bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence of Hepatotoxicity Due to Antitubercular Medicines and Assessment of Risk Factors
Authors: Shakya Rajani , Rao B Subba , Shrestha Bhawana 
Published: May 2004

BACKGROUND: Antitubercular drugs cause derangement of hepatic function revealed by clinical examination and abnormal liver function test results. Potential hepatotoxicity of some of the first-line antitubercular agents remains a problem, especially during the initial period of treatment. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of antitubercular drug—induced hepatotoxicity in a Nepalese urban population and assess the risk factors. METHOD: Fifty patients diagnosed with active tuberculosis infection with normal pretreatment liver function were monitored clinically as well as biochemically in a prospective cohort analysis. RESULTS: Antitubercular drugs were found to be associated with derangement of hepatic function, resulting in elevation of liver enzymes to a variable extent (t = −4.550, p < 0.01 for aspartate aminotransferase [AST]; t = −5.467, p < 0.01 for alanine aminotransferase [ALT] at 95% CI). Thirty-eight percent of patients had 2 times and 30% had >3 times elevation of ALT. Similarly, 40% and 29% of patients showed 2 and >3 times elevation of the AST level, respectively. Four patients (8%) developed drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Jaundice was the presenting symptom in all patients. The time interval for onset of hepatotoxicity after initiation of therapy was 12–60 days (median 28). Antitubercular drug—induced hepatotoxicity was found more often in younger patients (6% vs 2%; p = 0.368, OR 2.75). Female gender was also a higher risk (p = 0.219, OR 4.2). Most patients who had developed hepatitis were diagnosed per sputum-smear positive reactions. Nutritional status, assessed by body mass index and serum albumin level, was the next predisposing factor. CONCLUSIONS: A finding of an 8% incidence of hepatotoxicity is considerably high. Risk factors of hepatotoxicity included female gender, disease extent, and poor nutritional status. Timely detection and temporary withdrawal of the offending agent can completely cure antitubercular drug—induced hepatotoxicity.
Montelukast-Induced Generalized Urticaria
Authors: Minciullo Paola L , Saija Antonella , Bonanno Domenica , Ferlazzo Edoardo , Gangemi Sebastiano 
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of generalized urticaria induced by montelukast treatment. CASE SUMMARY: A 28-year-old man with allergic rhinitis and moderate persistent asthma developed generalized urticaria 5 days after the initiation of montelukast and inhaled fluticasone. Symptoms disappeared within one day after suspension of both drugs. Two months later, after the resumption of montelukast and fluticasone, the patient developed generalized urticaria and eyelid angioedema, which were successfully treated with intravenous betamethasone, achieving complete remission within hours. After 2 days, the patient resumed inhaled fluticasone only and continued this therapy for several months without any adverse reaction. DISCUSSION: We attributed the adverse reaction to montelukast because of the temporal relationship between use of montelukast and urticaria, the absence of other identified causative factors and other explanations for allergic reactions, and the positive dechallenge and rechallenge. The Naranjo probability scale showed a probable relationship between skin manifestations and montelukast treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The use of antileukotrienes is increasing in asthma therapy. In cases of generalized urticaria in asthmatic patients undergoing montelukast therapy, physicians should be aware of a potential adverse reaction to this drug.
Antimicrobial-Associated Renal Tubular Acidosis
Authors: Hemstreet Brian A 
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature documenting the association of various antimicrobial medications with the development of renal tubular acidosis (RTA). DATA SOURCES: A search of the English literature via MEDLINE (1966-November 2003) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-November 2003) was conducted to identify human reports of RTA associated with various drugs from all available classes of antimicrobial agents. Major search terms included renal tubular acidosis, acidosis, antibiotics, and antimicrobials. Bibliographies of selected articles were also searched to identify additional reports of RTA. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Case reports, observational studies, and experimental studies documenting the association of any antimicrobial agent with the development of RTA were included. DATA SYNTHESIS: Antimicrobial-associated RTA is a relatively uncommon adverse effect, with most reports involving amphotericin B, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and outdated tetracycline. These agents may induce RTA either through direct tubular toxicity or as a function of their pharmacologic action. The time course for the development of RTA varies depending on the antimicrobial utilized. In most instances, RTA is reversible; however, some patients may experience prolonged recovery after the offending agent is removed. CONCLUSIONS: Given that antimicrobial-associated RTA is a relatively uncommon adverse effect, review of the patient's drug regimen may reveal these agents as otherwise unrecognized causes of RTA. Likewise, underlying causes of RTA other than medications must be ruled out. Diagnosing antimicrobial-induced RTA may be difficult, given many of these agents may be used in combination and some are intrinsically nephrotoxic.
Postoperative Opiate Analgesia Requirements of Smokers and Nonsmokers
Authors: Creekmore Freddy M , Lugo Ralph A , Weiland Kevin J 
Published: May 2004

BACKGROUND: Smoking cigarettes and other forms of nicotine administration appear to blunt the perception of pain. Abrupt discontinuation of nicotine in nicotine-dependent patients appears to increase the perception of pain. The clinical importance of nicotine's effect on pain perception is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether smokers who abruptly discontinue smoking as a result of being hospitalized for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) require more postoperative opiate analgesics than nonsmokers. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent a CABG was performed. Smokers (n = 20) were compared with nonsmokers (n = 69) with regard to opiate analgesic use during the first 48 hours postoperatively. The use of nonopiate sedatives was also compared between the groups. RESULTS: When normalized for weight and body mass index, smokers required 23% and 33%, respectively, more opiate analgesics than did nonsmokers (p = 0.027 and 0.023, respectively). The percentage of patients who received benzodiazepines postoperatively was similar in the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, smokers deprived of nicotine required a greater amount of opiates in the first 48 hours after CABG than did nonsmokers. Healthcare providers need to be aware of the potential for increased narcotic requirements among nicotine-deprived smokers. Further study is needed to determine whether nicotine replacement lessens the requirement for postoperative analgesics in smokers.
Rapid Intraoperative Immunoassay of Parathyroid Hormone and Other Hormones: A New Paradigm for Point-of-Care Testing
Authors: Sokoll Lori J , Wians Frank H , Remaley Alan T 
Published: May 2004

AbstractBackground: The first description of the use of a rapid assay for the measurement of intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) in patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for hyperparathyroidism was reported in 1988. Subsequent improvements in the analytical performance of the rapid intraoperative PTH assay allowed the establishment of its clinical utility in the surgical management of hyperparathyroidism. These modifications also allowed the assay to be performed in or near the operating suite.Methods: We searched MEDLINE, using the following key words: intraoperative, rapid, quick, parathyroid hormone, hormone, and immunoassay. Relevant articles that focused on the analytical aspects and clinical utility of rapid intraoperative hormone immunoassays were selected for this review.Content: On the basis of the positive impact that the rapid intraoperative PTH test has had on both patient outcomes and cost savings, other rapid intraoperative hormone immunoassays for the diagnosis and/or treatment of other endocrine-hormone-secreting tumors have been developed. These hormones share certain characteristics that make them suitable for use as rapid intraoperative tests, i.e., short analyte half-life and/or large analyte concentration gradient, rapid analysis time, and positive clinical utility. Initial studies with cortisol, gastrin, insulin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and testosterone have shown promising results in preoperative localization studies and/or for assessing the effectiveness of tumor resection during surgery.Conclusion: The emergence of these rapid intraoperative immunoassays indicates that this test format is likely to provide future opportunities to improve patient care by advances in clinical laboratory testing.
Pioglitazone Reduces Atherogenic Index of Plasma in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Tan Meng H , Johns Don , Glazer N Bradly 
Published: May 2004

AbstractBackground: Insulin resistance is often associated with increased triglyceride (TG) and decreased HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations and increased small LDL particles. The Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), defined as log(TG/HDL-C), has recently been proposed as a marker of plasma atherogenicity because it is increased in people at higher risk for coronary heart disease and is inversely correlated with LDL particle size. We studied the effect of pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione that reduces insulin resistance, on the AIP of patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods: The data for the analysis of AIP in this report were obtained from four randomized, double-blind, multicenter, parallel-group, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Pioglitazone was used as monotherapy in one study and in combination therapy in three studies. Fasting glucose, insulin, HDL-C, and TGs plus glycohemoglobin (HbA1C) were measured at baseline and various points during each study.Results: Patients in this study population with type 2 diabetes had high AIP values at baseline. Pioglitazone treatment significantly decreased AIP from baseline in each of the study groups. Pioglitazone treatment groups had a significantly lower AIP compared with their respective placebo controls. Finally, AIP was inversely and significantly correlated with measures of insulin sensitivity, such as the homeostasis model assessment and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index. In contrast, AIP was not significantly correlated with HbA1C.Conclusions: Pioglitazone reduced AIP when used as monotherapy or in combination therapy with sulfonylurea, metformin, or insulin. AIP was inversely correlated with measures of insulin sensitivity.
New technique for studying reaction forces during primate behaviors on vertical substrates
Authors: Vinyard Christopher J. , Schmitt Daniel 
Published: May 2004

AbstractRecording reaction forces from primates during behaviors on vertical substrates, such as leaping, climbing, or biting trees, typically requires the design and construction of customized recording devices or mounting commercially available force platforms in a vertical position. The technical difficulties imposed by either option have hindered in vivo research on the kinetics of primate behaviors on vertical substrates. We describe a simple, inexpensive apparatus for recording forces from primate behaviors on vertical substrates. The apparatus includes an instrumented beam fastened directly to a horizontal force platform and a surrounding vertical substrate that does not contact the instrumented beam or platform. The contact piece at the end of the instrumented beam is positioned flush with the noninstrumented vertical substrate, and reaction forces elicited on this instrumented section are directed to the force platform. Because most of the vertical substrate is not instrumented, we can isolate and record forces from a single limb or jaw during a behavior. Biewener and Full ([1992] Biomechanics Structures and Positions: A Practical Approach; New York: Oxford University press, p. 45–73) gave seven criteria to consider when designing a customized force‐recording device. Where appropriate, we tested if our apparatus met their criteria. The apparatus accurately records forces in three orthogonal directions, has low cross‐talk, maintains a high frequency response, exhibits a linear response up to at least 200 Newtons, and displays a uniform response to a given force across the instrumented contact piece. Our design does not easily facilitate the identification of the point of force application. Therefore, joint moments cannot be easily calculated. This limitation, however, does not affect the apparatus's ability to accurately record the magnitude and direction of a force (as shown by other tests). We developed this apparatus to measure jaw forces during tree gouging in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), but the general design can be readily modified to study a variety of primate behaviors on vertical substrates. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison in processability and mechanical and thermal properties of ethylene–octene copolymer crosslinked by different techniques
Authors: Sirisinha Kalyanee , Meksawat Darinya 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe crosslinking of metallocene ethylene–octene copolymer was investigated. The crosslinked polymers were prepared using two different techniques, i.e., peroxide crosslinking and silane–water crosslinking. In the former, the crosslinking reaction was conducted in a twin‐screw extruder, in the presence of dicumylperoxide. In the latter, the polymer was first grafted with vinyl trimethoxysilane in the extruder and subsequently crosslinked with water. The paper aims at investigation of the differences between these two techniques, in terms of processing and product mechanical and thermal properties. The results showed that the silane‐crosslinked polymers could be prepared with much higher gel contents than the peroxide‐crosslinked samples. The silane‐crosslinked polymers also retained the elastomeric characteristics of the pure polymer and showed remarkably higher extensibility, better thermal stability, and energy storage capacity. An explanation for the property differences between peroxide‐crosslinked and silane‐crosslinked polymers was proposed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1179–1185, 2004
Radiation synthesis of hydrogels to enhance sandy soils water retention and increase plant performance
Authors: El‐Rehim H. A. Abd , Hegazy El‐Sayed A. , El‐Mohdy H. L. Abd 
Published: May 2004

AbstractPreparation and characterization of superabsorbent hydrogels obtained by radiation induced crosslinking of polyacrylamide (PAAm), poly(acrylic acid) (PAAc), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and potassium polyacrylate (PAAcK) were investigated individually and in (PAAm)–binary systems for possible uses in agricultural fields. The swelling of the investigated hydrogels was mainly related to the type of their hydrophilic functional groups and/or the presence of polarized charges. The preparation conditions, such as irradiation dose and hydrogel blend compositions, that influence the water absorbency of PAAm/PAAcK copolymers and alter their gel content and crosslinking density were investigated. The higher the irradiation dose, the higher the gel content, and the lower the water absorbency. PAAm/PAAcK copolymer, possessing pore structure and fast swelling, was prepared by mixing the hydrogel components with a gas‐forming agent, namely, ammonium carbonate. Studies were also made on the applications of such hydrogels to improve the physical and water retention properties of sandy soil for agricultural purposes. The effect of different types and amounts of hydrogels added to sandy soil on the emergence, vegetative growth, and wilting time of corn (Zea mays) plants was investigated. As the hydrogel level increased, the average of plant height, leaf width, total dry weight, corncob production, and time to wilt increased. The obtained results suggested that the PAAm/PAAcK hydrogels can improve sandy soil properties for cultivation, because they often absorb and keep water one thousand times more than their own weight, reduce watering frequency of the plants, and enhance water retention of soil matrix that results in an increase in plant growth and performance. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1360–1371, 2004
Investigations on the reactive surface modification of polycarbonate by surface‐reactive injection molding
Authors: Nagel J. , Bräuer M. , Hupfer B. , Grundke K. , Schwarz S. , Lehmann D. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractA new procedure of surface modification was investigated in which the modification was coupled with the injection molding process. This procedure could save other commonly used surface modification procedures such as flame or plasma treatment. According to the procedure, a reactive modifier was applied to the surface of the mold cavity. On injection of the plastic melt, a chemical reaction took place, which attaches the modifier covalently to the resultant plastic part. In this contribution, conditions are considered for the modification of polycarbonate with poly(vinyl alcohol) and polyethylenimine as modifiers. The reaction in the melt was investigated and the modified surfaces of injection‐molded plates were characterized. The surface modification, realized with the new approach, was permanent. It allows for the introduction of special functional groups, which may be useful for further reactive processing stages such as reactive adhesive joining, reactive coating, metallization, or functionalization for special applications. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1186–1191, 2004
Synthetic clay nanocomposite‐based coatings prepared by UV‐cure photopolymerization
Authors: Shemper B. S. , Morizur J.‐F. , Alirol M. , Domenech A. , Hulin V. , Mathias L. J. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe effect of synthetic clay on the photopolymerization kinetics and coating properties of methyl α‐hydroxymethylacrylate (MHMA) systems in the presence of novel hydroxylated dimethacrylate crosslinkers is reported. In the presence of clay earlier onset of autoacceleration was observed, high rates of polymerization were achieved, and high final overall conversions were reached. Higher rates and increase in conversions were also observed as the clay content increased in the medium. To increase compatibility between clay and polymer matrix the use of Jeffamines as polymer/clay compatibilizers, based on ion–dipole interactions between ethylene oxide units and clay ions, was also investigated. Nanocomposite‐based films by photopolymerization of the mixtures coated on glass microscope slides were prepared and evaluated using X‐ray and TEM. The absence of Bragg diffraction peaks in all nanocomposite films indicated loss of organization of the clay layers and formation of well‐dispersed, exfoliated systems was confirmed by TEM. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1252–1263, 2004
On the application of a damped model to the falling weight impact characterization of glass beads–polystyrene composites
Authors: Sánchez‐Soto M. , Martínez A. B. , Santana O. O. , Gordillo A. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractInstrumented falling weight impact tests were carried out to characterize the mechanical behavior of a material pattern formed by polystyrene and different amounts of glass beads. This characterization was performed at high strain rate using two different impact arrangements: the first uses high impact energy at the striker, whereas the second uses a low‐impact energy. Starting from a conservative model, a nonconservative one has been proposed for the low‐energy impact configuration as a better approach to the material behavior. In this latter model, the energy losses were quantified through the restitution coefficient. Two alternative methods for its calculation are described. The results shows good agreement between the flexural modulus and break stresses calculated in either the low‐ or the high‐energy arrangement; however, the low‐energy impact method yields more confidence results. Using the proposed model, the composites' fracture onset was determined, and also in the samples with low content of glass beads, it was possible to assess the micromechanism of failure, given the estimation for the stress to produce crazing. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1271–1284, 2004
Process cure monitoring of unsaturated polyester resins, vinyl ester resins, and gel coats by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Skrifvars Mikael , Niemelä Pentti , Koskinen Rauli , Hormi Osmo 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe curing process of unsaturated polyester resins, vinyl ester resins, and gel coats was studied by using a process Raman spectrometer, equipped with a remote fiber‐optic probe. The resins were cured and Raman spectra were recorded during the curing reaction. The spectral changes were identified and, from the intensities, the cure process could be monitored. Gel times given by the resin suppliers correlated well with the Raman results. It could also be seen that the curing process continues for a long time, up to several weeks. Postcuring will finally complete the curing process. White and lightly colored gel coats could easily be monitored by Raman spectroscopy, but fluorescent problems were encountered with heavily colored pigments. The curing of laminates containing 50–70 wt % glass fiber mat could also be followed by Raman spectroscopy. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1285–1292, 2004
Swelling behavior of PDMS–PMHS pervaporation membranes in ethyl acetate–water mixtures
Authors: Vilaplana F. , Osorio‐Galindo M. , Iborra‐Clar A. , Alcaina‐Miranda M. I. , Ribes‐Greus A. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractPervaporation composite membranes were prepared with a three‐layer structure: a PP support, a PEI microporous structure, and a PDMS–PMHS selective layer. Swelling tests were performed in water, ethyl acetate, and four different ethyl acetate–water mixtures, to calculate the diffusional and swelling parameters. Moreover, the dynamic–mechanical properties of the membranes were obtained before and after the swelling experiments, and their relaxation spectra were characterized with the Fuoss–Kirkwood equation and analyzed in terms of the free volume parameter. It was found that the ethyl acetate possesses high affinity with the composite membranes and that the absorption of these small molecules substantially modifies the viscoelastic behavior and structure of the active layer. The combination of swelling experiments and the study of the mechanical relaxations proved to be an appropriate technique to investigate the behavior of pervaporation membranes immersed in different mixtures. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1384–1393, 2004