bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concerted action of perforin and granzymes is critical for the elimination of Trypanosoma cruzi from mouse tissues, but prevention of early host death is in addition dependent onthe FasL/Fas pathway
Authors: Müller Uwe , Sobek Vera , Balkow Sandra , Hölscher Christoph , Müllbacher Arno , Museteanu Crisan , Mossmann Horst , Simon Markus M. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractCTL and NK cells are critical for resistance to acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection, but are also implicated in the pathology induced by this intracellular protozoan parasite. Here we explore to what extent the two main cytolytic pathways of CTL and NK cells, i.e. the granule exocytosis and the Fas ligand (FasL)/Fas pathways, are responsible for the elimination of parasites from mouse tissues and control of organ pathology. For this purpose we have employed mouse strains with targeted gene defects in one or more components — including perforin, granzyme A and granzyme B, and Fas — of either of the two cytolytic pathways, and we used the highly pathogenic T. cruzi strain Tulahuen. We show that parasites are effectively cleared from infected tissues independently of the FasL/Fas pathway by the concerted action of perforin and the two granzymes. However, prevention of pathology and early host death is critically dependent in addition on an operational FasL/Fas interaction. Thus, in contrast to C57BL/6 (B6) wild‐type mice, mouse strains with deficiencies in either the FasL/Fas or the perforin/granzyme pathway similarly suffer from early death, independently of their differential capacity to control parasite growth; this finding indicates that the two cytolytic pathways control distinct but vital processes during infection with T. cruzi.
Are differences in firm size transitory or permanent?
Authors: Geroski P. A. , Lazarova S. , Urga G. , Walters C. F. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractAn Erratum for this article has been published in Journal of Applied Econometrics 18(2) 2003, 249Previous empirical work on corporate growth rates using cross‐section or short‐panel econometric techniques suggests that growth rates are random but that some degree of mean reversion exists. This means that size differences between firms are transitory. Another, more natural way to explore the long‐run distribution of firm sizes is to examine data on the growth of particular firms over long periods of time. Using a sample of 147 UK firms observed continually for more than 30 years, our conclusions are that growth rates are highly variable over time and that differences in growth rates between firms do not persist for very long. Further, firms show no tendency to converge to either a common size or to a pattern of stable size differences over time. These results are compared and contrasted with standard approaches that suggest that firms reach and maintain stable positions in a skewed size distribution. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Congenital nephropathy and ventriculomegaly: a report of four cases
Authors: Jolly M. , Goodburn S. , Cox P. , Loughna P. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractCongenital nephrotic syndrome with ventriculomegaly and a normal karyotype is a rare association. We report four cases, three of which were conceived consecutively by one couple. All the cases were associated with elevated maternal serum alpha‐fetoprotein. Renal histology in one fetus demonstrated colloid filled cysts distributed in the corticomedullary area. Transmission electron microscopy of the glomeruli showed normally developed foot processes and confirmatory genetic studies excluded Finnish congenital nephrotic syndrome. It is probable that congenital nephropathy in conjunction with ventriculomegaly is the result of an autosomal recessive syndrome. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current Awareness in Prenatal Diagnosis
Authors:   John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Published: February 2003

AbstractIn order to keep subscribers up‐to‐date with the latest developments in their field, John Wiley & Sons are providing a current awareness service in each issue of the journal. The bibliography contains newly published material in the field of prenatal diagnosis. Each bibliography is divided into 17 sections: 1 Books, Reviews & Symposia; 2 General Interest; 3 Normal Fetal Development; 4 Gametogenesis and Pre‐implantation Diagnosis; 5 First Trimester Diagnosis; 6 Second Trimester Diagnosis; 7 Fetal Diagnosis by Ultrasound and Other Imaging; 8 Maternal Screening; 9 Screening for Carriers of Genetic Abnormality; 10 Technological Developments; 11 Confined Placental Mosaicism and Uniparental Disomy; 12 Molecular Cytogenetics; 13 Fetal Cells in Maternal Circulation; 14 Fetal Therapy; 15 Psychosocial Aspects; 16 Epidemiology and Environmental Factors; 17 Developmental Pathology. Within each section, articles are listed in alphabetical order with respect to author. If, in the preceding period, no publications are located relevant to any one of these headings, that section will be omitted
Conditional performance, portfolio rebalancing, and momentum of small‐cap mutual funds
Authors: Gorman Larry 
Published: February 2003

AbstractTo assess the performance of small‐cap stocks net of transaction costs, we analyze 165 actively managed small‐cap oriented portfolios. Our analysis addresses three areas of interest: (i) performance net of transaction costs, (ii) the magnitude of trading costs incurred when rebalancing an actively managed portfolio, and (iii) the potential for momentum strategy profits when investing in small‐cap stocks.Using conditional estimation, we find that small‐cap funds have earned a significantly positive abnormal return of about 2% per year in the period January 1986 to December 2000. We also estimate the cost of January rebalancing to be 0.4% of portfolio value, a value that is significant for over 20% of the portfolios under study.Finally, after trading frictions are taken into account, we find evidence that small‐cap portfolios exhibit significant return patterns, similar in nature to momentum patterns initially documented in a frictionless setting by [J. Finance 48 (1993) 65; J. Finance 56 (2001) 699]. Our findings support recent behavioral models, which attempt to explain these patterns. Consistent with the findings of Jegadeesh and Titman, we find that past “winners” continue to outperform in the next 12 months, followed by a performance reversal.
CONTRACEPTIVE APPLICATIONS OF ESTROGEN
Authors: Likis Frances E. 
Published: February 2003

ABSTRACTEstrogens are a primary component of several contraceptive methods: combined oral contraceptive pills, a combined injectable contraceptive, the combined contraceptive vaginal ring, the combination transdermal contraceptive patch, and combined emergency contraceptive pills. Contraceptive formulations that contain estrogen are referred to as combined contraceptives because they also contain some form of progestin. This article reviews the contraceptive methods containing estrogen, beginning with a discussion of combined oral contraceptive pills. Formulations and clinical management, mechanisms of action, noncontraceptive benefits of use, therapeutic uses in addition to contraception, side effects, contraindications to use, and drug‐drug interactions are described. Information follows about the newer combined contraceptive products including the injection, vaginal ring, and patch. Finally, combined emergency contraceptive pills are reviewed. Thorough knowledge of the contraceptive methods containing estrogen enables clinicians to provide expert care for women using these products.
ANTIVIRAL AGENTS IN WOMEN'S HEALTH: PHARMACOTHERAPEUTICS OF TREATING INFLUENZA AND HERPES
Authors: Burpo Rebecca H. 
Published: February 2003

ABSTRACTThis article updates the practitioner on the pharmacology of antiviral agents. The mechanism of action of the six different classifications of antiviral agents is described. Because influenza and herpes are the viral infections that are most frequently treated in clinical practice, the pharmacotherapeutics of common antiviral agents for these infections are described. This includes pharmacokinetics, adverse effects, preparations, and dosages. Other recommendations related to prescribing and client education surrounding each of the pharmaceutical agents is reviewed.
CASE REPORT: LABIAL FUSION POSTPARTUM AND CLINICAL MANAGEMENT OF LABIAL LACERATIONS
Authors: Arkin Anne , Hughes Betty Chern 
Published: February 2003

ABSTRACTLacerations of the external genitalia of various degrees are a common occurrence in the childbirth process. Evidence‐based management of minor lacerations of the vulva has yet to emerge in the scientific literature. Spontaneous approximation of minor lacerations of the labia may uncommonly result in distorted anatomical healing, with resultant dyspareunia, among other distressing symptoms. Management of this occurrence, including pharmacologic and surgical strategies, is presented in this case study discussion.
FEARS AND COPING STRATEGIES ASSOCIATED WITH PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH IN FINLAND
Authors: Melender Hanna‐Leena 
Published: February 2003

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to describe the causes of fear associated with pregnancy and childbirth and to describe coping strategies of pregnant women who have fears. Data were collected by using semistructured interviews on the maternity units of two university hospitals in Finland. A convenience sample of 20 women served as participants, and data were analyzed by using content analysis techniques. In most cases, the source of fear was either previous experience and knowledge or uncertainty. In some cases, the source of fear was beliefs about childbirth with no clear origin of the belief. Knowledge was described as a means of dealing with fear, as were talking, writing, and reasoning. When seeking help, many participants relied on their social network and on health care professionals, but some sought information independently from books, magazines, etc. Methods for dispelling or alleviating fear included talking about feelings, increasing knowledge, accessing health care services, referring to positive experiences, receiving reassurance from medical screening, and/or feeling the baby move. Knowledge can be a cause of fear, but its ability to decrease fear is of greater consequence. What seemed to matter most was the way in which information is given.
THE MEANING OF SEXUAL SATISFACTION IN PREGNANT TAIWANESE WOMEN
Authors: Lee Jian Tao 
Published: February 2003

ABSTRACTThe aim of this qualitative study was to explore Taiwanese women's experience of sexual satisfaction during pregnancy. Twelve participants were recruited through purposive sampling of outpatients registered in the antepartum clinic of a medical center in northern Taiwan. Data collection consisted of semi‐structured interviews and tape recordings. A modified phenomenologic methodology and narrative analysis of transcripts yielded four essential themes related to the personal meaning of sexually satisfying experiences in pregnancy: 1) improvement of self‐identity, 2) empowerment through sexual relations, 3) strengthening the marital bond, and 4) reinforcement of the value of sexuality. This woman‐centered view of the significance of sexually satisfying experiences in pregnancy can help health care professionals understand and educate their clients about women's sexuality during pregnancy.
CROSSING THE RIVER: KHMER WOMEN'S PERCEPTIONS OF PREGNANCY AND POSTPARTUM
Authors: White Patrice M. 
Published: February 2003

ABSTRACTIn Cambodia, a setting of high maternal mortality, little is known about cultural perceptions of pregnancy. Often, cultural perceptions of what is considered normal or problematic guide a woman's decision to seek care. In some settings, the difference between the emic, or cultural insider's perception, and the biomedical perception of what is a serious obstetrical problem may delay lifesaving care. A qualitative study was undertaken to describe an emic perspective of what Khmer women view as normal and view as complications during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Focus group and key informant interviews were held to answer the questions: What do Khmer women and their birth attendants view as complications during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum? How are these complications defined? Eighty‐eight rural and urban women of childbearing age participated in focus groups in three rural provinces and Phnom Penh. In‐depth, semistructured interviews were held with 41 rural and urban women, traditional birth attendants, and trained midwives. Sixty‐six hours of taped interviews were transcribed, translated, and analyzed, and descriptions of emic conditions during pregnancy and postpartum were developed. This report details emic categories of antepartum and postpartum conditions identified by these Khmer women. Specific emic categories of normal pregnancy and postpartum are described in detail as well as abnormal emic conditions occurring during the postpartum period. Recommendations are made for use of traditional emic taxonomies as a foundation for explaining biomedical complications and the need for similar studies to guide the development of safe motherhood programs in areas of high maternal mortality.
IDENTIFYING INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE AT ENTRY TO PRENATAL CARE: CLUSTERING ROUTINE CLINICAL INFORMATION
Authors: Anderson Barbara A. , Marshak Helen Hopp , Hebbeler Donna L. 
Published: February 2003

ABSTRACTIntimate partner violence (IPV) is the greatest trauma‐related risk to American women. Pregnant women are no exception, and escalation of IPV frequently occurs during pregnancy. Many studies have linked IPV during pregnancy to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. This study examined IPV at the beginning of prenatal care to identify correlates of routine entry‐to‐care information with responses on a validated IPV screening tool, the Abuse Assessment Screen. The purpose of the study was to identify specific data from routine, standard intake information, which could alert clinicians to the potential of violence even in the presence of a negative IPV score or no formally administered screening tool. The point prevalence of abuse, as measured by the Abuse Assessment Screen at entry to care, was slightly in excess of the national mean, reinforcing the need for continual assessment throughout pregnancy. Abused women in this study were more likely to be young, single, and without family or partner support. These women relied on friends for support, admitted to depression, and desired their pregnancies. The findings are consistent with previous studies. Further research needs to be conducted to determine if this cluster of findings at entry to care, with or without a positive score on an IPV screening tool, are consistent markers for an increased risk of IPV.
A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR RESEARCH ON LIFETIME VIOLENCE, POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS, AND CHILDBEARING
Authors: Seng Julia S. 
Published: February 2003

ABSTRACTThe objective of this theoretical article is to describe a conceptual framework for research on effects of past and current abuse and posttraumatic stress on childbearing women. The proposed framework builds on an earlier framework proposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for research on violence occurring around the time of pregnancy. Two main adaptations are suggested. First, cumulative lifetime history of abuse trauma is added to the framework in addition to violence occurring around the time of pregnancy. Second, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is given greater emphasis as a potential factor contributing to adverse maternity outcomes based on the theoretical proposition that PTSD could be a plausible mechanism for adverse outcomes via both behavioral and neuroendocrine pathways. More research is needed on the effects of violence and PTSD on childbearing. This framework for research could be used to facilitate design of studies in which investigators want to consider PTSD as a potential mediator between lifetime exposure to violence and negative childbearing processes and outcomes. It is congruent with a CDC framework for research and could be incorporated into studies designed to meet their recommendations.
CLINICAL USES OF MIFEPRISTONE: AN UPDATE FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH PRACTITIONERS
Authors: Beal Margaret W. , Simmonds Kathy 
Published: February 2003

ABSTRACTIn September 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of mifepristone for the provision of medical abortion. Although mifepristone was developed and marketed because of its potential to effect early first‐trimester medical abortion, it has additional applications to health care, including the treatment of gynecologic conditions, cancer, and Cushing's disease. The controversial nature of abortion has dominated the publicity about mifepristone. The evidence for the safety and efficacy of mifepristone in medical abortion has been overshadowed, and many clinicians are unaware of the other potential uses of the drug. This article provides a discussion of background information on the pharmacology, development of, and research on mifepristone and an update on current and potential uses in health care today. Information on the FDA‐approved regimen and alternative protocols for management of mifepristone in its use in abortion care are presented.
Unequal Public Transfers to the Elderly in Different Countries – Equal Disposable Incomes
Authors: Forssell Åsa , Medelberg Magnus , Ståhlberg Ann-Charlotte 
Published: February 2003

This article compares public transfers to the elderly and their disposable income in Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden and the U.K. The public transfer income of retirees depends on the particular administrative arrangements in the different countries. The organisation of public pensions varies widely, and yet there is similarity in the overall income situation of older people. Low compensation from the public system is largely made up for by high payments from other systems of compensation, while high compensation from the public system is complemented by other systems of compensation to a lesser extent. It is important to note that this does not mean that the different public pension solutions have the same effect on the distribution of income. The effects of pension systems on income distribution cannot be determined without taking into account what individuals have to pay for their pensions in the form of lower earnings during their active working life. Contributions to the pension system generally mean correspondingly lower cash wages and the design of the pension system affects the size of incomes indirectly by means of its impact on e.g. the labour supply and educational choices. In this article we discuss the direct distributive effects by comparing the relation between the contributions made by individuals and the benefits they receive in different systems and countries. It emerges that the public pension systems in Denmark, the Netherlands and the U.K. redistribute income from higher to lower earners, that the public pension system in Germany does not redistribute income, while the direct redistributive effects of the Swedish, Finnish, French and Norwegian public pension systems are ambiguous and can only be determined through empirical studies.
Diagnosis of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease with Digital Imaging
Authors: Beaver Mary ES , Stasney C. Richard , Weitzel Erik , Stewart Miichael G. , Donovan Donald T. , Parke Robert B. , Rodriguez Margarita 
Published: February 2003

OBJECTIVEThe study goal was to assess the use of digital laryngeal videostroboscopy (LVS) in the detection of objective improvement of the larynx after 6 weeks of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy and to evaluate a clinical grading scale for findings of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD).STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a prospective analysis of digital LVS examinations from a tertiary referral center for laryngology by 3 independent blinded examiners.RESULTSThe mean score on the Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease Index for experimental patients was significantly higher than that for control patients (9.50 versus 2.92, P < 0.001), and posttreatment scores were significantly lower than pretreatment scores (7.35 versus 9.50, P < 0.001). Useful items on the grading scale for assessing the presence of LPRD and improvement in LPRD included supraglottic edema and erythema, glottic edema and erythema, and subglottic edema and erythema. Nonuseful items included the presence of pachydermia, granulomas, nodules, leukoplakia, and polyps.CONCLUSIONObjective improvement of signs of LPRD can be detected after 6 weeks of PPI therapy using digital LVS. The Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease Index is a useful valid clinical tool for following treatment response to PPI therapy.
The Role of Hair Shaving in Skull Base Surgery
Authors: Gil Ziv , Cohen Jacob T. , Spektor Sergei , Fliss Dan M. 
Published: February 2003

OBJECTIVEWe sought to evaluate surgical wound infection rates in patients undergoing skull base surgery without hair removal.METHODSWe undertook a retrospective study of 175 skull base operations performed without hair removal. Anterior operations were conducted via the subcranial approach (n = 120) and lateral or posterior procedures via various approaches (n = 55). Wounds were examined daily during hospitalization and at routine outpatient follow‐up (8 to 45 months) and classified according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.RESULTSThe overall surgical wound infection rate was 1.1% (2 of 175): 0.8% (1 of 120) for anterior and 1.8% (1 of 55) for lateral or posterior procedures. It was similar for clean operations (lateral and posterior) and clean‐contaminated (anterior) procedures and was less than or similar to the rates reported for skull base procedures with hair removal. No wound infection occurred among the infected (trauma, fungal infections, and brain abscess) patients.CONCLUSIONSSkull base surgery without hair removal is safe and not associated with increased risk of wound infection. The method may prevent additional psychologic stress, promote restoration of the patient's self‐image, and accelerate his or her return to normal life.
Web‐Based Clinical Decision Support System for Triage of Vestibular Patients
Authors: Kinney William C. 
Published: February 2003

OBJECTIVESWe sought to use a clinical decision support system (CDSS) to save costs and to improve scheduling of vestibular patients in an otolaryngology clinic.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGWe conducted a concurrent review of 50 vestibular patients scheduled in the University of Missouri otolaryngology clinic with or without testing based on the outcome of a CDSS. The CDSS was implemented using Web‐based technology. Charges incurred by the health care system through tests determined by the CDSS were compared with those incurred using the standard procedure of ordering hearing tests and electronystagmography for all patients.RESULTSThirty‐nine tests were prescheduled using the CDSS. Twenty‐five additional tests were ordered after the visit. The CDSS resulted in savings of $37,904.00 in charges to the health care system. The CDSS showed high specificity and variable sensitivity.CONCLUSIONA Web‐based CDSS can be used to better manage and coordinate patient encounters.SIGNIFICANCEOne important reason to use a CDSS in health care management is to lower costs.