bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with utilization of traditional Chinese medicine by white collar foreign workers living in Taiwan
Authors: Daly Maria , Tai Chen-Jei , Deng Chung-Yeh , Chien Li-Yin 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has remained an integral part of Chinese culture and society for thousands of years. In Taiwan TCM is a recognized element of its National Health Insurance Scheme. However, there is no knowledge about how TCM is accessed by foreign workers from a non-Asian cultural background. The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence and patterns of TCM use among non-Asian white-collar workers living in Taiwan, and examine factors likely to influence their use of TCM.

Methods
This study applied a cross-sectional survey design. A total of 207 white-collar foreign workers of a non-Asian background currently holding National Health Insurance cards who had lived in Taiwan for 4 months or more participated in this study.

Results
The prevalence of TCM use was 45%. The most frequently used therapies were traditional Chinese herbs/medicine and acupuncture. Factors indicating the likelihood of TCM usage were age 31–40 years, visit to an allopathic medical doctor in the last year, ability to read Chinese, having a friend or family member available to assist in the use of TCM, and access to information about TCM services available in Taiwan.

Conclusion
Utilization of TCM by people of a non-Asian background living in Taiwan appears to be most influenced by enabling factors including language ability, access to information, and informal reference persons.
Penetrating eyelid injury: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Wasfi Ehab , Kendrick B , Yasen T , Varma Priya , Abd-Elsayed Alaa A 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Introduction
In literature, many different types of foreign objects have been found to have caused eye injuries. These objects can range from organic to inorganic matter such as glass, wood, pencil, nails and fishhooks. Once the injury is recognized, removal of the foreign body and technique used in the management of the injury is very important to reduce further ocular damage. This case report investigates an injury caused by an object similar to a fishhook that pierced into the eyelid in the opposite direction to normal.

Case presentation
A 19 year old man presented with a one hour history of the right upper eyelid injury from a wire fence. The loose end of the wire penetrated the full thickness of the eyelid in the direction opposite to the normal. The wire passed from under the eyelid, through the centre of the upper lid, to the external surface. After the application of topical anesthetic drops, the eye could be opened manually, the lid averted, and the wire passed out through the defect. No complications were observed. Post removal, the acuity increased to 6/9 and there was no intraocular penetration. Full recovery was observed as well.

Conclusion
A severe eyelid penetrating injury can be uncomplicated with a full recovery when there is no intraocular penetration. It is also possible to have an injury pass under the lower margin of the lid and penetrate from inside to out, with no associated corneal injury.
Insulin-degrading enzyme is exported via an unconventional protein secretion pathway
Authors: Zhao Ji , Li Lilin , Leissring Malcolm A 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) is a ubiquitously expressed zinc-metalloprotease that degrades several pathophysiologically significant extracellular substrates, including insulin and the amyloid β-protein (Aβ), and accumulating evidence suggests that IDE dysfunction may be operative in both type 2 diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer disease (AD). Although IDE is well known to be secreted by a variety of cell types, the underlying trafficking pathway(s) remain poorly understood. To address this topic, we investigated the effects of known inhibitors or stimulators of protein secretion on the secretion of IDE from murine hepatocytes and HeLa cells. IDE secretion was found to be unaffected by the classical secretion inhibitors brefeldin A (BFA), monensin, or nocodazole, treatments that readily inhibited the secretion of α1-antitrypsin (AAT) overexpressed in the same cells. Using a novel cell-based Aβ-degradation assay, we show further that IDE secretion was similarly unaffected by multiple stimulators of protein secretion, including glyburide and 3'-O-(4-benzoyl)benzoyl-ATP (Bz-ATP). The calcium ionophore, A23187, increased extracellular IDE activity, but only under conditions that also elicited cytotoxicity. Our results provide the first biochemical evidence that IDE export is not dependent upon the classical secretion pathway, thereby identifying IDE as a novel member of the select class of unconventionally secreted proteins. Further elucidation of the mechanisms underlying IDE secretion, which would be facilitated by the assays described herein, promises to uncover processes that might be defective in disease or manipulated for therapeutic benefit.
Coexpression of Dopamine and Somatostatin Receptor Subtypes in Corticotroph Adenomas
Authors: de Bruin Christiaan , Pereira Alberto M. , Feelders Richard A. , Romijn Johannes A. , Roelfsema Ferdinand , Sprij-Mooij Diane M. , van Aken Maarten O. , van der Lelij Aart-Jan , de Herder Wouter W. , Lamberts Steven W. J. , Hofland Leo J. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Context: Previous studies have demonstrated the expression of somatostatin receptor subtypes (mainly sst5) and dopamine (DA) receptor subtypes (mainly D2) in smaller series of human corticotroph adenomas. In line with these findings, sst5 and D2-targeting agents have already been used clinically in patients with Cushing’s disease (CD) and have shown promising results in subsets of patients. To what extent these receptor subtypes are coexpressed within individual adenomas, is not known however.
Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the (co-)expression of both sst and DA receptors in a large series of human corticotroph adenomas.
Design: We performed in vitro analysis of corticotroph adenoma tissue obtained via transsphenoidal adenomectomy.
Setting: The study was conducted at two university medical centers.
Patients: Adenoma tissue from 30 patients with CD was analyzed in this study.
Results: Analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR, D2 and sst5 were significantly (co-) expressed in the majority (60%) of adenomas, whereas 23% of adenomas only expressed D2, but not sst5. The remaining 17% of adenomas did not significantly express either sst5 or D2. Overall, expression of sst1–4 and D4 was low to nondetectable. Corticotroph adenomas with invasive growth invariably showed loss of sst5 and D2 expression. Autoradiography revealed clear D2 and/or SS-14 binding in a subset of cases, which correlated well with their respective mRNA data.
Conclusions: Sst5 and especially D2 are highly expressed in the majority of human corticotroph adenomas, with coexpression of sst5 and D2 being a common phenomenon. These findings support the current studies with sst5 and D2-targeting agents in patients with CD and highlight the rationale behind sst5-D2 combination therapy.
An active suspension system for railway pantographs: the T2006 prototype
Authors: Allotta B , Pugi L , Bartolini F 
Published: January 2009

On railways, the current collection from the overhead line is assured by the pantograph which is an articulated suspension system. Interaction between the contact wire and pantograph produces oscillations which, in order to assure a satisfying quality of current collection, have to be compensated. On high-speed railways, this problem is very important because insufficient quality of current collection involves performance limitations and negative consequences both in maintenance costs and service reliability. A possible solution to improve current collection quality is to optimize the dynamical response of the pantograph suspension system through an active or semi-active suspension system. Trenitalia SPA has financed a research team composed of many Italian Universities (Università di Firenze, Politecnico di Milano, Università di Pisa, and Università di Napoli) to develop an innovative railway pantograph for Italian high speed lines. The activities have been coordinated by Italcertifer. Researchers from Università di Firenze designed the layout of the control system (actuation system, sensors, drive and control algorithm, etc.). In order to improve the tuning of the control strategy, an identification phase has been carried out to obtain a mathematical model of the prototype. Non-linearity of the real pantograph has been take into account by the Bouc—Wen model. The proposed control strategy has been successfully tested on a prototype build by Fabrica Machinale SRL. Experimental results of laboratory tests and performance index of the proposed solution are shown in order to demonstrate the goodness and feasibility of the proposed solution.
Investigations of methods to measure longitudinal forces in continuous welded rail tracks using the tamping machine
Authors: Koc W , Wilk A 
Published: January 2009

This paper briefly presents a survey of the attempts made to find an effective method for the determination of longitudinal forces in continuous welded rails (CWR). Particular attention has been paid to the enforced lateral displacement technique. The primary assertion, which was to prove the necessity of abandoning the lifting of a rail section disconnected from the sleepers, and to concentrate efforts on horizontal displacements, has drawn attention to the use of the tamping machine for diagnostic purposes. In the novel approach to the diagnostic tests of the CWR track by the use of the tamping machine, the fundamental statement related to the registration of the curvature with a definite value of the lateral displacement being subjected to verification, can provide a basis for the determination of the longitudinal axial force in the rail. The finally accepted and developed concept of the measuring apparatus was based on the determination of the distance vector between the rail head and the reference point situated on the frame of the tamping machine. For this purpose, six detecting elements were designed and made. To measure the vector modulus, special induction sensors sliding along the top surface of the rail head were prepared. In order to measure the angle created by the vector between the rail head and the reference point located on the tamping machine frame, induction sensors with a cam mechanism close to the axis of rotation of the instrument were made. Provision was also made for a central unit equipped with electronic systems for processing and filtering the signal. For measuring data acquisition, the authors have elaborated their own computer program in Visual C++ language.
Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Fluorinated β-Diketonate Metal (Al3+, Co2+, Ni2+, and Cu2+) Complexes
Authors: Hori Akiko , Shinohe Ayaka , Takatani Shohei , Miyamoto Takeshi K 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Co2+, Ni2+, and Cu2+ complexes with bis(pentafluorobenzoyl)methanide (L, C6F5COCHCOC6F5−) were prepared from [Al(L)3], which was directly synthesized from AlCl3, pentafluorobenzoyl chloride, and vinyl acetate under N2 atmosphere. The complexation of L with Co2+ and Ni2+ ions gave [M2(L)4(OH2)2] (M = Co and Ni) and that with Cu2+ ion gave [Cu(L)2].
The Transcription Factor LMO2 Is a Robust Marker of Vascular Endothelium and Vascular Neoplasms and Selected Other Entities
Authors: Gratzinger Dita , Zhao Shuchun , West Robert , Rouse Robert V. , Vogel Hannes , Gil Elena Cubedo , Levy Ronald , Lossos Izidore S. , Natkunam Yasodha 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
The transcription factor LMO2 is involved in vascular and hematopoietic development and hematolymphoid neoplasia. We have demonstrated that LMO2 is expressed nearly ubiquitously in native and neoplastic vasculature, including lymphatics. LMO2 reactivity is otherwise virtually absent in nonhematolymphoid tissues except in breast myoepithelium, prostatic basal cells, and secretory phase endometrial glands. Vasculature is LMO2– in adult and fetal heart, brain of older adults, hepatic sinusoids, and hepatocellular carcinoma. LMO2 is uniformly expressed in benign vascular and lymphatic neoplasms and in most malignant vascular neoplasms with the exception of epithelioid vascular neoplasms of pleura and bone. Among nonvascular neoplasms, LMO2 reactivity is present in giant cell tumor of tendon sheath, juvenile xanthogranuloma, a subset of gastrointestinal stromal tumors, small round blue cell tumors, and myoepithelial-derived neoplasms. The restricted expression pattern, nuclear localization, and crisp staining of LMO2 in paraffin blocks make it an attractive candidate for the diagnostic immunohistochemistry laboratory.
Are Encapsulated Papillary Carcinomas of the Breast In Situ or Invasive?
Authors: Esposito Nicole Nicosia , Dabbs David J. , Bhargava Rohit 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Encapsulated papillary carcinoma (EPC) of the breast is traditionally considered a variant of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). However, recent studies show EPCs lack myoepithelial cells at their periphery, leading some to conclude that EPCs are invasive. We used a robust collagen type IV immunohistochemical procedure to assess invasion in 21 cases of pure EPC and 6 EPCs with adjacent invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and compared these results with those for papilloma, DCIS, and IDC. Moderate to intense collagen type IV expression was seen in all EPCs and was absent or decreased in all IDCs. All patients with pure EPC had negative axillary nodes with the exception of 1 who had a micrometastasis, and all were alive with no evidence of disease at follow-up (mean, 40.4 months). EPCs are in situ carcinomas with an excellent prognosis and can be managed with local therapy with or without sentinel lymph node biopsy.
Extern stabilisierte DFB-Laser zur hochauflösenden Dauerstrich-Terahertz-SpektroskopieExternally Stabilized DFB-Lasers for High-resolution Continuous-wave Terahertz Spectroscopy
Authors: Göbel Thorsten , Schönherr Daniel , Meißner Peter , Hartnagel Hans L. , Roggenbuck Axel , Laroche Francois-Xavier , Deninger Anselm 
Published: January 2009

Zusammenfassung
Die optische Erzeugung von Dauerstrich-Terahertz Strahlung (engl. continuous-wave terahertz, CW THz) hat sich in den letzten Jahren zu einer zuverlässigen Technik entwickelt. Geringe Kosten und hohe Auflösung sind die Vorteile gegenüber gepulsten Systemen. Wir stellen ein CW-THz-System vor, das auf Lasern mit verteilter Rückkopplung (engl. distributed feedback, DFB) basiert und über eine externe Wellenlängenstabilisierung verfügt. Dadurch kann die THz-Frequenz im MHz-Bereich kontrolliert und die Systemimplementierung vereinfacht werden.
Faseroptische Rundheitsmessung von Bohrlöchern mit kleinem DurchmesserRoundness Measurements of Boreholes with Small Diameters Using a Fiber-optic Sensor
Authors: Schmitt Robert , König Niels , Depiereux Frank 
Published: January 2009

Zusammenfassung
Für Rundheitsmessungen entsprechen taktile Messsysteme dem Stand der Technik. Jedoch verbietet sich in vielen Fällen die taktile Antastung von Materialien, welche leicht deformiert oder sogar beschädigt werden können. Messungen in kleinen Kavitäten wie Sub-Millimeter-Bohrungen sind wegen der Größe von taktilen Tastern gänzlich unmöglich. In diesem Beitrag wird ein System für die Rundheitsmessung beschrieben, dessen faseroptische Sonde bis zu einem Durchmesser von 800 μm und kleiner miniaturisiert werden kann. Das Messprinzip basiert auf der kurzkohärenten Interferometrie und erlaubt die schnelle, berührungsfreie und hochpräzise Messung der Rundheit und Zylindrizität von Bohrlöchern.
Medizinische Textilien mit integrierten polymeroptischen Fasern zur AtmungssensorikMedicinal Textiles with Integrated Polymer-Optical Fibers for Respiration Monitoring
Authors: Witt Jens , Schukar Marcus , Krebber Katerina 
Published: January 2009

Zusammenfassung
In diesem Beitrag werden medizinische Textilien mit integrierten polymeroptischen Fasern (POF) zur Messung der Atembewegung vorgestellt. Die Sensorentwicklung dient primär der Überwachung von anästhesierten oder bewusstlosen Patienten bei der Magnetresonanztomographie. Es werden zwei unterschiedliche Sensoren präsentiert. Der eine Sensor basiert auf der optischen Zeit-Bereichs-Reflektometrie und ermöglicht eine ortsaufgelöste Messung der Atembewegung, der andere verwendet eine mikrostrukturierte POF, in die ein langperiodisches Gitter eingeschrieben ist.
Studies of insulin resistance in patients with clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism
Authors: Maratou Eirini , Hadjidakis Dimitrios J , Kollias Anastasios , Tsegka Katerina , Peppa Melpomeni , Alevizaki Maria , Mitrou P , Lambadiari V , Boutati Eleni , Nikzas Daniel , Tountas Nikolaos , Economopoulos Theofanis , Raptis Sotirios A , Dimitriadis George 
Published: January 2009

ObjectiveAlthough clinical hypothyroidism (HO) is associated with insulin resistance, there is no information on insulin action in subclinical hypothyroidism (SHO).Design and methodsTo investigate this, we assessed the sensitivity of glucose metabolism to insulin both in vivo (by an oral glucose tolerance test) and in vitro (by measuring insulin-stimulated rates of glucose transport in isolated monocytes with flow cytometry) in 21 euthyroid subjects (EU), 12 patients with HO, and 13 patients with SHO.ResultsAll three groups had comparable plasma glucose levels, with the HO and SHO having higher plasma insulin than the EU (P<0.05). Homeostasis model assessment index was increased in HO (1.97±0.22) and SHO (1.99±0.13) versus EU (1.27±0.16, P<0.05), while Matsuda index was decreased in HO (3.89±0.36) and SHO (4.26±0.48) versus EU (7.76±0.87, P<0.001), suggesting insulin resistance in both fasting and post-glucose state. At 100 μU/ml insulin: i) GLUT4 levels on the monocyte plasma membrane were decreased in both HO (215±19 mean fluorescence intensity, MFI) and SHO (218±24 MFI) versus EU (270±25 MFI, P=0.03 and 0.04 respectively), and ii) glucose transport rates in monocytes from HO (481±30 MFI) and SHO (462±19 MFI) were decreased versus EU (571±15 MFI, P=0.04 and 0.004 respectively).ConclusionsIn patients with HO and SHO: i) insulin resistance was comparable; ii) insulin-stimulated rates of glucose transport in isolated monocytes were decreased due to impaired translocation of GLUT4 glucose transporters on the plasma membrane; iii) these findings could justify the increased risk for insulin resistance-associated disorders, such as cardiovascular disease, observed in patients with HO or SHO.
Pituitary-independent effect of octreotide on IGF1 generation
Authors: Pokrajac Ana , Frystyk Jan , Flyvbjerg Allan , Trainer Peter J 
Published: January 2009

BackgroundSomatostatin analogues are frequently used for medical treatment of acromegaly. The rationale for their use is based on the inhibition of pituitary GH secretion; however, there is in vitro evidence that octreotide also acts to inhibit hepatic IGF1 generation.Aim & designWe studied the pituitary-independent effects of octreotide on IGF1 generation in 11 severely GH-deficient (GHD) humans (age 38, range 23–52; seven males; body mass index 24.7±3 kg/m2; peak-stimulated GH <3 μg/l; 3±1 pituitary hormone deficiencies) on a stable dose of GH replacement (0.4±0.1 mg) for at least 6 months. Patients were studied before and after 50 μg of s.c. octreotide three times a day for 7 days.ResultsAt study entry, all patients had total IGF1 within age- and gender-related reference range (SDS 0.4±1.0). Octreotide treatment resulted in a significant decrease in total IGF1 (by 18%, 208±89 vs 173±62 μg/l, P=0.04), free IGF1 (by 13%, 0.83±0.36 vs 0.70±0.33 μg/l, P=0.01) and IGFBP3 (6%, 4475±745 vs 4209±912 μg/l, P=0.02). Octreotide suppressed fasting insulin from 8.1±3.4 to 6.3±4.1 mU/l (P=0.01) and was associated with an increase in fasting glucose from 5.2±0.9 to 5.8±0.9 mmol/l (P<0.01). IGFBP1 increased by 84% from 42±26 to 95±52 μg/l (P=0.04).ConclusionOur study demonstrates that octreotide induces a significant decrease in IGF1 in severely GHD adults on a fixed dose of GH replacement. This is the evidence for a non-pituitary action of octreotide on the GH/IGF1 axis, most likely by antagonising the action of GH on hepatic IGF1 generation and indirectly, by suppressing insulin secretion.
Combined treatment for acromegaly with long-acting somatostatin analogs and pegvisomant: long-term safety for up to 4.5 years (median 2.2 years) of follow-up in 86 patients
Authors: Neggers SJCMM , de Herder WW , Janssen JAMJL , Feelders RA , van der Lely AJ 
Published: January 2009

BackgroundWe previously reported on the efficacy, safety, and quality of life (QoL) of long-acting somatostatin analogs (SSA) and (twice) weekly pegvisomant (PEG-V) in acromegaly and improvement after the addition of PEG-V to long-acting SSA.ObjectiveTo assess the long-term safety in a larger group of acromegalic patients over a larger period of time: 29.2 (1.2–57.4) months (mean (range)).DesignPegvisomant was added to SSA monotherapy in 86 subjects (37 females), to normalize serum IGF1 concentrations (n=63) or to increase the QoL. The median dosage was 60.0 (20–200) mg weekly.ResultsAfter a mean treatment period of 29.2 months, 23 patients showed dose-independent PEG-V related transient liver enzyme elevations (TLEE). TLEE occurred only once during the continuation of combination therapy, but discontinuation and re-challenge induced a second episode of TLEE. Ten of these patients with TLEE also suffered from diabetes mellitus (DM). In our present series, DM had a 2.28 odds ratio (CI 1.16–9.22; p=0.03) higher risk for developing TLEE. During the combined therapy, a clinical significant decrease in tumor size by more than 20% was observed in 14 patients. Two of these patients were previously treated by pituitary surgery, 1 with additional radiotherapy and all other patients received primary medical treatment.ConclusionLong-term combined treatment with SSA and twice weekly PEG-V up to more than 4 years seems to be safe. Patients with both acromegaly and DM have a 2.28 higher risk of developing TLEE. Clinical significant tumor shrinkage was observed in 14 patients during combined treatment.
Quality control of compacted grounds using seismic velocities
Authors: Uyanik Osman , Ulugergerli Emin U. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTThe speed‐up plaque load experiment and a seismic refraction survey were used in quality‐control tests of compaction in the runway grounds of the Süleyman Demirel Airport, Isparta, located to the north of Burdur Lake, Turkey. The straight‐line correlation between plaque load experiments and seismic velocities ( and ) has shown that compaction is sufficient when both the and values exceed 590m/s and 379m/s, respectively. In addition, two‐dimensional velocity models for both P‐ and S‐waves map out the level of compaction along the profiles.
A Copper‐Catalyzed, pH‐Neutral Construction of High‐Enantiopurity Peptidyl Ketones from Peptidic S‐Acylthiosalicylamides in Air at Room Temperature
Authors: Liebeskind Lanny S. , Yang Hao , Li Hao 
Published: January 2009

AbstractMilde Bedingungen: Eine kupferkatalysierte Umwandlung peptidischer Thioester und Boronsäuren in DMF oder DMF/H2O bei Raumtemperatur an Luft ergibt Peptidylketone (siehe Schema). Diese aerobe Reaktion findet nur bei einer Thioesterfunktion statt, deren S‐gebundener Rest an das Kupferzentrum koordinieren kann, und wird nicht durch Racemisierung der Reaktanten oder Produkte beeinträchtigt.magnified image
Carbon Dioxide Induced Phase Switching for Homogeneous‐Catalyst Recycling
Authors: Desset Simon. L. , Cole‐Hamilton David J. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractKatalysator auf Wanderschaft: Rhodiumkomplexe mit PPh3‐Liganden, die mit schwach basischen Amidingruppen funktionalisiert sind, wirken als hochaktive Katalysatoren für die Hydroformylierung von Alkenen. In Gegenwart von Wasser bewegen sich die gelben Rhodiumkomplexe beim Einleiten von CO2 in die wässrige Phase; anschließende N2‐Einleitung bei 60 °C bewirkt eine Rückwanderung in die organische Phase. Die Katalysatoren eignen sich für Reaktionen in beiden Phasen.magnified image