bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Continued improvement of cardiovascular mortality in Hungary - impact of increased cardio-metabolic prescriptions
Authors: Balogh Sandor , Papp Renata , Jozan Peter , Csaszar Albert 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
During the last 35 years the poor ranking of Hungary on the list of life expectancy at birth among European countries, has not changed. In 1970 our lag behind the leading European countries was the smallest. The gap was growing between 1970 and 1993 but from 1994 onwards the life expectancy at birth in Hungary has increased continuously and somewhat faster than in other European countries. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between decreasing cardiovascular mortality rates, as a main cause of death and the increase in cardio-metabolic prescriptions and possible changes in lifestyle behavior.

Methods
Analyses were conducted on national data concerning cardiovascular mortality and the number of cardio-metabolic drug prescription per capita. The association between yearly rates of cardiovascular events and changes in antihypertensive, antilipidemic and antidiabetic prescription rates was analyzed. The changes in other cardiovascular risk factors, like lifestyle were also considered.

Results
We observed a remarkable decline of mortality due to stroke and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The fall was significantly associated with all prescription rates. The proportion of each treatment type responsible for suppression of specific mortality rates is different. All treatment types comparably improved stroke mortality, while antilipidemic therapy improved AMI outcome.

Conclusions
These results emphasize the importance of a comprehensive strategy that maximizes the population coverage of effective treatments. Hungary appears to be at the beginning of the fourth stage of epidemiologic transition, i.e. it has entered the stage of delayed chronic noninfectious diseases.
GliomaPredict: a clinically useful tool for assigning glioma patients to specific molecular subtypes
Authors: Li Aiguo , Bozdag Serdar , Kotliarov Yuri , Fine Howard A 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
Advances in generating genome-wide gene expression data have accelerated the development of molecular-based tumor classification systems. Tools that allow the translation of such molecular classification schemas from research into clinical applications are still missing in the emerging era of personalized medicine.

Results
We developed GliomaPredict as a computational tool that allows the fast and reliable classification of glioma patients into one of six previously published stratified subtypes based on sets of extensively validated classifiers derived from hundreds of glioma transcriptomic profiles. Our tool utilizes a principle component analysis (PCA)-based approach to generate a visual representation of the analyses, quantifies the confidence of the underlying subtype assessment and presents results as a printable PDF file. GliomaPredict tool is implemented as a plugin application for the widely-used GenePattern framework.

Conclusions
GliomaPredict provides a user-friendly, clinically applicable novel platform for instantly assigning gene expression-based subtype in patients with gliomas thereby aiding in clinical trial design and therapeutic decision-making. Implemented as a user-friendly diagnostic tool, we expect that in time GliomaPredict, and tools like it, will become routinely used in translational/clinical research and in the clinical care of patients with gliomas.
The association of higher levels of within-normal-limits liver enzymes and the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Steinvil Arie , Shapira Itzhak , Ben-Bassat Orit Kliuk , Cohen Michael , Vered Yaffa , Berliner Shlomo , Rogowski Ori 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is frequently characterized by elevated liver enzymes, including gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Our objective was to evaluate the range of prevalence of MetS in apparently healthy individuals whose liver enzyme concentrations were all within-normal-range.MethodsWe have performed a cross sectional analysis on participants of the Tel-Aviv medical center inflammation survey (TAMCIS) recruited between the years 2003-2009. Analyzed were a cohort of 6,561 men and 3,389 women.ResultsThe prevalence of MetS increased significantly from the first quintile to the fifth for both GGT and ALT, all the five quintiles being in the normal range. Logistic regression analysis for the presence of MetS showed crude odds ratios of 2.7 and 2.4 between the first and fourth quintiles and 3.6 and 3.2 for the fifth quintile in men and women respectively for ALT. For GGT the respective odds being 3.6 and 3.2 for the fourth quintile and 3.9 and 3.4 for the fifth quintile in men and women, respectively.ConclusionsA relatively high prevalence of MetS was noted in a cohort of apparently healthy individuals with liver enzyme concentrations within-normal-limits. Practical consequences include the need to follow up these enzyme concentrations as continuous variables and to take into consideration that even relatively small elevations within the normal range might reflect the presence of dysmetabolism.
Superior vena cava syndrome in a patient with previous cardiac surgery: what else should we suspect?
Authors: Dedeilias Panagiotis , Nenekidis Ioannis , Hountis Panagiotis , Prokakis Christos , Dolou Paraskevi , Apostolakis Efstratios , Koletsis Efstratios N 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
Although mediastinal tumors compressing or invading the superior vena cava represent the major causes of the superior vena cava syndrome, benign processes may also be involved in the pathogenesis of this medical emergency. One of the rarest benign causes is a pseudoaneurysm developing in patients previously having heart surgery.

Case report
We present the case of a large pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta, five years after primary surgery, with a significant compression of the right mediastinal venous system causing superior vena cava syndrome, detected at chest CT angiography. Perioperative findings showed two rush out points both coming from the distal aortic suture line which was performed five years ago. The patient underwent reoperation under circulatory arrest facilitating safe exploration and repair of the distal anastomotic leaks

Conclusion
Enhanced chest CT should be always undertaken in all patients with superior vena cava syndrome, especially in those previously having cardiac or aortic surgery to correctly evaluate the presence of a pseudoaneurysm. Mass effect to the superior vena cava makes necessary an open surgical treatment of the pseudoaneurysm so as to concurrently resolve the right mediastinal venous system's compression. Surgery should be performed in terms of safe approach to avoid exsanguination and cerebral malperfusion.
Dosimetric comparison using different multileaf collimeters in intensity-modulated radiotherapy for upper thoracic esophageal cancer
Authors: Gong Youling , Wang Shichao , Zhou Lin , Liu Yongmei , Xu Yong , Lu You , Bai Sen , Fu Yuchuan , Xu Qingfeng , Jiang Qingfeng 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Purpose
To study the impacts of multileaf collimators (MLC) width [standard MLC width of 10 mm (sMLC) and micro-MLC width of 4 mm (mMLC)] in the intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) planning for the upper thoracic esophageal cancer (UTEC).

Methods and materials
10 patients with UTEC were retrospectively planned with the sMLC and the mMLC. The monitor unites (MUs) and dose volume histogram-based parameters [conformity index (CI) and homogeneous index (HI)] were compared between the IMRT plans with sMLC and with mMLC.

Results
The IMRT plans with the mMLC were more efficient (average MUs: 703.1 ± 68.3) than plans with the sMLC (average MUs: 833.4 ± 73.8) (p < 0.05). Also, compared to plans with the sMLC, the plans with the mMLC showed advantages in dose coverage of the planning gross tumor volume (Pgtv) (CI 0.706 ± 0.056/HI 1.093 ± 0.021) and the planning target volume (PTV) (CI 0.707 ± 0.029/HI 1.315 ± 0.013) (p < 0.05). In addition, the significant dose sparing in the D5 (3260.3 ± 374.0 vs 3404.5 ± 374.4)/gEUD (1815.1 ± 281.7 vs 1849.2 ± 297.6) of the spinal cord, the V10 (33.2 ± 6.5 vs 34.0 ± 6.7), V20 (16.0 ± 4.6 vs 16.6 ± 4.7), MLD (866.2 ± 174.1 vs 887.9 ± 172.1) and gEUD (938.6 ± 175.2 vs 956.8 ± 171.0) of the lungs were observed in the plans with the mMLC, respectively (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Comparing to the sMLC, the mMLC not only demonstrated higher efficiencies and more optimal target coverage, but also considerably improved the dose sparing of OARs in the IMRT planning for UTEC.
Mild Renal Dysfunction Is a Risk Factor for a Decrease in Bone Mineral Density and Vertebral Fractures in Japanese Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Kaji Hiroshi , Yamauchi Mika , Yamaguchi Toru , Shigematsu Takashi , Sugimoto Toshitsugu 
Published: July 2010

Context: The effect of mild renal dysfunction on bone mineral density and fracture risk is uncertain.Objective: We evaluated whether mild renal dysfunction would affect bone mineral density (BMD) and the risk of vertebral fractures (VFs) in 659 postmenopausal women.Main Outcome Measures: Creatinine clearance (CCr) and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault and the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formulas, respectively. BMD was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Renal function was categorized by the criteria of the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative Committee.Results: Comparison of fracture prevalence by chronic kidney disease stages revealed that the group of stage 3 or greater by eGFR had a significantly higher rate of VFs (45.3%) than stages 1 (23.8%) and 2 (25.3%) groups. In the stage 2 group, there were significant positive correlations between eGFR and BMD values at the femoral neck and radius as well as between CCr and BMD values at all sites. Moreover, postmenopausal women with VFs had lower eGFR and CCr than those without VFs in stage 2. When multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed with the presence of VFs as a dependent variable and CCr levels adjusted for years after menopause, smoking habit, alcohol intake, and lumbar spine BMD as an independent variable, CCr levels were identified as a factor associated with the presence of VFs in postmenopausal women with chronic kidney disease stage 2.Conclusions: The present study indicates that postmenopausal women with mild renal dysfunction are at increased risk for BMD decrease and VFs.
Hydraulically Interconnected Vehicle Suspension: Optimization and Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Smith W A , Zhang N 
Published: July 2010

This paper extends recent research on vehicles with hydraulically interconnected suspension (HIS) systems. Such suspension schemes have received considerable attention in the research community over the last few years. This is due, in part, to their reported ability to provide stiffness and damping rates dependent on the suspension mode of operation (i.e. the bounce, roll, pitch, or articulation of the unsprung masses relative to the sprung mass), rather than relying on the stiffness and damping characteristics of the single wheel stations. In this paper, the optimization of such a system is considered. Use is made of a previously derived four-degree-of-freedom model of a roll-plane half-car fitted with a typical antiroll HIS system. Objective functions are then developed, based on the desire to improve ride comfort and to minimize suspension working space and tyre normal force fluctuations. With this formulation, a large number of optimal solutions are found and presented graphically, and the performance limitations and trade-offs between the desired objectives are illustrated. To contextualize these results, a similar optimization process is applied to a half-car with a conventional independent suspension. Four optimal parameter combinations are then selected as base points for further examination of the HIS vehicle. This is done by way of a basic sensitivity analysis, based on the local method, which involves single-parameter perturbations about a base point. The objective of the paper is to outline the dynamic performance, trade-offs, and limitations of an HIS-equipped vehicle, and to identify the system's most important parameters.
Optimization potential of the vehicle launch performance for start—stop micro-hybrid vehicles
Authors: Dhand A , Cho B , Walker A , Kok D , Burgess M , Semar B 
Published: July 2010

One of the primary features of a micro-hybrid vehicle is the automatic shutdown and restart of the engine to avoid engine idling when the vehicle is at rest. The system strategy and its calibration have important significance for the driveability of the vehicle in terms of the vehicle launch behaviour. An unsatisfactory vehicle launch is defined as an inferior launch performance of the vehicle resulting in a stalled engine, a launch with negative vehicle acceleration, and an aborted engine restart due to the inability of the vehicle to provide torque as demanded by the user. In this research, micro-hybrid system optimization for reduction in the percentage of impaired vehicle launch events in real-world usage has been conducted on a start—stop vehicle. The design for the six-sigma process was followed for the optimization study. A high-fidelity electrical and powertrain system and a longitudinal vehicle dynamics model for a start—stop vehicle have been developed. The model has been validated with experimental data. The drivers' behaviour for vehicle launch events from a customer clinic of start—stop vehicles has been used as an input to the model. Using design of experiments, the system has been optimized to maximize the percentage of successful launch events in real-world usage.
The influence of antiwear additive concentration on the tribological behaviour of a-C:H:W/steel tribosystem
Authors: Vlad M , Szczerek M M , Michalczewski R , Kajdas C , Tomastik C , Osuch-Słomka E 
Published: July 2010

The effect of antiwear (AW) commercial additive concentration on the load-carrying capacity (scuffing resistance) of a-C:H:W/steel tribo-system intended for heavy-loaded machine parts was investigated. For comparison, steel/steel contacts were also investigated. The scuffing resistance has been measured as the limiting pressure of seizure ( poz) using the four-ball apparatus. The method with continuously increasing load was applied. The tribo-systems were lubricated with poly-alpha-olefin as base oil mixed with a commercial zinc dialkyldithiophosphates type of AW additive. The AW concentration was varied in the range of 0.1–5.0 wt%. The results of the tribological experiments performed in sliding contact have shown that, by the application of the a-C:H:W coating, the tribological properties of the system were significantly improved compared with the steel friction pairs. It has also been found that it is possible to reduce the concentration of commercial AW additive below 1.0 wt%. The surface topography of the rubbed surface was investigated with optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy; the elemental chemical nature of the AW film generated on the steel counter-surface (a-C:H:W/steel tribosystem) was investigated with energy dispersive spectrometry, glow discharge optical emission spectrometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Acid–Base Behavior of Substituted Hydrazone Complexes Controlled by the Coordination Geometry
Authors: Chang Mee , Horiki Hiroyuki , Nakajima Kiyohiko , Kobayashi Atsushi , Chang Ho-Chol , Kato Masako 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
A new series of substituted hydrazone complexes, [Cu(Hpbph)I] (1), [Cu(Hpbph)PPh3]PF6 (2-PF6), [NiCl(Hpbph)]Cl (3-Cl), [PtCl(Hpbph)]ClO4 (4-ClO4), and [PtCl(pbph)] (4b) (Hpbph = 2-(diphenylphosphino)benzaldehyde 2-pyridylhydrazone) have been synthesized and characterized. X-ray crystallography revealed that the copper(I) complexes adopt pseudo-tetrahedral geometry, while the nickel(II) and platinum(II) complexes provide square-planar forms. All the complexes exhibit distinct color changes on the basis of the deprotonation/protonation on the ligand although their acid/base behaviors are largely different. The acidity constants (pKa) in methanol were determined to be 11.4 (1), 12.5 (2), 7.7 (3), and 6.7 (4). The results indicate that the dissociation of the proton on the ligand strongly depends on the ligand deformation controlled by the coordination geometry of the complexes and ancillary ligands also somewhat affect the acidity.
Utility of a Computerised Cognitive Screen in MCI and Depression in an Older Population
Authors: Kingsbury Rachell , Pachana Nancy A. , Humphreys Michael , Tehan Gerry , Byrne Gerard J.A. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe current study investigated the ability of CogniScreen to differentiate older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from those reporting symptoms of depression. Participants included 140 community-based adults (30 MCI, 15 self-rated depressed, and 95 typical older adults) aged 50–89 years. Intergroup comparisons performed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses suggest tasks within CogniScreen are sensitive to clinically significant memory loss. Data provided partial support for some CogniScreen tasks to also differentiate individuals with MCI from those who are depressed. Results suggest CogniScreen may be potentially useful in screening older adults for early cognitive decline.
Experiential Avoidance, Mindfulness and Depression in Spinal Cord Injuries: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Skinner Timothy C. , Roberton Terri , Allison Garry T. , Dunlop Sarah , Bucks Romola S. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThis preliminary study sought to explore the link between depression, experiential avoidance and mindfulness in people with a spinal cord injury (SCI). We surveyed patients listed on the SCI database at Royal Perth Hospital who had experienced an injury over the last 10 years. Respondents (62) completed a questionnaire including the depression subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-2; Bond et al., 2007) and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS; Brown & Ryan, 2003). Thirty per cent of participants scored above the cut-off for possible depression, with equal numbers experiencing mild, moderate or severe depression. Mindfulness and experiential avoidance were significantly associated with depression, and were intercorrelated. Further, regression analysis indicated that experiential avoidance mediated the relationship between depression and mindfulness. Our preliminary data suggest that individuals with SCI who are more mindful use less avoidance and have a more positive mood. These results indicate further work in this area is warranted.
Calibration of Equipment Damping in a Resonant Column and Torsional Shear Testing Device
Authors: Sasanakul Inthuorn , Bay James A. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
In a coil-magnet drive system of the resonant column (RC) and torsional shear (TS) apparatus, a back electromotive force (back emf) affects the measurement of stiffness and damping in soils. An empirical approach has been used to account for this problem; however, this approach is only applicable for a narrow range of conditions. This study focused on developing a method dealing with the back emf effect more precisely. The method proposed in this study is the use of an electromagnetic model to describe the back emf effect. This approach simplifies the problem by modeling the back emf in terms of an equipment spring constant (keq) and an equipment viscous damping coefficient (ceq). The electromagnetic model consists of four parameters. The method used to measure the model parameters and model verification is presented in this paper. The back emf effect on RC and TS tests can then be predicted. In addition, this study verifies that the equipment generated damping for the TS test is negligible.
Effect of telmisartan on selected adipokines, insulin sensitivity, and substrate utilization during insulin-stimulated conditions in patients with metabolic syndrome and impaired fasting glucose
Authors: Wohl Petr , Krušinová Eva , Hill Martin , Kratochvílová Simona , Zídková Kateřina , Kopecký Jan , Neškudla Tomáš , Pravenec Michal , Klementová Marta , Vrbíková Jana , Wohl Pavel , Mlejnek Petr , Pelikánová Terezie 
Published: July 2010

ObjectiveTelmisartan improves glucose and lipid metabolism in rodents. This study evaluated the effect of telmisartan on insulin sensitivity, substrate utilization, selected plasma adipokines and their expressions in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in metabolic syndrome.Design and methodsTwelve patients with impaired fasting glucose completed the double-blind, randomized, crossover trial. Patients received telmisartan (160 mg/day) or placebo for 3 weeks andvice versawith a 2-week washout period. At the end of each period, a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp (HEC) combined with indirect calorimetry was performed. During HEC (0, 30, and 120 min), plasma levels of adipokines were measured and a needle biopsy (0 and 30 min) of SAT was performed.ResultsFasting plasma glucose was lower after telmisartan compared with placebo (P<0.05). There were no differences in insulin sensitivity and substrate utilization. We found no differences in basal plasma adiponectin, resistin and tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), but an increase was found in basal leptin, after telmisartan treatment. Insulin-stimulated plasma adiponectin (P<0.05), leptin and resistin (P<0.001) were increased, whereas TNFα was decreased (P<0.05) after telmisartan treatment. Expression of resistin, but not adiponectin, TNFα and leptin was increased after telmisartan treatment.ConclusionsDespite the decrease in fasting plasma glucose, telmisartan does not improve insulin sensitivity and substrate utilization. Telmisartan increases plasma leptin as well as insulin-stimulated plasma adiponectin, leptin and resistin, and decreases plasma TNFα during HEC. Changes in plasma adipokines cannot be explained by their expressions in SAT. The changes in plasma adipokines might be involved in the metabolic effects of telmisartan in metabolic syndrome.
Successful surgical restoration of a giant immature left ventricular aneurysm with computer assisted ventricle engineering
Authors: Hartyánszky István , Tóth A. , Veres G. , Berta B. , Zima E. , Szabolcs Z. , Acsády G. Y. , Merkely B. , Horkay F. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background:
Although circular ventricle resection techniques are the gold standard of left ventricle restoration, these techniques can lead to suboptimal results. Postoperative systolic resection line can be inadequate, as it must be planned on a heart stopped in diastole. The impaired geometry and contractility may lead to increased short- and long-term mortality. Moreover, postoperative low cardiac output due to insufficient left ventricular volume results in a potentially unstable condition, and cannot be corrected. Our aim was to find a preoperative method to minimize risk and maximize outcome with left ventricle restoration. Methods: We have created a novel method combining surgery with modern imaging techniques to construct a preoperative 3D systolic heart model. The model was utilized to determine resection could be intraoperatively used to create the new left ventricle. Results: The computer assisted ventricle engineering technique is described step by step through a successful aneurysmectomy of a 61-year-old female patient with a complicated giant left ventricle aneurysm. Conclusions: Using this model we are able to find the optimal resection line providing excellent postoperative result, thus minimizing the risk of low cardiac output syndrome. This is the first report of our new combined approach to left ventricle restoration.