bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Closure‐free biaxial fatigue crack growth rate and life prediction under various biaxiality ratios in SAE 1045 steel
Authors: Varvani‐Farahani A. , Topper T. H. 
Published: November 2003

Biaxial fatigue tests were performed on thin‐walled tubular 1045 steel specimens in a test fixture that applied internal and external pressure and axial load. There were two test series, one in which constant amplitude fully reversed strains (CAS) were applied and another in which large periodic compressive overstrain (PCO) cycles causing strains normal to the crack plane were inserted in a constant amplitude history of smaller strain cycles. Ratios of hoop strain to axial strain ofλ = −1, −0.625, −νand +1 were used in each test series. Fatigue crack growth behaviours under CAS and PCO histories were compared, and revealed that the morphology of the fracture surface near the crack tip and the crack growth rate changed dramatically with the application of the compressive overstrains. When the magnitude of the compressive overstrains was increased, the height of the fracture surface irregularities was reduced as the increasing overstrain progressively flattened the fracture surface asperities near the crack tip. The reduced asperity height was accompanied by drastic increases in crack growth rate and decreases in fatigue life.Using a pressurizing device attached to the confocal scanning laser microscope (CSLM), crack opening measurements were obtained. Crack opening measurements showed that the biaxial cracks were fully open at zero internal pressure for block strain histories containing in‐phase PCO cycles of yield stress magnitude. Therefore, for the shear‐strained samples, there was no crack face interference and the strain intensity range was fully effective. For PCO tests (with biaxial strain ratios of −0.625 and +1), effective strain intensity data were obtained from tests with positive stress ratios for which cracks did not close. A number of strain intensity parameters derived from well‐known fatigue life parameters were used to correlate fatigue crack growth rates for the various strain ratios investigated. Predicted fatigue lifetimes based on a fatigue crack growth rate prediction program using critical shear plane parameters showed good agreement with the experimental fatigue life data.
Recent developments in our understanding of melanocortin system in the regulation of food intake
Authors: Yang Y. K. , Harmon C. M. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryObesity has become one of the most significant public health problems facing the world today. However, the pathogenesis of obesity is multifactorial and involves the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. There is a pressing need to better understand the biochemical pathways that control energy intake and expenditure. In the last few years, a number of important signalling molecules have been identified that play important roles in obesity. One family of these molecules is the melanocortin system, which consists of several components: (1) melanocortin peptides; (2) the five seven‐transmembrane G‐protein coupled melanocortin receptors (MCRs); (3) the endogenous MCR antagonists, agouti and agouti‐related protein; (4) the endogenous melanocortin mediators, mahogany, and syndecan. This system plays a key role in the central nervous system control of feeding behaviour and energy expenditure. This article will provide an overview of the anatomy, physiology, and molecular biology of the melanocortin system, and recent developments in our understanding of this system in obesity.
Liquid calories and the failure of satiety: how good is the evidence?
Authors: Almiron‐Roig E. , Chen Y. , Drewnowski A. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryIncreasing rates of obesity and overweight have been attributed to the growing proportion of dietary energy that is consumed in liquid form. Liquids reportedly fail to trigger physiological satiety mechanisms so that compensation for energy consumed as beverages may be imprecise and incomplete. Sweetened beverages have come under particular scrutiny, as their consumption exceeds that of milk and fruit and vegetable juices. However, the evidence that liquids have less impact on satiety than do solid foods remains inconclusive. Some published studies have reported that liquids are less satiating than solids, whereas other studies have reported that solids are less satiating than liquids. In laboratory studies, the degree of energy compensation following pre‐load ingestion was influenced by subject characteristics, pre‐load volume, or the time lag between the pre‐load and the next meal. Such factors appear to interact with pre‐load texture in their impact on hunger and satiety and later food consumption.
Prevalence of overweight among children in Europe
Authors: Lobstein T. , Frelut M.‐L. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryEstimates of the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity have been made in several European countries during the last decade. The methods used and the assessment criteria differ from survey to survey. The present paper reports the prevalence data from 21 surveys in Europe using a single, internationally accepted definition of overweight in childhood, allowing direct comparisons to be made. A tendency for a higher prevalence of overweight among children in western and especially southern Europe is shown and some possible reasons for this are discussed.
Laparoscopical insertion of intraperitoneal catheters for intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Authors: Anaf Vincent , Gangji Diamon , Simon Philippe , Saylam Keziban 
Published: November 2003

Background and methods.  Eight patients (seven clinically negative stage Ill ovarian cancer and one peritoneal mesothelioma) respectively underwent second‐look laparoscopy for staging, adhesiolysis and insertion of an intraperitoneal catheter and fixation of a portal. All patients had received six courses of cisplatin–paclitaxel‐based chemotherapy intravenously. At the end of the laparoscopic staging, a 5‐mm catheter was inserted under direct vision through a 5‐mm trocar in the abdomen. A preaponevrotic forceps was used to grasp the catheter and bring it to the portal, which is located on the intercostal aponevrosis 2 or 3 cm above the laparoscope entry.Results.  Although previously operated, laparoscopy was possible in all patients and the catheters were easily inserted. All patients received intraperitoneal chemotherapy on the second postoperative day. We did not observe any complication after a mean follow‐up of 12 months.Conclusions.   Laparoscopic insertion of intraperitoneal catheters is a feasible and safe procedure but requires experience in laparoscopic surgery. In many cases it might preclude from performing non‐useful laparotomies. It might help to reduce the hospital stay and the morbidity in relation to second‐look laparotomies. Compared with the blind surgical technique of insertion of intraperitoneal catheters, this technique also allows intraabdominal staging. Nevertheless, further studies are necessary to confirm our results.
Prospective randomized study comparing amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid with cefazolin as antimicrobial prophylaxis in laparotomic gynecologic surgery
Authors: Cormio Gennaro , Di Fazio Franco , Cacciapuoti Cinzia , Bettocchi Stefano , Borraccino Luisella , Selvaggi Luigi 
Published: November 2003

Background.  To compare amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid with cefazolin as ultra‐short‐term prophylaxis in laparotomic gynecologic surgery.Materials and methods.  A prospective randomized study was conducted to compare two antimicrobial regimens in surgical prophylaxis of laparotomic surgery. Patients were randomly allocated to receive amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid (2.2 g) [Group A] or cefazolin (2 g) [Group B] as a single dose 30 min before surgery. Each patient was assessed daily until discharge to evidence febrile status and the presence of infections at the operative site, urinary tract, and respiratory tract.Results.  In the amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid (Group A) and cefazolin (Group B) groups, overall 346 and 352 patients, respectively, were evaluable for prophylactic efficacy at hospital discharge. Infectious complications were infrequent in both arms. Febrile morbidity occurred in 21 (6.1%) and 26 (7.4%) patients, respectively, in the amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid and cefazolin groups. Wound infection and urinary tract infection were also higher, but not significantly in the cefazolin group (0.5% vs. 1.1% and 2.0% vs. 2.5%, respectively). There was one respiratory tract infection (0.2%) in Group B, and no septic death in either groups.Conclusion.  Ultra‐short‐term prophylaxis with both amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid and cefazolin is safe in elective laparotomic gynecologic surgery.
The value of outpatient hysteroscopy in diagnosing endometrial pathology in postmenopausal women with and without hormone replacement therapy
Authors: Elliott Jackie , Connor Mary E. , Lashen Hany 
Published: November 2003

Background.  This study examined the endometrial pathology in postmenopausal women who had experienced abnormal uterine bleeding, both with and without hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and who subsequently underwent outpatient hysteroscopy.Methods.  This is a retrospective observational and comparative study. Patient data in the period from 1998 to 2001 inclusive were examined. The influence of various factors on the incidence of pathology was determined, for example HRT use, the type of HRT, age, etc. In addition, the reliability of hysteroscopy in identifying pathology was calculated.Results.  A total of 503 patients presented with postmenopausal bleeding, 299 postmenopausal women and 204 women on HRT. The incidence of endometrial carcinoma was significantly higher in the postmenopausal women not on HRT (RR > 10), and occurred in women who were significantly older (p = 0.003). Other forms of pathology, such as complex hyperplasia, benign endometrial polyps and fibroids, did not significantly differ between the groups. Outpatient hysteroscopy correctly identified endometrial carcinoma in 98.2% of cases; however, it was less reliable in diagnosing other forms of pathology.Conclusions.  The relative risk of a postmenopausal woman presenting to a hysteroscopy clinic with abnormal bleeding caused by endometrial cancer is more than 10 times the risk of an HRT counterpart. Furthermore, both hysteroscopy and pipelle sampling are required to accurately identify all cases of endometrial carcinoma.
Seven Antiphospholipid Antibodies in HIV‐Positive Patients: Correlation with Clinical Course and Laboratory Findings
Authors: Sedláček Dalibor , Ulčová‐Gallová Zdenka , Milichovská Lucie , Nováková Pavla , Rokyta Zdeněk 
Published: November 2003

Objective:  To compare the clinical course of HIV‐1‐ infected patients, their CD4+, CD8+ T lymphocytes, and viral loads (VL) with the levels of seven antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) before, during, and after the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).Patients and methods:  aPLs were examined in patients (20 men, 10 women, aged 12–64 years, median 33 years) from the AIDS center of Western Bohemia before the initiation of HAART, and two (23 patients), and five (20 patients) years later. Flow‐cytometry was used for CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes analysis, commercial kits were used for VL‐measurements, and commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine serum levels of anti‐β2‐glycoprotein I (GPI) of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA isotypes, and anticardiolipin levels (ACA) of IgG and IgM isotypes. APLs screening also included l‐α‐phosphatidic (ph) acid, l‐α‐phosphatidylethanolamine, l‐α‐phosphatidyl‐dl‐glycerol, l‐α‐phosphatidylinositol, and l‐α‐phosphatidylserine of IgG and IgM autoantibodies. Statistical analysis was performed using cut‐off levels for immunoglobulin‐isotypes of aPLs using 3 S.D. or 95th percentile calculated using Statgraphics‐software.Results:  In 14 of 21 patients treated by HAART an increased number of CD4+ T lymphocytes was detected, and in 14 of 21 patients VL decreased below detection threshold during the 5 years of observation. We did not observe correlations of aPLs with age, the initial low CD4+ and high number of CD8+ T lymphocytes, and the viremic levels over the entire observation period. We did not find the elevation of aPLs in 2 of 5 patients in stage C (AIDS). Ten of 11 HIV‐positive homosexuals had positive aPLs, and the same result was seen in 7 of 10 patients infected through heterosexual intercourse.aPLs levels were significantly increased in 18 of 30 patients at the beginning of HAART. ACA IgG was elevated in 14 of 30 cases, IgG antibodies against l‐α‐ph‐acid in 5 of 30, ph‐ethanolamine in 10 of 30, ph‐inositol in 9 of 30, and l‐serine in 14 of 30, combined positivity of six aPLs together was detected in 10 HIV positive patients. Significantly decreased levels of aPLs because of HAART were found in eight patients. APLs were still present in only four patients after 5 years of the treatment. Abnormalities in blood clotting were not present in any of our patients.Conclusion:  Results of screening for seven aPLs in HIV‐positive patients suggest that HAART also positively influences the autoimmune response represented by aPLs levels, but individual differences in aPLs levels were observed.
PCBs, Hexachlorobenzene and DDE are not Associated with Recurrent Miscarriage
Authors: Sugiura‐Ogasawara Mayumi , Ozaki Yasuhiko , Sonta Shin‐ichi , Makino Tsunehisa , Suzumori Kaoru 
Published: November 2003

Problem:  A case‐control study was designed to evaluate any associations between high exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and the 1,1,1,‐trichloro‐2,2‐bis (p‐chlorophenyl) ethane (DDT) metabolite 1,1‐dichloro‐2,2‐bis (p‐chlorophenyl) ethylene (DDE) and recurrent miscarriage and immunoendocrine abnormalities.Methods of study:  A total of 18 kinds of co‐planer PCBs, HCB, DDE, natural killer cell (NK) activity, antiphospholipid antibodies, antinuclear antibody, prolactin, progesterone, thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) and free T4 were examined in 45 patients with a history of three or more (3–11) consecutive first‐trimester miscarriages and 30 healthy women with no history of live birth and infertility.Results:  There were no differences in mean ± S.D. values in serum samples for PCBs, HCB and DDE between patients and controls. Hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia, luteal phase defects, NK cell activity and the presence of autoantibodies were also not associated with levels of any of the compounds in the patients.Conclusion:  PCBs, HCB and DDE are not associated with miscarriage and immunoendocrine abnormalities in patients with a history of recurrent miscarriage.
γ/δT‐cell Subsets, NKG2A Expression and Apoptosis of Vδ2+ T cells in Pregnant Women with or without Risk of Premature Pregnancy Termination
Authors: Szereday Laszlo , Barakonyi Aliz , Miko Eva , Varga Peter , Szekeres‐Bartho Julia 
Published: November 2003

Problem:  Potentially cytotoxic Vδ2+ T lymphocytes recognize human leukocyte antigen‐E on the trophoblast via their CD94/NKG2A receptors. This study aims at determing the percentage of γ/δ T‐cell subsets, their NKG2A and Annexin V positivity in peripheral blood of healthy pregnant women and women at risk of premature pregnancy termination.Method of Study:  Peripheral Vδ2+ cells from healthy pregnant women and from women at risk of premature pregnancy termination were tested for the KIR NKG2A and Annexin V positivity by flow cytometry.Results:  The percentage of viable Vδ2+ T cells was higher, that of Vδ1+ T cells was lower in women at risk of premature pregnancy termination than in healthy pregnant women. The percentage of NKG2A+ Vδ2+ T cells was significantly lower in pregnant women at risk of premature pregnancy termination than in normal pregnancy.Conclusions:  These data suggest the involvement of γ/δ T lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of premature pregnancy termination.
Inhibition of Human Polymorphonuclear Cell Oxidative Burst by 17‐β‐estradiol and 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin
Authors: Abrahams Vikki M. , Collins Jane E. , Wira Charles R. , Fanger Michael W. , Yeaman Grant R. 
Published: November 2003

Problem: Polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) function may be directly influenced by 17‐β‐estradiol and the endocrine disruptor, 2,3,7,8‐tetrachloro‐dibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD). This may have significant consequences on PMN function within the female reproductive tract. This study evaluated the effects of 17‐β‐estradiol and TCDD on PMN oxidative burst.Method of study: Peripheral blood PMN were isolated from normal male donors. Following treatment with 17‐β‐estradiol, TCDD or both, PMN were stimulated with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate. Superoxide production was measured by lucigenin‐enhanced chemiluminescence.Results: Following 24‐hr culture with either 17‐β‐estradiol or TCDD, PMN superoxide production was significantly reduced, however, no such inhibition was observed when PMN were cultured with both estradiol and TCDD. Using antagonists, the estradiol and TCDD effects on PMN superoxide production was shown to be estrogen and aryl hydrocarbon receptor mediated.Conclusions: Estradiol and TCDD influence PMN oxidative burst through receptor mediated events. Such altered PMN function may have profound effects upon the normal endometrial cycle.
Acoustics of native-American ceremonial sites in prehispanic America (Acustica en los espacios escenios rituales prehispanicos)
Authors: Martinez Maria Isabel 
Published: November 2003

This thesis establishes a methodology that incorporates the latest procedures used in architectural acoustics for the study of open spaces of this general type, and definitions are given for the acoustic variables of interest. The “Juego de Pelota” (ball game) sites are the only ceremonial sites built specifically for the performance of a fertility ritual, and are ideal for the study of prehispanic architectural topographies. Analysis of the acoustic properties of such sites revealed that the topographical characteristics of the elevation profiles of these architectural structures determine the acoustic behavior of these spaces. Such profiles are classified into three basic types: (i) inclined profile, (ii) terraced profile, and (iii) mixed profile. The terraced profiles are the most efficient, and the mixed profiles are the least efficient, in regard to acoustics. The consideration of the acoustic behavior of architectural structures intended for the “Ball Game,” as the designs evolved over time, leads to the conclusion that acoustical sensations that contributed effectively to the characteristic mystical atmosphere of the ceremonial rituals were characteristic only of those sites constructed in the “classical” period.
Thesis advisors: Jaime Navarro and Juan J. Sendra
Copies of this thesis written in Spanish may be obtained by contacting the advisor, Jaime Navarro, E.T.S. de Arquitectura de Sevilla, Dpto. de Construcciones Arquitectonicas I, Av. Reina Mercedes, 2, 41012 Sevilla, Spain. E-mail address: jnavarro@us.es
The Quality of Published Adverse Drug Event Reports
Authors: Kelly William N 
Published: November 2003

BACKGROUND: Case reports of adverse drug events (ADEs) are an important source of information. OBJECTIVE: To determine what variables are reported in ADE case reports, how causality was assessed for each report, and what criteria are specified for publishing ADE case reports. METHODS: A descriptive analysis of highly significant ADE case reports published in English over a 20-year period was performed. Main outcome measures included frequency distributions for the types of variables reported. The presence of causality assessment and the criteria for submitting an ADE report to practitioner journals were also examined. RESULTS: A highly significant ADE was described in 1520 published case reports during the study period. Three patient variables were reported >90% of the time, while 12 others were reported <25% of the time. Only 1 drug variable was reported >90% of the time; 6 others were reported 14–74% of the time. Most of the relevant ADE variables were reported most often. Added information for drug interactions, medication errors, and allergic drug reactions were reported 61–99% of the time. Less than 1% of ADE reporters objectively assessed the probability of the ADE. All but one journal publishing the most ADE reports did not require such assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Professional journals might consider stricter requirements for publishing ADE reports. As a minimum, requirements should include an objective assessment of ADE causality, with explicit recognition in the published text and abstract of the report.
Premature Ejaculation Associated with Citalopram Withdrawal
Authors: Adson David E , Kotlyar Michael 
Published: November 2003

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of premature ejaculation occurring subsequent to citalopram discontinuation. CASE SUMMARY: A 43-year-old white man being treated for depression with citalopram wished to discontinue treatment. Four or 5 days after stopping citalopram he reported that, during sexual intercourse, his genitals seemed to be extremely sensitive and orgasm was achieved within approximately 1 minute. These symptoms continued over the next 3–4 weeks and remitted after citalopram was restarted. Several subsequent attempts to discontinue citalopram resulted in a return of these symptoms despite using a slow tapering regimen. An objective causality assessment revealed a probable relationship between drug withdrawal and the observed symptoms. DISCUSSION: The ability of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to delay ejaculation has been well documented; however, discontinuation of these agents generally results in a return to baseline function. Although discontinuation of SSRI therapy has been associated with a number of withdrawal symptoms, this is the first report (MEDLINE, September 2003), to our knowledge, of the emergence of sexual adverse effects in someone with no previous history of these symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Premature ejaculation is a possible withdrawal effect after SSRI discontinuation. Since patients are usually reluctant to spontaneously report sexual adverse effects, it is important to specifically inquire about them both when starting and stopping treatment with an SSRI.
Implications of SARS: Medical Geography and Surveillance in Disease Detection
Authors: Litaker John R , Chou Jennie Y , Novak Suzanne , Wilson James P 
Published: November 2003

OBJECTIVE: To expose pharmacy educators and practitioners to concepts of medical geography and medical surveillance. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is used as a case example because it is an emerging infection and a prime example of the type of disease that pharmacists may encounter in daily practice (e.g., easily transmitted, resembles the common cold). DATA SOURCES: We retrieved data from publications related to medical geography, medical surveillance, and SARS. Data on current SARS cases in Hong Kong were obtained from the Hong Kong Department of Health Web site. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Variables regarding new cases and deaths due to SARS were evaluated. DATA SYNTHESIS: Background information on medical geography and medical surveillance was reviewed. Descriptive statistics were calculated for incidence, prevalence, and the number of deaths due to SARS in Hong Kong from March 14 to May 31, 2003. CONCLUSIONS: Emerging infections are a serious concern for both the public and healthcare practitioners. The recent global diffusion of SARS highlights the ease in which diseases can diffuse from place to place. Understanding concepts related to medical geography and medical surveillance can help pharmacists be better prepared to anticipate disease diffusion and to evaluate signs of emerging infections. In turn, this can help pharmacists be better prepared to provide information and care to their patients. The long-term benefit of understanding how diseases spread and the specific activities related to disease detection is an opportunity for expanding the scope of pharmacy practice.