bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment effectiveness of pasireotide on health-related quality of life in patients with Cushing's disease
Authors: Webb Susan M , Ware John E , Forsythe Anna , Yang Min , Badia Xavier , Nelson Lauren M , Signorovitch James E , McLeod Lori , Maldonado Mario , Zgliczynski Wojciech , de Block Christophe , Portocarrero-Ortiz Lesly , Gadelha Monica 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveCushing's disease (CD) can significantly impair patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study investigated the treatment effectiveness of pasireotide on HRQOL of CD patients, and assessed the relationships between HRQOL and urinary free cortisol (UFC) and CD-related signs and symptoms.DesignIn this phase III, randomized, double-blind study, patients with UFC ≥1.5×upper limit of normal (ULN) received s.c. pasireotide 600 or 900 μg twice daily. The trial primary endpoint was UFC at or below ULN at month 6 without dose titration. Open-label treatment continued through month 12. HRQOL was measured using the Cushing's Quality of Life Questionnaire (CushingQoL) instrument at baseline and follow-up visits until month 12 during which clinical signs and features of CD, and the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), were also collected.MethodsPearson's/Spearman's correlations between changes in CushingQoL and changes in clinical signs and symptoms were assessed. Changes in CushingQoL and the proportion of patients achieving a clinically meaningful improvement in CushingQoL were also compared among patients stratified by mean UFC (mUFC) control status (controlled, partially controlled, and uncontrolled) at month 6. Analyses were also conducted at month 12, with multivariable adjustment for baseline characteristics and CushingQoL.ResultsChange in CushingQoL was significantly correlated with changes in mUFC (r=−0.40), BMI (r=−0.39), weight (r=−0.41), and BDI-II (r=−0.54) at month 12 but not at month 6. The percentage of CushingQoL responders at month 12 based on month 6 mUFC control status were as follows: 63, 58.8, and 37.9% in the controlled, partially controlled, and uncontrolled groups respectively. Adjusted CushingQoL scores at month 12 were 58.3 for controlled patients (Δ=11.5 vs uncontrolled,P=0.012) and 54.5 for partially controlled patients (Δ=7.7 vs uncontrolled,P=0.170).ConclusionsPasireotide treatment can result in a meaningful HRQOL improvement among those who complete a 12-month treatment period, most often among patients achieving biochemical control.
Adiponectin gene variants and the risk of coronary heart disease: a 16-year longitudinal study
Authors: Cheung Chloe Y Y , Hui Elaine Y L , Cheung Bernard M Y , Woo Y C , Xu Aimin , Fong Carol H Y , Ong K L , Yeung C Y , Janus Edward D , Tse Hung-Fat , Sham Pak C , Lam Karen S L 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveCirculating adiponectin levels have been shown to be associated with a risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). However, its primary role in protecting against the development of CHD remains controversial due to conflicting observations in prospective studies. To gain further insight into the primary role of adiponectin, our major objective was to investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) and incident CHD in a population-based cohort with no CHD at baseline.Design and methodsWe conducted a 16-year longitudinal study in 2196 subjects from the Hong Kong Cardiovascular Risk Factor Prevalence Study (CRISPS). During 33 862 person-years of follow-up, 184 subjects developed CHD (cumulative incidence rate=5.4 per 1000 person-years). Nine ADIPOQ SNPs with potential functional relevance or shown to be associated with adiponectin levels and/or CHD were genotyped.ResultsAmong the nine ADIPOQ SNPs, +276G>T (rs1501299) was independently associated with incident CHD in men but not in women, even after adjustments for traditional cardiovascular risk factors (Padjusted=5.5×10−3 to 0.023; hazard ratio=1.39–1.54). Furthermore, there was a significant association of the T allele of +276G>T with a lower adiponectin level (P=0.027; β (95% CI)=−0.05 (−0.10, −0.01).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that +276G>T may be an independent predictor of CHD development. Our findings suggest that low adiponectin levels, as may be influenced by +276G>T, confer a higher risk of CHD, in keeping with a role of hypoadiponectinaemia in the development of CHD in the general population.
Occupational Asthma in Female Factory Worker Resulting from Exposure to Savinase in Dishwashing Tablets—A Case Study
Authors: Lipin´ska‐Ojrzanowska Agnieszka , S>´wierczyn´ska‐Machura Dominika , Tymoszuk Diana , Nowakowska‐S´wirta Ewa , Walusiak‐Skorupa Jolanta 
Published: April 2014

Occupational Asthma in Female Factory Worker Resulting from Exposure to Savinase in Dishwashing Tablets—A Case Study: Agnieszka LIPIŃSKA‐OJRZANOWSKA, et al. Department of Occupational Diseases, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Poland—ObjectivesSavinase is one of the endopeptidases widely used in washing detergents. Its ability to cause respiratory allergy has been known. Up to now, most cases of occupational asthma (OA) to savinase have been described among workers involved in the manufacture of laundry detergents. We present a case study of 51‐year‐old female worker of a dishwashing tablets factory, who had been packaging readymade tablets into foil wrappers for 4 years and developed respiratory symptoms, such as cough, dyspnoea and wheezing.MethodsA number of clinical procedures were performed, including the clinical examination, routine laboratory tests, evaluation of total and allergen‐specific serum IgE (asIgE) to enzymes, skin prick tests for common allergens, rest spirometry, inhalation methacholine challenge test and a single‐blind, placebo‐controlled specific inhalation challenge test (SICT) with dishwashing tablets.ResultsClinical findings and results of routine laboratory tests were within normal limits. Baseline nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity was revealed. In patient's serum blood we found significantly elevated as IgE to savinase. Decline of FEV1 and PEF in late phase of asthmatic reaction was observed during the specific challenge test. The patient reported chest tightness between 5−12 hours after exposure to dishwashing tablet ingredients. Cytological assessment of an induced sputum revealed increase in the percentage of eosinophils 24 hours after specific challenge in comparison to values noted before the SICT.ConclusionsPositive clinical response to the challenge confirmed in objective method tests validated the diagnosis of OA.
Particle Polarization and Nonlinear Effects in Electrorheological Suspensions
Authors: Klingenberg Daniel J. 
Published: April 2014

The phenomenon of electrorheology (ER), described in the guest editors' introduction to this issue, can largely be explained by electrostatic interactions between particles by an externally applied electric field. The purpose of this article is to review particle-polarization mechanisms active in ER suspensions and to highlight some poorly understood electrostatic phenomena that inhibit the commercialization of ER technology.Figure 1 plots the apparent viscosity of a 20-wt% suspension of alumina particles in silicone oil as a function of shear rate for different electric field strengths. The viscosity changes are most pronounced at small deformation rates. At small shear rates the viscosity is proportional to E2 where E is the electric field strength.
Properties and Design of Electrorheological Suspensions
Authors: Conrad Hans 
Published: April 2014

Although electrorheological (ER) fluids are presently being used in some commercial devices, their full potential has yet to be realized. The maximum shear stress (~2 kPa) of commercial ER fluids is not sufficient for most pertinent applications, especially in regard to the automotive industry. However, recent theoretical studies indicate that a shear stress of at least an order of magnitude greater than 2 kPa might be attained by the proper design of the ER suspension. This article reviews the status of the understanding of ER behavior which leads to this possibility.Most of the research to date on ER fluids has been on suspensions of either inorganic or organic particles in dielectric host oils. Hence, the present review will deal mainly with such “heterogeneous” ER fluids. However, in recent years interesting results have been reported for all-liquid ER fluids, especially those containing liquid crystals. These “homogeneous” ER fluids are discussed in the article by Inoue et al. in this issue.
Medical Expertise and Patient Involvement: A Multiperspective Qualitative Observation Study of the Patient's Role in Oncological Decision Making
Authors: Salloch Sabine , Ritter Peter , Wäscher Sebastian , Vollmann Jochen , Schildmann Jan 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background.
Decision making in oncology poses intricate ethical questions because treatment decisions should account not only for evidence-based standards but also for the patient's individual values and preferences. However, there is a scarcity of empirical knowledge about patient involvement in oncological decision making.

Methods.
Direct, nonparticipant observation was used as a qualitative research method to gain an understanding of the interplay between medical expertise and patient participation in oncological decision making. Based on a multiperspective approach, observations were performed in three settings (tumor conference, ward round, and outpatient clinic) in the oncology department of a German university hospital. The observation transcripts were analyzed using central features of qualitative data analysis.

Results.
Major differences were identified regarding the decision-making processes in the three settings related to the patient's presence or absence. When the patient was absent, his or her wishes were cited only irregularly; however, patients actively advanced their wishes when present. Preselection of treatments by physicians was observed, narrowing the scope of options that were finally discussed with the patient. Dealing with decisions about risky treatments was especially regarded as part of the physician's professional expertise.

Conclusion.
The study reveals aspects of decision making for cancer patients that have been underexposed in the empirical and theoretical literature so far. Among these are the relevance of structural aspects for the decisions made and the practice of preselection of treatment options. It should be further discussed how far medical expertise reaches and whether therapeutic decisions can be made without consulting the patient.
Offshoring Audit Tasks and Jurors' Evaluations of Damage Awards Against Auditors
Authors: Daugherty Brian E. , Dickins Denise , Fennema M. G. (Bud) 
Published: April 2014

SUMMARY
This paper summarizes the study, “The Effects of Offshoring Audit Tasks on Jurors' Evaluations of Damage Awards against Auditors” (Daugherty, Dickins, and Fennema 2013). In the past decade, Big 4 firms have started to offshore audit tasks of their U.S.-based audit clients to affiliated offshore entities (AOEs) in India. The study examined a potential cost of moving domestic procedures to foreign locations—increased damages awarded by potential jurors following an audit failure. Results suggest that jurors award greater damages against the auditor when tasks were performed offshore, than when performed in the U.S. However, the level of auditor judgment required by the audit task had no effect on damage awards. These findings suggest there may be unintentional consequences of auditor offshoring.
Increased Incorporation of Antiplasmin Into the Fibrin Network in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Ågren Anna , Jörneskog Gun , Elgue Graciela , Henriksson Peter , Wallen Håkan , Wiman Björn 
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVEDiabetes is associated with various vascular complications and is suggested to induce a prothrombotic state. In the current study, we characterized antiplasmin incorporation into fibrin in relation to other fibrinolytic compounds in patients with type 1 diabetes.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSA total of 236 patients with type 1 diabetes and 78 control subjects were investigated. The incorporation of antiplasmin into the fibrin network and the plasma levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) activity, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) activity, tPA/PAI-1 complex, plasmin-antiplasmin complex, antiplasmin, factor XIII, and d-dimer were measured. In addition, we used global assays to study fibrinolysis.RESULTSThe incorporation of antiplasmin into the fibrin network was significantly higher in patients with type 1 diabetes than in control subjects without diabetes (1.65 ± 0.25 vs. 1.35 ± 0.18 mg/L, respectively; P &lt; 0.0001). The patients also had lower PAI-1 activity (2.19 units/mL [interquartile range 0.96–5.42] vs. 4.25 units/mL [1.95–9.0]; P = 0.0012) and antiplasmin level in plasma (78.5 ± 13.3 vs. 83.2 ± 15.4 mg/L; P &lt; 0.05), resulting in a higher fibrinolytic capacity (shorter clot lysis time; P = 0.0090). We did not find any important sex differences regarding fibrinolysis in the patients or in the control subjects.CONCLUSIONSPatients with type 1 diabetes incorporate more antiplasmin into the fibrin network than control subjects without diabetes do and have a reduced PAI-1 activity and a shorter clot lysis time. These results suggest that patients with type 1 diabetes produce a fibrin clot that is more resistant to fibrinolysis, which, however, may be counteracted by an increased fibrinolytic potential in plasma.
Changes in Subcutaneous Fat Cell Volume and Insulin Sensitivity After Weight Loss
Authors: Andersson Daniel P. , Eriksson Hogling Daniel , Thorell Anders , Toft Eva , Qvisth Veronica , Näslund Erik , Thörne Anders , Wirén Mikael , Löfgren Patrik , Hoffstedt Johan , Dahlman Ingrid , Mejhert Niklas , Rydén Mikael , Arner Erik , Arner Peter 
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVE
Large subcutaneous fat cells associate with insulin resistance and high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. We investigated if changes in fat cell volume and fat mass correlate with improvements in the metabolic risk profile after bariatric surgery in obese patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Fat cell volume and number were measured in abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue in 62 obese women before and 2 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Regional body fat mass by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; insulin sensitivity by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp; and plasma glucose, insulin, and lipid profile were assessed.

RESULTS
RYGB decreased body weight by 33%, which was accompanied by decreased adipocyte volume but not number. Fat mass in the measured regions decreased and all metabolic parameters were improved after RYGB (P &lt; 0.0001). Whereas reduced subcutaneous fat cell size correlated strongly with improved insulin sensitivity (P = 0.0057), regional changes in fat mass did not, except for a weak correlation between changes in visceral fat mass and insulin sensitivity and triglycerides. The curve-linear relationship between fat cell size and fat mass was altered after weight loss (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS
After bariatric surgery in obese women, a reduction in subcutaneous fat cell volume associates more strongly with improvement of insulin sensitivity than fat mass reduction per se. An altered relationship between adipocyte size and fat mass may be important for improving insulin sensitivity after weight loss. Fat cell size reduction could constitute a target to improve insulin sensitivity.
Vitamin D Supplementation and the Effects on Glucose Metabolism During Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yap Constance , Cheung N. Wah , Gunton Jenny E. , Athayde Neil , Munns Craig F. , Duke Anna , McLean Mark 
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVE
Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and neonatal vitamin D deficiency. We conducted a double-blind, randomized controlled trial of low-dose (LD) versus high-dose (HD) vitamin D supplementation to investigate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on glucose metabolism during pregnancy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Women with plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels &lt;32 ng/mL before 20 weeks’ gestation were randomized to oral vitamin D3 at 5,000 IU daily (HD) (n = 89) or the recommended pregnancy dose of 400 IU daily (LD) (n = 90) until delivery. The primary end point was maternal glucose levels on oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 26–28 weeks’ gestation. Secondary end points included neonatal 25OHD, obstetric and other neonatal outcomes, and maternal homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Analysis was by intention to treat.

RESULTS
There was no difference in maternal glucose levels on OGTT. Twelve LD women (13%) developed GDM versus seven (8%) HD women (P = 0.25). Neonatal cord 25OHD was higher in HD offspring (46 ± 11 vs. 29 ± 12 ng/mL, P &lt; 0.001), and deficiency was more common in LD offspring (24 vs. 10%, P = 0.06). Post hoc analysis in LD women showed an inverse relationship between pretreatment 25OHD and both fasting and 2-h blood glucose level on OGTT (both P &lt; 0.001). Baseline 25OHD remained an independent predictor after multiple regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS
HD vitamin D supplementation commencing at a mean of 14 weeks’ gestation does not improve glucose levels in pregnancy. However, in women with baseline levels &lt;32 ng/mL, 5,000 IU per day was well tolerated and highly effective at preventing neonatal vitamin D deficiency.
Pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous versus intramuscular administration of ceftiofur crystalline-free acid to bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps)
Authors: Churgin Sarah M. , Musgrave Kari E. , Cox Sherry K. , Sladky Kurt K. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Objective—To compare pharmacokinetics after a single IM or SC injection of ceftiofur crystalline-free acid (CCFA) to bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps).
Animals—8 adult male bearded dragons.
Procedures—In a preliminary experiment, doses of 15 and 30 mg/kg, SC, were compared in 2 animals, and 30 mg/kg resulted in a more desirable pharmacokinetic profile. Then, in a randomized, complete crossover experimental design, each bearded dragon (n = 6) received a single dose of 30 mg of CCFA/kg IM or SC; the experiment was repeated after a 28-day washout period with the other route of administration. Blood samples were collected at 10 time points for 288 hours after injection. Plasma concentrations of ceftiofur and desfuroylceftiofur metabolites were measured via reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Data were analyzed with a noncompartmental model.
Results—No adverse effects were observed. Plasma concentrations greater than a target minimum inhibitory concentration of 1 μg/mL were achieved by 4 hours after administration by both routes. Mean plasma concentrations remained > 1 μg/mL for > 288 hours for both routes of administration.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A single dose of CCFA (30 mg/kg) administered IM or SC to bearded dragons yielded plasma concentrations of ceftiofur and its metabolites > 1 μg/mL for > 288 hours. The SC route would be preferred because of less variability in plasma concentrations and greater ease of administration than the IM route. Future studies should include efficacy data as well as evaluation of the administration of multiple doses.
Description of thoracoscopy and associated short-term cardiovascular and pulmonary effects in healthy cattle
Authors: Michaux Hélène , Nichols Sylvain , Babkine Marie , Francoz David 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Objective—To describe the optimal thoracoscopic approach to the bovine pleural cavity and evaluate the short-term effects of thoracoscopy on cardiovascular and pulmonary function of healthy cattle.
Sample—6 healthy adult Holstein cows (12 hemithoraxes).
Procedures—For each cow, thoracoscopy was performed in both the left and right hemithoraxes with a 24-hour interval between procedures. Cows were sedated and restrained in a standing position for each thoracoscopic examination. Examination of each hemithorax lasted for 30 minutes. Arterial blood gas variables, heart rate, and respiratory rate were assessed at predetermined times before, during, and after the procedures to monitor cardiovascular and pulmonary function. Thoracic ultrasonography was performed immediately and at 24 hours and 1 week after each thorascopic examination to evaluate the extent of residual pneumothorax.
Results—Insertion of the laparoscope into the pleural cavity at the ninth intercostal space 15 cm ventral to the transverse processes of the thoracic vertebrae provided optimal visibility of structures in both the left and right hemithoraxes. Most structures of the pleural cavity were equally visible from both sides except the esophagus and the dorsal branch of the vagus nerve, which were best observed in the left hemithorax, and the pericardium, which was best observed in the right hemithorax. Mild increases in heart and respiratory rates and moderate decreases in arterial oxygen saturation and Pao2 were detected during the procedures.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Standing thoracoscopy was well tolerated in healthy adult dairy cattle and needs to be evaluated in cattle with pulmonary disease.
Accuracy of noninvasive, single-plane fluoroscopic analysis for measurement of three-dimensional femorotibial joint poses in dogs treated by tibial plateau leveling osteotomy
Authors: Jones Stephen C. , Kim Stanley E. , Banks Scott A. , Conrad Bryan P. , Abbasi Abdullah Z. , Tremolada Giovanni , Lewis Daniel D. , Pozzi Antonio 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Objective—To compare accuracy of a noninvasive single-plane fluoroscopic analysis technique with radiostereometric analysis (RSA) for determining 3-D femorotibial poses in a canine cadaver stifle joint treated by tibial-plateau-leveling osteotomy (TPLO).
Sample—Left pelvic limb from a 25-kg adult mixed-breed dog.
Procedures—A CT scan of the left pelvic limb was performed. The left cranial cruciate ligament was transected, and a TPLO was performed. Radiopaque beads were implanted into the left femur and tibia, and the CT scan was repeated. Orthogonal fluoroscopic images of the left stifle joint were acquired at 5 stifle joint flexion angles ranging from 110° to 150° to simulate a gait cycle; 5 gait cycles were completed. Joint poses were calculated from the biplanar images by use of a digitally modified RSA and were compared with measurements obtained by use of hybrid implant-bone models matched to lateral-view fluoroscopic images. Single-plane measurements were performed by 2 observers and repeated 3 times by the primary observer.
Results—Mean absolute differences between results of the single-plane fluoroscopic analysis and modified RSA were 0.34, 1.05, and 0.48 mm for craniocaudal, proximodistal, and mediolateral translations, respectively, and 0.56°, 0.85°, and 1.08° for flexion-extension, abduction-adduction, and internal-external rotations, respectively. Intraobserver and interobserver mean SDs did not exceed 0.59 mm for all translations and 0.93° for all rotations.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that single-plane fluoroscopic analysis by use of hybrid implant-bone models may be a valid, noninvasive technique for accurately measuring 3-D femorotibial poses in dogs treated with TPLO.