bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Levofloxacin prophylaxis to prevent bacterial infection in chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in acute leukemia
Authors: Rahman M. Mizanur , Khan Mohiuddin Ahmed 
Published: February 2010

Infection in chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (neutrophils <500/mm3) is the main cause of death during the treatment of acute leukemia. Antibiotic prophylaxis is a controversial issue to prevent or delay this infection. This study assessed the efficacy of prophylaxis with oral levofloxacin in chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenic patients. Eighty patients of acute leukemia was randomly assigned to had levofoxacin (500 mg/daily) or placebo from the starting of chemotherapy. Out of 80 patients 53 developed neutropenia and fever. The number of patients with fever (78% vs. 68%), isolation of the pathogenic bacteria (30.43% vs. 16%) was higher and mean starting day of the fever (11.1 vs. 13.2) was shorter in the placebo group than the levofloxacin group. Levofloxacin reduced the bacterial infections and delays the onset of fever in chemotherapy-induced neutropenia especially in short duration (<7 days). Keywords: Chemotherapy; Leukemia; Levofloxacin; NeutropeniaOnline: 8 Feb 2010DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v35i3.4130 Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2009; 35: 91-94
Metabolic Effects of Incremental Doses of Intraperitoneal Amino Acids on Automated Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: McCormick Brendan B. , Mujais Salim , Poirier Francine , Page Nicole , Lavoie Susan 
Published: February 2010

Background The use of amino acid (AA) dialysate to ameliorate protein-energy malnutrition has been limited by adverse metabolic effects. Objective We undertook this study to examine the acute metabolic effects of escalating doses of AAs delivered with lactate/bicarbonate dialysate on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD). Patients and Methods 12 APD patients were treated with conventional lactate-buffered dialysate (week 1), followed by lactate/bicarbonate-buffered dialysate (week 2), then 2 – 2.5 L 1.1% AA solution were added (week 3), and then an additional 2 – 2.5 L 1.1% AA were added (week 4). The primary outcomes were change in serum bicarbonate and pH, change in protein catabolic rate (PCR), and change in normalized ultrafiltration (milliliters/gram of carbohydrate infused). Results Serum bicarbonate rose from week 1 to week 2 (28.9 ± 3.2 vs 26.9 ± 4.1 mmol/L, p = 0.03). Addition of one bag of AAs led to a decline in plasma bicarbonate (26.9 ± 2.1 vs 28.9 ± 3.2 mmol/L, p < 0.01), which was further magnified by the addition of the second bag of AAs (23.8 ± 2.7 vs 26.9 ± 2.1 mmol/L, p < 0.01). Serum bicarbonate fell significantly by week 4 compared to week 1 (23.8 ± 2.7 vs 26.9 ± 3.2 mmol/L, p < 0.01) although there was no significant change in venous pH or PCR when week 4 was compared to week 1. Normalized ultrafiltration was stable for the first 3 weeks but rose significantly in week 4 compared to week 1 (5.32 ± 2.30 vs 4.14 ± 1.58 mL/g, p = 0.03). Conclusions Higher doses of AAs mixed with newer bicarbonate/lactate dialysate on APD result in a small decrease in serum bicarbonate but improved normalized ultrafiltration. This merits further study as both a nutritional supplement and a glucose-sparing strategy.
Peritoneal Inflammation after Twenty-Week Exposure to Dialysis Solution: Effect of Solution versus Catheter–Foreign Body Reaction
Authors: Flessner Michael F. , Credit Kimberly , Richardson Karla , Potter Rebecca , Li Xiaorong , He Zhi , Hoskins Glenn , Henegar Jeffrey 
Published: February 2010

♦ Background We hypothesized that both sterile solutions and foreign body reaction to the peritoneal dialysis catheter are associated with inflammatory changes in rats exposed to hypertonic solution. ♦ Methods Four hypertonic solutions (30 – 40 mL) were injected daily via needle and syringe over 20 weeks in 4 groups of rats: 4.25% standard clinical solution (LAC), LAC plus pyridoxamine (PYR), LAC plus ethyl pyruvate (EP), and a biocompatible 4% dextrose solution (BIC). Two groups received catheters: a non-injected 4-week catheter group (C4) and a group injected for 20 weeks with the BIC solution (CI). Control animals (CON) were not injected. In the C4 group, adherent cells were separated from the catheter and examined by culture and electron microscopy to ensure that animals were bacteria free prior to exposure to solution. Animals underwent transport experiments to determine mass transfer coefficients of mannitol (MTCM) and albumin (MTCA), osmotic filtration flux (Josm), and hydrostatic pressure-driven flux (Jp). After euthanasia, tissues were examined for submesothelial thickness, vascular density, and immunohistochemistry for various cytokines. ♦ Results The catheter cell layer was free of bacteria and consisted of macrophages, lymphocytes, mesothelial cells, and fibroblastic cells. Marked differences in angiogenesis and submesothelial thickening were noted for the catheter groups. Transport differences were mixed: MTCM was significantly less for the CI group and MTCA was variable among the groups. There were no differences among groups for Josm or Jp. Inflammatory markers in the catheter-adherent cells correlated with inflammatory changes in the tissue. These data demonstrate significant changes in submesothelial thickness, angiogenesis, transport function, and inflammatory markers between animals injected with sterile solutions over 20 weeks with and without catheters. ♦ Conclusions An indwelling catheter amplifies peritoneal inflammation from dialysis solutions through a foreign body reaction. Our data also suggest that additives to existing solutions may have limited the effect on inflammatory response to non-biocompatible solutions.
Pharyngitis and Streptococcal Throat Infections
Authors: Martin Judith M. 
Published: February 2010

CME EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

1.
Identify the major clinical manifestations of group A streptococcal pharyngitis.

2.
Review the available clinical laboratory tests for diagnosis of group A streptococcal infections.

3.
Discuss the most appropriate treatment for group A streptococcal infections, including the drug(s) of choice, alternative therapies, duration of therapy, and ineffective agents.
Acute Sinusitis: Clinical Manifestations and Treatment Approaches
Authors: DeMuri Gregory P. , Wald Ellen R. 
Published: February 2010

CME EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

1.
Identify the clinical presentation of acute bacterial sinusitis in children.

2.
Review the pathogenesis of acute bacterial sinusitis in children and the typical bacterial pathogens found in this disease.

3.
Define a diagnostic and management plan for pediatric patients with acute bacterial sinusitis.
Trehalose and Protein Stability
Authors: Jain Nishant Kumar , Roy Ipsita 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe role of osmolytes, and especially trehalose, in stabilizing proteins under stress conditions is now a widely accepted fact. The physical and chemical properties of trehalose, i.e., low chemical reactivity, nonreducing nature, high glass transition temperature, high affinity for water molecules, existence of a number of polymorphs, etc., make it uniquely suitable for stabilizing partially unfolded protein molecules and inhibiting protein aggregation. This article discusses the various adverse situations that protein molecules face, both within the cell and outside, leading to their aggregation and inactivation. The use of trehalose in stabilizing protein molecules and helping them retain their functionally active forms under such conditions is examined. The various theories and mechanisms used to explain the protective action of trehalose are briefly presented. The experimental tools that can be used to decipher the mechanism of aggregation and the role of trehalose are also discussed. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 59:4.9.1‐4.9.12. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Catalytic Asymmetric Hydrogenation of
C

N
Functions
Authors: Blaser Hans‐Ulrich , Spindler Felix 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Chiral amines are important targets for synthetic chemists and attempts to prepare such compounds via enantioselective hydrogenation of an appropriate CN function date back to 1941. Originally, only heterogeneous hydrogenation catalysts such as Pt black, Pd/C, or Raney nickel were employed. Remarkable progress has been made since the 1990s and a variety of very selective catalysts are now available for the enantioselective reduction of different types of CN functions. The first industrial application was announced in 1996. Despite progress, the enantioselective hydrogenation of prochiral CN groups such as imines, oximes, or hydrozones is still a challenge.
This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the enantioselective hydrogenation and transfer hydrogenation of various CN functions using chiral catalysts. Because the net transformation is the same for both types, the results of various substrate types are summarized together. In many cases, different catalyst types are required. For example, if hydrogen is used, the metal must be able to activate the very strong HH bonds, In contrast, the activation seems to be more facile for the transfer of donor molecules such as formic acid and Hantzch esters, which form aromatic products. This review covers the literature up to September 2007.
Terrorist Threat Analysis
Authors: Williams Jack F. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThis article will summarize methods that can be used for threat analysis with applications for modeling threats generated by non‐state adversaries. Traditionally, threat models focused on an adversary's capability to mount a specific attack and that adversary's intent to carry out such an attack. However, as explicated in this article, threat is best understood as the product of an adversary's capability, intent, and authority to engage a specific target by a particular attack mode. Furthermore, threat does not emerge from a clean room; rather, threat is strongly influenced by an adversary's culture and constituencies. Thus, any robust model of threat requires a cultural awareness of an adversary, and its intended audience. Examples of capability, intent, and authority will be provided in an effort to portray a robust threat profile. Specifically, this article will employ an al‐Qaeda WMD threat as an example of the application of the threat assessment suggested.
Technologies for Real‐Time Data Acquisition, Integration, and Transmission
Authors: Huyck Charles K. , Amyx Paul R. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractImmediately after a disaster, decision‐makers need to know the magnitude, scope, and spatial distribution of damage in order to effectively assess impact and allocate resources. Without a clear view of the magnitude of an event, emergency managers may make misinformed decisions that exacerbate disaster conditions. Real‐time data feeds are available to plan for an impending event, assess impact directly after an event, and monitor an event as it unfolds. Real‐time data feeds are most effective for decision‐making purposes when combined with decision support systems (DSS) that can interpret highly technical data into anticipated effects for use by emergency managers and/or the general public. Software developers must work with scientists to integrate DSS results into Internet data portals providing information in clear and simple terms. This article provides sources of real‐time data and discusses promising examples of successful integration with software systems in the field of emergency management. Several areas for future research are identified.
Potential Contamination Agents of Interest
Authors: Clark Robert M. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Listings of chemical, biological or radiological agents that could be used in terror attacks have been presented elsewhere in this handbook. Not all such agents are of concern in water because they degrade, disperse or are otherwise ineffective. At the same time, some common chemicals and organisms, not ordinarily considered to be hazardous in water, could represent a potential problem in a water or wastewater context. This article will summarize information from open literature, on contaminants that have been identified as being of interest in water supply. It discusses the features of different classes of contaminants that are important and provides summary tables of contaminants along with their chemical, biological and toxicological properties.
Risk and Uncertainty for Food Safety and Animal Health
Authors: Zach Lorna , Bier Vicki 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
This article provides an introduction to the tools of uncertainty analysis as applied to food safety. In particular, we focus on the technique of two‐dimensional Monte Carlo simulation as a method of taking into account not only variability (which is already commonly addressed in simulation models), but also uncertainty about the inputs to the simulation. The potential uses and benefits of this technique are illustrated by several applications to food safety and animal disease; we also discuss how the technique can be applied to problems of concern with regard to homeland security, and provide some caveats.
Security of Web Application and Services and Service‐Oriented Architectures
Authors: Goodner Marc 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Service Oriented Architecture, or SOA, can help organizations integrate heterogeneous systems, provide for increased reuse of software assets, provide multichannel access to common components, and describe ways to build distributed systems, while reducing complexity and increasing interoperability. Seen as a natural outgrowth of previous software design paradigms, the key distinguishing characteristic it has is facilitating interoperability between distributed software components. As an architectural style for designing software SOA does not mandate one implementation choice over another. While there are many realizations of these principles the most pervasive implementation choice for SOA is Web services.
This narrative will discuss the various technical specifications and standards that have been developed to help secure web services. It will also discuss security concerns and potential vulnerabilities associated with SOAs, including possible lack of information about what lies behind SOA interfaces, identity and authentication issues, federated trust management, end‐to‐end security needs, policy specification and policy enforcement issues, and interoperability related to security issues.
Guidelines for the Prevention of Contamination of Drinking Water in Buildings and Large Venues
Authors: Samuels William B. , Bahadur Rakesh , Grayman Walter M. , Borja Ricardo P. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to provide summary guidance regarding potential drinking water vulnerabilities in buildings and large venues. The following issues are discussed: (i) building and plumbing assessment of typical domestic water distribution systems in large venues such as in low‐rise and in high‐rise commercial buildings where components of these systems include typical water service connections, associated piping, valves, tanks, pumps, water flow and pressure characteristics and (ii) identification of potential primary routes for releasing chemical or biological agents that are likely to be used to contaminate the drinking water supply via internal plumbing and methods for protecting these sites.
Processing and Packaging that Protects the Food Supply Against Intentional Contamination
Authors: Morris Scott A. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
This article discusses the state of the current food processing and packaging system in terms of its current and prospective capacity to prevent, detect and remediate an asymmetric attack at various points in the larger context of the food processing, packaging and distribution chain. Examples of failure in the current food safety system point to a supply system that is extremely vulnerable at many points, with contamination prevention methods that are only minimally effective and lax enforcement by inspectors. Balancing this is the fact that the food processing system is intrinsically a hazard‐reduction system that seeks to minimize hazards, risk and liabilities. Packaging is designed to be inexpensive, easy to manufacture and fill, and carry both marketing and information functions, but tamper prevention is often not designed into packages. Tamper evidence often relies on stock systems and components that are easily bypassed. Examples are taken from the more stringent pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution system. Recommendations for systemic improvement in contamination prevention include improvements in responsiveness, resilience and transparency in the food safety system, design method improvements for packages, and continued work on inexpensive, rapid and accurate pathogen and toxin detection methods. The overlap of malicious manufacturing and malicious tampering or contamination is discussed.
Training for Individual Differences in Lie Detection Accuracy
Authors: Sullivan Maureen O’ , Frank Mark G. , Hurley Carolyn M. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAlthough technology has a vital role to play in the detection of potential terrorists, human lie detectors are also important in follow‐up interviews and in situations where technology is not useable. Over the last ten years, researchers have become more sophisticated in designing experimental scenarios for use in lie detection research. In addition, more nuanced and specific descriptions of the behavioral clues to deception have been reported. Using more rigorous experimental protocols to examine the effectiveness of training programs to increase lie detection accuracy has resulted in several encouraging results. The importance of various protocol considerations in designing such training studies, and the importance of individual difference variables such as variation in lie detection accuracy at the start of the training, motivation to improve in lie detection, and the role of personal values in accurate lie detection are reviewed. Constraints in applying this information in the security context are also discussed.
Safety of tumor necrosis factor α blockers in hepatitis B virus occult carriers (hepatitis B surface antigen negative/anti–hepatitis B core antigen positive) with rheumatic diseases
Authors: Caporali R. , Bobbio‐Pallavicini F. , Atzeni F. , Sakellariou G. , Caprioli M. , Montecucco C. , Sarzi‐Puttini P. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the safety of anti–tumor necrosis factor α (anti‐TNFα) therapy on the course of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in carriers of antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc) affected by chronic inflammatory arthropathies.MethodsFrom January 2001 to December 2008, HBV markers were determined before the first administration of anti‐TNFα agents in all 732 patients affected by inflammatory arthropathies treated with anti‐TNFα at 2 outpatient rheumatologic clinics in Northern Italy. Anti‐HBc–positive patients were prospectively evaluated and HBV markers and HBV DNA were assessed every 6 months, in case of aminotransferase elevation, and at the end of the study.ResultsAt the time of recruitment, 72 patients were anti‐HBc carriers, 5 of whom were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and not included in the study. The ratio of men:women was 26:41 and the mean ± SD followup was 42.52 ± 21.33 months. Of the patients, 25 were treated with infliximab, 23 with etanercept, and 19 with adalimumab. Fifty‐one patients were treated also with methotrexate, 52 with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, and 43 with prednisone (3 with a dosage >7.5 mg/day). All anti‐HBc patients were HBV DNA negative at the first observation. During followup, no patient presented HBV reactivation with viral load increase and no patient became HBsAg positive.ConclusionAnti‐HBc positivity in HBsAg‐negative patients is a sign of previous HBV infection and does not indicate chronic hepatitis. In these patients, anti‐TNFα therapy appears to be quite safe, as no HBV reactivation was found in our study. Nevertheless, careful monitoring is necessary.
Thresholds of patient‐reported outcomes that define the patient acceptable symptom state in ankylosing spondylitis vary over time and by treatment and patient characteristics
Authors: Maksymowych Walter P. , Gooch Katherine , Dougados Maxime , Wong Robert L. , Chen Naijun , Kupper Hartmut , van der Heijde Désirée 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectiveThe patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) is a single‐question outcome tool to assess the level of symptoms at which patients with rheumatic diseases consider themselves well. We evaluated whether ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patient characteristics were associated with attaining the PASS and whether these characteristics influenced PASS thresholds for patient‐reported outcome (PRO) tools.MethodsThe Adalimumab Trial Evaluating Long‐term Efficacy and Safety for Ankylosing Spondylitis was a randomized, placebo‐controlled study that evaluated the efficacy and safety of adalimumab in treating AS. The PASS and PROs were assessed over 24 weeks. PASS thresholds for PROs were set as either the 25th or 75th percentiles of the PRO response score. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the associations of particular patient characteristics with the PASS and other response outcomes at 12 weeks (ASessment in Ankylosing Spondylitis International Working Group criteria for 20% improvement [ASAS20], ASAS40, ASAS5/6, ASAS partial remission, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index 50% improvement).ResultsAge >40 years, disease duration >10 years, female sex, placebo treatment, and English‐speaking site were consistently associated with greater PASS thresholds for PROs. Age, male sex, disease duration, and treatment were each independently associated with attainment of the PASS at 12 weeks. Only age and treatment were independently associated with other response outcomes. PASS thresholds also decreased over 24 weeks.ConclusionPASS thresholds for PROs changed over time. These thresholds, as well as the attainment of the PASS, were affected by covariates unrelated to treatment. If confirmed in other studies, these results cast doubt on using the PASS to assess absolute health status in clinical research.
Patient‐physician discordance in assessments of global disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Barton Jennifer L. , Imboden John , Graf Jonathan , Glidden David , Yelin Edward H. , Schillinger Dean 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the degree of discordance between patient and physician assessment of disease severity in a multiethnic cohort of adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), to explore predictors of discordance, and to examine the impact of discordance on the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28).MethodsAdults with RA (n = 223) and their rheumatologists completed a visual analog scale (VAS) for global disease severity independently. Patient demographics, the 9‐item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) depression scale score, the Health Assessment Questionnaire score, and the DAS28 were also collected. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of positive discordance, defined as a patient rating minus physician rating of >25 mm on a 100‐mm VAS (considered clinically relevant). DAS28 scores stratified by level of discordance were compared using a paired t‐test.ResultsPositive discordance was found in 30% of cases, with a mean ± SD difference of 46 ± 15. The strongest independent predictor of discordance was a 5‐point increase in PHQ‐9 score (adjusted odds ratio 1.61, 95% confidence interval 1.02–2.55). Higher swollen joint count and Cantonese/Mandarin language were associated with lower odds of discordance. DAS28 scores were most divergent among subjects with discordance.ConclusionNearly one‐third of RA patients differed from their physicians to a meaningful degree in assessment of global disease severity. Higher depressive symptoms were associated with discordance. Further investigation of the relationships between mood, disease activity, and discordance may guide interventions to improve care for adults with RA.