bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustained Molecular Response With Interferon Alfa Maintenance After Induction Therapy With Imatinib Plus Interferon Alfa in Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Burchert Andreas , Müller Martin C. , Kostrewa Philippe , Erben Philipp , Bostel Tilman , Liebler Simone , Hehlmann Rüdiger , Neubauer Andreas , Hochhaus Andreas 
Published: February 2010

Purpose Imatinib induces sustained remissions in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), but fails to eradicate CML stem cells. This is of major concern regarding the issues of cure, long-term imatinib tolerability, and imatinib resistance. We therefore asked whether interferon alfa-2a (IFN) alone could maintain molecular remissions achieved by a prior combination therapy with imatinib and IFN. Patients and Methods Imatinib therapy was stopped in 20 patients who had concomitantly been pretreated with imatinib and IFN for a median of 2.4 years (range, 0.2 to 4.8 years) and 2.5 years (range, 0.2 to 4.9 years), respectively. After imatinib discontinuation, remission status was monitored monthly by quantitative analysis of the peripheral-blood BCR-ABL mRNA levels using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Proteinase-3 expression and proteinase-3–specific cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) were longitudinally measured to assess putative markers of IFN response. Results With a median time of 2.4 years after imatinib withdrawal (range, 0.5 to 4.0 years), 15 (75%) of 20 patients remained in remission. The number of patients in complete molecular remission increased under IFN from two patients at baseline to five patients after 2 years. Relapses occurred in five patients within 0.4 years (range, 0.2 to 0.8 years), but patients underwent rescue treatment with imatinib, re-establishing molecular remission. IFN therapy was associated with an increase in the expression of leukemia-associated antigen proteinase 3 and induction of proteinase-3–specific CTLs. Conclusion Treatment with IFN enables discontinuation of imatinib in most patients after prior imatinib/IFN combination therapy and may result in improved molecular response. Induction of a proteinase-3–specific CTL response by IFN may contribute to this effect.
Deficient forward transduction and enhanced reverse transduction in the alpha tectorin C1509G human hearing loss mutation
Authors: Xia Anping , Gao Simon S. , Yuan Tao , Osborn Alexander , Bress Andreas , Pfister Markus , Maricich Stephen M. , Pereira Fred A. , Oghalai John S. 
Published: February 2010

SUMMARYMost forms of hearing loss are associated with loss of cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs). OHCs require the tectorial membrane (TM) for stereociliary bundle stimulation (forward transduction) and active feedback (reverse transduction). Alpha tectorin is a protein constituent of the TM and the C1509G mutation in alpha tectorin in humans results in autosomal dominant hearing loss. We engineered and validated this mutation in mice and found that the TM was shortened in heterozygous TectaC1509G/+ mice, reaching only the first row of OHCs. Thus, deficient forward transduction renders OHCs within the second and third rows non-functional, producing partial hearing loss. Surprisingly, both TectaC1509G/+ and TectaC1509G/C1509G mice were found to have increased reverse transduction as assessed by sound- and electrically-evoked otoacoustic emissions. We show that an increase in prestin, a protein necessary for electromotility, in all three rows of OHCs underlies this phenomenon. This mouse model demonstrates a human hearing loss mutation in which OHC function is altered through a non-cell-autonomous variation in prestin.
Establishing an Evaluation Model for Emerging Industry Credit Ability for the Banking Sector
Authors: Lin Chin-Tsai , Chen Yi-Shan 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
The banking industry plays an intermediary role in the entire range of economic activities in which institutions use their own credit to absorb idle funds from governments, enterprises, families, and individuals, lend funds to those in need, and inject funds into production and non-production activities in order to boost overall economic development. In this paper, we propose an evaluation model for emerging industry credit ability. First, we present an evaluation framework using the modified Delphi method. Next, the relative weights of evaluation criteria are determined using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model. Thereafter, a case study is presented for demonstrating the proposed evaluation model. Using the AHP-based decision-making method to construct an evaluation model can serve as a valuable reference for decision-makers or bank administrators for evaluating emerging industry credit ability, thereby enabling them to identify firms for bank loans risk management, which involves irrecoverable loans or credits. Therefore, the model will be highly applicable for academic and commercial purposes.
Dexamethasone suppression test predicts later development of an impaired adrenal function after a 14-day course of prednisone in healthy volunteers
Authors: Neidert Stefanie , Schuetz Philipp , Mueller Beat , Christ-Crain Mirjam 
Published: February 2010

BackgroundSuppression of the adrenal function after glucocorticoid treatment is common, potentially dangerous, and unpredictable. Identification of patients at risk is of clinical importance. We hypothesized that the dexamethasone suppression test predicts the development of corticosteroid-induced impaired adrenal function.MethodsWe included 39 healthy male volunteers. After a 1-μg ACTH test, all participants underwent an overnight 0.5-mg dexamethasone suppression test. Participants then took prednisone, 0.5 mg/kg body weight, for 14-day. After the withdrawal of prednisone, a 1-μg ACTH test was performed and a clinical score was assessed on days 1, 3, 7, and 21.ResultsOn days 1, 3, 7, and 21, 100, 50, 26.5 and 32.4% of the participants had a suppressed adrenal function. The risk of developing suppressed adrenal function decreased from 44 to 0% in patients with cortisol levels after the administration of dexamethasone in the lowest and highest quartiles respectively. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis performed to predict a suppressed adrenal function on day 7 after the withdrawal of prednisone showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.76 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58–0.89) for cortisol after the administration of dexamethasone, which was in the range of the AUC of 0.78 (95% CI 0.6–0.9) for pre-intervention cortisol after the administration of ACTH. Basal cortisol before intake of prednisone (AUC 0.62 (95% CI 0.44–0.78)) and the clinical score (AUC 0.64 (95% CI 0.45–0.79)) had significantly lower AUCs.ConclusionCirculating cortisol levels after a dexamethasone suppression test and a pre-intervention-stimulated cortisol level are predictive of later development of a suppressed adrenal function after a 14-day course of prednisone, and are superior to a clinical score or basal cortisol levels. This may allow a more targeted concept for the need of stress prophylaxis after cessation of steroid therapy.
Diagnostic accuracy of free and total metanephrines in plasma and fractionated metanephrines in urine of patients with pheochromocytoma
Authors: Grouzmann Eric , Drouard-Troalen Laurence , Baudin Eric , Plouin Pierre-François , Muller Beat , Grand Daniela , Buclin Thierry 
Published: February 2010

BackgroundPlasma free and urinary metanephrines are recognized biomarkers for the assessment of pheochromocytoma. Plasma total metanephrines with a long half-life may represent another useful biomarker.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performances of plasma total metanephrines alone or combined with free metanephrines and fractionated 24-h urinary metanephrines.MethodsA retrospective, case–control diagnostic test study was conducted between 1999 and 2007 in two university hospitals in Switzerland and two institutions in France. The patients included 46 cases with histologically proven pheochromocytoma, and 181 controls suspected of tumor with negative investigations and 3-year follow-up. None had renal dysfunction. Sensitivity and specificity were compared after expressing each measurement result as a ratio over its upper reference limit, adding the ratios of normetanephrine and metanephrine, and defining cut-off values of 1 or 2 for this sum.ResultsApplying a cut-off value of 1, plasma free and total metanephrines and urinary fractionated metanephrines had similar sensitivities of 96% (95% confidence interval, 86–99%), 95% (85–99%), and 95% (84–99%) along with similar specificities of 89% (83–94%), 91% (84–95%), and 86% (80–91%). A cut-off of 2 for the sum of ratios over reference limit improves the specificity, and it can be used for a confirmation test based on another biomarker taken among the three biomarkers.ConclusionAll three metanephrine-based tests perform equivalently for diagnosing pheochromocytoma in the absence of renal insufficiency, and can be conveniently associated two by two for confirming/excluding tumor.
Impact of Initial Pathogen Density on Resistance and Tolerance in a Polymorphic Disease Resistance Gene System in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Roux Fabrice , Gao Liping , Bergelson Joy 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
The evolution of natural enemy defense shapes evolutionary trajectories of natural populations. Although the intensity of selection imposed by enemies clearly varies among natural populations, little is known about the reaction norm of genotypes under a gradient of selective pressure. In this study, we measure the quantitative responses of disease symptoms and plant fitness to a gradient of infection, focusing on the gene-for-gene interaction between the Rpm1 resistance gene in Arabidopsis thaliana and the AvrRpm1 avirulence gene in the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. Two complementary sets of plant material were used: resistant (R) and susceptible (S) isogenic lines and a set of six natural accessions, three of which are Rpm1 resistant (R) and three of which are rpm1 susceptible (S). Nine initial pathogen densities were applied to each plant line. Using isogenic lines allows any differences between R and S lines to be attributed directly to the Rpm1 gene, whereas using natural accessions allows the natural variation of resistance and tolerance over a gradient of infection dosages within R and S accessions to be described. For both sets of plant material, increased infection dosage results in more extensive disease symptoms, with a subsequent decrease in seed production. The severity of disease symptoms was reduced in R relative to S subgroups, and the presence of the Rpm1 allele led to an increase in plant fitness. Tolerance, defined as the ability to sustain infection without a reduction in fitness, was directly affected by Rpm1, providing a novel demonstration of an R gene affecting tolerance. Genetic variation for tolerance was also found within the S and R natural accessions, suggesting the potential for selection to act upon this important trait.
Childhood Language Skills and Adult Literacy: A 29-Year Follow-up Study
Authors: Schoon Ingrid , Parsons Samantha , Rush Robert , Law James 
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE:
Our aim was to assess the longitudinal trajectory of childhood receptive language skills and early influences on the course of language development.

METHODS:
Drawing on data collected for a nationally representative British birth cohort, the 1970 British Cohort Study, we examined the relationship between directly assessed early receptive language ability, family background, housing conditions, early literacy environment, and adult literacy skills. A sample of 11349 cohort members who completed the English Picture Vocabulary Test at 5 years of age were studied again at 34 years of age, when they completed a direct assessment of their basic literacy skills. We contrasted experiences of individuals with language problems at age 5 against the experiences of those with normal language skills at that age, assessing the role of socioeconomic family background and early literacy environment in influencing the longitudinal course of developmental language problems. Statistical comparisons of rates with χ2 tests at P values of .001, .01, and .05 were made, as well as multivariate logistic regressions.

RESULTS:
Cohort members with receptive language problems at age 5 had a relatively disadvantaged home life in childhood, both in terms of socioeconomic resources and the education level of their parents, but also regarding their exposure to a stimulating early literacy environment. Although there is significant risk for poor adult literacy among children with early language problems, the majority of these children develop competent functional literacy levels by the age of 34. Factors that reduce the risk for persistent language problems include the child being born into a working family, parental education beyond minimum school-leaving age, advantageous housing conditions, and preschool attendance.

CONCLUSION:
Effective literacy-promoting interventions provided by pediatric primary care providers should target both children and parents.
Effect of Needle Length When Immunizing Obese Adolescents With Hepatitis B Vaccine
Authors: Middleman Amy B. , Anding Roberta , Tung Celestine 
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE:Several studies have noted that obese adolescents and adults achieve lower titers of antibody in response to vaccines such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine. The objective of this study was to determine whether use of a longer (1.5-in) rather than a standard (1-in) needle to penetrate the thicker deltoid fat pad among obese youth would result in higher antibody titers after immunization against HBV.METHODS:Obese adolescents from a large metropolitan area who had not previously received the HBV vaccine were randomly assigned to be immunized with HBV vaccine by using either a 1-inch or a 1.5-inch needle.RESULTS:Those who were immunized with a 1.5-inch needle achieved significantly higher antibody titers to hepatitis B surface antigen (median titers: 1-inch = 189.8 mIU/mL, 1.5-inch = 345.4 mIU/mL; P = .03).CONCLUSIONS:This finding supports the hypothesis that needle length accounts for a significant portion of the discrepancy in immune response to HBV vaccine that is seen among those with obesity.
Weight and Age as Predictors for Passing the Infant Car Seat Challenge
Authors: DeGrazia Michele , Guo Chao-Yu , Wilkinson Ashley Anne , Rhein Lawrence 
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE:The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends observation of preterm and at-risk infants in their car seat before hospital discharge to screen for breathing problems. This observation period, which we refer to as the infant car seat challenge (ICSC), is used to determine readiness for travel in a car seat. Infants who fail the ICSC are recommended to travel in a car bed. Limited data exist to identify risk factors for failing the ICSC, and no guidelines are available to facilitate transition from car beds to car seats. The purpose of this study was to determine whether weight and age are predictors for passing the ICSC.METHODS:This retrospective study evaluated 43 infants referred to the Children's Hospital Boston Center for Healthy Infant Lung Development for a repeat ICSC after initial failure and 37 infants who passed or failed their initial ICSC at the Caritas Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center. Gender, birth weight, gestational age (GA), weight (ICSC weight), corrected GA, and chronological age at time of ICSC were extracted, and logistic regression analysis was performed.RESULTS:The average GA at birth of infants referred was 35 weeks 2 days (±2 weeks 3 days), and almost equal numbers of boys and girls were referred. A majority of infants passed their initial rechallenge (38 [88%] of 43). Infants who failed the repeat challenge were slightly smaller (3327 ± 927 vs 3913 ± 936 g) and younger at time of retesting (CGA 40 weeks 5 days vs 42 weeks 5 days; chronological age 39.2 vs 52.2 days). Neither weight nor age at initial or repeat ICSC predicted passing the ICSC.CONCLUSIONS:This study suggests that ICSC screenings remain the safest method for transitioning preterm infants from a car bed to a car seat.
Standard and Emerging Therapies for Metastatic Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: O'Neill Christine J. , Oucharek Jennifer , Learoyd Diana , Sidhu Stan B. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Describe the role and limitations of traditional treatments for metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer.Discuss the molecular basis of and clinical evidence for novel and emerging treatments for metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer.Identify suitable candidates for clinical trials among your patients with radioactive iodine refractory, metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer and enroll them.
This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Differentiated thyroid cancer accounts for &gt;90% of cases of thyroid cancer, with most patients having an excellent prognosis. Distant metastases occur in 10%–15% of patients, decreasing the overall 10-year survival rate in this group to 40%. Radioactive iodine has been the mainstay of treatment for distant metastases, with good results when lesions retain the ability to take up iodine. For patients with metastatic disease resistant to radioactive iodine, treatment options are few and survival is poor. Chemotherapy and external beam radiotherapy have been used in these patients, but with disappointing results. In recent years, our understanding of the molecular pathways involved in thyroid cancer has increased and a number of molecular targets have been identified. These targets include the proto-oncogenes BRAF and RET, known to be common mutations in thyroid cancer; vascular endothelial growth factor receptor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor, associated with angiogenesis; and the sodium-iodide symporter, with the aim of restoring its expression and hence radioactive iodine uptake. There are now multiple trials of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, angiogenesis inhibitors, and other novel agents available to patients with metastatic thyroid cancer. This review discusses both traditional and novel treatments for metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer with a particular focus on emerging treatments for patients with radioactive iodine–refractory disease.
Sorafenib Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in an HIV–HCV Coinfected Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Perboni Giorgio , Costa Paolo , Fibbia Giovanni Carlo , Morandini Barbara , Scalzini Alfredo , Tagliani Alberto , Cengarle Rita , Aitini Enrico 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background/Aims.
HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) share common modes of transmission, resulting in about 33% incidence of coinfection among people infected with HIV. The survival benefit from highly effective antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV infection is resulting in an increased incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in this population. There are no reports to date regarding the coadministration of HAART and sorafenib for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods.
We report the case of a 42-year-old male patient coinfected with HIV and HCV who developed advanced HCC not amenable to curative therapy. The patient was treated with sorafenib, an oral multikinase inhibitor shown to lead to a longer median survival time and time to progression in patients with advanced HCC. Antiretroviral therapy was continued during sorafenib therapy.

Results.
The patient achieved a partial tumor response after 3 months and continued to respond at subsequent assessments. His serum α-fetoprotein normalized from 2,172 IU/ml to 2 IU/ml. He had durable stable disease after 23 months of therapy. Antiretroviral therapy was efficacious (CD4+ lymphocyte count, 377/μl; HIV viremia, &lt;50 copies/ml). The simultaneous administration of these therapies was well tolerated. No grade 3 or 4 toxicities were observed. Exacerbation of pre-existing hypertension, grade 2 diarrhea, and grade 1 skin reaction were observed.

Conclusions.
This is the first report in which sorafenib has been successfully used to treat HCC in a patient with HIV–HCV coinfection.
Routine Outcome Measurement in Mental Health: Feasibility for Examining Effectiveness of an NGO
Authors: Kightley Michelle , Einfeld Stewart , Hancock Nicola 
Published: February 2010

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of using routine public mental health outcome data to measure the effectiveness of a non government organization (NGO), specifically Pioneer Clubhouse. Method: We retrieved data from the NSW Mental Health Outcomes and Assessment Tools (MH-OAT) database, for 31 participants who joined Pioneer Clubhouse, NSW, in 2007. Data were also sought for 31 matched control participants from within the same Area Health Service. Data collected from the adult MH-OAT instruments, Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS), Kessler-10 (K-10) and Abbreviated Life Skills Profile-16 (LSP-16), was retrieved for 13 weeks prior to joining date and compared with 13 weeks of data 6 months after joining. Results: Twenty-four Clubhouse members were registered in the MH-OAT database. Only one of the 24 participants had data for both time periods requested. MH-OAT data collection was insufficient to allow their use for measuring effectiveness of a NGO. Conclusion: Despite the National Mental Health Plan emphasis, and extensive and expensive support for routine data collection in public mental health services, such data collection has been unsuccessful. We discuss possible reasons for this.
Addition of contingency management to increase home practice in young children with a speech sound disorder
Authors: Günther Thoms , Hautvast Sarah 
Published: February 2010

Background: Along with the severity of the disorder, the motivation of the children and their parents is an important element in explaining the extensive variance in therapeutic success. There is consensus that parental cooperation and homework are important for successful therapy. Systematic investigation into the effects of including homework in therapy is lacking, as are methodological approaches to increasing parental involvement.Aims: The aim was to determine whether the efficiency of traditional articulation therapy for children with speech‐sound disorders can be improved by adding a behavioural treatment approach (contingency management) to treatment in order to increase the time that patients spend doing homework.Methods & Procedures: A total of 91 children between the ages of four and six with articulation impairments participated in the study. They were divided into three groups: 32 children were treated with traditional articulation therapy (eight sessions of 45 minutes each), 33 children received a combination of contingency management and traditional therapy, and 26 children received no therapy at all. A picture‐labelling test measuring the treated target sound at different levels was used before and after therapy to quantify therapy‐induced improvement.Outcomes & Results: The results confirm the fact that the traditional articulation therapy approach is effective for children with articulation impairments. However, adding contingency management significantly increased the frequency of homework sessions and improved the efficiency of treatment by decreasing the variance in therapeutic success.Conclusions & Implications: Contingency management has a positive impact on therapeutic success and leads to an increase in the number of homework sessions.