bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of saliva collection and processing methods on CRP, IgE, and Myoglobin immunoassays
Authors: Mohamed Roslinda , Campbell Jennifer‐Leigh , Cooper‐White Justin , Dimeski Goce , Punyadeera Chamindie 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundOwing to its ease of collection, saliva is potentially the sample of choice in diagnosis. Salivary biomolecules have provided a porthole in surveying a person's health and well‐being. Our study aims were (1) to demonstrate the effects of pre‐analytical steps, collection and pre‐processing techniques on salivary protein detection and (2) to establish an indication of salivary reference intervals for 3 biomolecules of clinical interest.MethodsSaliva samples were collected from participants (n = 25, ages 20–35 years) using the following methods: no stimulation (resting/unstimulated), mechanical, and acid stimulation. The saliva was prepared for analysis by: unprocessed, post standard centrifugation in a container without any additives, and centrifugation using Centrifugal Filter Unit (Amicon® Ultra‐0.5). AlphaLisa® assays were used to measure the levels of C‐Reactive Protein (CRP), Immunoglobin (IgE) and myoglobin in saliva samples.ResultsSaliva flow rates were lowest with the resting/drooling collection method. The lowest total protein concentration was with acid stimulation. Unstimulated and mechanically stimulated collections produced no effect on the CRP and IgE levels while myoglobin levels were highest with the unstimulated collection. Acid stimulation had a negative impact on the measured concentrations of IgE and myoglobin (except for CRP levels).ConclusionMechanical stimulation was the most viable option for collecting saliva without affecting the levels of CRP and myoglobin. The processing methods had an adverse effect on the concentration of total protein as well as on CRP and IgE concentrations.
The GENCODE pseudogene resource
Authors: Pei Baikang , Sisu Cristina , Frankish Adam , Howald Cédric , Habegger Lukas , Mu Xinmeng Jasmine , Harte Rachel , Balasubramanian Suganthi , Tanzer Andrea , Diekhans Mark , Reymond Alexandre , Hubbard Tim J , Harrow Jennifer , Gerstein Mark B 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Background
Pseudogenes have long been considered as nonfunctional genomic sequences. However, recent evidence suggests that many of them might have some form of biological activity, and the possibility of functionality has increased interest in their accurate annotation and integration with functional genomics data.

Results
As part of the GENCODE annotation of the human genome, we present the first genome-wide pseudogene assignment for protein-coding genes, based on both large-scale manual annotation and in silico pipelines. A key aspect of this coupled approach is that it allows us to identify pseudogenes in an unbiased fashion as well as untangle complex events through manual evaluation. We integrate the pseudogene annotations with the extensive ENCODE functional genomics information. In particular, we determine the expression level, transcription-factor and RNA polymerase II binding, and chromatin marks associated with each pseudogene. Based on their distribution, we develop simple statistical models for each type of activity, which we validate with large-scale RT-PCR-Seq experiments. Finally, we compare our pseudogenes with conservation and variation data from primate alignments and the 1000 Genomes project, producing lists of pseudogenes potentially under selection.

Conclusions
At one extreme, some pseudogenes possess conventional characteristics of functionality; these may represent genes that have recently died. On the other hand, we find interesting patterns of partial activity, which may suggest that dead genes are being resurrected as functioning non-coding RNAs. The activity data of each pseudogene are stored in an associated resource, psiDR, which will be useful for the initial identification of potentially functional pseudogenes.
Bosutinib Versus Imatinib in Newly Diagnosed Chronic-Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Results From the BELA Trial
Authors: Cortes Jorge E. , Kim Dong-Wook , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Brümmendorf Tim H. , Dyagil Irina , Griskevicius Laimonas , Malhotra Hemant , Powell Christine , Gogat Karïn , Countouriotis Athena M. , Gambacorti-Passerini Carlo 
Published: September 2012

Purpose Bosutinib is an oral Src/Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The phase III Bosutinib Efficacy and Safety in Newly Diagnosed Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (BELA) trial compared bosutinib with imatinib in newly diagnosed, chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Patients and Methods A total of 502 patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to bosutinib 500 mg per day or imatinib 400 mg per day. Results The complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) rate at 12 months was not different for bosutinib (70%; 95% CI, 64% to 76%) versus imatinib (68%; 95% CI, 62% to 74%; two-sided P = .601); therefore, the study did not achieve its primary end point. The major molecular response (MMR) rate at 12 months was higher with bosutinib (41%; 95% CI, 35% to 47%) compared with imatinib (27%; 95% CI, 22% to 33%; two-sided P < .001). Time to CCyR and MMR was faster with bosutinib compared with imatinib (two-sided P < .001 for both). On-treatment transformation to accelerated/blast phase occurred in four patients (2%) on bosutinib compared with 10 patients (4%) on imatinib. A total of three CML-related deaths occurred on the bosutinib arm compared with eight on the imatinib arm. The safety profiles of bosutinib and imatinib were distinct; GI and liver-related events were more frequent with bosutinib, whereas neutropenia, musculoskeletal disorders, and edema were more frequent with imatinib. Conclusion This ongoing trial did not meet its primary end point of CCyR at 12 months, despite the observed higher MMR rate at 12 months, faster times to CCyR and MMR, fewer on-treatment transformations to accelerated/blast phase, and fewer CML-related deaths with bosutinib compared with imatinib. Each drug had a distinct safety profile.
Randomized, Phase III Study of Gemcitabine or Erlotinib Maintenance Therapy Versus Observation, With Predefined Second-Line Treatment, After Cisplatin-Gemcitabine Induction Chemotherapy in Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Pérol Maurice , Chouaid Christos , Pérol David , Barlési Fabrice , Gervais Radj , Westeel Virginie , Crequit Jacky , Léna Hervé , Vergnenègre Alain , Zalcman Gérard , Monnet Isabelle , Le Caer Hervé , Fournel Pierre , Falchero Lionel , Poudenx Michel , Vaylet Fabien , Ségura-Ferlay Céline , Devouassoux-Shisheboran Mojgan , Taron Miquel , Milleron Bernard 
Published: September 2012

Purpose This phase III study investigated whether continuation maintenance with gemcitabine or switch maintenance with erlotinib improves clinical outcome compared with observation in patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose disease was controlled after cisplatin-gemcitabine induction chemotherapy. Patients and Methods Four hundred sixty-four patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC without tumor progression after four cycles of cisplatin-gemcitabine were randomly assigned to observation or to gemcitabine (1,250 mg/m2 days 1 and 8 of a 3-week cycle) or daily erlotinib (150 mg/day) study arms. On disease progression, patients in all three arms received pemetrexed (500 mg/m2 once every 21 days) as predefined second-line therapy. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Results PFS was significantly prolonged by gemcitabine (median, 3.8 v 1.9 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.56; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.72; log-rank P < .001) and erlotinib (median, 2.9 v 1.9 months; HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.88; log-rank P = .003) versus observation; this benefit was consistent across all clinical subgroups. Both maintenance strategies resulted in a nonsignificant improvement in overall survival (OS); patients who received second-line pemetrexed or with a performance status of 0 appeared to derive greater benefit. Exploratory analysis showed that magnitude of response to induction chemotherapy may affect the OS benefit as a result of gemcitabine maintenance. Maintenance gemcitabine and erlotinib were well tolerated with no unexpected adverse events. Conclusion Gemcitabine continuation maintenance or erlotinib switch maintenance significantly reduces disease progression in patients with advanced NSCLC treated with cisplatin-gemcitabine as first-line chemotherapy. Response to induction chemotherapy may affect OS only for continuation maintenance.
Unusual mediastinal cystic lesions with air fluid level
Authors: Chacko Binita Riya , Irodi Aparna , Jesudason Thomas , Devasahayam Jesudas , Isaac Barney 
Published: August 2012

Summary An air-fluid level within an enlarged mediastinal lymph node is unusual. We describe three patients who had mediastinal lymphadenopathy containing air-fluid levels. The differential diagnosis and approach are discussed.
Effect of Computerized Provider Order Entry on Rate of Medication Errors in a Community Hospital Setting
Authors: Joy Alexis , Davis Jennifer , Cardona Jason 
Published: August 2012

Purpose Computerized provider order entry (CPOE) has been shown to reduce medication error rates by as much as 55%. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of CPOE on the rate of medication errors at a not-for-profit community hospital. Methods A prospective, observational study was conducted utilizing a pharmacist-driven concurrent data collection tool to evaluate all medication errors intercepted by each pharmacist. The survey was conducted for 3 separate 1-week periods: once prior to CPOE implementation and twice post CPOE implementation. The primary outcome was the rate of medication errors reported via the pharmacist concurrent data collection tool pre and post CPOE. The secondary outcomes included the errors reported through a hospitalwide, self-reported adverse medication event system, the types of errors, and error severity. Results A statistically significant 41% reduction ( P < .01) in the rate of errors 3 months following CPOE implementation was observed. The secondary outcome of self-reported medication errors per adjusted patient day decreased significantly with a 25% reduction ( P < .05). The type of errors reported by the pharmacists changed notably pre and post CPOE implementation; however the severity of the reported errors did not change. Conclusion CPOE decreased the rate of medication errors at our community hospital 3 months post CPOE implementation. Errors were increased at 1 month post CPOE implementation, but not significantly. The types of errors changed post CPOE implementation, but distribution of error severity was unchanged.
An Analysis of Potentially Prolactin-Related Adverse Events and Abnormal Prolactin Values in Randomized Clinical Trials with Paliperidone Palmitate
Authors: Einarson Thomas R , Hemels Michiel EH , Nuamah Isaac , Gopal Srihari , Coppola Danielle , Hough David 
Published: September 2012

Background: Paliperidone palmitate has been associated with serum prolactin elevations in some patients. However, few individuals with elevated prolactin levels (hyperprolactinomia) have symptomatic potentially prolactin-related adverse events (PPR-AEs). Objective: To quantify rates of hyperprolactinemia in subjects treated with the newly marketed paliperidone palmitate long-acting injection (PP-LAI) in randomized clinical trials, summarize rates of PPR-AEs in those trials by sex and dose, and determine how many PPR-AEs required treatment. Methods: Numbers and rates of investigator-reported hyperprolactinemia and PPR-AEs wore obtained from the sponsor's clinical trial database and have been included in regulatory filings. Results were tabulated for males, females, and overall, and by dose administered, using descriptive statistics. Those requiring treatment were described as well. Results: There were 3173 subjects (61.4% males) exposed to PP-LAI in 10 clinical trials; 2831 (89.2%) patients had recorded prolactin levels, including 1759 males (90, 3% of exposed males) and 1072 females (87.5% of exposed females). Overall, at any time, prolactin levels were elevated for 38.8% of the subjects (39.5% for males and 37.7% for females; p = 0.354 between sexes). However, them was no significant correlation between monthly dose and proportion of subjects with elevated prolactin levels (p = 0.109). There were 115 PPR-AEs in 107 patients (3.4%); 51 (44.3% of PPR-AEs) cases represented asymptomatic hyperprolactinemia. The remaining 64 symptomatic PPR-AEs affected 2.0% of the total number of subjects. Fifteen events in 13 participants (0.41% of patients or 4.7 events/1000 patients) required treatment. Conclusions: Clinicians should periodically assess patients on paliperidone palmitate for any PPR-AEs and carefully assess the benefits and risks when managing these effects.
Development of core technologies on EUV mask and resist for sub-20-nm half pitch generation
Authors: Inoue Soichi , Amano Tsuyoshi , Itani Toshiro , Watanabe Hidehiro , Mori Ichiro , Watanabe Takeo , Kinoshita Hiroo , Miyai Hiroki , Hatakeyama Masahiro 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
This paper reports on the current status for the key infrastructures of the extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) for sub-20-nm half pitch (hp) generation. More specifically, the inspection technologies for EUV mask and resist-related technologies will be dedicatedly discussed. First, the actinic blank inspector is strongly required especially for sub-20-nm hp generation. The basic configuration of the prototyping tool will be presented. Second, the basic configuration of the newly developing patterned mask inspector (PMI) consisting of the projection-type optics for the electron beam (EB) will be presented. The primary challenge for the EUV resist is the concurrent improvements of resolution, line width roughness, sensitivity, and outgas. The basic performance of the EUV resist and preliminary validation of the outgas qualification for sub-20-nm hp will be presented.
Beginning With ‘One More Thing’: Pragmatics and editorial intervention in the work of Raymond Carver
Authors: Clark, Billy 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
This paper considers Raymond Carver's writing and Gordon Lish's editorial interventions in that writing from the perspective of an approach to pragmatic stylistics which focuses in particular on inferential processes. Building on some fairly informal classroom work, it considers a small number of specific differences between two versions of the story ‘One More Thing’. It considers the contrasting nature of inferences which each version is likely to give rise to and argues that this approach helps us to understand the nature of the changes. In particular, it helps to understand the nature of Lish's interventions and to develop a more sophisticated understanding of the extent to which this might be described in terms of a contrast between a more ‘minimalist’ and a more ‘expansive’ style.
Charging and Aggregation of Positively Charged Colloidal Latex Particles in Presence of Multivalent Polycarboxylate Anions
Authors: Sadeghpour Amin , Szilágyi István , Borkovec Michal 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Colloidal stability and charging behavior of amidine latex particles in the presence of multivalent oligomers of acrylic acid was investigated by electrophoresis and light scattering. The data were interpreted quantitatively with the theory of Derjaguin, Landau, Verwey and Overbeek (DLVO) whereby the surface potentials were estimated from electrophoresis. Monomer leads to slow aggregation at low concentrations and to rapid aggregation at high concentrations, as characteristic for simple salts. The oligomers induce a charge reversal of the particles. Close to the isoelectric point (IEP) aggregation is rapid while the suspension becomes stable away from this point. At high oligomer concentrations, the aggregation becomes rapid again. The agreement between DLVO theory and experiment is good close to the IEP. At higher oligomer concentrations, the theory predicts larger stabilities than observed experimentally. While inter-particle forces seem to be well described by DLVO theory near the IEP, additional attractive non-DLVO forces are becoming relevant at higher concentrations.
Non NIPAM Based Smart Microgels: Systematic Variation of the Volume Phase Transition Temperature by Copolymerization
Authors: Wedel Bastian , Zeiser Michael , Hellweg Thomas 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Thermoresponsive copolymer microgels based on N-n-propylacrylamide (NNPAM) and N-isopropylmethacrylamide (NIPMAM) with varying compositions were synthesized via precipitation polymerization. Photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) and turbidity measurements were used to investigate their volume phase transition. A linear correlation between the nominal composition and the volume phase transition temperature (VPTT) was observed. Furthermore, the hydrodynamic radii of the particles exhibit a linear dependency on the nominal composition. The presented system is suitable for the synthesis of thermoresponsive microgels with a well defined VPTT or size and gives access to tune these two crucial parameters in a systematic and controlled way by simply choosing the right composition of the monomer feed. Additionally, the first derivatives of the swelling curves obtained from turbidity measurements were analyzed in detail, allowing a quantitative comparison of the phase transition of different microgels.
Impaired quality of life in patients in long-term remission of Cushing's syndrome of both adrenal and pituitary origin: a remaining effect of long-standing hypercortisolism?
Authors: Wagenmakers M A E M , Netea-Maier R T , Prins J B , Dekkers T , den Heijer M , Hermus A R M M 
Published: August 2012

ObjectiveThe determinants that cause impaired quality of life (QOL) in patients in long-term remission of Cushing's syndrome (CS) are unknown. The aim of this study was to get more insight into the patient and disease characteristics related to impaired QOL in these patients.DesignCross-sectional study.MethodsThe QOL of 123 patients in remission of CS (age 52.2±12.0 years, 106 women, duration of remission 13.3±10.4 years, 80% pituitary CS), assessed with seven validated questionnaires, was compared with the QOL of an age- and sex-matched control group (n=105). To investigate the influence of the aetiology of CS on QOL, patients in remission of pituitary and adrenal CS were compared. Furthermore, the influence of hormonal deficiencies, treatment strategy, duration of remission, gender and age on QOL was investigated.ResultsQOL in the total patient group and each patient subgroup was significantly worse on practically all dimensions of questionnaires compared with the control group (P<0.05), except for patients in remission of pituitary CS without hormonal deficiencies who had an impaired QOL on 50% of the QOL dimensions. Subgroup analysis revealed no difference in QOL between different patient groups, especially no difference between patients in remission of adrenal and pituitary CS. Female gender and a shorter duration of remission had a negative influence on QOL in the patient group.ConclusionsQOL remains impaired in patients in long-term remission of CS regardless of aetiology, presence of hormonal deficiencies and treatment strategies. More research is needed to establish the causes.
Complications After Implant Site Ridge Preservation and Delayed Implant Placement: A Case Report
Authors: Deporter Douglas A. 
Published: September 2012

Introduction: The patient required removal of teeth #2 and #3 as a result of advanced bone loss and an endodontic–periodontic lesion at tooth #3.Case Presentation: The patient began taking metronidazole, 250 mg every 8 hours, 24 hours before surgery. Both teeth were extracted, and, after thorough debridement using curets and saline irrigation, their sockets were packed with bovine porous bone mineral covered by a dense polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) barrier secured with sutures. The barrier was removed at 1 month. After 6 months healing, two dental implants were placed using submerged technique. Four months later, the implants were uncovered and restored with cement‐retained crowns. The patient was contacted 1 year after restoration for reevaluation, at which time both implants showed bone loss. At site #2, a large subgingival cement deposit was seen in radiographs. At tooth #3, bone loss mirrored the original endodontic–periodontic lesion, suggesting that it had not been eradicated. Amoxicillin, 500 mg every 8 hours, was prescribed beginning 24 hours before surgery. The cement on implant #2 was removed, and the associated defect was debrided. Implant #3 was explanted, and its socket was debrided and regrafted using bovine porous bone mineral covered with calcium sulfate paste and then a dense PTFE barrier. The barrier was removed at 1 month, and the sites were allowed to heal for 7 months before replacing implant #3. The replacement crown for implant #3 was screw retained, and both implants appeared healthy 1 year later.Conclusion: Extraction site preservation grafting with xenograft and a barrier is an accepted treatment option but may on occasion result in complications, including failure of dental implants.
L-Carnitine Treatment in Incident Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Mercadal Lucile , Coudert Mathieu , Vassault Anne , Pieroni Laurence , Debure Alain , Ouziala Messaoud , Depreneuf Hélène , Fumeron Christine , Servais Aude , Bassilios Nader , Bécart Jacques , Assogba Ubald , Allouache Mahmoud , Bouali Boussad , Luong Nhan , Dousseaux Marie Paul , Tezenas-du Montcel Sophie , Deray Gilbert 
Published: August 2012

Summary

Background
L-carnitine levels decrease rapidly and steadily with duration of hemodialysis, and carnitine depletion can impair response to recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO). The study hypothesis was that L-carnitine supplementation during the first year of hemodialysis would improve this response.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
From October 2006 through March 2010, this multicenter, randomized, double-blinded study assigned 92 incident hemodialysis patients to receive placebo or 1 g of intravenous L-carnitine after each dialysis session for 1 year. The primary outcome measure compared the groups for rHuEPO resistance index (EPO-RI), defined as weekly rHuEPO doses (IU/kg body weight divided by hemoglobin level) (g/dl).

Results
In the L-carnitine group, carnitine concentration increased from a mean ± SD of 79±51 µmol/L to 258±137 µmol/L; in the placebo group, it declined from 68±25 µmol/L to 53±24 µmol/L (interaction group × time, P<0.001). Carnitine deficiency affected about 30% of the patients in the placebo group during the study period. EPO-RI varied from 15.8±11.3 to 9.5±5.8 IU/kg per g/dl in the placebo group and from 20.6±12.8 to 15.6±15.9 IU/kg per g/dl in the L-carnitine group, for a mean variation of −3.94±12.5 IU/kg per g/dl and −2.98±15.5 IU/kg per g/dl, respectively (P=0.7). After adjustment for baseline characteristics, the EPO-RI course was similar in each group (difference between groups, P=0.10; interaction group × time, P=0.9).

Conclusions
Carnitine levels decrease by about 11%±33% during the first year of hemodialysis. Treatment of incident hemodialysis patients with L-carnitine does not improve their response to rHuEPO.