bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The detection of pedal osteomyelitis in diabetic patients
Authors: Kearney T , Robinson S , Elkeles RS , Pointin K , Cunningham D , Gedroyc W 
Published: March 2007

AbstractPedal osteomyelitis in diabetic patients is a serious clinical problem. There is no single, reliable diagnostic tool; plain films are inaccurate, bone scans nonspecific and the role of human pooled immunoglobulin (Hig) scans remains unclear. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may prove useful. We therefore aimed to compare these four diagnostic modalities. Thirteen diabetic patients with possible pedal osteomyelitis were recruited. Nine were found to have osteomyelitis based on clinical, microbiological, and surgical findings. All were scanned with all four modalities and the results compared. MRI scans correctly identified all positive cases, with two false positive cases, and excelled in localising infection, allowing for surgical planning. Plain film and Hig scans were less sensitive (6/9 and 7/9 cases, respectively), were difficult to interpret and were poor in localising infection. Bone scans identified eight of the nine cases, with no false positives. In conclusion, this small study suggests that plain films and Hig scans did not confer any additional benefit in the diagnosis of pedal osteomyelitis. Bone scans are a useful screening tool, but when positive an MRI scan should be sought to confirm the diagnosis.
Increasing response rate in data registration and follow‐up of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: A prospective population study 1992–97
Authors: Nordfeldt S , Jonsson D , Ludvigsson J 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAimsThis study considers how a local diabetes team can develop a system for patient data registration and follow‐up to enhance quality control and health economic analysis, and how a high response rate for patient data can be achieved.Patients and methodsA geographic population of yearly 120–130 intensively treated type 1 diabetes children. <19 years of age was studied. A prospective patient questionnaire monitored: blood glucose and urine testing, insulin doses, acute complications, medications for hypertension and epilepsy, tobacco and snuff use, and any open questions and needs of the patient. This was completed before every visit to the out‐patient department and used as a database for consultation. Data were thereafter registered in regular computer software, and analysed on a yearly basis.ResultsResponse rate increased with time to near 100%. There was a time gain for diabetes nurse and physician. Many patients found the questionnaire good for overviewing treatment and easy to complete, whereas some found it was irksome and boring. The total cost of the method was <160 SEK/patient year.ConclusionsA very high patient data response rate can be achieved over years by a patientsupportive questionnaire integrated in the treatment program. Treatment and outcome analysis can then be performed locally at low costs. The combination of a patient questionnaire with regular hard‐ and software is easy to create, manage and develop. Benefits for diabetes team and patients exceed the total cost.
Haematogenous vertebral osteomyelitis and septic arthritis of the wrist complicating septic arthritis of the foot in a diabetic patient
Authors: Abdu TAM , Ritchie DA , Vora JP 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAn elderly female with peripheral diabetic neuropathy presented with a septic arthritis of the left 5th metatarsophalangeal joint. Her condition was further complicated by vertebral osteomyelitis and septic arthritis of the wrist, the latter secondary to the increased local vascularity following a right Colles fracture. Although the plain radiographs of the spine were suggestive of infection, bone scintigraphy was non‐specific. MRI appearances at the L3/4 level were classical for infective spondylitis and, following biopsy, culture confirmed an unusual pathogen—Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The organism was also detected on blood culture and in a swab of the foot ulcer some three months previously. Following appropriate antibiotic therapy, the patient made a full recovery.
Evaluation of extra‐laboratory blood glucose meters: Beyond precision and accuracy
Authors: Day AP , Barrett A 
Published: March 2007

AbstractCapillary blood glucose monitoring plays an important part in the monitoring of diabetes. There are a large number of different blood glucose meters, each of which have satisfactory analytical performance for monitoring purposes in the hands of experienced personnel. Of less certainty is their performance and acceptability (including ease of use) in the hands of nursing staff, but these factors are more difficult to assess. This study assessed these non‐analytical factors by administering a structured questionnaire to nursing staff who were asked to compare two meters in the clinical setting. Although both meters had adequate analytical performance, there were significant differences in terms of ease of use, especially applying a satisfactory blood sample and speed of operation. These and other user factors could have a significant impact on the successful performance of hospital near patient blood glucose monitoring. This method of non‐analytical method comparison could play an important part in the selection of an appropriate monitoring system.
Education, education and more education!
Authors: Kyne‐Grzebalski D 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis study explored the difficulties encountered by a group of twelve nurses, qualified for an average of nine and a half years (9 months‐24 years), from two medical and two surgical wards, when implementing diabetes education. A qualitative method, the semi‐structured interview, was used to gain insight into their feelings and perceptions. The findings were discussed in the light of current literature and the opportunities for changes in professional practice considered.The study showed that, although eight nurses had undertaken postgraduate courses in diabetes and attended diabetes updates, there was still evidence of lack of confidence and the need for further education. The nurses described their role on the ward as multifaceted, with many responsibilities. They were not confident to take sole responsibility for the teaching of their patients with diabetes, without the support and supervision of the Diabetes Specialist Nurse (DSN). The establishment of link nurses, given regular access to the DSN, was suggested as a possible solution. Nurses need continuous updating and contact with the DSN to enable them to implement diabetes education appropriately.
Reasons for non‐urgent referral to a hospital diabetic clinic and the potential unmet need
Authors: Connor H , Collins RJ 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIn a survey of 56 consecutive, non‐urgent referrals to a hospital diabetic clinic, the majority (57%) were because of unsatisfactory glycaemic control. Non‐urgent referrals of patients with ‘at‐risk’ feet (n = 6) were fewer than urgent referrals or admissions for acute foot problems (n = 11). There were very few referrals for proteinuria (n = 1) or dyslipidaemia, and none for inadequately controlled hypertension. There were only two (3.6%) referrals which were considered inappropriate. Extrapolation from these results, and those of a simultaneous district audit of diabetes care, indicates a considerable unmet need for referral for specialist care which, if implemented, would result in a three‐fold increase in non‐urgent referrals.
Characteristics and outcome of ketoacidosis in Libyan diabetic patients
Authors: Lakhdar AA , Elhabroush S 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe characteristics and outcome of 100 consecutive cases of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in Libyan diabetic patients studied over a six month period are reported. Moderate to severe diabetic ketoacidosis was included (M:51, F:49). Seventy‐eight percent of the episodes were in patients with known diabetes. Ninety‐five percent of patients with DKA were classified as having type 1 diabetes mellitus. Compared to female patients, the male patients had a significantly lower Body Mass Index (BMI) (20.9 vs 22.5 Kg/m2, p < 0.001) and more clinically underweight male subjects were identified (20/51 vs 6/49, p < 0.01). The most common cause of DKA was stopping insulin therapy, which occurred in 41% of the episodes, followed by first presentation and infection. A trend towards more male subjects stopping insulin was observed. Mortality was 2%. We conclude that the majority of cases of DKA in Libyan diabetic patients is potentially avoidable by simple education and is associated with a low mortality. Sex‐related features of patients with DKA are suggestive of a ‘male attitude diabetes syndrome’.
A case of diabetic muscle infarction
Authors: Yung L , Page SR , Kerslake R 
Published: March 2007

AbstractSpontaneous muscle infarction is a rare complication of long‐standing diabetes, which most commonly involves the thigh. We report a 27‐year old patient with type 1 diabetes who experienced infarction of the anterior compartment of the leg, which resulted in potential nerve injury and a permanent foot drop.
HbA1c local reference ranges: Effects of age, sex and ethnicity
Authors: Burden M. L. , Basi M. , Burden A. C. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjective: To determine a local HbA1c reference range.Design: Healthy volunteers recruited into an observational study.Subjects: 262 healthy volunteers. Subjects were excluded if known to be diabetic or on medication known to interfere with glucose levels or if random capillary blood glucose was >10mmol/L.Conclusion: Our local reference range for DCA 2000 measurement of HbA1c has now been established and is 5.5% (+/−0.5). Two standard deviations allow the normal range to rise to 6.5%. Significant (if small) differences were seen between sex, age and ethnicity. Districts, particularly those with non‐white populations, should establish local reference ranges for measurement of glycated haemoglobin. This study shows that it is practical to do so.Results: Reference range was mean 5.5% (+/−0.5). There were differences in ethnicity, sex and age. Ethnicity: Mean HbA1c in which (n=135) was 5.3% (+/−0.4), which was lower than for Indo‐Asians (n=127), which was 5.7% (+/−0.5):p=0.001. Sex: In females (n=140) mean HbA1c was 5.4% (+/−0.45), which was lower than for males (n=122) 5.6% (+/−0.5): p=0.006. Age: For white males aged 20‐44 the mean value was 5.1% compared to a mean value of 5.6% in men >65 years. White females changed from 5.0% at ages 20–44 to 5.4% for >65years. Indo‐Asian females changed from 5.3% at ages 20–44 to 5.7% in women >65 years. However, for Indo‐Asian men aged20‐44 the mean value was 5.6% and remained at 5.6% above the age of 65 years.
Hypoglycaemia with septicaemia: A case report
Authors: Kreth U , Pender S , Kanabar DJ 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA 6 year old boy with Type 1 diabetes mellitus developed meningococcal septicaemia. The intravenous insulin infusion had to be discontinued for several hours because of hypoglycaemia which seemed unusual in the face of severe septicaemia and shock.
Glycaemic outcome in patients with type 2 diabetes referred to a hospital clinic because of poor control
Authors: Connor H. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIn a retrospective survey of 24 consecutive referrals to a hospital diabetic clinic of patients with type 2 diabetes and HbA1c > 7.5%, HbA1c at 6–12 months improved in those maintained on oral hypoglycaemics (initial 9.5% ± 1.1%, finl 8.0% ± 1.5%, n=10, p=0.02) and in those who were changed to insulin (initial 9.7% ± 1.4%, final 8.0% ± 1.5%, n=14 p= <0.01). Patients maintained on oral hypoglycaemics were significantly more overweight than those changed to insulin (BMI 35.0 ± 8.2 kg/m2 versus 27.3 ± 5.8 kg/m2, p <0.025). If patients who missed more than 30% of appointments (n=7) are excluded from the analysis, the outcome in HbA1c was similar to that achieved in the intensive arm of the UKPD Study.
Factors associated with diabetes and its control in a newly developed country
Authors: Malik M , Bakir A , Ai‐Hamadi Hind A , Pugh RNH , Hossain MM , Absood GH , Gill GV 
Published: March 2007

AbstractWe have determined factors associated with the control of diabetes mellitus, a leading and emerging public health problem in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Diabetic patients from the Abu Dhabi Emirate responded to interviewer‐administered questionnaires, including socio‐demographic factors. UAE citizens (49% of patients) showed a female preference for hospital‐based treatment, and had a fasting blood glucose level that was a mean 1.2 mmol/L higher than in South Asian patients (p=0.024). Health centre‐managed patients had over twice the odds of poor diabetic control compared to those treated at hospital (OR 2.47, p=0.001). A positive family history of diabetes was significantly associated with good control (OR 0.39, p=0.001), suggesting that diabetes in the family encourages better care. The findings suggest that hospitals are overburdened with routine management, and that improvements are needed in primary care and in the community‐based approach to diabetes control, especially among the indigenous population.
Acute diabetic ketoacidosis precipitated by substitution of insulin in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Rajbhandari SM , Tesfaye S , Ward JD 
Published: March 2007

AbstractDiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is uncommon in type 2 diabetes, as there is some degree of endogenous insulin present in these patients. We present two patients with insulin treated type 2 diabetes, who developed DKA requiring hospital admission when the insulin treatment was converted to oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHAs). Both made uneventful recovery and insulin treatment was reinstituted. We therefore suggest that, when converting insulin treated type 2 diabetic patients to OHA, they should be monitored carefully for the development of ketonuria and promptly switched back to insulin in order to prevent life‐threatening DKA.
Studies of molecular motions and phase transitions in polymers using the rotating frame magnetic resonance method
Authors: Connor T. M. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe concept of the relaxation time in the rotating frame, T1p, is introduced and compared with the more familiar spin‐lattice relaxation time T1. The experimental requirements for measuring T1p are briefly discussed. The relationship between T1 and T1p and molecular correlation times, τc, and activation energies, ΔE, for motions is indicated. T1p data for a number of polymers, i.e. polyethylene oxides, polypropylene oxide, stereoregular forms of polymethyl methacrylate and starch are briefly discussed and compared with other T1p data for polymers in the literature. The advantages of making relaxation measurements in the rotating frame are pointed out and a number of difficulties connected with spin‐diffusion mechanisms and determinations of crystallinity are discussed.
Structure and properties of ethylene—methacrylic acid copolymers and their sodium salts: Dielectric and proton magnetic relaxation studies
Authors: Read B. E. , Carter E. A. , Connor T. M. , Macknight W. J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractDielectric and proton magnetic relaxation data have been obtained for an ethylene‐methacrylic acid copolymer (containing about 4 mole% methacrylic acid units) and its 53% ionised sodium salt. The degrees of crystallinity and percentage ionisation of the samples investigated were estimated by infra‐red methods.The dielectric results were obtained principally in the frequency range 100 Hz to 10 kHz and at temperatures ranging from 80° to – 120°. A few results are also reported at frequencies down to 0·1 Hz and up to 100 MHz. For the acid copolymer, two dielectric loss regions are observed and these are correlated with the reported mechanical β′‐ and γa‐processes respectively. The partly ionised copolymer exhibits three dielectric relaxation regions which correlate with the mechanical α‐, β‐ and γa‐relaxations respectively. In addition, a dielectric peak appears at about —40° in the presence of absorbed water, a result similar to that found in the polyamides.The proton magnetic relaxation results were obtained by pulse methods which yielded the spin‐lattice relaxation times T1 (at 30 MHz) and T1p (at kilohertz frequencies) as a function of temperature from −180° to 100°. Two components were generally observed for T1p. For the acid copolymer the β′‐ and γ‐processes have been observed from these results, as well as a lower‐temperature (δ) process which has not been detected by the mechanical or dielectric methods. For the sodium salt the γ‐ and δ‐processes are also found, in addition to a high‐temperature process in the region of the merged α‐ and β‐processes.The present data are consistent with previous assignments for the β′‐, α‐, β‐ and γ‐processes. The ‘water’ relaxation appears to involve some rotation of water molecules, or of ionic segments to which water molecules are attached, in the proposed ionic domains. The δ‐process is ascribed to the rotations of methyl groups present in the methacrylic acid units.
Crystallinity determination in polymers and a quantitative comparison for polyethylene
Authors: Richardson M. J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA review is given of methods most often used in determining the crystallinity of polymers. In general, emphasis is placed on specific features peculiar to the various techniques rather than experimental aspects. Because of the considerable and increasing use of differential scanning calorimetry, enthalpic methods of crystallinity determination are considered in some detail.The need for a critical selection of parameters representing the fully amorphous and crystalline states is emphasised. This selection can be made for polyethylene, and results of crystallinity determinations using several methods are given for this polymer. Agreement is generally good for unoriented melt‐crystallised material (the n.m.r. value is, as expected, anomalous). Interfacial effects are therefore negligible and the structure is adequately represented by a simple two‐phase model. Complications arise when polymer is oriented (single crystals grown from solution are included here) and there is little correlation between the various crystallinities.
Characterisation of a new crystallisable polymer
Authors: Allen G. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA scheme is outlined for the characterisation of a crystallisable polymer using simple basic techniques. In it, the thermal characteristics such as melting point and stability up to the melting point are examined using a microscope. A range of solvents is selected and simple fractionation procedures are investigated. The solution properties of the fractions are studied by viscometry and light‐scattering. Finally the melting points and glass transitions of the fractions are investigated, mechanical and dielectric loss measurements are made and gravimetric analyses of thermal stability are carried out.An example of the application of this scheme to a relatively new polymer, polytrifluoroethoxy phosphazene, is discussed and difficulties encountered as the characterisation scheme progressed are outlined.
Ionic conduction in polymer films I. Influence of electrolyte on resistance
Authors: Kinsella E. M. , Mayne J. E. O. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIonic conduction in continuous polymer films is of two types. Inverse conduction occurs when the resistance of the film runs counter to, and direct conduction when the resistance follows, that of the external solution. The two types are interconvertible; the controlling factor is the water content of the film, which is governed by the nature of the polymer, the mode of preparation of the film, and the conditions of exposure.
Influence of solvent on measurement of cohesive energy density of polystyrene
Authors: Cowie J. M. G. , Ranson R. J. , Burchard W. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe solubility parameter (δ2) of polystyrene was measured by the maximum [δ] method in four series of solvents which were structurally different. In each case δ2 varied with the solvent series used, from 8·75 to 9·25 (cal/ml)1/2 The enthalpy parameter (XH), which was calculated for polystyrene dissolved in at least one member of each series, was then used to derive δ2, and little or no variation in δ2, with solvent was observed. The average value was δ2 = 9·16 ± 0·1 (cal/ml)1/2 It has been shown that determination of δ2, from [η]max can be solvent‐dependent because of the influence of the entropy term Xs. It was concluded that if reliable values of δ2 are to be obtained, they should be estimated from XH.
Evolution of toxic gases from heated plastics
Authors: Bott B. , Firth J. G. , Jones T. A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA brief investigation has been carried out into the nature and quantity of the toxic gases evolved during the thermal decomposition of polyurethane, urea‐formaldehyde, nylon and acrylonitrile in air and in nitrogen. The weight fractions of the polymers evolved as hydrogen cyanide are given, together with the lowest temperatures at which hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, ammonia and nitrogen oxides are evolved. Apparent activation energies for the evolution of hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide have been determined. A brief discussion of the experimental data is given.
Boron difluoride chelates as catalysts for curing epoxy resins
Authors: Chandler J. F. , Dobinson B. , Johnston E. , Jones M. E. B. , Martin R. J. , Stark B. P. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBF2‐chelates are powerful polymerisation catalysts for epoxy resins; derivatives of β‐diketones and of β‐ketoamides are especially interesting as ‘latent’ hardeners. Comparison of these metal halide chelates with BF3‐amine complexes in various epoxy systems has shown the chelates to be superior in several respects. Particular advantages are the ease with which reactivity can be varied by choice of chelate structure and by addition of moderators, and the reduced sensitivity to atmospheric moisture during cure. Use of BF2‐Chelates also gives cured products with better electrical properties, and in many cases better mechanical properties, than with BF3‐amine complexes.
Influence of radiation intensity upon photo‐oxidation of unstabilised PVC
Authors: Martin K. G. , Tilley R. I. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractFilms of unstabilised PVC have been exposed to xenon‐arc irradiation at various levels of intensity within a limited temperature range, and the rates of photo‐oxidation have been determined by infra‐red spectroscopy. It has been found that the rate of reaction is directly proportional to radiation intensity measured in absolute units, and that transposition of time and radiation intensity is valid. The consequences of this finding have been discussed in terms of reaction mechanism and acceleration of the time scale for oxidation of PVC under artificial exposures to the xenon‐arc, compared with outdoors exposure to solar radiation at Melbourne and London.
Hot‐melt adhesives based on ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer resins
Authors: Raffield P. J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractHot‐melt adhesives based on ethylene‐vinyl acetate (E‐VA) copolymer resins are compared with other important classes of adhesive products, and reasons for the prominence of E‐VA copolymer resins in this field are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the influence of the randomly distributed vinyl acetate content on the structure and properties of E‐VA copolymers. Molecular structure is the factor which most strongly influences compatibility of the E‐VA resin with other hot‐melt ingredients.A procedure for tackling the problem of hot‐melt adhesive formulation is described, and emphasis is placed on the importance of having available simple test procedures for the complete and reliable assessment of adhesive performance.