bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and tolerability of weekly low‐dose cisplatin concurrent with radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: OTTY Zulfiquer , SKINNER Monika Buhrer , DASS Joshua , COLLINS Michael , MOOI Jennifer , THURAISINGAM Kandeepan , SABESAN Sabe 
Published: August 2011

AbstractAims:  In this retrospective analysis, we describe the efficacy and tolerability of weekly cisplatin 40 mg/m2 used in concurrent chemoradiation of head and neck cancer at the Townsville Cancer Centre.Methods:  Review of medical records of patients who received radical chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer at Townsville Cancer Centre from 2003 to 2009.Results:  In all 102 patients were analysed, 62 of whom had definitive chemoradiation and the remainder adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Median follow up was 20.1 months (range 5–86 months). Overall 68.6% of patients received 5 weeks or more of planned chemotherapy. Radiotherapy interruptions occurred in four (6.4%) patients. The rate of grade 3–4 adverse events was 51% including neutropenia (18.6%), mucositis (21.8%) and dysphagia (12.9%) and 30.7% of patients needed hospital admission to manage toxicities. For definitive and adjuvant groups, estimated 3‐year survival was 64.5 and 71.5%, respectively, and estimated 3‐year disease‐specific survival rates were 70.3 and 81.6%, respectively. The 3‐year overall survival for patients who received five or more cycles of chemotherapy was 75.2%, compared to 52.6% for those receiving fewer than five cycles (P = 0.018).Conclusion:  Despite this is being a small retrospective study, survival figures and toxicity profiles of low dose weekly cisplatin are comparable to historical controls using high‐dose regimens, hence justifying our approach. In addition, radiotherapy interruptions are minimized and cisplatin is easy to administer in outpatient settings. Future three‐arm studies could include this regimen as the basis of treatment combined with targeted therapies.
Very high GFR in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: prevalence, carboplatin dosing patterns and chemotherapy toxicity
Authors: ROY Amitesh Chandra , JONES David Neil , SLAVOTINEK John P , KICHENADASSE Ganessan , KARAPETIS Chris , LAM Earl , BISHNOI Sarwan , KOCZWARA Bogda 
Published: August 2011

AbstractAim:  Carboplatin dosing depends on accurate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimation. There is a lack of clinical agreement about carboplatin dosing when the GFR measurement is very high (>110 mL/min).Methods:  A retrospective audit of pre‐chemotherapy 99m technetium (Tc) diethylenetriamene pentaacetate (DTPA) radionuclide GFR estimations and patients' chart review were performed from January 2006 to May 2009. The primary objective was to determine the prevalence of patients with a high GFR and the incidence of myelotoxicity in this group.Results:  Overall 18 of 148 treated patients (14%) measured GFR >110mL/min. The GFR values of six of the 18 patients were capped for dose calculation. In eight patients a measured GFR corrected for body surface area was used and in four the actual measured GFR was used for dose calculation. In total, 63 cycles of chemotherapy were delivered. Grade III or IV myelotoxicity accounted for 37% (15/41) of all myelotoxicities. Neutropenia accounted for almost 39% of all myelotoxicities (16/41). Two patients (11%) were hospitalized due to febrile neutropenia. Eight patients (40%) had dose reduction and four (20%) had treatment delays due to myelotoxicity. The frequency of myelotoxicity was high irrespective of the GFR used (corrected or uncorrected) in calculating the chemotherapy dose.Conclusion:  High values of GFR, by 99mTc DTPA radionuclide measurement, are a common finding in pre‐chemotherapy patients irrespective of age. Carboplatin dosing patterns in this group of patients vary among treating oncologists and a standardized approach is needed.
INVESTIGATION OF EMPIRICAL AND FUNDAMENTAL SOBA NOODLE TEXTURE PARAMETERS PREPARED WITH TARTARY, GREEN TESTA AND COMMON BUCKWHEAT
Authors: HATCHER D.W. , BELLIDO G.G , ANDERSON M.J. , DEXTER J.E. , HEAD D. , IZYDORCZYK M. 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTSoba noodles were prepared from brown tartary, green testa and two common buckwheat variety flours with Canada Western Red Spring flour (13.0% protein) and a lower protein (11.5%), but stronger dough strength, Canada Prairie Spring Red (CPSR) flour. Empirical, fundamental and the new Elastic Index (EI) parameter all demonstrated that the lower protein, stronger gluten CPSR variety 5701, yielded superior textural attributes. Tartary buckwheat flour noodle blends' empirical texture results (maximum cutting stress, resistance to compression and recovery) indicated they produced soba noodles with superior texture than the other buckwheat flours because of the lower level of dietary fiber, elevated starch content and lower cooking water uptake. Fundamental tests, such as stress relaxation percent at 20 s, extent of relaxation (K2), loading work and unloading work of tartary buckwheat noodles showed significant differences from the other buckwheat noodles. Among soba noodles, tartary buckwheat noodles had significantly greater (P < 0.05) elastic‐like properties (higher K2 and EI). The EI parameter was significantly correlated (P < 0.005) with all empirical and fundamental rheological parameters.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSWhereas noodle manufacturers prefer local sensory panels to evaluate the texture characteristics of new noodle products, such evaluations provide little insight into the underlying reasons for the panelist preferences. Traditional empirical mechanical tests – maximum cutting stress, recovery and resistance to compression – have not proven to offer the level of discernment required by the industry. Fundamental mechanical properties offer the ability to provide improved discrimination, as well as an understanding of the role of the biochemical components in addressing the noodle's texture.
FUNDAMENTAL FRACTURE PROPERTIES ASSOCIATED WITH SENSORY HARDNESS OF BRITTLE SOLID FOODS
Authors: KIM ESTHER H‐J. , CORRIGAN VIRGINIA K. , WILSON ARRAN J. , WATERS IAN R. , HEDDERLEY DUNCAN I. , MORGENSTERN MARCO P. 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTA series of biscuit‐like model foods that vary primarily in hardness, while keeping other sensory attributes less variable, was developed and used to investigate the relationship between fundamental fracture properties and the sensory perception of hardness of brittle solid foods. Fifteen biscuit samples were evaluated by both a trained sensory panel and three instrumental tests (three‐point bending test, single‐edge notched bend test and modified texture profile analysis), and their relationships were determined by simple linear regression analysis. Correlations revealed that the perceived hardness during biting or chewing is fracture related, and it is directly related to the amount of stress required to initiate and propagate a crack in a material (i.e., fracture stress [σ] and critical stress intensity factor [KIC], respectively). The fracturing of these hard and brittle biscuits appeared to be associated with the release of energy as sound, and thus, the perceived hardness and crunchiness were indistinguishable.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSSensory evaluation is time consuming and expensive, and, therefore, reliable and practical (faster, less expensive and reproducible) instrumental methods are needed to accurately predict sensory texture attributes, at least, in the product development and quality control stages. This study demonstrated that the perceived hardness of biscuits can be tracked by σ and KIC with remarkable precision. These properties may be used as a reliable replacement for a sensory assessment of hardness in brittle solid foods, where applicable.
Just what the doctor ordered: Moving forward with electronic health records
Authors: O'SULLIVAN Therese A. , BILLING Nathan A. , STOKES David 
Published: August 2011

AbstractAim:  To provide dietitians with information on the proposed introduction of electronic medical records in Australia and New Zealand and discuss potential benefits and challenges.Methods:  An overview of the current status regarding electronic health (e‐health) records is given along with suggestions on how dietitians may like to become involved. Information was obtained by literature review and through contact with the National E‐Health Transition Authority in Australia and the National Health Information Technology Board in New Zealand.Results:  Governments in both Australia and New Zealand are dedicated to the establishment of national electronic health record systems. Current issues in founding such a system include interoperability with existing systems, privacy concerns and the use of standardised terminologies.Conclusion:  Integrated and practical e‐health records are an important part of an efficient and sustainable health system. Dietitians wishing to be involved can learn about the International Dietetics and Nutrition Terminology, actively seek and contribute to technology discussions in their workplace and register with available e‐health record initiatives.
Self‐reported oral health of a metropolitan homeless population in Australia: comparisons with population‐level data
Authors: Parker EJ , Jamieson LM , Steffens MA , Cathro P , Logan RM 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackground:  There is limited information on self‐perceived oral health of homeless populations. This study quantified self‐reported oral health among a metropolitan homeless adult population and compared against a representative sample of the metropolitan adult population obtained from the National Survey of Adult Oral Health.Methods:  A total of 248 homeless participants (age range 17–78 years, 79% male) completed a self‐report questionnaire. Data for an age‐matched, representative sample of metropolitan‐dwelling adults were obtained from Australia’s second National Survey of Adult Oral Health. Percentage responses and 95% confidence intervals were calculated, with non‐overlapping 95% confidence intervals used to identify statistically significant differences between the two groups.Results:  Homeless adults reported poorer oral health than their age‐matched general population counterparts. Twice as many homeless adults reported visiting a dentist more than a year ago and that their usual reason for dental attendance was for a dental problem. The proportion of homeless adults with a perceived need for fillings or extractions was also twice that of their age‐matched general population counterparts. Three times as many homeless adults rated their oral health as ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.Conclusions:  A significantly greater proportion of homeless adults in an Australian metropolitan location reported poorer oral health compared with the general metropolitan adult population.
Inhibition of motility in isolated horse small intestine is mediated by κ but not µ opioid receptors
Authors: MENOZZI A. , POZZOLI C. , ZULLIAN C. , POLI E. , SERVENTI P. , BERTINI S. 
Published: August 2011

SummaryThe effects of preferential µ (morphine), selective µ (fentanyl), selective κ (compound U69593) opioid receptor agonists, and nonselective (naloxone) and selective µ (naloxonazine) antagonists on equine small intestinal motility were evaluatedin vitro. Samples of circular muscle from equine jejunum were placed in isolated organ baths and drug‐induced modifications of both spontaneous and electrically evoked contractile activity were measured. None of the opioid agonists induced a significant change in spontaneous contractions. Fentanyl and U69593 reduced electrically induced contractions, whereas morphine reduced them only slightly. Naloxone competitively antagonised U69593, but both naloxone and naloxonazine were unable to counteract the inhibition of contractions induced by fentanyl. The inhibition of contractions shown by fentanyl is therefore probably not mediated by opioid receptors, but due to an anticholinergic activity of this drug. In summary, these data showed an inhibitory effect exerted by κ receptors on equine small intestinal motility, whereas the role of µ receptors seemed marginal and would need further characterisation.
Management of hindlimb proximal suspensory desmopathy by neurectomy of the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve and plantar fasciotomy: 155 horses (2003–2008)
Authors: DYSON S. , MURRAY R. 
Published: August 2011

SummaryReasons for performing study:Neurectomy of the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve and plantar fasciotomy have become accepted as methods of treatment of proximal suspensory desmopathy (PSD), but there are limited long‐term studies documenting the outcome.Objectives:To describe long‐term follow‐up in horses with PSD alone or with other injuries contributing to lameness and poor performance, including complications, following neurectomy and fasciotomy.Methods:Follow‐up information was acquired for 155 horses that had undergone neurectomy and fasciotomy for treatment of PSD between 2003 and 2008. Success was classified as a horse having been in full work for >1 year post operatively. Horses were divided into 3 groups on the basis of the results of clinical assessment and diagnostic analgesia. Horses inGroup 1had primary PSD and no other musculoskeletal problem. Horses inGroup 2had primary PSD in association with straight hock conformation and/or hyperextension of the metatarsophalangeal joint. Horses inGroup 3had PSD and other problems contributing to lameness or poor performance.Results:InGroup 1, 70 of 90 horses (77.8%) had a successful outcome, whereas inGroup 3,23 of 52 horses (44.2%) returned to full function for >1 year. Complications included iatrogenic damage to the plantar aspect of the suspensory ligament, seroma formation, residual curb‐like swellings and the development of white hairs. All horses inGroup 2remained lame.Conclusions and clinical relevance:There is a role for neurectomy of the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve and plantar fasciotomy for long‐term management of hindlimb PSD, but a prerequisite for successful management requires recognition of risk factors for poor outcome including conformation features of straight hock or fetlock hyperextension.
The adaptation and validation of the CEQ and the R‐SPQ‐2F to the Japanese tertiary environment
Authors: Fryer Luke K. , Ginns Paul , Walker Richard A. , Nakao Kaori 
Published: August 2011

Background. Student learning theory (SLT) has established associations between students’ approaches to learning and their perceptions of the learning environment. SLT may provide a useful framework for researching student learning within the Japanese tertiary sector.Aims. The study aims to explore and validate the Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) and the Revised Study Process Questionnaire (R‐SPQ‐2F) in the Japanese four‐year tertiary context.Sample. Mixed‐major students from one Japanese four‐year tertiary institution voluntarily completed the CEQ (n= 370). A separate group of students completed the CEQ and R‐SPQ‐2F (n= 269).Methods. CEQ data from the first sample were analysed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). CEQ and R‐SPQ‐2F data from the second sample were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).Results. EFA of the CEQ resulted in four factors: Good Teaching (GT), Generic Skills (GS), Appropriate Workload (AW), and Appropriate Assessment (AA). CFA confirmed these factors with the second sample. CFA of the R‐SPQ‐2F resulted in an item parcel‐based, two‐factor model. Correlations between some CEQ and R‐SPQ‐2F constructs were consistent with previous results. However, other findings from this research suggest that SLT constructs may be constituted differently in the Japanese context.Conclusions. This study represents an initial investigation of key SLT constructs in the Japanese context. Results suggest some SLT constructs are meaningful in this context, but further scale development may be desirable before more advanced modeling is employed.
Outbreak of Mortality in Psittacine Birds in a Mixed-Species Aviary Associated With Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Infection
Authors: Galindo-Cardiel I. , Opriessnig T. , Molina L. , Juan-Salles C. 
Published: August 2011

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae septicemia, associated with an increased mortality of captive psittacines in a mixed-species aviary, was diagnosed by histopathology, Gram staining, bacterial culture and sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Over a period of 23 days with no premonitory signs, 2 rainbow lorikeets and an eclectus parrot died. Of these birds, one lorikeet and the eclectus were submitted for necropsy. The main pathologic findings were thrombosis (2/2), bacterial embolism/thromboembolism (2/2), necrotizing hepatitis (2/2), necrohemorrhagic myocarditis (1/2), fibrinohemorrhagic and heterophilic visceral coelomitis (1/2), submandibular necrosuppurative dermatitis with necrotizing vasculitis and bacterial and fungal thromboembolism (1/2), and locally extensive rhabdomyonecrosis with bacterial embolism (1/2). Intralesional bacteria were positive by Gram staining and immunohistochemistry in both cases. E. rhusiopathiae was isolated by routine bacterial culture from the liver of the lorikeet, which was also positive by real-time PCR. This report is one of the rare descriptions of erysipelas in psittacines, and to the authors’ knowledge, it appears to be the first in the described species using immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR on avian paraffin-embedded tissues for the diagnosis.
Methylation-dependent PAD2 upregulation in multiple sclerosis peripheral blood
Authors: Calabrese Roberta , Zampieri Michele , Mechelli Rosella , Annibali Viviana , Guastafierro Tiziana , Ciccarone Fabio , Coarelli Giulia , Umeton Renato , Salvetti Marco , Caiafa Paola 
Published: August 2011

Background: Peptidylarginine deiminase 2 (PAD2) and peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) are two members of PAD family which are over-expressed in the multiple sclerosis (MS) brain. Through its enzymatic activity PAD2 converts myelin basic protein (MBP) arginines into citrullines – an event that may favour autoimmunity – while peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) is involved in chromatin remodelling. Objectives: Our aim was to verify whether an altered epigenetic control of PAD2, as already shown in the MS brain, can be observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with MS since some of these cells also synthesize MBP. Methods: The expression of most suitable reference genes and of PAD2 and PAD4 was assessed by qPCR. Analysis of DNA methylation was performed by bisulfite method. Results: The comparison of PAD2 expression level in PBMCs from patients with MS vs. healthy donors showed that, as well as in the white matter of MS patients, the enzyme is significantly upregulated in affected subjects. Methylation pattern analysis of a CpG island located in the PAD2 promoter showed that over-expression is associated with promoter demethylation. Conclusion: Defective regulation of PAD2 in the periphery, without the immunological shelter of the blood–brain barrier, may contribute to the development of the autoimmune responses in MS.
Secondary use of randomized controlled trials to evaluate drug safety: a review of methodological considerations
Authors: Hammad Tarek A , Pinheiro Simone P , Neyarapally George A 
Published: August 2011

Background Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are often positioned at the top of evidence hierarchies. Meta-analyses of RCTs aim to integrate the state of knowledge on a given scientific question, particularly for rare drug-related outcomes. However, although RCTs are valuable tools in our armamentarium, they are rarely designed to evaluate drug safety and are thus susceptible to limitations that may hamper the ability of both RCTs and meta-analyses to fully characterize the safety profiles of drugs. Their potential limitations might be exacerbated in the study of rare outcomes, often encountered in drug safety assessment, when even minor deviations from the intended randomization could impact the stability of the risk estimates. Purpose This article considers the methodological caveats of both RCTs and meta-analyses of RCTs pertinent to the study of drug-related harms. It is intended to stimulate discussion about the impact of these caveats on interpreting findings of RCTs and meta-analyses for drug safety, which would foster more robust, critical evaluations, and thus enhance clinical and regulatory decision-making. Methods Pertinent issues that can influence the interpretation of drug-related harms discussed in this article were based on authors’ expertise and review of the literature. Results Investigators and clinicians should be cognizant of the potential limitations of the secondary use of RCTs and meta-analyses in the assessment of drug-related harms and, when applicable, should consider potential remedies to overcome these limitations. Limitations Only few practical examples are included in the article due to the fact that many of the discussed caveats are not examined and/or reported in many publications. In addition, the confidential nature of data reviewed at a regulatory agency forestalls an in depth discussion of examples pertaining to specific drugs. Furthermore, our ability to quantify the extent of encountering, or the actual impact of, the caveats addressed in this review on the RCTs findings is limited. It is worth noting that the mere encounter of a given caveat does not mean that it will obviate the utility of drug safety information from a given trial. The extent of its impact is expected to vary based on the specifics of the trial, the drugs studied, the indications, and the nature of the adverse events. Conclusions Although some of the limitations described are inherent in RCTs, some of the sources of bias highlighted in this article could be minimized by careful RCT design, planned follow-up, and improved collection of information on adverse events. As future research sheds more light on pertinent knowledge gaps and issues, the ability to maximize the use of RCTs and meta-analyses of RCTs to address drug safety questions of interest will be greatly enhanced.
Blood CD34−c-Kit+ cell rate correlates with aggressive forms of systemic mastocytosis and behaves like a mast cell precursor
Authors: Georgin-Lavialle Sophie , Lhermitte Ludovic , Baude Cédric , Barete Stéphane , Bruneau Julie , Launay Jean-Marie , Chandesris Marie-Olivia , Hanssens Katia , de Gennes Christian , Damaj Gandhi , Lanternier Fanny , Hamidou Mohamed , Lortholary Olivier , Dubreuil Patrice , Feger Frédéric , Lepelletier Yves , Hermine Olivier 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Mastocytosis is a heterogeneous disease characterized by the accumulation of mast cells in one or more organs. Our objective was to identify a peripheral mast cell precursor and assess its variation rate in mastocytosis. A peripheral blood phenotypic analysis was performed among 50 patients with mastocytosis who were enrolled in a prospective multicentric French study, and the phenotypic analysis results of the patients were compared with those of healthy donors. The rate of peripheral blood CD34−c-Kit+ cells correlated with the severity of mastocytosis. This cellular population was isolated from healthy donors as well as from patients with systemic mastocytosis. After 30 days of culture, the CD34−c-Kit+ cells gave birth to mature mast cells, indicating that this cellular population constitutes a mast cell circulating precursor. Monitoring peripheral CD34−c-Kit+ cells by flow cytometry could be a useful and low-invasive tool to determine the disease severity and the relapses and to assess treatment efficiency.