bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Case-control study ofStenotrophomonas maltophiliaacquisition in cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Marchac V. , Equi A. , Le Bihan-Benjamin C. , Hodson M. , Bush A. 
Published: January 2004

The aims of this case-control study were to describe the characteristics of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients who isolatedStenotrophomonas maltophiliain sputum, to determine risk factors for acquisition, to assess persistence of the organism and clinical outcomes postacquisition.Data were collected from 1991–1999. CF patients and controls (who had never isolatedS. maltophilia) were matched for age (±1 yr), sex and forced expiratory volume in one second (±10%). Data were collected from the year prior and for 2 yrs postacquisition ofS. maltophilia.The prevalence ofS. maltophiliaincreased from 3.3% to 15%. Factors associated withS. maltophiliaacquisition were more than two courses of intravenous antibiotics, isolation ofAspergillus fumigatusin sputum and oral steroid use. The effect ofA. fumigatuswas independent of steroid use. Clinical status did not change postacquisition. The majority of patients cleared the organism from the sputum.Long-term infection or an accelerated deterioration in lung function or nutrition is not likely post-Stenotrophomonas maltophiliaacquisition in cystic fibrosis. This is the first documentation of an association betweenAspergillus fumigatusisolation andStenotrophomonas maltophiliaacquisition in cystic fibrosis, independently of steroid therapy.
Home mechanical ventilation in Hong Kong
Authors: Chu C.M. , Yu W.C. , Tam C.M. , Lam C.W. , Hui D.S.C. , Lai C.K.W. 
Published: January 2004

Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is increasingly used to treat chronic respiratory failure. This present study was aimed to examine the trend, the disease categories treated and the outcomes of HMV use in Hong Kong.In the year 2002, all adult respiratory units in Hong Kong were invited to report to a multicentre retrospective survey of HMV use. A total of 249 patients (156 males, mean age 62.7±13.8 yrs) were treated since 1980, with 197 (79%) continuing with HMV at the time of the survey.Cumulative number of HMV grew as a cubic function of time since 1980. Currently, there are 2.9 users per 100,000 population. The predominant mode of HMV was noninvasive ventilation by bilevel pressure support ventilators (n=236). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease accounted for 48.6% of all cases. The overall 3‐yr HMV continuation rate was 66.2%. Death was the main reason for discontinuation.A rapidly rising trend of home mechanical ventilation use is observed in Hong Kong. In contrast to other series, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was the major group treated and bilevel pressure support ventilation was the predominant mode chosen. Most patients tolerate home mechanical ventilation reasonably well, with approximately two-thirds continuing with its use at 36 months.
Immunosuppressive therapy after human lung transplantation
Authors: Knoop C. , Haverich A. , Fischer S. 
Published: January 2004

In 2002, equal numbers of lung transplantation (LTx) were performed with or without induction therapy with antilymphocyte antibodies, monoclonal anti-CD3 antibody or anti-interleukin‐2‐receptor monoclonal antibodies. It remains to be established if induction therapy after LTx is beneficial or deleterious for long-term graft and patient survival.The vast majority of lung transplant recipients receive a triple-drug maintenance regimen including a calcineurin inhibitor, a cell-cycle inhibitor and steroids. Equal proportions receive cyclosporin A (CsA) and tacrolimus (Tac). There is also a trend to prescribe mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) instead of azathioprine (Aza). Steroid withdrawal is uncommon even 5 yrs after transplantation.The superiority of Tac over CsA as a maintenance agent has not been established to date, and the administration of MMF instead of Aza in combination with CsA and steroids did not improve graft or patient survival in a recent international, prospective, randomised, controlled trial.Shift from cyclosporin A to tacrolimus has emerged as the first treatment step of refractory acute rejection followed by high-dose steroids or antilymphocyte agents, total lymphoid irradiation or photopheresis. The treatment of chronic rejection remains deceptive and includes varied strategies such as modification of the maintenance regimen, addition of inhaled immunosuppressants and/or total lymphoid irradiation and photopheresis.
Pro- and anti-inflammatory responses in respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis
Authors: McNamara P.S. , Flanagan B.F. , Selby A.M. , Hart C.A. , Smyth R.L. 
Published: January 2004

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis is an important cause of severe respiratory disease in infants. This study aimed to characterise changes in pulmonary pro- and anti-inflammatory responses in infants with RSV bronchiolitis over the course of the illness.On the day of intubation (Day 1) and the day of extubation (Day X), nonbronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage was performed on term and preterm infants ventilated for RSV bronchiolitis and on control infants on Day 1. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, soluble TNF receptor (sTNFR) and interleukin (IL)‐6 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein were measured.Twenty-four infants, born at term and 23 infants born preterm with RSV bronchiolitis and 10 controls were recruited. TNF‐α and IL‐6 mRNA and protein in infants with bronchiolitis were greater than the control group on Day 1. In preterm infants, who were ventilated for longer than term infants, TNF‐α and IL‐6 proteins decreased between Day 1 and Day X. Concentrations of sTNFRs differed between groups on Day 1, but levels did not change between Day 1 and Day X.Large amounts of tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 in the respiratory syncytial virus-infected lung suggest important roles for these cytokines in the pathogenesis of respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis. The decrease in tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 protein in preterm infants may reflect the prolonged clinical course seen in these infants.
Ciprofloxacin-induced acute interstitial pneumonitis
Authors: Steiger D. , Bubendorf L. , Oberholzer M. , Tamm M. , Leuppi J.D. 
Published: January 2004

The current authors present the case of a 68‐yr-old female patient who developed severe respiratory failure after medication with ciprofloxacin for acute urinary tract infection.A chronic subdural haematoma was surgical evacuated. Postoperatively, an acute urinary tract infection was treated with ciprofloxacin. Six days later, C‐reactive protein was rising and the patient was suffering from intermittent high fever, dyspnoea and severe hypoxaemia. The high-resolution-computed tomography (HRCT) showed an interstitial lung disease in the anterior upper lobe on the left side as well as in the lingula. Assuming a bacterial infection amoxyl/clavulanic acid was started which did not improve the clinical symptoms. Bronchoalveolar lavage revealed a marked lymphocytosis (87%). Analysis for typical bacterial infections,Tuberculosis,Mycoplasma,ChlamydiaandLegionellaspp. were all negative.Another HRCT scan was made because of worsening of symptoms and this showed rapidly progressive infiltrates in most lobes. An open lingular biopsy showed an interstitial lymphoplasmocytotic infiltrate with some eosinophilic granulocytes and a few scattered giant cell granulomas, consistent with hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The patient's symptoms rapidly improved with systemic corticosteroid therapy and another HRCT scan revealed complete remission of pulmonary infiltrates.Ciprofloxacin can induce interstitial pneumonitis with acute respiratory failure. This is an important fact considering that ciprofloxacin is a widely used antibiotic agent in treatment of urinary tract infection.
Maintenance of inspiratory muscle training in COPD patients: one year follow-up
Authors: Weiner P. , Magadle R. , Beckerman M. , Weiner M. , Berar-Yanay N. 
Published: January 2004

In most chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, dyspnoea and functional exercise capacity may improve as a result of inspiratory muscle training (IMT). However, the long-term benefits of IMT have been investigated to a much lesser extent.The present study investigated the short-term and long-term benefits of IMT on inspiratory muscle performance (strength and endurance), exercise capacity and the perception of dyspnoea.Thirty-eight patients with significant COPD had 3 months of basic IMT and were then randomised into a group that received maintenance IMT for the next year, and a group that got training with very low load. Following the basic training there was a statistically significant increase in inspiratory muscle performance, 6-min walk test (6MWT), and a decrease in the dyspnoea. During the second stage of the study, the training group continued to maintain the improvement in all parameters, while there was already deterioration in the inspiratory muscle performance, exercise capacity and dyspnoea in the low intensity group during the 6–12 month period.The present study concludes that, in patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inspiratory muscle training results in improvement in performance, exercise capacity and in the sensation of dyspnoea. The benefits of 12‐weeks of inspiratory muscle training decline gradually over 1 yr of follow-up if maintenance training is not performed.
Economic arguments for the immediate management of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
Authors: Pelletier-Fleury N. , Meslier N. , Gagnadoux F. , Person C. , Rakotonanahary D. , Ouksel H. , Fleury B. , Racineux J-L. 
Published: January 2004

The objective of this study was to measure the impact of a 6‐month delay in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with moderate obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) (apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) <30) or severe OSAS (AHI ≥30) on daytime sleepiness, cognitive functions, quality of life and healthcare expenditure (hospitalisations, medical visits, complementary tests, biological tests and drug prescriptions). In addition, this study aimed to analyse the incremental cost effectiveness ratios related to daytime sleepiness or quality of life following immediate introduction of treatment in these two populations.This study was conducted as a multicentre randomised controlled trial and carried out at two teaching hospitals in France. A total of 171 patients were followed for 6 months, with 82 patients randomised to group 1 “immediate polysomnography” and 89 in group 2 “polysomnography within 6 months”.Patients with severe OSAS were deprived of a significant improvement of their daytime sleepiness (5.1±5.0 at the Epworth Sleepiness Scale score in group 1versus0.2±3.4 in group 2) and quality of life (12.4±13.3 at the Nottingham Health Profile score in group 1versus0.7±10.1 in group 2) during the waiting time. The impact of delayed management in subjects with less severe OSAS only concerned daytime sleepiness (1.9±3.3 in group 1versus0.3±4.3 in group 2). Delayed treatment did not affect cognitive functions or healthcare expenditure regardless of the severity of the disease. Incremental cost effectiveness ratios related to rapid introduction of treatment were significantly lower in the patients with more severe OSAS.These results provide fairly clear medical and economic arguments in favour of early management of patients with more severe forms of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.
Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia after radiation therapy for breast cancer
Authors: Cottin V. , Frognier R. , Monnot H. , Levy A. , DeVuyst P. , Cordier J-F. ,   and the Groupe d'Etudes et de Recherche sur les Maladies “Orphelines” Pulmonaires
Published: January 2004

The priming of bronchiolitis obliterans organising pneumonia by radiation therapy (RT) to the breast is now a well recognised syndrome.This study describes the occurrence of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia following RT after surgery for breast cancer in five female patients, with a mean age of 68 yrs (range 49–77).All patients had a history of asthma and/or allergy. At the onset of eosinophilic pneumonia, all patients were symptomatic. Chest radiograph showed pulmonary infiltrates, unilateral and limited to the irradiated lung in three patients, and bilateral in two. Pulmonary opacities were migratory in one patient. All patients had blood eosinophilia >1.0 109·L−1and/or eosinophilia >40% at bronchoalveolar lavage differential cell count. The median time interval between the end of radiation therapy and the onset of eosinophilic pneumonia was 3.5 months (range 1–10). All patients rapidly improved with oral corticosteroids without sequelae. Relapse occurred in two patients after treatment withdrawal.Priming of alveolitis by radiation therapy to the breast might promote either bronchiolitis obliterans organising pneumonia or chronic eosinophilic pneumonia, with the latter depending on genetic or acquired characteristics of patients and/or further stimulation that may trigger a T‐helper cell type 2 form of lymphocyte response, especially in patients with asthma or other atopic manifestations.
Deaths in risk classes I–III: a measure of quality of care in patients hospitalised with CAP?: Table 1
Authors: Marrie T.J. 
Published: January 2004

All deaths occurring in patients with community-acquired pneumonia in risk classes I–III were reviewed as a quality-of-care measure. The immediate and underlying causes of death were classified according to the World Health Organization protocol. Eleven (1.8%) of the 608 low-risk patients died. Three of the patients did not have pneumonia, one of whom was admitted with atypical pulmonary oedema due to stenosis of a prosthetic heart valve. Failure to include chronic lung disease in the severity-of-illness scoring system resulted in misclassification of seven patients.The most common underlying causes of death were pulmonary fibrosis at 27%, chronic obstructive lung disease at 18% and cancer at 27%. Respiratory failure was the immediate cause of death in 64% of patients, cardiac causes in 27%, and pneumonia in 9%.To conclude, the review of deaths in patients at low risk for mortality is useful for monitoring the quality of care received by patients who require admission for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, and that the pneumonia-specific severity-of-illness scoring system results in misclassification of patients with chronic obstructive lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis.
Conversion Mechanism of Cellulosic Biomass to Lactic Acid in Subcritical Water and Acid–base Catalytic Effect of Subcritical Water
Authors: Jin Fangming , Zhou Zhouyu , Enomoto Heiji , Moriya Takehiko , Higashijima Hisao 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
The conversion mechanism of cellulosic biomass to lactic acid in subcritical water without the addition of any alkaline catalyst is discussed. Results showed that this conversion mechanism appears to follow the same pathways elucidated in the conversion of sugar to lactic acid in an alkaline solution. Further, it is suggested that water in the subcritical region may act as an effective acid–base catalyst.
Novel Phthalocyanine Conductor Containing Two-dimensional Pc Stacks, [PXX]2[Co(Pc)(CN)2] (PXX = peri-Xanthenoxanthene, Co(Pc)(CN)2 = Dicyano(phthalocyaninato)cobalt(III))
Authors: Asari Takehiro , Naito Toshio , Inabe Tamotsu , Matsuda Masaki , Tajima Hiroyuki 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
A novel phthalocyanine conductor containing 2-D π–π stacks of the partially oxidized Co(Pc)(CN)2 units has been obtained by the electrochemical oxidation method with PXX. The crystal is highly conductive (&gt;103 S cm−1) at all the temperatures measured (5 K &lt; T &lt; 300 K). Though the metallic character becomes clearer compared with the single chain or ladder chain conductors, the 2-D sheet has been found to be still anisotropic.
Novel Synthesis of FePt Nanoparticles and Magnetic Properties of Their Self-assembled Superlattices
Authors: Nakaya Masafumi , Tsuchiya Yuko , Ito Kenchi , Oumi Yasunori , Sano Tsuneji , Teranishi Toshiharu 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
The novel synthesis of FePt nanoparticle superlattices by polyol reduction of platinum acetylacetonate and iron acetylacetonate is reported. The compositions of FePt nanoparticle are readily controlled, and the particle sizes are not significantly affected by the compositions, retaining to be ca. 3 nm with a very narrow size distribution. The FePt nanoparticles self-assemble into 2-D and 3-D superlattices. Thermal annealing converts the crystal structure of FePt nanoparticle from fcc to L10 phase and transforms the superparamagnetic nanoparticle into ferromagnetic one.
Enhanced Third-order Optical Nonlinearity in Helical Assembly of a Chiral Vanadyl Phthalocyanine
Authors: Muto Tsuyoshi , Sassa Takafumi , Wada Tatsuo , Kimura Mutsumi , Shirai Hirofusa 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
A chiral vanadyl phthalocyanine formed helical aggregates with a left-handed helix sense; the aggregates showed an efficient third harmonic generation in as-prepared films and the χ(3) value was enhanced by the chiral aggregation with reference to a mixture of racemic diastereoisomers.
Total Synthesis of Five Cacalol Families at Different Oxidation Stages, Modified Furanoeremophilane Sesquiterpenes from Cacalia and Senecio Species
Authors: Hirai Yoshinori , Doe Matsumi , Kinoshita Takamasa , Morimoto Yoshiki 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
The recent findings of antihyperglycemic and antimicrobial activities for a modified furanoeremophilane sesquiterpene cacalol (1) prompted us to achieve the first total synthesis of five cacalol families (±)-2–4, 5, and 6 which might also be expected to indicate such potent biological activities.
Synthesis and Characterization of a New Hybrid-metallic Complex Containing Mixed-valence CuI/CuII Units Generated by Hydrothermal Redox Reaction
Authors: Zhao Qihua , Wang Xiaofeng , Liu Yuqi , Fang Ruibin 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
A new hybrid-metallic complex containing mixed-valence CuI/CuII units, [Cu4(ophen)4(Mo2O7)] (Hophen = 2-hydroxy-1,10-phenanthroline), was hydrothermally synthesized and crystallographically characterized.
FT-IR and Theoretical Analysis of the Characteristic Bonding Properties in the Multiplet Metal Porphyrin Carbene Complexes
Authors: Iwakura Izumi , Tanaka Hirotaka , Ikeno Taketo , Yamada Tohru 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
FT-IR and theoretical studies of the d6 and d7-porphyrin carbene complexes revealed that the metal–Ccarbene bond is a double bond in the singlet state, while the metal–Ccarbene bond is a single bond in the multiplet state. Since the radical on the Ccarbene delocalized to the α-carbonyl group, the stretching of the C=O double bond shifted downward in the multiplet states.
Semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks based on polyurethane ionomer/poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Jaisankar S. N. , Lakshminarayana Y. , Radhakrishnan Ganga 
Published: January 2004

AbstractSemi‐interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) have been prepared from polyurethane anionomers and poly(vinyl chloride) using sequential polymerization technique. These IPNs were compression molded and obtained as tough films. The hydrogen bonding interaction, glass transition temperature, and thermal stabilities were discussed based on Fourier‐transform infrared spectrophotometer, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. Morphology of the IPNs was characterized by scanning electron microscope and it reveals the formation of compatible IPNs. Tensile strength and hardness increase with increasing NCO/OH ratio and ionic content of the polyurethane. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 23: 24–31, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.10065
Compatible blends of ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer and hydrogenated nitrile rubber
Authors: Thavamani P. , Khastgir D. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe miscibility and some physico‐mechanical characteristics of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer and hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) have been investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical and thermal analysis, and electrical conductivity. EVA was found to be miscible with HNBR at all properties. Infrared spectroscopic studies revealed that there is some chemical interaction between the constituent polymers. Scanning electron microscopic observations on the morphology of preferential solvent extracted samples indicated that in the blend the major constituent forms a continuous matrix in which the minor one is dispersed. At equal proportions, both EVA and HNBR exist as discontinuous phase. Variation of strength properties with blend composition is also discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 23: 5–17, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.10066
Low density polyethylene/starch blend films for food packaging applications
Authors: Raj Baldev , K. Udaya Sankar , Siddaramaiah  
Published: January 2004

AbstractA series of low density polyethylene (LDPE)/starch blend films with starch content ranging from 2.5 to 50% were prepared by two methods, namely, solution blending followed by thermopress and extrusion methods. The LDPE/starch films prepared by both the methods were studied for physicomechanical properties such as density, tensile strength, elongation at break; barrier properties such as water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), gas transmission rate (GTR), and grease resistance; and optical properties such as percent transmittance, total diffuse, and haze. The LDPE/starch blend films were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy for chemical structure and by DSC for melt characterization. Food compatibility of the films was evaluated by overall migration in different food simulants. The rate of biodegradation was also evaluated for all the films. The surface morphology of LDPE/starch films was evaluated using SEM. The properties of LDPE/starch films prepared by both the methods were compared.© 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 23: 32–45, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.10068
Hardness and microstructure of carbon pellets from self‐adhesive pyropolymer prepared from acid and alkaline‐treated oil palm bunch
Authors: Deraman M. , Omar R. , Zakaria S. , Talib M. , Mustapa I. R. , Azmi A. , Aziz A. A. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractOil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB), a natural polymeric material from the palm oil tree, is a potential precursor for making carbon for advanced materials applications because of its continuous generation in large quantities as a low cost by‐product of the palm oil mill; annual production of EFB in Malaysia is approximately 2 million tonnes. Powders of natural pyropolymer having self‐adhesion property, NPP1, NPP2, and NPP3, were prepared by precarbonizing the EFB, EFB treated with acid (1% HCL), and alkaline (1% NaOH) respectively. Green bodies of carbon pellets prepared from the NPP1, NPP2, and NPP3 were carbonized up to 1000°C using a multistep heating profile. Hardness of the carbonized pellets prepared from NPP1, NPP2, and NPP3 were 1/8, 2/5, and 1/2 of that of the reference sample (334 HV) respectively. This implied that, although the treatment improved the sample hardness it did not significantly increase the intermolecular forces or the number of inter‐ribbon cross‐links in the samples during carbonization. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 23: 51–58, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.10069