bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound dating at 12–14 or 15–20 weeks of gestation? A prospective cross‐validation of established dating formulae in a population of in‐vitro fertilized pregnancies randomized to early or late dating scan
Authors: Saltvedt S. , Almström H. , Kublickas M. , Reilly M. , Valentin L. , Grunewald C. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the accuracy of established ultrasound dating formulae when used at 12–14 and 15–20 gestational weeks.MethodsA total of 363 singleton pregnancies conceived after in‐vitro fertilization (IVF) and randomized to a dating scan at 12–14 or 15–20 gestational weeks were studied. ‘True’ gestational age was calculated on the basis of the day of oocyte retrieval and was compared to gestational age calculated on the basis of seven dating formulae including the fetal biparietal diameter (BPD) and three dating formulae including BPD and fetal femur length (FL). The mean of the differences between estimated and true gestational age (systematic measurement error) and their SD (random measurement error) were calculated for each formula.ResultsThree formulae showed systematic errors of less than −0.7 days at both early and late scanning. Two formulae overestimated gestational age at both early and late scanning by 5.7 and 3.1 vs. 2.3 and 2.8 days, respectively, while five formulae manifested very different systematic errors at early and late scanning. The formulae used for clinical management underestimated gestational age by a mean of 3 days when dating was performed at 12–14 weeks, and by a mean of 0.8 days when dating was done at 15–20 weeks. The random error was on average 1 day less when the scan was carried out early (2 vs. 3 days; P < 0.0005). Mean true gestational age at delivery in IVF pregnancies with spontaneous start of labor was 279 days (SD 12.9); excluding preterm deliveries it was 281 days (SD 8.1).ConclusionsUltrasound dating formulae originally intended for use in the middle of the second trimester do not necessarily perform well when used for dating earlier in gestation. The systematic and random error of any dating formula must be assessed for the gestational age interval in which the formula is intended to be used. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic cervical change during real‐time ultrasound: prospective characterization and comparison in patients with and without symptoms of preterm labor
Authors: Kurtzman J. T. , Jenkins S. M. , Brewster W. R. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractObjectivesTo compare the incidence of dynamic cervical change (spontaneous real‐time cervical shortening) in singleton patients with and without symptoms of preterm labor (PTL).MethodsA total of 109 patients between 23 and 34 weeks' gestation with and without PTL symptoms underwent cervical length ultrasound and contraction monitoring over a 10‐min period. Cervical length measurements were taken at 1‐min intervals. Exclusion criteria included ruptured membranes, dilation > 3 cm or cerclage. Following the examination, the sonographer made a subjective assessment as to whether noticeable dynamic cervical change had occurred. A measurement was then made during the application of fundal pressure. The initial cervical length, shortest length, maximum change in length and incidence of dynamic change were compared between patients with and without PTL symptoms. The shortest cervical length was compared to the presence and timing of uterine contractions and the measurement during the application of fundal pressure.ResultsA total of 43 asymptomatic patients and 66 symptomatic patients were studied. Compared to asymptomatic patients, patients with PTL symptoms had shorter initial lengths, nadir lengths and mean lengths over time as well as a greater amount of maximum change. Dynamic cervical change was more frequently seen in symptomatic patients (48% vs. 9%, P < 0.001) and was associated with uterine contractions (odds ratio 4.6, 95% CI 1.9–10.8). Fundal pressure was not able to reproduce the shortest cervical length that occurred spontaneously during the observation period.ConclusionsDynamic cervical change (real‐time cervical shortening) is common in patients with PTL symptoms and is associated with uterine contractions. Whether this finding enhances the ability to predict preterm delivery remains to be elucidated. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thromboembolic Prophylaxis as a Risk Factor for Postoperative Complications after Breast Cancer Surgery
Authors: Friis Esbern , Hørby John , Sørensen Lars Tue , Pilsgaard Bo , Wille‐Jørgensen Peer , Johansen Lars , Jørgensen Torben 
Published: May 2004

AbstractHematoma and bruising (sugillation) are frequent problems after operations for primary breast cancer. In the present study we evaluated the influence of various methods of perioperative thromboembolic prophylaxis on the postoperative incidence of hematoma and suggilation. From June 1994 through August 1996, a series of 425 patients consecutively operated on for primary breast cancer were included. Thromboembolic prophylaxis was low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH) in 310 patients and thigh‐long graded compression (TED) stockings in 102 patients. Postoperative complications including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, wound hematoma, and sugillation were recorded, and 17 variables with a potential influence on complications were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. Heparin prophylaxis compared to prophylaxis with TED stockings was significantly and independently associated with postoperative hematoma [odds ratio (OR) 3, 13; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38–7.13] or sugillation (OR 3.34; 95% CI 1.93–5.78). No clinically overt thromboembolic complications were diagnosed. After operations for breast cancer we found that LMWH was significantly associated with postoperative hematoma and sugillation compared to TED stockings for perioperative thromboembolic prophylaxis.
The ‘real’ woman with heart failure. Impact of sex on current in‐hospital management of heart failure by cardiologists and internists
Authors: Opasich C. , De Feo S. , Ambrosio G.A. , Bellis P. , Di Lenarda A. , Di Tano G. , Fico D. , Gonzini L. , Lavecchia R. , Tomasi C. , Maggioni Aldo P. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractAim:To identify differences between sexes in the clinical profile, use of resources, management and outcome in a large population of ‘real world’ patients with heart failure (HF).Methods:A prospective cross‐sectional survey was conducted on 2127 consecutive patients (47% women) admitted with HF to 167 cardiology and 250 internal medicine departments between February 14 and 25, 2000.Results:Women were older, had a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation, and more frequently a hypertensive or valvular aetiology. Females were admitted more frequently in Medical than in Cardiology Departments. The rate of invasive and non‐invasive procedures was lower in women than in men, slightly higher if managed by cardiologists. Women were less frequently prescribed ACE‐inhibitors, amiodarone, and spironolactone, and more frequently prescribed digoxin. In‐hospital mortality was similar, without difference between health‐care providers. A 6‐month follow‐up was performed in 56.4% of the cases in both setting, but less frequently in women. Event rates were similar with nearly half of patients re‐hospitalised at least once.Conclusion:The ‘real’ HF woman has generally a more severe disease; she is an old lady who is more frequently hospitalised in a medical unit, receives few diagnostic, and cardiovascular procedures and pharmacological therapy, has a relatively low probability of dying in hospital, but a high likelihood of requiring readmission.
Acute hypoxic hepatitis (‘liver shock’): still a frequently overlooked cardiological diagnosis
Authors: Denis Caroline , de Kerguennec Caroline , Bernuau Jacques , Beauvais Florence , Solal Alain Cohen 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe diagnosis of acute hypoxic hepatitis remains problematic. We describe a series of 14 patients who were initially hospitalized in an hepatic care unit with a diagnosis of fulminant hepatitis, and were subsequently found to have acute hypoxic hepatitis (‘liver shock’) secondary to heart failure. A diagnostic algorithm is proposed.
Effect of carvedilol on diastolic function in patients with diastolic heart failure and preserved systolic function. Results of the Swedish Doppler‐echocardiographic study (SWEDIC)
Authors: Bergström A. , Andersson B. , Edner M. , Nylander E. , Persson H. , Dahlström U. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractAim:The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of carvedilol on diastolic function (DF) in heart failure patients with preserved left ventricular (LV) systolic function and abnormal DF.Patients and Methods:We randomised 113 patients with diastolic heart failure (DHF) (symptomatic, with normal systolic LV function and abnormal DF) into a double blind multi‐centre study. The patients received either carvedilol or matching placebo in addition to conventional treatment. After uptitration, treatment was continued for 6 months. Two‐dimensional and Doppler echocardiography were used for quantification of LV function at baseline and at follow‐up. Four different DF variables were evaluated by Doppler echocardiography: mitral flow E:A ratio, deceleration time (DT), isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) and the ratio of systolic/diastolic pulmonary venous flow velocity (pv‐S/D). Primary endpoint was change in the integrated quantitative assessment of all four variables during the study.Results:Ninety‐seven patients completed the study. A mitral flow pattern reflecting a relaxation abnormality was recorded in 95 patients. There was no effect on the primary endpoint, although a trend towards a better effect in carvedilol treated patients was noticed in patients with heart rates above 71 beats per minute. At the end of the study, there was a statistically significant improvement in E:A ratio in patients treated with carvedilol (0.72 to 0.83) vs. placebo (0.71 to 0.76), P<0.05.Conclusions:Treatment with carvedilol resulted in a significant improvement in E:A ratio in patients with heart failure due to a LV relaxation abnormality. E:A ratio was found to be the most useful variable to identify diastolic dysfunction in this patient population. This effect was observed particularly in patients with higher heart rates at baseline.
Neurological soft signs and dermatoglyphic anomalies in twins with schizophrenia
Authors: Kelly Brendan D. , Cotter David , Denihan Cian , Larkin Deirdre , Murphy Peter , Kinsella Anthony , Walsh Dermot , Waddington John , Larkin Conall , O’Callaghan Eadbhard , Lane Abbie 
Published: May 2004

AbstractSchizophrenia is associated with altered neural development. We assessed neurological soft signs (NSS) and dermatoglyphic anomalies (total a–b ridge count (TABRC) and total finger ridge count) in 15 pairs of twins concordant and discordant for schizophrenia. Within-pair differences in both NSS and TABRC scores were significantly greater in discordant compared to concordant monozygotic pairs. There was no significant difference in NSS and TABRC scores between subjects with schizophrenia and their co-twins without the illness. However, monozygotic discordant twins with schizophrenia had higher ABRCs on their right hands compared to their co-twins without the illness. These findings suggest that an unidentified environmental event acting between weeks 6 and 15 of gestation affects the development of monozygotic twins who go on to develop schizophrenia but does not have a corresponding effect on their co-twins who do not develop the illness. The effect of such an event on dermatoglyphic profiles appears lateralised to the right hand in affected twins.
Causation or covariation: an empirical re‐examination of the link between TQM and financial performance
Authors: York Kenneth M , Miree Cynthia E 
Published: May 2004

AbstractTotal Quality Management (TQM) is an integrated management system designed to focus an organization’s resources on increasing the quality of a firm’s products/services, satisfying customer needs and improving the efficiency of the processes that produce the firm’s products/services. Advocates of TQM have suggested that there should be a positive relationship between implementing TQM practices and financial performance measures. The empirical evidence supporting this assertion, however, is limited at best. Most of the research has been limited to surveys of managers’ perceptions of the effect of TQM on financial performance. A few empirical studies using financial performance measures have been done, and have shown that TQM firms have better financial performance than other firms. However, better performing companies may be more likely to adopt TQM, so that rather than being a path to improved financial success (causation), TQM merely “comes along for the ride” (covariation). This study examined the relationship between TQM and financial performance, using a sample of Baldrige Award winners and replicated with a second sample of state quality award winning companies, and three different sets of financial performance measures. Both Baldrige and state quality award winners generally had better financial performance than their peers after winning a quality award, and before.
Pathologic changes of glial cells in murine model of Niemann–Pick disease type C: Immunohistochemical, lectin‐histochemical and ultrastructural observations
Authors: SUZUKI HIROYOSHI , SAKIYAMA TAKESHI , HARADA NAOKO , ABE MISTUBUMI , TADOKORO MAMORU 
Published: May 2004

Abstract

Background
: In recent years, morbid states of glial cells have been reported in several neurodegenerative diseases. We studied neuropathologically the glial cells in a murine model of Niemann–Pick disease type C (NPC) to clarify involvement of glias, the most important supportive cells in the central nervous system, by the disease.
Methods
: The brains of sphingomyelinosis mice (spm/spm), aged from 5 to 13 weeks, and 15 of their age‐matched normal siblings were studied histopathologically, immunohistochemically and electron micro‐scopically.
Results
: Accumulation of ubiquitin‐positive materials was found in the cytoplasm of foam cells and ballooned neurons immunohistochemically. In addition to the morphologically abnormal cells, double immunostaining of ubiquitin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) revealed the deposition of ubiquitinated substances in the cytoplasm of astrocytes. Ultrastructurally, numerous concentric lamellar inclusions, so‐called ‘myelin figures’, appeared in the neurons and phagocytotic cells. Some oligodendrocytes also contained ‘myelin figure’ inclusions and multivesicular inclusions. Astrocytes contained abnormal irregularily‐shaped electron dense materials.
Conclusion
: In the murine model of NPC, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes are also involved in the morbid processes. Thus, it might be relevant to investigate the glial dysfunction to understand the pathological processes of the disease and to prepare an adjunct therapeutic strategy to manage the patients with NPC.
Therapeutic effect of spiramycin in brucellosis
Authors: GEYIK MEHMET FARUK , DIKICI BUNYAMIN , KOKOGLU OMER FARUK , BOSNAK MEHMET , CELEN MUSTAFA KEMAL , HOSOGLU SALIH , AYAZ CELAL 
Published: May 2004

Abstract

Objective
: This study was undertaken to investigate the usefulness of spiramycin in treatment for brucellosis in an animal model.
Methods
: Eighty‐four Sprague‐Dawley rats were infected by intraperitoneal injection of Brucella melitensis suspension. Seven days after inoculation, four rats were selected randomly, killed and spleen cultures and Brucella standard tube agglutination test were carried out. All four rats were found to be infected. Eighty adult rats were randomly divided into four groups of 20 rats each. Tap water was given to the first group. Rifampicin 50 mg/kg per day and doxycycline 40 mg/kg per day were given to the second group, spiramycin 50 mg/kg per day orally was given to the third group, and a combination of spiramycin and rifampicin at the same dose and period was given to the fourth group. Duration of therapy regimens in all groups was 21 days. The spleens of all 80 rats were removed aseptically, homogenized, and placed onto Brucella agar plates to determine if viable bacteria were present.
Results
: Bacterial growth occurred in all of the rats’ spleens in the first group and in two rats’ spleens in the spiramycin group. Mean colony forming unit (c.f.u.) values were at the highest in the first group. The effectivities of spiramycin and rifampicin‐spiramycin were similar to rifampicin‐doxycycline. There were no differences in the treatment results between the three groups that received combined rifampicin‐doxycycline, rifampicin‐spiramycin and only spiramycin (P>0.05).
Conclusion
: The results show that spiramycin cures experimental rat brucellosis and may be an effective alternative in the therapy of human brucellosis.
Pharmacokinetics of etoposide with intravenous drug administration in children and adolescents
Authors: KATO YASUHIRO , NISHIMURA SHIN‐ICHIRO , SAKURA NOBUO , UEDA KAZUHIRO 
Published: May 2004

Abstract

Background
: Pharmacokinetics of etoposide in Japanese children and adolescents has not been investigated. The objectives of the present study were (i) to document the pharmacokinetics of etoposide in Japanese children; (ii) to determine the intra‐ and interpatient variability in systemic etoposide exposure and (iii) to obtain insights into the age–pharmacokinetic parameter relationship.
Methods
: Pharmacokinetic studies of etoposide, given at doses of 60–200 mg/m2 by intravenous (i.v.) route of administration, were conducted in 18 children and adolescents (aged <19 years) with malignant diseases. High performance liquid chromatography was used to measure the blood etoposide levels.
Results
: Pharmacokinetic parameters (mean~SD) of the 14 patients (24 courses) who received etoposide 100 mg/m2 were as follows: peak serum concentration (Cmax), 18.5~6.4 μg/mL; trough serum concentration, 0.2~0.1 μg/mL; biological half‐life (T1/2), 3.6~0.7 h; volume of distribution (Vd), 6.3~3.4 L/m2; area under the etoposide serum concentration‐time curve (AUC), 129~38 hr•μg/mL; systemic clearance, 21.1~10.8 mL/min per m2. The T1/2, Vd, and AUC were not associated with age. An increase in etoposide dose per body surface area (BSA) was associated with increase in its Cmax and area under the time‐concentration curve (AUC). Wide interpatient variability in these parameters was demonstrated.
Conclusion
: The present study demonstrated that: (i) Pharmacokinetics of etoposide in Japanese children and adolescents were similar to those in Caucasians. (ii) Increased exposure to etoposide was associated with the Cmax. A clear correlation between Cmax and AUC was also found. (iii) Selecting the dose of etoposide according to body surface area (BSA) might give an acceptable range of exposure for children more than 1 year of age.
Screening for glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency using a modified formazan method: A pilot study on Filipino male newborns
Authors: PADILLA CARMENCITA , NISHIYAMA KAORU , SHIRAKAWA TAKU , MATSUO MASAFUMI ,   FOR THE NEWBORN SCREENING STUDY GROUP
Published: May 2004

Abstract

Background
: Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency has increased prevalence rates in tropical Africa, tropical and subtropical Asia and some parts of the Mediterranean. Earlier studies on G6PD deficiency in the Philippines have shown prevalence rates of 4.5% to 25.7%.
Methods
: In the present study, 3278 male newborns were screened for G6PD deficiency using the modified formazan method, a simple screening procedure affordable in the setting of a developing country. Subjects with positive screening results were recalled for confirmatory testing using a commercial assay kit for quantitative enzyme determination.
Results
: Of the 3278 boys studied, 186 revealed positive screening results. Of the 186, 65 boys had confirmatory testing. Of these 65 boys, 45 were confirmed to have G6PD deficiency and 20 had normal results. This study reveals an incidence of G6PD deficiency of 3.9% among male Filipinos.
Conclusion
: This study recommends the inclusion of G6PD deficiency in the panel of disorders for newborn screening among Filipino newborns.
The Effect of Group‐level Influences on Pupils' Progress in Reading
Authors: HUTCHISON DOUGAL 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThis article investigates the existence or otherwise of group‐level effects on progress in reading. ‘Administrative’ data, i.e. data already produced by a local education authority (LEA) for its own purposes, was combined to give two primary‐age cohorts, each of the order of 2500 pupils, in one medium‐sized LEA in the south‐east of England. After allowing for pupil and global school‐level effects, a wide variety of possible aggregated group‐level effects (AGLEs) was investigated. Different functions of pupil score were investigated. Mean score and pupil turnover, especially the latter, were the most important AGLEs on attainment, and these had greater effects for older pupils.
Do OFSTED Inspections of Secondary Schools Make a Difference to GCSE Results?
Authors: SHAW I. , NEWTON D. P. , AITKIN M. , DARNELL R. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) aims to improve school performance through inspection. A government indicator of a secondary school's performance in England and Wales is the students' success in examinations. The examination results of over 3000 OFSTED inspected secondary schools offering students for General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examination during the 1992 to 1997 inspection cycle were modelled statistically. For kinds of schools where achievement was already much higher or lower than the average (e.g. selective schools), inspection was associated with slight improvements in achievement. For county, local education authority maintained, comprehensive schools (the largest single group), inspection did not improve examination achievement. Some implications for school improvement are discussed.
An Evaluation of the Use of Accredited Baseline Assessment Schemes in England
Authors: LINDSAY GEOFF , LEWIS ANN 
Published: May 2004

AbstractBaseline assessment (accredited through the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority [QCA]) became a statutory requirement from September 1998 for all main tained primary schools in England. Since that date, schools have been required to implement baseline assessment with all children within seven weeks of starting school (i.e. at about 4‐5 years of age) unless a comparable recent assessment has been made. A survey of baseline assessment in local education authorities (LEAs), covering both providers of schemes and LEAs using ‘bought in’ schemes, was carried out in summer 2000. This was followed by a parallel survey of a random sample of schools and case studies of the operation of baseline assessment in 16 LEAs. Baseline assessment was generally viewed positively and regarded as working effectively by school and, in particular, by LEA personnel. Areas of concern focused on lack of training in the use to be made of the data by schools, weaknesses concerning validity and reliability, lack of parental involvement or understanding of the process, and confusion of purposes. This study extends discussion and evidence concerning earlier phases of baseline assessment. It raises significant issues about the potential use of baseline assessment for performance management of individual teachers and, more broadly, sets the scene for the revision of statutory baseline assessment to take effect from 2002/2003.