bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevated serum CA‐125 levels in patients with non‐tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease
Authors: KIM Sun Young , HONG Yoonki , CHOI Chang‐Min , OH Yeon‐Mok , LEE Sang Do , KIM Woo Sung , KIM Dong Soon , SHIM Tae Sun 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Although cancer antigen 125 (CA‐125) is a useful marker for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, CA‐125 levels are elevated in many benign conditions, including tuberculosis (TB). The clinical significance of serum CA‐125 measurements in patients with non‐tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease was evaluated.Methods:  Patients with NTM lung disease (n = 53), in whom serum CA‐125 levels had been measured, were retrospectively enrolled in the study. Twenty‐eight patients with pulmonary TB were included as a comparison group. Clinical, radiological and bacteriological parameters were assessed according to serum CA‐125 status.Results:  Among 53 patients with NTM lung disease, serum CA‐125 levels were elevated in 28 (52.8%), and this proportion was not significantly different from that of the TB patients (44.8%). Cavitation and upper lobe cavitary type disease were more frequent in NTM patients with elevated serum CA‐125 levels compared with those without increased CA‐125 levels (P < 0.05 for both). The clinical course of NTM lung disease was correlated with changes in serum CA‐125 levels.Conclusions:  Serum CA‐125 levels were increased in significant proportions of NTM patients, as well as TB patients. Further studies are needed to investigate the usefulness of serum CA‐125 measurements in patients with NTM pulmonary disease.
Prognostic factors in rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia
Authors: KONDOH Yasuhiro , TANIGUCHI Hiroyuki , KATAOKA Kensuke , KATO Keisuke , SUZUKI Ryujiro , OGURA Takashi , JOHKOH Takeshi , YOKOI Toyoharu , WELLS Athol U. , KITAICHI Masanori 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  The aim of the present study was to examine clinical and other features that might allow prognostic distinctions between histological patterns in presentations with rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia (RPIP), and to assess prognostic factors for survival.Methods:  Patients with RPIP among 425 consecutive patients with diffuse lung disease, who underwent surgical lung biopsy, were studied retrospectively. The discriminatory value of clinical and investigative features for identifying disease with a better outcome was evaluated. An a priori comparison was made between diffuse alveolar damage (DAD)/usual interstitial pneumonia with DAD pattern (Group A), and organizing pneumonia/non‐specific interstitial pneumonia pattern (Group B).Results:  Twenty‐eight patients (6.6%) fulfilled the criteria for RPIP. The diagnosis was Group A disease in 15 (DAD in 10, usual interstitial pneumonia with DAD in 5), and Group B disease in 13 (organizing pneumonia in 8, non‐specific interstitial pneumonia in 5). There were no significant differences in initial findings between the groups. Prognosis was significantly better for Group B patients than for Group A patients (P = 0.021). Neither BAL nor parenchymal high‐resolution CT score was indicative of therapeutic responsiveness or outcome. Distinction between Group A and Group B on the basis of disease pattern was the only significant determinant of prognosis.Conclusions:  RPIP included varied histological patterns with different outcomes, and in many cases these could not be predicted using baseline clinical data. Histology was the only significant predictor of ultimate prognosis.
Fire‐eater's lung complicated by an infectious abscess requiring surgical treatment
Authors: HARLANDER Matevž , TERČELJ Marjeta , SOK Mihael , ROTT Tomaž 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTWe describe a case of fire‐eater's pneumonia that was complicated by an infectious lung abscess with substantial haemoptysis. Conservative treatment was inadequate. Surgical resection was necessary and proved to be successful.
A case report: Magnesium intoxication occurring in the process of total serum magnesium decrease
Authors: Tang Feige , Xiao Bing , Xiong Qing , Yang Ming 
Published: January 2010

AbstractMagnesium intoxication is a result of excessively high serum magnesium levels, which are generally represented by a patient's total serum magnesium concentration. This is the first case report in PubMed in which a female patient showed no signs of magnesium intoxication when her total serum magnesium concentration was 4.34 mg/dL, but showed signs of magnesium intoxication (i.e. absent‐patellar reflex) when the concentration was 3.66 mg/dL. We concluded that the serum magnesium level cannot be represented by the total serum magnesium concentration to a full extent; a lower total serum magnesium concentration may still lead to magnesium intoxication.
Effect of single‐visit VIA and cryotherapy cervical cancer prevention program in Roi Et, Thailand: A preliminary report
Authors: Chumworathayi Bandit , Blumenthal Paul D. , Limpaphayom Khunying Kobchitt , Kamsa‐ard Supot , Wongsena Metee , Supaatakorn Pongsatorn 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAim:  To assess the effect of introducing visual inspection with acetic acid and cryotherapy on cervical cancer incidence rates in Roi Et province over time, between 1997 and 2006, and compare this with two nearby provinces.Methods:  Data from two cancer registration units, one in Srinagarind Hospital and another in Ubon Ratchathani Cancer Center (to which all cervical cancer patients were referred from the three study provinces) were registered, extracted, combined and analyzed using a generalized estimation equation.Results:  Cervical cancer detection rates improved. These are represented by the apparent increased incidence rates in Roi Et province during the study period compared with two nearby provinces (P = 0.01), equivalent to a doubling of the previously reported age‐standardized incidence ratio and three times its baseline in 2006.Conclusions:  A single‐visit approach to cervical cancer prevention in Roi Et province using visual inspection with acetic acid and cryotherapy appeared to have an effect in revealing an increased cervical cancer incidence rate by achieving higher coverage, resulting in increased case finding.
Effects of glucocorticoid on brain acetylcholinesterase of developing chick embryos
Authors: Yamate Sumire , Nishigori Hidekazu , Kishimoto Seishi , Tezuka Yu , Fukushima Akimune , Sugiyama Toru , Nishigori Hideo 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAim:  Fetal exposure to excessive or deficient glucocorticoids may alter the programming in differentiation and maturation of various tissues including the brain and nervous system, leading to dysfunctions later in life. For further exploration of this possibility, we established an animal model using developing chick embryos.Methods:  (i) Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the expression of glucocorticoid receptor mRNA in the brain of chick embryos. (ii) Embryos on day 15 were administered betamethasone or mifepristone and their cerebrum, cerebellum and optic lobe were investigated to determine the activity of acetylcholinesterase.Results:  (i) Glucocorticoid receptor mRNA was shown to be present in the cerebrum, cerebellum and optic lobe. (ii) After the administration of betamethasone, acetylcholinesterase activities in the cerebrum, cerebellum and optic lobe on day 19 were 1.5‐ to 2‐fold higher than those of untreated control. Weights of body and brain parts were 0.65–0.75‐fold relative to control values. However, these differences were less noticeable on day 22. (iii) Administration of mifepristone before treatment with betamethasone prevented high‐dose betamethasone‐induced changes in acetylcholinesterase activity and bodyweights on day 19. Administration of mifepristone alone did not induce differences from the control.Conclusions:  The cerebrum, cerebellum and optic lobe of chick embryos could be influenced by glucocorticoids because of the presence of glucocorticoid receptor mRNA. Although the effects observed after treatment with excess glucocorticoids (even no effects after mifepristone treatment) were transitory, they may alter the developmental program in ways that could result in lasting change and influence behavioral activities after hatching.
A randomized controlled trial comparing short versus long‐term catheterization after uncomplicated vaginal prolapse surgery
Authors: Kamilya Gourisankar , Seal Subrata Lall , Mukherji Joydev , Bhattacharyya Subir Kumar , Hazra Avijit 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAims:  Routine catheterization following vaginal prolapse surgery has advantages like prevention of postoperative retention of urine and prevention of any adverse effect on surgical outcome. However, it increases the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI), prevent early ambulation and prolong hospital stay. This randomized controlled trial was done on how best to minimize catheter related complication after prolapse surgery.Methods:  200 patients planned for vaginal prolapse surgery were recruited and randomized into two groups. In group I and group II catheter was removed on 1st and 4th post operative day, respectively. After removal, if patient could not void or when residual urine volume exceeds 150 mL, recatheterisation was done for another three days. Sample of urine was sent for culture during catheter removal.Results:  Age, parity, type of surgery and mean operation time did not differ significantly between the two groups. Mean duration of catheterization was significantly shorter (1.64 vs 4.09) and mean duration of hospital stay was shorter by 1.2 days, in first group. However a significantly higher number of retention of urine or residual urine more than 150 mL was found in the early removal group (OR 3.10) but lesser chance of development of urinary tract infection (OR 0.10).Conclusions:  The early removal of catheter seems more advantageous, with lower incidence of urinary tract infection and a shorter hospital stay although associated with an increased risk of recatheterisation.
A 1‐year maintenance after early adjuvant intravesical chemotherapy has a limited efficacy in preventing recurrence of intermediate risk non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Serretta Vincenzo , Morgia Giuseppe , Altieri Vincenzo , Di Lallo Alessandra , Ruggiero Giovanni , Salzano Luigi , Battaglia Michele , Falsaperla Mario , Zito Aniello , Sblendorio Domenico , Melloni Darvinio , Allegro Rosalinda ,   members of Gruppo Studi Tumori Urologici (GSTU) Foundation
Published: January 2010

Study Type – Therapy (RCT) Level of Evidence 1bOBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of 1‐year maintenance after a 6‐week cycle of early intravesical chemotherapy, as the role of maintenance in intravesical chemotherapy is debated.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween May 2002 and August 2003, 577 patients with non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMI‐BC) underwent transurethral resection (TUR) and early intravesical chemotherapy (epirubicin, 80 mg/50 mL). They were randomized between a 6‐week induction cycle and the induction cycle plus maintenance with 10 monthly instillations. In all, 95 patients with T1G3, Tis or single and primary Ta–T1 G1–G2 tumours were excluded; 482 patients at intermediate risk of recurrence continued the study. All patients had cytology and cystoscopy at 3‐monthly intervals for the first 2‐years and 6‐monthly thereafter.RESULTSThe tumours’ characteristics were equally distributed between the two arms. Treatment interruption for toxicity was required in 39 patients. One death due to toxicity of early instillation occurred. The median follow‐up was 48 months. Ten patients (2.5%) progressed and 117 patients (29.6%) recurred. No statistically significant difference in the recurrence‐free rate (RFS) was detected between the two arms (P = 0.43). An advantage in favour of the maintenance arm was evident only at 18 months after TUR (P = 0.03). A trend for a higher benefit from maintenance in primary and multiple tumours was detected.CONCLUSIONSIn patients with intermediate risk NMI‐BC treated by TUR and early adjuvant chemotherapy, adding a maintenance regimen with monthly instillations for 1 year is of limited efficacy in preventing recurrence.
Union Wage Effects in Australia: Evidence from Panel Data
Authors: Cai Lixin , Waddoups C. Jeffrey 
Published: January 2010

AbstractUsing data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, we find evidence that unobserved heterogeneity substantially biases cross‐sectional estimates of union wage effects upward for both male and female workers. The estimate of the union wage premium for male workers falls from 8.7 per cent to 5.2 per cent after controlling for unobserved heterogeneity. For females the estimated 4.0 per cent cross‐sectional union wage premium falls to 2.0 per cent once unobserved heterogeneity is controlled for. Among males, the results suggest negative sorting into union status at high levels of observed skill, while the sorting is positive at the lower end of the skill hierarchy. There is not sufficient evidence to support a similar pattern of sorting among female workers.
Mid‐dosing interval concentration of atazanavir and virological outcome in patients treated for HIV‐1 infection
Authors: Fabbiani M , Di Giambenedetto S , Ragazzoni E , Colafigli M , Prosperi M , Cauda R , Navarra P , De Luca A 
Published: January 2010

ObjectivesWe investigated the clinical significance of monitoring the mid‐dosing interval atazanavir (ATV) concentration (measured 12 ± 2 h after intake; C12 h) in patients taking this drug once daily in the evening.MethodsWe retrospectively selected HIV‐infected patients harbouring ATV‐susceptible virus who underwent therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of ATV C12 h during routine out‐patient visits, and we correlated C12 h to the 24‐week virological response and toxicity.ResultsA total of 115 plasma samples from 86 patients (76.7% with baseline HIV RNA<50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL) were analysed. ATV plasma concentrations showed high inter‐individual variability. ATV plasma levels were higher in samples obtained from patients taking boosted regimens (P<0.001) and not concomitantly receiving acid‐reducing agents (P=0.007). In a multivariate model, ritonavir boosting, use of acid‐reducing agents and liver cirrhosis showed an independent association with ATV level. Virological response at 24 weeks was observed for 94 of the 115 samples (81.7%). We identified a concentration cut‐off of 0.23 mg/L which predicted virological response at 24 weeks: samples with a C12 h≤0.23 mg/L showed virological failure in 41.2% of cases, whereas samples with a C12 h>0.23 mg/L showed virological failure in 14.3% of cases (P=0.021). In multivariate analysis, C12 h>0.23 mg/L was an independent predictor of virological response [odds ratio (OR) 4.23, P=0.031]. ATV levels correlated with concomitant unconjugated bilirubin levels (r=0.223, P=0.037), but a concentration cut‐off predictive of moderate/severe hyperbilirubinaemia could not be identified.ConclusionsWe identified a C12 h efficacy threshold that predicted virological response; this could be useful for morning TDM in selected subjects receiving ATV in the evening. Results must be interpreted with caution given the retrospective design of the study.
Introduction of pharmacogenetic screening for the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) B*5701 variant in Polish HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Parczewski M , Leszczyszyn‐Pynka M , Wnuk A , Urbañska A , Fuksiñska K , Bander D , Boroñ‐Kaczmarska A 
Published: January 2010

ObjectiveProspective pharmacogenetic screening for the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) B*5701 allele can significantly reduce the number of cases of abacavir‐related hypersensitivity among HIV‐infected patients treated with this drug. The aim of this study was to establish the frequency of the HLA B*5701 variant in HIV‐infected Poles.MethodsThe sequence‐specific primer (SSP) test was used to assess the feasibility of the introduction of such testing in clinical practice. For this purpose, 234 randomly selected HIV‐positive patients were screened using a low‐resolution SSP assay, with HLA B*5701‐positive results confirmed using a high‐resolution test.Results and ConclusionsThe HLA B*5701 variant was found in 11 of 234 subjects (4.7%). Testing with the selected method proved quick and reliable.
Perception of shapes targeting local and global processes in autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Grinter Emma J. , Maybery Murray T. , Pellicano Elizabeth , Badcock Johanna C. , Badcock David R. 
Published: January 2010

Background:  Several researchers have found evidence for impaired global processing in the dorsal visual stream in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). However, support for a similar pattern of visual processing in the ventral visual stream is less consistent. Critical to resolving the inconsistency is the assessment of local and global form processing ability.Methods:  Within the visual domain, radial frequency (RF) patterns – shapes formed by sinusoidally varying the radius of a circle to add ‘bumps’ of a certain number to a circle – can be used to examine local and global form perception. Typically developing children and children with an ASD discriminated between circles and RF patterns that are processed either locally (RF24) or globally (RF3).Results:  Children with an ASD required greater shape deformation to identify RF3 shapes compared to typically developing children, consistent with difficulty in global processing in the ventral stream. No group difference was observed for RF24 shapes, suggesting intact local ventral‐stream processing.Conclusions:  These outcomes support the position that a deficit in global visual processing is present in ASDs, consistent with the notion of Weak Central Coherence.
The Implementation of Intranasal Fentanyl for Children in a Mixed Adult and Pediatric Emergency Department Reduces Time to Analgesic Administration
Authors: Holdgate Anna , Cao Anthony , Lo Ka Mei 
Published: January 2010

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:1–4 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency MedicineAbstractObjectives:  The objective was to determine whether the introduction of intranasal (IN) fentanyl for children with acute pain would reduce the time to analgesic administration in a mixed adult and pediatric emergency department (ED).Methods:  A protocol for IN fentanyl (1.5 μg/kg) for children age 1–15 years presenting with acute pain was introduced to the department. All children who received intravenous (IV) morphine in the 7 months prior to the introduction of the protocol and either IV morphine or IN fentanyl in the 7 months after the introduction of the protocol were identified from drug registers. Time to analgesic administration, time to see a doctor, and the ages of patients were compared between the periods before and after the introduction of IN fentanyl.Results:  Following implementation, 81 patients received IN fentanyl and 37 received IV morphine, compared to 63 patients receiving morphine in the previous 7 months. The median time to analgesic administration for IN fentanyl was significantly shorter than for morphine (32 minutes vs. 63 minutes, p = 0.001). Children receiving fentanyl were significantly younger than those receiving morphine (median = 8.5 years vs. 12 years, p < 0.001).Conclusions:  This study demonstrates that children treated with IN fentanyl received analgesic medication faster than those treated with IV morphine in a mixed ED. Younger children were more likely to receive opioid analgesia following the introduction of fentanyl.
Chemical Agent Simulant Release from Clothing Following Vapor Exposure
Authors: Feldman Robert J. 
Published: January 2010

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:1–4 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency MedicineAbstractObjectives:  Most ambulatory victims of a terrorist chemical attack will have exposure to vapor only. The study objective was to measure the duration of chemical vapor release from various types of clothing.Methods:  A chemical agent was simulated using methyl salicylate (MeS), which has similar physical properties to sulfur mustard and was the agent used in the U.S. Army’s Man‐In‐Simulant Test (MIST). Vapor concentration was measured with a Smiths Detection Advanced Portable Detector (APD)‐2000 unit. The clothing items were exposed to vapor for 1 hour in a sealed cabinet; vapor concentration was measured at the start and end of each exposure. Clothing was then removed and assessed every 5 minutes with the APD‐2000, using a uniform sweep pattern, until readings remained 0.Results:  Concentration and duration of vapor release from clothing varied with clothing composition and construction. Lightweight cotton shirts and jeans had the least trapped vapor; down outerwear, the most. Vapor concentration near the clothing often increased for several minutes after the clothing was removed from the contaminated environment. Compression of thick outerwear released additional vapor. Mean times to reach 0 ranged from 7 minutes for jeans to 42 minutes for down jackets.Conclusions:  This simulation model of chemical vapor release demonstrates persistent presence of simulant vapor over time. This implies that chemical vapor may be released from the victims’ clothing after they are evacuated from the site of exposure, resulting in additional exposure of victims and emergency responders. Insulated outerwear can release additional vapor when handled. If a patient has just moved to a vapor screening point, immediate assessment before additional vapor can be released from the clothing can lead to a false‐negative assessment of contamination.
The Effect of Vertebral Numerical Variation on Anatomical Stature Estimates
Authors: Raxter Michelle H. , Ruff Christopher B. 
Published: January 2010

Abstract:  Most humans possess 24 presacral vertebrae composed of seven cervicals, 12 thoracics, and five lumbars. However, variation from this standard pattern exists. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of congenital vertebral numerical variation on anatomical stature estimates and to recommend appropriate procedures when such variation occurs. Our sample consists of 41 individuals with unusual vertebral count patterns and known cadaveric statures from the Smithsonian’s Terry Collection. Raxter et al. published a revised Fully anatomical technique in 2006 and we used this to estimate living stature. Based on our results, we recommend using the standard anatomical technique to reconstruct stature, regardless of vertebral pattern. However, when an individual possesses six sacral segments together with a normal number of presacral vertebrae, we recommend the addition of a slight correction factor of 1.3 cm or 0.8% of estimated stature.
New Formulas to Estimate Age at Death in Maya Populations Using Histomorphological Changes in the Fourth Human Rib*
Authors: Pavón Margarita Valencia , Cucina Andrea , Tiesler Vera 
Published: January 2010

Abstract: This study develops new histomorphological algorithms for Maya populations’ human ribs and tests the applicability of published algorithms. Thin sections from the fourth rib of 36 individuals of known age were analyzed under polarized light microscopy. Osteon population density (OPD, the concentration of intact and fragmented osteons per mm2), cortical area (CA), and osteon size (OS) were recorded. Seven algorithms were calculated, using all combinations of variables, and compared to the performance of published formulas. The OPD‐based formulas deviate from the known age 8.7 years on average, while those from OS and CA deviate between 10.7 and 12.8 years. In comparison, our OPD‐based algorithms perform better than the one by Stout and Paine and much better than Cho et al. In conclusion, algorithms should be developed using OPD for different ethnic groups; although Stout and Paine’s can be used for Maya and maybe Mesoamerican individuals.