bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing adrenal status in patients before and immediately after coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Authors: Debono Miguel , Sheppard Lorcan , Irving Sarah , Jackson Philip , Butterworth Jo , Brookes Zoe L S , Newell-Price John , Ross Jonathan J , Ross Richard J 
Published: December 2010

ObjectivePatients with cortisol deficiency poorly tolerate any systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and may die if not treated with sufficient exogenous glucocorticoids. Controversy surrounds what constitutes a ‘normal’ adrenal response in critical illness. This study uses conventional tests for adrenal insufficiency to investigate cortisol status in patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery, a condition frequently associated with SIRS.DesignA prospective, observational study.MethodsThirty patients with impaired left ventricular function (ejection fraction >23% <50%) underwent basal ACTH measurement, and a short cosyntropin test (250 μg, i.v.) 1 week preoperatively, and at +4 h following induction of general anaesthesia. Preoperatively, a 30 min cortisol level post cosyntropin >550 nmol/l was taken as a normal response.ResultsPrior to surgery, all patients had a normal response to cosyntropin. Postoperatively, eight patients (26.7%) did not achieve stimulated cortisol levels >550 nmol/l and the mean peak cortisol postoperatively was lower (1048 vs 730 nmol/l; P<0.001). There was a significant rise in ACTH after surgery (21 vs 184 ng/l; P=0.007) and reduction in Δ-cortisol post cosyntropin (579 vs 229 nmol/l; P<0.001). There was no change in basal cortisol pre- and post-operatively (447 vs 501; P=0.4). All patients underwent routine, uneventful postoperative recovery.ConclusionUp to one quarter of patients with a normal cortisol status preoperatively demonstrated a raised ACTH and deficient cortisol response postoperatively. Despite these responses, all patients had uneventful outcomes. These data reinforce the need for caution when interpreting results of endocrine testing following major surgery or in the intensive care environment, and that prognostic value of these results may be of limited use.
Serum Dioxins and Polychlorinated Biphenyls Are Associated With Growth Among Russian Boys
Authors: Burns Jane S. , Williams Paige L. , Sergeyev Oleg , Korrick Susan , Lee Mary M. , Revich Boris , Altshul Larisa , Del Prato Julie T. , Humblet Olivier , Patterson Donald G. , Turner Wayman E. , Needham Larry L. , Starovoytov Mikhail , Hauser Russ 
Published: December 2010

OBJECTIVE:We evaluated the associations of serum dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) with longitudinally assessed growth measurements among peripubertal Russian boys.METHODS:A total of 499 boys from Chapaevsk, Russia, aged 8 to 9 years were enrolled in the study from 2003 to 2005 and were followed prospectively for 3 years. Blood samples were collected and physical examinations were conducted at entry and repeated at annual study visits. Multivariate mixed-effects regression models for repeated measures were used to examine the associations of serum dioxins and PCBs with longitudinal measurements of BMI, height, and height velocity.RESULTS:Serum dioxin (total 2005 toxic equivalency [TEQ] median: 21.1 pg/g lipid) and PCBs (median sum of PCBs: 250 ng/g lipid) were measured in 468 boys. At study entry and during 3 years of follow-up, &gt;50% of the boys had age-adjusted BMI and height z scores within 1 SD of World Health Organization–standardized mean values for age. Boys in the highest exposure quintile of the sum of dioxin and PCB concentrations and total TEQs had a significant decrease in mean BMI z scores of 0.67 for dioxins and TEQs and 1.04 for PCBs, compared with boys in the lowest exposure quintile. Comparison of the highest versus the lowest quintile revealed that higher serum PCB concentrations were associated with significantly lower height z scores (mean z-score decrease: 0.41) and height velocity (mean decrease: 0.19 cm/year) after 3 years of follow-up.CONCLUSIONS:Our findings suggest that exposures to dioxins and PCBs are associated with reduced growth during the peripubertal period and may compromise adult body mass, stature, and health.
Prevalence of Noise-Induced Hearing-Threshold Shifts and Hearing Loss Among US Youths
Authors: Henderson Elisabeth , Testa Marcia A. , Hartnick Christopher 
Published: December 2010

OBJECTIVE:
We investigated trends in noise-induced threshold shifts (NITSs), high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL), and low-frequency hearing loss (LFHL).

METHODS:
A total of 4310 adolescents 12 to 19 years of age completed audiometric testing during National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys in 1988–1994 and 2005–2006. NITS criteria were audiometric patterns of decreased 3- to 6-kHz thresholds but preserved 0.5- to 1-kHz and 8-kHz thresholds; HFHL and LFHL criteria were high and low pure-tone averages, respectively, of &gt;15 dB HL.

RESULTS:
There were no significant increases in NITSs (odds ratio [OR]: 0.81 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.53–1.22]; P = .29), HFHL (OR: 1.21 [95% CI: 0.87–1.69]; P = .25), or LFHL (OR: 1.37 [95% CI: 0.77–2.45]; P = .28) between survey periods. However, a significant increase in the prevalence of NITSs occurred among female youths (11.6% [95% CI: 9.0%–14.1%] vs 16.7% [95% CI: 13.2%–20.3%]; P &lt; .0001). The overall prevalence of exposure to loud noise or listening to music through headphones in the previous 24 hours increased from 19.8% (95% CI: 17.6%–22.1%) to 34.8% (95% CI: 31.0%–38.5%; P &lt; .0001). In 2005–2006, female youths had a similar prevalence of exposure to recreational noise (23.6% [95% CI: 19.6%–27.6%] vs 27.7% [95% CI: 23.6%–31.8%]; P &lt; .0001) and a lower prevalence of hearing-protection use (3.4% [95% CI: 1.6%–5.3%] vs 10.3% [95% CI: 7.3%–13.2%]; P &lt; .0001) compared with male youths.

CONCLUSIONS:
Increased exposure to recreational noise and minimal use of hearing protection might have lead to an increase in NITS prevalence among female youths.
Integrative Pediatric Care: Parents' Attitudes Toward Communication of Physicians and CAM Practitioners
Authors: Ben-Arye Eran , Traube Zina , Schachter Leora , Haimi Motti , Levy Moti , Schiff Elad , Lev Efraim 
Published: December 2010

OBJECTIVE:
In this study, we explored parents' perspectives toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by their children and its impact on parent-doctor and doctor–CAM-practitioner communication.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
We designed a 2-arm study of parents who approached either conventional primary care or CAM clinics with their children to consult physicians or practitioners regarding their child's health.

RESULTS:
A total of 599 parents responded to our questionnaire (319 in 5 conventional clinics [83.9% response rate] and 280 in 21 CAM clinics [71.2% response rate]). Parents in conventional clinics reported less use of CAM by their children within the previous year (35.3% vs 73.7%; P &lt; .0001) but used more traditional and homemade remedies (46.4% vs 12.7%; P &lt; .0001). Both parent groups largely supported informing their child's physician regarding CAM use and expected the physician to initiate a CAM–related conversation and to refer their child to a CAM practitioner. The 2 groups' respondents largely supported communication between the child's physician and the CAM practitioner by the use of a referral/medical letter. Compared with respondents in CAM clinics, parents in conventional clinics were more supportive of CAM integration in a pediatric primary care setting and envisioned a more dominant role of physicians regarding CAM referral and a significant role of physicians in providing CAM.

CONCLUSIONS:
Parents who are referred to conventional and CAM clinics express distinctive attitudes toward CAM integration in pediatric care. Parents perceive physician–CAM practitioner communication as highly important and instrumental in promoting their children's health and safety.
After ASTRAL and STAR — whither renal artery stenting?
Authors: Sos T. A. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractASTRAL and STAR, two recent prospective randomized trials to compare renal artery stenting with optimal medical management versus optimal medical management alone for patients with renal insufficiency and renal artery stenosis, have concluded that there was no additional benefit to stenting. Patient selection and methodological issues in these studies cast doubt on the validity of their results and conclusions for patients with renal insufficiency and physiologically (hemodynamically) significant renal artery stenosis, i.e. true ischemic nephropathy.
Treatment of early hepatic artery complications after adult liver transplantation: A single center experience
Authors: Doros A. , Nemes B. , Máthé Z. , Németh A. , Hartmann E. , Deák Á. P. , Lénárd Zs. F. , Görög D. , Fehérvári I. , Gerlei Zs. , Fazakas J. , Tóth Sz. , Kóbori L. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIntroductionHepatic artery complication represents recognized sequel of liver transplantation that carries significant morbidity and mortality. Besides retransplantation, hepatic artery recanalization is provided surgically, or by percutaneous angioplasty and stent placement. This study provides an analysis of a single center experience comparing surgical and interventional treatments in cases of early hepatic artery complications.MethodsIn this retrospective single center study, 25 of 365 liver transplant recipients were enrolled who developed early hepatic artery complication after transplantation. Percutaneous intervention was performed in 10 cases, while surgical therapy in 15 cases. Mean follow-up time was not different between the groups (505±377 vs. 706±940 days, respectively).Results6 patients in the Intervention Group and 10 patients in the Surgery Group are alive. The retransplantation rate (1 and 3) was lower after interventional procedures, while the development of biliary complications was higher. The mortality rate was higher after operative treatment (2 and 5).ConclusionInterventional therapy is a feasible and safe technique for treatment of early hepatic artery complication after transplantation. Being less invasive it is an invaluable alternative treatment having results comparable to surgical methods.
Rotational atherectomy of a severely calcified superficial femoral artery stenosis after failed balloon passage — Case report
Authors: Ruzsa Z. , HÜttl K. , Tóth K. , Merkely B. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractRotational atherectomy (RA) in peripheral circulation is an advanced revascularization procedure, often used in cases where traditional percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is inadequate and bypass grafting is either unavailable or undesired. We report on a case, where RA was successfully performed after failed traditional PTA. The case highlights the importance of RA in peripheral cases where severe calcification occurs and the lesion is not suitable for PTA (cannot be passed with balloon or is undilatable).
Postconditioning attenuates remote organ injury after lower limb arterial occlusion
Authors: Gyurkovics E. , Arányi P. , Turóczi Zs. , Garbaisz D. , Varga M. , Hegedüs V. , Lotz G. , Kupcsulik P. , Szijártó A. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Introduction
External aortic compression due to acute gastric dilation is a rare etiology of the lower limb ischemia. This phenomenon leads the author to design experimental study for reperfusion syndrome. The lower limb ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury consists of local and systemic components called the reperfusion syndrome. It can progrediate into a multi-organ failure which defines postoperative survival. A postconditioning is a surgical technique, which has a potential to reduce IR injury, therefore to prohibit the development of reperfusion syndrome.

Aim
XXXto examine on an experimental model, whether postonditioning is a practicable technique in infarenal aortic surgeries.

Materials and Methods
Male Wistar rats underwent 180 minutes of infrarenal aortic occlusion with 4, 24 and 72 hours of reperfusion. Postconditioning (10 sec. reocclusion / 10 sec. perfusion in 6 cycles) was applied in one group of each reperfusion time. Blood, urine, and histological (muscle, lung, kidney and liver) samples were collected at the postischemic 4th, 24th, and 72th hour.

Results
The early inflammatory response (TNFa, free radicals) and late local inflammation were reduced by posctonditioning significantly. Postconditioning was able to reduce the remote organ injury of lungs and kidneys, the morphological and laboratorial results showed significant difference between the postconditioning and the control group in these two organs. The method's positive effect on remote organ injury remained long-term.

Conclusion
Postconditioning seems to be an applicable process to reduce both local inflammatory and systemic complications of IR injury following vascular surgeries.
Successful surgical intervention in a case of spontaneous chylothorax in an infant unresponsive to conservative therapy
Authors: Szakszon K. , Veres Z. L. , Boros M. , Kiss S. Sz. , Nagy B. , Bálega E. , Papp á. , Németh E. , Pataki I. , Szabó T. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
We report a case of an infant with spontaneous chylothorax due to the congenital malformation of a small lymph vessel of the chest wall. Conservative therapy with omitting long-chain fatty acids from the diet, fat-free nutrition, total parenteral nutrition and intravenous somatostatin did not result in the decrease of pleural effusion. Thoracic surgical intervention performing thoracic duct ligation and using fibrin sealants was applied after 10 days of unsuccessful conservative therapy, and resulted in the complete recovery of the patient. Our experience support the already existing observations, that in cases where the daily loss of chyle exceeds 100 ml per age years and/or lasts longer than 2 weeks, early surgical intervention is recommended.
Ablation of premature ventricular complexes originating from the left ventricular outflow tract using a novel automated pace-mapping software
Authors: Széplaki G. , Tahin T. , Szilágyi SZ. , Osztheimer I. , Bettenbuch T. , Srej M. , Merkely B. , Gellér L. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Pace-mapping is an important tool during the ablation of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) or ventricular tachycardia. The automated pace mapping system software (PaSo module, CARTO XP v9, Biosense/Webster) allows direct comparisons between paced ECGs and the acquired PVC ECG during ablation in a reasonable time. We report our experience with the automated pace mapping system during the ablation of PVCs in the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). A 67-year-old male patient was referred to our Department because of recurrent resting atypical chest pain. A 12 lead ECG showed frequent PVCs with LVOT morphology and a 24-hour Holter ECG revealed, that 31% of the total beats were monomorphic PVCs. We decided to perform a radiofrequency catheter ablation. After recording an electroanatomic and an activation map during PVCs, pace-mapping was performed with the PaSo module of the CARTO system. The best percent match area (89.0%) was found in the LVOT, where we performed multiple ablations and PVCs disappeared. According to our initial experience, automated pace-mapping systems might be useful during ablation of PVCs or ventricular tachycardias. Appropriate use of the software allows more objective and faster comparisons compared with conventional manual techniques.
Atrial fibrillation following slow pathway modification?
Authors: Clemens M. , Csanádi Z. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
We are exposing a differential diagnostic problem in the case report of a young female with the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation who was referred to our Institute for pulmonary vein isolation. Based on the 12-lead ECG we found an unusal mechanism resulting in irregular, narrow QRS tachycardia, which was also confirmed by an electrophysiological study.
First-Principles and Quantum Transport Studies of Metal-Graphene End Contacts
Authors: Cho Kyeongjae , Gong Cheng , Lee Geunsik , Wang Weichao , Shan Bin , Vogel Eric M. , Wallace Robert M. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractMetal-graphene contact is of critical significance in graphene-based nanoelectronics. There are two possible metal-graphene contact geometries: side-contact and end-contact. In this paper, we apply first-principles calculations to study metal-graphene end-contact for these three commonly used electrode metals (Ni, Pd and Ti) and find that they have distinctive stable end-contact geometries with graphene. Transport properties of these metal-graphene-metal (M-G-M) end-contact structures are investigated by density functional theory non-equilibrium Green’s function (DFT-NEGF) algorithm. The Transmission as a function of chemical potential (E-EF) shows asymmetric curves relative to the Fermi level. Transmission curves of Ni-G-Ni and Ti-G-Ti contact structures indicate that bulk graphene sheet is n-doped by Ni and Ti electrodes, but that of Pd-G-Pd shows p-doping of graphene by Pd electrode. The contact behaviors of these electrodes are consistent with experimental observations.
Nano-Patterning of Graphene Structures Using Highly Focused Beams of Gallium Ions
Authors: Gierak Jacques , Lucot Damien , Ouerghi Abdelkarim , Patriarche Gilles , Bourhis Eric , Faini Giancarlo , Mailly Dominique 
Published: December 2010

AbstractGraphene is generating a considerable interest in materials science and condensed-matter physics. One crucial technological problem, that will govern future applicability of this material, is related to the patterning of graphene while preserving the exceptionally high crystallinity and electronic properties of this material. This article is aiming at demonstrating that a highly focused beam of gallium ions can be applied for sculpting ultra-thin and high quality suspended graphene nano-ribbons (GNRs).
Vegetarian Compared with Meat Dietary Protein Source and Phosphorus Homeostasis in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Moe Sharon M. , Zidehsarai Miriam P. , Chambers Mary A. , Jackman Lisa A. , Radcliffe J. Scott , Trevino Laurie L. , Donahue Susan E. , Asplin John R. 
Published: December 2010

Summary

Background and objectives
Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) are in positive phosphorus balance, but phosphorus levels are maintained in the normal range through phosphaturia induced by increases in fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). This provides the rationale for recommendations to restrict dietary phosphate intake to 800 mg/d. However, the protein source of the phosphate may also be important.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
We conducted a crossover trial in nine patients with a mean estimated GFR of 32 ml/min to directly compare vegetarian and meat diets with equivalent nutrients prepared by clinical research staff. During the last 24 hours of each 7-day diet period, subjects were hospitalized in a research center and urine and blood were frequently monitored.

Results
The results indicated that 1 week of a vegetarian diet led to lower serum phosphorus levels and decreased FGF23 levels. The inpatient stay demonstrated similar diurnal variation for blood phosphorus, calcium, PTH, and urine fractional excretion of phosphorus but significant differences between the vegetarian and meat diets. Finally, the 24-hour fractional excretion of phosphorus was highly correlated to a 2-hour fasting urine collection for the vegetarian diet but not the meat diet.

Conclusions
In summary, this study demonstrates that the source of protein has a significant effect on phosphorus homeostasis in patients with CKD. Therefore, dietary counseling of patients with CKD must include information on not only the amount of phosphate but also the source of protein from which the phosphate derives.
Repeat Peritonitis in Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Szeto Cheuk-Chun , Ching-Ha Kwan Bonnie , Chow Kai-Ming , Law Man-Ching , Pang Wing-Fai , Leung Chi-Bon , Kam-Tao Li Philip 
Published: December 2010

Summary

Background and objectives
The clinical behavior of repeat-peritonitis episodes, defined as peritonitis with the same organism occurring more than 4 weeks after completion of therapy for a prior episode, is poorly understood.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
We compared outcomes of 181 episodes of repeat peritonitis from 1995 to 2009 (Repeat Group) with 91 episodes of relapsing peritonitis (Relapsing Group) and 125 episodes of peritonitis preceded 4 weeks or longer by another episode with a different organism (Control Group).

Results
In Repeat Group, 24% were due to Staphylococcus aureus, as compared with 5.5% in Relapsing Group and 15% in Control Group. The majority of the organisms causing relapsing peritonitis were Gram negative (62%), whereas the majority of that in Repeat Group were Gram positive (56%). Repeat Group had a lower complete-cure rate (70.7% versus 54.9%) than Relapsing Group, but rates of primary response, catheter removal, and mortality were similar. Repeat Group had a higher primary response rate (89.0% versus 73.6%) and a lower rate of catheter removal (6.1% versus 15.2%) than Control Group, whereas the complete-cure rate and mortality were similar. Repeat Group had a higher risk of developing relapsing (14.3% versus 2.2%) and repeat peritonitis (26.1% versus 5.4%) than Control Group, whereas the risk of recurrent peritonitis was similar.

Conclusions
Repeat peritonitis is a distinct clinical entity. Although repeat-peritonitis episodes generally have a satisfactory response to antibiotic, they have a substantial risk of developing further relapsing or repeat peritonitis.
Quality Control of Seasonal Influenza Vaccines
Authors: Nazor Tamara , Kosanović Marta , Tomić Siniša 
Published: December 2010

Quality Control of Seasonal Influenza VaccinesThe purpose of seasonal influenza vaccination is to prevent its spread. The vaccines contain strains of the influenza virus recommended and approved for a particular season. Just like any other medicinal product, all vaccines require marketing approval. Batches of approved vaccines are extensively tested by the manufacturers and additionally controlled by the approving authorities, which issue the quality control certificates. This article not only to describes the legal background of quality control, but also how control test results obtained by a Croatian official control laboratory are compared to manufacturer's results. We have found that testing results can slightly differ depending on methods/analytical procedures used in different laboratories. This investigation has also shown how important it is to test finished medicinal products, independently of testing at intermediate stages, and how retesting by control authorities ensures that marketed vaccines meet quality standards.