bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adrenal function testing in patients with septic shock
Authors: Salgado Diamantino Ribeiro , Verdeal Juan Carlos Rosso , Rocco José Rodolfo 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Introduction
Adrenal failure (AF) is associated with increased mortality in septic patients. Nonetheless, there is no agreement regarding the best diagnostic criteria for AF. We compared the diagnosis of AF considering different baseline total cortisol cutoff values and Δmax values after low (1 μg) and high (249 μg) doses of corticotropin, we analyzed the impact of serum albumin on AF identification and we correlated laboratorial AF with norepinephrine removal.

Methods
A prospective noninterventional study was performed in an intensive care unit from May 2002 to May 2005, including septic shock patients over 18 years old without previous steroid usage. After measurement of serum albumin and baseline total cortisol, the patients were sequentially submitted to 1 μg and 249 μg corticotropin tests with a 60-minute interval between doses. Post-stimuli cortisol levels were drawn 60 minutes after each test (cortisol 60 and cortisol 120). The cortisol 60 and cortisol 120 values minus baseline were called Δmax1 and Δmax249, respectively. Adrenal failure was defined as Δmax249 ≤ 9 μg/dl or baseline cortisol ≤ 10 μg/dl. Other baseline cortisol cutoff values referred to as AF in other studies (≤15, ≤20, ≤25 and ≤34 μg/dl) were compared with Δmax249 ≤ 9 μg/dl and serum albumin influence. Norepinephrine removal was compared with the baseline cortisol values and Δmax249 values.

Results
We enrolled 102 patients (43 male). AF was diagnosed in 22.5% (23/102). Patients with albumin ≤2.5 g/dl presented a lower baseline total cortisol level (15.5 μg/dl vs 22.4 μg/dl, P = 0.04) and a higher frequency of baseline cortisol ≤25 μg/dl (84% vs 58.3%, P = 0.05) than those with albumin > 2.5 g/dl. The Δmax249 levels and Δmax249 ≤ 9, however, were not affected by serum albumin (14.5 μg/dl vs 18.8 μg/dl, P = 0.48 and 24% vs 25%, P = 1.0). Baseline cortisol ≤ 23.6 μg/dl was the most accurate diagnostic threshold to determine norepinephrine removal according to the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Conclusion
AF was identified in 22.5% of the studied population. Since Δmax249 ≤ 9 μg/dl results were not affected by serum albumin and since the baseline serum total cortisol varied directly with albumin levels, we propose that Δmax249 ≤ 9 μg/dl, which means Δmax after high corticotropin dose may be a better option for AF diagnosis whenever measurement of free cortisol is not available. Baseline cortisol ≤23.6 μg/dl was the best value for predicting norepinephrine removal in patients without corticosteroid treatment.
Plasma Adiponectin Levels and Endometrial Cancer Risk in Pre- and Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Cust Anne E. , Kaaks Rudolf , Friedenreich Christine , Bonnet Fabrice , Laville Martine , Lukanova Annekatrin , Rinaldi Sabina , Dossus Laure , Slimani Nadia , Lundin Eva , Tjønneland Anne , Olsen Anja , Overvad Kim , Clavel-Chapelon Françoise , Mesrine Sylvie , Joulin Virginie , Linseisen Jakob , Rohrmann Sabine , Pischon Tobias , Boeing Heiner , Trichopoulos Dimitrios , Trichopoulou Antonia , Benetou Vassiliki , Palli Domenico , Berrino Franco , Tumino Rosario , Sacerdote Carlotta , Mattiello Amalia , Quirós J. Ramón , Mendez Michelle A. , Sánchez María-José , Larrañaga Nerea , Tormo M. J. , Ardanaz Eva , Bueno-de-Mesquita H. Bas , Peeters Petra H. M. , van Gils Carla H. , Khaw Kay-Tee , Bingham Sheila , Allen Naomi , Key Tim , Jenab Mazda , Riboli Elio 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Background: Adiponectin, an adipocytokine secreted by adipose tissue, is decreased in obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome, all of which are well-established risk factors for endometrial cancer.
Methods: We conducted a case-control study nested within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition to examine the relation between prediagnostic plasma adiponectin levels and endometrial cancer risk. Among pre- and postmenopausal women who were not currently using exogenous hormones, 284 women developed incident endometrial cancer during an average of 5.1 yr of follow-up. Using risk set sampling, 548 control subjects were selected, matched on center, age, menopausal status, phase of menstrual cycle, time of blood draw, and fasting status. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate relative risks and 95% confidence intervals.
Results: Adiponectin levels were inversely associated with endometrial cancer risk [body mass index-adjusted relative risk for the top vs. bottom quartile = 0.56 (95% confidence interval 0.36–0.86), Ptrend = 0.006]. There was evidence of a stronger inverse association among obese women than among nonobese women (Pheterogeneity = 0.03). The inverse association also appeared stronger for women who were postmenopausal or perimenopausal than premenopausal at baseline, but this was not statistically significantly heterogeneous (Pheterogeneity = 0.51). The association remained statistically significant after separate adjustment for other obesity-related physiological risk factors such as C-peptide, IGF binding protein-1, IGF binding protein-2, SHBG, estrone, or free testosterone but only marginally statistically significant after simultaneous adjustment for these factors.
Conclusions: High circulating adiponectin levels are associated with reduced endometrial cancer risk, largely independent of other obesity-related risk factors.
Vertical vehicle-track coupling element
Authors: Lou P , Zeng Q-Y 
Published: October 2006

A finite element-based vehicle-track coupling element for analysing the vertical dynamic response of the railway track under a moving train is proposed in this paper. The multi-body vehicle model used has ten degrees of freedom and consists of four wheelsets, rigid bodies, and a two-stage suspension. The track structure is modelled with two layers and includes rails, rail fastenings, sleepers, ballast, and subgrade. The equations of motion for the coupling element are derived in matrix form using the energy method. This element can be used to analyse the dynamic response of the coupling system with a moving train on a railway track on subgrade and can also analyse the response with a train running over a railway bridge. Two examples to illustrate the use of the element are given in the paper.
Measurement of hand loads and the centre of percussion of cricket bats
Authors: Fisher S , Vogwell J , Ansell M P 
Published: October 2006

Experimental procedures for the measurement of hand loads and the centre of percussion (COP) of cricket bats are described. Five commercial cricket bats were evaluated to demonstrate differences in static and dynamic performance characteristics. A standard bat was compared with three bats, incorporating different scallop shapes in the back of the bat and a fifth bat with two slots in the bat back containing honeycomb inserts. All the bats possessed the same external dimensions. Three clamping configurations were employed for measuring bat performance. Bat stiffness was measured using rigid mechanical clamps. Hand loads were measured with load transducers positioned in rigid clamps, in a hand simulator, and attached to the hands of human subjects. The COP for the five bats was measured in a hand simulator, which closely simulated hand loads. Bat and handle deflections for the five bats varied considerably, and in some instances, bat deflections were slightly non-linear. Hand loads were measured for one commercial bat subjected to ball impacts in rigidly clamped, simulator clamped and hand-held conditions. Simulator clamping closely mimicked the pattern of hand-held loads, but loads were approximately ten times higher in the hand simulator. The COPs for all five bats were evaluated by measuring loads in the hand simulator. A common COP located at 0.18 m from the bat end was deduced but simulated hand loads varied considerably. Bat geometry was seen to influence the static and dynamic responses of the five commercial bats.
Synthesis of Y2O3 Nanocrystals and the Effect of Nanocrystalline Y2O3 Supports on Ni/Y2O3 Catalysts for Oxidative Steam Reforming of Ethanol
Authors: Sun Gebiao , Hidajat Kus , Kawi Sibudjing 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Y2O3 nanocrystals of tunable morphology and size have been successfully synthesized; the mobility of surface oxygen species on Y2O3 nanocrystals is found, for the first time, to increase with the decrease of the crystal size and to significantly affect the catalytic performances of Ni/Y2O3 catalysts for oxidative steam reforming of ethanol.
Dimension of Poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) in Aqueous Solutions with Various Ionic Strength
Authors: Matsuda Yasuhiro , Kobayashi Motoyasu , Annaka Masahiko , Ishihara Kazuhiko , Takahara Atsushi 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
The dimension and intermolecular interaction of poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) in aqueous solutions with various ionic strength was investigated with static and dynamic light scattering. Although PMPC is a polyelectrolyte, its dimension and intermolecular interaction did not change in the aqueous solution of NaCl at 0–0.5 M.
The ultrastructural diagnosis of tumors of the head and neck
Authors: Wheelis Roger F. , Hammar Samuel P. , Yarington C. Thomas 
Published: October 2006

AbstractElectron microscopy has proved to be a valuable diagnostic tool in surgical pathology. As shown in three illustrative cases, the procedure is most useful in accurately classifying light microscopically diagnosed undifferentiated tumors of the head and neck, and is also helpful in predicting the origin of cervical lymph node metastasis in occult cancer. It also serves to quality control diagnoses made by light microscopy.All surgical specimens are fixed in a fixative that gives adequate ultrastructural preservation and allows retrieval and examination by electron microscopy, if indicated. Recent technical improvements have resulted in a turn‐around time of less than two days, thus making diagnostic electron microscopy clinically useful. The ultrastructural examination of undifferentiated tumors has a high diagnostic yield, often obviating additional diagnostic procedures and exploratory surgery. The correct diagnosis results in appropriate therapy and accurate assessment of prognosis.
A retrospective study of traumatic tympanic membrane perforations in a clinical practice
Authors: Griffin Warren L. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA retrospective study of 227 traumatic tympanic membrane perforations was made. These perforations were treated in a clinical practice of otolaryngology between January 1969 and July 1977. The following conclusions were supported by the data obtained:

Larger perforations are less likely to heal spontaneously.
Lightning and molten metal injuries are less likely to heal spontaneously.
Final healing and hearing results are good regardless of the mode of therapy employed.
Spontaneous healing gives better results than early surgical intervention.
Infection adversely affects healing in traumatic perforations.

Based on information delineated in the paper, a logical plan of treatment for traumatic perforations is presented.
Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid as a laryngeal problem
Authors: Thinakkal Ramakrishnan , Cabel Gilbert , Borkenhagen Robert 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA neuroendocrine secreting tumor, initially presenting as a laryngeal problem, is reported. Subglottic biopsy, first interpreted as paraganglioma, was finally diagnosed as medullary carcinoma of the thyroid.The complex testing required to arrive at an accurate diagnosis of this uncommon thyroid malignancy is discussed. The sparse occurrence of the neoplasm in the laryngologic field, as well as the necessity for differentiating it from other neuroendocrine tumors, bear consideration.
Clinical trial of diaminodiphenylsulfone (dds) in nasal and nasopharyngeal rhinosporidiosis
Authors: Nair Krishnan K. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractRhinosporidiosis is a fairly common problem for the Otolaryngologist in many parts of the world, because of its prompt recurrence after surgical excision. Though not a fatal disease, it inflicts various kinds of social and economic strain on the patients and their families.No medical treatment has been found to be effective in controlling rhinosporidiosis. Such drugs as griseofulvin and amphotericin have been tried without much benefit. In this clinical trial with dapsone on 32 patients, 20 patients (71.4%) did not have recurrence in a three year period and none of them needed surgery in that period. Thirty‐two patients were used as controls, and 93% of them needed surgery for recurrent rhinosporidiosis in the same three year period.Dapsone (diaminodiphenylsulfone) is a relatively safe drug to use, and no major side effects were noticed in this trial.
Dermoid cysts of the floor of the mouth and lateral neck
Authors: Leveque Hubert , Saraceno Carmelo A. , Tang Chik‐Kwun , Blanchard Cyrus L. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractDermoid cysts of the floor of the mouth and submandibular area represent an unusual clinical entity. We present three such cases and review their clinical presentation and pathologic classification. This study stresses the importance of recognizing and excising any tract leading from such cysts to the midline mandible or hyoid, in order to avoid a recurrence, since these tracts may be epithelialized.
The screening value of monothermal caloric tests
Authors: Becker Gary D. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA valid screening caloric test should decrease examination time, increase patient comfort and maintain a high degree of sensitivity in predicting bithermal (BT) caloric results. This prospective study of 362 consecutive electronystagmograms (ENG) compared right/left (R/L) difference results obtained using monothermal (MT) warm and cold irrigations alone with that of the (combined) BT test. Comparing MT warm and cold irrigations, false negative (normal MT but abnormal BT test) results were obtained in 14% and 25% of irrigations, while false positive (abnormal MT but normal BT test) information was obtained in 22% and 15% of irrigations, respectively. False negative MT tests preclude detection of the abnormal BT test, while false positive tests require unnecessary completion of the BT caloric irrigations. This lack of diagnostic sensitivity limits the usefulness of the MT irrigation as a screening test.
Current State of Community Pharmacy in Japan: Practice, Research, and Future Opportunities or Challenges
Authors: Yamamura Shigeo , Yamamoto Nobuo , Oide Sentato , Kitazawa Shikifumi 
Published: October 2006

Objective: To describe the activities related to pharmaceutical care and research in community pharmacies in Japan. Findings: Japan is an aging society; the proportion of elderly people aged at least 65 years was 19.9% in 2005 and is expected to rise to 26.0% by 2015. This increase will result in ballooning healthcare costs. To curb the huge and rapidly increasing expenditure on medical treatment, many structural reforms have been undertaken in Japan. The healthcare services in community pharmacies will also undergo reforms to meet social needs and patient/customer requirements. In 2006, the undergraduate pharmacy program offered by universities was changed to a 6 year program, including 6 months of clinical training in both hospitals and community pharmacies. This change should provide an opportunity for community pharmacists and academics to communicate with each other, and we anticipate that it will further the research in community pharmacies. Accreditation programs will also improve the level of health care. Discussion: The healthcare system should undergo reforms to address the problems related to Japan's low birth rate and the needs of an aging population. Such reforms are also required to ensure a healthy aging society and should not have adverse effects on socially vulnerable children and the elderly. Pharmacists should contribute to the development of a healthcare system for an aging society by providing appropriate pharmaceutical care. Since a large number of prescriptions are dispensed through community pharmacies, pharmacists have a greater opportunity to improve health care. In addition, pharmacist associations are encouraging their members to actively participate in home medical care services. An effective community healthcare program should reduce the need for institutional care. Conclusions: Although Japanese pharmacists are not fully capable of providing pharmaceutical care at this stage, they will play a crucial role in ensuring a healthy aging society in the future, particularly in the community setting.
Diminished Response to Recombinant Factor Vila in a Patient with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Baxter Melissa S , Schroeder Walter S , Cheng Yijun , Bernstein Zale P 
Published: October 2006

Objective: To describe the hypotheses that may explain a diminished hemostatic response in a patient receiving multiple doses of recombinant coagulation factor Vila (rFVIIa) for off-label treatment of bleeding events. Case Summary: A 70-year-old female with a significant history of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) was admitted for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. The patient developed thrombocytopenia and persistent hemorrhage postoperatively that was refractory to conventional therapy for ITP. She experienced an initial hemostatic response to rFVIIa after receiving 3 doses. During her second trial of rFVIIa a few days later, the duration of hemostatic effect was approximately half that of the first. The patient then received rFVIIa almost daily over the following 9 days to which she remained unresponsive, ultimately resulting in death. All doses in this patient were 9.6 mg (101 μg/kg), except the last, which was 4.8 mg (50.5 μg/kg). Discussion: Several hypotheses may explain this patient's resistance to rFVIIa therapy. Two involve depletion of platelets or coagulation factors essential for rFVIIa efficacy. Another involves development of an antibody to rFVIIa. The last involves acidemia, which may interfere with the pharmacologic effect of rFVIIa. Conclusions: The combination of persistent thrombocytopenia and exhaustion of coagulation factors is the likely cause leading to resistance to rFVIIa therapy in this patient.
The Legal Status of Medical Marijuana
Authors: Seamon Matthew J 
Published: October 2006

Objective: To review the legal status of medical marijuana in the US. Data Sources: Relevant publications were located using LexisNexis (1982–October 2006), WestLaw (1996–October 2006), BNA Health Law Reporter (1996–October 2006), MEDLINE (1996–October 2006), EMBASE (1980–October 2006), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–October 2006), and an Internet search targeting government sites using the key words medical marijuana. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Federal and state medical marijuana laws were examined. Relevant cannabinoid-based drug products were reviewed. Federal and State Supreme Court and Appeal level cases involving medical marijuana were evaluated. Data Synthesis: Marijuana is regulated as a Schedule I controlled substance and its use is prohibited under federal law. Dronabinol and nabilone are synthetic cannabinoids approved by the Food and Drug Administration and Sativex is a cannabis-based extract being evaluated in Phase III trials. The federal government sponsors a single patient compassionate use Investigational New Drug Application program providing medical marijuana for a small number of patients. Eleven states permit marijuana use for medical purposes and one state provides a defense of medical necessity. Employers do not have to provide workplace accommodations for employees using medical marijuana and can terminate them at will. Healthcare providers have First Amendment constitutional protections that allow them to discuss marijuana with patients. Conclusions: Until the Supreme Court rules directly on the constitutionality of state medical marijuana laws, a conflict remains. Marijuana use remains illegal under federal law and states assume their medical marijuana laws to be constitutional.
Is perfectionism related to pre‐existing and future insomnia? A prospective study
Authors: Jansson‐Fröjmark Markus , Linton Steven J. 
Published: October 2006

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the role of perfectionism to pre‐existing and future insomnia.Methods Based on a random sample from the general population (N=3,600), 1,936 participants filled out a baseline and 1‐year follow‐up survey on perfectionism (concern over mistakes and personal standards), emotional distress and insomnia.Results The results from sequential logistic regression analyses showed that concern over mistakes was significantly related to pre‐existing and future insomnia. When emotional distress was accounted for, none of the perfectionism subscales contributed significantly in explaining pre‐existing and future insomnia.Conclusions The results indicate that though perfectionism seems to be related to both pre‐existing and future insomnia, its role seems relatively weak.
New Method for Measuring Static Segregation of Self-Consolidating Concrete
Authors: Shen L , Struble L , Lange D 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
To study self-consolidating concrete it is important to be able to characterize segregation resistance. In this paper, a segregation probe is introduced as a simple and fast method for testing static segregation of fresh concrete. The results of the segregation probe tests were verified using image analysis. A mechanics analysis was used to estimate the forces acting on the segregation probe and explain why the thickness of a paste/mortar layer at the surface of the concrete can be measured. Finally, use of the probe to determine robustness is presented.
Test Method to Evaluate Bruising During Impacts to Apples and Compare Cushioning Materials
Authors: Jarimopas B. , Sayasoonthorn S. , Singh S. P. , Singh Jagjit 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Developing simplified and accurate test methods to quantify and compare performance of impact levels to sensitive produce is a challenge. Despite a variety of packaging options available today, bruising damage is commonplace for post-harvest apples throughout the supply chain. The major sources of bruising are compression, impact, or vibration forces. Understanding where these forces occur can help reduce this type of mechanical damage to apples. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact characteristics of foam net and corrugated board when applied as wrapping for individual apples. Two grades (count numbers 80 and 100) of “Fuji” cultivar apples imported to Thailand from China were studied. A simple ballistic pendulum test device was developed to measure bruise volume to impact energy relationship. A linear relationship for both types of apples was observed. Bruise volume occurrence probability and impact energy relationship fitted by linear regression were created for cushioned and bare apples. Absorbed energy of various cushioning materials was also calculated under compressive forces.