University of Alabama

About: University of Alabama is a education organization based out in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 27323 authors who have published 48609 publications receiving 1565337 citations. The organization is also known as: Alabama & Bama.

Measurement of Left Ventricular Wall Thickness and Mass by Echocardiography

Abstract: Echocardiographic measurements of minor axis and wall thickness and calculations from these two measurements of left ventricular end-diastolic volume and mass were performed in 24 patients and compared with angiocardiographic measurements of the same variables in corresponding patients. The echo-measured left ventricular end-diastolic chamber dimension (D d ) correlated closely with the angiographic minor axis in the AP plane (correlation coefficient 0.87 and se ± 0.45 cm) and with the minor axis from the lateral film (r = 0.91, se ±0.39 cm). Similar correlations were found between measurements by these methods of wall thickness (r = 0.89, se ±1.3 mm), of end-diastolic volume (r = 0.94, se ±30.6 cc), and of left ventricular mass (r = 0.88, se ±49.19 g). The reproducibility of this method was established by independent recordings and measurements of echo Polaroid films by two observers. The percent systolic wall thickening, as determined by echocardiography, identified subjects with ejection fractions greater or less than 0.50. Echocardiography offers a reliable and reproducible method for measuring left ventricular wall thickness and mass. Finally, ultrasound may provide an accurate method for measuring systolic wall thickening in man.

Supply chain collaboration: what's happening?

Abstract: Purpose – Collaboration has been referred to as the driving force behind effective supply chain management and may be the ultimate core capability. However, there is a fairly widespread belief that few firms have truly capitalized on its potential. A study was undertaken to assess the current level of supply chain collaboration and identify best practice.Design/methodology/approach – Supply chain executives provided insights into collaboration. Survey data, personal interviews, and a review of the collaboration literature were used to develop a conceptual model profiling behavior, culture, and relational interactions associated with successful collaboration.Findings – Positive collaboration‐related outcomes include enhancements to efficiency, effectiveness, and market positions for the respondents' firms.Research limitations/implications – The small sample size represents a limitation, but is balanced by the quality of the respondent base and their expertise/experience. Another limitation involves securin...

Metabolic syndrome prevalence by race/ ethnicity and sex in the united states, national health and nutrition examination survey, 1988-2012

Abstract: Introduction Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors associated with increased risk of multiple chronic diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome overall, by race and sex, and to assess trends in prevalence from 1988 through 2012. Methods We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for 1988 through 2012. We defined metabolic syndrome as the presence of at least 3 of these components: elevated waist circumference, elevated triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high blood pressure, and elevated fasting blood glucose. Data were analyzed for 3 periods: 1988-1994, 1999-2006, and 2007-2012. Results Among US adults aged 18 years or older, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome rose by more than 35% from 1988-1994 to 2007-2012, increasing from 25.3% to 34.2%. During 2007-2012, non-Hispanic black men were less likely than non-Hispanic white men to have metabolic syndrome (odds ratio [OR], 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66-0.89). However, non-Hispanic black women were more likely than non-Hispanic white women to have metabolic syndrome (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.02-1.40). Low education level (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.32-1.84) and advanced age (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.67-1.80) were independently associated with increased likelihood of metabolic syndrome during 2007-2012. Conclusion Metabolic syndrome prevalence increased from 1988 to 2012 for every sociodemographic group; by 2012, more than a third of all US adults met the definition and criteria for metabolic syndrome agreed to jointly by several international organizations.

Effects of Tolvaptan, a Vasopressin Antagonist, in Patients Hospitalized with Worsening Heart Failure: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract: Context Nearly 1 million hospitalizations for chronic heart failure occur yearly in the United States, with most related to worsening systemic congestion. Diuretic use, the mainstay therapy for congestion, is associated with electrolyte abnormalities and worsening renal function. In contrast to diuretics, the vasopressin antagonist tolvaptan may increase net volume loss in heart failure without adversely affecting electrolytes and renal function. Objective To evaluate the short- and intermediate-term effects of tolvaptan in patients hospitalized with heart failure. Design, Setting, and Participants Randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled, parallel-group, dose-ranging, phase 2 trial conducted at 45 centers in the United States and Argentina and enrolling 319 patients with left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 40% and hospitalized for heart failure with persistent signs and symptoms of systemic congestion despite standard therapy.