bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Accuracy of Noninvasive Hemoglobin Monitoring by Spectrophotometry (SpHb) and HemoCue® with Automated Laboratory Hemoglobin Measurement
Authors: Lamhaut Lionel , Apriotesei Roxana , Combes Xavier , Lejay Marc , Carli Pierre , Vivien Benoît 
Published: June 2011

Background
The reference method for hemoglobin concentration measurement remains automated analysis in the laboratory. Although point-of-care devices such as the HemoCue® 201+ (HemoCue, Ängelholm, Sweden) provide immediate hemoglobin values, a noninvasive, spectrophotometry-based technology (Radical-7®; Masimo Corp., Irvine, CA) that provides continuous online hemoglobin (SpHb) measurements has been introduced. This clinical study aimed to test the hypothesis that SpHb monitoring was equivalent to that of HemoCue® (the automated hemoglobin measurement in the laboratory taken as a reference method) during acute surgical hemorrhage.

Methods
Blood for laboratory analysis was sampled after induction of anesthesia, during surgery according to the requirements of the anesthesiologist, and finally after the transfer of the patient to the recovery room. When each blood sample was taken, capillary samples were obtained for analysis with HemoCue®. SpHb monitoring was performed continuously during surgery. Using the automated hemoglobin measurement in the laboratory as a reference method, the authors tested the hypothesis that SpHb monitoring is equivalent to that of HemoCue®. The agreement between two methods was evaluated by linear regression and Bland and Altman analysis.

Results
Eighty-five simultaneous measurements from SpHb, HemoCue®, and the laboratory were obtained from 44 patients. Bland and Altman comparison of SpHb and HemoCue® with the laboratory measurement showed, respectively, bias of -0.02 ± 1.39 g · dl(-1) and -0.17 ± 1.05 g · dl(-1), and a precision of 1.11 ± 0.83 g · dl(-1) and 0.67 ± 0.83 g · dl(-1). Considering an acceptable difference of ± 1.0 g · dl(-1) with the laboratory measurement, the percentage of outliers was significantly higher for SpHb than for HemoCue® (46% vs. 16%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions
Taking automated laboratory hemoglobin measurement as a reference, the study shows that SpHb monitoring with Radical-7® gives lower readings than does the HemoCue® for assessment of hemoglobin concentration during hemorrhagic surgery.
Investigating the Contribution of the Phosphate Transport Pathway to Arsenic Accumulation in Rice
Authors: Wu Zhongchang , Ren Hongyan , McGrath Steve P. , Wu Ping , Zhao Fang-Jie 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Arsenic (As) accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa) may pose a significant health risk to consumers. Plants take up different As species using various pathways. Here, we investigated the contribution of the phosphate (Pi) transport pathway to As accumulation in rice grown hydroponically or under flooded soil conditions. In hydroponic experiments, a rice mutant defective in OsPHF1 (for phosphate transporter traffic facilitator1) lost much of the ability to take up Pi and arsenate and to transport them from roots to shoots, whereas transgenic rice overexpressing either the Pi transporter OsPht1;8 (OsPT8) or the transcription factor OsPHR2 (for phosphate starvation response2) had enhanced abilities of Pi and arsenate uptake and translocation. OsPT8 was found to have a high affinity for both Pi and arsenate, and its overexpression increased the maximum influx by 3- to 5-fold. In arsenate-treated plants, both arsenate and arsenite were detected in the xylem sap, with the proportion of the latter increasing with the exposure time. Under the flooded soil conditions, the phf1 mutant took up less Pi whereas the overexpression lines took up more Pi. But there were no similar effects on As accumulation and distribution. Rice grain contained predominantly dimethylarsinic acid and arsenite, with arsenate being a minor species. These results suggest that the Pi transport pathway contributed little to As uptake and transport to grain in rice plants grown in flooded soil. Transgenic approaches to enhance Pi acquisition from paddy soil through the overexpression of Pi transporters may not increase As accumulation in rice grain.
Alcohol consumption, problem drinking, abstention and disability pension award. The Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT)
Authors: Skogen Jens Christoffer , Knudsen Ann Kristin , Mykletun Arnstein , Nesvåg Sverre , Øverland Simon 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTAims  To examine associations of abstention, alcohol consumption and problem drinking with subsequent disability pensioning (DP), and whether previous excessive consumption (‘sick‐quitting’) could explain some of the increased risk for DP among abstainers.Design  Prospective population‐based study.Setting and participants  Data were from two waves of the Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) linked with the national insurance database. The two main analyses included 37 729 (alcohol consumption) and 34 666 (problem drinking) participants.Measurements  Alcohol consumption was measured by self‐reported consumption, while problem drinking was assessed by the Cut down, Annoyed, Guilt, Eye‐opener (CAGE) questionnaire. Information on subsequent DP, including diagnosis for which the DP was awarded, was gathered from the national insurance database. Covariates included somatic illness and symptoms, mental health, health‐related behaviour, socio‐economic status and social activity.Findings  Those reporting the highest level of alcohol consumption were not at increased risk for DP [hazard ratio (HR) 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.92–1.38], whereas problem drinking was a strong predictor (HR 2.79, 95% CI: 2.08–3.75) compared to their corresponding reference groups. Alcohol abstainers were also at increased risk for DP, but among them, the previous consumers (HR 1.95, 95% CI: 1.48–2.57) and previous excessive consumers (HR 1.67, 95% CI: 1.01–2.74) were at higher risk for DP than constant abstainers.Conclusions  Problem drinking is linked to subsequent requirement for a disability pension but mere alcohol consumption is not. This is partly explained by ‘sick‐quitting’.
Sertraline delays relapse in recently abstinent cocaine‐dependent patients with depressive symptoms
Authors: Oliveto Alison , Poling James , Mancino Michael J. , Williams D. Keith , Thostenson Jeff , Pruzinsky Rhonda , Gonsai Kishorchandra , Sofuoglu Mehmet , Gonzalez Gerardo , Tripathi Shanti , Kosten Thomas R. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTAims  Whether the selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitor sertraline at 200 mg/day delays relapse in recently abstinent cocaine‐dependent individuals.Design  The study involved a 12‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial with 2‐week residential stay followed by 10‐week out‐patient participation.Setting  Veterans Affairs residential unit and out‐patient treatment research program.Participants  Cocaine‐dependent volunteers (n = 86) with depressive symptoms (Hamilton score > 15), but otherwise no major psychiatric or medical disorder or contraindication to sertraline.Measurements  Participants were housed on a drug‐free residential unit (weeks 1–2) and randomized to receive sertraline or placebo. Participants then participated on an out‐patient basis during weeks 3–12 while continuing to receive study medication. Patients participated in a day substance abuse/day treatment program during weeks 1–3 and underwent weekly cognitive behavioral therapy during weeks 4–12. The primary outcome measure was thrice‐weekly urine results and the secondary measure was Hamilton Depression scores.Findings  Pre‐hoc analyses were performed on those who participated beyond week 2. Generally, no group differences in retention or baseline characteristics occurred. Sertraline patients showed a trend towards longer time before their first cocaine‐positive urine (‘lapse’, χ2 = 3.67, P = 0.056), went significantly longer before having two consecutive urine samples positive for cocaine (‘relapse’, χ2 = 4.03, P = 0.04) and showed significantly more days to lapse (26.1 ± 16.7 versus 13.2 ± 10.5; Z = 2.89, P = 0.004) and relapse (21.3 ± 10.8 versus 32.3 ± 14.9; Z = 2.25, P = 0.02). Depression scores decreased over time (F = 43.43, P < 0.0001), but did not differ between groups (F = 0.09, P = 0.77).Conclusions  Sertraline delays time to relapse relative to placebo in cocaine‐dependent patients who initially achieve at least 2 weeks of abstinence.
Benzodiazepines revisited—will we ever learn?
Authors: Lader Malcolm 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTAims  To re‐examine various aspects of the benzodiazepines (BZDs), widely prescribed for 50 years, mainly to treat anxiety and insomnia. It is a descriptive review based on the Okey Lecture delivered at the Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, in November 2010.Methods  A search of the literature was carried out in the Medline, Embase and Cochrane Collaboration databases, using the codeword ‘benzodiazepine(s)’, alone and in conjunction with various terms such as ‘dependence’, ‘abuse’, etc. Further hand‐searches were made based on the reference lists of key papers. As 60 000 references were found, this review is not exhaustive. It concentrates on the adverse effects, dependence and abuse.Results  Almost from their introduction the BZDs have been controversial, with polarized opinions, advocates pointing out their efficacy, tolerability and patient acceptability, opponents deprecating their adverse effects, dependence and abuse liability. More recently, the advent of alternative and usually safer medications has opened up the debate. The review noted a series of adverse effects that continued to cause concern, such as cognitive and psychomotor impairment. In addition, dependence and abuse remain as serious problems. Despite warnings and guidelines, usage of these drugs remains at a high level. The limitations in their use both as choice of therapy and with respect to conservative dosage and duration of use are highlighted. The distinction between low‐dose ‘iatrogenic’ dependence and high‐dose abuse/misuse is emphasized.Conclusions  The practical problems with the benzodiazepines have persisted for 50 years, but have been ignored by many practitioners and almost all official bodies. The risk–benefit ratio of the benzodiazepines remains positive in most patients in the short term (2–4 weeks) but is unestablished beyond that time, due mainly to the difficulty in preventing short‐term use from extending indefinitely with the risk of dependence. Other research issues include the possibility of long‐term brain changes and evaluating the role of the benzodiazepine antagonist, flumazenil, in aiding withdrawal.
Evaluation of systolic murmurs using transthoracic echocardiography by anaesthetic trainees
Authors: Cowie B. , Kluger R. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryFocused transthoracic echocardiography by anaesthetists in the peri‐operative period has recently been described; the data suggest that the specific skills required can be obtained by non cardiology physicians with limited training. Aortic stenosis is known to increase significantly the peri‐operative risk in non‐cardiac surgery. This study aimed to assess the ability of echocardiography naive trainee anaesthetists to recognise and assess the severity of aortic stenosis after a set amount of training. Five trainees underwent 2 h of didactic and hands‐on teaching in evaluation of the aortic valve, after which they scanned 20 patients each. Their results were compared with those obtained by an experienced cardiac anaesthetist with echocardiography training and qualifications. There was 100% concordance between trainees and the consultant for assessment of clinically significant aortic stenosis, with no cases of misdiagnosis. There was also 90–100% agreement (kappa statistic 0.8–1) between the consultant and each trainee’s assessment of clinically significant aortic stenosis based on a peak aortic velocity > 3 m.sec−1. Anaesthesia trainees can be successfully and rapidly trained to recognise and estimate the severity of aortic stenosis.
Ultraviolet B radiation and reactive oxygen species modulate interleukin-31 expression in T lymphocytes, monocytes and dendritic cells
Authors: Cornelissen C. , Brans R. , Czaja K. , Skazik C. , Marquardt Y. , Zwadlo-Klarwasser G. , Kim A. , Bickers D.R. , Lüscher-Firzlaff J. , Lüscher B. , Baron J.M. 
Published: June 2011

Summary
Background Interleukin (IL)-31 is a novel Th2 T-cell cytokine that induces pruritus and dermatitis in transgenic mice. While enhanced mRNA expression of this cytokine is detected in skin samples of inflammatory skin diseases, the regulation of IL-31 expression is poorly understood.
Objectives To assess the effects of ultraviolet (UV) B radiation and H2O2 on IL-31 mRNA and protein expression in skin and different peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
Methods The effects of UVB radiation and H2O2, as a prototypic reactive oxygen species, on IL-31 mRNA and protein expression were analysed in various inflammation-related cells and murine skin tissue.
Results Treatment of cells with UVB radiation and H2O2 strongly induced IL-31 mRNA and protein expression in human PBMCs and in the skin of SKH-1 mice. Following exposure to UVB or H2O2, we observed increased expression of IL-31 mRNA in T cells, monocytes, macrophages, and immature and especially mature dendritic cells. H2O2 treatment but not UVB radiation led to a moderate upregulation of IL-31 mRNA expression in epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. Pretreatment of T lymphocytes with the MAPK p38 inhibitor SB203580 or the MEK1 inhibitor U0126 reduced the stimulatory effect of H2O2. These experiments suggest that p38 is involved in the regulation of IL-31 expression in human skin.
Conclusions Our studies reveal that UVB and reactive oxygen species stimulate the expression of IL-31 in PBMCs and skin, especially in T cells, monocytes and monocyte-derived dendritic cells.
Merkel cell carcinoma in Western Australia: a population-based study of incidence and survival
Authors: Girschik J. , Thorn K. , Beer T.W. , Heenan P.J. , Fritschi L. 
Published: June 2011

Summary
Background Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon but aggressive cutaneous skin cancer. Even with the appropriate treatment, MCC is prone to recurrence, and metastases are common. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation has been suggested as contributing towards the development of MCC. MCC has not been extensively investigated in Australia, even though Australia has the highest incidence of sun-related cancers in the world.
Objectives To describe the demographics and determine trends of incidence and survival of MCC cases in Western Australia (WA).
Methods All reported invasive cases of MCC incident between 1 January 1993 and 31 December 2007 were extracted from the WA Cancer Registry. Age-adjusted incidence rates for MCC were calculated using direct standardization to the U.S. standard 2000 population. Cause-specific survival was investigated using Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards analysis.
Results Two hundred and fifteen cases were confirmed by pathological review as being definite cases of MCC. Patients were mainly males (65%) and elderly (median age 77 years). Standardized age-adjusted incidence rates were higher in men (1·0/100 000) than in women (0·63/100 000) and higher in older ages (15·5/100 000 in the 85+ year age group) than younger ages (0·1/100 000 in the 30–34 year age group). Five-year cause-specific survival was 64%.
Conclusions Incidence of MCC in WA is the highest reported in the literature. In addition, MCC has worse survival than melanoma. The high rates and demographic and anatomical distribution are consistent with sun exposure playing a causal role.
Nuclear localization of activated STAT6 and STAT3 in epidermis of prurigo nodularis
Authors: Fukushi S. , Yamasaki K. , Aiba S. 
Published: June 2011

Summary
Background Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic dermatitis characterized by discrete, raised, and firm papulonodules with intense pruritus. The pathogenesis still remains to be elucidated.
Objectives To clarify the role of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in the pathogenesis of PN.
Methods We examined the cytokine signatures, such as phosphorylation of STAT1, STAT3 and STAT6, HLA-DR and hyaluronan accumulation, to reveal the Th1 and Th2 cytokine influence on the lesional epidermis of PN.
Results We first optimized antigen retrieval methods to detect these signatures with antibodies for phospho-STAT1 (pSTAT1), phospho-STAT3 (pSTAT3), phospho-STAT6 (pSTAT6), HLA-DR and hyaluronic acid binding protein (HABP) on the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of psoriasis, lichen planus and atopic dermatitis biopsy samples. Activation of STAT1 and STAT6 in epidermis by Th1 and Th2 cytokines was further confirmed in a cultured skin equivalent model treated with interferon-γ or interleukin (IL)-4/IL-13. With the relevant immunostaining methods, we examined the cytokine signatures in 22 cases of PN. The results revealed that (i) the entire epidermis of 19 cases was stained with anti-pSTAT6 antibody, (ii) 21 cases demonstrated nuclear staining with anti-pSTAT3 antibody, (iii) the entire epidermis of 21 cases was stained with HABP, (iv) the epidermis of eight cases showed scattered staining with anti-pSTAT1 antibody, and (v) six cases were positive for HLA-DR membrane expression.
Conclusions These data indicated that Th2 cytokines related to STAT6 activation together with some unknown stimuli that activate STAT3 play a principal role in the pathogenesis of PN.
Lenalidomide downregulates the cell survival factor, interferon regulatory factor‐4, providing a potential mechanistic link for predicting response
Authors: Lopez‐Girona Antonia , Heintel Daniel , Zhang Ling‐Hua , Mendy Derek , Gaidarova Svetlana , Brady Helen , Bartlett Justin Blake , Schafer Peter H. , Schreder Martin , Bolomsky Arnold , Hilgarth Bernadette , Zojer Niklas , Gisslinger Heinz , Ludwig Heinz , Daniel Tom , Jäger Ulrich , Chopra Rajesh 
Published: June 2011

SummaryOverexpression of the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor‐4 (IRF4), which is common in multiple myeloma (MM), is associated with poor prognosis. Patients with higher IRF4 expression have significantly poorer overall survival than those with low IRF4 expression. Lenalidomide is an IMiD® immunomodulatory compound that has both tumouricidal and immunomodulatory activity in MM. This study showed that lenalidomide downregulated IRF4 levels in MM cell lines and bone marrow samples within 8 h of drug exposure. This was associated with a decrease in MYC levels, as well as an initial G1 cell cycle arrest, decreased cell proliferation, and cell death by day 5 of treatment. In eight MM cell lines, high IRF4 levels correlated with increased lenalidomide sensitivity. The clinical significance of this observation was investigated in 154 patients with MM. Among MM patients with high levels of IRF4 expression, treatment with lenalidomide led to a significantly longer overall survival than other therapies in a retrospective analysis. These data confirm the central role of IRF4 in MM pathogenesis; indicate that this is an important mechanism by which lenalidomide exerts its antitumour effects; and may provide a mechanistic biomarker to predict response to lenalidomide.
Epigenetic silencing of MIR203 in multiple myeloma
Authors: Wong Kwan‐Yeung , Liang Raymond , So Chi‐Chiu , Jin Dong‐Yan , Costello Joseph F. , Chim Chor‐Sang 
Published: June 2011

SummaryEpigenetic inactivation of tumour suppressor microRNAs has been implicated in carcinogenesis. We studied the promoter methylation of MIR203 in eight normal marrow controls, eight multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines, 20 monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), 123 diagnostic MM and 19 relapsed MM samples by methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction. Promoter of MIR203 was unmethylated in normal controls but homozygously methylated in 25% MM cell lines. Treatment with 5‐Aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine led to promoter demethylation and MIR203 re‐expression. Cyclic AMP responsive element binding protein 1 (CREB1) mRNA was predicted as a MIR203 direct target. Luciferase activity was reduced in constructs carrying wild‐type CREB1 3′UTR upon MIR203 expression but not in those carrying mutant CREB1 3′UTR. Moreover, restoration of MIR203 led to downregulation of CREB1 protein and inhibition of myeloma cell proliferation. In primary samples, MIR203 methylation occurred in 25·0% MGUS, 23·6% diagnostic MM, and 21·1% relapsed MM samples. In conclusion, MIR203 methylation is disease‐specific with reversible gene silencing in MM. MIR203 is a tumour suppressor microRNA inhibiting cellular proliferation by targeting CREB1 mRNA in MM. Comparable occurrence of MIR203 methylation in MGUS and MM at diagnosis or relapse suggested that MIR203 methylation may be an early event in myelomagenesis instead of being acquired during disease progression.
Intermediate dose of imatinib in combination with chemotherapy followed by allogeneic stem cell transplantation improves early outcome in paediatric Philadelphia chromosome‐positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL): results of the Spanish Cooperative Group SHOP studies ALL‐94, ALL‐99 and ALL‐2005
Authors: Rives Susana , Estella Jesús , Gómez Pedro , López‐Duarte Mónica , de Miguel Purificación García , Verdeguer Amparo , Moreno Maria José , Vivanco José Luis , Couselo José Miguel , Fernández‐Delgado Rafael , Maldonado Marisol , Tasso María , López‐Ibor Blanca , Lendínez Francisco , López‐Almaraz Ricardo , Uriz Javier , Melo Montserrat , Fernández‐Teijeiro Ana , Rodríguez Isidoro , Badell Isabel 
Published: June 2011

SummaryPhiladelphia‐chromosome acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (Ph+ ALL) is a subgroup of ALL with very high risk of treatment failure. We report here the results of the Sociedad Española de Hematología y Oncología Pediátricas (SEHOP/SHOP) in paediatric Ph+ ALL treated with intermediate‐dose imatinib concurrent with intensive chemotherapy. The toxicities and outcome of these patients were compared with historical controls not receiving imatinib. Patients with Ph+ ALL aged 1–18 years were enrolled in three consecutive ALL/SHOP trials (SHOP‐94/SHOP‐99/SHOP‐2005). In the SHOP‐2005 trial, imatinib (260 mg/m2 per day) was given on day‐15 of induction. Allogeneic haematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation (HSCT) from a matched related or unrelated donor was scheduled in first complete remission (CR1). Forty‐three patients were evaluable (22 boys, median age 6·8 years, range, 1·2–15). Sixteen received imatinib whereas 27 received similar chemotherapy without imatinib. Seventeen of 27 and 15 of 16 patients in the non‐imatinib and imatinib cohort, respectively, underwent HSCT in CR1. With a median follow‐up of 109 and 39 months for the non‐imatinib and imatinib cohorts, the 3‐year event‐free survival (EFS) was 29·6% and 78·7%, respectively (P = 0·01). These results show that, compared to historical controls, intermediate dose of imatinib given concomitantly with chemotherapy and followed by allogeneic HSCT markedly improved early EFS in paediatric Ph+ ALL.