bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laboratory assessment of the status of Her-2/neu protein and oncogene in breast cancer specimens: comparison of immunohistochemistry assay with fluorescence in situ hybridisation assays
Authors: Wang S , Saboorian M H , Frenkel E , Hynan L , Gokaslan S T , Ashfaq R 
Published: July 2002

Aim—To evaluate the clinical usefulness of three commercially available assays for Her-2/neu oncogene and protein measurements. The Her-2/neu protein is overexpressed, mostly as a result of gene amplification, in 20–30% of human breast cancers, and has been shown to have prognostic and predictive value for treatment with chemotherapy or the new monoclonal antibody, Herceptin.Methods—An immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay using the Dako polyclonal antibody A0485, which measures the Her-2/neu protein, was compared with two new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) assays—INFORM™ and PathVysion™, in a cohort of 52 formalin fixed, paraffin wax embedded breast tissues. These tissues were selected randomly from 84 consecutive infiltrating breast cancer specimens, which were first stratified according to the Her-2/neu protein levels as measured by IHC.Results—The two FISH assays achieved a 98% concordance rate: 14 specimens (27%) showed Her-2/neu gene amplification and 37 specimens (71%) showed no Her-2/neu gene amplification. The PathVysion assay had certain advantages over the INFORM assay. In contrast, the IHC assay detected Her-2/neu overexpression in a high percentage of cases, including 13 high positive specimens (25%) and 13 medium positive specimens (25%). Although 10 of these 13 IHC high positive specimens showed gene amplification by FISH, nine of 13 IHC medium positive specimens showed no gene amplification. Statistical analyses showed that the differences between IHC and FISH assays were primarily in the specimens with medium positive IHC, but negative FISH results.Conclusions—Because of the increasing importance of the Her-2/neu oncogene and oncoprotein in the clinical management of patients with breast cancer, the accurate and consistent evaluation of Her-2/neu status is crucial. This study suggests that the best approach is to combine both IHC and FISH assays; that is, to use the IHC assay as a triage step, followed by the PathVysion FISH assay to analyse the IHC medium and high positive cases.
A protocol for consultation of another physician in cases of euthanasia and assisted suicide
Authors: Onwuteaka-Philipsen Bregje D , van der Wal Gerrit 
Published: July 2002

Objective—Consultation of another physician is an important method of review of the practice of euthanasia. For the project “support and consultation in euthanasia in Amsterdam” which is aimed at professionalising consultation, a protocol for consultation was developed to support the general practitioners who were going to work as consultants and to ensure uniformity.Participants—Ten experts (including general practitioners who were experienced in euthanasia and consultation, a psychiatrist, a social geriatrician, a professor in health law and a public prosecutor) and the general practitioners who were going to use the protocol.Evidence—There is limited literature on consultation: discursive articles and empirical studies describing the practice of euthanasia.Consensus—An initial draft on the basis of the literature was commented on by the experts and general practitioners in two rounds. Finally, the protocol was amended after it had been used during the training of consultants.Conclusions—The protocol differentiates between steps that are necessary in a consultation and steps that are recommended. Guidelines about four important aspects of consultation were given: independence, expertise, tasks and judgment of the consultant. In 97% of 109 consultations in which the protocol was used the consultant considered the protocol to be useful to a greater or lesser extent. Although this protocol was developed locally, it also employs universal principles. Therefore it can be of use in the development of consultation elsewhere.
Molecular genetic heterogeneity in autosomal dominant drusen
Authors: Tarttelin Emma E , Gregory-Evans Cheryl Y , Bird Alan C , Weleber Richard G , Klein Michael L , Blackburn James , Gregory-Evans Kevin 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVEAutosomal dominant drusen is of particular interest because of its phenotypic similarity to age related macular degeneration. Currently, mutation R345W ofEFEMP1 and, in a single pedigree, linkage to chromosome 6q14 have been causally related to the disease. We proposed to investigate and quantify the roles ofEFEMP1 and the 6q14 locus in dominant drusen patients from the UK and USA.DESIGNMolecular genetic analysis.PARTICIPANTSTen unrelated families and 17 young drusen patients.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURESExons 1 and 2 of EFEMP1 were characterised by 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends and direct sequencing. Exons 1-12 ofEFEMP1 were then investigated for mutation by direct sequencing. A HpaII restriction digest test was constructed to detect the EFEMP1R345W mutation. Marker loci spanning the two dominant drusen linked loci were used to generate haplotype data.RESULTSOnly seven of the 10 families (70%) and one of the 17 sporadic patients (6%) had the R345W mutation. The HpaII restriction digest test was found to be a reliable and quick method for detecting this. No other exonic or splice site mutation was identified. Of the three families without EFEMP1 mutation, two were linked to the 2p16 region.CONCLUSIONSEFEMP1R345W accounts for only a proportion of the dominant drusen phenotype. Importantly, other families linked to chromosome 2p16 raise the possibility of EFEMP1 promoter sequence mutation or a second dominant drusen gene at this locus. Preliminary haplotype data suggest that the disease gene at the 6q14 locus is responsible for only a minority of dominant drusen cases.
Neurobehavioural effects of occupational exposure to cadmium: a cross sectional epidemiological study
Authors: Viaene M K , Masschelein R , Leenders J , De Groof M , Swerts L J V C , Roels H A 
Published: July 2002

BACKGROUNDA patient with unexplained minor behavioural changes associated with an axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathy had a history of chronic occupational exposure to cadmium (Cd). Although animal studies have shown that Cd is a potent neurotoxicant, little is known about its toxicity for the human central nervous system. The aim of this study was to investigate the toxic potential of chronic occupational exposure to Cd on neurobehavioural functions.METHODSA cross sectional epidemiological study was conducted in a group of Cd workers and an age matched control group. Eighty nine adult men (42 exposed to Cd and 47 control workers) were given a blinded standardised examination that consisted of computer assisted neurobehavioural tests (neurobehavioural examination system), a validated questionnaire to assess neurotoxic complaints (neurotoxicity symptom checklist-60, NSC-60), and a standardised self administered questionnaire to detect complaints consistent with peripheral neuropathy and dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. Historical and current data on biomonitoring of exposure to Cd, either the highest value of Cd in urine (CdU in μg Cd/g creatinine) of each Cd worker during work (CdUmax) or the current value (CdUcurrent) of each control, were available as well as data on microproteinuria.RESULTSCd workers (CdUmax: mean (range), 12.6 (0.4–38.4)) performed worse than the controls (CdUcurrent: mean (range), 0.7 (0.1–2.0)) on visuomotor tasks, symbol digit substitution (p=0.008), and simple reaction time to direction (p=0.058) or location (p=0.042) of a stimulus. In multiple linear regression analysis, symbol digit substitution, simple direction reaction time test, and simple location reaction time test were significantly related to CdUmax, (β=0.35 ( p<0.001), β= 0.25 (p=0.012), and β=0.23 (p=0.021) respectively). More complaints consistent with peripheral neuropathy (p=0.004), complaints about equilibrium (p=0.015), and complaints about concentration ability (p=0.053) were found in the group exposed to Cd than in the control group, and these variables correlated positively with CdUmax(peripheral neuropathy: β=0.38, p<0.001; equilibrium: β=0.22, p=0.057; concentration ability: β=0.27, p=0.020).CONCLUSIONSlowing of visuomotor functioning on neurobehavioural testing and increase in complaints consistent with peripheral neuropathy, complaints about equilibrium, and complaints about concentration ability were dose dependently associated with CdU. Age, exposure to other neurotoxicants, or status of renal function could not explain these findings. The present study also indicates that an excess of complaints may be detected in Cd workers before signs of microproteinuria induced by Cd occur.
Dermal in vitro penetration of methiocarb, paclobutrazol, and pirimicarb
Authors: Nielsen Jesper B , Nielsen Flemming 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVESThe dominant route of occupational exposure to pesticides in horticulture is dermal. However, preventive measures are seldom used when handling plant cultures recently treated with pesticides, thus causing significant dermal exposure and potential absorption. Assessment of exposure often depends on biological monitoring of blood or urine samples. The skin often acts as a temporary reservoir for chemicals before absorption. Failure to consider the lag time between dermal exposure and appearance of pesticide or metabolites in the general circulation may lead to false conclusions about assessment of exposure.METHODSIn an experimental model in which in vitro static diffusion cells were mounted with human skin, dermal penetration of three extensively used pesticides (methiocarb, paclobutrazol, pirimicarb) was evaluated.RESULTSPirimicarb and paclobutrazol had comparable rates of dermal penetration and lag times of around 18 hours. Methiocarb had a considerably shorter lag time. Dermal penetration continued for extended periods after exposure had ended.CONCLUSIONSWith lag times sometimes considerably longer than a normal working day, biological monitoring at the end of exposure may seriously underestimate the actual exposure. There may be implications for regulatory guidelines, which often require only 24 hour observation periods.
Spontaneous necrosis of parathyroid adenoma: biochemical and imaging follow-up for two years
Authors: Chan W B , Chow C C , King A D , Yeung V T F , Li J K Y , So W Y , Cockram C S 
Published: July 2002

Summary
We report a patient with a biochemically and radiologically confirmed parathyroid adenoma, which underwent spontaneous resolution by necrosis. The patient was followed-up over the subsequent two years during which time the tumour and hypercalcaemia recurred. Sequential radiological and biochemical changes at the time of diagnosis, spontaneous necrosis and recurrence are documented fully.
Doctor or nurse? The patients' choice
Authors: Read A M , Mayberry J F 
Published: July 2002

Abstract
This project's aim was to assess patients perceived need for a specialist nurse in inflammatory bowel disease. A letter was sent to 64 patients with a summary of the potential role of a specialist nurse. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire of 10 scenarios on who would be their preferred provider on the range of issues. There were 35 (55%) replies. When comparing the results between the consultant and the specialist nurse patients preferred to see a specialist nurse significantly in four scenarios, and patients preferred to see the consultant significantly in two scenarios. The results indicate that patients feel specialist nurses would have more time to discuss issues and they do not want to bother the busy doctors with them. But they do want doctors to carry out the medical aspects of their care.
Heterogeneity of anti-PR3 associated disease in Hong Kong
Authors: Lee Shui-shan , Lawton John W M 
Published: July 2002

Abstract
Thirty seven patients tested positive for antibody against proteinase 3 (anti-PR3) using either one of the two in-house ELISA methods at the Immunology Laboratory, University of Hong Kong. All except three were Chinese. Systemic vasculitis was diagnosed in 13 patients. However, the positive predictive value of anti-PR3 for Wegener's granulomatosus was low (22%). The commonest presenting feature was respiratory (32%). Both respiratory and renal symptoms were commonly reported in anti-PR3 positive patients as in previous studies. In this largely Chinese population, there is marked variability in the spectrum of diseases associated with anti-PR3; though many had vasculitic diseases, some were diagnosed with other conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases and respiratory infection. In contrast with series in white people, antimyeloperoxidase rather than anti-PR3 associated disease is more prevalent in Chinese patients.
Influence of smoking on asthmatic symptoms and allergen sensitisation in early childhood
Authors: Tariq S M , Hakim E A , Matthews S M , Arshad S H 
Published: July 2002

Abstract

Background
Apart from heredity, several early life environmental factors are implicated in the development of childhood asthma. Maternal smoking is believed to increase asthmatic symptoms but its influence on the development of allergen sensitisation is debatable.

Study design
A whole population birth cohort was reviewed at ages 1, 2, and 4 years. Of 1218 children seen at 4 years, 981 (80.5%) were skin prick tested with a battery of common food and aeroallergens. Smoking history was recorded at birth and updated at each follow up and its impact on the development of asthma and allergen sensitisation in the children was assessed.

Results
Two hundred and fifty mothers smoked during pregnancy (20.5%) and 307 (25.2%) after childbirth. Maternal smoking in pregnancy was associated with low birth weight (mean (SD): 3.3 (0.5) v 3.5 (0.5) kg; p&lt;0.001). Smoking mothers were more often from lower social classes (31.8% v 16%, p&lt;0.001) and they breast fed their babies for a shorter duration (8.5 (11.4)v 16.6 (15.2) weeks; p&lt;0.001). The difference in breast feeding duration was partly due to a higher proportion of smoking mothers who never breast fed their babies. Although at age 2 years asthmatic symptoms were associated with exposure to maternal tobacco smoke (odds ratio 2.2, 95% confidence interval 1.5 to 3.4; p&lt;0.001), this association was lost by 4 years. However, maternal smoking was a significant risk factor in a subgroup of children with asthmatic symptoms but negative skin prick test. Maternal smoking did not increase allergen sensitisation at age 4 years. No effect of paternal smoking on asthma was observed in the children.
Prevention of venous thromboembolism in Wales: results of a survey among general surgeons
Authors: Williams E V , Williams R S , Hughes J L , Williams K L , Foster M E , Lewis M H 
Published: July 2002

Abstract

Objective
To examine the current attitudes towards the prevention of venous thromboembolism among a cohort of surgeons.

Design
A postal survey, comprising a questionnaire covering various aspects of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis was sent to all (n=84) consultant general surgeons in Wales.

Results
Replies were received from 57 surgeons (68%), all of whom routinely used prophylaxis, the most frequent modalities used being heparin (100%) and graded compression stockings (79%). A combination of physical and pharmacological methods was used by over 89% of surgeons, with 60% starting prophylaxis more than two hours before operation. All surgeons continued prophylaxis after surgery, 53% until patients were mobile, 45% until they were discharged, and one surgeon continued prophylaxis for seven days after discharge. The thrombosis risk factors considered most important by surgeons when deciding about prophylaxis were (i) a previous history of venous thromboembolism, (ii) hypercoagulability, and (iii) malignancy.

Conclusions
This study confirms that Welsh surgeons conform to standard methods, but also highlights some uncertainties that are present in current surgical practice. Those who responded all routinely used prophylaxis, the timing of which was variable. The main risk factors identified when considering prophylaxis were previous history of deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, hypercoagulability, and the presence of malignancy. Suggestions for future practice are made.
The Florida “truth” anti-tobacco media evaluation: design, first year results, and implications for planning future state media evaluations
Authors: Sly David F , Heald Gary R , Ray Sarah 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVESTo outline the design and present selected findings from the evaluation of a state counter-advertising, anti-tobacco media campaign. The appropriateness of the design for states developing media evaluations is discussed.DESIGNFour cross sectional, telephone surveys of the 12–17 year old population were used to track and monitor advertising and campaign awareness, confirmed awareness, and receptivity. The Florida baseline and one year surveys were used with two parallel national surveys in a quasi-experimental design to assess attitude and smoking related behaviour change attributable to the campaign.MEASURESAwareness was measured by self report, confirmed awareness by unaided description, and receptivity by self reports of how well advertisements were liked, talked to friends about, and made one think about whether or not to smoke. Eleven attitude and three smoking behaviour items for Florida (treatment) and a national (control) population were compared at baseline and after 12 months.RESULTSSignificant increases in ad specific awareness, confirmed, receptivity, and campaign awareness, and confirmed awareness were reached by the sixth week. They continued to rise through the first year. No attitude and only minor behaviour differences were noted between the treatment and comparison populations at baseline. By the end of the first year, Florida youth had stronger anti-tobacco attitudes and better behaviour patterns than the comparison population.CONCLUSIONSThe industry manipulation strategy used in the Florida campaign resulted in high rates of recall, significant changes in attitudes/beliefs, and reduced rates of smoking behaviour among youth.
DISORDER TO ORDER-LIKE TRANSITION IN La2CuO4.1 SUPERCONDUCTOR INDUCED BY HIGH INTENSITY X-RAYS
Authors: DI CASTRO D. , CAMPI G. , BIANCONI G. 
Published: July 2002

We have studied effect of X-ray illumination on charge ordering superstructures in oxygen doped La 2 CuO 4+δ superconducting system. Formation of long range crystalline phase of polarons is favored in this system by mobile counter-ions (interstitial oxygen ions in the La 2 O 2 layer) in the temperature range 200–350 K. We find a clear signature of disorder to order like X-ray induced phase transition. This transition appears to show up beyond a threshold dose of about 1016 photons/cm2, the value which increases with decreasing temperature.
ON THE EPR–CHAMELEON EXPERIMENT
Authors: ACCARDI LUIGI , IMAFUKU KENTARO , REGOLI MASSIMO 
Published: July 2002

We construct a family of classical deterministic dynamical systems (triples formed by a state space, an initial distribution, a dynamics) parametrized by pairs of vectors (a,b) in the unit circle in ℝ2. The systems describe pairs of particles and the dynamics is strictly local, i.e. the dynamics [Formula: see text] of particle j=1,2 depends only on one of the two unit vectors, but not the other. To each particle one associates a family of ± 1-valued observables [Formula: see text](j = 1,2), also parametrized by vectors a in the unit circle in ℝ2. Moreover we assume that, if observable [Formula: see text] is measured on particle j=1,2, then the dynamics of this particle will be [Formula: see text] (chameleon effect). Using these ingredients we prove that the dynamics and the initial distributions of the given systems can be chosen in such a way that, if the observable [Formula: see text] is measured on particle j=1,2, then the EPR correlations - cos (a1-a2) are reproduced. This theoretical construction is then used to realize the following experiment: a central computer S (source) sends the same signal to two local computers A and B. After receiving the signal A (resp. B), chooses one vector a (resp. b) in the unit circle in ℝ2 and computes the value of the corresponding observable [Formula: see text] (resp. [Formula: see text]). These values are uniquely defined by the deterministic dynamics and the choices are independent of one another. The local computers send back to the central one the results of the evaluation of these ±1-valued functions and the central computer evaluates the empirical correlations according to the usual statistical rules. As a result the EPR correlations are reproduced with very good approximation and the Bell inequality is violated by a classical, macroscopic deterministic system performing purely local choices. The program to run the experiment is available from http://volterra.mat.uniroma2.it
A Lamarckian Genetic Algorithm Applied to the Travelling Salesman Problem
Authors: Tesfaldet Bereket T. , Hermosilla Augusto Y. 
Published: July 2002

Genetic Algorithms (GAs) comprise a class of adaptive heuristic search methods analogous to genetic inheritance and Darwinian strife for survivial of individuals within a population. Today, GAs are widely used to solve complex optimization problems, including ill-conditioned and NP-complete types arising in business, commerce, engineering, large-scale industries, and many other areas. To address these wide areas of applications and to improve upon their drawbacks, many variations and modifications of GAs have been proposed. The GA variation proposed in this paper has four basic operators: reproduction, recombination and two mutation operators, particularly applied to the famous and extensively studied Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) in large-scale combinatorial optimization. Three of the operators use diversity information (standard deviation of costs) from the current population to adjust the diversity of the next population. The fourth one is an introduced new mutation operator called p-displacement that simulates the Lamarckian evolutionary learning and training concepts of gene improvement to bring chromosomes to their local optimum. We call the proposed GA: Lamarckian Genetic Algorithm-Traveling Salesman Problem (LGA-TSP). Emprical results show performance improvements compared to the classic and other modified GAs, as well as simulated annealing.
Second-order surface analysis using hybrid symbolic and numeric operators
Authors: Elber Gershon , Cohen Elaine 
Published: July 2002

Results from analyzing the curvature of a surface can be used to improve the implementation, efficiency, and effectiveness of manufacturing and visualization of sculptured surfaces.
We develop a robust method using hybrid symbolic and numeric operators to create trimmed surfaces, each of which is solely convex, concave, or saddle and partitions the original surface. The same method is also used to identify regions whose curvature lies within prespecified bounds.