bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Community Attitudes Towards the Mentally Ill: The Results of a National Survey of the Taiwanese Population
Authors: Song Li-Yu , Chang Ly-Yun , Shih Chaiw-Yi , Lin Chih-Yuan , Yang Ming-Jeng 
Published: June 2005

Background: In Taiwan, to strengthen the psychiatric rehabilitation system has been one of the primary goals of the Department of Health since 1985. Unfortunately, this endeavor has not been successful and it is believed that one of the barriers is social stigma towards the mentally ill. However, to date no national survey has been conducted for Chinese population on the focal topic using a random sample. Aims: In this study we explored the attitudes of the general population towards the mentally ill in Taiwan. Specifically, we examined the effect of contact on one’s attitudes after controlling for demographic variables. Methods: A national survey was conducted on 1,203 subjects drawn through a stratified proportional random sampling. Data were collected using the Computer-Assisted Telephone Interview System. We conducted MANOVA and multiple regression analyses to explore the correlates of the attitudes. Results: The results revealed that the general population held relatively higher levels of benevolence, tolerance on rehabilitation in the community, and nonsocial restrictiveness. However, they held relatively less positive attitudes on non-authoritarianism and normalization. Overall, direct contact and age were the two most important correlates of community attitudes. Education and occupation were also significant. Conclusions: Benevolent thoughts do not necessarily guarantee the acceptance of rehabilitation in the community or treating the mentally ill as a person like anyone else. However, the benevolent thought could be transformed into compassion and acceptance of another human being if people are given the opportunity to have direct contact with mentally ill persons. The results also indicated that community education should specifically target laborers of all age groups.
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene as an Additive for HFC-134a Foam Systems
Authors: Wu Jinhuang , Bertelo Chris , Enaux Vincent 
Published: June 2005

HFC-134a has been used as a zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) alternative for HCFC-141b in polyurethane foam applications. Between two major categories of zero ODP alternatives, hydrocarbons and HFCs, HFC-134a offers some advantages. It is nonflammable, widely available, and it is less expensive than other HFCs. It is an ideal choice for foam applications where nonflammability, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and blowing agent costs are major issues. Yet, HFC-134a suffers from one significant drawback - it has limited solubility in polyurethane raw materials, such as polyols. Although the issue can be alleviated by careful selection of polyols and use of coblowing agents, such as water, there is a need to further improve the system. trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene (TDCE) is a liquid at room temperature (b.p. 48 C). It has no ozone depletion potential1 (ODP), and it has very low global warming potential (GWP) because it has very short atmospheric lifetime. Previously, we found that the addition of TDCE in HFCs-based urethane foam formulations significantly improved the fire performance. In this study, we evaluated the effect of TDCE on the vapor pressure of several HFC-134a-polyol combinations. The results show that the presence of TDCE can reduce the vapor pressure of certain HFC-134a-polyol blends. More importantly, the presence of TDCE allows one to reduce the levels of HFC-134, significantly reducing the overall vapor pressure of HFC-134a-containing systems. Finally, the presence of TDCE can dramatically reduce the viscosity of HFC-134a-polyols blends, which is important for some applications.
Echocardiography-based left ventricular mass estimation. How should we define hypertrophy?
Authors: Foppa Murilo , Duncan Bruce B , Rohde Luis EP 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
Left ventricular hypertrophy is an important risk factor in cardiovascular disease and echocardiography has been widely used for diagnosis. Although an adequate methodologic standardization exists currently, differences in measurement and interpreting data is present in most of the older clinical studies. Variability in border limits criteria, left ventricular mass formulas, body size indexing and other adjustments affects the comparability among these studies and may influence both the clinical and epidemiologic use of echocardiography in the investigation of the left ventricular structure. We are going to review the most common measures that have been employed in left ventricular hypertrophy evaluation in the light of some recent population based echocardiographic studies, intending to show that echocardiography will remain a relatively inexpensive and accurate tool diagnostic tool.
Secretory carcinoma of the breast containing the ETV6-NTRK3 fusion gene in a male: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Arce C , Cortes-Padilla D , Huntsman DG , Miller MA , Dueñnas-Gonzalez A , Alvarado A , Pérez V , Gallardo-Rincón D , Lara-Medina F 
Published: June 2005

Summary

Background
Secretory carcinoma (SC) of the breast is a rare and indolent tumor. Although originally described in children, it is now known to occur in adults of both sexes. Recently, the tumor was associated with the ETV6-NTRK3 gene translocation.

Case presentation
A 52-year-old male was diagnosed with secretory breast carcinoma and underwent a modified radical mastectomy. At 18 months the tumor recurred at the chest wall and the patient developed lung metastases. He was treated concurrently with radiation and chemotherapy without response. His tumor showed the ETV6-NTRK3 translocation as demonstrated by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH).

Conclusion
SC is a rare slow-growing tumor best treated surgically. There are insufficient data to support the use of adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy. Its association with the ETV6-NTRK3 fusion gene gives some clues for the better understanding of this neoplasm and eventually, the development of specific therapies.
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stress axis function and the relationship with chronic widespread pain and its antecedents
Authors: McBeth John , Chiu Yee H , Silman Alan J , Ray David , Morriss Richard , Dickens Chris , Gupta Anindya , Macfarlane Gary J 
Published: June 2005

AbstractIn clinic studies, altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function has been associated with fibromyalgia, a syndrome characterised by chronic widespread body pain. These results may be explained by the associated high rates of psychological distress and somatisation. We address the hypothesis that the latter, rather than the pain, might explain the HPA results. A population study ascertained pain and psychological status in subjects aged 25 to 65 years. Random samples were selected from the following three groups: satisfying criteria for chronic widespread pain; free of chronic widespread pain but with strong evidence of somatisation ('at risk'); and a reference group. HPA axis function was assessed from measuring early morning and evening salivary cortisol levels, and serum cortisol after physical (pain pressure threshold exam) and chemical (overnight 0.25 mg dexamethasone suppression test) stressors. The relationship between HPA function with pain and the various psychosocial scales assessed was modelled using appropriate regression analyses, adjusted for age and gender. In all 131 persons with chronic widespread pain (participation rate 74%), 267 'at risk' (58%) and 56 controls (70%) were studied. Those in the chronic widespread pain and 'at risk' groups were, respectively, 3.1 (95% CI (1.3, 7.3)) and 1.8 (0.8, 4.0) times more likely to have a saliva cortisol score in the lowest third. None of the psychosocial factors measured were, however, associated with saliva cortisol scores. Further, those in the chronic widespread pain (1.9 (0.8, 4.7)) and 'at risk' (1.6 (0.7, 3.6)) groups were also more likely to have the highest serum cortisol scores. High post-stress serum cortisol was related to high levels of psychological distress (p = 0.05, 95% CI (0.02, 0.08)). After adjusting for levels of psychological distress, the association between chronic widespread pain and post-stress cortisol scores remained, albeit slightly attenuated. This is the first population study to demonstrate that those with established, and those psychologically at risk of, chronic widespread pain demonstrate abnormalities of HPA axis function, which are more marked in the former group. Although some aspects of the altered function are related to the psychosocial factors measured, we conclude that the occurrence of HPA abnormality in persons with chronic widespread pain is not fully explained by the accompanying psychological stress.
Comparison of hollow-fiber membrane oxygenators in terms of pressure drop of the membranes during normothermic and hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass in neonates
Authors: Ündar Akif , Owens W Richard , McGarry Mary Claire , Surprise Deborah L , Kilpack Vicki D , Mueller Maryann W , McKenzie E Dean , Fraser Charles D 
Published: June 2005

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of two hollow-fiber membrane oxygenators, the Capiox SX10 and the Lilliput 901, on pressure drop of the membranes during normothermic and hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in neonates. Methods: Twenty-six congenital heart surgery patients (n=13 in each group) with a mean weight of 3 kg were included in this study. Pressure drops of the membranes, pre- and post-oxygenator extracorporeal circuit pressures (ECC) were recorded during normothermic CPB, hypothermic CPB (208C) and after rewarming. There were no differences between the groups in mean arterial pressure, pump flow rate, temperature, duration of CPB, cross- clamp time or the severity of the surgical repairs. Results: Pressure drop of the Capiox SX10 oxygenator was significantly lower during normothermic (329/10 versus 559/16 mmHg, p B/0.001), hypothermic (389/15 versus 729/18 mmHg, p B/0.001) and post-rewarming (429/13 versus 729/21 mmHg, p B/0.001) periods compared to the Lilliput oxygenator. In the Capiox group, the pre-oxygenator ECC pressure was also significantly lower during normothermic CPB (1429/27 versus 1849/43 mmHg, p B/0.01), hypothermic CPB (1629/30 versus 1999/38 mmHg, p B/0.01) and after rewarming periods (1729/32 versus 2129/42 mmHg, p B/0.01). Post-oxygenator pressures in the Capiox group were also lower than in the Lilliput group, but results were not statistically significant. Conclusions: These results suggest that the Capiox SX10 hollow-fiber membrane oxygenator produced significantly lower membrane pressure drops and pre- and post-oxygenator ECC during normothermic and hypothermic CPB. Thus, blood trauma with the Capiox during extracorporeal circulation may be significantly lower compared to the Lilliput. Further studies, including the level of complements, platelets, neutrophils and cytokines, with these oxygenators are warranted.
Performance of polymethyl pentene oxygenators for neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a comparison with silicone membrane oxygenators
Authors: Khoshbin Espeed , Westrope Claire , Pooboni Suneel , Machin David , Killer Hilliary , Peek Giles J , Sosnowski Andrzej W , Firmin Richard K 
Published: June 2005

Objective: To review the performance of polymethyl pentene versus silicone oxygenators in terms of efficiency in priming and oxygenation, oxygenator resistance, requirements for coagulation proteins and consumption of blood products, for neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients. Study design: Forty consecutive neonates were selected retrospectively pre- and post-introduction of the new polymethyl pentene (PMP) oxygenators. They formed two equal groups. After calculation of the sample size, data were collected from ELSO registry forms and patient records. Results were analysed using parametric and non-parametric tests. Results: Neonatal PMP (N-PMP) oxygenators were smaller, faster and easier to prime. They were less efficient than silicone oxygenators, especially in carbon dioxide elimination, and, therefore, required higher sweeps. The preservation of coagulation proteins was significantly better, but there was no reduction in the consumption of blood products, despite having less than half the surface area and significantly lower blood path resistance. Conclusion: Small PMP oxygenators (Medos Hilite 800 LT) provide adequate gas exchange and offer technical advantages in terms of more efficient priming, reduced haemodynamic resistance and better control and preservation of coagulation proteins than silicone oxygenators.
Phototriggered Chemical Reduction of NADP+ by Zn-reconstituted Myoglobin and Triethanolamine as a Sacrificial Donor
Authors: Nishiyama Katsuhiko , Mie Yasuhiro , Kishita Midori , Yamada Chiho , Kitagawa Rumiko , Taniguchi Isao 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
The phototriggered chemical reduction of NADP+ was accomplished in the dark by photoirradiated zinc protoporphyrin-reconstituted myoglobin (Zn–Mb) and triethanolamine (TEA) as a sacrificial donor. The reduction efficiency of NADP+ in the dark depended strongly on the concentration of TEA and the duration of photoirradiation.
Microwave-assisted One-pot Synthesis of α-Amino Phosphonates via Three Component Coupling on a Silica Gel Support
Authors: Zhan Zhuang-Ping , Yang Rui-Feng , Li Jun-Ping 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
A fast, highly efficient, general procedure under microwave irradiation, using silica gel-supported reagents for the synthesis of α-aminophosphonates is developed through a one-pot reaction of aldehydes and ketones with amines.
Fabrication and Characterization of Nanostructurally Flowerlike Aggregates of TiO2 via a Surfactant-free Solution Route: Effect of Various Reaction Media
Authors: Yang Songwang , Gao Lian 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
Flowerlike submicrometer-scaled aggregates assembled with nanorod structures have been successfully fabricated via a simple surfactant-free solution process. The fabricated nanostructures exhibit high photocatalytic activity in the photodegradation of aqueous Methylene Blue solution.
Highly Ruffled Manganese(III) Complexes of meso-Tetra(tert-butyl)porphyrin
Authors: Ikezaki Akira , Nakamura Mikio 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
Extraordinarily ruffled acetato[5,10,15,20-tetra(tert-butyl)porphinato]manganese(III) has been prepared. The 1H NMR spectra have revealed that the inversion barrier of the porphyrin ring exceeds 66 kJ mol−1 and that the spin densities are quite different between the diastereotopic β-carbon atoms.
Markers of oxidative damage, antioxidant status and clinical outcome in critically ill patients
Authors: Mishra Vinita , Baines Malcolm , Wenstone Richard , Shenkin Alan 
Published: June 2005

Background: Oxidative stress is a consequence of critical illness, and may have an impact on survival. We studied markers of oxidative damage and antioxidant (AO) protection and compared them with clinical scores and outcome. Methods: Blood sampling and clinical scoring was carried out on 60 consecutively admitted intensive therapy unit (ITU) patients within 24 h of admission and then every three days of ITU stay. The patients included 30 surgical and 30 medical patients, of whom 46 survived their stay in ITU. Clinical scoring was by Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, multiple organ dysfunction (MOD) score and sepsis rating. Oxidative damage was assessed by measurement of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and F2 isoprostanes (F2 IsoPs). AO protection was assessed by measurement of plasma total AO status, AO gap, ascorbic acid and the enzymes glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Results: Both clinical markers, APACHE II and MOD, and oxidative damage markers MDA and F2 IsoPs were significantly higher in non-survivors (NS) than in survivors (S) at the time of admission. Median (interquartile ranges) were (APACHE II), 14[12-17] (S), 20.5[16.7-22.2] (NS), P<0.0001; (MOD), 3.0[2.0-5.0] (S), 8.0[4.7-9.2] (NS), P<0.0005; (MDA, µmol/L), 0.22[0.19-0.27] (S), 0.25[0.20-0.34] (NS), P=0.04 and (F2 IsoPs, pg/mL), 9.7[6.0-9.9] (S), 11.0[9.0-12.0] (NS), P=0.01. Oxidative damage markers reduced (improved) in the survivors but increased in the non-survivors. There was little difference between the groups in AO protection markers. There was a significant positive correlation between MOD and markers of oxidative damage at the time of admission ( r=0.40, P=0.003, F2 IsoPs; r=0.28, P=0.035, MDA) and between the oxidative damage markers themselves ( r=0.32, P=0.017). Conclusion: Increased oxidative stress is associated with poor outcome in critically ill patients, and may be a prognostic indicator. Oxidative damage markers are more useful than AO protection markers in predicting outcome.
Can opportunistic case-finding of paraproteins be clinically justified?
Authors: Beetham Robert , Howie Neil , Soutar Richard 
Published: June 2005

The addition of serum protein electrophoresis by laboratory staff upon finding an increased total protein or globulin appears to be practised widely in the UK. The criteria for assessing which samples are subject to electrophoresis vary considerably. They consist of initial objective laboratory data subsequently modified, somewhat subjectively, by other laboratory data and clinical details, but have often been chosen pragmatically. The aim of the practice is to identify patients with occult B-cell malignancies that warrant treatment. While it has been lent legitimacy in many cases by involving clinical haematologists in discussions, the views of other stakeholders, including other physicians and patients, have often not been considered, thus raising a number of ethical questions that need to be addressed. The practice is reviewed against both current knowledge of B-cell malignancies and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and criteria for screening, of which this forms a particular example. The arguments for and against addition of electrophoresis are finely balanced, partly because of the very limited outcome data available. We conclude that those currently following this practice should continue to do so, there is a need to establish outcome data as widely as possible according to standard criteria and there should be involvement of physicians, patients and national bodies in discussions about the practice so that the practical and ethical issues can be addressed.
The effects of green tea ingestion over four weeks on atherosclerotic markers
Authors: Sung Heungsup , Min Won-Ki , Lee Woochang , Chun Sail , Park Hyosoon , Lee Yong-Wha , Jang Seongsoo , Lee Do-Hoon 
Published: June 2005

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of green tea ingestion over four weeks on atherosclerotic biological markers. Methods: After a one-week baseline period, 12 healthy male volunteers aged 28-42 years drank 600 mL of green tea dailyfor four weeks. Lipid profile, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), C-reactive protein (CRP) and soluble cell adhesion molecules were measured at baseline and after two and four weeks ingestion of green tea. Results: There was no significantchange in the concentrations of lipid profile, TAC, CRP, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), or soluble E-selectin after ingestion of green tea. The levels of ox-LDL and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) were significantly decreased after four weeks of green tea ingestion (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P=0.006). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest an in vivo anti-oxidative effect for green tea and an influence of green tea on atherosclerotic biological markers. The effect of green tea seen on ox-LDL and sVCAM-1provides a potential mechanism for the cardiovascular benefits of regular ingestion of green tea.
A simple precipitation method for measuring sialic acid in apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins in plasma
Authors: Shishino Koji , Yoshioka Yuki , Hashimoto Kaori , Ochi Masaaki , Aono Kenji , Murase Mitsuharu , Osawa Haruhiko , Makino Hideichi , Saheki Shuichi 
Published: June 2005

Background: A convenient method for the measurement of sialic acid in plasma apoB-containing lipoproteins is described. Methods: Dextran sulphate-Mg2+ precipitation and enzymatic sialic acid assay were combined and applied to analysis of plasma from 96 healthy controls and 136 hyperlipidaemic subjects of types IIa ( n=46), IIb ( n=43), and IV ( n=47). Results: The sialic acid concentrations (mean±SD) in plasma apoB-containing lipoproteins were 19.4±5.9, 24.3±4.7 ( P<0.0001 versus normal), 23.0±4.7 ( P<0.0001), 27.9±5.2 ( P<0.0001), and 22.3±3.4 mg/L ( P<0.002), for normal, all types of hyperlipidaemia, types IIa, IIb, and IV, respectively. The contents of sialic acid in apoB were 2.03±0.41%, 2.09±0.35% (no significance versus normal), 1.86±0.27% ( P<0.0001), 1.97±0.26% ( P<0.02), and 2.28±0.41% ( P<0.002), for normal, all types of hyperlipidaemia, types IIa, IIb, and IV, respectively. Conclusion: The content of sialic acid in apoB decreased significantly in type IIa but increased in type IV hyperlipidaemia, which may reflect the presence of sialic acid in very low-density lipoprotein apolipoproteins other than apoB. This simple precipitation method will be useful to evaluate the sialic acid content in low-density lipoprotein in hyperlipidaemic subjects, especially of type IIa.
Replacement of immunoassay by LC tandem mass spectrometry for the routine measurement of drugs of abuse in oral fluid
Authors: Allen KR , Azad R , Field HP , Blake DK 
Published: June 2005

Background: There is increasing interest in the use of oral fluid as the matrix for the detection of drugs of abuse which requires the use of sensitive immunoassays to achieve the low detection limits required. The use of liquid chromatography linked to tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) is explored as a possible replacement for immunoassay in screening for drugs of abuse in oral fluid samples. Methods: Oral fluid samples collected from 72 subjects attending an addiction clinic were screened for opiates, cocaine, methadone and benzodiazepines using both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and LC/MS/MS. The latter analysis used a short gradient elution with individual drugs detected by multiple reaction monitoring using tandem mass spectrometry. Results between the two methods were compared qualitatively using the cut-off concentrations defined by the ELISA assays. Results: With regard to the ELISA assays which show group specificity, LC/MS/ MS detected the presence of 6-monoacetylmorphine, morphine or dihydrocodeine in all but two of 49 samples positive for opiates. Of 55 samples positive for benzodiazepines by ELISA, all but two were confirmed by LC/MS/MS. Overall, LC/MS/MS compared favourably with ELISA for detection of specific drugs or their metabolites in the case of morphine, methadone and the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine. Many of the discrepant results between the two assays were a result of samples with drug concentrations near to the cut-off concentrations and the imprecision of these assays at very low concentrations. Conclusion: LC/MS/MS offers a more flexible, specific and sensitive alternative to the screening of oral fluid samples for drugs of abuse than ELISA. A wide range of drugs and metabolites can be detected from a single sample injection.