bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of combination therapy with propylthiouracil and cholestyramine in the treatment of Graves’ hyperthyroidism
Authors: Tsai Wen‐Chin , Pei Dee , Wang Tso‐Fu , Wu Du‐An , Li Jer‐Chuan , Wei Cheng Lian , Lee Chien‐Hsing , Chen Sheng‐Pyng , Kuo Shi‐Wen 
Published: April 2005

SummaryObjective  The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of combination therapy with propylthiouracil (PTU) and cholestyramine in the treatment of Graves’ hyperthyroidism.Background  Thyroxine (T4) is metabolized mainly in the liver by conjugation to glucuronides and sulphates that enter the enterohepatic circulation. Thyrotoxic patients have an abnormal increase in thyroid hormone in their enterohepatic circulation. Previous studies on combination therapy with methimazole and cholestyramine for Graves’ hyperthyroidism have shown it to be an effective adjunctive treatment. In this study, we examined the efficacy of combination therapy with PTU and cholestyramine in the treatment of Graves’ hyperthyroidism.Methods  Thirty patients with newly diagnosed Graves’ hyperthyroidism were randomly divided into two groups: group I (n = 15) received PTU 100 mg twice a day, propranolol 40 mg twice a day and cholestyramine 4 g twice a day for 4 weeks; group II (n = 15) received PTU 100 mg twice a day and propranolol 40 mg twice a day for 4 weeks. The therapeutic efficacy was determined by serum total triiodothyronine (TT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and TRAb levels at baseline, and at the end of 2 and 4 weeks during the study period.Results  There was no significant difference in baseline thyroid function parameters. At the end of 2 and 4 weeks of the study period, serum TT3 and FT4 levels of group I were significantly lower than those of group II. No significant differences in the TRAb level were found between the two groups.Conclusion  Cholestyramine contributed to a more rapid and complete decline in thyroid hormone levels in patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism. It was thus proved to be an effective and well‐tolerated adjunctive therapy.
Are thyroid peroxidase antibodies associated with cardiovascular disease risk in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism?
Authors: Wells Brian J. , Hueston William J. 
Published: April 2005

SummaryObjective Conflicting evidence has been reported about whether subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is associated with hyperlipidemia or cardiovascular disease. Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) are more common in persons with SCH. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the presence of (TPOAb) in people with SCH is associated with markers of cardiovascular disease.Design Cross‐sectional study using multivariate regression.Patients Adults over age 40 who, in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III, met the criteria for SCH (n = 188).Measurements Participants were stratified into TPOAb‐negative (n = 82) and TPOAb‐positive (n = 106) groups. Markers of cardiovascular disease risk were compared between the TPOAb‐negative and TPOAb‐positive groups. Multivariate regression models were performed to adjust for potential confounders.Results In bivariate analyses, individuals with and without TPOAb had similar levels of triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein, low‐density lipoprotein, total cholesterol and C‐reactive protein. Homocysteine levels were higher in the patients without antibodies (P = 0·01). After adjusting for, age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes and use of a lipid‐lowering medication, however, no statistically significant relationships were found between the presence of TPOAb and any of the cardiovascular risk markers.Conclusions The presence of thyroid peroxidase antibodies does not appear to correlate with cardiovascular disease risk in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. This study does not support the measurement of TPOAb antibodies in SCH as a strategy for guiding treatment or assessment of cardiovascular disease risk.
Testing the Functions of Detritus Stabilimenta in Webs of Cyclosa fililineata and Cyclosa morretes (Araneae: Araneidae): Do They Attract Prey or Reduce the Risk of Predation?
Authors: Gonzaga Marcelo O. , Vasconcellos‐Neto João 
Published: April 2005

AbstractSpiders of the genus Cyclosa often add prey remains and other debris to their orb‐webs. The function of silk decorations is generally associated with defense against predators or with the attraction of prey, but few studies have focused on stabilimenta containing detritus. In this study, we used artificial webs with and without the detritus stabilimenta of two species of Cyclosa to investigate whether these structures increase the number of insects intercepted. Artificial models of spiders and stabilimenta were used to compare the frequency of attacks against different shapes. We also conducted choice experiments in laboratory to determine whether detritus columns attracted Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and Trigona angustula (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Meliponinae) to the webs. The frequency of interception in artificial webs with a stabilimentum was similar to that of webs without such structure. The taxonomic composition and biomass of insects were also similar in both types of artificial webs. The choice experiments showed no significant tendency in attraction to webs with a stabilimentum. However, models of spiders were attacked at a higher frequency than those simulating detritus columns and silk decorations. These findings argue against the prey attraction hypothesis and suggest that the addition of stabilimenta to webs of Cyclosa could reduce the intensity of predation, possibly by disrupting the image of the spider's outline.
Outcome following radiotherapy for loco‐regionally recurrent non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Foo K , Gebski V , Yeghiaian‐Alvandi R , Foroudi F , Cakir B 
Published: April 2005

SummaryLocal and regional recurrence of non‐small cell lung cancer is reported to occur in 13–20% of treatment failures after resection. Reported post‐recurrent median survival following radiotherapy ranges from 9 to 14 months. This study examines survival following radiotherapy alone for patients with loco‐regionally recurring non‐small cell lung cancer after initial surgery. Fifty‐five patients, receiving radiotherapy at Westmead Hospital between 1979 and 1997, were eligible for study. Data were collected retrospectively by reviewing patient records. The end‐point was overall survival. Symptom control was also recorded. Prognostic factors for analysis included age, sex, original presenting stage, disease‐free interval (DFI), performance status, site of recurrence, treatment intent and dose. The median overall survival was 11.5 months (95% confidence interval: 8.1–13.0). Survival following treatment with radical intent was 26 months compared to 10.5 months for patients treated with palliative intent (P = 0.025). There was no significant difference in survival for short (≤2 years) or long DFI, performance status, radiation dose, age, sex, site of recurrence or stage. Most patients (55%) had partial or complete resolution of symptoms. Radiotherapy results in overall post‐recurrence median survival of nearly 1 year, consistent with previous published data. Radical treatment intent predicts better prognosis as a result of patient selection and higher dose. Radiotherapy is effective at palliating symptoms of this disease.
Neurenteric cyst of the posterior mediastinum
Authors: Setty HAN , Hegde KKS , Narvekar VN 
Published: April 2005

SummaryWe report a case of a large posterior mediastinal neurenteric cyst in a neonate demonstrated by chest radiographs, barium swallow examination, ultrasonography and CT of the thorax. All the investigations revealed a large posterior mediastinal cystic mass with vertebral anomalies in the form of scoliosis and hemivertebra. The cyst was completely excised by a right posterolateral thoracotomy and biopsy showed the features of a neurenteric cyst. The rarity of the lesion prompted us to report this case.
Imaging spectrum in disseminated histoplasmosis: Case report and brief review
Authors: Grover SB , Midha N , Gupta M , Sharma U , Talib VH 
Published: April 2005

SummaryThe clinical manifestations of chronic disseminated histoplasmosis are non‐specific and resemble those of other chronic infections and malignancies. We report the radiographic, sonographic and contrast‐enhanced CT appearances of histoplasmosis in an adult male with non‐insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, who was HIV negative and presented with weight loss and pyrexia. Imaging studies simulated tuberculosis with mediastinal lymphadenopathy, bilateral fibrotic lung lesions, hepatomegaly and bilateral hypoattenuating adrenal enlargement, without clinical or laboratory evidence of hypoadrenalism. Computed tomography‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy of adrenal glands revealed Histoplasma capsulatum. We report our experience to increase awareness of the imaging spectrum of disseminated histoplasmosis and its similarity to tuberculosis as, with increasing incidence of AIDS, the chances of these infections are likely to increase. Moreover, awareness of this entity is important because it is known that untreated disseminated histoplasmosis is fatal.
Cranial magnetic resonance imaging of Wolfram (DIDMOAD) syndrome
Authors: Pakdemirli E , Karabulut N , Bir LS , Sermez Y 
Published: April 2005

SummaryWolfram syndrome is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy and deafness (DIDMOAD). A wide spectrum of abnormalities of the central nervous system, urinary tract and endocrine glands is also observed. We report cranial MRI findings in a 32‐year‐old female patient with Wolfram syndrome. In addition to the classical features, including absence of the normal high signal of the neurohypophysis, atrophy of visual pathways, the brainstem, cerebellum and cerebral cortex, we observed bilateral hyperintensity on proton density‐ and T2‐ weighted images related to the optic radiations in the periventricular white matter of the temporal and parieto‐occipital lobes, which may reflect gliosis pathologically.
Clinical audit of the use of fresh‐frozen plasma and platelets in a tertiary teaching hospital and the impact of a new transfusion request form
Authors: Hui C.‐H. , Williams I. , Davis K. 
Published: April 2005

Abstract Aim:  To carry out an audit of the appropriateness of fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) and platelets (Plt) transfusion with reference to the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council/Australian Society of Blood Transfusion Clinical Practice Guidelines, and to assess the impact of a self‐educating transfusion request form.Methods:  A prospective review of the clinical indications and laboratory data in all transfusion episodes of FFP and Plt occurring in a tertiary teaching hospital in South Australia in two 2‐month periods of the years 2002 and 2003.Results:  Reversal of warfarin has emerged as the major indication to transfuse FFP (34%). More than 72% FFP and 88% Plt were prescribed in an appropriate manner, and the majority were monitored adequately. The transfusion request form further improved the appropriate uses and was met with a satisfactory compliance. Further grounds for improvement are in FFP usage by the haematology unit and in cardiac bypass surgery, and Plt by surgical units.Conclusion:  Clinical transfusion audit helps to identify current pattern of usage and areas of improvement. A self‐educating transfusion specific request form is also beneficial. (Intern Med J 2004; 35: 283–288)
Readmission patterns in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart failure and diabetes mellitus: an administrative dataset analysis
Authors: Brand C. , Sundararajan V. , Jones C. , Hutchinson A. , Campbell D. 
Published: April 2005

Abstract Comprehensive disease management programmes for chronic disease aim to improve patient outcomes and reduce health‐care utilization. Readmission rates are often used as an outcome measure of effectiveness. This study aimed to document readmission rates, and risk for early and late readmission, for patients discharged from the Royal Melbourne Hospital with a disease diagnosis of chronic heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or diabetes mellitus compared to those with other general medical conditions. Eighty five (8.6%) of patients were readmitted within 28 days and 183 (20.8%) were readmitted between 29 and 180 days. No risk factors for early readmission were identified. Patients with a primary disease diagnosis of CHF and COPD are at increased risk of late readmissions (29–180 days). (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 296–299)
A new measure of children's optimism and pessimism: the youth life orientation test
Authors: Ey Sydney , Hadley Wendy , Allen Deanna Nuttbrock , Palmer Shawna , Klosky James , Deptula Daneen , Thomas Jay , Cohen Robert 
Published: April 2005

Background:  Optimism and pessimism are positive and negative expectations linked with well‐being in adults. Research on the importance of optimism and pessimism in children is limited by the lack of a developmentally appropriate measure of children's expectations.Method:  Based upon the Life Orientation Test‐Revised (Scheier, Carver, & Bridges, 1994), the Youth Life Orientation Test (YLOT) is a sixteen‐item self‐report measure of children's optimism and pessimism.Results:  Reliability and validity of the YLOT was found with 204 3rd–6th graders. Optimism also predicted fewer child‐reported depressive symptoms and parent‐reported behavior problems assessed three months later. Pessimism predicted more child‐reported anxiety symptoms and parent‐reported social and academic deficits.
Practitioner Review: Early adversity and developmental disorders
Authors: Taylor Eric , Rogers Jody Warner 
Published: April 2005

Background:  Knowledge of genetic influences, on developmental disorders such as autism spectrum, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and learning disabilities, has increased the opportunities for understanding the influences of the early environment.Methods:  This paper provides a selective, narrative review for clinicians of the effects of factors such as exposure to toxins and stresses in utero and in postnatal life; brain injuries and perinatal compromise; neglect, malnutrition and selective food deficiencies. It also considers what is known about the mechanisms through which early adversities operate.Results:  Gaps in the research are identified and suggestions made about clinical investigations. Several types of environmental adversity have associations with later disorders that suggest a causal role. The effects are often on a broad range of psychological processes, and are not always quickly reversible. Several adversities often coexist, calling for skilled judgement about priorities in treatment.Conclusions:  Individuals vary considerably in their exposure to adversity and their vulnerability to its effects, and genetic inheritance can influence both.
The Effect of Habitat Alteration on Migratory Land Birds in a West Mexican Tropical Deciduous Forest: A Conservation Perspective
Authors: HUTTO RICHARD L. 
Published: April 2005

Abstract:I compared point count census data from both short and tall second‐growth sites with counts taken from a nearby undisturbed tropical deciduous forest in coastal Jalisco, Mexico. Each of the second‐growth sites differed significantly from the undisturbed forest in its bird composition Much of the change can be attributed to the improvement of conditions for some guild members (e.g., seedeaters) and the removal of adequate conditions for others (eg., trunk‐foragers, Nit‐eaten). Nonetheless, there was a significant difference in the effect on migrant us. Resident species that was independent of foraging guild; longdistance migratory species were significantly more likely to increase in abundance as a result of disturbance than were resident species Thus; many migratory species in western Mexico may benefit from the human‐caused creation of midsuccessional habitats. It is important to note however, that this conclusion may not apply to more intensely disturbed habitats and does not apply to all migratory species In addition without information on the habitat and geographical distribution of migrants in winter, and habitat‐dependent mortality rates, we cannot draw conclusions about the had‐scale effects on the species that showed population changes in response to habitat disturbance.
Possible Effects of Acidic Deposition on a Rocky Mountain Population of the Tiger Salamander Ambystoma tigrtinum
Authors: HARTE JOHN , HOFFMAN ERIKA 
Published: April 2005

Abstract:To investigate possible biological effects of acidic deposition in the western United States, we performed population censuses and dose‐response experiments at a subalpine watershed in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, An adult tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum) population declined by 65% over seven years, while larval recruitment declined over all but the last year of his period A. tigrinum eggs had an LD‐50 pH of 5.6, which is within the range encountered by eggs at this site during snow melt. Although the decline of A. tigrinum at this watershed could be a natural fluctuation, the available evidence is consistent with the bypothesis that acidic deposition is its cause. Thus, the decline of A. tigrinum at the watershed may be the first indication of biological damage from acidic deposition in the western United States
Scientists as Advocates: The Point Reyes Bird Observatory and Gill Netting in Central California
Authors: SALZMAN JAMESE. 
Published: April 2005

Abstrack:Scientists and scientific organizations can play singularly important roles as advocates in the public resolution of conservation disputes One scientific organization, the Point Reyes Bird Observatory, was instrumental in resolving an environmental controversy in the early 1980s over the use of gill nets off central California The gill‐net fishery was killing thousands of birds annually. The Point Reyes Bird Observatory's use of its scientific data facilitated negotiation and formed the basis for the threat of litigation These efforts spurred enforcement of federal wildlife legislation and helped forge a permanent solution acceptable to state and federal environmental agencies, conservation groups, and local fishermen. But there are constraints on the active involvement of scientists in public disputes. The contentious nature of the decision‐ding forum, the exigencies and uncertainty inherent in policy decisions, and the bias popularly associated with lobbying efforts all tend to dissuade scientists from participation as advocates in public controversies. The gill‐net case suggests that when coupled with supportive legislation, focused advocacy‐the presentation of relevant data and insistence that it be interpreted accurately and acted upon‐is an effective method of achieving biologically sound policies.
Life‐threatening adverse reaction followed by thrombocytopenia after passive transfusion of fresh frozen plasma containing anti‐CD36 (Naka) isoantibody
Authors: Morishita Katsuya , Wakamoto Shinobu , Miyazaki Toru , Sato Shinichiro , Fujihara Mitsuhiro , Kaneko Sadao , Yasuda Hiroshi , Yamamoto Sadamitsu , Azuma Hiroshi , Kato Toshiaki , Ikeda Hisami 
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND: Anti‐CD36 isoantibody in blood recipients is reported to cause refractoriness to platelet (PLT) transfusions and posttransfusion purpura–like syndrome. There are few reports, however, about the effects of passively transfused blood products containing this isoantibody on recipients.CASE REPORT: A 67‐year‐old Japanese woman underwent brain surgery. On the 6th postoperative day, the patient experienced tightness of the chest and nausea after receiving a transfusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP). When she manifested hypotension, the transfusion was discontinued. No cutaneous manifestation was observed. The patient's condition gradually improved soon after the administration of steroids.RESULTS: Her pretransfusion PLT count was 17.1 × 104 per µL. It decreased to 1.9 × 104 per µL 12 hours after transfusion and recovered to 15.4 × 104 per µL 8 days after transfusion. The donor of the FFP had a Type I CD36 deficiency. Flow cytometric analysis identified anti‐CD36 isoantibody in the FFP. The cross‐match between the patient's PLTs and the FFP was positive. The FFP induced the aggregation of PLTs derived from healthy adults.CONCLUSION: This is the first reported case of life‐threatening adverse effects and thrombocytopenia caused by passively transfused anti‐CD36 isoantibody. The possibility of passive infusion of this antibody should be considered in the evaluation of life‐threatening transfusion reactions followed by thrombocytopenia.
Frequently used plateletpheresis techniques result in variable target yields and platelet recruitment of donors
Authors: Strasser Erwin F. , Schuster Marco , Egler Kerstin , Bauer Jörg , Weisbach Volker , Ringwald Jürgen , Zimmermann Robert , Zingsem Jürgen , Eckstein Reinhold 
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND: Standard plateletpheresis techniques and effects on platelet (PLT) donors were investigated to provide an informative basis for advancement of apheresis software.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Three paired groups with 33 male and 22 female blood donors were prospectively investigated by analyzing blood counts of donors and products. Four apheresis platforms, the COBE Spectra LRS and the Trima v4 (Gambro BCT) and the AS.TEC204 and the COM.TEC (Fresenius Hemocare), were compared. Deviations of the collected from programmed PLT targets and donor PLT recruitment were calculated for single‐unit PLT concentrates (SU‐PCs; 3 × 1011 PLTs) and double‐unit PLT concentrates (DU‐PCs; 6 × 1011 PLTs).RESULTS: Regarding SU‐PCs, the productivity of the COM.TEC machine was superior to the AS.TEC204 machine, because of shorter processing time (54 min vs. 67 min) and higher yields (2.90 × 1011 PLTs vs. 2.75 × 1011 PLTs). Compared to the Spectra machine, the Trima v4 machine showed higher collection efficiencies (CEs) and shorter processing time and complied better with the programmed target (SU‐PCs, 3.24 × 1011 PLTs vs. 3.70 × 1011 PLTs; DU‐PCs, 6.87 × 1011 PLTs vs. 7.56 × 1011 PLTs). Harvests of the Spectra machine (DU‐PCs) exceeded the target by 40 percent, which resulted in high PLT loss for donors. A longer processing time resulted in some higher CEs (SU‐PCs, 53%; DU‐PCs, 58%), which could contribute to this result. PLT recruitment compensated PLT loss to some extent.CONCLUSION: The major finding was that the newer devices (COM.TEC and Trima) gave more predictable yields than the older devices (AS.TEC204 and Spectra) and resulted in lower PLT deficit. PLT software should be improved to minimize relevant variations of collected yields regarding the programmed target.