bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prostate cancer survivors who would be eligible for active surveillance but were either treated with radiotherapy or managed expectantly: comparisons on long‐term quality of life and symptom burden
Authors: Thong Melissa S.Y. , Mols Floortje , Kil Paul J.M. , Korfage Ida J. , Van De Poll‐Franse Lonneke V. 
Published: August 2009

Study Type – Therapy (outcomes research) Level of Evidence 2cOBJECTIVETo assess and identify factors associated with the long‐term health‐related quality of life (HRQL) of prostate cancer survivors managed expectantly, as patients with low‐risk prostate cancer can be managed with active surveillance (AS), but research on associated long‐term HRQL is scarce.PATIENTS AND METHODSFrom the population‐based Eindhoven Cancer Registry, 71 men managed with AS were matched with 71 survivors who had similar demographic and clinical characteristics but treated with external beam radiotherapy (RT). All were diagnosed between 1994 and 1998. HRQL data were collected 5–10 years after diagnosis. Patients completed generic‐ (Short Form‐36) and cancer‐specific (Quality of Life – Cancer Survivors) HRQL instruments, and symptom burden (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index, Sexual Activity) questionnaires.RESULTSPatients on AS were comparable to those treated with RT for most generic‐ and disease‐specific HRQL dimensions. Patients treated with RT had poorer mean (sd) bowel function scores, of 87.1 (13.1) vs 92.8 (10.7) (P < 0.001), more bother with bowel function, at 85.0 (16.4) vs 93.7 (10.1) (P < 0.001), and more problems with getting an erection (68% vs 47%, P = 0.005). Multivariate regression analyses (corrected for comorbidity and clinical disease progression) indicated that the management strategy independently predicted differences in physical functioning, bodily pain, spiritual and total well‐being, and bowel function and bowel bother.CONCLUSIONSPatients managed expectantly at initial diagnosis (AS) have comparable HRQL and a lower symptom burden than patients treated with RT up to 10 years after the diagnosis.
Morbidity of open retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer: contemporary perioperative data
Authors: Williams Stephen B. , McDermott David W. , Winston Dock , Bahnson Eamonn , Berry Alexander M. , Steele Graeme S. , Richie Jerome P. 
Published: August 2009

Study Type – Therapy (prospective cohort) Level of Evidence 2bOBJECTIVETo review differences between primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (P‐RPLND) and RPLND after chemotherapy (PC‐RPLND) in a contemporary series of patients with testicular cancer, to validate the proposed low morbidity.PATIENTS AND METHODSPatients who had undergone RPLND at our institution in 2001–2008 were identified and their clinical charts reviewed; in all, 190 were identified and perioperative data obtained.RESULTSOf the 190 patients who had RPLND, 98 (52%) and 92 (48%) had P‐ and PC‐RPLND, respectively. Histology of the orchidectomy specimen consisted of embryonal carcinoma in 146 (76%) patients, also including lymphovascular invasion in 83 (44%). The mean (range) operative duration was 206 (110–475) min and the mean blood loss was 294 (50–7000) mL. The median hospital stay was 4 days. Mean blood loss, operative duration and hospital stay were significantly less for the P‐RPLND than for PC‐RPLND groups (P < 0.05). There were 18 (9%) perioperative complications in all. There were no deaths in either group.CONCLUSIONSThe short‐term morbidity of open RPLND is acceptable, and open RPLND is safe and effective at select tertiary centres. When compared with historical data, the present contemporary series shows that the operative duration, blood loss and hospital stay have improved, with few complications. These contemporary data should be considered when comparing laparoscopic with open RPLND.
The (Cuban) Voice of the (Curaçaoan) People: The Making (And Taking) of a Collective Memory
Authors: DE JONG NANETTE 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAt the turn of the 20th century, Afro‐Curaçaoans developed an affinity for Cuban culture that influenced the manner to which they came to define their own collective memory. Cuba was raised to mythological status, appropriated and adapted to fit Curaçaoan daily life, enabling a new and inventive sense of belonging. This essay speaks to the intricacies involved in memory‐making, with the Cuban‐inspired memory of memories on Curaçao introduced as a relative category. It points to the variegated and tenuous nature of memory, showing how the past, when negotiated with the present, can shape group goals and demarcate membership.
Ritual Dynamics: Mayor Making in Early Modern Norwich
Authors: EZZY DOUGLAS , EASTHOPE GARY , MORGAN VICTOR 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThrough a detailed analysis of a Guild Day ceremony in early modern England we demonstrate that liminal points in this ritual are interrelated to form a “pattern” or “dance” of liminal pulsations. We argue it is the felt necessity, on the part of participants, to complete that pattern that provides a dynamic to any ritual event. It impels participants to continue the ritual to its conclusion and leads them to resist any interference with the “flow” of the ritual. “Flow”, we assert, is thusbothan interior state of participantsandan exterior social characteristic of a ritual. It is created by the structuring of liminal points in a ritual, the liminal pulsations, but it achieves its dynamic by affecting the interior states of participants so that they feel impelled to “close off” the ritual and complete it.
Trends in Monetary Policy Transparency*
Authors: Geraats Petra M. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractTransparency has become a prominent feature of monetary policy as central banks have greatly increased the amount of information they disclose about monetary policy‐making. This paper is the first to systematically analyse transparency trends throughout the world and across monetary policy frameworks. It shows that the most notable change in central bank communications has been the greater prevalence of the publication of macroeconomic forecasts and explanations of monetary policy decisions. The rise in transparency has not been confined to inflation targeters but extends to other monetary policy frameworks, although there are significant differences in information disclosure. Nevertheless, in some respects central banks remain quite opaque, in particular about policy deliberations and policy inclinations. This paper also establishes some stylized facts about the macroeconomic environment. In particular, countries with higher inflation and economic development have undergone larger increases in transparency. Moreover, countries with greater transparency have experienced lower subsequent inflation.
Reducing health inequalities in Scotland: the involvement of people with learning disabilities as national health service reviewers
Authors: Campbell Martin , Martin Mike 
Published: August 2009

Accessible summary

People with learning disabilities have more health needs than the general population, and those health needs are different and require more specialised services. There is evidence of poorer outcomes and less effective health interventions for people with learning disabilities in Scotland, and elsewhere.
Reducing health inequalities is currently a key priority for the Scottish Government and National Health Service (NHS) policy has encouraged patient involvement in healthcare planning and delivery. This article reports on an NHS initiative to involve people with learning disabilities as ‘expert patient’ reviewers in national review teams, looking at the quality of inpatient and community services for people with learning disabilities. All 15 Health Boards in Scotland were reviewed, using a set of quality indicators. Details of the planning and support arrangements are reported. The success of the initiative was evaluated.
This involvement of people with learning disabilities as reviewers of NHS services has tested traditional assumptions and challenged the power imbalance in patient‐provider relationships. Recommendations are made for the future success of similar schemes.

SummaryReducing health inequalities is a key priority for the Scottish Government. Health authorities are expected to meet quality targets. The involvement of people with learning disabilities in health service review teams has been one of the initiatives used in by National Health Service Quality Improvement Scotland to empower patients and improve health services. This paper describes this initiative, how it was planned, and an evaluation by health staff, carers and people with learning disabilities. Recommendations are made to ensure the future success of this type of initiative in Scotland and elsewhere. This initiative was evaluated positively and tested traditional assumptions, challenging the power imbalance in patient‐provider relationships. The theory and the practice of including people with learning disabilities as ‘expert patient’ reviewers are discussed.
Disruption of nNOS‐PSD95 protein–protein interaction inhibits acute thermal hyperalgesia and chronic mechanical allodynia in rodents
Authors: Florio SK , Loh C , Huang SM , Iwamaye AE , Kitto KF , Fowler KW , Treiberg JA , Hayflick JS , Walker JM , Fairbanks CA , Lai Y 
Published: August 2009

Background and purpose: Post‐synaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) contains three PSD95/Dosophilia disc large/ZO‐1 homology domains and links neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) with the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor. This report assesses the effects of disruption of the protein–protein interaction between nNOS and PSD95 on pain sensitivity in rodent models of hyperalgesia and neuropathic pain.Experimental approach: We generated two molecules that interfered with the nNOS–PSD95 interaction: IC87201, a small molecule inhibitor; and tat‐nNOS (residues 1–299), a cell permeable fusion protein containing the PSD95 binding domain of nNOS. We then characterized these inhibitors usingin vitroandin vivomodels of acute hyperalgesia and chronic allodynia, both of which are thought to require nNOS activation.Key results: IC87201 and tat‐nNOS (1–299) inhibited thein vitrobinding of nNOS with PSD95, without inhibiting nNOS catalytic activity. Both inhibitors also blocked NMDA‐induced 3′,5′‐cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) production in primary hippocampal cultures. Intrathecal administration of either inhibitor potently reversed NMDA‐induced thermal hyperalgesia in mice. At anti‐hyperalgesic doses, there was no effect on acute pain thresholds or motor coordination. Intrathecal administration of IC87201 and tat‐nNOS also reversed mechanical allodynia induced by chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve.Conclusions and implications: nNOS–PSD95 interaction is important in maintaining hypersensitivity in acute and chronic pain. Disruption of the nNOS–PSD95 interaction provides a novel approach to obtain selective anti‐hyperalgesic compounds.
A prospective randomized trial of two popular mononuclear cell collection sets for autologous peripheral blood stem cell collection in multiple myeloma
Authors: Cooling Laura , Hoffmann Sandra , Herrst Michelle , Muck Charles , Armelagos Heidi , Davenport Robertson 
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: The COBE Spectra AutoPBSC collection set (AUTO‐kit; CaridianBCT) is a popular dual‐stage collection set for peripheral blood progenitor (PBPC) collection. Although the AUTO‐kit is purportedly equivalent to the white blood cell (WBC) collection set (WBC‐kit) for PBPC collection, improved CD34 yields after switching from the AUTO‐kit to the WBC‐kit were anecdotally observed, particularly in patients with higher WBC counts. A prospective, randomized trial of the AUTO‐ and WBC‐kits for PBPC collection in multiple myeloma (MM) patients was therefore designed.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Sixty‐eight MM patients were prospectively randomly assigned to either the WBC‐kit or the AUTO‐kit for PBPC collection. Primary study variables included the number of leukapheresis procedures per transplant, CD34/kg yield per procedure, and cumulative CD34/kg yield per mobilization cycle. Results were compared relative to collection kit and mobilization regimen. Statistics and graphics were performed with commercial software.RESULTS: CD34/kg yields were higher with the WBC‐kit, with 94% of chemotherapy‐mobilized MM patients collecting 6 million CD34/kg in a single mobilization (p = 0.06). The WBC‐kit also had a faster CD34 collection rate relative to peripheral CD34 counts. The AUTO‐kit was significantly sensitive to high WBC counts, with a 50% decrease in CD34 collection efficiency and CD34 collection rate. This effect was specific to MM and not observed in lymphoma patients. Granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor mobilization and the AUTO‐kit were associated with an increased incidence and severity of infusion reactions.CONCLUSIONS: The WBC‐kit performed consistently better than the AUTO‐kit for PBPC collection in chemotherapy‐mobilized MM patients, with fewer procedures per mobilization, superior collection rates, and a decreased incidence of infusion reactions.
Role of neutralizing antibodies in controlling simian foamy virus transmission and infection
Authors: Williams Dhanya K. , Khan Arifa S. 
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Human infections with simian foamy viruses (SFVs) have been reported after occupational and nonoccupational exposure to infected animals and their tissues, blood, and body fluids, although there is no evidence for human‐to‐human transmission. We previously demonstrated SFV transmission in monkeys by blood transfusion with whole blood from one donor animal that had a low neutralizing antibody (NAb) endpoint titer, whereas blood transfusion from a second donor monkey that had a high NAb titer failed to transmit virus. These results suggested a role for NAbs in SFV transmission and establishment of infection.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Whole blood and antibody‐reduced blood were transfused into SFV‐negative rhesus macaques. SFV infection in recipient animals was monitored by detection of virus sequences using polymerase chain reaction assays with nucleotide sequence confirmation, by analysis for antibody development in Western blots, and by virus isolation in coculture assays. NAb titer was evaluated by endpoint dilution assays.RESULTS: SFV transmission by whole blood transfusion from a donor monkey with high NAb endpoint titer failed to establish infection in SFV‐negative monkeys, whereas virus transmission was successful with transfer of antibody‐reduced blood cells.CONCLUSIONS: Passive transfer of high‐titer NAbs blocked SFV cell–associated transmission, indicating that NAbs may play a role in virus transmission to individuals exposed to SFV‐infected blood and tissues.
Hemochromatosis gene mutations and treatment of anemia in patients on hemodialysis
Authors: BROWN Michaela C. , GAFFNEY Dairena , GEMMELL Clare , OAKES Eleanor , MORRIS Scott , SPOONER Richard , JARDINE Alan G. , GEDDES Colin C. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractHemochromatosis causes iron overload by enhanced intestinal absorption. This study examined erythropoietin and intravenous (IV) iron requirements in hemodialysis (HD) patients with HFE mutations. Patients on HD for >90 days with no cause of anemia except chronic kidney disease were tested for HFE mutations (H63D and C282Y). Intravenous iron and erythropoietin doses were adjusted to achieve recommended targets. Monthly hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin, mean corpuscular volume, mean cell hemoglobin, erythropoietin, and IV iron doses for 3 consecutive months were averaged. Of 172 patients, 71 (41.3%) had ≥1 HFE mutation: 24 (14%) C282Y heterozygotes, 40 (23.3%) H63D heterozygotes, 5 compound heterozygotes, and 2 homozygotes. Comparing patients with ≥1 HFE mutation to those without mutations showed no significant difference in Hb or serum ferritin. There was a trend toward lower median weekly erythropoietin dose in patients with ≥1 HFE mutation (94.0 vs. 135.4 U/kg body weight; P=0.13). There was no difference in median weekly IV iron dose (1.0 vs. 0.9 mg/kg body weight; P=0.56). Comparing the 30 patients with a C282Y mutation to patients without HFE mutations produced similar results. Comparing the 47 patients with an H63D mutation, with those without HFE mutations, no discernable trend was observed. In this study, patients with HFE gene mutations on HD for established renal failure do not require less iron supplementation to achieve recommended Hb targets. We observed a trend toward lower erythropoietin requirement in patients possessing C282Y mutations. Larger studies may clarify the role of HFE mutations, regulators of iron metabolism and erythropoiesis in chronic kidney disease.
Assessment of adherence to cinacalcet by prescription refill rates in hemodialysis patients
Authors: GINCHERMAN Yekaterina , MOLONEY Kirsten , MCKEE Charles , COYNE Daniel W. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractSecondary hyperparathyroidism is common among dialysis patients and leads to numerous complications including cardiovascular disease and renal osteodystrophy. Cinacalcet, an oral daily calcimimetic agent that sensitizes the calcium receptor to serum calcium, is approved for treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in dialysis patients. We identified 101 patients who received their first cinacalcet prescription between November 2004 and April 2005. All patients were participating in a Missouri state‐funded pharmacy program providing free or low cost medications. We tracked the cinacalcet refill rate and refills for another control medication prescribed to each patient. The average cinacalcet refill rate over the first 12 months was 56% vs. 64% for the control medication (P=0.02). Good adherence, defined as >80% medication possession ratio over the 12 months, was 29% for cinacalcet and 33% for the control medication (P=0.68). Additionally, the refill rate for cinacalcet fell significantly over five quarterly periods from 53% in the first quarter to 37% in the 5th quarter. We conclude that dialysis patients' adherence to medications, including cinacalcet, is poor even when medications are provided at a nominal cost. Poor cinacalcet adherence would be expected to impair long‐term control of SHPT. In a reimbursement system where injectable, but not oral medications, are bundled with dialysis payments there may be pressure to move patients to oral medications. The poor compliance found in this study highlights the potential adverse effects of movement toward self‐administered oral therapy.
Predictors of Decision Delay to Seeking Health Care Among Jordanians With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Khraim Fadi M. , Scherer Yvonne K. , Dorn Joan M. , Carey Mary G. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract Purpose: To identify predictors of decision delay time for health care seeking among Jordanians with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Design: The study was a cross‐sectional descriptive survey. A convenience sample of Jordanians with AMI were interviewed at the coronary care units of two teaching hospitals in Jordan. Methods: The Arabic version of the modified Response to Symptom Questionnaire was used to assess predictors of decision delay and patterns of health care–seeking behaviors. Decision delay was evaluated by assisting patients to triangulate time of symptom onset and time of decision to seek professional health care by placing both times in context of daily activities that participants could easily remember. Regression analysis was conducted to elicit predictors of decision delay. Findings: Decision delay time among Jordanian men (n=110) and women (n=24) with AMI was alarmingly long (medians 3.5 and 3.6 hours, respectively). Variables that correspondingly predicted decision delay among men and women were age, waiting for symptoms to go away, anxiety due to symptom presentation, and others' responses to patients' symptoms. While 16 other variables (cognitive, emotional, and clinical) independently predicted delay among men, equivalent evidence was not established among women due to the relatively small sample size. Conclusions: Similarities and differences existed between Jordanian men's and women's decision delay to seek health care for AMI. Decision delay time among Jordanians with AMI requires intervention that incorporates awareness of delay predictors. Future research needs to utilize adequate sample sizes of both sexes to obtain a better understanding of sex differences. Clinical Relevance: To reduce decision delay among Jordanians, health educators should emphasize early symptom recognition and the value of prompt health care–seeking behaviors.
Professional Commitment, Patient Safety, and Patient‐Perceived Care Quality
Authors: Teng Ching‐I , Dai Yu‐Tzu , Lotus Shyu Yea‐Ing , Wong May‐Kuen , Chu Tsung‐Lan , Tsai Ying‐Huang 
Published: August 2009

Abstract Purpose: To examine how professional commitment influences patient safety and patient‐perceived care quality. Design: Investigators for this study used a cross‐sectional design with questionnaires. A total of 348 pairs of nurses and inpatients were contacted at two medical centers in Taiwan during the period from August 2007 to January 2008, yielding 284 pairs of completed questionnaires. Methods: Frequencies of six adverse patient events were used to measure patient safety; and the Service Quality Scale was used to measure patient‐perceived care quality. Four items of the Professional Commitment Questionnaire were used to measure professional commitment. Regressions were used for the analyses. Findings: Professional commitment positively influenced overall patient safety (ß=.19, p=.00) and overall patient‐perceived care quality (ß=.13, p=.03). Furthermore, professional commitment positively influenced all patient safety indicators (ß≥.12, p≤.04), except frequency of nosocomial infections, the coefficient of which reached borderline significance (ß=.11, p=.07). Professional commitment also positively influenced care quality in terms of responsiveness (ß=.16, p=.01) and empathy (ß=.14, p=.03). Conclusions: Professional commitment may enhance patient safety and patient‐perceived care quality. Clinical Relevance: This study indicates that nurse professional commitment can enhance patient safety and patient‐perceived care quality.
Mammary Paget's disease and extra‐mammary Paget's disease: two morphologically similar but biologically different diseases
Authors: Liu Weiguo , Iqbal Jabad , Khoury Thaer 
Published: August 2009

Background: The cells of origin of mammary Paget's disease (MPD) and extra‐mammary Paget's disease (EMPD) have been a controversial subject. The purpose of this study is to examine the expression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) pathway members in these two diseases. Design: HER2, AKT, pAKT, PTEN, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and pEGFR were examined in 16 MPD and 14 EMPD cases. HER2 was graded on a scale from 0 to 3. A score of 3 was considered positive. For AKT, pAKT, PTEN, EGFR and pEGFR, a semi‐quantitative scoring system was used. A score >100 was considered positive. Fisher's exact test was used to analyze the data. Results: HER2 was overexpressed in 87.5% MPD and 35.7% EMPD. While AKT was expressed in all cases, pAKT was expressed in 87.5% MPD and 92.9% EMPD. Both EGFR and pEGFR were negative in all cases. PTEN was positive in 62.5% MPD and 71.4% EMPD. For pAKT+ group, HER2–/PTEN+ was recorded in 0% MPD and 38.5% EMPD (P = .01). Conclusions: In a subset of EMPD, AKT is not activated by HER2 overexpression or by loss of PTEN, which is not the case in MPD. These data suggest that these two diseases are biologically different.Liu W, Iqbal J, Khoury T. Mammary Paget's disease and extramammary Paget's disease: two morphologically similar but biologically different diseases.