bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low-dose aspirin does not improve ovarian stimulation, endometrial response, or pregnancy rates for in vitro fertilization
Authors: Hurst Bradley S , Bhojwani Jennifer T , Marshburn Paul B , Papadakis Margaret A , Loeb Terry A , Matthews Michelle L 
Published: May 2005

Abstract

Background

The purpose of this study is to determine if low-dose aspirin improved ovarian stimulation, endometrial response, or IVF pregnancy rates in our program.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 316 consecutive IVF cycles from 1995 through 2001. Aspirin 80 mg daily was initiated at the start of luteal leuprolide in 72 cycles. The 244 controls received no aspirin during treatment.

Results

The live birth rate in aspirin users was 29%, slightly lower compared to 41% in the no aspirin control group (p = 0.07). Implantation rates were 21% with aspirin and 30% in the control population (p = 0.01). There was no difference in the maximal endometrial thickness between aspirin and non-aspirin groups. The two groups were similar regarding age, gonadotropin ampules, embryos, number of embryos transferred, prior parity, diagnosis, use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and stimulation protocol.

Conclusion

Low-dose aspirin was not beneficial to IVF patients in our program. Aspirin does not enhance endometrial thickness, augment the ovarian response, or improve pregnancy rates.
Possible active origin of replication in the double stranded extended form of the left terminus of LuIII and its implication on the replication model of the parvovirus
Authors: Diffoot-Carlo Nanette , Vélez-Pérez Lisandra , de Jesús-Maldonado Idaris 
Published: May 2005

Abstract

Background
The palindromic termini of parvoviruses have proven to play an essential role as origins of replication at different stages during the replication of their viral genome. Sequences from the left-end telomere of MVM form a functional origin on one side of the dimer replicative form intermediate. In contrast, the right-end origin can operate in its closed replicative form hairpin configuration or as a fully duplex linear sequence derived from either arm of a palindromic tetramer intermediate. To study the possibility that the LuIII left hairpin has a function in replication, comparable to that described for MVM, the replication of a minigenome containing two copies of the LuIII left terminus (LuIII Lt-Lt) was studied.

Results
The data presented demonstrates that LuIII Lt-Lt was capable of replicating when NS1 helper functions were provided in trans. This extended hairpin, capable of acting as an origin of replication, lacks the arrangement of the specific domains present in the dimer duplex intermediate of MVM, the only active form of the left hairpin described for this parvovirus.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that the left hairpin of LuIII has an active NS1 driven origin of replication at this terminus in the double stranded extended form. This difference between LuIII and MVM has great implications on the replication of these viruses. The presence of origins of replication at both the left and right termini in their natural hairpin form can explain the unique encapsidation pattern observed for LuIII hinting on the mechanism used by this virus for the replication of its viral genome.
The role of cardiac troponin I as a prognosticator in critically ill medical patients: a prospective observational cohort study
Authors: King Daniel A , Codish Shlomi , Novack Victor , Barski Leonid , Almog Yaniv 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Introduction
Myocardial injury is frequently unrecognized in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI), a surrogate of myocardial injury, has been shown to correlate with outcome in selected groups of patients. We wanted to determine if cTnI level measured upon admission is an independent predictor of mortality in a heterogeneous group of critically ill medical patients.

Methods
We conducted a prospective observational cohort study; 128 consecutive patients admitted to a medical ICU at a tertiary university hospital were enrolled. cTnI levels were measured within 6 h of admission and were considered positive (>0.7 ng/ml) or negative. A variety of clinical and laboratory variables were recorded.

Results
Both cTnI positive and negative groups were similar in terms of age, sex and pre-admission co-morbidity. In a univariate analysis, positive cTnI was associated with increased mortality (OR 7.0, 95% CI 2.44–20.5, p < 0.001), higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores and a higher rate of multi-organ failure and sepsis. This association between cTnI and mortality was more pronounced among elderly patients (>65 years of age). Multivariate analysis controlling for APACHE II score revealed that elevated cTnI levels are not independently associated with 28-day mortality.

Conclusion
In critically ill medical patients, elevated cTnI level measured upon admission is associated with increased mortality rate. cTnI does not independently contribute to the prediction of 28-day mortality beyond that provided by APACHE II.
Endothelial function in highly endurance-trained and sedentary, healthy young women
Authors: Moe Ingvild T , Hoven Heidi , Hetland Eva V , Rognmo Øivind , Slørdahl Stig A 
Published: May 2005

Endothelial function is reduced by age, chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension or type 2 diabetes, and it is shown that aerobic exercise may reverse this trend. The effect of a high aerobic training status on endothelial function in young, healthy subjects is however less clear. The present study was designed to determine whether endothelial function is improved in highly endurance-trained young women compared to sedentary, healthy controls. Brachial artery diameter was measured in 16 endurance-trained (age: 23.7 ± 2.5 years, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max): 60.6 ± 4.5 ml/kg per min) and 14 sedentary females (age: 23.7 ± 2.1 years, VO2max: 40.5 ± 5.6 ml/kg per min) at rest, during flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and after sublingual glycerol trinitrate administration, using high-resolution ultrasound. FMD did not differ between the endurance-trained and the sedentary females (14.8% vs 16.4%, p = NS), despite a substantial difference in VO2max of 50% (p < 0.001). The endurance-trained group possessed however, a 9% larger resting brachial artery diameter when adjusted for body surface area. The results of the present study suggest that endothelial function is well preserved in young, healthy women, and that a high aerobic training status due to long term aerobic training does not improve the dilating capacity any further.
Documented combat exposure of US veterans seeking treatment for combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Frueh B. Christopher , Elhai Jon D. , Grubaugh Anouk L. , Monnier Jeannine , Kashdan Todd B. , Sauvageot Julie A. , Hamner Mark B. , Burkett B. G. , Arana George W. 
Published: May 2005

BackgroundThere are concerns regarding the validity of combat exposure reports of veterans seeking treatment for combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within US Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.AimsTo verify combat exposure history for a relevant sample through objective historical data.MethodArchival records were reviewed from the US National Military Personnel Records Center for 100 consecutive veterans reporting Vietnam combat in a Veterans Affairs PTSD clinic. Cross-sectional clinical assessment and 12-month service use data were also examined.ResultsAlthough 93% had documentation of Vietnam war-zone service, only 41% of the total sample had objective evidence of combat exposure documented in their military record. There was virtually no difference between the Vietnam ‘combat’ and ‘no combat’ groups on relevant clinical variables.ConclusionsA significant number of treatment-seeking Veterans Affairs patients may misrepresent their combat involvement in Vietnam. There are implications for the integrity of the PTSD database and the Veterans Affairs healthcare system.
Cost-effectiveness of relapse-prevention cognitive therapy for bipolar disorder: 30-month study
Authors: Lam Dominic H. , McCrone Paul , Wright Kim , Kerr Natalie 
Published: May 2005

BackgroundWe have reported the advantageous clinical outcome of adding cognitive therapy to medication in the prevention of relapse of bipolar disorder.AimsThis 30-month study compares the cost-effectiveness of cognitive therapy with standard care.MethodWe randomly allocated 103 individuals with bipolar 1 disorder to standard treatment and cognitive therapy plus standard treatment. Service use and costs were measured at 3-month intervals and cost-effectiveness was assessed using the net-benefit approach.ResultsThe group receiving cognitive therapy had significantly better clinical outcomes. The extra costs were offset by reduced service use elsewhere. The probability of cognitive therapy being cost-effective was high and robust to different therapy prices.ConclusionsCombination of cognitive therapy and mood stabilisers was superior to mood stabilisers alone in terms of clinical outcome and cost-effectiveness for those with frequent relapses of bipolar disorder.
Patients' views of the ward round: a survey
Authors: White Rupert , Karim Bakir 
Published: May 2005

Aims and MethodAs part of the total experience of hospital admission, it is important to ensure that ward rounds are efficient and acceptable to patients. Self-completed questionnaires relating to the conduct of the ward round were given to a consecutive series of 100 in-patients admitted to four psychiatric wards serving one half of the population of Cornwall.ResultsTwenty-two patients disliked being seen in their own bedrooms, 54 disliked large ward rounds and three-quarters liked having an exact appointment time. There was a group of patients who felt particularly anxious before or during the ward round.Clinical ImplicationsIt is important to reconsider the conduct of the ward round, and in so doing to balance the preferences of the patient with the needs of the multidisciplinary team.
Causes of acute peritonitis in 1188 consecutive adult patients in Ghana
Authors: Ohene-Yeboah Michael 
Published: May 2005

In a five-year prospective study,1188 consecutive adult patients were admitted and treated for acute generalized peritonitis at the Surgical Emergency Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana. Appendicitis and typhoid ileal perforation were the commonest causes, occurring in 43.1% and 35.1% of patients, respectively. Other conditions (gastroduodenal perforations, ruptured abscesses, traumatic bowel perforations and amoebic colonic perforations) accounted for fewer than 25% of cases. This paper notes that acute appendicitis and typhoid perforation remain the leading causes of peritonitis in Ghana. Compared with previous series, the importance of appendicitis in acute peritonitis has diminished. The complications of communicable diseases now cause peritonitis more commonly than 35 years ago. This may reflect deteriorating conditions of sanitation and housing during the intervening period.
Frequency of prenatal care visits by ethnic minority mothers and association with infant birthweight in Bac Kan province, Vietnam
Authors: Hien Nguyen Thanh , Ushijima Hiroshi 
Published: May 2005

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association between prenatal care visits and infant birthweight among ethnic minority mothers in the mountainous Bac Kan province. This was done by comparing the frequency and timing of first prenatal care visit of 32 mothers with low birthweight (LBW) infants and 32 mothers with normal birthweight (NBW) infants. During pregnancy, mothers of NBW infants underwent 3.4±1 (mean) prenatal care visits and mothers of LBW infants 2.8±0.9 ( P= 0.02). Mothers of NBW infants underwent their first prenatal care visit at 13.1±5.7 weeks of gestation, one week earlier than mothers of LBW infants. The frequency of prenatal care visit are probably associated with a decreased risk of LBW among ethnic minority mothers in Bac Kan province.
Filter paper strip kit: a cost-effective transport media
Authors: Sherwal B L , Dadeya Subhash 
Published: May 2005

This study was undertaken to discover a feasible transport media for the transportation of ocular microbiological material from the periphery to the central laboratory. A total of 94 cases of ocular infection with clinical diagnosis of conjunctivitis and keratitis were studied. In all cases, two representative microbiological samples were collected, and sent by filter paper strip (FPS) kit as well as by direct culture technique. The isolated organisms by both the methods were analysed. Of the total 94 cases studied, bacteria were isolated in 48 cases by direct culture and in 45 cases by FPS kit, whereas, fungus were isolated in 13 cases by each method. FPS kit appears to be an alternative, feasible, and cost-effective technique for transportation of ocular microbiological material from periphery to the central laboratory.
The use of a monitoring tool to assess counselling and HIV testing in the public health sector in Malawi
Authors: Chimzizi Rhehab B , Harries Anthony D , Manda Eluby , Khonyongwa Angela , Killam William P , Salaniponi Felix M 
Published: May 2005

Scaling up of counselling and HIV testing (VCT) services requires a system of regular monitoring and evaluation. A VCT monitoring tool was developed through a consultative process and used to assess counselling and HIV testing services in 16 government and mission hospitals in Malawi, which had started expanded HIV-TB activities in July 2003. The essential components of the VCT monitoring tool included assessments of: (i) the hospital VCT personnel, in particular the number of counsellors (full-time and part-time) and those trained in and performing whole blood rapid HIV testing; (ii) the hospital laboratory service, in particular the protocols for HIV testing; (iii) the number, structure and function of dedicated VCT rooms; (iv) registers for patients, clients and donors having HIV tests; and (v) the quality of VCT through structured interviews with HIV-positive patients withTB. The main findings were: 9644 patients and clients were HIV tested between July and September 2003; HIV testing protocols were not standardized and differed between hospitals; there was little in the way of external quality assurance and there were deficiencies in the counselling process. In each hospital, the mean time taken to obtain the data and complete the VCT monitoring tool was 3 h. The VCT monitoring tool is straightforward to use, and the data collected should help to improve standardization, quality and future planning of VCT services in the country.
Noise and Vibration Reducing Measures to the Souterrain Tramtunnel in the Hague Optimally Tuned to the Situation
Authors: van der Vecht J. , Dokter R. 
Published: May 2005

Noise and vibration nuisance in residential and office buildings near to traffic tunnels can be prevented by paying attention to vibration isolating and reducing measures at the tunnel and/or the building whilst in the design phase. A vibration prognosis, supported by local measurements, enables optimal tuning of noise and vibration reducing measures to the local situation. This article explains the evaluation criteria and elaborates upon the noise and vibration isolating measures applied to the Souterrain Tramtunnel in The Hague intended to prevent nuisance in the residential and office buildings near to the tunnel.
Psychological Analysis of Complainants on Noise/Low Frequency Noise and the Relation between Psychological Response and Brain Structure
Authors: Kitamura Toshiya , Hasebe Masaki , Yamada Shinji 
Published: May 2005

In Japan there are two kinds of low frequency noise (LFN) problems. One is LFN that can be heard directly in a house and causes discomfort, and the other is LFN that rattles windows or doors and causes annoyance. Authors met about 100 complainants on noise or low frequency noise. Hearing thresholds of some complainants were measured and Yatabe-Guilford personality inventories of some complainants were carried out. We observed many complainants and tried to analyze the complainants' mind by the psychoanalytical method. Their minds have three layers. The 1st layer is the basic desire for survival and good life etc. The 2nd layer is personality or consideration obtained by experience and the 3rd layer concerns movement, speech or action etc. Many complainants lack the 2nd layer on noise/low frequency noise and their movements and reactions on noise/LFN appear directly from the 1st layer of basic desire without consideration of the 2nd layer. The findings of the three layers are discussed in relation to present knowledge on how the different parts of the brain are organized.
Adsorption of Aliphatic Alcohols on Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia
Authors: Faeza I. , Subhani Mohammad S. , Qureshi Khalil A. , Butt Pervez K. , Riaz A. 
Published: May 2005

Yttria-stabilized zirconia powders with 3, 5, 8 and 10 mol% yttria added (Z3Y, Z5Y, Z8Y and Z10Y, respectively) were prepared. XRD studies indicated that the Z3Y and Z5Y samples were tetragonal whereas Z8Y and Z10Y were found to be cubic in shape. The specific surface areas of the various samples were obtained from nitrogen adsorption isotherms. These showed that as the mol% Y2O3 increased in the samples, an initial increase in surface area occurred up to 5 mol% Y2O3 but thereafter started to decrease. The microporosity of the powders was calculated by applying the Dubinin—Radushkevich (D—R) equation to the data obtained from the nitrogen adsorption studies. D—R plots were found to be linear over the low relative pressure region, followed by an upward deviation at higher relative pressures for all five systems examined. This deviation from linearity corresponded to the existence of a heterogeneous system of micropores, capillary condensation in the transitional pores or multilayer formation on the macropore walls. The adsorption of methanol (MeOH), ethanol (EtOH), n-propanol (PrOH) and n-butanol (BuOH) on pure and yttria-stabilized zirconia was undertaken at temperatures between 273 K and 303 K. The corresponding isotherms obtained were all of type II in the BDDT classification. Specific surface areas were calculated from these isotherms using the Langmuir and BET adsorption isotherm equations and found to be a maximum for the Z5Y powder.
Binding Energy and the Heat of Chemisorption on Metallic Catalysts — A Thermodynamic Aspect
Authors: Stokłosa Andrzej , Kurek Stefan S. , Laskowska Barbara 
Published: May 2005

The thermodynamic conditions necessary for the adsorption of gaseous molecules onto metals are discussed in this work. The differences and similarities between chemisorption and the formation of a solid oxidation product on metals are indicated. It was pointed out that the changes in the interactions between the surface metal atoms before and after adsorption must be followed by an energetic effect that would affect the value of the heat of chemisorption and its dependence on the surface coverage. The dependence of the heat of adsorption on the surface structures being formed and their concentration is discussed. It was shown that the relationships discussed in various published works between the values of the initial heat of adsorption and the formation enthalpies of the compounds are only experimental and not based on thermodynamic principles. The initial heats of adsorption, binding energies in gaseous molecules and cohesive energies for the oxidation products of metals are discussed for O2 and H2 chemisorption.
The Temperature-Dependent Adsorption Behaviour of Benzene Molecules in ZSM-5 Zeolite Pores: TPD and FT-IR Spectroscopy Studies
Authors: Sahasrabudhe Arati , Varma Salil , Gupta Narendra M. 
Published: May 2005

Temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and in situ Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic methods were employed to investigate the effect of loading and sample temperature on the state of benzene molecules inside the channels of NaZSM-5 zeolite. TPD profiles revealed the existence of at least three distinct states of benzene adsorption, characterized by desorption peak maxima at ca. 120°C, 170°C and 220°C, respectively. Based on the growth behaviour of these bands, it is suggested that the benzene molecules occupy sinusoidal channels, straight channels and external surfaces, in that order. A reverse trend was observed during the subsequent flushing of the sample at varying temperatures. A virtually fixed amount of benzene was occluded at these three locations, depending upon the loading. The FT-IR studies revealed that the benzene molecule exists in a compressed state in the zeolitic channels, with the molecular clusters formed in the process dispersing only at temperatures above 150°C. For initial benzene loadings of up to ca. 1.5 molecules/unit cell, the spectrum obtained showed that in the O—H stretch region the bridge-bonded OH groups and hydroxyl groups associated with the internal zeolitic channels were perturbed simultaneously. The results show that even for a loading lower than necessary for saturation, a considerable amount of benzene remains condensed at the external surface of ZSM-5 zeolite.
Utilization of Activated Carbon Prepared from Industrial Solid Waste for the Removal of Chromium(VI) Ions from Synthetic Solution and Industrial Effluent
Authors: Vennilamani N. , Kadirvelu K. , Sameena Y. , Pattabhi S. 
Published: May 2005

Activated carbon (AC) prepared from sago waste was characterized and used to remove chromium(VI) ions from aqueous solution and industrial effluent by adsorption methods using various conditions of agitation time, metal ion concentration, adsorbent dosage particle size and pH. Surface modification of the carbon adsorbent with a strong oxidizing agent like concentrated H2SO4 generates more active adsorption sites on the solid surface and pores for metal ion adsorption. Adsorption of the metal ion required a very short time and led to quantitative removal. Both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models could describe the adsorption data. The calculated values of Q0 and b were 5.78 mg/g and 1.75 1/min, respectively. An effective adsorption capacity was noted for particle sizes in the range 125–250 μm at room temperature (30 ± 2°C) and an initial pH of 2.0 ± 0.2. The specific surface area of the activated carbon was determined and its properties studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). These studies revealed that AC prepared from sago waste is suitable for the removal of Cr(VI) ions from both synthetic and industrial effluents.
Monte Carlo Simulation of the Adsorption of Binary Gas Mixtures on Heterogeneous Surfaces
Authors: Bulnes F. , Ramirez-Pastor A.J. , Zgrablich G. 
Published: May 2005

The adsorption of a gaseous mixture containing particles A and B was studied via lattice-gas simulations on homogeneous and heterogeneous bivariate surfaces characterized by a chessboard topography of strong and weak adsorbing sites. The effects of lateral interactions among adsorbed particles and of heterogeneity on the adsorption isotherms and differential heats of adsorption were analyzed. The results displayed a rich variety of behaviours and their analysis contributes to the understanding of mixed-gas adsorption at a molecular level.