bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of Benchtop-magnetic resonance imaging in a nude mouse tumor model
Authors: Caysa Henrike , Metz Hendrik , Mäder Karsten , Mueller Thomas 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
MRI plays a key role in the preclinical development of new drugs, diagnostics and their delivery systems. However, very high installation and running costs of existing superconducting MRI machines limit the spread of MRI. The new method of Benchtop-MRI (BT-MRI) has the potential to overcome this limitation due to much lower installation and almost no running costs. However, due to the low field strength and decreased magnet homogeneity it is questionable, whether BT-MRI can achieve sufficient image quality to provide useful information for preclinical in vivo studies. It was the aim of the current study to explore the potential of BT-MRI on tumor models in mice.

Methods
We used a prototype of an in vivo BT-MRI apparatus to visualise organs and tumors and to analyse tumor progression in nude mouse xenograft models of human testicular germ cell tumor and colon carcinoma.

Results
Subcutaneous xenografts were easily identified as relative hypointense areas in transaxial slices of NMR images. Monitoring of tumor progression evaluated by pixel extension analyses based on NMR images correlated with increasing tumor volume calculated by calliper measurement. Gd-BOPTA contrast agent injection resulted in a better differentiation between parts of the urinary tissues and organs due to fast elimination of the agent via kidneys. In addition, interior structuring of tumors could be observed. A strong contrast enhancement within a tumor was associated with a central necrotic/fibrotic area.

Conclusions
BT-MRI provides satisfactory image quality to visualize organs and tumors and to monitor tumor progression and structure in mouse models.
Love, eye contact and the developmental origins of empathy v. psychopathy
Authors: Dadds Mark R. , Allen Jennifer L. , Oliver Bonamy R. , Faulkner Nathan , Legge Katherine , Moul Caroline , Woolgar Matthew , Scott Stephen 
Published: August 2011

BackgroundA propensity to attend to other people's emotions is a necessary condition for human empathy.AimsTo test our hypothesis that psychopathic disorder begins as a failure to attend to the eyes of attachment figures, using a ‘love’ scenario in young children.MethodChildren with oppositional defiant disorder, assessed for callous–unemotional traits, and a control group were observed in a love interaction with mothers. Eye contact and affection were measured for each dyad.ResultsThere was no group difference in affection and eye contact expressed by the mothers. Compared with controls, children with oppositional defiant disorder expressed lower levels of affection back towards their mothers; those with high levels of callous–unemotional traits showed significantly lower levels of affection than the children lacking these traits. As predicted, the former group showed low levels of eye contact toward their mothers. Low eye contact was not correlated with maternal coercive parenting or feelings toward the child, but was correlated with psychopathic fearlessness in their fathers.ConclusionsImpairments in eye contact are characteristic of children with callous–unemotional traits, and these impairments are independent of maternal behaviour.
Analysis of Prognostic Factors of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and Development of a Clinical Scoring System in Elderly Asian Patients With Cancer
Authors: Kanesvaran Ravindran , Li Huihua , Koo Khai-Nee , Poon Donald 
Published: August 2011

Purpose To determine the impact of each comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) domain on overall survival (OS) and develop a prognostic scoring system for elderly patients with cancer. Patients and Methods A retrospective analysis of CGA data collected from 249 consecutive patients with cancer who attended the outpatient geriatric oncology clinic at the National Cancer Center Singapore age 70 years or older was performed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards method to identify significant prognostic factors within the CGA. A simple nomogram to predict OS was developed using regression coefficients from the multivariate model. Concordance between predicted and observed response of the individual patient score was evaluated by means of Harrell's c-index. Calibration was performed using simulated data via bootstrap. Results Median age of the patients was 77 years (range, 70 to 94 years). In our model, age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.07), abnormal albumin level (HR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.23 to 3.15), poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (≥ 2 v < 2: HR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.72), abnormal geriatric depression scale status (HR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.29 to 2.56), high malnutrition risk (high v low risk: HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.17 to 2.87), and advanced disease stage (late v early: HR, 1.71; 95% CI, 0.98 to 2.95) were independent predictors of survival. Conclusion Results confirm the importance of the CGA in assessment of elderly patients with cancer. The development of this nomogram incorporating these prognostic factors helps predict OS of patients, for further intervention.
Fluorido Complex Formation of Element 104, Rutherfordium (Rf)
Authors: Ishii Yasuo , Toyoshima Atsushi , Tsukada Kazuaki , Asai Masato , Li Zijie , Nagame Yuichiro , Miyashita Sunao , Mori Tomotaka , Suganuma Hideo , Haba Hiromitsu , Goto Shin-ichi , Kudo Hisaaki , Akiyama Kazuhiko , Oura Yasuji , Shinohara Atsushi , Schädel Matthias , Pershina Valeria , Kratz Jens V 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
We have investigated the cation-exchange behavior of element 104, rutherfordium (Rf), together with its lighter group-4 homologs Zr and Hf, and the tetravalent pseudo-homolog Th in HF/HNO3 mixed solution. The results, obtained on a one-atom-at-a-time scale, demonstrate that distribution coefficients (Kd) of Rf in HF/0.10 M HNO3 decrease with increasing concentration of the fluoride ion [F−]. This resembles the behavior of the homologs, indicating the consecutive formation of fluorido complexes of Rf. We also measured the Kd values of Rf and the homologs as a function of the hydrogen ion concentration [H+] in the range of [F−] = 5.29 × 10−7–3.17 × 10−6 M. The log Kd values decrease linearly with an increase of log[H+] with slopes between −2.1 and −2.5. This indicates that these elements are likely to form the same chemical compounds: mixture of [MF]3+ and [MF2]2+ (M = Rf, Zr, Hf, and Th) in the studied solution. It is also ascertained that the fluorido complex formation of Rf is significantly weaker than that of Zr and Hf, but it is stronger than that of Th.
Narrowing the Equity Gap: The Impact of Organized versus Opportunistic Cancer Screening in Catalonia (Spain)
Authors: Espinas Josep A , Aliste Luisa , Fernández Esteve , Argimon Josep M , Tresserras Ricard , Borras Josep M 
Published: August 2011

Objectives To assess the impact on equity of access of an organized breast cancer screening programme, compared with opportunistic breast and cervical cancer screening activities. Methods Two cross-sectional health interview surveys conducted in 1994 and 2006 in Catalonia (Spain), with 6382 and 7653 women participating in both surveys. The main outcome measures were having undergone regular mammography, and regular cytology. Age-standardized prevalence rates for both screening tests were computed using the direct method. The relative inequality index was computed to measure changes over time in inequality on screening utilization. Results Participation among women aged 50-69 has increased after the introduction of the organized breast screening programme; the greatest impact has been observed among those women with lower educational levels (from 17% in 1994 to 79% in 2006). Equity of access by education was particularly increased in the target group for breast cancer screening. Conclusion This study indicates that an organized screening programme could improve participation and equity of access.
Universal Antenatal Screening for Group B Streptococcus in Emilia-romagna
Authors: Berardi Alberto , Di Fazzio Giorgia , Gavioli Sara , Di Grande Ezio , Groppi Alessandra , Papa Irene , Piccinini Giancarlo , Simoni Angela , Tridapalli Elisabetta , Volta Alessandro , Facchinetti Fabio , Ferrari Fabrizio 
Published: August 2011

Background Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of severe infections in newborns. Intrapartum antibiotic chemoprophylaxis (IAP) reduces the rate of early-onset disease. The aim of this study is to determine the degree of clinicians’ compliance with the suggested protocol for GBS prevention in Emilia-Romagna (Italy). Methods Characteristics of each delivery were prospectively recorded in the period between October 2005 to December 2005. Standardized proforma were used to collect data. Results Among 5118 babies, 7.2% (369) were preterm and 92.3% were born at term (4749). Antenatal screening was performed in 86.6% of women who delivered at term, of which 18.1% were GBS culture-positive. Information regarding culture site was available in 93.2% of women screened and recto-vaginal cultures were documented in 42.7%. IAP was administered to 28.7% of 3937 women at term who had either spontaneous delivery or emergency caesarean section. In this cohort, 15.9% were diagnosed GBS culture-positive, of which 92.6% received IAP. Prophylaxis was also administered to 8.4% (331) of women for no apparent reason. Compared with tertiary level hospitals, women delivering in primary/secondary hospitals were more likely to be both GBS screened ( P < 0.0001; OR 3.04; CI 2.33-3.97) and to receive prophylaxis ≥4 hours before delivery ( P = 0.0025; OR 1.57; CI 1.17-2.12). Conclusions GBS screening was performed in > 85% of women and > 90% of culture-positive women received prophylaxis. However, there is a need to educate clinicians about protocol adherence, as most cultures were suboptimal and cases of unnecessary IAP were administered. The screening was more effective in hospitals with fewer deliveries.
High Yield of Colorectal Neoplasia Detected by Colonoscopy following a Positive Faecal Occult Blood Test in the Nhs Bowel Cancer Screening Programme
Authors: Lee Thomas J W , Clifford Gayle M , Rajasekhar Praveen , Rutter Matthew D , Kometa Simon , Ritchie Mary C , Waddup Greg , Nylander David , Mcnally Richard J Q , Rees Colin J 
Published: August 2011

Objectives The UK National Health Service Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) is based on a strategy of biennial faecal occult blood (FOB) testing. Positive results are classified as ‘abnormal’ or ‘weak positive’ based on the number of positive windows per kit or need for repeat testing. Colonoscopy is offered to both groups. We evaluate the relationship between FOB test positivity and clinical outcome in the BCSP. Setting The South of Tyne and Tees (UK) Bowel Cancer Screening Centres. Methods Data were collected prospectively on all individuals who were offered FOB testing and colonoscopy between February 2007 and February 2009. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between FOB test positivity and clinical outcome. Results Following FOB testing, 1524 individuals underwent colonoscopy, 1259 (83%) after a ‘weak positive’ and 265 (17%) an ‘abnormal’ result. Cancer was detected in 180 (11.8%) and adenomas in 758 (49.7%). Individuals with an ‘abnormal’ result were more likely to have cancer or be ‘high risk’ for the development of future adenomas (110/265, 41.5%) than those with ‘weak positive’ results, (236/1259, 18.7%, P < 0.0001). Those with Dukes stage B, C or D cancers or cancers proximal to the splenic flexure were more likely to have an ‘abnormal’ result. Conclusions The majority of colonoscopies were performed following ‘weak positive’ FOB results. Those with an ‘abnormal’ result were more likely to be diagnosed with cancer. The high yield of pathology in both the ‘abnormal’ and ‘weak positive’ groups justifies the need for colonoscopy in both.
Alcohol hand abuse: a cross-sectional survey of skin complaints and usage patterns at a large UK teaching hospital
Authors: Mckenzie Shireen N , Turton Philip , Castle Keri , Clark Sheila M , Lansdown Mark R , Horgan Kieran 
Published: August 2011

Objectives To investigate whether the regular use of alcohol hand gel was having a detrimental effect on hands of healthcare professionals and, if so, to what extent. The study also aimed to establish a link between individuals who felt their hands were suffering from persistent exposure to the gel and those who actively avoided using the gel. Design A short descriptive questionnaire was distributed to healthcare professionals and those working within clinical areas within one trust (two teaching hospitals). Setting Staff that worked or had duties within clinical areas that necessitated the use of alcohol hand gel. Participants The survey was sent via email to all staff on the email database. Main outcome measure To determine the number of staff that developed new onset skin conditions since the introduction of alcohol hand gel and of what proportion of this number actively or considered avoiding the hand gel. Results Questionnaires were returned for analysis by 399 respondents. Eighty-eight percent of respondents felt that they had developed new onset skin conditions as a consequence of maintaining hand hygiene protocols. Nurses were the highest users of the hand gel, but interestingly were also the highest group to avoid or consider avoiding the hand gel (52% compared with 28%, 26% and 44% in the doctors, secretaries and healthcare assistants groups, respectively) . Thus indicating more frequent use may cause increased problems. Conclusion This study demonstrated that 88% of respondents stated that they had new-onset skin problems, of which half-felt that alcohol gel was the main contributing factor. There was a detrimental effect on compliance with alcohol gel hand hygiene protocols in this group. This reflects the real life difficulties of staff in their endeavour to reduce hospital-acquired infections. Action is needed to improve the compliance with such a simple task and ensure that all is done to reduce nosocomial infection and reduce the potential financial burden.
Benefits of knowledge-based interprofessional communication skills training in medical undergraduate education
Authors: Buczacki Simon , Shalhoub Joseph , George Peter M , Vearncombe Laura M , Byrne Patrick D , Alazawi William 
Published: August 2011

Objectives Good interprofessional communication is fundamental to effective teamworking in medicine. Finalmed is a private course that teaches the principles and methods of clinical presenting as an iterative technique of reasoning though clinical data. We have tested the efficacy of this technique using a questionnaire-based study. Design An anonymized 10-point Likert scale questionnaire was designed. Setting Questionnaires were distributed at five UK courses and two UAE courses. Participants Questionnaires were given to all students attending these courses. Main outcome measures The questionnaire included pre- and post-course questions addressing self-reported confidence in clinical presenting (CCP) and effectiveness in clinical presenting (ECP). We also asked whether attendees felt that clinical presenting should be integrated formally into medical school curricula. Results A total of 331/395 questionnaires were returned. Median improvement in CCP was 50% ( P< 0.0001) and in ECP was 40% ( P<0.0001), irrespective of country of study, graduate entry status and whether the student felt that they had been exposed to these techniques previously. Students recorded a strong opinion in favour of integrating the content and style of the Finalmed course into their medical school curriculum, with 286 students (86%) recording a score of ≥8. Conclusion Our study suggests that after a two- or three-day dedicated course, both self-reported confidence and effectiveness in clinical presenting significantly improve. Furthermore, students in the UK and the UAE returned a desire for integration into medical school curricula of IPC through the teaching of clinical presenting.
Dapsone-Induced Methemoglobinemia: a Primer for Clinicians
Authors: Barclay James A , Ziemba Stamatina E , Ibrahim Rami B 
Published: August 2011

Objective: To present a comprehensive review of dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia and its management. Data Sources: Literature retrieval was accessed through MEDLINE (1966-March 2011), Cochrane Library, and EMBASE, using the terms dapsone and methemoglobinemia. Study Selection And Data Extraction: All case reports, small case series, and randomized controlled trials published in English were evaluated. Because of the absence of comprehensive updates on this topic since 1996, publications between 1997 and March 2011 were included in this review. Data Synthesis: Between 1997 and March 2011, the majority of publications describing methemoglobinemia associated with dapsone use reported this adverse effect at therapeutic doses. Excluding overdose situations, 18 described symptomatic dapsone-associated methemoglobinemia and clinical presentation ranging from cyanosis to dyspnea. In almost all of the accounts, patients had a concurrent event such as anemia or pneumonia, suggesting an interplay between these comorbidities and the onset of symptomatic methemoglobinemia. Delayed hemolytic anemia was seen in patients with high methemoglobin levels at presentation. Management in most cases consisted of administration of methylene blue. Overall, most reports described a successful outcome, and no mortality resulted from methemoglobinemia associated with therapeutic use. Conclusions: Clinicians should recognize methemoglobinemia as an adverse effect associated with dapsone use and the potential factors that precipitate it. They should also know how to promptly and effectively manage this event.
Lubiprostone for Constipation in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: O'Brien Catherine E , Anderson Paula J , Stowe Cindy D 
Published: August 2011

Background Constipation is prevalent in the cystic fibrosis (CF) population and yet there are few data demonstrating the effectiveness of currently used treatments. Lubiprostone is a laxative that works by activating the type 2 chloride channel in the gastrointestinal tract and thus has the potential to be especially effective for constipation associated with CR Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of lubiprostone for the treatment of constipation in adults with CF. Methods: In this pilot study, participants acted as their own controls and comparisons were made between run-in and treatment periods. During the 2-week run-in period, participants continued their usual treatment for constipation; during the 4-week treatment period, participants received lubiprostone 24 μg twice daily. Efficacy outcomes Included spontaneous bowel movement frequency, Bristol Stool Scale scores, and Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM) survey scores. Outcomes were assessed during both the run-in and treatment periods (0, 2, and 4 weeks of treatment). Safety outcomes included spirometry, body weight, and serum chemistry. Results: Seven participants completed the study. Mean (SD) baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 second was 83.0% (9.4) of predicted and body mass index was 24.0 (2.8) kg/m2, indicating an overall healthy, well-nourished group of adults with CR Lubiprostone improved overall symptoms of constipation as measured by PAC-SYM survey scores (1.18 [0.56], 0,54 (0.27], and 0.44 [0.36] at 0, 2, and 4 weeks, respectively; p < 0.001). Spontaneous bowel movement frequency and Bristol Stool Scale scores were not statistically significantly different between periods. There were no differences in safety measures. Transient chest tightness and shortness of breath were reported by 2 separate participants, although neither participant withdrew due to these adverse effects. Conclusions: Lubiprostone may be an effective option for the treatment of constipation in adults with CF
Immediate-Release Oxybutynin for the Treatment of Clozapine-Induced Sialorrhea
Authors: Leung Jonathan G , Puri Neil V , Jacobson Michael J 
Published: August 2011

Objective: To describe a case of clozapine-induced sialorrhea alleviated by immediate-release oxybutynin. Case Summary: A 53-year-old female with schizoaffective disorder–bipolar type was admitted to a psychiatric unit and initiated on clozapine. During titration to a dose of 300 mg daily and despite taking concomitant oral benztropine 1 mg twice daily, the patient began to experience mild sialorrhea. The sialorrhea became profuse when the clozapine dose reached 400 mg daily, and the patient was routinely seen with a saliva-soaked shirt. Additionally, she had become self-conscious and wanted to stop clozapine therapy. Immediate-release oxybutynin 5 mg daily was started, resulting in significant reduction of the sialorrhea within 24 hours. The patient was discharged on clozapine 300 mg daily, risperidone 6 mg at bedtime, immediate-release oxybutynin 5 mg twice daily, and oral benztropine 1.5 mg daily, with only mild sialorrhea. Discussion: It is unknown why clozapine induces sialorrhea. One speculation is that clozapine interrupts muscarinic receptor homeostasis. Immediate-release oxybutynin is an anticholinergic agent with high affinity for salivary gland M, receptors that may have restored muscarinic receptor imbalance in our patient. N-Desethyl-oxybutynin, an active metabolite of oxybutynin, is largely responsible for oxybutynin's anticholinergic activity. The activity of oxybutynin and its metabolite may result in dry mouth in over 80% of patients taking the immediate-release formulation, while producing dry mouth in only 40% and 7.5% of patients taking the extended-release and topical formulations, respectively. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of immediate-release oxybutynin successfully reducing clozapine-induced sialorrhea. If oxybutynin is considered for this indication, use of the immediate-release formulation seems prudent. Additional data, including randomized controlled trials, are needed to confirm whether immediate-release oxybutynin has a significant role in the management of this stigmatizing adverse effect.
Ample vector bundles and polarized manifolds of sectional genus three
Authors: Benzo Luca , Lanteri Antonio 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Let ℰ be an ample vector bundle of rank r ≥ 2 on a smooth complex projective variety X of dimension n having a global section whose zero locus Z is a smooth subvariety of dimension n – r ≥ 3 of X. Let H be an ample line bundle on X such that its restriction HZ
to Z is generated by global sections. The structure of triplets (X, ℰ, H) is determined under the assumption that (Z, HZ
) has sectional genus g(Z, HZ
) = 3.
Quotients of hypersurfaces in weighted projective space
Authors: Bini Gilberto 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
In [Bini, van Geemen, Kelly, Mirror quintics, discrete symmetries and Shioda maps, 2009] some quotients of one-parameter families of Calabi–Yau varieties are related to the family of Mirror Quintics by using a construction due to Shioda. In this paper, we generalize this construction to a wider class of varieties. More specifically, let A be an invertible matrix with non-negative integer entries. We introduce varieties XA
and in weighted projective space and in , respectively. The variety turns out to be a quotient of a Fermat variety by a finite group. As a by-product, XA
is a quotient of a Fermat variety and is a quotient of XA
by a finite group. We apply this construction to some families of Calabi–Yau manifolds in order to show their birationality.
Quasigeodesics and farthest points on convex surfaces
Authors: Ieiri K. , Itoh J. , Vîlcu C. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
We prove a quadrilateral comparison result for convex surfaces, involving projections onto quasigeodesics. As an application, we locate the set of all farthest points (i.e., points at maximal intrinsic distance from some point) in a convex surface, with respect to a simple closed quasigeodesic.