bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Testing in Li-Fraumeni Syndrome: Uptake and Psychosocial Consequences
Authors: Lammens Chantal R.M. , Aaronson Neil K. , Wagner Anja , Sijmons Rolf H. , Ausems Margreet G.E.M. , Vriends Annette H. J.T. , Ruijs Mariëlle W.G. , van Os Theo A.M. , Spruijt Liesbeth , Gómez García Encarna B. , Kluijt Irma , Nagtegaal Tanja , Verhoef Senno , Bleiker Eveline M.A. 
Published: May 2010

Purpose Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a hereditary cancer syndrome, characterized by a high risk of developing cancer at various sites and ages. To date, limited clinical benefits of genetic testing for LFS have been demonstrated, and there are concerns about the potential adverse psychosocial impact of genetic testing for LFS. In this study, we evaluated the uptake of genetic testing and the psychosocial impact of undergoing or not undergoing a genetic test for LFS. Patients and Methods In total, 18 families with a p53 germline mutation in the Netherlands were identified. Eligible family members were invited to complete a self-report questionnaire assessing motives for undergoing or not undergoing genetic testing, LFS-related distress and worries, and health-related quality of life. Results Uptake of presymptomatic testing was 55% (65 of 119). Of the total group, 23% reported clinically relevant levels of LFS-related distress. Carriers were not significantly more distressed than noncarriers or than those with a 50% risk who did not undergo genetic testing. Those with a lack of social support were more prone to report clinically relevant levels of distress (odds ratio, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0 to 1.5). Conclusion Although preventive and treatment options for LFS are limited, more than half of the family members from known LFS families choose to undergo presymptomatic testing. An unfavorable genetic test result, in general, does not cause adverse psychological effects. Nonetheless, it is important to note that a substantial proportion of individuals, irrespective of their carrier status, exhibit clinically relevant levels of distress which warrant psychological support.
Evaluation of the Value of Attribution in the Interpretation of Adverse Event Data: A North Central Cancer Treatment Group and American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Investigation
Authors: Hillman Shauna L. , Mandrekar Sumithra J. , Bot Brian , DeMatteo Ronald P. , Perez Edith A. , Ballman Karla V. , Nelson Heidi , Buckner Jan C. , Sargent Daniel J. 
Published: May 2010

Purpose In March 1998, Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC) version 2.0 introduced the collection of attribution of adverse events (AEs) to study drug. We investigate whether attribution adds value to the interpretation of AE data. Patients and Methods Patients in the placebo arm of two phase III trials—North Central Cancer Treatment Group Trial 97-24-51 (carboxyamino-triazole v placebo in advanced non–small-cell lung cancer) and American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Trial Z9001 (imatinib mesylate v placebo after resection of primary gastrointestinal stromal tumors)—were studied. Attribution was categorized as unrelated (not related or unlikely) and related (possible, probable, or definite). Results In total, 398 patients (84 from Trial 97-24-51 and 314 from Trial Z9001) and 7,736 AEs were included; 47% and 50% of the placebo-arm AEs, respectively, were reported as related. When the same AE was reported in the same patient on multiple visits, the attribution category changed at least once 36% and 31% of the time. AE type and sex (Trial Z9001) and AE type and performance status (Trial 97-24-51) were associated with a higher likelihood of AEs being deemed related. Conclusion Nearly 50% of AEs were reported as attributed to study drug on the placebo arm of two randomized clinical trials. These data provide strong evidence that AE attribution is difficult to determine, unreliable, and of questionable value in interpreting AE data in randomized clinical trials.
Critical Impact of Radiotherapy Protocol Compliance and Quality in the Treatment of Advanced Head and Neck Cancer: Results From TROG 02.02
Authors: Peters Lester J. , O'Sullivan Brian , Giralt Jordi , Fitzgerald Thomas J. , Trotti Andy , Bernier Jacques , Bourhis Jean , Yuen Kally , Fisher Richard , Rischin Danny 
Published: May 2010

Purpose To report the impact of radiotherapy quality on outcome in a large international phase III trial evaluating radiotherapy with concurrent cisplatin plus tirapazamine for advanced head and neck cancer. Patients and Methods The protocol required interventional review of radiotherapy plans by the Quality Assurance Review Center (QARC). All plans and radiotherapy documentation underwent post-treatment review by the Trial Management Committee (TMC) for protocol compliance. Secondary review of noncompliant plans for predicted impact on tumor control was performed. Factors associated with poor protocol compliance were studied, and outcome data were analyzed in relation to protocol compliance and radiotherapy quality. Results At TMC review, 25.4% of the patients had noncompliant plans but none in which QARC-recommended changes had been made. At secondary review, 47% of noncompliant plans (12% overall) had deficiencies with a predicted major adverse impact on tumor control. Major deficiencies were unrelated to tumor subsite or to T or N stage (if N+), but were highly correlated with number of patients enrolled at the treatment center (< five patients, 29.8%; ≥ 20 patients, 5.4%; P < .001). In patients who received at least 60 Gy, those with major deficiencies in their treatment plans (n = 87) had a markedly inferior outcome compared with those whose treatment was initially protocol compliant (n = 502): −2 years overall survival, 50% v 70%; hazard ratio (HR), 1.99; P < .001; and 2 years freedom from locoregional failure, 54% v 78%; HR, 2.37; P < .001, respectively. Conclusion These results demonstrate the critical importance of radiotherapy quality on outcome of chemoradiotherapy in head and neck cancer. Centers treating only a few patients are the major source of quality problems.
Sufis on Exile and Ghorba: Conceptualizing Displacement and Modern Subjectivity
Authors: El Khachab Walid 
Published: May 2010

Sufis' theory of ghorba (estrangement or exile) underlies here a reflection on exile in contemporary Arab cultures. Hence Ibn al-Arabi's speculations on ghorba in Al-Futuhat al-Makkiyya shed a new light on Arjun Appadurai's notion of “ethnoscape.” The Sufi concept of ghorba paves the way for a modern Arab ethnoscape, where the Arab subject experiences transnational movement in the global space without associating this experience with the negative aspects of exile.
Ibn al-Arabi dismisses the negative effects of “geographic” displacement. According to his reasoning, an expatriate does not feel estranged anywhere he or she travels, since the world—and the divine—are in continuity with the human subject. The real exile is a psychological experience resulting from the disruption of monist unity and harmony between human and divine, man and the world.
This conception of exile challenges nationalist theories of estrangement based on the assumption that a sense of displacement is bound to physical movement out of the national territory. Ghorba is a state in which the subject is far from his or her ethical and spiritual plenitude (thanks to the Sufi mystical unity with the divine), not a geopolitical situation. This conception challenges the dogmatic distinction of House of Islam versus House of War in Arab Islamic Sunni tradition, where the displacement out of the former results in an experience of exile.
In modern terms, ghorba—as conceptualized by Sufis—provides a traditional basis helping the modern Arab subject cope with the experience of displacement, by shifting the paradigm of belonging from the realm of geopolitics to that of spirituality and ethics. Thus the construction of a modern postnational Arab subjectivity can be achieved thanks to the investment of the ethnoscape—a virtual space that transcends national boundaries but keeps active a network of affects and cultural references and products unifying an ethnically distinct subject. The Sufi sense of belonging to the whole world makes it politically and ethically acceptable to feel at home outside of one's homeland, without being stripped from one's ethnicity. It adds to this compromise a dimension of spiritual fulfillment, since the horizontal ethnoscape intersects with a vertical spiritual axis, constantly neutralizing nostalgia to the geographic paradise of origins.
Sclerotherapy of voluminous venous malformation in head and neck with absolute ethanol under digital subtraction angiography guidance
Authors: Wang Y A , Zheng J W , Zhu H G , Ye W M , He Y , Zhang Z Y 
Published: May 2010

Objectives Venous malformation (VM) is the most common symptomatic low-flow vascular malformation, which predominantly occurs in the head and neck region. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the results of endovascular sclerotherapy of voluminous VM, when the lesion is either ≥15 cm in maximum diameter or the lesion invades more than one anatomical space, in the head and neck region using absolute ethanol under digital subtraction angiography (DSA) guidance. Methods A total of 23 patients with head and neck VMs between October 2005 and December 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients received direct puncture ethanol sclerotherapy under DSA guidance. Follow-up assessments were performed at 3–25 months after therapies were completed, and complications were reported in some cases. Results All patients were satisfied with the results of therapy. Seventeen patients (73.9%) achieved excellent responses and six patients (26.1%) achieved good responses in magnetic resonance imaging assessments. Minor complications developed during the procedures, all of which were successfully managed with full recovery during follow-ups. Serious complications such as acute pulmonary hypertension, cardiovascular collapse and pulmonary embolism were not encountered. Conclusion It is concluded that sclerotherapy with absolute ethanol under DSA guidance is an important alternative therapy for voluminous and extensive VM, as the procedure is reasonably safe and offers good therapeutic results.
Is low compression pressure able to improve venous pumping function in patients with venous insufficiency?
Authors: Mosti G , Partsch H 
Published: May 2010

Background A too high resting pressure of compression devices is poorly tolerated and may cause skin defects, especially in patients with concomitant arterial occlusive disease. Aim To investigate whether low compression pressure will improve venous pumping function in patients with venous incompetence. Material and methods Venous pumping function was assessed in 20 patients with severe reflux in the great saphenous vein by measuring ejection fraction (EF) using strain-gauge plethysmography. Measurements were repeated after application of knee-high medical compression stockings and of inelastic bandages applied with a pressure of 20, 40 and 60 mmHg in the supine position. Results EF was significantly reduced compared with healthy controls. Compression stockings exerting a median pressure of 27 mmHg (interquartile range [IQR] 25–29) in the supine and 30.5 mmHg (IQR 28.25–34.25) in the standing position produced a moderate, non-significant improvement of EF of 17%. Inelastic bandages with a resting pressure of 20.5 mmHg (IQR 20–22) in the supine position resulting in a standing pressure of 36 mmHg (IQR 33–40.75) led to a significant increase of EF of 61.5% ( P < 0.01). A further increase of the resting pressure to 40 and 60 mmHg achieved an increase of the EF of 91% and 98%, respectively ( P < 0.001). Conclusions In patients with venous pumping failure, inelastic bandages produce a significant pressure-dependent increase of EF. A significant improvement in venous pumping function was achieved with inelastic bandages even at a resting pressure of 20 mmHg.
Sclerotherapy of telangiectases and reticular veins: a double-blind, randomized, comparative clinical trial of polidocanol, sodium tetradecyl sulphate and isotonic saline (EASI study)
Authors: Rabe E , Schliephake D , Otto J , Breu F X , Pannier F 
Published: May 2010

Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of polidocanol (POL) in comparison to sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STS) and isotonic saline (placebo) for sclerotherapy of telangiectases or reticular veins by means of standardized digital imaging system, independent medical observers and detailed monitoring. Methods Of 316 randomized patients, 160 with telangiectases were randomly assigned to 0.5% POL, 1% STS or placebo, and 156 with reticular veins received 1% POL, 1% STS or placebo. Veins selected for injection were clearly visible telangiectases or reticular veins in a predefined treatment area (10×10 cm). Exact retrieval of the location was guaranteed by a newly established digital imaging system. Images were taken before first injection and 12 and 26 weeks after the last of three possible injection visits, and evaluated by the investigator and two blinded independent observers. The detailed safety monitoring included ultrasound screening for 'silent' deep vein thrombosis, electrocardiograms and clinical laboratory tests. Results POL demonstrated a statistically significant superiority versus placebo ( P < 0.0001) for the primary criterion 'improvement of veins'. Significantly more patients were satisfied with POL at 12 or 26 weeks (84%, 88%) compared to STS (64%, 63%; P < 0.0001) and placebo (14%, 11%; P < 0.0001). POL was safe and well tolerated apart from expected local symptoms at the injection site. Conclusion Sclerotherapy of telangiectases and reticular veins with detergent-like sclerosants such as polidocanol (POL) or sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STS) is a well-established technique. However, evidence from clinical trials comparing these substances with a non-active solution is sparse and does not live up to expectations of modern clinical trial concepts necessary for authorisation purposes. The presented multicentre EASI study fulfils these requirements and clearly demonstrates that Sclerotherapy of C1 veins with POL is highly effective and deserves the adjunct 'gold standard'.
Multidrug resistant typhoid fever outbreak in Ercek Village–Van, Eastern Anatolia, Turkey: clinical profile, sensitivity patterns and response to antimicrobials
Authors: Aypak Adalet , Çelik Ali Kutta , Aypak Cenk , Çikman Öztekin 
Published: May 2010

Summary The present study discusses the clinical features and treatment outcomes during an outbreak caused by multidrug resistant (MDR) Salmonella typhi isolates from Van, Turkey. Of the 867 typhoid fever patients from the same village, 154 (17.8%) were hospitalised. A total of 42 (27.3%) cultures were positive. All S. typhi isolates were resistant to chloramphenicol, ampicillin and co-trimoxazole. Ceftriaxone was the most commonly used antibiotic (89%). It was found that the time-to-fever defervescence and the length of the hospital stay were greater for patients who were treated by ciprofloxacin than ceftriaxone ( P <0.001). Inappropriate antibiotic treatment should be discouraged in order to prevent the development of resistant strains of S. typhi.
Pulmonary melioidosis in febrile neutropenia: the rare and deadly duet
Authors: Mukhopadhyay C , Chawla K , Vandana K E , Krishna S , Saravu K 
Published: May 2010

Summary We present the first two fulminant cases of pulmonary melioidosis in febrile neutropenic patients with acute and varied presentations seen in our institution and their fatal outcome. A high index of suspicion coupled with microbiological confirmation can facilitate the administration of the appropriate therapy in cases of melioidosis that differ from other bacterial infections in terms of presentation and the response to antimicrobials.
Prevalence of tuberculosis in patients with cirrhosis of liver in western India
Authors: Baijal R , Praveenkumar H R , Amarapurkar D N , Nagaraj K , Jain M 
Published: May 2010

Summary Tuberculosis is a common disease in India. Its prevalence is higher in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of tuberculosis in patients with liver cirrhosis in Western India. The prevalence was fifteen times higher than in the general population. It was significantly higher in alcoholics. The response to treatment and outcome were found to be favourable.
Validity of the Zygosity Questionnaire and Characteristics of Zygosity-Misdiagnosed Twin Pairs in the Healthy Twin Study of Korea
Authors: Song Yun-Mi , Lee Dong-Hun , Lee Mi Kyoung , Lee Kayoung , Lee Hee Jung , Hong Eun Jung , Han Bokghee , Sung Joohon 
Published: May 2010

AbstractDetermining valid zygosity is a basic and important requirement in a twin study, because misdiagnosing zygosity leads to biased results. The Healthy Twin Study has collected data from adult like-sex twins and their families since 2005. In the study, a questionnaire to determine zygosity was developed comprising four questions; one concerning the degree of resemblance, and three concerning the degree of confusion by the resemblance. Among 2,761 individuals (624 twin pairs) of twin and their families, 406 pairs of twins (mean age 38.3, 63.5% women) with both questionnaire and genotype information were selected to examine the validity of the zygosity questionnaire using 16 short tandem repeat markers. We first determined individual zygosity including undetermined category, and then decided the zygosity of a twin pair using a decision tree. Sensitivity of questionnaire diagnosis was 98.8% for monozygotic (MZ) and 88.9% for dizygotic (DZ) twins, and positive predictive value was 97.2% for MZ and 95.0% for DZ. When we compared correctly and wrongly diagnosed twin pairs, misdiagnosed DZ twins (nine pairs) showed striking similarity in stature or obesity even exceeding that of true MZ twins. Our finding suggests that a parsimonious questionnaire method of diagnosing the zygosity will be useful, and adding physical or physiological measurements to a questionnaire of zygosity diagnosis will either confound the correct diagnosis or reduce the efficiency of the study compared with using questionnaire alone or with introducing genotyping.
Potential Brazilian wood species for bows of string instruments
Authors: Longui Eduardo Luiz , Lombardi Daniel Romeu , Alves Edenise Segala 
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Caesalpinia echinata Lam. (pau-brasil) is a Brazilian tree with symbolic character for Brazilian forestry, which is at risk of extinction because of illegal logging activities and exportation as raw material for bows of string instruments. Additional studies are required to select substitutes for pau-brasil, i.e., other wood species are being sought with potentially suitable characteristics for bow manufacture. The present paper is dedicated to the evaluation of six native Brazilian woods by comparing their anatomical features, specific gravity, speed of sound propagation, and dynamic modulus of elasticity in relation to the corresponding properties of C. echinata that are considered as standard for bow manufacture. The results showed that length, diameter, lumen diameter, and wall thickness of fibers are the most important variables contributing to specific gravity. Additionally, ray dimensions influenced sonic velocity. The values of dynamic modulus of elasticity are directly related to dimensions of rays and fibers. Among the six woods included in this study, Dipteryx spp., Handroanthus spp., and Hymenaea spp. were considered as the best alternatives to C. echinata wood as sources of bow construction. The bows from the first two woods were already tested by professional musicians and their suitability was certified. The Diplotropis spp. wood also showed promising characteristics. Mezilaurus itauba and Astronium lecointei do not have the necessary properties for bows.
Determination of native (wood derived) formaldehyde by the desiccator method in particleboards generated during panel production
Authors: Birkeland Michael J. , Lorenz Linda , Wescott James M. , Frihart Charles R. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractHot-pressing wood, particularly in the production of wood composites, generates significant “native” (wood-based) formaldehyde (FA), even in the absence of adhesive. The level of native FA relates directly to the time and temperature of hot-pressing. This native FA dissipates in a relatively short time and is not part of the long-term FA emission issue commonly associated with hydrolyzing urea-formaldehyde bonds. This paper demonstrates that the common desiccator/chromotropic acid method is very specific for FA and is not influenced by other volatile compounds set free from wood during hot-pressing. Furthermore, it is shown that particleboard produces native FA at high levels even in the absence of adhesives or in the presence of one type of no-added formaldehyde (NAF) adhesive. Soy-based adhesives suppress native FA emission and provide low FA emission levels in both the short and long term. This study highlights an often overlooked aspect that should be considered for emission testing: standardizing the time and conditions employed immediately after pressing and prior to the onset of emissions testing. Addressing this issue in more detail would improve the reliability of correlation between data obtained by rapid process monitoring methods and emission measurements in large chambers.
Quantitative determination and tissue distribution of human 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate transporter, glucocorticoid receptor and mineralocorticoid receptor mRNAs
Authors: Ohno Shuji , Ohta Masanori , Nakajin Shizuo 
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Background: Glucocorticoid (GC) concentrations in peripheral tissues are precisely regulated by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) isozymes. When considering the physiological effects of GC in various tissues, quantitative determination of these isozymes and other components involved in corticosteroid signaling is important and informative. We thus performed comprehensive determination of the expression of these mRNAs in a wide range of human tissues.

Methods: An absolute comparison of mRNA expression of human 11β-HSD isozymes, hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (H6PDH), glucose-6-phosphate transporter (G6PT), glucocorticoid receptors (GRs), and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) was performed by real-time RT-PCR.

Results: Human 11β-HSD type 1 mRNA was strongly expressed in the liver and placenta at comparatively high levels. H6PDH was expressed at low copy number, and comparatively high expression was observed in the kidney, testis, and ovary. G6PT expression was ubiquitous, but marked expression was observed in the liver, kidney, small intestine, and colon. GRα was also ubiquitously expressed at relatively high levels, which were approximately 10-fold higher than those of MR, whereas GRβ levels were below the detection limit in all tissues. 11β-HSD type 2 was predominantly expressed in the kidney, small intestine and colon; however, copy numbers of these transcripts showed a nearly identical pattern to type 1. MR was observed in various tissues examined, but was not fully correlated to the distribution of 11β-HSD type 2.

Conclusions: The present quantitative results were partially consistent with previous studies. This quantification method can thus provide valuable information for understanding the physiological effects and physiological roles of glucocorticoid in humans.