bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carotid ultrasound phenotypes in vulnerable populations
Authors: Riccio Silvia A , House Andrew A , Spence J David , Fenster Aaron , Parraga Grace 
Published: November 2006

Abstract

Background
Biomarkers of carotid atherosclerosis range from those that are widely available and relatively simple to measure such as serum cholesterol levels, and B-mode Ultrasound measurement of intima media thickness (IMT) to those that are more complex and technologically demanding but perhaps potentially more sensitive and specific to disease such as total plaque volume and total plaque area measured from 3-dimensional ultrasound images. In this study we measured and compared intima media thickness (IMT), total plaque volume (TPV) and total plaque area (TPA) in two separate populations, both vulnerable to carotid atherosclerosis.

Methods
In total, 88 subjects (mean age 72.8) with carotid stenosis of at least 60%, based on a peak Doppler flow, and 82 subjects (mean age 60.9) with diabetic nephropathy were assessed in a cross-sectional study. Conventional atherosclerotic risk factors were examined and the associations and correlations between these and carotid ultrasound phenotypes measured from B-mode and 3-dimensional ultrasound images were assessed.

Results
IMT and TPV were only modestly correlated in the two separate populations (r = .6, p < .01). ANOVA analyses indicated that both IMT and TPV were significantly associated with age (p < .001) and Framingham score (p < .05), but only TPV was associated with diabetes (p < .001) and presence of plaque ulcerations (p < .01)

Conclusion
IMT and TPV were modestly correlated in a diabetic patient population and only TPV was associated with diabetes and the presence of plaque ulcerations in a diabetic population and carotid stenosis group. The 3-dimensional information provided by TPV can be critically important in unmasking association with risk factors not observed with less complex single-dimension assessments of carotid atherosclerosis such as those provided by IMT.
Growth-rate regulated genes have profound impact on interpretation of transcriptome profiling in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Regenberg Birgitte , Grotkjær Thomas , Winther Ole , Fausbøll Anders , Åkesson Mats , Bro Christoffer , Hansen Lars Kai , Brunak Søren , Nielsen Jens 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Background
Growth rate is central to the development of cells in all organisms. However, little is known about the impact of changing growth rates. We used continuous cultures to control growth rate and studied the transcriptional program of the model eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae, with generation times varying between 2 and 35 hours.

Results
A total of 5930 transcripts were identified at the different growth rates studied. Consensus clustering of these revealed that half of all yeast genes are affected by the specific growth rate, and that the changes are similar to those found when cells are exposed to different types of stress (>80% overlap). Genes with decreased transcript levels in response to faster growth are largely of unknown function (>50%) whereas genes with increased transcript levels are involved in macromolecular biosynthesis such as those that encode ribosomal proteins. This group also covers most targets of the transcriptional activator RAP1, which is also known to be involved in replication. A positive correlation between the location of replication origins and the location of growth-regulated genes suggests a role for replication in growth rate regulation.

Conclusion
Our data show that the cellular growth rate has great influence on transcriptional regulation. This, in turn, implies that one should be cautious when comparing mutants with different growth rates. Our findings also indicate that much of the regulation is coordinated via the chromosomal location of the affected genes, which may be valuable information for the control of heterologous gene expression in metabolic engineering.
Pain Assessments and the Provision of Analgesia: The Effects of a Templated Chart
Authors: Baumann Brigitte M. , Holmes John H. , Chansky Michael E. , Levey Helen , Kulkarni Miriam , Boudreaux Edwin D. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract Objectives Many emergency departments (EDs) have incorporated pain assessment scales in the medical record to improve compliance with the requirements of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The authors conducted a pre‐post trial investigating the effects of introducing a templated chart on the documentation of pain assessments and the provision of analgesia to ED patients. Methods A total of 2,379 charts were reviewed for inclusion based on the presence of a chief complaint related to trauma or nontraumatic pain, with 1,242 charts included in the analysis. Results Baseline demographic characteristics, mechanism of injury, location of injury, and initial pain severity were similar in the two groups. The proportion of patients with documentation of pain assessment increased from 41% to 57% (p < 0.001). In particular, traumatic mechanisms and chest, abdominal, and extremity pain yielded the largest improvements in documentation after introduction of the templated charts. Documentation of pain descriptors also improved for time of onset, duration, timing, and context (p < 0.01). Pain control in the templated chart group, however, remained unchanged and the provision of analgesia in the ED was not altered, with the exception of nonsteroidal medications, which decreased from 46% to 36% (p < 0.01). Conclusions Although documentation is improved with a templated chart, this improvement did not translate into improved patient care.
Formulation and evaluation of nimodipine-loaded lipid microspheres
Authors: Yu Jia , He Hai Bing , Tang Xing 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop an alternative, improved and better tolerated formulation and investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of the new formulation of nimodipine (NM) compared with nimodipine ethanol solutions. Lipid microspheres (LMs) prepared using lecithin and vegetable oils have attracted a lot of interest owing to their versatile properties, such as non-immunogenicity, being easily biodegradable and exhibiting high entrapment efficiency. NM incorporated in LMs could reduce irritation by avoiding the use of ethanol as a solubilizer. The solubility of NM was also increased by dissolving it in the oil phase. The particle size distribution, zeta potential, entrapment efficacy and assay of the NM-loaded LMs were found to be 188.2 ± 5.4 nm, −31.6 mV, 94.2% and 1.04 mg mL−1, respectively. The preparation was stable for 1 year at 4–10°C. The formulation and some physicochemical properties of NM-loaded LMs were investigated. The pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies were performed in rats at a dose of 1.2 mg kg−1. From the observed data, there is no obvious retention of NM-loaded LMs in plasma. Moreover, incorporation of NM in LMs did not alter the tissue distribution significantly except for the relatively greater drug accumulation in the liver and spleen. The stimulation studies demonstrate that LMs of NM reduce irritation markedly compared with NM solutions. These results suggest that the LM system is a promising option to replace NM ethanol solutions as an intravenous treatment.
Pharmacokinetics of selected stilbenes: rhapontigenin, piceatannol and pinosylvin in rats
Authors: Roupe Kathryn A , Yáñez Jaime A , Teng Xiao Wei , Davies Neal M 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
The pharmacokinetics of piceatannol, pinosylvin and rhapontigenin were characterized in male Sprague-Dawley rats after single intravenous doses of 10 mg kg−1 of each stilbene. Serial blood samples were collected via a catheter inserted into the right jugular vein and plasma samples were analysed for the selected stilbenes concentrations using reverse phase HPLC methods. After an acute intravenous dose of piceatannol, plasma AUC, urine t½, CL and Vd were 8.48 ± 2.48 μgh mL−1, 19.88 ± 5.66 h, 2.13 ± 0.92 Lh−1 kg−1 and 10.76 ± 2.88 Lkg−1 (mean ± s.e.m.), respectively. The acute intravenous dose of pinosylvin yielded the plasma AUC, urine t ½, CL and Vd values of 5.23 ± 1.20 μgh mL−1, 13.13 ± 2.05 h, 1.84 ± 0.44 Lh−1 kg−1 and 2.29 ± 0.56 Lkg−1 (mean ± s.e.m.), respectively. Rhapontigenin intravenous dosing yielded the plasma AUC, urine t½, CL and Vd values of 8.39 ±0.10 μgh mL−1, 25.31 ± 1.46 h, 1.18 ± 0.035 Lh−1 kg−1 and 11.05 ± 0.17 Lkg−1 (mean ± s.e.m.), respectively. Each stilbene was extensively glucuronidated. These stilbenes were predominantly eliminated via non-urinary routes. All three stilbenes were highly distributed into tissues and were highly extracted by the liver. The detectable plasma half-lives of these xenobiotics appear to be relatively short. However, utilizing urinary concentration-time data, much longer elimination half-lives were evident. The estimates of oral bioavailability characterize these stilbenes as poorly bioavailable compounds.
Permeation of WIN 55,212-2, a potent cannabinoid receptor agonist, across human tracheo-bronchial tissue in vitro and rat nasal epithelium in vivo
Authors: Agu Remigius U , Valiveti Satyanarayana , Paudel Kalpana S , Klausner Mitch , Hayden Patrick J , Stinchcomb Audra L 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the intranasal absorption of R-(+)-WIN 55,212-2 mesylate in vivo and in vitro. Permeation experiments of R-(+)-WIN 55,212-2 formulations with 2% dimethyl-β-cyclodextrin (DMβCD), 2% trimethyl-β-cyclodextrin (TMβCD) or 2% randomly methylated-β-cyclodextrin (RAMβCD) in 1:1 propylene glycol/saline and 1.5% propylene glycol + 3% Tween 80 in saline were conducted using EpiAirway™ tissue and an anesthetized rat nasal absorption model, respectively. Samples were analysed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Mucosal tolerance was screened using paracellular marker permeation and tissue viability as indices. Nasal absorption of WIN 55,212-2 was rapid, with a tmax (time of peak concentration) of 0.17 to 0.35 h in vivo. Relative to 1.5% propylene glycol + 3% Tween 80 (control), 1:1 propylene glycol/saline, RAMβCD, DMβCD and TMβCD resulted in 24-, 20-, 17- and 10-fold WIN 55,212-2 permeation increases in vitro, respectively. The in vivo absolute bioavailabilities were also increased with 1:1 propylene glycol/saline, RAMβCD, DMβCD and TMβCD compared to 1.5% propylene glycol + 3% Tween 80 (0.15 vs. 0.66-0.77). The viability of the EpiAirway™ tissues was significantly reduced by DMβCD and TMβCD formulations. This study showed that WIN 55,212-2 mesylate can be delivered via the nasal route. Absorption of R-(+)-WIN 55,212-2 was rapid and bioavailability was significantly improved using methylated cyclodextrins and propylene glycol-based cosolvent.
Classification of torasemide based on the Biopharmaceutics Classification System and evaluation of the FDA biowaiver provision for generic products of Class I drugs
Authors: Khan M Zahirul I , Raušl Dragica , Radošević Senka , Filić Darko , Danilovski Aleksandar , Dumić Miljenko , Knežević Zdravka 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
The biopharmaceutical properties of an in-house developed new crystal modification of torasemide (Torasemide N) were investigated in comparison with the most well known crystal modification form of torasemide (Torasemide I) in order to classify the drug according to the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS), and to evaluate the data in line with current US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance (with biowaiver provision for Class I drugs) to determine if the biowaiver provision could be improved. The solubility profiles of Torasemide I and Torasemide N were determined, and tablets prepared from both forms of the drug were studied for in-vitro release characteristics in media recommended by the current FDA guidance for biowaiver of generic products, and in other media considered more appropriate for the purpose than the ones recommended by the FDA. Two separate bioequivalence studies in healthy humans (following oral administration) were performed with two test products (both prepared from Torasemide I) against a single reference product (prepared from Torasemide N). The absorption profiles of the drug from the tablets were determined by deconvolution for comparison with the in-vitro release profiles to determine the appropriateness of some dissolution media for predicting in-vivo performance and to determine the comparative rate and extent of absorption. The drug was absorbed from the tested products quickly and almost completely (about 95% within 3.5 h of administration). However, one test product failed to meet the bioequivalence criteria and had a significant initial lower absorption rate profile compared with the reference product (P ≤ 0.05), whereas the other product was bioequivalent and had a similar absorption profile to the reference product. A dissolution medium at pH 5.0, in which torasemide has minimum solubility, was found to be more discriminatory than the media recommended by the FDA. Torasemide has been classified as a Class I drug according to the BCS up to a maximum dose of 40 mg and the data suggest that the current FDA guidance could be improved by giving more emphasis to selection of appropriate dissolution media than is given in its current form for approving biowaiver to generic products of Class I drugs.
Bacterial meningitis and sensorineural hearing loss: A prospective investigation
Authors: Berlow Susan J. , Caldarelli David D. , Matz Gregory J. , Meyer Dianne H. , Harsch Gail G. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe objectives of the present investigation are as follows: to prospectively assess the incidence of sensorineural hearing loss (SHL) associated with bacterial meningitis; to evaluate the onset and degree of SHL; and to describe the audiometric pattern.Forty‐seven patients were studied otologically and audiologically. The incidence of SHL was 11%. Late onset of SHL was not observed, however, one patient demonstrated a probable progressive hearing loss. Both bilateral and unilateral hearing loss were noted. The degree of hearing loss varied from mild to profound, with no consistent audiometric pattern. Intensive follow‐up on one hearing‐impaired patient included temporal bone polytomograms. Obliterative labyrinthitis is detailed.Antibiotic treatment and laboratory data are evaluated. Suggestions are provided for the post‐meningitic course.
Correction of the drooping brow: Analysis of approach
Authors: O'Neill John V. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe attainment of a more youthful appearance is one of the goals of cosmetic facial surgery. In the orbital area this is usually accomplished by performing a blepharoplasty. There are, however, a number of cases in which performance of a blepharoplasty of the upper or lower lids or both does not produce as much of an improvement as the patient or the surgeon would desire. Proper preoperative analysis enables one to determine that the blepharoplasty alone will not produce the desired result. In those instances in which the ptosis of the blow is a contributing factor to the aged appearance, an operative procedure to correct the brow would be undertaken prior to or in conjunction with the blepharoplasty procedure. The various operative procedures will be discussed and analyzed from their positive and negative aspects.
Clinical hearing aid dispensing: A five year review
Authors: Pappas James J. , Bailey H. A. Ted , Graham Sharon S. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractConstant reassessment of professional services is necessary in order to maintain responsiveness to patient needs. As a result of current trends in patient population, amplification technology and legislative intervention, many otolaryngologists and audiologists have included the dispensing of hearing aids as a part of their provision of clinical services. The primary philosophical objective in dispensing hearing aids is to provide a more allencompassing total hearing health care within the clinic setting for patients with all types of hearing loss, whether their needs are medical, surgical or prosthetic. Procedures for each patient receiving a hearing aid fitting include the following: audiological evaluation, otolaryngological examination, physician counseling, audiological counseling, ear mold fabrication, hearing aid evaluation and fitting, 30 day trial period, and follow‐up hearing aid counseling.A total of 1319 aids have been dispensed over a five year period. The large majority of the aids are postauricular instruments, fitted on adults over 60 years of age with sensorineural hearing loss. Dispensing aids within the clinic has established a constant quality service, improved patient follow‐up, improved the convenience for patients, offered research opportunities, and reduced the cost to our patients. Having a within‐clinic dispensary provides a coordinated program of professional management for the aural rehabilitative process; when a hearing aid is dispensed through such a program, the quality of patient care for the hearing impaired population can be improved.
Cervical approaches to the surgery of cervicothoracic neoplasia
Authors: Travis Lawrence W. , Tabb Harold G. , Hebert A. Foster , Spector Richard A. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSeven cases are presented to illustrate four cervical surgical approaches to the upper mediastinum and thorax. These surgical approaches are described and illustrated, and we have termed these the retrosternal, retroclavicular, posterior, and lateral approaches. Two cases of thymic cyst, one of recurrent metastatic pretracheal adenopathy, a case of tracheal stenosis, a foreign body of the left subclavian artery, a large Zenker's diverticulum, and a neoglottic reconstruction are presented to illustrate the surgical anatomy, dissection technique, and postoperative complications.
Suture technique for caudal septal deviations
Authors: Ellis Michael S. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe “buckled” or severely deviated nasal septum has resisted a variety of techniques devised for its correction. This paper will present a new technique which the author has found useful in many of these cases. This method utilizes in reverse the procedure popularized by Mustardé for managing the protruding ear. Instead of bending the cartilage into a harmonious shape, the bent cartilage is straightened with submucosal permanent sutures. The paper will illustrate this technique.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) as A Cytoreductive Strategy for Hepatic Metastasis from Breast Cancer
Authors: Lawes D , Chopada A , Gillams A , Lees W , Taylor I 
Published: November 2006

INTRODUCTION Patients with liver metastasis from breast cancer have a poor prognosis, although this may be improved by hepatectomy in a selected group with disease confined to the liver. We evaluate the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as a cytoreductive strategy in the management of liver metastasis from primary breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Nineteen patients with hepatic metastasis from primary breast cancer underwent RFA of their liver lesions between April 1998 and August 2004. RESULTS The median age of the patients was 52 years (range, 32–69 years), 8 had disease confined to the liver, with 11 having stable extrahepatic disease in addition. Seven patients with disease confined to the liver at presentation are alive, as are 6 with extrahepatic disease, median follow-up after RFA was 15 months (range, 0–77 months). Survival at 30 months was 41.6%. In addition, 7 patients followed up for a median of 14 months (range, 2–29 months) remain alive and disease-free. RFA failed to control hepatic disease in 3 patients. RFA was not associated with any mortality or major morbidity. CONCLUSIONS Control of hepatic metastasis from breast cancer is possible using RFA and may lead to a survival benefit, particularly in those patients with disease confined to the liver.
Should We Apply Suction During Fine Needle Cytology of Thyroid Lesions? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pothier David D , Narula AA 
Published: November 2006

INTRODUCTION Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a well-established investigation in thyroid disease. Fine needle sampling without aspiration (FNS) is less commonly used but often easier to perform. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages but, as yet, there is no agreement on which method produces better specimens for cytological diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We undertook a review of the literature and performed a meta-analysis of the results of four crossover trials. RESULTS The resulting odds ratio favoured FNS (OR = 0.99; 95% CI 0.88–1.11) but was not statistically significant. A fifth paper not included in the meta-analysis reported results in favour of FNS (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence from the meta-analysis that one method is superior to the other; however, taking into consideration all available evidence, it seems that FNS may be easier to perform and may produce better samples.
Broken Bones and Fractures – An Audit of Patients' Perceptions
Authors: Kampa RJ , Pang J , Gleeson R 
Published: November 2006

INTRODUCTION ‘Have I got a fracture or a break doctor?’ remains a commonly posed question in fracture clinics, suggesting that patients frequently feel a ‘fracture’ and a ‘break’ are two separate entities. This apparent misconception amongst fracture clinic patients may result in confusion and occasionally anger that doctors appear to have inconsistent views on the severity of their injury. Compliance and outcome of patient care can also be affected by poor communication. PATIENTS AND METHODS Our questionnaire-based study was conducted in two stages. The initial objective was to establish whether this misconception surrounding the words ‘fracture’ and ‘break’ is commonly held amongst our out-patient trauma patients. The second stage of the audit was to determine whether a patient information leaflet on fractures/broken bones could help reduce this misconception. RESULTS The preliminary audit involving 50 new patients attending our fracture clinic showed that 84% thought there was a difference between a ‘fracture’ and a ‘break’, with 68% believing a ‘break’ to be worse than a ‘fracture’. Following the introduction of an information leaflet, a re-audit of 61 new patients took place. This time 67% felt there was a difference between a ‘fracture’ and a ‘break’, with 65% believing a ‘break’ to be worse than a ‘fracture’. Only 21% had read the supplied information leaflet, and 69% of those still believed there was a difference between a ‘fracture’ and a ‘break’. CONCLUSIONS The majority of patients believed that there was a difference between a ‘fracture’ and a ‘break’. Access to information leaflets did not appear to alter this misconception. Verbal communication and explanation may be more beneficial and practical than visual aids and leaflets in overcoming this problem.