bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Short-Term Changes in Health-Related Quality of Life in Thyroid Carcinoma Patients Undergoing Diagnostic Evaluation with Recombinant Human Thyrotropin Compared with Thyroid Hormone Withdrawal
Authors: Schroeder Pamela R. , Haugen Bryan R. , Pacini Furio , Reiners Christoph , Schlumberger Martin , Sherman Steven I. , Cooper David S. , Schuff Kathryn G. , Braverman Lewis E. , Skarulis Monica C. , Davies Terry F. , Mazzaferri Ernest L. , Daniels Gilbert H. , Ross Douglas S. , Luster Markus , Samuels Mary H. , Weintraub Bruce D. , Ridgway E. Chester , Ladenson Paul W. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Context: Thyroid carcinoma requires lifelong monitoring with serum thyroglobulin, radioactive iodine whole body scanning, and other imaging modalities. Levothyroxine (l-T4) withdrawal for thyroglobulin measurement and whole body scanning increases these tests’ sensitivities but causes hypothyroidism. Recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) enables testing without l-T4 withdrawal.
Objective: Our objective was to examine the impact of short-term hypothyroidism on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients after rhTSH vs.l-T4 withdrawal.
Design, Setting, and Patients: In this multicenter study, the SF-36 Health Survey was administered to 228 patients at three time points: on l-T4, after rhTSH, and after l-T4 withdrawal.
Interventions: Interventions included administration of rhTSH on l-T4 and withdrawal from thyroid hormone.
Main Outcome Measures: Mean SF-36 scores were compared during the two interventions and with the U.S. general population and patients with heart failure, depression, and migraine headache.
Results: Patients had SF-36 scores at or above the norm for the general U.S. population in six of eight domains at baseline on l-T4 and in seven of eight domains after rhTSH. Patients’ scores declined significantly in all eight domains after l-T4 withdrawal when compared with the other two periods (P &lt; 0.0001). Patients’ HRQOL scores while on l-T4 and after rhTSH were at or above those for patients with heart failure, depression, and migraine in all eight domains. After l-T4 withdrawal, patients’ HRQOL scores were significantly below congestive heart failure, depression, and migraine headache norms in six, three, and six of the eight domains, respectively.
Conclusions: Short-term hypothyroidism after l-T4 withdrawal is associated with a significant decline in quality of life that is abrogated by rhTSH use.
A Novel LHX3 Mutation Presenting as Combined Pituitary Hormonal Deficiency
Authors: Bhangoo Amrit P. S. , Hunter Chad S. , Savage Jesse J. , Anhalt Henry , Pavlakis Steven , Walvoord Emily C. , Ten Svetlana , Rhodes Simon J. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractContext: LHX3 encodes LIM homeodomain class transcription factors with important roles in pituitary and nervous system development. The only previous report of LHX3 mutations described patients with two types of recessive mutations displaying combined pituitary hormone deficiency coupled with neck rigidity.Objective: We report a patient presenting a unique phenotype associated with a novel mutation in the LHX3 gene.Patient: We report a 6-yr, 9-month-old boy born from a consanguineous relationship who presented shortly after birth with cyanosis, feeding difficulty, persistent jaundice, micropenis, and poor weight gain and growth rate. Laboratory data, including an undetectable TSH, low free T4, low IGF-I and IGF binding protein-3, prolactin deficiency, and LH and FSH deficiency were consistent with hypopituitarism. A rigid cervical spine leading to limited head rotation was noticed on follow-up examination. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an apparently structurally normal cervical spine and a postcontrast hypointense lesion in the anterior pituitary.Results: Analysis of the LHX3 gene revealed homozygosity for a novel single-base-pair deletion in exon 2. This mutation leads to a frame shift predicted to result in the production of short, inactive LHX3 proteins. The results of in vitro translation experiments are consistent with this prediction. The parents of the patients are heterozygotes, indicating a recessive mode of action for the deletion allele.Conclusions: The presence of a hypointense pituitary lesion and other clinical findings broadens the phenotype associated with LHX3 gene mutation.
Thyroid Morphology and Function in Adults with Untreated Isolated Growth Hormone Deficiency
Authors: Alcântara Marta Regina Silva , Salvatori Roberto , Alcântara Paula Regina Silva , Nóbrega Luciana Michele A. , Campos Vera Simone , Oliveira Elma Cristina O. , Oliveira Marcelo Henrique S. , Souza Anita Hermínia Oliveira , Aguiar-Oliveira Manuel Hermínio 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Objective: GH influences thyroid function and anatomy. Although goiter is frequent in acromegalic patients, the effects of GH deficiency (GHD) are difficult to assess, because hypopituitaric subjects who lack GH often also have a partial or complete deficit of TSH.
Study Design: We studied thyroid morphology and serum levels of thyroid hormones in adult members of a large Brazilian kindred with untreated isolated GHD due to a homozygous mutation in the GHRH receptor gene (GHRHR; nine men and 15 women; GHD group) and compared them to subjects heterozygous for the same mutation (eight men and 10 women; HET group) and subjects homozygous for the wild-type allele [seven men and 11 women; control (CO) group].
Results: GHD subjects had a smaller thyroid volume (TV) than HET and CO. The TV of the HET group was intermediate between those of the GHD and CO groups. When TV was corrected by body surface area, it remained smaller in the GHD and HET groups than in the CO group, but the difference between GHD and HET groups disappeared. The GHD group had lower serum T3 levels than the CO group and higher free T4 levels than HET and CO groups.
Conclusions: Individuals with severe untreated GHD due to a homozygous GHRHR mutation and heterozygous carriers of the same mutation have smaller TV than normal subjects, suggesting that GH has a permissive role in the growth of the thyroid gland. In addition, GHD subjects have reduced serum total T3 and increased serum free T4, suggesting a reduction in the function of the deiodinase system.
Targeting newly enrolled low-age school children for the control of the intestinal helminth infection in rural Nepal
Authors: Poudyal Amod K , Jimba Masamine , Silwal Ram Chandra , Murakami Izumi , Sherchand Jeevan B , Wakai Susumu 
Published: February 2006

This study aims to identify an effective intervention group for the control of the intestinal helminth infection among school-age children in rural Nepal. We examined 1677 stool samples of school-age children from 25 schools and 1014 samples from 25 communities in rural Nepal. We used formalin-ether sedimentation technique for the microscopic examination of the stool samples and identified three major intestinal helminths: Ascariasis lumbricoides, hookworm and Trichuris trichiura. Our results revealed that the newly enrolled under-6-year-old children at the schools were more widely infected with at least one of the three major helminths than those in the communities (odds ratio [OR] 2.29). We detected a significant difference in the prevalence of A. lumbricoides (OR 1.70), hookworm (OR 2.57) and T.trichiura (OR 3.23) between under-6-year-old children at the schools and those at the communities. The study results suggest that an appropriate deworming programme is needed for the newly enrolled under-6-year-old children in the primary schools in Nepal.
Ocular leprosy in Nigeria: a survey of an Eku leprosorium
Authors: Waziri-Erameh M J M , Omoti A E 
Published: February 2006

To determine the ocular morbidity, visual disability and potential for blindness in leprosy patients recently released from treatment. In-patients from Eku leprosy settlement were interviewed and examined for ocular disease from leprosy and other causes. They were examined using the Snellen's chart, pentorch, Kowa portable slit-lamp, direct ophthalmoscope and the pulsair non-contact tonometer. The patients were also refracted. In all, 60 inpatients who were recently released from treatment, comprising 39 men (65%) and 21 women (35%), were examined. Fifty-eight patients (96.67%) had ocular symptoms, the most common being blurred vision in 23 patients (38.33%). Nine patients (15%) were blind. Cataract was the most common cause of blindness occurring in three of the nine patients (33.33%). The most common types of ocular lesions were madarosis (31.67%), lagophthalmos (16.67%) and cataract (16.67%). Potentially blinding conditions due to leprosy were seen in 42 patients (70%). The incidence of ocular involvement, blindness and potentially blinding conditions are high in leprosy patients recently released from treatment. Regular ophthalmic evaluation and integration into Vision 2020 programmes are recommended.
Temporal and biological trends in liver cancers at a University hospital in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Otegbayo J A , Oluwasola O A , Akere A , Ogunbiyi J O 
Published: February 2006

The changes in incidence, sex distribution and histological profile of cancers of the liver over two decades at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria, were studied. There were 1234 cases of liver cancer, consisting of 876 men and 358 women, a men to women ratio of 2.4:1, and peak age incidence was between 40 and 59 years. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounted for 92% of all cases; metastatic carcinoma was 1.78%, cholangiocarcinoma 1.2%, while combined HCC and cholangiocarcinoma was 0.24%.
A case control study of active genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection among patients with tubal infertility in northern Nigeria
Authors: Tukur J , Shittu S O , Abdul A M 
Published: February 2006

A case-controlled study of the prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in 120 patients with tubal infertility (study group) and 120 clients of the family planning clinic (control group) attending the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria in northern Nigeria is reported. The prevalence was 38.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI) (29.6-47.6%) in the study group and 13.3%, 95% CI (7.8-20.7%) in the control group. There was a fourfold risk of having genital Chlamydial infection among the cases compared to the controls (odds ratio [OR] = 4.04, 95% CI (2.04 < OR < 8.09). Tubal infertility was found to be significantly associated with genital C. trachomatis infection ( P<0.001). Out of the 58 cases of primary infertility, 22(37.9%) tested positive for genital C. trachomatis compared with 24 of the 62 (38.7%) that had secondary infertility. The infection was not found to be significantly associated with a particular type of infertility (primary or secondary), number of sexual partners or previous sexually transmitted disease ( P<0.05). There is need for provision of facilities to enable screening for genital C. trachomatis infection in view of its high prevalence in the study population.
Modellierung von Luftblasen als Rotationsellipsoide anhand paarweiser ebener Projektionen (Modelling of Air Bubbles as Spheroids Based on a Pair of Parallel Planar Projections)
Authors: Hoppe Dietrich , Zaruba Aliaksandr , Prasser Horst-Michael 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Eine in ruhendem Wasser aufsteigende Luftblase wird parallel zur Wasseroberfläche in zwei zueinander senkrechte horizontale Richtungen parallel projiziert. Diese beiden Projektionen werden zunächst als Ellipsen approximiert. Anhand der Ellipsen wird die Blase dann als Rotationsellipsoid modelliert. Dieses eignet sich zur Analyse der Orientierung der Symmetrieachse der Blase auf ihrem Weg durch das Wasser. Dies wird an einem Ensemble schraubenartig aufsteigender Blasen verdeutlicht.
Pyroelektrische Zeilensensoren und ihre Anwendungen (Pyroelectric Linear Arrays and their Applications)
Authors: Norkus Volkmar , Gerlach Gerald , Köhler Reinhard , Hofmann Günter 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
In den letzten Jahren ist am Institut für Festkörperelektronik eine flexible Herstellungstechnologie für pyroelektrische Infrarotsensoren auf der Basis von Lithiumtantalat (LiTaO3) entwickelt worden. Mit ihr ist es möglich, Sensoren zu entwerfen und zu fertigen, die einen hohen Signal-Rausch-Abstand besitzen und der geplanten Anwendung optimal angepasst sind. So wurden Zeilensensoren mit bis zu 256 empfindlichen Elementen hergestellt, die vorteilhaft in der Temperaturmesstechnik, Gasanalytik und Sicherheitstechnik eingesetzt werden können.
Pyroelektrische Detektoren mit integriertem Operationsverstärker für hohe Modulationsfrequenzen (Pyroelectric Detectors with Integrated Operational Amplifier for High Modulation Frequencies)
Authors: Neumann Norbert , Sänze Hannjo , Heinze Matthias 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Durch die Entwicklung einer Familie von pyroelektrischen Detektoren mit integriertem Transimpedanzverstärker können die Vorteile des Strombetriebs auch für Modulationsfrequenzen bis in den kHz-Bereich konsequent genutzt, die Applikation solcher Detektoren vereinfacht sowie neue Einsatzfelder wie z. B. die Absorptionsspektroskopie mit Quanten-Kaskaden-Lasern eröffnet werden. Die wesentlichen Vorteile des Transimpedanzverstärkers ergeben sich aus der niedrigen elektrischen Zeitkonstante τE und dem Kurzschlussbetrieb des pyroelektrischen Elements. Um auch bei hohen Modulationsfrequenzen über eine genügend hohe Empfindlichkeit von z. B. 7500 V/W zu verfügen, wird ein möglichst flacher Amplitudengang der Empfindlichkeit bis über 1 kHz angestrebt. Erreicht wird dies durch eine elektrische Zeitkonstante von (0.1…1) ms und eine hohe Bandbreite des Operationsverstärkers von mindestens 1 MHz. Im Einzelnen wird beschrieben, wie die Forderungen umgesetzt werden können und welche Kompromisse einzugehen sind.
Beschleunigungsempfindlichkeit pyroelektrischer Sensoren (Acceleration Sensitivity of Pyroelectric Infrared Detectors)
Authors: Shvedov Dmitry , Norkus Volkmar , Gerlach Gerald 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
In dieser Arbeit wird der Einfluss mechanischer Beschleunigungen auf das Ausgangssignal pyroelektrischer Sensoren (Mikrofonieeffekt) untersucht. Es wurden unterschiedliche Sensorparameter analysiert.
LimoLIT – Licht-modulierte Lock-in-Thermografie zur Solarzellenprüfung (LimoLIT – Light Modulated Lock-in Thermography for Solar Cell Examination)
Authors: Krauß Matthias , Pfengler David , Vollheim Birgit , Mahler Guido 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Bei der Massenproduktion von Solarzellen gewinnen effiziente Prüfverfahren zur Sicherung der Produktqualität und Optimierung der Prozesse zunehmend an Bedeutung. Mit der Licht-modulierten Lock-in-Thermografie (LimoLIT) können Solarzellen bereits während des Fertigungsprozesses innerhalb kürzester Messzeiten berührungslos geprüft werden. Durch eine periodisch modulierte Beleuchtung der Solarzelle werden lokale Erwärmungen an Defekten (Shunts) hervorgerufen, die mit einer leistungsfähigen Thermografiekamera unter Anwendung des Lock-in-Verfahrens detektiert werden.
High‐light‐induced Changes on Photosynthesis, Pigments, Sugars, Lipids and Antioxidant Enzymes in Freshwater (Nostoc spongiaeforme) and Marine (Phormidium corium) Cyanobacteria
Authors: Bhandari Rupali , Sharma Prabhat Kumar 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACTWe studied the effects of high‐light exposure (500 μmol m−2 s−1 of photosynthetic active radiation) on the cyanobacteria Nostoc spongiaeforme Agardh, a fresh‐water alga, and Phormidium corium Agardh (Gomont), a marine alga, with respect to photosynthesis, pigments, sugar content, lipid peroxidation, fatty acids composition, antioxidant enzymes activity and DNA. It was seen that the ratio of variable fluorescence (Fv) to maximum fluorescence (Fm), which is indicative of photosynthetic efficiency, decreased because of the light treatment. The damage to photosynthesis occurred in the antenna system and the photosynthetic II reaction center. Photobleaching of photosynthetic pigments was also observed. High‐light treatment also resulted in decreased sugar content, which was probably due to the effect on photosynthesis. Peroxidation of membrane lipids, indicating oxidative damage to lipids and a high level of unsaturation in the cell membrane, was also observed. The activity of antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase was increased, probably as a result of oxidative damage observed in the form of lipid peroxidation. Quantitative decreases in phospholipid and glycolipid levels were also observed. The level of unsaturated fatty acids in total lipids and glycolipids remained unchanged in both species; however, the level of saturated fatty acids decreased, which slightly changed the ratio in favor of unsaturated fatty acids. Degradation of DNA was also observed in both species. There was a transient plateau 2–4 h after exposure to high‐light treatment in the Fv/Fm ratio and in levels of phycobilisome pigments, sugars and antioxidant enzymes after an initial decrease 1 h after the treatment. These findings may indicate a period of partial adaptation to high light that is due to the efficiency of protective processes operational in the two species, which subsequently failed after a longer exposure duration of 4–6 h.
Hydrogen response in liquid propylene polymerization: Towards a generalized model
Authors: Ali M. Al‐haj , Betlem B. , Roffel B. , Weickert G. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractLiquid propylene batch experiments in the absence of a gas phase have been carried out using a highly‐active MgCl2/TiCl4/phthalate/silane/AlR3 catalyst at varying temperatures (60‐80°C) and molar hydrogen‐monomer ratios of 0‐10 mmol/mol. With increasing hydrogen concentration the

polymerization rate increases rapidly, reaching a constant value at concentrations above 1.4 mmol/mol;

pseudo‐first‐order catalyst deactivation constant increases;

molecular weight decreases;

polydispersity decreases slightly;

but average molecular weight and polydispersity increase with increasing temperature. Polymerization rate, deactivation constant, and average molecular weight can be modeled based on a consistent dormant site mechanism assuming an (averaged) quasi‐single‐site model. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J,2006
Assessment of the accuracy of dental enamel thickness measurements using microfocal X‐ray computed tomography
Authors: Olejniczak Anthony J. , Grine Frederick E. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractTooth enamel thickness has long been an important character in studies of primate and especially hominin phylogeny, taxonomy, and adaptation. Current methods for accurately assessing enamel thickness involve the physical sectioning of teeth, because measurements of enamel thickness using some radiographic techniques are unreliable. However, because destructive methods limit sample sizes and access to important fossil specimens, it is desirable that they be replaced with nondestructive techniques. Although microfocal X‐ray computed tomography (mCT) has been used recently in studies of enamel thickness, the accuracy of this technique has yet to be established. The present research compares physical sections to computer‐generated mCT sections of teeth from a variety of primate and nonprimate, recent and fossil taxa to examine whether enamel thickness, tooth size, and diagenetic remineralization (fossilization) impact the ability of mCT to measure enamel thickness accurately. Results indicate that recent teeth of varying size and thickness are clearly and accurately depicted in mCT scans, with measurements from nearly identical planes in physical and mCT sections differing by 3–5%. A fossil papionin molar (ca. 2 Myr) was also accurately measured using mCT scans, although thinner enamel in much older therapsid (ca. 263–241 Myr) teeth could not be distinguished from dentine. mCT is thus an accurate technique for measuring enamel thickness in recent taxa, although heavily mineralized teeth pose an obstacle to the ability of mCT to distinguish dental tissues. Moreover, absolutely thin enamel (less than ∼ 0.10 mm) is difficult to resolve adequately in raw mCT images based on pixel values alone. Therefore, caution must be exercised in the application of mCT to the study of fossilized teeth. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morphological evidence for existence of IL‐6 receptor alpha in the glomus cells of rat carotid body
Authors: Wang Xi , Zhang Xi‐Jing , Xu Zhen , Li Xin , Li Gai‐Li , Ju Gong , Wang Bai‐Ren 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe carotid body (CB) senses changes in arterial blood PO2 and modulates respiratory movement. It is generally accepted that the dopaminergic type I cells in the CB are chemoreceptors. However, it has not been clarified whether the carotid body has the ability to perceive the stimulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Interleukin 6 (IL‐6) as a multifunctional cytokine plays a pivotal role in host defense mechanism. In the present study, we observed the expression of IL‐6Rα mRNA and protein in the carotid body using immunohistochemistry, Western blots, and in situ hybridization. The results confirmed the presence of IL‐6Rα proteins and mRNAs in the glomus cells of rat carotid body. These results suggest that the function of the carotid body may be influenced by the proinflammatrory cytokines through their receptors. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Retrospective analysis of utilization patterns and cost implications of coxibs among seniors in Quebec, Canada: What is the potential impact of the withdrawal of rofecoxib?
Authors: Rahme Elham , Hunsche Elke , Toubouti Youssef , Chabot Isabelle 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjectiveIn September 2004, the manufacturer of rofecoxib announced a voluntary worldwide withdrawal of the drug. The impact of this withdrawal on drug budgets is unclear. This study evaluated average daily doses and costs of rofecoxib and celecoxib and concomitant use of gastroprotective agents (GPAs) in elderly patients with osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Quebec, prior to the rofecoxib withdrawal.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study used prescription drug and medical service data from the Quebec government health agency administrative database and included coxib users ≥66 years of age with OA or RA who filled ≥3 consecutive rofecoxib or celecoxib prescriptions in 2001–2002. Results were adjusted for gastrointestinal risk factors and other patient baseline characteristics.ResultsData were analyzed for 11,975 rofecoxib and 12,480 celecoxib users. Mean daily dosages were 20.7 mg for rofecoxib and 231.3 mg for celecoxib. Rofecoxib users consumed a mean ± SD of 0.95 ± 0.43 pills per day, and celecoxib users took 1.34 ± 0.65 pills per day. Mean ± SD unadjusted daily acquisition costs were $1.18 ± $0.53 (Canadian) for rofecoxib and $1.45 ± $0.74 for celecoxib. After adjusting for patient baseline characteristics, the mean daily acquisition cost for rofecoxib was $0.25 lower than for celecoxib. Rofecoxib users were less likely than celecoxib users to fill a GPA coprescription (odds ratio 0.88; 95% confidence interval 0.81, 0.95). Subgroup analyses yielded comparable results.ConclusionCelecoxib appears to be a more expensive therapeutic option than rofecoxib due to a relatively higher daily dose and tablet consumption.