bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strict glycaemic control in patients hospitalised in a mixed medical and surgical intensive care unit: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: De La Rosa Gisela Del Carmen , Donado Jorge Hernando , Restrepo Alvaro Humberto , Quintero Alvaro Mauricio , González Luis Gabriel , Saldarriaga Nora Elena , Bedoya Marisol , Toro Juan Manuel , Velásquez Jorge Byron , Valencia Juan Carlos , Arango Clara Maria , Aleman Pablo Henrique , Vasquez Esdras Martin , Chavarriaga Juan Carlos , Yepes Andrés , Pulido William , Cadavid Carlos Alberto ,   Grupo de Investigacion en Cuidado intensivo: GICI-HPTU
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Critically ill patients can develop hyperglycaemia even if they do not have diabetes. Intensive insulin therapy decreases morbidity and mortality rates in patients in a surgical intensive care unit (ICU) and decreases morbidity in patients in a medical ICU. The effect of this therapy on patients in a mixed medical/surgical ICU is unknown. Our goal was to assess whether the effect of intensive insulin therapy, compared with standard therapy, decreases morbidity and mortality in patients hospitalised in a mixed ICU.

Methods
This is a prospective, randomised, non-blinded, single-centre clinical trial in a medical/surgical ICU. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either intensive insulin therapy to maintain glucose levels between 80 and 110 mg/dl (4.4 to 6.1 mmol/l) or standard insulin therapy to maintain glucose levels between 180 and 200 mg/dl (10 and 11.1 mmol/l). The primary end point was mortality at 28 days.

Results
Over a period of 30 months, 504 patients were enrolled. The 28-day mortality rate was 32.4% (81 of 250) in the standard insulin therapy group and 36.6% (93 of 254) in the intensive insulin therapy group (Relative Risk [RR]: 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.85 to 1.42). The ICU mortality in the standard insulin therapy group was 31.2% (78 of 250) and 33.1% (84 of 254) in the intensive insulin therapy group (RR: 1.06; 95%CI: 0.82 to 1.36). There was no statistically significant reduction in the rate of ICU-acquired infections: 33.2% in the standard insulin therapy group compared with 27.17% in the intensive insulin therapy group (RR: 0.82; 95%CI: 0.63 to 1.07). The rate of hypoglycaemia (≤ 40 mg/dl) was 1.7% in the standard insulin therapy group and 8.5% in the intensive insulin therapy group (RR: 5.04; 95% CI: 1.20 to 21.12).

Conclusions
IIT used to maintain glucose levels within normal limits did not reduce morbidity or mortality of patients admitted to a mixed medical/surgical ICU. Furthermore, this therapy increased the risk of hypoglycaemia.

Trial Registration
clinicaltrials.gov Identifiers: 4374-04-13031; 094-2 in 000966421
Long-Term Survival for Patients With Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer With Intratumoral Lymphoid Structures
Authors: Dieu-Nosjean Marie-Caroline , Antoine Martine , Danel Claire , Heudes Didier , Wislez Marie , Poulot Virginie , Rabbe Nathalie , Laurans Ludivine , Tartour Eric , de Chaisemartin Luc , Lebecque Serge , Fridman Wolf-Herman , Cadranel Jacques 
Published: September 2008

Purpose It has been established that the immune system plays an important role in tumor rejection. There is also compelling evidence that immune responses can develop independently of secondary lymphoid organs in tertiary lymphoid structures. We studied the presence and the correlation of tertiary lymphoid structures with clinical outcome in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as the prognostic value of these structures in patients with cancer had not yet been established. Patients and Methods This retrospective study was performed by immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded tissue specimens from 74 patients with early-stage NSCLC. Results Tertiary lymphoid structures were detected in some tumors but not in nontumoral lungs. Thus we called these structures tumor-induced bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (Ti-BALT). As in lymph nodes, Ti-BALTs were composed of mature dendritic cell (DC)/T-cell clusters adjacent to B-cell follicles and had features of an ongoing immune response. Because the quantitative counting of Ti-BALT was difficult to achieve, we used mature DCs that homed exclusively in Ti-BALT as a specific marker of these structures. Univariate analysis showed that the density of mature DCs was highly associated with a favorable clinical outcome (overall, disease-specific, and disease-free survival), suggesting that Ti-BALT may participate in antitumoral immunity. The density of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, in particular, CD4+ and T-bet+ Th1 T cells, was profoundly decreased in tumors weakly infiltrated by mature DCs. Conclusion The density of mature DCs was found to be a better predictor of clinical outcome than the other parameters tested. The number of tumor-infiltrating mature DCs may identify patients with early-stage NSCLC who have a high risk of relapse.
Results of the EICESS-92 Study: Two Randomized Trials of Ewing's Sarcoma Treatment—Cyclophosphamide Compared With Ifosfamide in Standard-Risk Patients and Assessment of Benefit of Etoposide Added to Standard Treatment in High-Risk Patients
Authors: Paulussen Michael , Craft Alan W. , Lewis Ian , Hackshaw Allan , Douglas Carolyn , Dunst Jürgen , Schuck Andreas , Winkelmann Winfried , Köhler Gabriele , Poremba Christopher , Zoubek Andreas , Ladenstein Ruth , van den Berg Henk , Hunold Andrea , Cassoni Anna , Spooner David , Grimer Robert , Whelan Jeremy , McTiernan Anne , Jürgens Herbert 
Published: September 2008

Purpose The European Intergroup Cooperative Ewing's Sarcoma Study investigated whether cyclophosphamide has a similar efficacy as ifosfamide in standard-risk (SR) patients and whether the addition of etoposide improves survival in high-risk (HR) patients. Patients and Methods SR patients (localized tumors, volume <100 mL) were randomly assigned to receive four courses of vincristine, dactinomycin, ifosfamide, and doxorubicin (VAIA) induction therapy followed by 10 courses of either VAIA or vincristine, dactinomycin, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin (VACA; cyclophosphamide replacing ifosfamide). HR patients (volume ≥100 mL or metastases) were randomly assigned to receive 14 courses of either VAIA or VAIA plus etoposide (EVAIA). Outcome measures were event-free survival (EFS; defined as the time to first recurrence, progression, second malignancy, or death) and overall survival (OS). Results A total of 647 patients were randomly assigned: 79 SR patients were assigned to VAIA, 76 SR patients were assigned to VACA, 240 HR were assigned to VAIA, and 252 HR patients were assigned to EVAIA. The median follow-up was 8.5 years. In the SR group, the hazard ratios (VACA v VAIA) for EFS and OS were 0.91 (95% CI, 0.55 to 1.53) and 1.08 (95% CI, 0.58 to 2.03), respectively. There was a higher incidence of hematologic toxicities in the VACA arm. In the HR group, the EFS and OS hazard ratios (EVAIA v VAIA) indicated a 17% reduction in the risk of an event (95% CI, −35% to 5%; P = .12) and 15% reduction in dying (95% CI, −34% to 10%), respectively. The effect seemed greater among patients without metastases (hazard ratio = 0.79; P = .16) than among those with metastases (hazard ratio = 0.96; P = .84). Conclusion Cyclophosphamide seemed to have a similar effect on EFS and OS as ifosfamide in SR patients but was associated with increased toxicity. In HR patients, the addition of etoposide seemed to be beneficial.
Phase I Study of Weekly Oxaliplatin in Relapsed or Refractory Pediatric Solid Malignancies
Authors: Geoerger Birgit , Doz François , Gentet Jean-Claude , Mayer Michele , Landman-Parker Judith , Pichon Fabienne , Chastagner Pascal , Rubie Hervé , Frappaz Didier , Le Bouil Anne , Gupta Sunil , Vassal Gilles 
Published: September 2008

Purpose To explore feasibility, maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), and recommended dose (RD) for phase II studies of weekly oxaliplatin for the treatment of relapsed or refractory pediatric solid malignancies. Patients and Methods Eligible patients were 6 months to 21 years old, had a diagnosis of a solid malignancy, and had experienced treatment failure with at least two or more previous lines of therapy. The phase I study was multicentric, open-label, and nonrandomized. It foresaw two phases: a dose-escalation phase (comprising six levels) to find the RD and an extension at the RD to evaluate the cumulative toxicity. Oxaliplatin was administered intravenously over 2 hours on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle. Results Forty-five patients were enrolled: 29 patients in the dose-escalation phase and 16 patients in the extension at the RD. Median age was 9.5 years (range, 2.8 to 20.0 years) and 7.8 years (range, 1.8 to 19.2 years), respectively. The dose-limiting toxicities during the first treatment cycle were grade 3 (G3) sepsis at 50 mg/m2, G3 dysesthesia at 90 mg/m2, and G3 dysesthesia and G3 paresthesia at 110 mg/m2, thus the MTD and RD was 90 mg/m2. No case of ototoxicity was reported. Stable disease was reported in seven patients (16.3%), and confirmed partial response was observed in two patients (4.7%), one with neuroblastoma and one with osteosarcoma. Conclusion Oxaliplatin administered in a weekly schedule has an acceptable safety profile, different from cisplatin and carboplatin, and shows activity in children with relapsed or refractory solid tumors, suggesting further investigation in pediatric malignancies.
Macroscopic control of plasma polymerization processes
Authors: Hegemann Dirk 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Plasma polymerization covers a broad range of plasma deposits from soft to hard coatings. Nanoscale coatings are formed within a dry and eco-friendly process on different substrate materials and structures. To gain a deeper insight into plasma polymerization, a macroscopic approach using the concept of chemical quasi-equilibria might be useful. Following this macroscopic approach, the reaction parameter power input per gas flow W/F, which represents the specific energy invested per particle within the active plasma zone, solely determines the mass deposition rate. Hence, plasma polymerization can be described by measuring the deposited mass and examining the power input and gas flow which contributes to it. Thus, the control, investigation, and up-scaling of plasma polymerization processes are enabled. Different examples are given to make use of the macroscopic approach.
Radio frequency expanding plasmas at low, intermediate, and atmospheric pressure and their applications
Authors: Dinescu Gheorghe , Ionita Eusebiu R. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
We report on the operation and characteristics of radio frequency (RF) plasma beam sources based on the expansion of the discharge outside of limited spaces with small interelectrode gaps. The appropriate electrode configuration, combined with high mass flow values and appropriate power levels, leads to small- or large-size plasma jets, working stably at low, intermediate, and atmospheric pressures. The sources are promising tools for a wide range of applications in thin film deposition, surface modification, and cleaning, including the case of temperature-sensitive substrates.
Hollow cathode and hybrid atmospheric plasma sources
Authors: Baránková Hana , Bardos Ladislav 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Generation and features of the radio frequency (RF) hollow cathode discharge (HCD) are compared for the atmospheric and moderate pressures. The atmospheric-pressure plasma systems, fused hollow cathode (FHC) and hybrid hollow electrode-activated discharge (H-HEAD), are described. Examples of applications where both FHC and H-HEAD have already been employed are given, and potentials for new processes are discussed.
Synthesis of functional TiO2-based nanoparticles in radio frequency induction thermal plasma
Authors: Ishigaki Takamasa , Li Ji-Guang 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
A method of synthesizing functional nanostructured powders by using reactive thermal plasma processing has been developed. Nanosized TiO2 powders have been synthesized by the plasma oxidation of solid and liquid precursors. Quench gases, either injected from the shoulder of the reactor or injected counter to the plasma plume from the bottom of the reactor, are used to affect the quench rate and hence the particle size of the resultant powders. The experimental results are well supported by numerical analysis of the effects of the quench gas on flow pattern and temperature field of the thermal plasma as well as trajectory and temperature histories of the particles. The plasma-synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles showed phase preferences different from those synthesized by conventional wet processes. Nanosized particles of high crystallinity and nonequilibrium chemical composition were formed in one step by reactive thermal plasma processing. The plasma-synthesized nanoparticles were spherical and hardly agglomerated. Applications of highly functional nanoparticles are thought to require nanoparticles structured in the forms of (1) dispersoids, (2) fillers, and (3) patterns. For these purposes, plasma-synthesized nanocrystallites seem to be suitable.
Thermal plasma treatment of stormwater detention pond sludge
Authors: Chang Jen-Shih , Li Helena O. L. , Guo Yiping 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
A thermal plasma treatment experiment was conducted on stormwater detention pond sludge. The original sludge compositions were analyzed by neutron activation multi-element analysis. Thirty-two elements were detected in the sludge samples, and nine of them were below detection limit. The assessment of Zn, As, Mn, and Fe concentrations against the Ontario Ministry of Environment's Sediment Quality Guidelines indicated a marginal-to-significant pollution, and the concentration of Cr presented a gross pollution. After thermal plasma treatment, the mean weight percentage removal at 0 and 2 L/min of air flow rates was 2.78 ± 0.51 and 3.85 ± 1.35 %, respectively. The maximum weight removal of 5.87 % was achieved with 2 L/min air flow rate and 2 h of treatment time. Reduction of total organic carbon (TOC) increased with increasing treatment time and air flow rate. Eight gas compounds, CO, CO2, NO, NO2, NO
x
, SO2, H2S, and C
x
H
y
were measured and observed during the treatment process.
Nomenclature for rotaxanes and pseudorotaxanes (IUPAC Recommendations 2008)
Authors: Yerin Andrey , Wilks Edward S. , Moss Gerard P. , Harada Akira 
Published: September 2008

AbstractExpanded definitions of rotaxanes and pseudorotaxanes, their components, and other terms concerning rotaxanes are given. The uniform classification and nomenclature principles for naming different types of rotaxanes and pseudorotaxanes are described and illustrated with examples. Recommendations are provided for unambiguous description of rotaxane isomerism with special descriptors that include information about position of rotaxane components.
The Evil Angels in the Vita and the Letters of St. Antony the Great. Some Observations concerning the Problem of the Authenticity of the Letters
Authors: Bumazhnov Dmitrij F. 
Published: September 2008

ZUSAMMENFASSUNG
Das durch die Vita Antonii und eine beträchtliche Anzahl altkirchlicher Zeugnisse überlieferte Bild Antonius' des Großen zeigt ihn als Dämonenkämpfer und Exorzisten, der – wie auch die überwiegende Mehrheit paganer und christlicher Autoren seiner Zeit – von der Fähigkeit der Dämonen, nach Belieben erscheinen zu können, überzeugt sein mußte. Dieser Zug, dem eine historische Plausibilität nicht abgesprochen werden kann, steht im krassen Gegensatz zu der ebenfalls dem Antonius zugeschrieben Epistula 6,55, wo die Erscheinungsfähigkeit von Dämonen in einem polemisch aufgeladenen Kontext in Abrede gestellt wird. Während die Polemik gegen die Möglichkeit der Sichtbarkeit Gottes wie der Dämonen in Epistula 6,50-56 auf einen historischen Zusammenhang mit dem ersten origenistischen Streit in Ägypten schließen läßt, wird durch die Diskrepanz zwischen Epistula 6,55 und dem Rest der Antoniustradition der weitgehend etablierte Konsens hinsichtlich der Echtheit der sog. Antoniusbriefe problematisiert.
Humán papillomavírus (HPV-16) kimutatása a colon laphámsejtes carcinomájából és annak nyirokcsomó-metastasisaibólr
Authors: Bognár Gábor , István Gábor , Ledniczky György , Ondrejka Pál 
Published: September 2008

Absztrakt
A humán papillomavírus (HPV) etiológiai szerepe számos laphámeredetű malignomában ismert. A colon laphámsejtes rákja (SCC) ritka betegség, etiológiája bizonytalan. Egy általunk operált SCC-eset kapcsán célunk volt kimutatni egy esetleges HPV-fertőzést. Egy 94 éves nőbeteget operáltunk passage-zavart okozó colon descendens tumor miatt. A szövettani vizsgálat SCC-t igazolt. Korábban kidolgozott módszerrel PCR- és Southern blot hybridisatiós technikával vizsgáltuk meg a daganatszövetet és az eltávolított nyirokcsomókat. Az eset kapcsán átnéztük az SCC-re vonatkozó irodalmat. A malignomákban leggyakrabban előforduló HPV-típusok (16, 18) közül a HPV-16 jelenlétét tudtuk igazolni a SCC-ben és a környező 9 nyirokcsomóból 4-ben. Ezek közül 2 metastaticus volt. Egy SCC-s betegnél sikerült HPV-16-fertőzöttséget kimutatni, a primer tumorból és a metastaticus nyirokcsomók mellett további környező nyirokcsomókból. Ilyen tanulmányt tudomásunk szerint még senki nem közölt.
Gliceril-trinitrát lokális alkalmazásának szerepe a végbélrepedés kezelésébenr
Authors: Takáts Károly , Tóth András , Bursics Attila 
Published: September 2008

Absztrakt
A végbélrepedés az analis nyálkahártya ischaemiás fekélye, mely leggyakrabban a hátsó comissurában alakul ki. A kezelésére választandó eljárást az elváltozás nagysága, valamint fennállásának ideje határozza meg. Az első lépés minden esetben a beteg ellátása az életmódjára vonatkozó utasításokkal. A lokális gyógyszeres kezelés (gliceril-trinitrát, botulinum-toxin), valamint a sebészi kezelés célja egyaránt a belső analis sphincter tónusfokozódásának a csökkentése. Igazi “farmakológiai sphincterotomia” csak a gliceril-trinitrát tartalmú kenőcsök lokális alkalmazásával, valamint a botulinum-toxin-injekcióval érhető el. A nitrogén-oxid neurotranszmitterként a belső analis sphincter relaxációját mediálja. A gliceril-trinitrát nitrogén-oxid-donorként viselkedve izomrelaxációt okoz. Gyakori mellékhatása a fejfájás az agyi erek kitágulásának következményeként, de ez gyógyszeresen jól csillapítható.
State-Level Health Care Access and Use Among Children in US Immigrant Families
Authors: Yu Stella M. , Huang Zhihuan J. , Kogan Michael D. 
Published: September 2008

Objectives. We examined the association between children's state of residence and their access to health care among specific types of immigrant families: foreign-born children, US-born children with 1 foreign-born parent, US-born children with both foreign-born parents, and nonimmigrant families. Methods. We analyzed data from 12 400 children from the 2003 National Survey of Children's Health in the 6 states with the highest proportion of immigrants (California, Florida, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Texas). Results. Multivariable analyses indicated that among foreign-born children, those living in California, Illinois, and Texas were more likely to lack access to health care compared with those living in New York. Among foreign-born children with 1 or 2 US-born parents, Texas children were most likely to lack health insurance. Within nonimmigrant families, children from California, Florida, and Texas had significantly more access and use problems. Conclusions. Our findings document differential health care access and use among states for specific immigrant family types.
Welfare Reform and Older Immigrants' Health Insurance Coverage
Authors: Nam Yunju 
Published: September 2008

Objectives. I examined changes in older immigrants' health insurance coverage after welfare reform in the United States to determine whether the reform measures achieved their goal of saving money by reducing Medicaid participation without increasing the number of uninsured people. Methods. Data were obtained from older adults who participated in the Current Population Survey's Annual Social and Economic Supplement from 1994 to 1996 and 2001 to 2005. I used logistic regression to estimate changes in the sample's Medicaid and health insurance coverage after welfare reform, paying special attention to noncitizens and recent immigrants. Results. Older immigrants' health insurance status was associated with their citizenship status and length of stay in the United States. Medicaid participation significantly decreased among noncitizens and recent immigrants but increased among naturalized citizens. Private health insurance and employer-sponsored insurance coverage significantly increased among recent immigrants but decreased among established immigrants and naturalized citizens. The probability of being uninsured did not significantly change among any group of immigrants. Conclusions. Given increases in postreform Medicaid participation among some immigrant groups, my findings suggest that the long-term cost-saving effectiveness of the current restrictive Medicaid eligibility policy is doubtful.
PARACHUTING CATS AND CRUSHED EGGS The Controversy Over the Use of DDT to Control Malaria
Authors: O'Shaughnessy Patrick T. 
Published: September 2008

The use of DDT to control malaria has been a contentious practice for decades. This controversy centers on concerns over the ecological harm caused by DDT relative to the gains in public health from its use to prevent malaria. Given the World Health Organization's recent policy decisions concerning the use of DDT to control malaria, it is worth reviewing the historical context of DDT use. Ecological concerns focused on evidence that DDT ingestion by predatory birds resulted in eggs with shells so thin they were crushed by adult birds. In addition, DDT spraying to control malaria allegedly resulted in cats being poisoned in some areas, which led to increased rodent populations and, in turn, the parachuting of cats into the highlands of the island of Borneo to kill the rodents, a story that influenced the decision to ban DDT spraying. I focus on this story with the intention of grounding the current debate on lessons from the past.
Minority Health and Small Numbers Epidemiology: A Case Study of Living Conditions and the Health of Children in 5 Foreign Romá Camps in Italy
Authors: Monasta Lorenzo , Andersson Neil , Ledogar Robert J. , Cockcroft Anne 
Published: September 2008

Objective. We sought to test methods for generating epidemiological evidence on health conditions of small, dispersed minority communities. Methods. We used community-based mixed methods including a cross-sectional survey in 5 purposely selected settlements of Khorakané Romá (Gypsies of Muslim culture) in Italy to study the living conditions and health status of children aged from birth to 5 years. Results. In the 15 days prior to the survey, 32% of the children had suffered diarrhea and 55% had had a cough. Some 17% had experienced respiratory difficulties during the past year. Risk factors associated with these outcomes included years spent living at the camp, overcrowding, housing conditions, use of wood-burning stoves, presence of rats, and issues related to quality of sanitation and drains. Qualitative information helped define the approach and the design, and in the interpretation and consolidation of quantitative results. Conclusions. Guided by the priorities expressed by dispersed minority communities, small studies with little resources can provide a solid base to advocate for evidence-based participatory planning. Exact intervals appeared to be robust and conservative enough compared with other intervals, conferring solidity to the results.