bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of self-care in management of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Shrivastava Saurabh RamBihariLal , Shrivastava Prateek Saurabh , Ramasamy Jegadeesh 
Published: March 2013

AbstractDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic progressive metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia mainly due to absolute (Type 1 DM) or relative (Type 2 DM) deficiency of insulin hormone. World Health Organization estimates that more than 346 million people worldwide have DM. This number is likely to more than double by 2030 without any intervention. The needs of diabetic patients are not only limited to adequate glycemic control but also correspond with preventing complications; disability limitation and rehabilitation. There are seven essential self-care behaviors in people with diabetes which predict good outcomes namely healthy eating, being physically active, monitoring of blood sugar, compliant with medications, good problem-solving skills, healthy coping skills and risk-reduction behaviors. All these seven behaviors have been found to be positively correlated with good glycemic control, reduction of complications and improvement in quality of life. Individuals with diabetes have been shown to make a dramatic impact on the progression and development of their disease by participating in their own care. Despite this fact, compliance or adherence to these activities has been found to be low, especially when looking at long-term changes. Though multiple demographic, socio-economic and social support factors can be considered as positive contributors in facilitating self-care activities in diabetic patients, role of clinicians in promoting self-care is vital and has to be emphasized. Realizing the multi-faceted nature of the problem, a systematic, multi-pronged and an integrated approach is required for promoting self-care practices among diabetic patients to avert any long-term complications.
A randomized trial to assess the biological activity of short-term (pre-surgical) fulvestrant 500 mg plus anastrozole versus fulvestrant 500 mg alone or anastrozole alone on primary breast cancer
Authors: Robertson John FR , Dixon J Michael , Sibbering D Mark , Jahan Ali , Ellis Ian O , Channon Eddie , Hyman-Taylor Pauline , Nicholson Robert I , Gee Julia MW 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Fulvestrant shows dose-dependent biological activity. Greater estrogen-receptor (ER) blockade may feasibly be achieved by combining fulvestrant with anastrozole. This pre-surgical study compared fulvestrant plus anastrozole versus either agent alone in patients with ER-positive breast cancer.

Methods
In this double-blind, multicenter trial, 121 patients received fulvestrant 500 mg on Day 1 plus anastrozole 1 mg/day for 14 to 21 days (F + A); fulvestrant plus anastrozole placebo (F); or fulvestrant placebo plus anastrozole (A), 2 to 3 weeks before surgery. ER, progesterone-receptor (PgR) and Ki67 expression were determined from tumor biopsies before treatment and at surgery.

Results
A total of 103 paired samples were available (F, n = 35; F+A, n = 31; A, n = 37). All treatments significantly reduced mean ER expression from baseline (F: -41%, P = 0.0001; F + A: -39%, P = 0.0001; A: -13%, P = 0.0034). F and F + A led to greater reductions in ER versus A (both P = 0.0001); F + A did not lead to additional reductions versus F. PgR and Ki67 expression were significantly reduced with all treatments (means were -34% to -45%, and -75% to -85%, respectively; all P = 0.0001), with no differences between groups.

Conclusions
In this short-term study, all treatments reduced ER expression, although F and F + A showed greater reductions than A. No significant differences were detected between the treatment groups in terms of PgR and Ki67 expression. No additional reduction in tumor biomarkers with combination treatment was observed, suggesting that F + A is unlikely to have further clinical benefit over F alone.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00259090.
Noninvasive ventilation immediately after extubation improves weaning outcome after acute respiratory failure: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ornico Susana R , Lobo Suzana M , Sanches Helder S , Deberaldini Maristela , Tófoli Luciane T , Vidal Ana M , Schettino Guilherme P , Amato Marcelo B , Carvalho Carlos R , Barbas Carmen S 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Noninvasive ventilation (NIV), as a weaning-facilitating strategy in predominantly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mechanically ventilated patients, is associated with reduced ventilator-associated pneumonia, total duration of mechanical ventilation, length of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay, and mortality. However, this benefit after planned extubation in patients with acute respiratory failure of various etiologies remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of NIV applied immediately after planned extubation in contrast to oxygen mask (OM) in patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF).

Methods
A randomized, prospective, controlled, unblinded clinical study in a single center of a 24-bed adult general ICU in a university hospital was carried out in a 12-month period. Included patients met extubation criteria with at least 72 hours of mechanical ventilation due to acute respiratory failure, after following the ICU weaning protocol. Patients were randomized immediately before elective extubation, being randomly allocated to one of the study groups: NIV or OM. We compared both groups regarding gas exchange 15 minutes, 2 hours, and 24 hours after extubation, reintubation rate after 48 hours, duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU length of stay, and hospital mortality.

Results
Forty patients were randomized to receive NIV (20 patients) or OM (20 patients) after the following extubation criteria were met: pressure support (PSV) of 7 cm H2O, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 5 cm H2O, oxygen inspiratory fraction (FiO2) ≤ 40%, arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) ≥ 90%, and ratio of respiratory rate and tidal volume in liters (f/TV) < 105. Comparing the 20 patients (NIV) with the 18 patients (OM) that finished the study 48 hours after extubation, the rate of reintubation in NIV group was 5% and 39% in OM group (P = 0.016). Relative risk for reintubation was 0.13 (CI = 0.017 to 0.946). Absolute risk reduction for reintubation showed a decrease of 33.9%, and analysis of the number needed to treat was three. No difference was found in the length of ICU stay (P = 0.681). Hospital mortality was zero in NIV group and 22.2% in OM group (P = 0.041).

Conclusions
In this study population, NIV prevented 48 hours reintubation if applied immediately after elective extubation in patients with more than 3 days of ARF when compared with the OM group.

Trial Registration number
ISRCTN: 41524441.
Geriatric Factors Predict Chemotherapy Feasibility: Ancillary Results of FFCD 2001-02 Phase III Study in First-Line Chemotherapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer in Elderly Patients
Authors: Aparicio Thomas , Jouve Jean-Louis , Teillet Laurent , Gargot Dany , Subtil Fabien , Le Brun-Ly Valérie , Cretin Jacques , Locher Christophe , Bouché Olivier , Breysacher Gilles , Charneau Jacky , Seitz Jean-François , Gasmi Mohamed , Stefani Laetitia , Ramdani Mohamed , Lecomte Thierry , Mitry Emmanuel 
Published: March 2013

Purpose Elderly patients form a heterogeneous population. Evaluation of geriatric factors may help evaluate a patient's health status to better adapt treatment. Patients and Methods Elderly patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) were randomly assigned to receive fluorouracil (FU) -based chemotherapy either alone or in combination with irinotecan (IRI) in the Fédération Francophone de Cancérologie Digestive (FFCD) 2001-02 study. Sites participating in the geriatric substudy completed geriatric screening tools to perform prognostic factor analyses for treatment safety during the first 4 months after treatment initiation. Results The geriatric score was calculated in 123 patients (44%). Median age was 80 years (range, 75 to 91 years). The Charlson comorbidity index was ≤ 1 in 75%, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score was ≤ 27/30 in 31%, and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) showed impairment in 34% of the patients. Seventy-one patients (58%) had grade 3 to 4 toxicity, 41 (33%) had a dose-intensity reduction of more than 33%, and 54 (44%) had at least one unexpected hospitalization during the first 4 months after starting treatment. In multivariate analysis, significant predictive factors for grade 3-4 toxicity were IRI arm (odds ratio [OR], 5.03), MMSE ≤ 27/30 (OR, 3.84), and impaired IADL (OR, 4.67); for dose-intensity reduction of > 33%, the significant predictive factors were alkaline phosphates > 2 × upper limit of normal (OR, 4.16) and IRI arm (OR, 6.85); and for unexpected hospitalization, significant predictive factors were MMSE ≤ 27/30 (OR, 4.56) and Geriatric Depression Scale ≤ 2 (OR, 5.52). Conclusion Geriatric factors (MMSE and IADL) are predictive of severe toxicity or unexpected hospitalization (MMSE) in a randomized prospective phase III study in mCRC. These results suggest that cognitive function and autonomy impairment should be taken into account when choosing a regimen for chemotherapy.
Structural Dependence of Alcoholic Sacrificial Agents on TiO2-Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Shiragami Tsutomu , Tomo Takayuki , Matsumoto Tomoko , Yasuda Masahide 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The photocatalytic H2 evolution by Pt-loaded TiO2 was examined using sacrificial agents such as 1,2-ethanediol, glycerol, erythritol, and arabitol, the carbons of which all have hydroxy groups. In these cases, almost complete decomposition of sacrificial agents into CO2 and H2O occurred. Moreover, the H2 evolution reached the maximum values estimated by their potentially electron-donating ability. On the other hand, smaller amounts of CO2 and H2 were evolved from 1,2,3-butanetriol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, and 1,2-butanediol, which had both continuous hydroxylated carbons and one or two non-hydroxy-substituted carbons, the inner continuous 2,3-butanediol, and the discontinuous 1,3- and 1,4-butanediols. In the cases of monools such as 2-butanol and 2-propanol, CO2 was not evolved at all. Thus, we found that the structure of sacrificial agents, more so than the potential electron-donating ability, is an important factor to evolve H2 efficiently.
Consideration Set Formation with Multiproduct Firms: The Case of Within-Firm and Across-Firm Evaluation Costs
Authors: Liu Lin , Dukes Anthony 
Published: March 2013

We consider a theoretical setting in which firms carry multiple products and consumers incur evaluation costs not only across firms but also within firms. Consumers judiciously decide the number of firms to include in their consideration sets as well as how many products from those firms. This decision depends on the relative trade-offs of evaluating an additional product and whether it is from a firm already included in the consideration set or from an entirely new firm. The composition of consumers' consideration set affects how firms compete in prices and in the number of products to offer. Contrary to previous literature, we find that firm differentiation can reduce firms' product lines and within-firm evaluation costs have either a positive or a negative effect on firms' prices. Interestingly, we show that within-firm evaluation costs and across-firm evaluation costs are different constructs. The number of products firms offer in equilibrium can exceed the socially optimal level if within-firm evaluation costs are significant. This paper was accepted by J. Miguel Villas-Boas, marketing.
Insiders' Sales Under Rule 10b5-1 Plans and Meeting or Beating Earnings Expectations
Authors: Shon John , Veliotis Stanley 
Published: March 2013

We find that firms with insider sales executed under Rule 10b5-1 plans exhibit a higher likelihood of meeting or beating analysts' earnings expectations (MBE). This relation between MBE and plan sales is more pronounced for the plan sales of chief executive officers (CEOs) and chief financial officers (CFOs) and is nonexistent for other key insiders. The market reactions to firms that successfully meet or beat expectations are relatively positive compared with their peers that fail to do so. One interpretation of our results is that CEOs and CFOs who sell under these plans may be more likely to engage in strategic behavior to meet or beat expectations in an effort to maximize their proceeds from plan sales. However, readers should exercise caution in making inferences, because the potential presence of limit order transactions makes it difficult to unambiguously determine the direction of causality of the relation we document. This paper was accepted by Mary Barth, accounting.
A low energy paediatric clavicle fracture associated with acute brachial plexus injury and subclavian artery compression
Authors: Gill I , Quayle J , Fox M 
Published: March 2013

Paediatric clavicle fractures are common injuries presenting to orthopaedic surgeons. The majority of these represent midshaft low energy fractures, which in the vast majority of cases are treated non-operatively and recover rapidly. The main indications to consider operative intervention include high energy of injury, >2cm shortening, open fractures and associated vascular or neurological injuries. Brachial plexus (BP) injuries are uncommon with variable outcomes. They often result from high energy motorcycle related accidents with potentially fatal associated injuries such as vascular disruption. Their management is complex, requiring expertise, and they are therefore usually managed in supraregional centres. We present a unique case of a low energy midshaft clavicle fracture in a paediatric patient in whom there was an acute BP injury and subclavian artery compression that has not been described previously.
Polyarticular septic arthritis in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Clements J , Dinneen A , Heilpern G 
Published: March 2013

Septic arthritis is an uncommon condition with an incidence of 2–3/100,000. It is clinically notable, however, as it is a rapidly destructive joint disease with significant associated morbidity and mortality. Polyarticular septic arthritis has an estimated incidence of 15% of all cases of infectious arthritis. We report a case of polyarticular septic arthritis with involvement of bilateral shoulders and wrist to highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment as well as the high mortality rates associated with this condition. Bilateral septic shoulder arthritis poses a challenge to treat, and its significance should not be underestimated as even with early surgical intervention and aggressive antibiotic and fluid resuscitation death is a sad but perhaps not uncommon outcome. It is therefore imperative that the diagnosis of polyarticular septic arthritis is kept prominent in the physician’s mind when confronted with a patient with symptomatic polyarthralgia.
Modified prone position to dissect the popliteal fossa
Authors: Boulemden A , Ritzmann T , Liptrot S , Abbas A , Makhdoomi KR 
Published: March 2013

Introduction Traditionally, the prone position is used for dissecting the popliteal fossa, which requires endotracheal intubation. Access to the airway in this position is limited, hence the complications. It is not surprising that the prone position is not favoured by the anaesthetists, especially in patients with a high body mass index. We describe a safe and novel alternative to the prone position. Methods The modified prone position (MPP) is described as an alternative position that facilitates access to the airway. Results Between October 2007 and May 2010, 12 patients underwent popliteal fossa dissection using the MPP. All patients had general anaesthesia using a laryngeal mask airway with the exception of one, who had an epidural anaesthesia. There were no airway or haemodynamic complications. The surgical access to the popliteal fossa was as good as with the traditional prone position. Conclusions The MPP was satisfactory for both the surgeon and the anaesthetists. The authors now use this position routinely for dissecting the popliteal fossa.
Effect of cotton padding on the setting properties of plaster slabs
Authors: Barlow D , Bansal R , Barlow T , Rhee SJ , Kuiper JH , Makwana NK 
Published: March 2013

Introduction Plaster of Paris (PoP) impregnated bandages have been used to maintain the position of bones and joints for over a century. Classically, wool dressing is applied to the limb before the PoP, which can then be moulded to the desired shape. A modification of this practice is to wrap the PoP bandages circumferentially in cotton before wetting and applying to the patient in an attempt to reduce inhalation of plaster dust and reduce mess. However, this may affect the water content of the cast and therefore also its setting properties and strength. This study compared the setting properties of PoP casts when used with and without cotton wrapping. Methods Sixty specimens, compliant with the American Society for Testing and Materials standards for three-point bending tests, were prepared, with thirty wrapped in cotton. All were weighed before and after water immersion, and wrapped around a plastic cylinder to mimic limb application. Bending stiffness and yield strength was measured on a servohydraulic materials testing machine at 2, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours. Results The water content of cotton-wrapped plaster was significantly higher (50%) than that of standard plaster. It had significantly lower strength up to 24 hours and significantly lower stiffness up to 72 hours. Conclusions The initial decrease in strength and stiffness of the cast wrapped in cotton may comprise the ability of the backslab to hold the joint or bone in an optimal position. Any modification of the standard plaster slab application technique should allow for the potential adverse effects on the plaster setting properties.
The management of trauma victims with head injury: a study by the national confidential enquiry into patient outcome and death
Authors: Smith NCE , Findlay GP , Weyman D , Freeth H 
Published: March 2013

Introduction In 2006 the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death undertook a large prospective study of trauma care, which revealed several findings pertaining to the management of head injuries in a sample of 493 patients. Methods Case note data were collected for all trauma patients admitted to all hospitals accepting emergencies in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands over a three-month period. Severely injured patients with an injury severity score (ISS) of ≥16 were included in the study. The case notes for these patients were peer reviewed by a multidisciplinary group of clinicians, who rated the overall level of care the patient received. Results Of the 795 patients who met the inclusion criteria for the study, 493 were admitted with a head injury. Room for improvement in the level of care was found in a substantial number of patients (265/493). Good practice was found to be highest in high volume centres. The overall head injury management was found to be satisfactory in 84% of cases (319/381). Conclusions This study has shown that care for trauma patients with head injury is frequently rated as less than good and suggests potential long-term remedies for the problem, including a reconfiguration of trauma services and better provision of neurocritical care facilities.
Radiological and clinical examination in the diagnosis of Spigelian hernias
Authors: Light D , Chattopadhyay D , Bawa S 
Published: March 2013

Introduction Spigelian hernia are rarely reported lateral abdominal wall hernias. Clinical diagnosis of a suspected hernia can be challenging owing to vague presenting symptoms and signs. This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of preoperative imaging and clinical examination in the diagnosis of Spigelian hernias. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of patients who presented to North Tyneside and Wansbeck General Hospitals between 1998 and 2010. All patients were assessed by a consultant general surgeon in the outpatient clinic or on the surgical admissions ward. Patients were included who presented with a history suggestive of a Spigelian hernia and a palpable lump or equivocal clinical examination. All patients proceeded to surgery, which was used as the reference standard. Results Overall, correlation with operative findings showed computed tomography (CT) to have a sensitivity of 100% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100%. Ultrasonography had a sensitivity of 90% and a PPV of 100%. Clinical assessment alone had a sensitivity of 100% and a PPV of 36%. Conclusions This study shows that ultrasonography and CT have a high sensitivity and PPV in relation to occult Spigelian hernias. When no obvious Spigelian hernia is present, patients should be evaluated with radiological investigation to establish a diagnosis. Owing to diagnostic uncertainty, a laparoscopic approach should be favoured.
Determination of the diffusion of monovalent cations into wood under isothermal conditions based on LiCl impregnation of Norway spruce
Authors: Kolavali Reddysuresh , Theliander Hans 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The impregnation of wood pieces in the course of pulping can be divided into primary (advective mass transport) and secondary (diffusive mass transport) penetration. Little is known about the latter partly because of the difficulties in the determination of the relevant diffusivities for this system. In the present article, a precise experimental methodology has been developed to measure the concentration profiles of cations as a function of wood piece dimensions, impregnation time, temperature, and wood structure. The cation concentration can be measured at any position in the impregnated wood piece. The impregnation of Norway spruce wood samples with LiCl was investigated. The impregnated wood pieces were cut mechanically into cubes, which were cut in slices by means of a microtome, and the eluate of the 0.4-mm-thick slices in HNO3 was analyzed by flame atomic emission spectroscopy. The method gave reasonable results, and defects in the wood piece (microcracks) were detectable. The preliminary results presented here have to be verified with more replicates due to the heterogeneity of wood.
Taxonomic status of Mus talpinus Lund (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) from the Quaternary deposits of Lagoa Santa, Minas Gerais, Brazil and its paleoenvironmental meaning
Authors: Pardiñas Ulyses F. J. , Teta Pablo 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Mus talpinus, a fossil sigmodontine rodent exhumated by P. W. Lund from Quaternary deposits in the Lagoa Santa area, Brazil, has been varyingly allocated to the genera Oxymycterus, Blarinomys or Juscelinomys. After our examination of the holotype, an anterior fragment of the skull from Lapa da Serra das Abelhas, Minas Gerais, Brazil, we refer the name talpinus to the genus Brucepattersonius. These mice are sylvan akodontines, widespread in the Atlantic Forest, with the nearest extant record approximately 250 km southeast of Lagoa Santa. The addition of Brucepattersonius to the fossil sigmodontine fauna of Lagoa Santa suggests a non-analogous assemblage of species in this area during the Late Pleistocene.