bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sample size adjustments for varying cluster sizes in cluster randomized trials with binary outcomes analyzed with second‐order PQL mixed logistic regression
Authors: Candel Math J. J. M. , Van Breukelen Gerard J. P. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAdjustments of sample size formulas are given for varying cluster sizes in cluster randomized trials with a binary outcome when testing the treatment effect with mixed effects logistic regression using second‐order penalized quasi‐likelihood estimation (PQL). Starting from first‐order marginal quasi‐likelihood (MQL) estimation of the treatment effect, the asymptotic relative efficiency of unequal versus equal cluster sizes is derived. A Monte Carlo simulation study shows this asymptotic relative efficiency to be rather accurate for realistic sample sizes, when employing second‐order PQL. An approximate, simpler formula is presented to estimate the efficiency loss due to varying cluster sizes when planning a trial. In many cases sampling 14 per cent more clusters is sufficient to repair the efficiency loss due to varying cluster sizes. Since current closed‐form formulas for sample size calculation are based on first‐order MQL, planning a trial also requires a conversion factor to obtain the variance of the second‐order PQL estimator. In a second Monte Carlo study, this conversion factor turned out to be 1.25 at most. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bayesian bivariate meta‐analysis of diagnostic test studies using integrated nested Laplace approximations
Authors: Paul M. , Riebler A. , Bachmann L. M. , Rue H. , Held L. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractFor bivariate meta‐analysis of diagnostic studies, likelihood approaches are very popular. However, they often run into numerical problems with possible non‐convergence. In addition, the construction of confidence intervals is controversial. Bayesian methods based on Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling could be used, but are often difficult to implement, and require long running times and diagnostic convergence checks. Recently, a new Bayesian deterministic inference approach for latent Gaussian models using integrated nested Laplace approximations (INLA) has been proposed. With this approach MCMC sampling becomes redundant as the posterior marginal distributions are directly and accurately approximated. By means of a real data set we investigate the influence of the prior information provided and compare the results obtained by INLA, MCMC, and the maximum likelihood procedure SAS PROC NLMIXED. Using a simulation study we further extend the comparison of INLA and SAS PROC NLMIXED by assessing their performance in terms of bias, mean‐squared error, coverage probability, and convergence rate. The results indicate that INLA is more stable and gives generally better coverage probabilities for the pooled estimates and less biased estimates of variance parameters. The user‐friendliness of INLA is demonstrated by documented R‐code. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Power Doppler properties of endometrial polyps and submucosal fibroids: a preliminary observational study in women with known intracavitary lesions
Authors: Cil A. P. , Tulunay G. , Kose M. F. , Haberal A. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectivesTo compare power Doppler flow mapping characteristics of endometrial polyps and submucosal fibroids and analyze whether two different power Doppler characteristics, single‐vessel pattern and rim‐like vessel pattern, can help to differentiate these focal endometrial lesions.MethodsPatients suspected of having endometrial polyps or submucosal fibroids on sonohysterography were examined prospectively by transvaginal B‐mode and power Doppler sonography. Single‐vessel pattern and rim‐like vessel pattern were considered to be characteristic of endometrial polyps and submucosal fibroids, respectively. Suspected diagnoses of the lesions according to vascular Doppler characteristics were compared with the final diagnosis following histopathological examination.ResultsIncluded in the final analysis were 49 patients with histological confirmation of the type of endometrial lesion: 32 with endometrial polyps and 17 with submucosal fibroids. Power Doppler signals were observed in 47 of these; they were not observed in two patients with endometrial polyps. Of the 32 with endometrial polyps, 26 (81.3%) endometrial polyps showed a single‐vessel pattern, three (9.4%) showed a multiple‐vessel pattern and one (3.1%) showed a scattered‐vessel pattern. Of the 17 with submucosal fibroids, 12 (70.6%) showed a rim‐like vessel pattern, three (17.6%) showed a multiple‐vessel pattern and two (11.8%) showed a single‐vessel pattern. Single‐vessel pattern was associated with two false‐positive cases, but there were no false‐positive cases for rim‐like vessel pattern. The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values for single‐vessel pattern in diagnosing endometrial polyps were 81.2%, 88.2%, 92.9% and 71.4% and for rim‐like pattern in diagnosing submucosal fibroids they were 70.6%, 100%, 100% and 86.5%, respectively.ConclusionsPower Doppler blood flow mapping is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of focal endometrial pathology and is useful in distinguishing submucosal fibroids and endometrial polyps. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of quantum dot nanocrystals in multicolor flow cytometry
Authors: Chattopadhyay Pratip K. , Perfetto Stephen P. , Yu Joanne , Roederer Mario 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBecause of their unique fluorescence properties, quantum dots (QDs) represent a promising new technology in the realm of multicolor flow cytometry. Although commercial reagents and applications for the technology are still in the early phases of their development, the strategies and considerations necessary for successful use are becoming known. This article discusses the value of QDs in multicolor flow cytometry, introduces strategies to successfully incorporate QDs into routine use, and highlights emerging applications of the technology. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2010 2 334–348This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vitro Nanoparticle-Based Sensing
Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Energetic approach to gradient plasticity
Authors: Kratochvíl J. , Kružík M. , Sedláček R. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractWe formulate a problem of the evolution of elasto‐plastic materials subjected to external loads in the framework of large deformations and multiplicative plasticity. Our model includes gradients of the plastic strain and of hardening variables. We prove the existence of the so‐called energetic solution. The stored energy density function is assumed to be quasiconvex in the elastic strain which makes our results applicable to relaxed models of shape memory materials, for instance.
On an inverse problem for tree‐like networks of elastic strings
Authors: Avdonin S. , Leugering G. , Mikhaylov V. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractWe consider the in‐plane motion of elastic strings on tree‐like network, observed from the ‘leaves’. We investigate the inverse problem of recovering not only the physical properties, i.e. the ‘optical lengths’ of each string, but also the topology of the tree which is represented by the edge degrees and the angles between branching edges. To this end we use the Boundary Control method for wave equations on graphs established in [4, 7]. It is shown that under generic assumptions the inverse problem can be solved by applying measurements at all leaves, the root of the tree being fixed.
The lectin concanavalin‐A signals MT1‐MMP catalytic independent induction of COX‐2 through an IKKγ/NF‐κB‐dependent pathway
Authors: Sina Asmaa , Proulx‐Bonneau Sébastien , Roy Alain , Poliquin Laurent , Cao Jian , Annabi Borhane 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe lectin from Canavalia ensiformis (Concanavalin‐A, ConA), one of the most abundant lectins known, enables one to mimic biological lectin/carbohydrate interactions that regulate extracellular matrix protein recognition. As such, ConA is known to induce membrane type‐1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1‐MMP) which expression is increased in brain cancer. Given that MT1‐MMP correlated to high expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 in gliomas with increasing histological grade, we specifically assessed the early proinflammatory cellular signaling processes triggered by ConA in the regulation of COX‐2. We found that treatment with ConA or direct overexpression of a recombinant MT1‐MMP resulted in the induction of COX‐2 expression. This increase in COX‐2 was correlated with a concomitant decrease in phosphorylated AKT suggestive of cell death induction, and was independent of MT1‐MMP’s catalytic function. ConA‐ and MT1‐MMP‐mediated intracellular signaling of COX‐2 was also confirmed in wild‐type and in Nuclear Factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB) p65−/− mutant mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF), but was abrogated in NF‐κB1 (p50)−/− and in I kappaB kinase (IKK) γ−/− mutant MEF cells. Collectively, our results highlight an IKK/NF‐κB‐dependent pathway linking MT1‐MMP‐mediated intracellular signaling to the induction of COX‐2. That signaling pathway could account for the inflammatory balance responsible for the therapy resistance phenotype of glioblastoma cells, and prompts for the design of new therapeutic strategies that target cell surface carbohydrate structures and MT1‐MMP‐mediated signaling. Concise summary Concanavalin‐A (ConA) mimics biological lectin/carbohydrate interactions that regulate the proinflammatory phenotype of cancer cells through yet undefined signaling. Here we highlight an IKK/NF‐κB‐dependent pathway linking MT1‐MMP‐mediated intracellular signaling to the induction of cyclooxygenase‐2, and that could be responsible for the therapy resistance phenotype of glioblastoma cells.
A comparative study of the non‐pneumatic anti‐shock garment for the treatment of obstetric hemorrhage in Egypt
Authors: Miller Suellen , Fathalla Mohamed M.F. , Youssif Mohammed M. , Turan Janet , Camlin Carol , Al‐Hussaini Tarek K. , Butrick Elizabeth , Meyer Carinne 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the impact of the non‐pneumatic anti‐shock garment (NASG) on maternal outcome following severe obstetric hemorrhage.MethodsA non‐randomized pre‐intervention/intervention study was conducted in 2 tertiary hospitals in Egypt from June 2006 to May 2008. Women with obstetric hemorrhage (estimated blood loss ≥ 1000 mL and/or ≥ 1 sign of shock [systolic blood pressure < 100 mm Hg or pulse > 100 beats per minute]) were treated with either a standardized protocol (pre‐intervention) or a standardized protocol plus the NASG (intervention). The primary outcome was extreme adverse outcome (EAO), combining maternal mortality and severe morbidity (cardiac, respiratory, renal, or cerebral dysfunction). Secondary outcomes were measured blood loss, urine output, emergency hysterectomy, and (individually) mortality or morbidity. Analyses were performed to examine independent association of the NASG with EAO.ResultsMean measured blood loss decreased from 379 mL pre‐intervention to 253 mL in the intervention group (P < 0.01). In a multiple logistic regression model, the NASG was associated with reduced odds of EAO (odds ratio 0.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.17–0.85).ConclusionThe NASG, in addition to standardized protocols at tertiary facilities for obstetric hemorrhage and shock, resulted in lower measured blood loss and reduced EAO.
Conservative management of stage IA1 squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix with positive resection margins after conization
Authors: Kim Woo Young , Chang Suk‐Joon , Chang Ki‐Hong , Yoo Seung‐Chul , Ryu Hee‐Sug 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of cold knife conization with electrocauterization and the feasibility of conservative management in patients with stage IA1 carcinoma of the cervix according to margin status after conization.MethodsMedical and histopathological records of 108 patients with stage IA1 cervical carcinoma were reviewed retrospectively. Patients underwent cold knife conization with electrocauterization or conization followed by hysterectomy. Disease recurrence was defined as a histologic diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 or higher grade lesion.ResultsForty patients underwent conization followed by hysterectomy; of 27 women with positive margins, 14 (35%) had a residual lesion. Sixty‐eight patients underwent conization without further surgical intervention. Forty patients had a negative resection margin without recurrence, while 28 had a positive resection margin: positive exocervical (n = 11), positive endocervical (n = 17). Among these, there were 7 cases of recurrence: positive exocervical (n = 1); positive endocervical (n = 6).ConclusionCold knife conization with electrocauterization appears to be a safe treatment option for patients with stage IA1 cervical carcinoma if careful follow‐up is guaranteed for patients with CIN 3 exocervical resection margins. However, patients with CIN 3 endocervical resection margins should be managed surgically with repeat conization or hysterectomy.
Malaria and stillbirth in Omdurman Maternity Hospital, Sudan
Authors: Bader Elshiekh , Alhaj Amel M. , Hussan Ahmed A. , Adam Ishag 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveThe study was conducted in the labor ward of Omdurman Maternity Hospital, Sudan, from November 2007 to February 2008 to investigate the prevalence and risks factors for stillbirth.MethodsA case‐control study. Cases were women who delivered stillbirths; 2 consecutive women who delivered a live‐born singleton neonate at term (37–42 weeks) per case were used as controls. Sociodemographic, clinical (including malaria infections), and obstetric histories were gathered using standard questionnaires. Maternal body mass index and hemoglobin levels were measured. Maternal, placental, and cord blood smears were investigated for malaria parasites.ResultsAmong 4760 singleton deliveries, there were 103 stillbirths, yielding a stillbirth rate of 22 per 1000 deliveries. Over half (52.4%) of these stillbirths were macerated stillbirths. Maternal sociodemographic characteristics were not associated with stillbirth, while a history of maternal malaria in the index pregnancy was the main risk factor for stillbirth (odds ratio, 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.0–8.9; P = 0.04).ConclusionMeasures to prevent malaria infection should help to prevent stillbirth in this part of Sudan.
Audiological and transient evoked otoacoustic emission findings in patients with vitiligo
Authors: Aslan Sundus , Serarslan Gamze , Teksoz Emel , Dagli Safak 
Published: January 2010

ObjectiveTo investigate hearing loss in patients with vitiligo.Study DesignCase‐control study.settingUniversity hospital.subjects and MethodsConventional pure‐tone and high‐frequency audiometric tests were obtained, and pure‐tone average hearing thresholds were calculated for 22 consecutive cases with vitiligo and 22 sex‐ and age‐matched controls. Transient evoked otoacoustic emission testing was also performed.ResultsThere was sensorineural hearing loss on pure‐tone audiogram in 16 (36.4%) ears in patients with vitiligo. The hearing thresholds (in dB) were 16.02 ± 6.61 versus 12.39 ± 6.05, 15.68 ± 6.34 versus 13.18 ± 3.75, 15.80 ± 13.93 versus 7.39 ± 6.95, 25.11 ± 17.40 versus 15.91 ± 12.91, 29.89 ± 18.57 versus 17.84 ± 12.36, and 45.91 ± 23.31 versus 33.86 ± 15.99 in the patient and control groups at 0.25, 1, 4, 8, 10, and 12.5 kHz, respectively, and were statistically significantly different. Reduction of transient evoked otoacoustic emission amplitude was statistically significant at 4 kHz in patients with vitiligo (6.34 ± 3.98 dB vs 8.63 ± 5.15 dB, P = 0.023). There was no significant difference in reproducibility, stimulus intensity, stability, and average transient evoked otoacoustic emission amplitudes in patients with vitiligo.ConclusionHearing thresholds at pure‐tone and high‐frequency audiometry were higher in patients with vitiligo. Also, significantly lower high‐frequency amplitudes were recorded during transient evoked otoacoustic emission testing in the disease group.
Effect of oral tolerance in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Shin Ji‐Hyeon , Kang Jun Myung , Won Kim Sung , Cho Jin‐Hee , Park Yong Jin , Kim Soo Whan 
Published: January 2010

ObjectiveInduction of oral tolerance (OT) is known to prevent allergic inflammation in models of asthma. This study investigated the preventive effect of OT and airway remodeling in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis (AR).Study DesignAn in vivo study using an animal model.SettingCatholic Research Institutes of Medical Science.MethodsForty six‐week‐old, female BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: control, AR, low‐dose OT, and high‐dose OT. To induce OT, mice were fed ovalbumin (OVA) before sensitization with OVA/aluminum hydroxide, 1 mg for six days in the low‐dose OT group and a 25 mg single dose in the high‐dose OT group. Mice in the AR group were fed phosphate‐buffered saline. After sensitization followed by challenges with OVA during six weeks, nasal behaviors, interleukin (IL)‐13 and interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) levels in nasal lavage (NAL) fluids, as well as OVA‐specific IgE levels in serum, were measured. The degree of goblet cell hyperplasia and thickness of lamina propria were observed in nasal tissues by periodic acid‐Schiff and Masson's trichrome stain. A P value < 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant.ResultsBoth OT groups showed a significant decrease in inflammatory cells, IL‐13 and IFN‐γ in NAL fluids, as well as OVA‐specific IgE levels in serum compared with the AR group. In addition, the degree of goblet cell hyperplasia and thickness of lamina propria were attenuated in both OT groups compared with the AR group. Further, these alterations did not differ significantly between the two OT groups.ConclusionThese results suggest that OT may effectively reduce allergic inflammation as well as airway remodeling in a mouse model of AR.
Maxillary removal and reinsertion: A favorable approach for extensive anterior cranial base tumors
Authors: Ozer Enver , Bapna Sumit , Agrawal Amit , Schuller David E. 
Published: January 2010

ObjectiveTo analyze the long‐term results and the complications related to an expanded series of maxillary removal and reinsertion (MRRI) with 18‐year surgical experience.Study DesignCase series with chart review of the MRRI patients in the last 18 years.SettingThe Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.Subjects and MethodsSeventy‐eight patients who underwent MRRI from February 1990 through February 2007. The median age was 51 years (range 11‐77 yrs). Sixty‐two (80%) patients had malignant lesions.ResultsMRRI has been successfully completed in all 78 patients, with no intraoperative mortality. The most commonly encountered malignant neoplasm was squamous cell cancer (40.3%), followed by esthesioneuroblastoma (24.1%), adenoid cystic cancer (8%), and other neoplasms (27.4%). The most commonly encountered postoperative complication was diplopia, which has persisted in five (6.4%) patients in the short‐term and in three (4%) patients in the long‐term follow‐up. Nasal asymmetry was the most common long‐term complication (17.9%), followed by plate‐associated problems (10.2%) and midface asymmetry (10.2%). Overall five‐year survival for the patients with squamous cell carcinoma was 62 percent.ConclusionMRRI is a favorable surgical technique for the treatment of anterior cranial base (ACB) tumors in adults and even in children. It improves operative morbidity by preserving both function and form of the maxillary region and gives excellent exposure to ACB.
Health Literacy Among Patients Diagnosed With Movement Disorders: A Pilot Study
Authors: Armistead‐Jehle Patrick , Cifu David X. , Wetzel Ryan , Carne William , Klanchar Lynn A. 
Published: January 2010

ObjectiveThe study sought to examine the functional health literacy in a sample of geriatric patients diagnosed with movement disorders. The hypothesis was that the study group would demonstrate marginal levels of health literacy scores on a standardized health literacy instrument.Design/SettingThe study used a prospective analysis of patients referred to an outpatient movement disorders clinic in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center.PatientsFifty‐four men with a movement disorder volunteered for the study, with data analysis conducted on 44 of these patients.Main Outcome MeasurementsThe primary outcome measure was the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA).ResultsMembers of the current sample demonstrated adequate health literacy and scored significantly higher on the TOFHLA relative to the measure's normative sample. Younger age, more education, and higher Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) scores were predictive of health literacy.ConclusionsThe extant literature strongly suggests that limited health literacy is a frequent problem across the United States and represents a considerable obstacle to the effective delivery of health care. In a group of movement disorder subjects with a Folstein MMSE of at least 24, health literacy was generally well preserved. Years with movement disorder and severity of disorder did not impact health literacy. Thus, practitioners should not be prejudiced in a belief that individuals with movement disorders cannot manage their medications.
Sex differences among Swedish adolescents in mother–child relationships in the intake of different food groups
Authors: Vågstrand Karin 
Published: January 2010

The present study has explored mother–child relationships in the intake of different food groups and the sex differences in these relationships. A population-based sample of 471 mother–child pairs from Stockholm completed a dietary questionnaire to assess habitual dietary intake. Girls showed overall stronger correlations with their mothers' diet than boys did. The strongest correlations found, in both girls and boys, were for the intakes of fruit juice and sweet bakery goods (r 0·30–0·37, P < 0·001). There was a wide range in correlation strength between food groups. Milk/yoghurt and desserts showed no mother–child relationship at all. Breakfast cereals was the only food group with a significant sex interaction (P = 0·01; mothers–girls, r 0·30, P < 0·001; mothers–boys, r0·05, NS). There were significant positive correlations between mothers and daughters in the intake of all macronutrients, whereas none between mothers and sons (sex interactions: protein, P = 0·001; fat, P = 0·004; carbohydrates, P = 0·001). Mothers and daughters (r 0·29, P < 0·001), but not mothers and sons, showed significant correlation in total energy intake, (P = 0·001 for sex interaction). There were generally more differences between mothers and children than between boys and girls in the relative intake (percentage of energy) of different food groups. Since teenaged children have a similar intake of especially snack foods as their mothers, it could be meaningful to educate mothers when aiming at improving the diet of teenaged children, both boys and girls.