bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Successful Treatment of Postchemotherapy Azoospermia With Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction: The Weill Cornell Experience
Authors: Hsiao Wayland , Stahl Peter J. , Osterberg E. Charles , Nejat Edward , Palermo Gianpiero D. , Rosenwaks Zev , Schlegel Peter N. 
Published: March 2011

Purpose Advances in chemotherapy have led to greater longevity and paternity may be an important consideration for postchemotherapy survivors of childhood cancers. While traditionally considered sterile, men who are azoospermic after chemotherapy can be treated with microdissection testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Patients and Methods Oncologic data, pretreatment hormone profiles, testicular histology, and outcomes of microdissection TESE-ICSI were reviewed. ICSI was performed in a programmed in vitro fertilization cycle using fresh spermatozoa. Embryos were transferred into the uterine cavity on the third day after microinjection. Results Eighty-four microdissection TESE procedures were performed in 73 patients. The mean time elapsed since chemotherapy was 18.6 years (range, 1 to 34 years). Spermatozoa were retrieved in 37% of patients and in 42.9% of overall procedures. A 57.1% fertilization rate (per injected oocyte) was achieved with ICSI allowing a 50% clinical pregnancy rate with a live birth rate of 42% overall. There were 15 deliveries, with a total of 20 children born. Hypospermatogenesis seen on preoperative biopsy was associated with 100% sperm retrieval while exposure to alkylating agents resulted in a significantly lower sperm retrieval rate. Patients with testicular cancer had the highest sperm retrieval rates while patients previously treated for sarcoma had the lowest retrieval rates. Conclusion To our knowledge, this represents the largest series of postchemotherapy microdissection TESE-ICSI to date. Sperm were retrieved in 37% of patients despite a prevalence of Sertoli cell–only pattern on preoperative biopsy. Although prechemotherapy sperm cryopreservation is recommended, treatment with microdissection TESE and ICSI are effective treatment options for many azoospermic men after chemotherapy.
The Midweight Method to Measure Attitudes Toward Risk and Ambiguity
Authors: van de Kuilen Gijs , Wakker Peter P. 
Published: March 2011

This paper introduces a parameter-free method for measuring the weighting functions of prospect theory and rank-dependent utility. These weighting functions capture risk attitudes, subjective beliefs, and ambiguity attitudes. Our method, called the midweight method, is based on a convenient way to obtain midpoints in the weighting function scale. It can be used both for risk (known probabilities) and for uncertainty (unknown probabilities). The resulting integrated treatment of risk and uncertainty is particularly useful for measuring ambiguity, i.e., the difference between uncertainty and risk. Compared to existing methods to measure weighting functions and attitudes toward uncertainty and ambiguity, our method is more efficient and can accommodate violations of expected utility under risk. An experiment demonstrates the tractability of our method, yielding plausible results such as ambiguity aversion for moderate and high likelihoods but ambiguity seeking for low likelihoods, as predicted by Ellsberg. This paper was accepted by George Wu, decision analysis.
Simultaneous Determination of 6 l-Arginine Metabolites in Human and Mouse Plasma by Using Hydrophilic-Interaction Chromatography and Electrospray Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Brown Candice M , Becker Jessica O , Wise Phyllis M , Hoofnagle Andrew N 
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND
Macrophages and related cells are important cellular mediators of the innate immune system and play important roles in wound healing and fibrosis. Flux through different l-arginine metabolic pathways partially defines the functional behavior of macrophages. Methods to measure metabolites within the nitric oxide synthase/arginase pathways could provide insights into local and systemic inflammatory processes.

METHODS
A targeted metabolomics approach was developed by using hydrophilic-interaction liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry to simultaneously measure l-arginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine, symmetric dimethylarginine, l-citrulline, l-ornithine, and l-proline in plasma from humans and mice.

RESULTS
All analytes were quantifiable in human and mouse plasma with a small volume (25 μL), minimal sample preparation, and no derivatization. Patients with high plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein and mice with acute inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide had significant reductions of arginine metabolites in plasma compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS
This new assay uses plasma metabolomic measurements to help provide new insights into metabolic changes coupled to the innate immune response. We identified significant changes in arginine metabolism in both humans and mice following an inflammatory stimulus. These changes were associated with decreased plasma arginine metabolite concentrations and increased methylated arginine concentrations.
Renal pro-apoptotic proteins are reduced by growth hormone resistance but not by visceral fat removal
Authors: Gesing Adam , Bartke Andrzej , Wang Feiya , Karbownik-Lewinska Malgorzata , Masternak Michal M. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) receptor knockout (GHRKO) mice are highly insulin sensitive and long-lived. Surgical visceral fat removal (VFR) improves insulin signaling in normal mice and rats and extends longevity in rats. We have previously demonstrated decreased expression of certain pro-apoptotic genes in kidneys of GHRKO mice and suggested that this could contribute to the increased longevity of these animals. The aim of the present study was to examine the level of the following proteins: caspase-3, caspase-9, caspase-8, bax, bad, phospho-bad, bcl-2, Smac/DIABLO, Apaf-1, phospho-p53 (pp53) and cytochrome c in male GHRKO and normal (N) mice subjected to VFR or sham surgery, at approximately six months of age. The kidneys were collected two months after VFR. Caspase-3, caspase-8, bax, bad, Smac/DIABLO, Apaf-1 and pp53 levels were decreased in GHRKO mice as compared to N animals. VFR did not change the level of any of the examined proteins. The decreased renal levels of pro-apoptotic proteins could contribute to the extended life-span caused by targeted disruption of the GH receptor gene but are apparently not involved in mediating the effects of VFR.
Evaluation of four commercial biuret reagent kits of serum total protein by the American Association for Clinical Chemistry reference measurement procedure
Authors: He Meilin , Zhang Jie 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Background: In China, the traceability of clinical chemistry methods is still immature. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a reference measurement procedure and evaluate commercial reagent kits using such established procedures.

Methods: We reproduced the reference measurement procedure for serum total protein, as recommended by the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC). We evaluated the performance by Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) guidelines EP15-A and EP6-A. Subsequently, four commercial reagent kits were evaluated by the reproduced reference procedure following CLSI guideline EP9-A2.

Results: The performance of the reproduced reference procedure was as follows: CVs ranged from 0.47% to 0.85% at medical decision levels (Xc) of 45 g/L, 60 g/L and 80 g/L. Linearity was Y=1.0022X–0.2121 (r=0.9999), and recovery ranged from 100.2% to 102.4%. The External Quality Assessment Scheme for Reference Laboratories in Laboratory Medicine (RELA) was applied, and the result was within the limit of equivalence. The linear relationships of four commercial reagent kits, Merit Choice, KHB, Leadman, and Olympus, were, respectively: Y=0.9922X+0.5776 (r=0.9961); Y=0.9936X+0.4316 (r=0.9992); Y=0.9949X+0.9129 (r=0.9987) and Y=0.9923X+0.8876 (r=0.9989). KHB showed slight negative bias, and the mean±SD was –0.03±0.60 g/L. Merit Choice, Leadman, and Olympus all showed positive bias, and the mean±SDs were 0.02±0.63 g/L, 0.55±0.77 g/L and 0.34±0.71 g/L, respectively.

Conclusions: The correlation and bias of four commercial reagent kits for serum total protein were found to be acceptable. Thus, these reagent kits can be used reliably in China.
Iron-Deficiency Anemia in Infancy and Social Emotional Development in Preschool-Aged Chinese Children
Authors: Chang Suying , Wang Li , Wang Yuying , Brouwer Inge D. , Kok Frans J. , Lozoff Betsy , Chen Chunming 
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE:We aimed to compare affect and behavior of 3 groups of nonanemic 4-year-old children: children with iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) in infancy whose anemia was not corrected before 24 months (chronic IDA) (n = 27); children with IDA in infancy whose anemia was corrected before 24 months (corrected IDA) (n = 70); and children who were nonanemic in infancy and at 24 months (n = 64).METHOD:Mother and child dyads were invited to a local clinic room. Children's social referencing, wariness, frustration-tolerance behavior, and affect were observed during a set of situations encountered in the laboratory, including free play, stranger approach, novel toy, and delay of gratification. The whole procedure was videotaped. The children's affective and behavioral displays were coded by using a time-sampling (5-second segments) code scheme. Iron status of children was determined on the basis of hemoglobin concentration measured with the cyanomethemoglobin method in blood samples obtained by fingerstick in infancy and at the ages of 24 months and 4 years.RESULTS:Children who had chronic IDA in infancy displayed less positive affect, less frustration tolerance, more passive behavior, and more physical self-soothing in the stranger approach and delay of gratification. In contrast, the behavior and affect of children whose anemia was corrected before the age of 24 months were comparable to those of children who were nonanemic throughout infancy.CONCLUSION:The results point to the potential benefits of preventing iron deficiency in infancy and treating it before it becomes chronic or severe.
Increased Odds of Necrotizing Enterocolitis After Transfusion of Red Blood Cells in Premature Infants
Authors: Paul David A. , Mackley Amy , Novitsky Alexandra , Zhao Yong , Brooks Alison , Locke Robert G. 
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVES:To determine if infants with very low birth weight who receive packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions have increased odds of developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), to determine the rate of NEC after PRBC transfusion, and to characterize the blood transfused preceding the onset of NEC.STUDY DESIGN:A retrospective cohort design was used. The study population included infants with a birth weight of &lt;1500 g who were from a single center. NEC after transfusion was defined as NEC that occurred in the 48 hours after initiation of PRBC transfusion. Statistical analysis included unadjusted and multivariable analyses.RESULTS:The study sample included 2311 infants. A total of 122 infants (5.3%) developed NEC, and 33 (27%) of 122 NEC cases occurred after transfusion. NEC occurred after 33 (1.4%) of 2315 total transfusions. Infants who received a transfusion had increased adjusted odds (odds ratio: 2.3 [95% confidence interval: 1.2–4.2]) of developing NEC compared with infants who did not receive a transfusion. PRBCs transfused before NEC were predominantly (83%) from male donors and were a median of 5 days old.CONCLUSIONS:In our study sample, PRBC transfusion was associated with increased odds of NEC. The rate of NEC after transfusion was 1.4%. From our data we could not determine if PRBC transfusions were part of the causal pathway for NEC or were indicative of other factors that may be causal for NEC.
Clinical Periodontal and Microbiologic Parameters in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ziebolz Dirk , Pabel Sven O. , Lange Katharina , Krohn‐Grimberghe Berndt , Hornecker Else , Mausberg Rainer F. 
Published: March 2011

Background: A limited number of studies suggest a prevalence of periodontal pathogens in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, results are inconsistent. The aim of this study is to investigate clinical periodontal and microbiologic parameters in patients with RA.Methods: Sixty‐six patients with RA, aged 49.5 ± 8.4 years, participated in the study. The periodontal classification was assessed with the periodontal screening index (PSR/PSI) allocated to the following parameters: 1) healthy; 2) gingivitis (PSR/PSI score 0 to 2, maximum one sextant score; 3) moderate periodontitis (>1 sextant PSR/PSI score 3, maximum one sextant score; or, 4) severe periodontitis (>1 sextant PSR/PSI score 4). Pool samples were taken for microbiologic (polymerase chain reaction) analysis for the presence of 11 periodontal pathogens. Statistical analysis was by non‐parametric analysis of covariance.Results: No patients were periodontally healthy: 24 patients were classified as having gingivitis; 18 patients had moderate periodontitis; 23 patients had severe periodontitis; and one patient was toothless. For most patients, Fusobacterium nucleatum (98%), Eikenella corrodens (91%), and Parvimonas micra (previously Peptostreptococcus micros; 88%) were above the detection threshold. Strong periodontal pathogens were less frequently detected: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, 16%); Porphyromonas gingivalis (58%); and Tannerella forsythia (previously T. forsythensis, 78%). Statistical analysis showed no significant influence of rheumatic factor (P = 0.33) on periodontal classification and on microbiologic parameters (P >0.05). Only smoking showed a significant influence (P = 0.0004) on the periodontal classification and in the case of E. corrodens (P = 0.02).Conclusions: Most patients with RA in this study showed moderate‐to‐severe periodontitis and the presence of periodontal pathogens. No association was found between rheumatic factor on periodontal classification and microbiologic parameters.
Effect of Simulated Microgravity on Salivary and Serum Oxidants, Antioxidants, and Periodontal Status
Authors: Rai Balwant , Kaur Jasdeep , Catalina Maria , Anand S.C. , Jacobs Reinhilde , Teughels Wim 
Published: March 2011

Background: Microgravity is associated with an increase in peroxidative damage. The effect is more pronounced after long‐duration space flights and can even last for several weeks after landing. The objective of the study is to determine the influence of simulated microgravity on the periodontal status and salivary and serum oxidant/antioxidant status of the body in simulated microgravity (−6° head‐down‐tilt [HDT) bed rest).Methods: Twenty healthy male volunteers were studied before and after 60 days of simulated microgravity (−6° HDT bed rest). We measured salivary and serum oxidative markers, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), 8‐oxo‐7,8 dihydro‐2 deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), and vitamins C and E, and clinical periodontal parameters (probing depth [PD] and clinical attachment level [CAL]).Results: Serum and salivary vitamin C and E concentrations were significantly decreased, whereas MDA and 8‐OHdG levels were significantly increased after 60 days of simulated microgravity. Serum and salivary markers showed a strong and significant correlation. CAL and PD were higher but not statistically significant in simulated microgravity.Conclusions: This study suggests that oxidative stress in the microgravity environment was increased but did not significantly influence periodontal parameters after 2 months. Also, this study indicates the possibility that the findings may have a broader clinical relevance to patients on bed rest or who are physically inactive. Studies on larger patient samples and follow‐up for a longer time are required to verify the relationship between antioxidant status in the space microgravity condition and periodontal health.
Chronic Kidney Disease as a Coronary Disease Equivalent—A Comparison with Diabetes over a Decade
Authors: Debella Yalew T. , Giduma Habtamu D. , Light Robert P. , Agarwal Rajiv 
Published: March 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Whether chronic kidney disease (CKD) should also be considered a coronary disease equivalent like diabetes is not clear.

Design, setting, participants, & methods
Veterans with and without diabetes and with and without CKD were prospectively recruited. A competing Cox regression model was used to describe the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in the two groups (CKD and diabetes) over a decade of follow-up.

Results
The incidence rate of MI in those without CKD was 0.047/yr and in those with CKD was 0.206/yr. Multivariate adjustment revealed the incident rate ratio for MI in CKD as 3.5 and for diabetes mellitus as 2.5. The cumulative incidence for MI was influenced by CKD and diabetes. CKD was associated with a subhazard ratio for MI of 3.74; in contrast, diabetes was associated with a subhazard ratio for MI of 2.6. For the outcome of all-cause mortality, after multivariate adjustment, CKD was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.86, which was similar to the HR of 2.27 for prevalent coronary artery disease. The HR for diabetes was NS at 1.35.

Conclusions
CKD is associated with a risk of death similar to that of established coronary artery disease and higher than that of diabetes mellitus. CKD is associated with a risk of MI that is at least as much as that from diabetes mellitus. Among veterans, CKD appears to be a coronary disease equivalent.
Fifteen Years of Data and Information Quality Literature: Developing a Research Agenda for Accounting
Authors: Neely M. Pamela , Cook Jack S. 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACT: This paper provides a framework for guiding accounting-related Data and Information Quality (DIQ) research, based on four major research strands: people and decision-making, governance, operations, and technology (PGOT). The last three have been broken down further into three subtopics each, a total of ten subcategories. With people connecting the four strands, the resulting PGOT framework provides a structure to create DIQ research questions. DIQ-related articles published between the years of 1994 and 2008 were identified, the predominant research focus and method were determined. The coding identified research areas that need further exploration. Traditionally, DIQ research has been pursued by non-accountants. Accounting-oriented DIQ literature tends to concentrate on the decision aspects of the PGOT. With an increased emphasis on compliance, CobiT, and internal controls the accounting discipline can make a substantial contribution to the DIQ field, particularly with respect to the decision-making context within the relevant environment.
See Supplemental Material
Interdog household aggression: 38 cases (2006–2007)
Authors: Wrubel Kathryn M. , Moon-Fanelli Alice A. , Maranda Louise S. , Dodman Nicholas H. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Objective—To analyze factors associated with interdog household aggression and determine treatment outcomes.
Design—Retrospective case series and survey.
Animals—38 pairs of dogs with interdog household aggression. Each pair of dogs was considered 1 case.
Procedures—Records of dogs with interdog household aggression that were examined during initial or follow-up consultations at a veterinary teaching hospital from December 5, 2006, to December 5, 2007, were analyzed for clinical features. Data regarding outcome, owner compliance, and efficacy of recommended treatments obtained by use of a follow-up survey were evaluated.
Results—Most cases (30/38 [79%]) of interdog household aggression involved same-sex pairs; 26 of 38 (68%) cases involved 1 female or a pair of females. Instigators and recipients of aggression were clearly identified in 27 of 38 (71%) cases; most instigators were the younger of the pair (20/27 [74%]) or were newer additions to the household (19/27 [70%]). Fight-eliciting triggers included owner attention, food, excitement, and found items. Some dogs had risk factors for behavior problems such as a history of living in multiple households (21/51 [41%]), adoption after 12 weeks of age (20/51 [39%]), or being acquired from a shelter (17/51 [33%]). Effective treatment recommendations included implementing a so-called nothing-in-life-is-free program, giving 1 dog priority access to resources, and administering psychotropic medication. Frequency and severity of fighting were significantly reduced after consultation. Owners reported a 69% overall improvement following treatment.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Most treatment strategies were considered effective. Consistency and predictability of social interactions are essential in resolving interdog household aggression.
Physical, behavioral, endocrinologic, and cytogenetic evaluation of two Standardbred racehorses competing as mares with an intersex condition and high postrace serum testosterone concentrations
Authors: Knobbe Marc G. , Maenhoudt Cindy , Turner Regina M. , McDonnell Sue M. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Case Description—2 Standardbred racehorses that had been winning races while competing as mares underwent postrace drug testing and had serum testosterone concentrations above the acceptable limit for female racehorses.
Clinical Findings—Initial physical examinations by the referring veterinarian revealed ambiguous external genitalia and suspected intra-abdominally located testes leading to a preliminary diagnosis of male pseudohermaphroditism. Horses were referred for further evaluation of sex. Physical examination of the external genitalia confirmed the findings of the referring veterinarian. Transrectal palpation and ultrasonography revealed gonads with an ultrasonographic appearance of testes. On cytogenetic analysis, both horses were determined to have a 64,XY karyotype and 8 intact Y chromosome markers and 5 SRY gene markers, which were indicative of a genetic male and confirmed an intersex condition. Additionally, both horses had some male-type behavior and endocrinologic findings consistent with those of sexually intact males.
Treatment and Outcome—Taken together, these findings confirmed that both horses were male pseudohermaphrodites. Both horses returned to racing competition as males.
Clinical Relevance—As of October 1, 2008, the Pennsylvania Horse and Harness Racing Commissions implemented a postrace drug testing policy that included analysis of blood samples for anabolic and androgenic steroids and set maximum allowable concentrations of testosterone for racing geldings and females. Within 8 months of initiation of this drug testing policy, the 2 horses of this report were identified as having an intersex condition. This raises the possibility that intersex conditions may be more common in racing Standardbreds than was previously suspected.