bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor insensitivity of non‐cycling CD34+ human acute myeloid leukaemia cells with FMS‐like tyrosine kinase 3 mutations
Authors: Alvares Caroline L. , Schenk Tino , Hulkki Sanna , Min Toon , Vijayaraghavan Gowri , Yeung Jenny , Gonzalez David , So Chi W. E. , Greaves Mel , Titley Ian , Bartolovic Kerol , Morgan Gareth 
Published: June 2011

SummaryThe efficacy of tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibitors on non‐cycling acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cells, previously shown to have potent tumourigenic potential, is unknown. This pilot study describes the first attempt to characterize non‐cycling cells from a small series of human FMS‐like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutation positive samples. CD34+ AML cells from patients with FLT3 mutation positive AML were cultured on murine stroma. In expansion cultures, non‐cycling cells were found to retain CD34+ expression in contrast to dividing cells. Leukaemic gene rearrangements could be detected in non‐cycling cells, indicating their leukaemic origin. Significantly, the FLT3‐internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutation was found in the non‐cycling fraction of four out of five cases. Exposure to the FLT3‐directed inhibitor TKI258 clearly inhibited the growth of AML CD34+ cells in short‐term cultures and colony‐forming unit assays. Crucially, non‐cycling cells were not eradicated, with the exception of one case, which exhibited exquisite sensitivity to the compound. Moreover, in longer‐term cultures, TKI258‐treated non‐cycling cells showed no growth impairment compared to treatment‐naive non‐cycling cells. These findings suggest that non‐cycling cells in AML may constitute a disease reservoir that is resistant to TK inhibition. Further studies with a larger sample size and other inhibitors are warranted.
Cardiac iron overload in transfusion‐dependent patients with myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Roy Noémi B. A. , Myerson Saul , Schuh Anna H. , Bignell Patricia , Patel Roger , Wainscoat Jim S. , McGowan Simon , Marchi Emanuele , Atoyebi Wale , Littlewood Tim , Chacko Joseph , Vyas Paresh , Killick Sally B. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryTransfusion‐dependent myelodysplastic (MDS) patients are prone to iron overload. We evaluated 43 transfused MDS patients with T2* magnetic resonance imaging scans. 81% had liver and 16·8% cardiac iron overload. Liver R2* (1000/T2*), but not cardiac R2*, was correlated with number of units transfused (r = 0·72, P < 0·0001) and ferritin (r = 0·53, P < 0·0001). The area under the curve of a time‐ferritin plot was found to be much greater in patients with cardiac iron loading (median 53·7 × 105 Megaunits vs. 12·2 × 105 Megaunits, P = 0·002). HFE, HFE2, HAMP or SLC40A1 genotypes were not predictors of iron overload in these patients.
Histiocytoid and signet-ring cell carcinoma of the axilla: a type of cutaneous apocrine carcinoma equivalent to histiocytoid lobular carcinoma of the breast?
Authors: Misago N. , Shinoda Y. , Okawa T. , Aoki S. , Toda S. , Koike K. , Narisawa Y. 
Published: June 2011

Summary
There is a histopathological similarity between cutaneous apocrine carcinoma (CAC) and breast carcinoma. Cutaneous histiocytoid or signet-ring cell (SRC) carcinoma is a rare neoplasm, which usually occurs on the eyelid, and less commonly on the axilla. The precise histogenesis of this carcinoma remains controversial. We report the case of a man with a cutaneous histiocytoid SRC carcinoma of the axilla having histopathological and immunohistochemical features that were quite similar to histiocytoid lobular carcinoma (histiocytoid LC) of the breast, which is a subtype of classic invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast with apocrine differentiation. We consider this case to be a type of CAC equivalent to histiocytoid LC of the breast, based on the features and the occurrence on the axilla. The patient was treated with adjuvant chemotherapy according to the general guidelines for the treatment of breast carcinoma.
Cutaneous larva migrans induced by swallowing live pond loaches
Authors: Kuo Y.-L. , Wu Y.-H. , Su K.-E. 
Published: June 2011

Summary
Freshwater fish, specifically loaches, are potential hosts of Gnathostoma species. Consumption of uncooked freshwater loaches may result in cutaneous larva migrans. We report the case of a 70-year-old Taiwanese man who presented with a serpiginous skin rash on his abdomen. He had eaten live loaches intermittently (sometimes daily) for 5 months before his presentation. On histopathological examination, a transected parasite body and a headbulb were found in the mid-dermis. The parasite was confirmed as belonging to the genus Gnathostoma, most likely Gnathostoma doloresi. The patient recovered uneventfully without treatment, and had no symptoms at his 12-month follow-up visit.
Reductions in daily soil temperature variability increase soil microbial biomass C and decrease soil N availability in the Chihuahuan Desert: potential implications for ecosystem C and N fluxes
Authors: van Gestel Natasja C. , Schwilk Dylan W. , Tissue David T. , Zak John C. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractMaximum and minimum soil temperatures affect belowground processes. In the past 50 years in arid regions, measured reductions in the daily temperature range of air (DTRair) most likely generated similar reductions in the unmeasured daily temperature range of soil (DTRsoil). However, the role of DTRsoil in regulating microbial and plant processes has not been well described. We experimentally reduced DTRsoil in the Chihuahuan Desert at Big Bend National Park over 3 years. We used shade cloth that effectively decreased DTRsoil by decreasing daily maximum temperature and increasing nighttime minimum temperature. A reduction in DTRsoil generated on average a twofold increase in soil microbial biomass carbon, a 42% increase in soil CO2 efflux and a 16% reduction in soil NO3−–N availability; soil available NH4+–N was reduced by 18% in the third year only. Reductions in DTRsoil increased soil moisture up to 15% a few days after a substantial rainfall. Increased soil moisture contributed to higher soil CO2 efflux, but not microbial biomass carbon, which was significantly correlated with DTRsoil. Net photosynthetic rates at saturating light (Asat) in Larrea tridentata were not affected by reductions in DTRsoil over the 3 year period. Arid ecosystems may become greater sources of C to the atmosphere with reduced DTRsoil, resulting in a positive feedback to rising global temperatures, if increased C loss is not eventually balanced by increased C uptake. Ultimately, ecosystem models of N and C fluxes will need to account for these temperature‐driven processes.
The erosion and abrasion‐inhibiting effect of TiF4 and NaF varnishes and solutions on enamel in vitro
Authors: LEVY FLÁVIA MAUAD , MAGALHÃES ANA CAROLINA , GOMES MARINA FRANCISCON , COMAR LIVIA PICCHI , RIOS DANIELA , BUZALAF MARÍLIA AFONSO RABELO 
Published: June 2011

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2011; 22: 11–16Objective.  Previous in vitro study has shown that TiF4 varnish might reduce enamel erosion. No data regarding the effect of this experimental varnish on enamel erosion plus abrasion, however, are available so far. Thus, this in vitro study aimed to analyse the effect of TiF4 compared with NaF varnishes and solutions, to protect against enamel erosion with or without abrasion.Methods.  Enamel specimens were pre‐treated with experimental‐TiF4 (2.45% F), experimental‐NaF (2.45% F), NaF‐Duraphat (2.26% F), and placebo varnishes; NaF (2.26% F) and TiF4 (2.45% F) solutions. Controls remained untreated. The erosive challenge was performed using a soft drink (pH 2.6) 4 × 90 s/day (ERO) and the toothbrushing abrasion (ERO+ABR) 2 × 10 s/day, for 5 days. Between the challenges, the specimens were exposed to artificial saliva. Enamel loss was measured profilometrically (μm).Results.  Kruskal–Wallis/Dunn tests showed that all fluoridated varnishes (TiF4–ERO:0.53 ± 0.20, ERO+ABR:0.65 ± 0.19/NaF‐ERO:0.94 ± 0.18, ERO+ABR:1.74 ± 0.37/Duraphat‐ERO:1.00 ± 0.37, ERO+ABR:1.72 ± 0.58) were able to significantly reduce enamel loss when compared with placebo varnish (ERO:3.45 ± 0.41/ERO+ABR:3.20 ± 0.66) (P < 0.0001). Placebo varnish, control (ERO:2.68 ± 0.53/ERO+ABR:3.01 ± 0.34), and fluoridated (NaF‐ERO:2.84 ± 0.09/ERO+ABR:2.40 ± 0.21/TiF4‐ERO:3.55 ± 0.59/ERO+ABR:4.10 ± 0.38) solutions did not significantly differ from each other.Conclusion.  Based on the results, it can be concluded that the TiF4 varnish seems to be a promising treatment to reduce enamel loss under mild erosive and abrasive conditions in vitro.
Coronary stent use in New York State in the drug‐eluting stent era
Authors: Qian Feng , Hannan Edward L. , Glance Laurent G. , Phelps Charles E. , Ling Frederick S. , Veazie Peter J. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectives  The drug‐eluting stent (DES) was perceived as a revolutionary medical technology because of the lower risk of restenosis compared with bare metal stent (BMS). However, the safety of DES use was called into question in 2006 due to increased incidence of catastrophic late stent thrombosis. This study aims to describe coronary stent use in the DES era in New York State.Methods  Using New York State statewide hospital discharge database, we conducted descriptive analysis and logistic regression to examine the independent impacts of the introduction of DES and of the DES safety concern on DES utilization, controlling for patient demographics, co‐morbidities and hospital effects.Results  In the first year following the introduction of DES technology, there was a 10‐fold increase in the odds of DES use versus BMS use (AOR: 10.86, 95% CI: 9.84–11.99, P < 0.001). When the safety of DES use was called into question, the odds of DES utilization decreased by 75% over a 9‐month period (AOR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.20–0.26, P < 0.001).Conclusions  Following the introduction of DES, there was a rapid adoption of DES by interventional cardiologists, followed by a rapid abandonment of DES when significant safety issues were raised. After the safety of DES was called into question, there was a reduction in the use of DES and in the use of stents in general.
Bias in recruitment to cluster randomized trials: a review of recent publications
Authors: Brierley Gwen , Brabyn Sally , Torgerson David , Watson Judith 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectives  To assess recruitment bias and the techniques employed to counter this problem in a recent selection of published cluster randomized trials.Design  Review of 24 cluster trials published in 2008 in four leading medical journals.Data extraction  Studies were assessed by four reviewers to identify if an alternative design could have been employed using individual randomization. Data were also extracted on the randomization procedure and the likelihood of this introducing bias to the selection of participants into the study.Results  Of the 24 trials, eight could have used individual randomization as an alternative to cluster allocation. Seven studies could have recruited participants prior to cluster randomization but did not. In eight studies where recruitment bias was possible, more than half (five) demonstrated some evidence of differential recruitment rates.Conclusions  Many cluster trials published in leading medical journals are not clear in their justification for the design. We also found significant proportions of cluster trials used suboptimal designs that increase their risk of introducing selection bias. Better design of cluster trials is possible and should be adopted.
Electronic health record identification of prediabetes and an assessment of unmet counselling needs
Authors: Zimmermann Laura J. , Thompson Jason A. , Persell Stephen D. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Large clinical trials demonstrate that lifestyle modification can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes in those with prediabetes. However, recent National Health and Nutrition Survey data suggest that prediabetes often goes unrecognized, and the majority of prediabetic individuals do not report having received lifestyle advice from physicians. We explored whether electronic health record (EHR) query of glucose measurements can identify prediabetic patients, and we estimated rates of prediabetic lifestyle counselling in a large, urban, primary care practice.Methods  Electronic search identified patients with plasma glucose levels of 100 to 199 mg dL−1 between 1 June 2007 and 1 June 2009, excluding those with diabetes or diabetic medications/supplies. From these 5366 patients, 100 randomly selected patients underwent classification into provisional categories based on available EHR data: likely prediabetes, likely diabetes, glucose abnormality in the setting of acute illness, or normal glucose metabolism. In those likely to have prediabetes, we assessed lifestyle modification counselling.Results  Fifty‐eight per cent (95% CI 48% to 68%) of patients sampled were likely to have prediabetes. Fourteen per cent of those sampled were likely to have diabetes. Thirty‐one per cent of prediabetics (95% CI 22% to 42%) had documented lifestyle counselling. Counselled patients had a significantly higher baseline mean body mass index compared to those not counselled (34.1 versus 29.9, P = 0.037).Conclusions  EHR query using glucose measurements can identify prediabetic patients and those requiring further glucose metabolism evaluation, including those with undiagnosed diabetes. Future research should investigate EHR‐based, population‐level interventions to facilitate prediabetes recognition and counselling.
Clinical instruments: reliability and validity critical appraisal
Authors: Brink Yolandi , Louw Quinette A. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractRationale, aim and objectives  There is a lack of health care practitioners using objective clinical tools with sound psychometric properties. There is also a need for researchers to improve their reporting of the validity and reliability results of these clinical tools. Therefore, to promote the use of valid and reliable tools or tests for clinical evaluation, this paper reports on the development of a critical appraisal tool to assess the psychometric properties of objective clinical tools.Method  A five‐step process was followed to develop the new critical appraisal tool: (1) preliminary conceptual decisions; (2) defining key concepts; (3) item generation; (4) assessment of face validity; and (5) formulation of the final tool.Results  The new critical appraisal tool consists of 13 items, of which five items relate to both validity and reliability studies, four items to validity studies only and four items to reliability studies. The 13 items could be scored as ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘not applicable’.Conclusion  This critical appraisal tool will aid both the health care practitioner to critically appraise the relevant literature and researchers to improve the quality of reporting of the validity and reliability of objective clinical tools.
Physician adherence to asthma treatment guidelines in Japan: focus on inhaled corticosteroids
Authors: Morishima Toshitaka , Otsubo Tetsuya , Gotou Etsu , Kobayashi Daisuke , Lee Jason , Imanaka Yuichi 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectives  Asthma treatment guidelines recommend inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) as the first‐line therapy. However, ICS are prescribed to lower percentages of asthmatic patients in Japan than in other developed countries. The aim of this study was to reveal factors affecting the prescription of ICS for asthmatic adults.Methods  Using insurance claims data in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, we performed a cross‐sectional study. We assessed whether outpatients aged 15 years or older who were diagnosed with asthma had received ICS or not, and conducted logistic regression analyses to identify patients' and facilities' factors associated with ICS use.Results  We analysed 13 428 asthmatic adults, of which 51% were prescribed ICS. Patients receiving asthma care at facilities with respiratory or allergy specialists were more likely to receive ICS than facilities without specialists (adjusted odds ratio 2.70; 95% confidence interval 2.46–2.97). Those aged 75 years or older were less likely to receive ICS than those aged 15 to 64 (adjusted odds ratio 0.71; 95% confidence interval 0.64–0.78). An examination of the interaction between the presence or absence of specialists and facility training status suggested that whether asthmatic adults received ICS depended on the former factor rather than the latter.Conclusion  The presence of specialists in facilities and the age of patients were strong factors affecting ICS prescription. Increases in ICS therapy for the elderly and ICS prescription by non‐specialists would lead to an overall increase in patients receiving ICS and consequently achieving the goal of asthma control.
Using vote cards to encourage active participation and to improve critical appraisal skills in evidence‐based medicine journal clubs
Authors: Tam Ka‐Wai , Tsai Lung‐Wen , Wu Chien‐Chih , Wei Po‐Li , Wei Chou‐Fu , Chen Soul‐Chin 
Published: June 2011

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Evidence‐based medicine (EBM) journal clubs are used by health care practitioners to critique and remain updated on relevant health literature. Vote cards, in three different colours (green/yellow/red), allow participants to express their opinions (agree/doubt/reject) on the quality and possibility of clinical application regarding the article being reviewed. Our aim is to assess the efficacy of using vote cards in EBM journal clubs.Methods  Evidence‐based medicine journal club is held on a weekly basis in the Department of Surgery in Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taiwan. The participants of EBM journal clubs include medical students, resident doctors and primary care faculty members. After the presentation, participants use their vote cards to critically appraise the literature and decide if the rationales could be applied in their own practice. After a 12‐week period, we evaluated the effectiveness of the vote cards based on survey findings of the participants.Results  The majority of 66 respondents agreed that vote cards can improve the overall quality of EBM journal clubs, may encourage active participation and improve critical appraisal skills. They also rated the vote cards more favourably than traditional hand voting and agree that vote cards should be used in future EBM journal clubs.Conclusion  We suggest the regular and routine use of vote cards in EBM journal clubs.
Designing prospective cohort studies for assessing reproductive and developmental toxicity during sensitive windows of human reproduction and development – the LIFE Study
Authors: Buck Louis Germaine M. , Schisterman Enrique F. , Sweeney Anne M. , Wilcosky Timothy C. , Gore‐Langton Robert E. , Lynch Courtney D. , Boyd Barr Dana , Schrader Steven M. , Kim Sungduk , Chen Zhen , Sundaram Rajeshwari ,   on behalf of the LIFE Study
Published: June 2011

SummaryBuck Louis GM, Schisterman EF, Sweeney AM, Wilcosky TC, Gore‐Langton RE, Lynch CD, Boyd Barr D, Schrader SM, Kim S, Chen Z, Sundaram R, on behalf of the LIFE Study. Designing prospective cohort studies for assessing reproductive and developmental toxicity during sensitive windows of human reproduction and development – the LIFE Study. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2011; 25: 413–424.The relationship between the environment and human fecundity and fertility remains virtually unstudied from a couple‐based perspective in which longitudinal exposure data and biospecimens are captured across sensitive windows. In response, we completed the LIFE Study with methodology that intended to empirically evaluate a priori purported methodological challenges:• implementation of population‐based sampling frameworks suitable for recruiting couples planning pregnancy;• obtaining environmental data across sensitive windows of reproduction and development;• home‐based biospecimen collection; and• development of a data management system for hierarchical exposome data.We used two sampling frameworks (i.e. fish/wildlife licence registry and a direct marketing database) for 16 targeted counties with presumed environmental exposures to persistent organochlorine chemicals to recruit 501 couples planning pregnancies for prospective longitudinal follow‐up while trying to conceive and throughout pregnancy. Enrolment rates varied from <1% of the targeted population (n = 424 423) to 42% of eligible couples who were successfully screened; 84% of the targeted population could not be reached, while 36% refused screening. Among enrolled couples, ∼85% completed daily journals while trying; 82% of pregnant women completed daily early pregnancy journals, and 80% completed monthly pregnancy journals. All couples provided baseline blood/urine samples; 94% of men provided one or more semen samples and 98% of women provided one or more saliva samples. Women successfully used urinary fertility monitors for identifying ovulation and home pregnancy test kits.Couples can be recruited for preconception cohorts and will comply with intensive data collection across sensitive windows. However, appropriately sized sampling frameworks are critical, given the small percentage of couples contacted found eligible and reportedly planning pregnancy at any point in time.
Characterization of bacterial isolates from rotting potato tuber tissue showing antagonism to Dickeya sp. biovar 3 in vitro and in planta
Authors: Czajkowski R. , de Boer W. J. , van Veen J. A. , van der Wolf J. M. 
Published: June 2011

Possibilities for biocontrol of biovar 3 Dickeya sp. in potato were investigated, using bacteria from rotting potato tissue isolated by dilution plating on nonselective agar media. In a plate assay, 649 isolates were screened for antibiosis against Dickeya sp. IPO2222 and for the production of siderophores. Forty‐one isolates (6·4%) produced antibiotics and 112 isolates (17·3%) produced siderophores. A selection of 41 antibiotic‐producing isolates and 41 siderophore‐producing isolates were tested in a potato slice assay for control of the Dickeya sp. Isolates able to reduce rotting of potato tuber tissue by at least 50% of the control were selected. Isolates were characterized by 16S rDNA analysis as Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus, Serratia, Obesumbacterium and Lysinibacillus genera. Twenty‐three isolates belonging to different species and genera, 13 producing antibiotics and 10 producing siderophores, were further characterized by testing acyl‐homoserine lactone (AHL) production, quorum quenching, motility, biosurfactant production, growth at low (4·0) and high (10·0) pH, growth at 10°C under aerobic and anaerobic conditions and auxin production. In replicated greenhouse experiments, four selected antagonists based on the in vitro tests were tested in planta using wounded or intact minitubers of cv. Kondor subsequently inoculated by vacuum infiltration with an antagonist and a GFP (green fluorescent protein)‐tagged biovar 3 Dickeya sp. strain. A potato endophyte A30, characterized as S. plymuthica, protected potato plants by reducing blackleg development by 100% and colonization of stems by Dickeya sp. by 97%. The potential use of S. plymuthica A30 for the biocontrol of Dickeya sp. is discussed.