bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pitfalls in effectiveness research: a comparative analysis of treatment goals and outcome measures in stroke rehabilitation
Authors: Lettinga A T , Reynders K , Mulder T H , Mol A 
Published: July 2002

Problem: There is a great diversity of movement therapies in stroke rehabilitation, each of which is treated as a more or less independent system. Objective: To articulate pitfalls in effectiveness research that has been employed to reduce the number of different forms of treatment. Methods: The contents of treatment goals and outcome measures in clinical and scienti”c texts on stroke rehabilitation were analysed and contrasted in order to uncover discrepancies. Issues: The main issue is that theory and conceptualization of therapy play a diminished role in treatment effectiveness research, which may hinder the interpretation of data. The notion that the methodological and statistical tools, if correctly applied, provide researchers with the distance that is thought to be necessary for an objective judgement will be challenged. Conclusion: The analyses indicate that although scienti”cally credible measurement tools may be neutral with regard to the user, they are not necessarily neutral with regard to the therapies being compared in effectiveness research.
Oophorectomy and Tamoxifen Adjuvant Therapy in Premenopausal Vietnamese and Chinese Women With Operable Breast Cancer
Authors: Love Richard R. , Duc Nguyen Ba , Allred D. Craig , Binh Nguyen Cong , Dinh Nguyen Van , Kha Nguyen Ngoc , Thuan Tran Van , Mohsin Syed K. , Roanh Le Dinh , Khang Hoang Xuan , Tran Trinh Luong , Quy Tran Tu , Thuy Nguyen Van , Thé Pham Nhu , Cau Ton That , Tung Nguyen Dinh , Huong Dang Thanh , Quang Le Minh , Hien Nguyen Ngoc , Thuong Le , Shen Tian-zhen , Xin Ye , Zhang Qian , Havighurst Thomas C. , Yang Yonghong Fred , Hillner Bruce E. , DeMets David L. 
Published: July 2002

PURPOSE: In 1992, the Early Breast Cancer Trialists’ Collaborative Group reported that a meta-analysis of six randomized trials in European and North American women begun from 1948 to 1972 demonstrated disease-free and overall survival benefit from adjuvant ovarian ablation. Approximately 350,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed annually in premenopausal Asian women who have lower levels of estrogen than western women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1993 to 1999, we recruited 709 premenopausal women with operable breast cancer (652 from Vietnam, 47 from China) to a randomized clinical trial of adjuvant oophorectomy and tamoxifen (20 mg orally every day) for 5 years or observation and this combined hormonal treatment on recurrence. At later dates estrogen- and progesterone-receptor protein assays by immunohistochemistry were performed for 470 of the cases (66%). RESULTS: Treatment arms were well balanced. With a median follow-up of 3.6 years, there have been 84 events and 69 deaths in the adjuvant treatment group and 127 events and 91 deaths in the observation group, with 5-year disease-free survival rates of 75% and 58% (P = .0003 unadjusted; P = .0075 adjusted), and overall survival rates of 78% and 70% (P = .041 unadjusted) for the adjuvant and observation groups, respectively. Only patients with hormone receptor–positive tumors benefited from the adjuvant treatment. In Vietnam, for women unselected for hormone receptor status, a cost-effectiveness analysis suggests that this intervention costs $350 per year of life saved. CONCLUSION: Vietnamese and Chinese women with hormone receptor–positive operable breast cancer benefit from adjuvant treatment with surgical oophorectomy and tamoxifen.
Polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule expression by neurons and astrolial molecule in the rat dentate gyrus declines dramatically with increasing age
Authors: Fox G.B. , Kennedy N. , Regan C.M. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThe expression of polysialylated neurons in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampal formation of young (postnatal day 40), mature (postnatal day 80) and aged (postnatal day 540) male Wistar rats has been investigated by immunohistochemical techniques employing a monoclonal antibody specific for neural cell adhesion molecule‐linked α2,8 polysialic acid. A strong immunoreactivity was found on the cell bodies, dendrites and axons of granule‐like neuronal cells at the border between the hilar region and the granule cell layer of the young rat. In the mature animal the number of immunoreactive neurons declined dramatically and were virtually absent in the aged group. Using an alternative fixation procedure, glial fibrillary acidic protein‐positive and polysialylated astroglia processes were found in close proximity to the dendrites of the polysialylated granule‐like cells. The number of astroglial processes traversing the granule cell layer showed a similar age‐dependent decline to that observed with the polysialylated neurons. Glial fibrillary acidic protein‐positive and polysialylated stellate astroglia were present throughout the hippocampal formation, but did not show the marked age‐dependent decline observed with the astroglial processes in the granule cell layer.The neuronal dendrites and astroglial processes exhibited a strict numerical ratio in the young and mature animal and, in double immunofluorescence studies with anti‐polysialic acid and anti‐glial fibrillary acidic protein, the astroglial processes exhibited apparent points of cell and/or dendritic contact. These findings suggest that loss of polysialylated astroglial processes precedes the decline in polysialylated dentate neurons.
Atypical antipsychotic drugs in dysthymia: placebo controlled studies of amisulpride versus imipramine, versus amineptine
Authors: Boyer P , Lecrubier Y 
Published: July 2002

SummaryIn order to assess the therapeutic efficacy of amisulpride in dysthymic disorder, two randomised double-blind trials were conducted in France. Both studies included outpatients meeting DSM-III-R criteria for primary dysthymia. Cases of double depressed patients with a mild or moderate major depressive episode superimposed to dysthymia were also eligible. The first study of a three-month duration compared amineptine (200 mg/day) to amisulpride (50 mg/day) and placebo. The second study of a six-month duration compared the therapeutic effects of imipramine (100 mg/day) to amisulpride (50 mg/day) and placebo. Results of the intention to treat analysis and of the end-point analysis were compelling and very similar: significant differences were demonstrated for all primary criteria between amisulpride and placebo and between imipramine and placebo but not between amisulpride and imipramine. For both primary criteria and the responder rate (CGI), statistically significant differences were evidenced between amisulpride and placebo and amineptine and placebo. The same differences were evidenced for SANS subscores. Beneficial effects of low doses of amisulpride in chronic depressive condition can therefore be discussed.
Pregnancy during adolescence: Wanted vs. unwanted
Authors: Pinto e Silva J.L. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractPregnancy among adolescents is an important problem in most developing countries. The phenomenon in Brazil seems numerically stable for the age group from 15 to 19 years old, with a trend of increase in the first segment of adolescence, below 15. The majority of pregnancies are unwanted, with medical, psychological and mainly social repercussions. The disadvantages are clearer for multipara adolescents. The main immediate consequences of an unwanted pregnancy are: induced abortion, lack of prenatal care, personal and family disruption, adoption and abandonment. Some intervention policies are suggested for the reduction of this phenomenon through programs of sexual education, services for special care of adolescents, access to orientation and contraceptive methods, and support for the pregnancies to be carried on until term.
Pushing the frontiers of science — the Population Council's Microbicide Basic Science Network on vaginal microbicide research
Authors: Johansson E.D.B. , Maguire R.A. , Phillips D.M. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractMicrobicides are the new frontier of products for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Twelve years ago, scientists realized that existing spermicides had some anti‐microbial activity and perhaps could be improved or reformulated with new compounds to provide a complete barrier against STIs. However, the development and successful marketing of an effective, non‐toxic, convenient and affordable vaginal microbicide that women can use on a long‐term basis hinges on a close collaboration between research institutions and the pharmaceutical industry. The Population Council has recently taken the first step in instituting a multifaceted strategy for the development of a microbicide by establishing the Microbicide Basic Science Network, comprising of scientists with diverse backgrounds and expertize.
Developmental pattern of plasminogen activator activity in chick optic lobe
Authors: Pereyra‐Alfonso S. , Scicolone G. , Ferrán J.L. , Saavedra J.Pecci , Flores V. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractPlasminogen activators are serine proteases which play a key role in morphogenesis and tissue remodelling. Two different molecular types, tissue‐type and urokinase‐type, were identified and they were postulated to play a role in neural development. The developing chick optic lobe plays a central role in processing visual information. In previous studies we demonstrated the occurrence of high levels of plasminogen activator activity in this model. The aim of the present paper is to study the temporal pattern of expression of this activity and characterize the type of plasminogen activator expressed in the developing optic lobe.Using soluble fractions derived by ultracentrifugation from Triton X‐100‐treated membrane fractions we measured the protease activity with a radial fibrinolytic assay. Employing different inhibitors of fibrinolytic activity and a zymographic assay, we showed that the developing optic lobe expresses only one type of plasminogen activator which corresponds to an urokinase‐type of 70 kDa. Our results indicate that peaks of protease activity temporally correlate with massive neuronal migration, neurite outgrowth and synapse formation and maturation. This suggests that a plasminogen activator could play a role in these developmental events. This consistent pattern of variability strongly suggests that it is developmentally regulated and, if so, it could be a reliable parameter to study neural plastic changes induced by modifications in the environmental stimulation.
11C‐PK11195 PET–based molecular study of microglia activation in SOD1 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Tondo Giacomo , Iaccarino Leonardo , Cerami Chiara , Vanoli Giovanna Emilia , Presotto Luca , Masiello Valeria , Coliva Angela , Salvi Fabrizio , Bartolomei Ilaria , Mosca Lorena , Lunetta Christian , Perani Daniela 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveNeuroinflammation is considered a key driver for neurodegeneration in several neurological diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). SOD1 mutations cause about 20% of familial ALS, and related pathology might generate microglial activation triggering neurodegeneration. 11C‐PK11195 is the prototypical and most validated PET radiotracer, targeting the 18‐kDa translocator protein which is overexpressed in activated microglia. In this study, we investigated microglia activation in asymptomatic (ASYM) and symptomatic (SYM) SOD1 mutated carriers, by using 11C‐PK11195 and PET imaging.MethodsWe included 20 subjects: 4 ASYM‐carriers, neurologically normal, 6 SYM‐carriers with probable ALS, and 10 healthy controls. A receptor parametric mapping procedure estimated 11C‐PK11195 binding potentials and voxel‐wise statistical comparisons were performed at group and single‐subject levels.ResultsBoth the SYM‐ and ASYM‐carriers showed significant microglia activation in cortical and subcortical structures, with variable patterns at individual level. Clusters of activation were present in occipital and temporal regions, cerebellum, thalamus, and medulla oblongata. Notably, SYM‐carriers showed microglia activation also in supplementary and primary motor cortices and in the somatosensory regions.InterpretationIn vivo neuroinflammation occurred in all SOD1 mutated cases since the presymptomatic stages, as shown by a significant cortical and subcortical microglia activation. The involvement of sensorimotor cortex became evident at the symptomatic disease stage. Although our data indicate the role of in vivo PET imaging for assessing resident microglia in the investigation of SOD1‐ALS pathophysiology, further studies are needed to clarify the temporal and spatial dynamics of microglia activation and its relationship with neurodegeneration.
Suspension polymerization of 2‐pyrrolidone in the presence of CO2 and organic promoters
Authors: Chen Tao , Wang Chengcheng , Zhao Liming , Wang Lejun , Qiu Yongjun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPolybutyrolactam (PBL), known as polyamide 4 with high performance, was synthesized using CO2 by combining organic promoters in suspension to overcome the limitations of traditional bulk polymerization and improve the thermal stability. Upon increasing the amount of paraffin oil or sodium dodecyl sulfate, which proved to be the most suitable medium and dispersant, or increasing the concentration of alkaline catalyst and CO2, or the rate of stirring, the inherent viscosity increased first and then decreased, while the yield did not follow the same trend. Adding 18‐crown‐6 ether greatly increased the yield but decreased the inherent viscosity, contrary to the trend that was reported for bulk polymerization. The yield and inherent viscosity both increased with increasing concentration of tetramethyl ammonium chloride. PBL particles were loosely structured and presented improved thermal stability compared with any other report on suspension polymerization. This study provides a promising method to produce PBL with high performance on a large scale.
Naso‐pharyngeal discharge: The first symptom of COVID‐19 infection: Report two cases from Iran
Authors: Taghizadeh Fatemeh , Taghizadeh Hassan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractNaso‐pharyngeal discharge as the first symptom of COVID‐19 infection is presented in two cases. Actually, based on the presented cases here we concluded that the early clinical symptoms of COVID‐19 may be mimicked the common cold features. Appropriate diagnosis and isolation of the patients help reduce further transmission.
Cutaneous leiomyosarcoma mimicking arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Litaiem Noureddine , Tabka Mariam , Nefiss Mouadh , Slouma Maroua , Ben Slama Sana , Zeglaoui Faten 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThere is a clinical overlap between hypervascularized sarcomas and arteriovenous malformations (AVM). MRI imaging should be interpreted with caution keeping in mind that some cancers could mimic AVM. A biopsy is mandatory in doubtful cases.
Targeting Endocannabinoid Metabolism: an Arrow with Multiple Tips Against Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Maramai Samuele , Brindisi Margherita 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune‐mediated disease of the central nervous system. At present, there is no definitive cure, and the few available disease‐modifying options display either poor efficacy or life‐threatening side effects. There is clear evidence that relapsing‐remitting clinical attacks in MS are driven by inflammatory demyelination and that the subsequent disease steps, being irresponsive to immunotherapy, result from neurodegeneration. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) stands halfway between three key pathomechanisms underlying MS, namely inflammation, neurodegeneration and oxidative stress, thus representing a kingpin for the identification of novel therapeutic targets in MS. This review summarizes the current state of the art in the field of endocannabinoid metabolism modulators and their in vivo effects on relevant animal models. We also highlight key molecular underpinnings of their therapeutic efficacy as well as the potential to turn them into promising clinical candidates.
Improved CE(SDS)‐CZE‐MS method utilizing an 8‐port nanoliter valve
Authors: Römer Jennifer , Kiessig Steffen , Moritz Bernd , Neusüß Christian 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCapillary sieving electrophoresis utilizing SDS (CE(SDS)) is one of the most applied methods for the analysis of antibody (mAb) size heterogeneity in the biopharmaceutical industry. Inadequate peak identification of observed protein fragments is still a major issue. In a recent publication, we introduced an electrophoretic 2D system, enabling online mass spectrometric detection of generic CE(SDS) separated peaks and identification of several mAb fragments. However, an improvement regarding system stability and handling of the approach was desired. Here, we introduce a novel 8‐port valve in conjunction with an optimized decomplexation strategy. The valve contains four sample loops with increased distances between the separation dimensions. Thus, successively coinjection of solvent and cationic surfactant without any additional detector in the second dimension is enabled, simplifying the decomplexation strategy. Removal efficiency was optimized by testing different volumes of solvents as presample and cationic surfactant as postsample zone. 2D measurements of the light and heavy chain of the reduced NIST mAb with the 8‐port valve and the optimized decomplexation strategy demonstrates the increased robustness of the system. The presented novel set‐up is a step toward routine application of CE(SDS)‐CZE‐MS for impurity characterization of proteins in the biopharmaceutical field.
Cosmetic outcomes following transoral versus transcervical thyroidectomy
Authors: Chen Lena W. , Razavi Christopher R. , Hong Hanna , Fondong Akeweh , Ranganath Rohit , Khatri Surya , Mydlarz Wojciech K. , Mathur Aarti , Ishii Masaru , Nellis Jason , Shaear Mohammad , Tufano Ralph P. , Russell Jonathon O. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundCentral neck scars following thyroidectomy can negatively impact patient quality of life. Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy can reduce postoperative cosmetic burden.MethodsProspective cohort study of patients seen between June 2018 and January 2019. Scar cosmesis was determined using the validated Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating (SCAR) scale and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) measuring color, contour, and irregularity.ResultsEighty‐one patients (80% female, mean age 43.7 years) were analyzed, with 60% and 40% receiving transcervical and transoral thyroidectomy. Median time from surgery was 3.4 (range: 1‐37.1) weeks. Mean SCAR score was greater for transcervical recipients (4.69 vs transoral 0.99, P < .001), indicating worse cosmesis. Mean surgeon‐rated total VAS score was similarly increased for transcervical recipients (72.84 vs transoral 16.73, P < .001). Interrater reliability for both SCAR and total VAS scores was excellent (intraclass correlation 0.93; 95% CI: 0.90‐0.95 for both).ConclusionTransoral thyroidectomy provides significantly enhanced early cosmesis over the transcervical approach.
Financial development and health expenditure nexus: A global perspective
Authors: Rana Rezwanul Hasan , Alam Khorshed , Gow Jeff 
Published: August 2020

AbstractEmpirical studies have established that financial development is an essential element of economic growth. It has also been established that rising national income has a positive impact on healthcare expenditure. Therefore, an empirical question is whether financial development increases healthcare expenditure for countries at all income levels. This paper examines the relationship between the level of financial development and healthcare expenditure from a global perspective for countries at different income levels for the period of 1995–2014. Common correlated effects mean group approach was employed to account for unobserved heterogeneity and cross‐section dependence in the large panel dataset of 159 countries. Additionally, mean group and fixed‐effects estimation approaches were used to measure the robustness of the relationship. The association was tested at different levels by sub‐grouping countries based on their income. The results indicate that the relationship between financial development and health expenditure is positive and significant. However, the results fluctuate considerably across income levels. The association becomes trivial when income levels rise, with low‐income countries showing stronger correlations. Rising incomes and public health expenditure, foster increasing expenditure on health more in countries with a lower level of corruption. Lastly, the statistical outcomes observed are subject to the choice of estimation techniques. Development in the financial sector influences per capita health expenditure positively, however, the association is more prominent for lower‐income countries. Policies are proposed to direct the gains from financial development towards healthcare to maximize society's welfare.
Process, outcome, and impact evaluation of the ohio state university DentPath postbaccalaurate program
Authors: Bean Canise Y. , Partido Brian B. , Kestner Sue , Hamamoto Darryl T. , Lloyd Patrick M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDespite the progress in increasing racial and ethnic diversity in dental school programs in the United States, minority dental students still remain underrepresented when compared with the total population. As a result, dental education programs have been attempting to increase the number of students from underrepresented and underserved communities in their programs.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to conduct process, outcome, and impact evaluations of the Ohio State University (OSU) College of Dentistry's (CoDs) DentPath Program.MethodsUpon Institutional Review Board approval, this study utilized a computer‐assisted telephone interview research design of graduates from the OSU CoD DentPath Program. Forty closed and open‐ended questions were asked during the structured interview. Descriptive and thematic analyses were used to analyze the data.ResultsThe data from 25 eligible graduates were analyzed, which represented a 100% response rate. Process evaluation revealed 100% (n = 25) of the participants expressed satisfaction with their DentPath experiences and recommendations for improvement were provided. Outcome evaluation revealed the participants treated patients using Medicaid (range: 20%–90%, n = 5) or a sliding scale (range: 5%–85%, n = 3) for payment and 36% (n = 9) of the participants regularly treated underserved populations outside of their regular practice settings. Impact evaluation revealed 68% (n = 17) participants reported the DentPath Program had no impact on their practice location.ConclusionsFuture research is needed to determine methods to promote the transition of DentPath students through dental school and into underserved communities.