bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of A Hospital Campaign for Influenza Vaccination of Healthcare Workers
Authors: Song Joon Young , Park Cheong Won , Jeong Hye Won , Cheong Hee Jin , Kim Woo Joo , Kim Sung Ran 
Published: June 2006

Objective.To identify the factors that inhibit or motivate influenza vaccination among healthcare workers (HCWs).Methods.In March 2000, we prepared 34-item questionnaire for both vaccine recipients and nonrecipients regarding demographic characteristics, factors motivating and inhibiting vaccination, and knowledge and attitudes about influenza vaccination. On the basis of the results of our survey, an aggressive hospital vaccination campaign was undertaken. In April 2004, after the 4-year campaign, the same questionnaire was again administered to HCWs.Results.In both 2000 and 2004, the main motives for undergoing influenza vaccination were “hospital campaign” and “recommendation by colleagues”; the percentage of respondents who were motivated by the hospital campaign had remarkably increased from 27% in 2000 to 52% in 2004 (P<.001), whereas the percentage who were motivated by recommendation by colleagues had not changed significantly (21% vs 14%). Qverall, the 4 reasons most frequently cited by HCWs for noncompliance with vaccination were insufficient available time, confidence in their health, doubt about vaccine efficacy, and fear of injection. In 2000, vaccination rates were below 30%, irrespective of occupation. After an aggressive vaccination campaign, the increase in the vaccination rate was highest among the nursing staff, increasing from 21% in 2000 to 92% in 2004, whereas the vaccination rate among the physicians was still below 60%.Conclusion.We conclude that a hospital campaign can markedly improve influenza vaccination rates among HCWs. Both a mobile cart system and free vaccine supply contributed to improving the vaccination rates in our study. In addition, a specifically tailored intervention strategy was required.
A case of Grover's disease with syringoma‐like features and leukemia cutis
Authors: García‐Río Irene , Delgado‐Jimenez Yolanda , Aragüés Maximiliano , Fernández‐Herrera Jesus , Fraga Javier , García‐Díez Amaro 
Published: June 2006

Abstract:Leukemia cutis used to be a late manifestation of leukemia. On the other hand, Grover's disease has been described in the setting of cancer.Case Report:  A patient diagnosed as having a chronic myelomonocytic leukemia presented with lichenoid, slightly infiltrated plaques on the anterior aspect of his thorax and abdomen and papulovesicles on his back. A skin biopsy showed the co‐existence of leukemia cutis, Grover's disease, and syringoma‐like features.Discussion:  We discuss and comment upon this unusual association.
p63 is a useful marker for cutaneous spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Dotto Jorge E. , Glusac Earl J. 
Published: June 2006

Background:  Cutaneous spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma (SCSCC) is a rare variant of SCC. This lesion is sometimes difficult to diagnose based purely on morphologic features. p63 is a member of the p53 gene family that can be identified in epithelial malignancies.Methods:  Thirteen cases of spindle SCC were stained with p63, CK34βE12, MNF116, vimentin, and S100. Control cases included desmoplastic melanoma (eight cases), atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) (10 cases), dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (eight cases), and cutaneous leiomyosarcoma (LMS) (four cases).Results:  p63 was expressed diffusely in the nuclei of 100% (13/13) of SCSCCs. Of controls, p63 showed focal labeling of two LMS and two AFX. MNF116 and CK34βE12 were positive in 13/13 SCSCCs. Of controls, one LMS was focally positive for MNF116. All SCSCCs and all control cases were positive for vimentin.Conclusions:  In the given differential diagnosis, p63 appears relatively specific to SCSCC and adds a useful nuclear marker to the available repertoire. The findings also suggest that cytokeratins MNF116 and CK34βE12 may be more useful than standard cytokeratins in labeling SCSCC.
SELENIUM BLACK GLASS*
Authors: Austin Chester R. , Sullivan John D. 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACTA black glass was made by melting a soda‐lime‐silica glass under a reducing atmosphere with the addition of 0.6% of selenium and 0.1% of cobalt carbonate, CoCOs. The light absorption of a specimen about 0.01 inch thick in the range of 400 to 750 mp was superior to that of commercial black glass. The maximum transmission was 27% at 750 mp. The use of nickel and iron oxides is less effective than cobalt oxide for obtaining selenium black glass.
Thermal Shock Analysis of Spherical Shapes
Authors: CRANDALL W. B. , GING J. 
Published: June 2006

A method is described for studying the thermal shock characteristics of a brittle material. An analysis of the thermal stresses developed in a homogeneous isotropic solid sphere has led to the formulation of an equation relating the physical properties of the body to the temperature difference causing failure and time to maximum stress in a single‐cycle unsteady‐state test. The thermal shock test consisted of plunging a sphere at one uniform temperature into a medium at another temperature. If fracture occurred, the time to fracture was recorded. A large number of tests were run to determine the temperature difference which caused 50% of the spheres to fracture. The thermal shock relationships were tested using a high‐alumina body. The physical properties relating to the thermal shock equations were measured, and calculated temperature differences causing failure and times to maximum stress were compared with measured values. Sufficient agreement was found to lend support to the theory.SummaryA method has been developed for studying the thermal shock characteristics of a brittle substance. The method consists of a single‐cycle test of unsteady‐state nature. Two testing conditions have been selected, one having a rather high surface heat transfer coefficient in a liquid bath and the other having a small finite surface heat transfer coefficient in an air bath. These two conditions are at either extremes regarding the thermal shock usually given a substance in practice.The only fair agreement found in the calculated and experimental data indicates that further investigation is necessary. The importance of certain factors, such as time to maximum stress, which was found to be in rather good agreement for the salt bath heat transfer, cannot be overlooked. There are many applications in the high temperature‐high stress field in which the concept of time to maximum stress might well be examined. For example, when repeated high‐temperature heatings are made on a refractory piece, the cycling might be arranged so that the time to maximum stress was never reached for the particular heating cycle, although the (ΔT) was higher than that necessary to cause failure.Much is to be learned from this type of study which may be applied to actual situations. It must be emphasized, however, that this work has been conducted on one single set of conditions and the factors found here do not necessarily apply to other situations.
Fracture Energy and Strength Behavior of a Sodium Borosilicate Glass‐Al2O3 Composite System
Authors: LANGE F. F. 
Published: June 2006

Fracture energy and strength were determined for three series within a sodium borosilicate glass‐Al2O3 dispersed composite system. The average particle sizes of the Al2O3 dispersions were
, and μm. Within each series, composites containing 0.10, 0.25, and 0.40 vol fractions of the Al2O3 dispersed phase were vacuum hot‐pressed. The fracture energy was determined at 77°K with the double cantilever specimen configuration. Strength was measured by a 4‐point flexural test. A significant increase in fracture energy was observed (up to 5 times the fracture energy of the glass without second‐phase dispersion). The fracture energy depended on the interparticle spacing and average particle size of the Al2O3 dispersion. These results could best be explained by a previously proposed model for the interaction of a crack front with a second‐phase dispersion. Surface roughness also contributed to the increased fracture energy. Some composites were strengthened significantly relative to the glass without a dispersion. Calculation of the crack size showed that the Al2O3 dispersion increased the crack size of the glass by ∼1 to 3 times the average particle size of the Al2O3 dispersion. Thus, the dispersion increased both the fracture energy and the crack size. These opposing parameters ultimately determined the strength behavior of these composites.
Precipitation in Partially Stabilized Zirconia
Authors: BANSAL G. K. , HEUER A. H. 
Published: June 2006

Transmission electron microscopy was used to study the sub‐structure of partially stabilized ZrO2 (PSZ) samples, i.e. 2‐phase “alloys” containing both cubic and monoclinic modifications of zirconia, after various heat treatments. Monoclinic ZrO2 exists as (1) isolated grains within the polycrystalline aggregate (a grain‐boundary phase) and (2) small plate‐like particles within cubic grains. These intragranular precipitates are believed to contribute to the useful properties of PSZ via a form of precipitation hardening. These precipitates initially form as tetragonal ZrO2, with a habit plane parallel to the {100} matrix planes. The orientation relations between the tetragonal precipitates and the cubic matrix are
image

and
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Parental tobacco smoking behaviour and their children’s smoking and cessation in adulthood
Authors: McGee Rob , Williams Sheila , Reeder Anthony 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACTAims  To examine the extent to which childhood exposure to parental tobacco smoking, smoking cessation and parental disapproval of smoking predicts daily smoking and attempts to quit in adulthood.Design  A longitudinal prospective design was used to examine the possible association between parental smoking variables in childhood and adolescence and subsequent smoking and cessation by age 26 years.Participants  Interview data were collected as part of a longitudinal study of some 950 individuals followed from birth to age 26 years. Outcome measures were daily smoking and self‐reported attempts to quit smoking.Findings  Less daily smoking among the participants at age 26 was related more strongly to parental smoking cessation in the adolescent years than the childhood years. By contrast, inconsistent advice about smoking in childhood and adolescence predicted later daily smoking. Cessation attempts to age 26 were unrelated to earlier parental quitting but were related to consistent advice in adolescence from both parents about smoking.Conclusions  Encouraging parents to voice consistent messages about their disapproval of smoking has a significant role to play in discouraging smoking in their adult children and promoting attempt to quit where their children are smokers.
The prevalence of psychotic symptoms among methamphetamine users
Authors: McKetin Rebecca , McLaren Jennifer , Lubman Dan I. , Hides Leanne 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACTAims  To examine the prevalence of psychotic symptoms among regular methamphetamine users.Design  Cross‐sectional survey.Setting  Participants were recruited from Sydney, Australia, through advertisements in free‐press magazines, flyers and through word‐of‐mouth.Participants  Methamphetamine users (n = 309) who were aged 16 years or over and took the drug at least monthly during the past year.Measurements  A structured face‐to‐face interview was used to assess drug use, demographics and symptoms of psychosis in the past year. Measures of psychosis included: (a) a psychosis screening instrument derived from the Composite International Diagnostic Interview; and (b) the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale subscales of suspiciousness, unusual thought content, and hallucinations. Dependence on methamphetamine was measured using the Severity of Dependence Scale.Findings  Thirteen per cent of participants screened positive for psychosis, and 23% had experienced a clinically significant symptom of suspiciousness, unusual thought content or hallucinations in the past year. Dependent methamphetamine users were three times more likely to have experienced psychotic symptoms than their non‐dependent counterparts, even after adjusting for history of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.Conclusion  The prevalence of psychosis among the current sample of methamphetamine users was 11 times higher than among the general population in Australia. Dependent methamphetamine users are a particularly high‐risk group for psychosis.
Variability of the inhibition by total immunoglobulin ofin vitroautoantibody-mediated erythrophagocytosis by mouse macrophages
Authors: Léonard S , Pierard I , Michaelsen T E , Izui S , Masson P L , Coutelier J-P 
Published: June 2006

SummarySeveral autoimmune diseases, mainly autoantibody-mediated, are attenuated by infusion of total IgG (IVIg). The efficacy varies widely from one patient to another. Using an experimental model of in vitro phagocytosis of autoantibody-coated erythrocytes by mouse macrophages, we analysed the possible causes for such a variability. Our results indicated that the efficacy of the phagocytosis inhibition depends upon different factors, such as the isotype and the extent of polymerization of the immunoglobulin used for the treatment as well as the genetic background of the mice and the state of macrophage activation that can be influenced by concomitant viral infection. The development of an in vitro assay for the phagocytic activity of macrophages might improve the selection of patients susceptible to benefit from IVIg treatment.
Autoimmunity to type VII collagen in SKH1 mice is independent of regulatory T cells
Authors: Chen L , Peterson J D , Zheng W-Y , Lin S-X , Chan L S 
Published: June 2006

SummaryEpidermolysis bullosa acquisita is an autoimmune blistering disease characterized by circulating and skin basement membrane-bound IgG autoantibodies to type VII collagen, a major structural protein of the dermal–epidermal junction. Regulatory T cells (Treg) suppress self antigen-mediated autoimmune responses. To investigate the role of Treg in the the autoimmune response to type VII collagen in a mouse model, a monoclonal antibody against mouse CD25 was used to deplete Treg. A recombinant mouse type VII collagen NC1 domain protein and mouse albumin were used as antigens. SKH1 mice were used as a testing host. Group 1 mice received NC1 immunization and were functionally depleted of Treg; group 2 mice received NC1 immunization and rat isotype control; and group 3 mice received albumin immunization and were functionally depleted of Treg. Results demonstrated that anti-NC1 IgG autoantibodies with high titres, as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting, developed in all mice immunized with NC1 (groups 1 and 2), but were undetected in group 3 mice. The predominant subclasses of anti-NC1 autoantibodies were IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b; furthermore, these antibodies carried only the kappa light chain. IgG autoantibodies in the sera of NC1-immunized mice reacted with mouse skin basement membrane in vitro and deposited in skin basement membrane in vivo as detected by indirect and direct immunofluorescence microscopy, respectively. Our data suggest that the development of autoimmunity against type VII collagen in mice is independent of Treg function and the autoimmune response is mediated by both Th1 and Th2 cells. We speculate that the basement membrane deposition of IgG may eventually lead to blister development.
Toll-like receptors TLR2 and TLR4 initiate the innate immune response of the renal tubular epithelium to bacterial products
Authors: Chowdhury P , Sacks S H , Sheerin N S 
Published: June 2006

SummaryRenal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) respond diffusely to local infection, with the release of multiple cytokines, chemokines and other factors that are thought to orchestrate the cellular constituents of the innate immune response. We have investigated whether the Toll-like receptors TLR4 and TLR2, which are present on tubular epithelium and potentially detect a range of bacterial components, co-ordinate this inflammatory response acting through nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). Primary cultures of TECs were grown from C57BL/6, C3H/HeN, C3H/HeJ, TLR2 and TLR4 knock-out mice. Cell monolayers were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and synthetic TLR2 and 4 agonists. The innate immune response was quantified by measurement of the cytokines tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and KC (IL-8 homologue) in cell supernatants by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cultured TECs grown from healthy mice produced the cytokines TNF-α and KC in response to stimulation by LPS and synthetic TLR2 and TLR4 agonists. Cells lacking the respective TLRs had a reduced response to stimulation. The TLR2- and TLR4-mediated response to stimulation was dependent on NF-κB signalling, as shown by curcumin pretreatment of TECs. Finally, apical stimulation of these TLRs elicited basal surface secretion of TNF-α and KC (as well as the reverse), consistent with the biological response in vivo. Our data highlight the potential importance of TLR-dependent mechanisms co-ordinating the innate immune response to upper urinary tract infection.
Insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein‐2 in patients with prostate carcinoma and benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Jean Ho P. , Baxter Robert C. 
Published: June 2006

OBJECTIVE Insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein (IGFBP)‐2 is a major prostatic IGFBP and may be involved in regulating prostate growth. Patients with prostate carcinoma (PC) have elevated serum IGFBP‐2 levels which correlate with the specific PC marker, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA). The aims of this study were (i) to investigate whether elevated serum IGFBP‐2 is unique to PC or also occurs in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), (ii) to examine the relationships among age, PSA and IGFBP‐2 levels, and (iii) to examine longitudinal changes in serum IGFBP‐2 with PSA in PC.DESIGN AND PATIENTS Sixteen patients (61–83 years) with inoperable PC attending the Oncology Unit at a tertiary referral hospital were studied. Some serum samples were obtained retrospectively while the majority were collected prospectively over 13 months of treatment. The patients with PC were compared to eight patients (66–73 years) with histologically‐proven BPH and seven male control subjects (61–82 years) with no known prostate abnormality.MEASUREMENTS A new IGFBP‐2 RIA was developed. Serum PSA (by EIA), and IGFBP‐2, IGFBP‐3, IGF‐I and IGF‐II (by RIA) were measured in all subjects, and serially in patients with PC.RESULTS Serum IGFBP‐2 was significantly higher in PC with high PSA (560 ±66 μg/l, n =12) than PC with normal PSA (292 ±65 μg/l, n =4, P =0.02), BPH (364 ±61 μg/l, P =0.03) and controls (367 ±44 μg/l, P =0.04). Mean IGFBP‐2 in BPH was not different from controls. IGFBP‐2 and PSA were significantly correlated with age (r =0.543 and r =0.433 respectively) and with each other even when the age effect was removed. Serum IGFBP‐2 and PSA levels changed concordantly in all seven PC patients who had serial sampling. Serum IGF‐II but not IGF‐I or IGFBP‐3 was higher in PC and BPH than controls (PC 332 ±23 μg/l, BPH 359 ±26 μg/l vs. controls 241 ±37 μg/l; P =0.03 and 0.02 respectively).CONCLUSIONS Serum IGFBP‐2 levels are uniquely elevated in active prostate carcinoma but not in benign prostatic hyperplasia. In prostate carcinoma, serum IGFBP‐2 levels closely parallel those of prostate‐specific antigen and probably reflect tumour burden. The relationship between prostatic‐specific antigen and IGFBP‐2 is partially independent of their individual relationships with age. Although serum IGFBP‐2 is less sensitive than prostate‐specific antigen in prostate carcinoma it may have adjunctive value in its management.
Effect of an acute hyperinsulinaemic clamp on post‐prandial lipaemia in subjects with insulin resistance
Authors: Allister E. M. , James A. P. , Watts G. F. , Barrett P. H. R. , Mamo J. C. L. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground  Obese, insulin‐resistant individuals have raised levels of intestinal and hepatic lipoproteins. Insulin decreases the production of hepatic lipoproteins in vivo and so this study aimed to investigate whether an acute hyperinsulinaemic, euglycaemic clamp could correct fasting and post‐prandial dyslipidaemia.Subjects and methods  In a randomized, cross‐over design, post‐prandial lipaemia was compared in subjects infused either with insulin to achieve a steady‐state concentration of 100 mU L−1 or with saline. Nine obese (Body Mass Index > 26 kg m−2; waist : hip > 1·0) insulin‐resistant (Homeostatic Model Assessment score > 2·0) male subjects were given an oral fat load 3 h after the infusions began, and sampling continued for 6 h. Plasma apoB‐48, triglyceride and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) were measured hourly.Results  Average steady‐state serum insulin levels during the hyperinsulinaemic clamp were 123 ± 4·4 mU L−1. A paired analysis showed no net effect of insulin on post‐prandial chylomicron metabolism when calculated as the (apoB‐48) incremental area under the curve (IAUC). However, there was a trend towards a delay in the apoB‐48 peak, consistent with possible changes in the rates of chylomicron biogenesis, lipolysis and/or clearance. Similarly, post‐prandial lipaemia (depicted as triglyceride IAUC) was similar for subjects infused with insulin or saline, but the peak post‐prandial response was delayed during insulin infusion. The NEFA were rapidly decreased by 83% after 3 h of insulin infusion.Conclusions  In obesity and insulin resistance, short‐term changes in plasma insulin do not appreciably exert a regulatory effect on exogenously‐derived post‐prandial lipoproteins. The data suggest that hyperchylomicronaemia in insulin‐resistant subjects is a result of chronic aberrations in insulin‐mediated regulation of post‐prandial lipid metabolism.
Sounding airflow enhances aerosol delivery into the paranasal sinuses
Authors: Maniscalco M. , Sofia M. , Weitzberg E. , Lundberg J. O. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground  The use of aerosol therapy is commonly suggested in the treatment of paranasal disorders but it is difficult to achieve an effective penetration of drugs into the sinuses. The authors have recently shown that an oscillating airflow produced by phonation (nasal humming) causes a large increase in the gas exchange between the nose and the paranasal sinuses. This is reflected by a high peak in nasally exhaled nitric oxide (NO) levels because NO accumulated in the sinuses is rapidly washed‐out via the sinus ostia.Objective  This study was designed to test whether the increase in sinus gas exchange caused by an oscillating airflow could be used to enhance penetration of a drug into the sinuses.Materials and methods  In six healthy subjects a nitric oxide‐synthase inhibitor L‐NAME was administrated into the nostrils by a jet nebulizer connected to a duck call, which could be modified to generate either a sounding airflow or a non‐sounding airflow. The degree of L‐NAME penetration into the sinuses was judged from the reduction in nasal NO during humming exhalations. Sinus drug deposition was also studied in a model of the nose and sinus.Results  In humans the delivery of L‐NAME with the non‐sounding airflow had no effect on the NO levels achieved during humming, whereas L‐NAME administration with sound caused a significant 22–35% reduction in nasal NO. In the model the aerosol delivery with the sounding airflow caused a fourfold increase in sinus drug deposition as compared with an aerosol without sound.Conclusion  A sounding airflow increases the delivery of an aerosolized drug into the paranasal sinuses.