bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anorectal dysfunction in women with urinary incontinence or lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Ng S.‐C. , Chen Y.‐C. , Lin L.‐Y. , Chen G.‐D. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjectives: (1) To evaluate the prevalence of anorectal dysfunction among women with urinary storage or voiding symptoms; and (2) to investigate the risk factors associated with anorectal symptoms. Methods: A sample of 320 women who attended the urogynecology outpatient clinic for urodynamic evaluation were requested to complete a structured questionnaire. The information collected included the medical, surgical, gynecological, and obstetric histories of the patients. Anal incontinence was defined as involuntary leakage of solid or liquid feces or gas. Constipation was defined as less than three bowel movements per week. Prevalence was estimated for anal incontinence and for constipation. A chi‐square test was used to compare risk factors between women with and without anal incontinence or constipation. We used a multi‐variable logistic regression analysis to estimate the association between other variables. Result: Forty‐nine (15.9%) women reported having anal incontinence according to the above definition. Of those 49 women, 11 (3.6%) experienced leakage of liquid and/or solid feces and 38 (12.3%) had flatus incontinence. Constipation was reported by 100 (31.5%) of the women. A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the main risk factor associated with anal incontinence and constipation was the presence of uterovaginal prolapse (odds ratio=5.02; 95% CI=2.19–11.5 for anal incontinence; odds ratio=1.78; 95% CI=1.03–3.09 for constipation). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate a relatively high prevalence of anal incontinence or constipation among women suffering from urinary dysfunction. Uterovaginal prolapse is the main risk factor associated with anorectal dysfunction.
Application of an Antibody Biochip for p53 Detection and Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Askari Minoo , Alarie Jean Pierre , Moreno‐Bondi Maria , Vo‐Dinh Tuan 
Published: July 2002

AbstractDetection of the p53 tumor suppressor gene is important in early cancer diagnostics because alterations in the gene have been associated with carcinogenic manifestations in several tissue types in humans. We have developed an antibody‐based detection instrument, the biochip, to detect the presence of the anti‐p53 antibody in human serum. The design of this highly integrated detector system is based on miniaturized phototransistors having multiple optical sensing elements, amplifiers, discriminators, and logic circuitry on an IC board. The system utilizes laser excitation and fluorescence signals to detect complex formation between the p53 monoclonal antibody and the p53 antigen. Recognition antibodies are immobilized on a nylon membrane platform and incubated in solutions containing antigens labeled with Cy5, a fluorescent cyanine dye. Subsequently, this membrane is placed on the detection platform of the biochip and fluorescence signal is induced using a 632.8‐nm He‐Ne laser. Using this immuno‐biochip, we have been able to detect binding of the p53 monoclonal antibody to the human p53 cancer protein in biological matrices. The performance of the integrated phototransistors and amplifier circuits of the biochip, previously evaluated through measurement of the signal output response for various concentrations of fluorescein‐labeled molecules, have illustrated the linearity of the microchip necessary for quantitative analysis. The design of this biochip permits sensitive, selective and direct measurements of a variety of antigen‐antibody formations at very low concentrations. Furthermore, the acquisitions of the qualitative and quantitative results are accomplished rapidly, in about 15 min. These features demonstrate the potential of this antibody‐based biochip for simple, rapid and early biomedical diagnostics of cancer.
Multicentre, randomized clinical trial of primary versus secondary sigmoid resection in generalized peritonitis complicating sigmoid diverticulitis
Authors:   French Associations for Surgical Research, Zeitoun G , Laurent A , Rouffet F , Hay J-M , Fingerhut A , Paquet J-C , Peillon C 
Published: July 2002

Abstract

Background
The best way to manage generalized peritonitis complicating sigmoid diverticulitis is controversial. This randomized clinical trial involved a comparison of primary resection and suture, drainage with proximal colostomy followed by secondary resection.

Methods
From January 1989 to December 1996, 105 patients of mean(s.d.) age 66(14) (range 32–91) years were randomized to undergo primary or secondary resection. The main endpoint was occurrence of generalized or localized postoperative peritonitis. The Mannheim Peritonitis Index score was calculated for each patient to check for comparability of groups.

Results
Postoperative peritonitis occurred less often after primary than secondary resection whether considering the first procedure only (one of 55 patients versus ten of 48; P &lt; 0·01) or all procedures (one of 55 versus 12 of 48; P &lt; 0·001). Likewise, early reoperation was performed less often following primary resection than secondary resection (two of 55 versus nine of 48 (P &lt; 0·02) and two versus 11 (P &lt; 0·01)), leading to a shorter median first hospital stay for patients having primary resection (15 days) than for those undergoing secondary resection (24 days) (P &lt; 0·05). The mortality rate did not differ significantly with regard to operative policy (primary resection 24 per cent versus secondary resection 19 per cent) or type of peritonitis (faeculent 27 per cent versus purulent 19 per cent). No patient died following a second or third procedure.

Conclusion
Primary resection is superior to secondary resection in the treatment of generalized peritonitis complicating sigmoid diverticulitis because of significantly less postoperative peritonitis, fewer reoperations and shorter hospital stay.
Reflections on the Clinical Utility of the ICD-10 and DSM-IV Classifications and their Diagnostic Criteria
Authors: Bertelsen Aksel 
Published: July 2002

Objective: The change to non-theoretical, criteria-based diagnostic classification in ICD-10 and DSM-III/IV has presented a major innovation in clinical psychiatry. The aim of the present paper is to provide a provisional evaluation of their utility in clinical practice. Method: The method involved a close scrutiny of ICD-10 and DSM-IV with a view to identifying difficulties and problems in their use. Results and Conclusions: The criteria-based classifications are no longer just coding conventions, but have become part of the conceptual framework of the discipline itself. The advantages, particularly as to the quality and reliability of clinical diagnoses, outweigh the disadvantages with temptations to mechanistic and reductionistic applications of criteria and incomplete nosological evaluation. Comprehensive clinical evaluation, however, should work at two separate levels: one, the initial, syndromatical diagnostic level, followed by the other, the nosological level, with evaluation of factors possibly influencing course and outcome of the psychiatric disorders. Only when both the syndromatical diagnosis and nosological factors are taken into consideration, is it possible to get a full understanding of the disorder necessary for optimal treatment. In this way, clinical psychiatry can be kept as it was intended: a healing discipline.
Diabetes‐induced biochemical changes in rat lens: attenuation of cataractogenesis by pyruvate
Authors: Zhao W. , Devamanoharan P. S. , Henein M. , Ali A. H. , Varma S. D. 
Published: July 2002

Summary Aim: Studies have been conducted to determine the effect of pyruvate administration on the biochemistry of rat lens and the status of its transparency as affected by diabetic conditions. Methods: Sprague‐Dawley rats were rendered diabetic by intravenous (i.v.) injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) and treated with sodium pyruvate (2%) in drinking water. The levels of glucose, fructose, sorbitol, ATP, GSH, MDA as well as glycated proteins in the lenses were determined at various intervals after the onset of diabetes and the values compared with untreated diabetic controls. The progress of cataract formation and associated histological changes in the tissue were also monitored. Results: Studies show that the pyruvate treatment decreased the extent of several biochemical changes known to be associated with cataract formation, such as the elevation in the levels of glycated proteins, sorbitol, lipid peroxidation (MDA) and inhibition of the cation pump. The progress of cataract was also significantly delayed. Conclusion: Exogenous administration of this compound hence was found to exert an overall protective effect against cataract formation induced by the diabetic conditions.
Addition of low‐dose rosiglitazone to sulphonylurea therapy improves glycaemic control in Type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Wolffenbuttel B. H. R. , Gomis R. , Squatrito S. , Jones N. P. , Patwardhan R. N. 
Published: July 2002

Summary Aims This study was designed to test the efficacy and safety of low‐dose rosiglitazone, a potent, insulin‐sensitizing thiazolidinedione, in combination with sulphonylurea in Type 2 diabetic patients. Methods For the intention‐to‐treat analysis, 574 patients (59% male, mean age 61 years) were available, randomized to receive 26 weeks of twice‐daily placebo (n = 192), rosiglitazone 1 mg (n = 199) or rosiglitazone 2 mg (n = 183) in addition to existing sulphonylurea treatment with gliclazide (47.6% of patients), glibenclamide (41.8%) or glipizide (9.4%) (two patients were taking carbutamide or glimepiride). Change in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fructosamine, insulin, C‐peptide, albumin, and lipids were measured, and safety was evaluated. Results Mean baseline HbA1c was 9.2% and FPG was 11.4 mmol/l. Rosiglitazone at doses of 1 and 2 mg b.d. plus sulphonylurea produced significant decreases, compared with sulphonylurea plus placebo, in HbA1c (−0.59% and −1.03%, respectively; both P < 0.0001) and FPG (1.35 mmol/l and 2.44 mmol/l, respectively; both P < 0.0001). Both HDL‐cholesterol and LDL‐cholesterol increased and potentially beneficial decreases in non‐esterified fatty acids and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase levels were seen in both rosiglitazone groups. The overall incidence of adverse experiences was similar in all three treatment groups, with no significant cardiac events, hypoglycaemia or hepatotoxicity. Conclusions Overall, the combination of rosiglitazone and a sulphonylurea was safe, well tolerated and effective in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Four different ways of philanthropic aid to the blind in medieval Eastern Christendom
Authors: Diamandopoulou‐Drummond A. H. , Diamandopoulos A. A. , Marketos S. G. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryThe care of the blind, either as medical treatment or as divine therapy, has probably been the most ancient form of help for ill people. However, it was during the Byzantine Empire (325 – 1453 AD) that the state organized a ‘blindness relief’ plan as part of a widespread public health system. Our sources for the subject include medical writings, state decrees, Saint's ‘vitae’ and representations of relevant works of art. Based on the above data we classify the health care for the blind in Byzantium as: (a) support of ophthalmological education as evidenced by an abundance of medical writings on the subject; (b) establishment of charitable institutions exclusively or partially for the blind, where there was not only medical care but also provision for a wide range of social aid – the most advanced being specially trained escorts for each blind person; and (c) support by the state of an extended chain of religious institutions where miraculous help for the blind was promised. We conclude that the public health policy in Byzantium made adequate and very early provision for the blind.
Dehydration, lens movement and dryness ratings of hydrogel contact lenses
Authors: Pritchard Nicola , Fonn Desmond 
Published: July 2002

SummaryPrevious studies have shown that soft lenses dehydrate during lens wear. The purpose of this study was to determine the dehydration time course of 38% water content non‐ionic MedalistTM, 58% ionic AcuvueTM and 74% non‐ionic PermaflexTM lenses, and the relationship between dehydration and in vivo diameter, movement and symptoms of dryness. Nineteen subjects randomly wore three pairs of lenses, each for 7 h. Lens movement and diameter were measured in vivo and hydration after lens removal at 1, 3 and 7 h. Dryness was rated by the subjects using a visual analogue scale. A separate experiment was conducted to measure hydration changes after 7 continuous hours of lens wear. The water content of all three lens types decreased significantly over 7 h with Acuvue decreasing more than the Permaflex and Medalist lenses in the interrupted and continuous experiments (ANOVA P < 0.05). Dehydration of Acuvue was significantly greater in the 7 h continuous experiment (9.0 ± 2.6% H2, ANOVA P = 0.0062) compared to the interrupted experiment. Hydration levels measured for Acuvue lenses on subjects for control purposes at 0, 1, 3 and 7 h showed no difference over time (ANOVA P = 0.0711). Movement of Permaflex lenses decreased 0.60 ± 0.57 mm (ANOVA P = 0.0005) over 7 h and the in vivo diameter of Acuvue lenses decreased by 0.12 ± 0.16 mm (ANOVA P = 0.0569). Dryness ratings increased significantly and equally for all three lenses over 7 h (ANOVA P = 0.9833). No correlation was found between lens dehydration, movement, diameter and dryness with the exception of a weak significant (r = 0.5, P < 0.05) correlation between dehydration and dryness for Permaflex. The results of the study suggest that dehydration of soft lenses over a 7 h period does not significantly affect the clinical performance (dryness and movement) of the three lens types.
Aniseikonia, metamorphopsia and perceived entoptic pattern: some effects of a macular epiretinal membrane, and the subsequent spontaneous separation of the membrane
Authors: Enoch Jay M. , Schwartz Ariah , Chang David , Hirose Hiroshi 
Published: July 2002

SummaryFollowing cryo surgery for retinal hole repair, visual effects in the senior author's eyes were caused by an epiretinal membrane. Subjectively, metamorphopsia was noted, and entoptically perceived radial striae were observed centred near fixation. After subsequent cataract surgery, metamorphopsia was not detectable. Several months later, the centre of the striate entoptic pattern was observed to be centred several degrees from fixation. Concurrently, loss of contrast in the central visual field was noted. In time, both the entoptic pattern and the contrast effects became less visible (contrast improved much faster). The epiretinal membrane had spontaneously separated from the fovea. Repeated measurements of aniseikonia were obtained before cataract surgery, and after cataract surgery both prior to, and after the separation of the epiretinal membrane. Inferences are drawn.
The cost of monitoring glaucoma patients by community optometrists
Authors: Spencer I. C. , Coast J. , Spry P. G. D. , Smith L. , Sparrow J. M. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryGlaucoma patients are currently undergoing monitoring by community based optometrists as part of a randomised controlled trial of shared care. As part of this trial, the costs of monitoring these patients by community optometrists are being calculated. Data were obtained from eight practices for the 1993–1994 financial year. The average ‘full’ cost of a 40 min appointment was calculated as £31.56. The average number of unbooked appointments for the month of October 1994 was 16 per practice, which equated to 12, 40 min appointments. Once the number of unbooked appointments was surpassed for each practice, an average opportunity cost of £54.00 was experienced per appointment. The participating optometrists were willing to accept a minimum fee of £26.03 for a small number of patient assessments but this rose to £43.16 for up to 100 glaucoma patients seen per annum.
The pre‐myopic syndrome
Authors: Drobe B. , De Saint‐André R. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryConsidering the social importance of myopia in industrialised countries, this study aimed to research criteria which could determine whether a person might become myopic. For this purpose, a sample of 25 emmetropic (plano to +0.75 D) subjects, who became myopic during the 2 years following the initial eye examination (the pre‐myopic group), were compared to a matched sample of subjects who did not become myopic during the same period. The results show at the 95% statistical level of confidence, that the pre‐myopes have particular characteristics, such as a loss of physiological hyperopia, a more positive near retinoscopy and near cross‐cylinders and tendency to esophoria. The test of dioptric variations* points to a decrease in the dynamics of accommodation as well as non‐overlapping of near and far comfort zones.
The fluctuations of accommodation and ageing
Authors: Heron Gordon , Schor Clifton 
Published: July 2002

SummaryObjective The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of age on the fluctuations of accommodation.Method Fluctuations of accommodation were measured on six ‘young’ (16–25 years, mean age 22 years) observers and six ‘older’ (35–48 years, mean age 42 years) observers. Accommodation was continuously recorded using a SRI optometer whilst the observers steadily viewed a high contrast target at stimulus levels 0.25 D, 1.00 D and 2.00 D. Fluctuations were quantified using power spectrum analysis, and frequencies were grouped into bands: low (LFC 0.3–0.6 Hz and 0.3–0.9 Hz) and high (HFC 1.1–2.2 Hz).Results Accommodation response levels for these stimuli for both groups of observers were quite similar. Fourier analysis was used to generate power spectra so that the fluctuations of accommodation for each observer group could be compared. In general power increased for increasing response levels for both groups of observers, although less power was evident for the older observers in both LFC and HFC bands. Differences in power were not significant at these frequency bands for the two observer groups. When the whole power spectrum is compared these differences became significant with more power evident in the younger cohort.Conclusion Reductions in both amplitude and speed of accommodation with age are well known, and the decline in magnitude of the fluctuations found here is consistent with a general diminution in accommodation dynamics as the accommodation mechanism ages. For the older group, some of who were near absolute presbyopia, there may be little contribution to power from changes in lens shape and it is possible that small changes in lens position in the eye contribute to the power spectrum.
Is there a need for binocular vision evaluation in low vision?
Authors: Rundström M. M. , Eperjesi F. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to determine the need for a binocular vision evaluation in the management of low vision patients. Thirty subjects were selected with visual acuities of at least 6/60 in each eye. Twenty‐three had age‐related macular degeneration as the primary ocular pathology and seven had various other ocular conditions. The binocular vision evaluation comprised: detailed history and symptoms with an emphasis on the occurrence of near vision problems; modified binocular vision assessment which included cover test at near, ocular movements, convergence, Bagolini glasses, horizontal vergence reserves and prismatic measurement of any observed anomaly. History and symptoms revealed horizontal and vertical diplopia, jumbling of print, asthenopia, intermittent blurring and print being too small. Binocular vision assessment revealed exophoria at near, manifest horizontal deviations, convergence insufficiency, and vertical muscle imbalance. These anomalies occurred either singly or in combination. The results indicate that there is a need for binocular vision evaluation in low vision in order to reveal near vision disorders that may be partly attributable to binocular vision anomaly and not solely due to ocular pathology. This information should facilitate the implementation of the appropriate course of optometric management for these patients.
The effect of benoxinate on the tear stability of Hong Kong‐Chinese
Authors: Cho Pauline , Brown Brian 
Published: July 2002

SummaryWe conducted a series of experiments to examine the effect of local anaesthetic instillation on tear stability measurements. All experiments were conducted with the examiner masked with respect to treatments. We measured tear break‐up time (TDUT) and non‐invasive tear break‐up time (NITBUT) 30 s after instillation of benoxinate (0.4%) in a single masked experiment and found that NITBUT was significantly increased while TBUT was unaffected. In separate experiments tear stability was assessed 5 min after instillation of benoxinate and there was no significant effect on either TBUT or NITBUT measurements. In a control experiment to examine the effect of instilling a drop of liquid into the eye, neither TBUT nor NITBUT were affected 30 s after the instillation of saline. No corneal staining was observed in any of the subjects after instillation of benoxinate. The results suggest that benoxinate does not affect the stability of the precorneal tear film, and that tear stability can be assessed after the instillation of unpreserved benoxinate.
Computation of retinal contour in anisomyopia
Authors: Logan Nicola S. , Gilmartin Bernard , Dunne Mark C. M. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryIt is well documented that myopia is associated with an increase in axial length of the posterior vitreous chamber. Whether equatorial or transverse dimensions are likewise affected in myopia is relevant to further understanding of the development of ametropia. We have utilised a computing method to determine retinal contour from real eye measurements of keratometry, A‐scan ultrasonography and peripheral refraction as a means of assessing the transverse dimensions of the vitreous chamber. This technique has been applied to a 21‐year‐old female Caucasian anisomyope with a refractive error of R −1.50/−0.50 × 130 and L −4.00/−0.50 × 160. Anisomyopia offers a special opportunity for inter‐eye comparison of different degrees of myopia. The repeatability of the technique was assessed by taking 10 separate sets of the aforementioned measurements and thus generating 10 retinal contours for each eye. We conclude that this method is repeatable and is capable of demonstrating differences between anisomyopic eyes although validation against in vivo measurements is required.
Correlation between presbyopia, age and number of births of mothers in the Kumasi area of Ghana
Authors: Morny F. Kojovi 
Published: July 2002

SummaryThere is an assumption in Ghana that motherhood has an effect on presbyopia. This study thus attempts to correlate the relationship between presbyopia, age and number of births of mothers in the Kumasi area of Ghana. The data were compiled from records of patients who attended routine eye examinations and refraction tests at the Morny Optical Centre, Kumasi, during the last quarter of 1993. Presbyopia in males and females, and those of mothers and childless female adults for particular age groups were compared. Correlations were found between age and reading additions for both sexes, and presbyopia occurs at a younger age than published. This preliminary study does not indicate any inter‐dependence of births on female presbyopia. Further studies with select data may be required to confirm the above findings.