Ann-Louise , Dutt Sunil N. , Tziambazis Elia , Reid Andrew P. , Proops David W. 
Published: October 2002

The Birmingham bone-anchored hearing aid programme began in 1988 and by autumn 2000 a total of 351 patients had been fitted with such an aid. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of hearing rehabilitation with the bone-anchored hearing aid. This was a prospective interview-based questionnaire study carried out in the autumn 2000. A total of 84 adult patients were interviewed. Each patient had worn their BAHA for more than one year.The questionnaire used during these interviews was the Glasgow hearing aid benefit profile (GHABP) and the Glasgow hearing aid difference profile (GHADP). This was first derived and validated by Gatehouse in 1999. The use of bone-anchored hearing aids was found to reduce the level of disability and handicap and provided the most patient benefit and satisfaction.
Trends in HIV-Related Consultation in Dutch General Practice
Authors: Ros C C , Kerssens J J , Foets M , Peters L 
Published: October 2002

New medicine against AIDS and a possible changing attitude towards AIDS will affect the role of the general practitioner (GP). We aim to explore and assess the changing role of the GP in preventing and detecting AIDS, which will be done by providing insight into the changing numbers and content of HIV-related consultations in the general practice. Since 1988 a representative sample of 63 Dutch GPs have participated in a network. They recorded all face-to-face consultations with non HIV-infected patients in which the subject of AIDS was brought up. Timetrend analysis is used to investigate variations over time in the number and content of the consultations, GPs’ actions and patients’ characteristics. The influence of a rural or urban setting and the characteristics of the patients who are involved are also taken into account. Until 1994 a significant increase was found in the number of consultations. In highly urban areas the number of consultations is higher and still growing, whereas physicians in rural areas see fewer patients every year. The most important topic of conversation was the request for an HIV test (74%). This figure grew over the years, as did the number of tests performed. GPs became less passive and restrictive in advising tests. The group of patients has also changed, e.g. patients do not mostly belong to traditional risk groups anymore, and are significantly younger. AIDS seems to have become more familiar to patients and doctors. A lot of general information is available from different sources. Because of this change in attitude and knowledge of patients, the GPs’ role as it relates to AIDS is becoming more specific in tracing infected patients and giving customized information to individuals. Patients visit their physicians less often because of concerns about AIDS, but the GP continues to fulfil a very important role in the prevention and detection of AIDS.
Health system goals: life, death and . . . football
Authors: Appleby John , Street Andrew 
Published: October 2002

Objectives: Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) have developed sophisticated ways of defining and aggregating performance to produce overall, single-number indices. These are used to illustrate some of the problems of measuring, comparing and improving health system performance. Methods: Possible associations between FIFA football rankings for international 'A' sides for 176 countries and rankings on the WHO overall health system performance index were explored using econometric techniques. Results: There is a significant relationship between a country's FIFA ranking and its ranking by the WHO. Taken at face value, the statistical analysis suggests that, if the national football team does well, the WHO score improves. Conclusions: The relationship between FIFA and WHO ranks is entirely spurious. However, comparison of the two indices illustrates problems with the WHO exercise, including measurement difficulties, how policy-makers may use the information to improve health system performance, what the public are to make of the data and how different dimensions of overall performance may be subject to trade-offs.
Systematic review of outreach clinics in primary care in the UK
Authors: Powell John 
Published: October 2002

Objectives : To determine the benefits of holding specialist outreach clinics in primary care settings by means of a systematic literature review of UK studies. Methods: Systematic searches of electronic databases, hand searches of journals, and contact with experts. Application of inclusion criteria. Study findings summarised. Results: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Surveys of general practitioners (GPs), specialists and patients identified the perceived advantages of outreach clinics of improving GP-specialist communication and improving patients' experience and access. Reported disadvantages concerned administrative costs, accommodation costs and inefficient use of specialists' time. Comparative studies showed that more patients expressed a preference for outreach clinics than for hospital-based clinics, and measures of patients' satisfaction and convenience generally were higher for outreach clinics. Studies did not show any consistent difference in health outcome between outreach and hospital-based clinics. Outreach clinics had higher direct costs to the health system than hospital-based clinics. Conclusions: Health care purchasers and providers must decide whether the advantages in terms of patients' experience of outreach clinics are worth the additional costs. They also need to consider issues of equity, which have not been addressed in research to date.
Effects of metallic mercury on the perimenstrual symptoms and menstrual outcomes of exposed workers
Authors: Yang Jian‐Ming , Chen Qiong‐Yu , Jiang Xue‐Zhi 
Published: October 2002

AbstractBackgroundMercury is an important environmental and industrial pollutant and its effect on perimenstrual symptoms and menstrual outcomes is unclear.MethodsA retrospective epidemiological investigation was conducted on 296 female workers exposed to mercury vapor and 394 female workers from food processing plants. Both groups included women of 18–44 years of age currently working since last at least 1 year when studied. Women who were currently pregnant, using oral contraceptives (Ocs), an intrauterine device (IUD), and steroid hormones were excluded.ResultsThe air concentration of mercury in the workplace ranged from 0.001–0.200 mg/m3. The prevalence of abdominal pain in the exposed group was significantly higher than that in the control group (odds ratio (OR) = 1.47, 95% CI is 1.03–2.11). The prevalence of dysmenorrhea in the exposed group was significantly higher than that in the control group (OR = 1.66, 95% CI is 1.07–2.59).ConclusionsAn increased prevalence of abnormal menstruation was found in mercury‐exposed workers in China. Dysmenorrhea may be a useful biomarker for assessing female exposure to mercury occupationally. These observations suggest that further studies and preventive measures are warranted. Am. J. Ind. Med. 42:403–409, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of clinical and patient‐based measures to assess medium‐term outcomes following shoulder surgery for disorders of the rotator cuff
Authors: Dawson Jill , Hill Graham , Fitzpatrick Ray , Carr Andrew 
Published: October 2002

AbstractObjectiveTo compare different assessments following shoulder surgery for impingement syndrome with or without rotator cuff tear or repair.MethodsA prospective study of 93 patients was conducted. Standard assessments were performed before, at 6 months, and at 4 years following shoulder surgery using the patient‐based Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) questionnaire, and a surgeon‐assessed Constant Shoulder Score. Patients were categorized according to the surgery received in relation to the presence of cuff tears: full repair, partial repair, cuff tear/no repair, no tear/no repair.ResultsMost patients (57%) received subacromial decompression for impingement with no cuff tear. This group had the fewest pre‐ and postoperative symptoms. The category of patients who received only partial repair of a cuff tear had worse scores on all outcome assessments compared with other groups. Patient‐based measures were more stable over time than the Constant.ConclusionThe shoulder‐specific measures had greater sensitivity than the SF‐36 in registering significant differences in outcomes between comparison groups at 6 months and 4 years.
Kinesthesia at the knee: The effect of osteoarthritis and bandage application
Authors: Hewitt Bronwen A. , Refshauge Kathryn M. , Kilbreath Sharon L. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee or bandaging of the knee affects movement detection.MethodsMovement detection levels were determined in 10 women aged > 65 years with moderate to severe knee OA and 10 healthy women matched for age, body mass index, and activity levels. Movements were imposed at 0.5°/second, 1.0°/second, and 2.5°/second. Additionally, detection levels were compared with and without the knee bandaged at a single velocity, (0.5°/second).ResultsControls perceived significantly smaller movements than OA subjects at all test velocities (P < 0.01). However, the bandage did not affect movement detection (P > 0.05).ConclusionsDetection of movement at the knee was impaired in subjects with severe knee OA, and a bandage did not improve detection. Thus, considering previous findings that position sense is impaired, a generalized proprioceptive deficit appears to be associated with OA. This deficit could result from loss of receptors, altered muscle function, or the consequent joint instability.
Visual subdivisions of the dorsal ventricular ridge of the iguana (Iguana iguana) as determined by electrophysiologic mapping
Authors: Manger Paul R. , Slutsky Daniel A. , Molnár Zoltán 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe dorsal ventricular ridge (DVR) of reptiles is one of two regions of the reptilian telencephalon that receives input from the dorsal thalamus. Although studies demonstrate that two visual thalamic nuclei, the dorsal lateral geniculate and rotundus, send afferents to the dorsal cortex and DVR, respectively, relatively little is known about physiologic representations. The present study determined the organization of the visual recipient region of the iguana DVR. Microelectrode mapping techniques were used to determine the extent, number of subdivisions, and retinotopy within the visually responsive region of the anterior DVR (ADVR). Visually responsive neurons were restricted to the anterior two thirds of the ADVR. Within this region, two topographically organized subdivisions were determined. Each subdivision contained a full representation of the visual field and could be distinguished from the other by differences in receptive field properties and reversals in receptive field progressions across their mutual border. A third subdivision of the ADVR, in which neurons are responsive to visual stimulation is also described; however, a distinct visuotopic representation could not be determined for this region. This third region forms a shell surrounding the lateral, dorsal, and medial aspects of the topographically organized subdivisions. These results demonstrate that there are multiple physiologic subdivisions in the thalamic recipient zone of the ADVR of the iguana. Comparisons to the ADVR of other reptiles are made, homologies to ectostriatial regions of the bird are proposed, and the findings are discussed in relation to telencephalic organization of other vertebrates. J. Comp. Neurol. 453:226–246, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developmental anomalies and neoplasia in animals and cells deficient in the large zinc finger protein KRC
Authors: Allen Carl E. , Muthusamy Natarajan , Weisbrode Steven E. , Hong Joung Woo , Wu Lai‐Chu 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe large zinc finger protein KRC binds to the signal sequences of V(D)J recombination and the κB motif. Disruption of KRC expression in cell lines resulted in increased cell proliferation, anchorage independence of growth, and uncoupling of nuclear division and cell division. In this report, the function of KRC was studied in a RAG2‐deficient blastocyst complementation animal model. KRC‐deficient embryonic stem cells were generated by homologous recombination and were introduced into RAG2−/− blastocysts to generate KRC−/−;RAG2−/− chimeric mice. The lymphoid compartments of chimeras examined at 5 weeks of age were developed, suggesting that KRC is not essential for V(D)J recombination development. However, by 6 months of age, there was a marked deficit in CD4+CD8+ thymocytes in the chimeras, suggesting that KRC may be involved in T‐lymphocyte survival. Additionally, one chimera developed anomalies, including postaxial polydactyly, hydronephrosis, and an extragonadal malignant teratoma. DNA analysis showed that the teratoma was derived from KRC−/− embryonic stem cells. The teratoma had compound tissue organization and was infiltrated with B lymphocytes. Subsequently, several immortalized KRC‐deficient cell lines were established from the teratoma. In this study, growth anomalies and neoplasia were observed in animals and cells deficient in KRC, and other studies have shown allelic loss occurring at the chromosomal region of the human KRC counterpart in various tumors. We propose that KRC may be a previously unidentified tumor‐suppresser gene. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of the breakpoints at 1p36.2 and 3p21.3 in an AML(M3) patient who had t(1;3)(p36.2;p21.3) at the third relapse
Authors: Tri Nguyen Khanh , Xinh Phan Thi , Nagao Hiromasa , Izumi Tohru , Ozawa Keiya , Toyoda Atsushi , Hattori Masahira , Sakaki Yoshiyuki , Tokunaga Katsushi , Sato Yuko 
Published: October 2002

AbstractRecently, we reported that a recurrent translocation, t(1;3)(p36;p21) is closely associated with prior chemotherapy including alkylating agents, assessing eight patients with various hematologic malignancies (Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer 34:186–192), 2002). Furthermore, we delineated the 1p36 breakpoint in two patients lying between RP11‐BAC47P3 and RP5‐PAC963K15 at 1p36.3 with a small deletion near the breakpoint. In one of them, we also found deletion at 3p21.3 with cosNRL9 probe, which is included in a 370‐kb lung cancer homologous deletion region. However, due to scantiness of the patient materials at that time, we could not determine the precise breakpoint at 1p36 or 3p21 in any of the patients. In this report, we identified the 1p36 and 3p21 breakpoints of an AML (M3) patient who is included in the previous patient series. The patient showed t(1;3)(p36;p21) together with t(15;17) at the third relapse. With FISH using BAC/PAC probes, we determined the 1p36 breakpoint within RP11‐295B1 at 1p36.2 and the 3p21 breakpoint between RP11‐3B7 and RP11‐901L6 at 3p21.3. There was no deletion around the two breakpoints in this patient. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that has identified the precise breakpoint of t(1;3)(p36;p21) translocation. It is obvious that the 1p36.2 and 3p21.3 breakpoints of this patient are different from those of the previous patients, suggesting that the genes and the molecular event is different from those of the previous patients. The patients with t(1;3)(p36;p21) should be subclassified according to the precise breakpoints or the genes involved. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.