bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C Is a Predictor of Poorer Renal Survival in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Crook Errol D. , Penumalee Sreelatha , Gavini Bharathi , Filippova Kseniya 
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVE—Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is highly prevalent in the U.S. and worsens renal survival in some kidney diseases. We examined the effects of HCV on renal survival in diabetic patients with renal disease.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—HCV and diabetes status were noted in patients seen in our nephrology clinic in 2001 and 2002. Charts of diabetic patients were reviewed for demographics, blood pressure, renal function, medicines, the presence of HCV, and other factors at the initial visit and over follow-up. The effect of HCV on renal survival was determined by Cox proportional hazards, using end-stage renal disease (ESRD) as an end point.
RESULTS—Of 1,127 patients, prevalence rates for HCV were higher in African Americans than non–African Americans (8.09 vs. 3.93%, respectively, P = 0.06), with African-American men having the highest prevalence rates (12.7%). The charts of 312 diabetic patients were reviewed. Over 80% were African American, as were 23 of 24 patients with HCV. Compared with non-HCV patients, HCV patients were younger, had higher diastolic blood pressure, and had lower BMI. HCV patients had significantly worse cumulative renal survival by Kaplan-Meier. On Cox proportional hazards analysis, HCV was a significant predictor of reaching ESRD independent of initial renal function, proteinuria, blood pressure, sex, race, presence of diabetic nephropathy, age, or duration of diabetes (odds ratio 3.49, 95% CI 1.27–9.57, P = 0.015).
CONCLUSIONS—HCV is common in African Americans with diabetes and renal disease and is an independent risk factor for renal survival in this population. Prospective studies are necessary to confirm these observations.
Comparison of High-Dose and Low-Dose Insulin by Continuous Intravenous Infusion in the Treatment of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Children
Authors: Burghen George A , Etteldorf James N , Fisher Joseph N , Kitabchi Abbas Q 
Published: March 2007

We studied the efficacy of low-dose (0.1 U/kg/h) and high-dose (1.0 U/kg/h) insulin, given randomly to children with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) by continuous intravenous infusion without a loading dose. Plasma glucose reached 250 mg/dl in 3.4 ± 0.4 h with the high-dose insulin group compared with 5.4 ± 0.5 h with the low-dose insulin group (P &lt; 0.01). During the first 12 h of therapy, plasma glucose fell below 100 mg/dl in 2 of 16 in the low-dose compared with 12 of 16 in the high-dose patients. The decrement of ketone bodies, cortisol, and glucagon was similar in both groups. The number of hours required for HCO3– ≥ 15 meq/l and arterial blood pH ≥ 7.30 were not significantly different in the two groups. Hypokalemia (K &lt; 3.4 meq/L) occurred in 3 of 16 low-dose and 10 of 16 high-dose patients.
The data show that low-dose insulin, with a slower rate of glucose decrease, is as effective as a high dose for the treatment of DKA in children with less incidence of hypokalemia and decreased potential for hypoglycemia.
Overnight Interruption of Wearing Insulin Pump: Substitution Dose and Injection Site of Insulin
Authors: Helve E , Pelkonen R , Koivisto V A 
Published: March 2007

Discontinuing wear of the insulin pump for short periods enhances the feasibility of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy. Because insulin requirements differ during pump and injection therapy, we studied the optimal substitution dose arid injection site in seven type I diabetic patients to compensate for the overnight (2100–0730 h) interruption of CSII. The missed basal continuous infusion dose was replaced by injecting intermediate-acting insulin subcutaneously in three different ways: 1) 1.5 times the dose in the abdomen, 2) twice the dose in the abdomen, and 3) twice the dose in the buttock.
During CSII, glycemia remained unchanged throughout the night. Both 1.5 times and twice the replacement doses injected in the abdomen resulted in an initial decline in blood glucose with hypoglycemia in two patients followed by a rebound rise. When the replacement dose of 1.5 times was used, blood glucose rose by 4.9 ± 1.2 mM overnight (P &lt; .02). These changes after abdominal injection were associated with a rapid early absorption of injected insulin with hypoinsulinemia in the morning. With twice the replacement dose injected in the buttock, insulin absorption was slower, fluctuations in nocturnal glycemia were minor, and the blood glucose level at 0730 h was similar to that of the previous night. There was a significant inverse correlation between blood glucose and serum free-insulinlevels in the early morning (r = −.60, P &lt; .01). In conclusion, a substitution dose of 1.5 times to twice the missed basal infusion rate injected in the buttock compensates for the overnight interruption of CSII without risk of major fluctuations in blood glucose levels or nocturnal hypoglycemia.
Is Islet Transplantation a Realistic Therapy for the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes in the Near Future?
Authors: Stevens R. Brian , Matsumoto Shinichi , Marsh Christopher L. 
Published: March 2007

IN BRIEFShapiro and colleagues recently reported a 100% cure rate for type 1 diabetes with their “Edmonton protocol” for islet transplantation. This unprecedented success has caused a groundswell of enthusiasm and an unparalleled effort to replicate their experience. It has also raised questions about the clinical reality of this therapy and sparked a dialog about which patients should benefit from receiving this scarce allocated resource. This article reviews the factors contributing to the Edmonton success and obstacles to immediate and long-term expansion of islet transplantation. The authors argue that use of the two-layered method of pancreas preservation will enable the Edmonton protocol to cure diabetes from single and marginal cadaveric donors. A concerted effort will be required to expedite routing of pancreases to islet processing centers and transplant programs. The long-term success and expansion of islet transplantation will depend on not only safer forms of immunosuppression, but also new sources of islet tissue.
Five Decades of Diabetes Patient Care: The Time of My Life
Authors: Krosnick Arthur 
Published: March 2007

In Brief
“To provide clinical care and education to children and adults with diabetes has been a privilege,” says Arthur Krosnick, MD, FACP, CDE. “To observe how such efforts can delay or prevent diabetic complications was an incentive. To have enjoyed 50 years of those adventures has been an unexpected bonus.” Here, Dr. Krosnick looks back on his long career in diabetes and endocrinology, noting the many advances he witnessed and participated in along the way.
“Polypill” for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Authors: Narayan K.M. Venkat 
Published: March 2007

Objective. To assess the components of, and potential benefit and adverse effects of, a single daily pill (a theoretical “polypill”)to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) by simultaneously reducing four CVD risk factors (LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, platelet function, and serum homocysteine).Design. Meta-analyses of published randomized trials and cohort studies.End points. Proportional reduction in fatal and nonfatal ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke events, life years gained, and prevalence of adverse effects.Results. A polypill composed of a statin; three pressure-lowering drugs, each at half of its standard dose; aspirin, 75 mg; and folic acid, 0.8 mg, was estimated to potentially reduce IHD events by 88% (95% CI 84-91%) and stroke by 80% (71-87%). One-third of those taking this polypill from age 55 years or from diagnosis of diabetes or CVD would potentially benefit, gaining on average about 11 years of life free from IHD event or stroke. Such a polypill would cause adverse symptoms in 8-15% of those taking it, depending on the specific components in the formulation.Conclusion. The polypill strategy could prevent IHD and stroke if taken by everyone (without contraindications) aged 55 years and older and everyone with existing CVD or diabetes regardless of their age. This potentially new and different strategy merits further consideration and careful evaluation.
Endoscopic assessment and treatment of lesions of the deep digital flexor tendon in the navicular bursae of 20 lame horses
Authors: SMITH M. R. W. , WRIGHT I. M. , SMITH R. K. W. 
Published: March 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: Clinical lesions of the deep digital flexor tendon and navicular bone are being reported with increasing frequency. However, the role of direct visualisation by navicular bursoscopy in the diagnosis and management of such injuries has not been explored. Hypothesis: Navicular bursoscopy: 1) corroborates information obtained from other, noninvasive imaging modalities; 2) allows direct visualisation of lesions unidentified by other diagnostic modalities; 3) provides further information on morphology of lesions; and 4) permits minimally invasive surgical access to lesions. Methods: The case records of all horses that underwent diagnostic navicular bursoscopy for the investigation of lameness admitted to 2 referral clinics (the Royal Veterinary College and Reynolds House Referrals) were evaluated retrospectively. Follow‐up information was obtained by telephone questionnaire. Results: Twenty‐three bursae were examined endoscopically in 20 horses. Tears of the deep digital flexor tendon were seen in all horses (22 bursae). In 8 bursae, cartilage lesions were also present and in one bursa this was the only abnormal finding. Computed tomography and low field magnetic resonance imaging predicted tendon lesions in most cases, but failed to identify cartilage damage. Greater than 6 month follow‐up information was available for 15 animals of which 11 were sound and 9 had returned to preoperative levels of performance. Conclusion: Lameness localised to the foot may result from tears of the deep digital flexor tendon and/or navicular fibrocartilage loss. Navicular bursoscopy allows comprehensive evaluation of these changes and also permits appropriate lesion management. Potential relevance: The diagnostic information obtained from and therapeutic options offered by bursoscopy justify its use in horses with clinical findings localising lameness to the navicular bursa.
Descriptive analysis of retirement of Thoroughbred racehorses due to tendon injuries at the Hong Kong Jockey Club (1992–2004)
Authors: LAM K. H. , PARKIN T. D. H. , RIGGS C. M. , MORGAN K. L. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: This study was part of a programme to optimise the longevity and maximise the health and welfare of the Thoroughbred racehorses in Hong Kong. Injuries to the superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendon are the most common veterinary reason for premature retirement in this population.Objective: To describe the frequency and pattern of retirements associated with SDF tendon injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses and to compare the characteristics of these horses with those that retired for other reasons.Methods: A retrospective analysis of retirement records documented in the Hong Kong Jockey Club clinical database between 1992 and 2004 was conducted. As this is complete census data, no statistical inference to the population is necessary.Results: The mean annual cumulative incidence of retirements due to tendon injury was 3.2% accounting for 14% of all retirements. The risk of tendon injury increased over the 12 year period from 2.3–4.2%. The racing career, number of starts and earnings of horses retired with tendon injuries were reduced by 25.6, 41.2 and 53.3%, respectively. Thirteen percent of these horses never raced in Hong Kong. A greater proportion of 3‐ and 4‐year‐olds and entire males were retired because of tendon injuries. Ninety‐seven percent of injuries affected the forelimb, the right more frequently than the left. Only 19.7% of retired horses that had received ultrasound examination for SDF tendon injury retired for this reason.Conclusions: This study provides population based data on the frequency, career and economic losses associated with tendon injury induced retirement.Potential relevance: This descriptive study has provided a useful resource for further case‐control studies to investigate risk factors for retirement from racing due to tendon injury. This is the first step toward the development of management tools to reduce the incidence of tendon injury related retirement in Hong Kong.
Defocused CO2 laser on equine skin: a histological examination
Authors: BERGH A. , RIDDERSTRÅLE Y. , EKMAN S. 
Published: March 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: No studies have been published on effects of treatment with a defocused beam carbon dioxide (CO2) laser on equine skin histology. A better understanding of this will help to define how lasers should be used, in order to reduce potential side effects. Objective: To describe the acute effects of different doses of defocused CO2 laser, ranging from therapeutic to surgical levels, on equine skin. Methods: Defocused CO2 laser was administered to the skin in the hamstrings (91 J/cm2), fetlock (137 J/cm2) and loin (450 J/cm2) areas of 13 Standardbred horses. The acute effects on skin histology were examined 90 min after the end of therapy. Results: Mild changes with focal spongiosis and subepidermal clefts were found after 91 J/cm2 irradiation and more severe changes with diffuse subepidermal clefts after the 137 J/cm2 dose. A homogeneous eosinophilic acellular zone of dermis and destruction of adnexal structures, and significant thinning of the epidermis was observed after the 450 J/cm2 dose. Conclusions: The present study indicates acute dose‐dependent changes in equine skin histology after laser treatment. Severe tissue damage was induced using a 450 J/cm2 dose. Potential relevance: To reduce the potential side effects of defocused CO2 laser treatment, the laser parameters must be carefully evaluated. Caution should be taken if doses higher than 91 J/cm2 (16 W, 4 min, and 42 cm2) are used in irradiation of equine skin.
Retrospective study of dystocia in mares at a referral hospital
Authors: NORTON J. LYNCH , DALLAP B. L. , JOHNSTON J. K. , PALMER J. E. , SERTICH P. L. , BOSTON R. , WILKINS P. A. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: The period between the onset of dystocia and its resolution has an important bearing on fetal outcome. There are few published data on which to base decisions regarding optimum management of cases in practice.Objectives: To evaluate and compare the effects of a coordinated dystocia management protocol (CDMP) with that of a previous protocol of random management on time to resolution and outcome in both an emergency dystocia referral population of mares (referred emergency cases: EM) and in a population of mares residing in hospital due to high risk pregnancy (HRP) concerns that then experience dystocia at parturition.Methods: Retrospective study performed at a university hospital referral centre of cases presenting from 1991–2004 divided intoGroup 1(pre‐CDMP) andGroup 2(CDMP).Results: Medical records of 71 cases with dystocia were retrieved and data recorded. For referred emergency cases (EM), time from hospital presentation to resolution decreased significantly by 32 min (P = 0.03) after institution of CDMP. Survival rate of mares at discharge was 86%. Survival of EM foals was low, with 10% inGroup 1and 13% inGroup 2, surviving to discharge. For EM foals delivered alive, survival to discharge was 30% and 43% inGroups 1and2, respectively. Median Stage II was significantly (P < 0.001) different at 71 and 282 min for EM foals delivered alive vs. those not alive at delivery, respectively. Median duration of Stage II was also significantly (P < 0.001) different between EM foals surviving and not surviving to discharge, at 44 and 249 min, respectively. Survival of HRP dystocia foals to discharge was 79%.Conclusions: Although CDMP reduced the time from presentation at the hospital to resolution significantly for EM, total duration of Stage II for EM was unchanged, as was foal outcome.Potential relevance: Very early referral of mares with dystocia to referral centres with dystocia management protocols may improve fetal outcome as increased duration of Stage II in the horse affects fetal outcome negatively.
Detection of rib trauma in newborn foals in an equine critical care unit: a comparison of ultrasonography, radiography and physical examination
Authors: JEAN D. , PICANDET V. , MACIEIRA S. , BEAUREGARD G. , D'ANJOU M. A. , BEAUCHAMP G. 
Published: March 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: Previous studies have shown that in man ultrasonography is more accurate than radiography for detecting rib fractures. Objectives: To describe clinical, radiographic and ultrasonographic findings related with rib fractures in newborn foals in an equine critical care unit; and to compare diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography to radiography. Methods: A prospective ultrasonographic study was performed on 29 foals presented to the emergency unit. This study was performed at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire (CHUV), University of Montreal. Physical examination as well as radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations were performed. Results: Thoracic radiographs revealed 10 rib fractures in 5 of 26 (19%) foals. Ultrasonography revealed 49 fractures in 19 of 29 (65%) foals of which fillies (n = 13; 68%) were significantly over represented as were fractures to the left thorax (n = 15; 78%). Seventeen of 19 foals (90%) had rib fractures located 3 cm or less from the costochondral junction, the distal part of the rib being displaced laterally in all cases. In 2 foals, where both thoracic radiographs and ultrasonography detected rib fractures, the site of fractures was located on the mid portion of the rib. Rib fractures were detected only by thoracic radiographs in one foal. Sixty‐five percent (32/49) of fractured ribs had a moderate displacement (1–4 mm). Conclusions: Rib fractures are seen frequently in newborn foals in equine critical care units. Ultrasonography is more accurate than radiography and reveals fractures in most patients presented in emergency. The position (costochondral junction) of rib fractures and of the fragments suggest that most thoracic trauma probably occurs during parturition. Potential relevance: Ultrasound imaging increases awareness and improves the diagnosis of rib fractures in newborn foals.
Multivariable analysis of factors influencing outcome of 2 treatment protocols in 128 cases of horses responding positively to intra‐articular analgesia of the distal interphalangeal joint
Authors: KRISTIANSEN K. K. , KOLD S. E. 
Published: March 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: There is limited knowledge available of factors influencing response to treatments of the DIP‐joint in horses with lameness responding to diagnostic analgesia of the DIP‐joint. For this reason a multivariable statistical analysis was performed. Hypothesis: Horses with lameness reduced by ≥75% 10 min after intra‐articular analgesia of the DIP‐joint, can be treated successfully by intra‐articular medication of the joint. Multiple factors influence the response to treatment. Methods: The study was performed retrospectively based on clinical records of horses treated with either polysulphated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) or methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) in the DIP‐joint between January 1996 and January 2003. Information was collected from clinical records and from the owners of the horses via a detailed questionnaire, in which they described their perception of the outcome a minimum of one year after treatment. Allocation of the horses to the 2 treatment groups was done mainly because of a change in treatment policy. In Regime A all horses received 3 intra‐articular injections of PSGAG approximately 8 days apart, whereas in Regime B all horses received a single intra‐articular injection of MPA as a first treatment. If the horse did not improve sufficiently to return to work by 4 weeks, a series of 3 intra‐articular PSGAG injections was administered. Results: Of the horses receiving Regime A, 67% had a successful outcome, compared with 46% of the group receiving Regime B. A significantly better result was obtained in dressage horses than in jumping horses (eventing and showjumping). Other variables such as age, duration of lameness, distribution of lameness, degree of lameness, response to DIP‐joint analgesia and radiographic observations were also associated with success of treatment. Conclusions and potential relevance: There is a rationale for using either PSGAG or MPA intra‐articularly in the treatment of lameness, reduced ≥75% within 10 min of analgesia of the DIP‐joint.
New catalyst for the synthesis of poly(butylene terephthalate) with high thermo‐oxidative stability
Authors: Massa Antonio , Scettri Arrigo , Contessa Socrate , Bugatti Valeria , Concilio Simona , Iannelli Pio 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIn this paper we report the employment of Ti(acac)2(O‐iPr)2 (titanium bisacetylacetonate diisopropylate) as a novel catalyst for the synthesis of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT). Large scale synthesis of several polymers with the new catalytic system and with the standard catalyst Ti(O‐nBu)4 (titanium tetra‐n‐butylate) have been performed in a 20 L pilot plant. In the optimized reaction conditions, Ti(acac)2(O‐iPr)2 has shown significantly higher activity than standard catalyst, Ti(O‐nBu)4. Furthermore, a stabilized PBT has been synthesized in the presence of Ti(O‐nBu)4 as catalyst with the addition of the stabilizer U626. Then, the stability of the synthesized polymers toward thermo‐oxidation has been tested in a forced circulating air oven. The polymers obtained in the presence of Ti(acac)2(O‐iPr)2 system showed higher stability towards thermo‐oxidation than stabilized and not stabilized PBT, synthesized in the presence of Ti(O‐nBu)4. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Synthesis and characterization of novel thermally stable and optically active poly(amide‐imide)s derived from N,N′‐(4,4′‐diphthaloyl)‐bis‐L‐leucine diacid and aromatic diamines
Authors: Liaw Der‐Jang , Chang Feng‐Chyuan , Liu Jui‐Hsiang , Wang Kun‐Li , Faghihi Khalil , Lee Kueir‐Rarn , Lai Juin‐Yih 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA new diacid containing optically active functional groups, N,N′‐(4,4′‐diphthaloyl)‐bis‐L‐leucine diacid (3), was synthesized and used in a preparation of a series of poly(amide‐imide)s (PAIs) by direct polycondensation with various aromatic diamines in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone (NMP). All polymers derived from diacid (3) were highly organosoluble in the solvents like N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone, N,N‐dimethylacetamide, N,N‐dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, tetrahydrofuran, γ‐butyrolactone, cyclohexanone, and chloroform at room temperature or upon heating. Inherent viscosities of the PAIs were found to range between 0.34 and 0.61·dL g−1. All the PAIs afforded flexible and tough films. The glass‐transition temperatures of these PAIs were recorded between 212 and 237°C by differential scanning calorimetry, and the 10% weight loss temperatures were ranging from 372 to 393°C and 336–372°C under nitrogen and air, respectively. The polyimide films had a tensile strength in the range of 63–88 MPa and a tensile modulus in the range of 1.2–1.7 GPa. Optically active PAIs exhibited specific rotations in the range of −10.58° to −38.70°. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007