bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transgenic chimera quail production by microinjecting lentiviral vector into the blood vessel of the early embryo
Authors: SUN Peng , ZHANG Zifu , WU Guojin , YAN Li , YUAN Fang , ZHANG Wenxin , GAO Junshuang , JIN Wenjing , LI Zandong 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTIn the past, several strategies have been used to generate transgenic birds. The most successful method has proven to be injection of lentiviral vector into the subgerminal cavity of the newly laid egg. In this study, we directly injected lentiviral vector into the blood vessel of HH13–15 quail embryos to produce transgenic chimeras. In the manipulated, hatched birds, the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene driven by a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter was extensively expressed. All tissues analyzed were GFP‐positive, and gonad cells from some of the manipulated embryos expressed GFP. The semen genome of 21.4% of mature male birds was determined to be GFP‐positive by PCR, indicating these male birds were transgenic chimeras.
eviQ cancer treatments online: How does the web‐based protocol system fare in a comprehensive quality assessment?
Authors: LANGTON Julia M , PEARSON Sallie‐Anne 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAims:  There have been few evaluations of the quality of computerized decision support tools in medical oncology despite their widespread use in clinical practice. In this article, we provide an in‐depth quality assessment of eviQ, an Australian web‐based protocol system.Methods:  We used the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE‐II) instrument to examine the quality of eviQ chemotherapy protocols across six domains: scope and purpose, stakeholder involvement, rigor of development, clarity of presentation, applicability, editorial independence and overall quality rating. Domain scores were categorized as high quality (scores of >70%), moderate quality (30–70%), and low quality (<30%).Results:  eviQ was rated highly with respect to articulating its scope and purpose, clarity of presentation, applicability and on the overall rating item (scores of 72–80%). Domains addressing the involvement of stakeholders in the development process and the rigor with which protocols were developed were of moderate quality (scores of 34–37%) and the management of editorial independence and conflict of interest issues were rated in the low quality range (22%).Conclusion:  Our evaluation demonstrated the eviQ protocol system is generally of high quality. However, we identified a number of areas in which eviQ could improve either its development processes or the means by which these processes are communicated to end‐users. This research represents the first comprehensive evaluation of oncology protocols and paves the way for continued quality assurance research to ensure that these tools meet their objective of facilitating evidence‐based medicine, standardizing treatment and, ultimately, improving patient outcomes.
The adverse implications of the transition from film to digital mammography for performing surveillance in patients with a history of breast cancer or significant risk factors for the disease
Authors: WARD Rachel L , SPEAKMAN David , HENDERSON Michael A 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAim:  The transition from screen‐film to digital mammography at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre was investigated, considering the impact on patient management and resource utilization.Methods:  A retrospective comparison of the imaging outcomes of the last year of screen‐film and the first year of digital mammography was performed. The study group of 692 patients, all with a history or a significant risk factor of breast cancer, underwent a surveillance mammogram in both periods, enabling serial comparison of imaging outcomes on the same patient.Results:  Overall 92 patients required a total of 125 further investigations after their film mammogram due to a mammographic abnormality while 130 underwent a total of 202 additional investigations after their digital mammogram. This is a significant increase in the number of patients further investigated (Fisher's exact test P = 0.005). However, the positive predictive value of further investigation finding a tumor after digital mammography was not significantly higher than that of film mammography (7.4 vs 6.5%, Fisher's exact test P = 0.57). There was a 44% increase in the cost of additional investigations during the first year of digital mammography compared to the previous year and an associated increase in hospital visits for patients.Conclusion:  For patients undergoing annual surveillance mammography at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, the transition from film to digital mammography was found to be associated with an increase in both the number of additional investigations performed and in the number of hospital visits. The findings of this study should be considered when conversions from film to digital mammography are planned, specifically in terms of cost allocations and the burden on patient services in radiology and outpatient departments.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of cisplatin plus etoposide and carboplatin plus paclitaxel in a phase III randomized trial for non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: THONGPRASERT Sumitra , PERMSUWAN Unchalee , RUENGORN Chidchanok , CHAROENTUM Chaiyut , CHEWASKULYONG Busyamas 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAim:  Carboplatin plus paclitaxel is a more costly chemotherapy regimen than cisplatin plus etoposide; however there have been reports of higher efficacy and less toxicity of this regimen. Thus, this study aimed to assess the cost‐effectiveness of these two chemotherapy regimens in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods:  Using the perspective of Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Thailand, direct medical costs, including chemotherapy, drugs, medical service charges, costs of adverse events, concomitant medication and survival time were directly gathered from 65 patients enrolled from August 2005 to November 2008. A one‐way sensitivity analysis was performed. An incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) was also calculated.Results:  Of these 65 patients, 30 received cisplatin plus etoposide (Arm I) and 35 received carboplatin plus paclitaxel (Arm II). The median survival time was not statistically significant (8.23 months vs 8.80 months in Arm I and II, respectively; P = 0.99). The total cost per patient in Arm II was about three times that in Arm I (95,548 Baht vs 29,692 Baht) while quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALY) in Arm II were slightly above those in Arm I (0.587 vs 0.412). The ICER was equal to 375,958 Baht per QALY.Conclusion:  With a cost‐effectiveness threshold of 100,000 Baht in Thailand, carboplatin plus paclitaxel was still not cost‐effective. While the selection of a suitable regimen for individual patients should not rely on drug and hospital costs alone, the overall cost, including the burden on patients, should be taken into consideration.
Management of tumor lysis syndrome with a single fixed dose of rasburicase in Asian lymphoma patients: A case series and literature review
Authors: CHIANG Joen , CHAN Alexandre , LIAN Tracy , TAY Kevin , QUEK Richard , TAO Miriam , LIM Soon Thye 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAim:  Recently, a number of studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of a single reduced dose of rasburicase for the management of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) in adults. Whether Asian lymphoma patients similarly respond to a single dose of rasburicase is currently unknown. We aim to assess the efficacy of a single dose rasburicase in preventing TLS in Asian lymphoma patients.Methods:  This was a single‐center case series of adult lymphoma patients at high risk of TLS who received a single fixed dose of rasburicase. Patients had to have their uric acid, serum creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase and electrolytes monitored for at least 24–48 h post‐administration.Results:  Eleven patients were identified. Majority were Chinese (91%), male (64%) and with a median age of 61 years (range 41–84). All had at least two risk factors for developing TLS. Ten patients received a 6‐mg dose and one received 4.5 mg. Prior to rasburicase administration, the mean uric acid level was 835 µmol/L (range 318–1237 µmol/L) and the level 24‐h post‐administration was 186 µmol/L (range 30–653 µmol/L) (P < 0.001). Eight patients (73%) experienced an improvement of renal function 72‐h post‐rasburicase. Normalization of serum electrolytes was achieved within 96 h.Conclusion:  Among Asian lymphoma patients who manifested at least two risk factors for developing TLS, a single fixed dose of rasburicase at 6 mg is deemed to be effective for rapidly lowering uric acid levels as well as sustaining reduced levels for up to 72 h.
Cancer in Australia: Actual incidence and mortality data from 1982 to 2007 and projections to 2010
Authors:   Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground:  The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the Australasian Association of Cancer Registries collaborate every year to provide updated information on cancer occurrences and trends in Australia.Method:  Actual number of cases and deaths is presented together with age‐standardised rates for all cancers combined and selected cancer sites from 1982 to 2007, with projections to 2010. Differences in incidence and mortality rates according to age, Indigenous status and remoteness areas are also provided. In addition, change over time in 5‐year relative survival estimates for those diagnosed with cancer is presented, as is information on the participation in Australia's national screening programs for breast, cervical and bowel cancer. The term ‘cancer’ is used to refer to primary tumours which are invasive.Results:  In 2007, a total of 108,368 new cases of cancer (excluding basal and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin) and 39,884 deaths from cancer occurred in Australia. Prostate cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer in males, while breast cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer in females. Lung cancer was by far the most common cause of cancer death in both males and females. In the last decade, cancer incidence rates increased in males and stabilised in females, while mortality rates decreased steadily. The overall incidence rate of cancer for Indigenous Australians was lower than that for non‐indigenous Australians, while the overall mortality rate from cancer was higher. Furthermore, the 5‐year relative survival for many cancers improved markedly from 1982–1986 to 1998–2004.
Trends in the Hospitalization of Ischemic Stroke in the United States, 1998–2007
Authors: Lee Leslie K. , Bateman Brian T. , Wang Shuang , Schumacher H. Christian , Pile-Spellman John , Saposnik Gustavo 
Published: December 2011

Background The late 1990s/early 2000s was a time of change in both the prevention and acute care of ischemic stroke, with primary prevention driven by increased utilization of antihypertensive, antiplatelet, anticoagulation, and lipid-lowering agents. Aim To examine whether ischemic stroke hospitalization rates and outcomes in the United States have changed. Method We retrospectively identified 894 169 hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of ischemic stroke from 1 January 1998 through to 31 December 2007 in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, the largest all-payer healthcare database in the United States. Annual, national case estimates were combined with US Census data to derive age-adjusted and age-specific population hospitalization rates. Temporal trends were tested using linear regression. Results From 1998 through 2007, there were an estimated 4 382 336 ischemic stroke hospitalizations in the United States. Overall, the age-adjusted rate of ischemic stroke hospitalization decreased from 184 to 128 per 100 000 ( P #< 0.0001). Age-specific rates decreased among those 55+ years old ( P #< 0.0001), but increased among those 25–34 and 35–44 years old ( P #< 0.001 and P #< 0.0001, respectively). Rates among those <25 and 45–54 years old were unchanged. In-hospital mortality decreased from 7.0% (standard error 0.1) to 5.4% (standard error 0.1) ( P #< 0.0001). Case proportion at the highest quintile of hospitals by annual caseload increased from 54.0% (standard error 2.1) to 61.8% (standard error 2.0) ( P #< 0.0001). Mean adjusted hospitalization costs increased from $9273 (standard deviation 199) to $10 524 (standard deviation 77) ( P #< 0.0001). Conclusion In 1998 through to 2007, the overall rate of ischemic stroke hospitalization in the United States decreased. However, rates among young adults increased. In-hospital mortality rates decreased over the study period.
MRI in Patients with Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion – DWI Lesion Scoring is an Independent Predictor of Outcome
Authors: Nagel Simon , Herweh Christian , Köhrmann Martin , Huttner Hagen B. , Poli Sven , Hartmann Marius , Hähnel Stefan , Steiner Thorsten , Ringleb Peter , Hacke Werner 
Published: December 2011

Aims We analyzed early diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of patients with acute basilar artery occlusion by applying different lesion scoring systems and determined their predictive value for favorable outcome. Methods Between 1998 and 2010, patients with confirmed basilar artery occlusion were entered in a local database. magnetic resonance imaging angiography was performed for diagnosis of basilar artery occlusion and/or during initiated recanalization therapy. We analyzed the patients’ clinical and radiological baseline data, recanalization, and favorable outcome modified Rankin Scale 0–2 after three-months. Diffusion weighted imaging findings were categorized into lesions in vascular territories as well as by two previously published scores for ischemic damage in the posterior circulation, the Renard score and posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early computed tomography Score. Results Fifty patients with basilar artery occlusion received an early MRI, and in 30 of those, a follow-up MRI was performed. Median time to baseline MRI was 5·5 h (one-hour to 24 h). Median baseline Renard score and posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT Score were 2·75 (0–10) and 7 (0–10), respectively. Of the patients, 82% received an acute recanalization therapy and in 78% of those, the basilar artery recanalized. Median time to therapy was five-hours (1·25–20 h). 24% of all patients had a favorable outcome (mRS 0–2). Patients with a favorable outcome had a lower Renard score and higher pcASPECTS, a lower rate of complete basilar artery occlusion, a higher Glasgow coma scale on admission, and a higher rate of successful recanalization (all P < 0·05). After logistic regression, the only independent predictor for favorable outcome was a posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT Score of 8 or more points (odds ratio 3·9, 95% confidence interval 1·4–11·7, P < 0·05). Conclusion In patients with acute basilar artery occlusion, posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT Score of 8 or more points on early diffusion weighted imaging is an independent predictor for favorable outcome.
Comparison of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Survival in Patients with Ischemic or Hemorrhagic Stroke
Authors: Henriksson Karin M. , Farahmand Bahman , Åsberg Signild , Edvardsson Nils , Terént Andreas 
Published: December 2011

Background Differences in risk factor profiles between patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke may have an impact on subsequent mortality. Aim To explore cardiovascular disease risk factors, including the CHADS2 score, with survival after ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Methods Between 2001 and 2005, 87 111 (83%) ischemic stroke, 12 497 (12%) hemorrhagic stroke, and 5435 (5%) patients with unspecified stroke were identified in the Swedish Stroke Register. Data on gender, age, and cardiovascular disease risk factors were linked to the Swedish Hospital Discharge and Cause of Death Registers. Adjusted odds and hazard ratios and 95% confidence interval were calculated using logistic and Cox proportional hazard regression models. Results Hemorrhagic stroke patients were younger than ischemic stroke patients. All cardiovascular disease risk factors studied, alone or combined in the CHADS2 score, were associated with higher odds ratios for ischemic stroke vs. hemorrhagic stroke. Higher CHADS2 scores and all studied risk factors except hypertension were associated with higher odds ratio for death by ischemic stroke than hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke was associated with lower early mortality (within 30 days) vs. hemorrhagic stroke (hazard ratio = 0·28, confidence interval 0·27 to 0·29). Conclusions Patients with hemorrhagic stroke had a higher risk of dying within the first 30 days after stroke, but the risk of death was similar in the two groups after one-month. Hypertension was the only cardiovascular disease risk factor associated with an increased mortality rate for hemorrhagic stroke as compared to ischemic stroke.
Low Bone Mineral Density is Associated with Poor Clinical Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Lee Sang-Bong , Cho A-Hyun , Butcher Ken S. , Kim Tae-Woo , Ryu Seon-Young , Kim Yeong-In 
Published: December 2011

Background Chronic low bone mineral density is associated with an increased risk of stroke. However, little is known about the influence of bone mineral density at the time of stroke on clinical outcome. We investigated the association between bone mineral density and functional disability at three-months in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods We retrospectively examined consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients who underwent bone densitometry tests within seven-days of stroke symptom onset. Patient demographics, risk factors, and initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores were assessed. Bone mineral density was measured at the lumbar spine and bilateral femoral necks. Osteoporosis was defined as bone mineral density ≤−2·5 T-scores at each site. The primary outcome was modified Rankin Scale at 90 days poststroke. A favorable outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale 0–1 and poor outcome as modified Rankin Scale 2–6. Results Of the 191 patients included, 61 (31·9%) were men. Mean age (±standard deviation) was 69·8 ± 11·1 years. Patients with osteoporosis of the right femoral neck were more likely to have poor outcome (25/82; 30·5%) than those without (12/109; 11·0%, P = 0·001). After adjustment for age, sex, and initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score, osteoporosis of the right femoral neck was significantly associated with poor outcome (odds ratio, 2·97; 95% confidence interval 1·21 to 7·32, P = 0·018). Conclusions Low bone mineral density of the right femur in the acute poststroke period is associated with poor outcome at three-months. Assessment of bone mineral density in acute stroke patients may be a useful prognosticator and facilitate early intervention.
Autophagy in Brain Tumors: A New Target for Therapeutic Intervention
Authors: Kaza Niroop , Kohli Latika , Roth Kevin A. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe role of autophagy, traditionally considered a cellular homeostatic and recycling mechanism, has expanded dramatically to include an involvement in discrete stages of tumor initiation and development. Gliomas are the most aggressive and also the most common brain malignancies. Current treatment modalities have only a modest effect on patient outcomes. Resistance to apoptosis, a hallmark of most cancers, has driven the search for novel targets in cancer therapy. The autophagy lysosomal pathway is one such target that is being explored in multiple cancers including gliomas and is a promising avenue for further therapeutic development. This review summarizes our current understanding of the autophagic process and its potential utility as a target for glioma therapy.
Autophagy in Dementias
Authors: Kragh Christine Lund , Ubhi Kiren , Wyss‐Corey Tony , Masliah Eliezer 
Published: December 2011

AbstractDementias are a varied group of disorders typically associated with memory loss, impaired judgment and/or language and by symptoms affecting other cognitive and social abilities to a degree that interferes with daily functioning. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of a progressive dementia, followed by dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), (VaD) and HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). The pathogenesis of this group of disorders has been linked to the abnormal accumulation of proteins in the brains of affected individuals, which in turn has been related to deficits in protein clearance. Autophagy is a key cellular protein clearance pathway with proteolytic cleavage and degradation via the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway representing another important clearance mechanism. Alterations in the levels of autophagy and the proteins associated with the autophagocytic pathway have been reported in various types of dementias. This review will examine recent literature across these disorders and highlight a common theme of altered autophagy across the spectrum of the dementias.
Verwaltungsführung und soziale Sicherheit: Auf der Grundlage der IVSS‐Good‐Governance‐Richtlinien für Institutionen der sozialen Sicherheit voranschreiten
Authors: Musalem Alberto R. , Ortiz Maribel D. 
Published: December 2011

AuszugUm auf den großen und wachsenden Bedarf an sozialer Sicherheit ihrer Bürger zu reagieren, bemühen sich Regierungen in vielen Ländern um eine Neudefinition von politischen Handlungskonzepten und Strategien. Weil neue Konzepte und Strategien nur so gut sein können, wie sie auch umgesetzt werden, ist gute Verwaltungsführung in Institutionen der sozialen Sicherheit unentbehrlich, um die gewünschten Ergebnisse zu erreichen. Der Artikel konzentriert sich auf gute Verwaltungsführung auf zwei Autoritätsebenen: i) bei Institutionen der sozialen Sicherheit und ii) bei der nationalen Regierung. Auf der Ebene der Institutionen der sozialen Sicherheit erörtern wir einen stilisierten Rahmen für Verwaltungsführung, der eine Übersicht darüber bietet, worauf es bei der Durchführung eines Programms der sozialen Sicherheit ankommt. Die Erörterung wird dann auf die nationale Ebene verlagert, um sich auf die Verwaltungsführung eines Systems der sozialen Sicherheit konzentrieren zu können. Im Hinblick auf die Verwaltungsführung unterstreicht dieser Artikel die vorrangige Rolle von Regierungen bei der Herbeiführung eines nationalen Konsenses über die Gesamtziele des Systems der sozialen Sicherheit eines Landes. Er plädiert für die Bestimmung einer nationalen Stelle mit der Zuständigkeit für die soziale Sicherheit, welche die kohärente Durchführung und Entwicklung der verschiedenen Programme sicherstellt, die das System der sozialen Sicherheit des Landes ausmachen. Eine bessere Abstimmung der Politik in Bezug auf die soziale Sicherheit mit der Beschäftigungs‐ und Arbeitsmarktpolitik ist wichtig, um positive Synergien und gemeinsame Wirksamkeit bei der Bereitstellung des Zugangs zu Arbeitsmöglichkeiten in den formellen Sektoren der Volkswirtschaft zu gewährleisten, was wiederum eine Voraussetzung für die Bekämpfung von Armut und sozialer Ausgrenzung sowie dafür ist, den Armen besseren Zugang zu umfassenderen Formen des Schutzes durch die soziale Sicherheit zu ermöglichen. Gute Verwaltungsführung wird den nachhaltigen und dauerhaften Beitrag der sozialen Sicherheit zu Wirtschaftswachstum und Entwicklung auf nationaler Ebene besser sicherstellen.